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https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Nipple-Piercing | How to Clean a Nipple Piercing | To keep your nipple piercing clean, use a gentle liquid soap to wash your piercing every time you shower. After you've finished showering, pat your piercing dry with a paper towel to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. When deciding what jewelry to wear, try to use items made out of surgical steel as it helps keep infections at bay, especially if your piercing is new. If you notice infection symptoms, like pus coming out of the piercing or a swollen nipple, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. | Wash your hands. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your nipple piercing (even after it's completely healed). The easiest way to cause an infection in your nipple piercing is to touch it without washing your hands first. Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water in the sink before cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason. Avoid touching your nipple piercing except to clean it for the first few weeks. Remove any crust that forms. If your nipple piercing becomes crusty around the edges of the open wound, you need to carefully remove the scabby crust. It's best to do this in the shower so the crust gets wet and is easier to remove. Use your finger or a Q-tip to gently dab away any crust that has formed around the nipple piercing. Be careful not to twist the ring too much while removing the crust. Only move the ring enough to get the scab off; don't rotate it all the way through the piercing. Be very gentle during this procedure, as removing the crust too forcefully could cause a tear in the skin around the piercing and require a new healing process, or even result in infection. Make a sea salt mixture. Pour ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into one cup of warm distilled water. Let the sea salt dissolve in the cup. Use a paper towel to soak up the sea salt water and place it on top of your nipple. Let your nipple absorb the liquid for 5-10 minutes each day. You can also try inverting the cup with the sea salt mixture on top of your nipple so that it creates a kind of vacuum seal and lie back while your nipple soaks. But be careful not to spill the water. Do this every day for the first two weeks after piercing. After the first two weeks, you can switch to regular cleaning in the shower. But use return to this method if you develop an infection or any irritation. Make sure to use distilled water, as tap water contains impurities that can promote infection. You can also use packaged sterile saline (this is different than saline solution for contact lenses) to soak your nipple piercing and clean it. Usually the packaging for this kind of saline indicates that it is intended for wound care. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. Avoid contact with the piercing. For the first few days (maybe even for a couple of weeks) after you get your nipple pierced, it will be tender and swollen. In order to help the healing process along, you should avoid bumping it on anything or rubbing it on things. Try to wear loose fitting clothing and avoid tight, scratchy bras. Don't wear constrictive clothing. If you need a little extra padding, consider using nipple pads intended for nursing mothers. This can help protect your piercing while it is healing. Use a mild soap in the shower. Each time you shower, you should use a gentle liquid soap to clean your nipple piercing. Pour some soap on your fingers and gently work it through the piercing by slowly rotating the ring (or sliding the barbell). Be sure to rinse it out completely while in the shower, as leftover soap residue can cause irritation. Avoid soaps that have fragrance, dye, or other added ingredients that could irritate your nipple piercing. Again, do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic ointments. Pat your piercing dry. Use a paper towel to pat your nipple piercing after you finish showering. Leaving your nipple piercing wet and moist can create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if you confine your piercing in tight clothes after you shower. Make sure your piercing is completely dry before you put clothes on. Be sure to use a disposable paper towel to pat your nipple piercing dry each time. Towels can be a host for bacteria, so using your towel to dry the piercing could cause an unwanted infection. Consult a doctor if you suspect infection. If you see any signs of infection, it's important for you to seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible. An infected nipple could cause a lot of problems for you and your body. Some symptoms to watch for include: Green or yellow pus coming out of the piercing Swelling that won't go away after several weeks (or returns later) Excessive redness or pain A large lump in the breast or around the nipple Use a ring. When you first get your piercing done, ask the piercer to use a ring instead of a barbell. Swelling will occur around the nipple piercing, which can make the barbell feel tight in the beginning. A ring is also easier to clean since you can rotate it through the piercing. After a couple months, you can switch to a barbell if you would like. Just wait until the piercing is completely done healing. Choose surgical steel. It's very important to use sterile, surgical steel piercing jewelry when you first get the nipple piercing. This will help stave off infection and promote a quicker healing process. Your nipple is a very sensitive area and needs to be cared for properly. Jewelry made out of other materials may irritate your new piercing and may even lead to infection. Ask the advice of a professional piercer. Make sure that the person doing your nipple piercing is a professional, licensed piercer. This usually means that they have apprenticed under a master piercer and been given a certification of training completed. They will usually operate out of a tattoo or piercing shop. Ask your piercer for advice on what kind of jewelry to choose for your nipple piercing and be sure to follow all of their aftercare instructions. | Wash your hands. Remove any crust that forms. Make a sea salt mixture. Avoid contact with the piercing. Use a mild soap in the shower. Pat your piercing dry. Consult a doctor if you suspect infection. Use a ring. Choose surgical steel. Ask the advice of a professional piercer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Cat-Used-to-Snow | How to Get a Cat Used to Snow | If you want to get your cat used to snow, start by building it a warm outdoor cat shelter so it has somewhere to safely snuggle up in while it observes the outdoors. You should also consider getting your cat winter boots to protect its feet from injury, since its paws can be hurt by snow, salt, and chemical de-icers on the pavement. To provide a steady source of water for an outdoor cat in freezing temperatures, consider purchasing a heated water bowl, which you can find at your local pet store or online. Interacting with your cat in the snow will also help it feel more comfortable, so try playing with it using some of its favorite toys, or take it on a leashed stroll instead. | Build an outdoor cat shelter. You can protect your cat from the elements and get her more used to the snow by building her an outdoor shelter for cold weather. You can use a storage bin that is just a bit bigger than your cat to create the shelter or build one out of wood. Make sure the shelter is not too big, as you want your cat to be able to stay warm with her own body heat. You should fill the shelter with stray or loosely stuff a pillowcase with packing peanuts or shredded newspaper and put it in the shelter. This will help your cat burrow and keep warm in the shelter. You could also paper the inner walls of the shelter with reflective paper or insulation so your cat stays warm in the shelter. Make sure you clean the shelter regularly and replace any dirty or wet straw. You should also monitor your cat in the shelter and check on her often to make sure she is staying warm. Get your cat winter boots. You can also help your cat embrace snow and cold weather by getting her a pair of winter booties for her feet. Protecting her feet during winter is important, as her paws can be hurt by snow, salt, and chemical de-icers on the pavement. You should invest in a pair of well made winter boots for your cat so she can walk around in the snow with ease. You can find winter boots for cats online or at your local pet store. You may ask a sales associate at the pet store to recommend winter boots for your cat, based on your budget and the level of quality you are looking for. Invest in a heated water bowl. Getting a heated water bowl for your cat will ensure her water does not freeze up when it is placed outside in the winter. Cats cannot get enough hydration from licking ice and you do not want to put your cat at risk of dehydration while she is frolicking outside in the snow. You can find heated water bowls at your local pet store or online. You can also find solar-heated water bowls which use the heat of the sun to stay warm. Play with your cat in the snow. You can get your cat used to snow by encouraging her to play with you outside during the winter. You may take her favorite batting toy outside and coax her to have a play session with you in the snow. Or you move her favorite scratching pad out into the snow so she can get used to playing in the colder temperatures. You may try to play with your cat in the snow at least once a day so she gets more comfortable with frolicking in the winter weather. You should reward her with a treat if she goes outdoors willingly. Over time, she may come to embrace the snow and enjoy playing outside with you. Encourage your cat to hang out in the outdoor shelter. You may also try getting your cat to hang out in an outdoor cat shelter in your yard so she gets more used to the cold. You may play with her around the shelter or leave catnip for her in the shelter to get her more interested in lounging in the shelter, surrounded by snow. Make sure you check on your cat periodically when she is in the shelter to ensure she appears warm and cozy in there. Do not leave her in the shelter for long periods of time or overnight, as she will be at risk of freezing to death. You should not leave water dishes or food in the cat shelter as they can spill and make the floor of shelter moist, which could end up cooling the shelter down to dangerously low temperatures for your cat. Take your cat for a short winter stroll. You can also get your cat more used to the snow by taking her on short walks during the winter. You may invest in a cat leash for her and winter boots to protect her paws. You could then try to take her on daily walks around the block on the leash during the winter to get her more accustomed to the weather. Always be careful when walking your cat in the snow, as you do not want her to become injured due to slipping on black ice. Wipe her paws if she gets ice or salt on them as you do not want to put your cat at risk of frostbite. You may also invest in a small jacket for your cat to keep her warm in the cold, though most cats have fur that is thick enough for cold weather. Check your cat for frostbite. If your cat ends up spending time outside in the snow, you should check her periodically for any signs of frostbite. Look for the signs of frostbite on your cat, including: Any pale or bluish skin on your cat's ears, nose, tail, and toes Any red or swollen areas on your cat The affected area may not become painful until circulation returns to the area so your cat may not be in any obvious pain. But if you suspect your cat has frostbite, you should immerse the area in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes or put a warm moist towel on the area. Do not rub the area as this will irritate the skin more. If the skin turns dark red, this may indicate severe tissue damage and your cat should be taken to the vet right away. Make sure your cat is not hiding in any dangerous areas. If you decide to let your cat roam outside during the winter, you should take precautions to ensure she does not get injured. Cats tend to try to stay warm by holing up in your car engine compartment or close to your car engine. You can prevent your cat from getting injured or killed by banging on the hood of your car a few times before you start it. The noise will usually startle your cat and force her to get out of there. You should also try to keep tabs on your cat when she is roaming around outside. Try to keep her in your backyard area only or close to her outdoor shelter. You should get in the habit of checking for her in warm, cozy spots outside, such as the inside of your car, inside your garage, or burrowed in a hidden spot by your house. Be careful when using antifreeze. Most antifreeze tastes sweet to cats and they will often ingest is willingly without knowing it is toxic to their health. You should try not to use antifreeze in areas where your cat will be outdoors so she is not at risk of illness. If you do end up using antifreeze for your car, make sure you clean up any puddles of antifreeze in your driveway or your garage. You should seal and store away all antifreeze containers as well so your cat cannot get to them. Never leave your cat in your car. You should avoid leaving your cat in a cold car during winter, as it can act like a freezer for them. When the temperatures dip in the car, your cat could end up developing hypothermia or dying due to exposure to the cold. Make sure your cat is indoors or under your supervision outside during the winter so she does not accidentally freeze to death in the car. Don't leave your cat out in the snow for a prolonged period of time. Though your cat can handle some playtime and supervised lounging in the snow, she should not be left out in the snow for more than an hour at a time or overnight. Domesticated cats are not equipped with the survival skills to last in the cold and they are at a high risk of hypothermia or death due to exposure to the cold if they are left outside for too long. | Build an outdoor cat shelter. Get your cat winter boots. Invest in a heated water bowl. Play with your cat in the snow. Encourage your cat to hang out in the outdoor shelter. Take your cat for a short winter stroll. Check your cat for frostbite. Make sure your cat is not hiding in any dangerous areas. Be careful when using antifreeze. Never leave your cat in your car. Don't leave your cat out in the snow for a prolonged period of time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transport-a-Cat-in-a-Carrier | How to Transport a Cat in a Carrier | Before transporting your cat in a carrier, leave the carrier open near one of its favorite areas, like next to a sunning or napping spot, to help your cat acclimate to it. Put some food or toys inside the carrier to make it more appealing to your cat. Once your cat starts going into the carrier on its own, try closing the door for a few seconds at a time. When it's time to transport your cat, place some absorbent pads at the bottom of the carrier and a piece of clothing with a familiar scent inside to help calm your cat. When you're finished setting up the carrier, place it on its end so the entrance is facing the ceiling, and slowly lower your cat inside. | Clean the carrier with soap and water. Do not use cleaning products to clean the carrier, since the scent of these products is off-putting for cats. Instead, use mild soap and hot water to clean the carrier. Take the carrier apart and clean it with a scrub brush. Then rinse it with water and leave it outside to dry in the sun. Cleaning the carrier will give it a neutral scent and may help it smell less like the vet's office. Place the carrier near one of your cat’s favorite spots. Leave the carrier's door open so your cat can explore the carrier as it pleases. It is best to do this at least a week in advance so your cat has enough time to become comfortable with the carrier. For example, place the carrier near one of your cat's sunning spots, like the window sill, or near your cat's bed or favorite napping spot. Place food and toys in the carrier. This will help entice your cat to explore the carrier on its own. You can also place a piece of your cat's bedding, like a blanket, in the carrier. If you don't have a piece of bedding, put a piece of clothing that belongs to the cat's favorite person in the carrier. Alternatively, rub a towel or cloth behind your cat's ears and around its neck and face to pick up its scent. Place this inside the carrier. The goal is to make the carrier comfortable enough for your cat to eat or sleep in. Take your cat for a test drive. Once your cat starts going into the carrier on its own, start closing the door for a few seconds at a time. Once it is comfortable with the door being closed, begin driving short distances with your cat in the car. For example, begin by backing out and pulling up the driveway. When your cat is comfortable with this, then drive it around the block. This way, your cat may come to understand that the carrier and the car do not always mean a trip to the vet. If your cat likes catnip, try adding some to the bedding in the carrier so your cat will be attracted to it. Spray the carrier with pheromones. Pheromones or calming synthetic cat scents, like Feliway, are a great way to minimize any anxieties your cat may have about the carrier. Pheromone sprays produce a familiar smell that may help calm your cat. Spray the carrier 15 to 30 minutes before placing your cat inside of it. Place absorbent pads at the bottom. An absorbent pad (for cats or dogs) is a great way to keep your cat and car clean if it soils itself on the way to the vet. Also, place a familiar towel and other bedding in the carrier to make it comfortable and to help calm your cat. Alternatively, you can place newspaper and a towel at the bottom of the carrier if you don't have absorbent pads on hand. If you are bringing the cat to the vet for urine testing, you may not want to place any absorbent pads in the carrier so the cat is able to give a better urine sample when you arrive. Position the carrier on its end. Position the carrier so that the entrance is facing up towards the ceiling. This will help you lower your cat into the carrier. By lowering your cat into the carrier, you may be able to prevent it from panicking. Pick your cat up under its front legs. Hold its hind legs with your other hand and arm, supporting its bottom. Then, begin to lower your cat into the carrier backwards, i.e., rear end first. This will help your cat feel like it is not being forced into the carrier. If your cat begins to panic at the sight of the carrier, then cover your cat's body with a towel before picking it up. The towel will prevent your cat from using its arms and legs as a way to resist going into the carrier. It will also prevent scratching. Close and lock all doors. Make sure all the carrier's latches are secured. Once the carrier is secured, return it to its correct position. Then, place a light towel over the carrier. The towel offers a visual security that will help your cat feel safe and snug. When using a new carrier you have just assembled, when the cat enters only pick up the carrier a few inches at first to test that you have put it together correctly and it won't fall apart. Remain calm. If your cat begins to panic at any point during the process, remember to remain calm. Place the carrier close but out of sight. Then, calm your cat by petting it and talking to it in a soothing voice. Once your cat has relaxed, wrap it in a familiar towel and then place it quickly, but carefully, into the carrier. Make sure the car is a comfortable temperature. Do not place your cat in a hot or cold car. Warm up the car (or cool it down) to a comfortable temperature before placing the carrier with your cat in the car. Never leave your cat in the car unattended for long periods of time. Cats can develop heat stroke and die in a matter of minutes left in a hot car. Secure the carrier. Secure the carrier by buckling it in, or by placing something heavy, like books, on top of it. Try to position the entrance of the carrier away from the direct flow of your car's air vents. Alternatively, you can place the carrier on the floorboards of your car to secure it. This will also help reduce motion sickness. Never place the carrier and your cat in the bed of a pickup truck. Drive carefully. Drive the speed limit and try to avoid stopping and starting suddenly. Do not take sharp or fast turns, either. When approaching dips, holes, and bumps in the road, remember to slow down to avoid jolting the carrier and your cat. Minimize noise. Either keep the stereo on a low volume or turn it off. Also, keep the windows rolled up to minimize the noise from drafts and other cars. If possible, try not to honk or yell while driving and do not slam the car door shut. Instead, talk to your cat in a soothing, quiet voice while driving, for example, “Every thing is ok Lola. We are almost there. You are being such a good girl.” | Clean the carrier with soap and water. Place the carrier near one of your cat’s favorite spots. Place food and toys in the carrier. Take your cat for a test drive. Spray the carrier with pheromones. Place absorbent pads at the bottom. Position the carrier on its end. Pick your cat up under its front legs. Close and lock all doors. Remain calm. Make sure the car is a comfortable temperature. Secure the carrier. Drive carefully. Minimize noise. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Pet-Budgie-Likes-You | How to Tell if Your Pet Budgie Likes You | To tell if your pet budgie likes you, start by observing its body language and noticing if it's wagging its tail, flapping its wings in place, or bowing its head, as these are indications that it likes you. If your bird gently mouths you with its beak, it's likely a sign of affection. Additionally, if your bird hangs upside down in your presence, it means that it's happy and feels safe around you. Then, listen for the bird to talk, sing, or whistle when you walk into the room, since budgies are vocal around people they like. | Notice whether your bird cuddles with you. Cuddling is a clear indicator that your parakeet likes you and wants to bond with you. If your bird gently nuzzles against your hand, climbs around on your body, grooms you, and rubs against your neck, you will know that your parakeet likes you and feels safe around you. Look at your bird's wings. We typically think of a bird's wings as being an instrument of flight, but many birds, including parakeets, use their wings as a sort of body language. If your parakeet is flapping his wings, which may give the appearance of trying to fly in place, it is a good sign of your relationship with your bird. Wing flapping is one way parakeets display happiness around humans. Notice your bird's tail. Just as your parakeet's wings can be an indication of happiness, so too can his tail feathers. When a bird wags its tail (similar to a dog's tail), it usually means that your bird is happy to see you - though it can also indicate that your bird is about to relieve himself. Similarly, flipping the tail up and down is generally considered an indication of happiness, and can be taken as a sign that your bird likes you. Observe your bird's body posture. The way your parakeet carries himself around you can tell you a lot about how he feels in your presence. Taking his body posture, along with individual pieces of body language like wing and tail fluctuations, can help you get a better picture of your bird's level of comfort around you. A bird in a relaxed, non-rigid posture is typically happy and comfortable around his human. A bird that "bows" his head - crouching down with his head "pointed" toward his human - is comfortable around that person and may be requesting a head scratching or petting. Any kind of rigid body posture, usually accompanied by ruffled feathers and a restless, side-to-side movement, typically indicates discomfort, displeasure, or a lack of trust around a human. If your bird behaves in this manner, it's best to give him space. He either has not yet gotten comfortable around you or does not like something that you are doing. Find out what you are doing wrong and avoid that trigger. Watch your bird's eyes. While human pupils dilate and constrict in response to light or darkness, a parakeet's pupils can change in size as a physical reaction to the bird's mood and environment. Flashing (the widening of the pupils) and pinning (the narrowing of the pupils) are controlled by the bird, and typically indicate excitement or pleasure, though these behaviors can also be an indication of fear or anxiety. If your parakeet's eyes flash and pin when he sees you, it is most likely an indication that he likes you and values your company. Observe whether your bird hangs upside down. Hanging upside down is a common practice for birds. It is typically done when birds are happy and feel safe, as the position tends to leave the bird vulnerable. If your bird hangs upside down in your presence, it may be a sign that he likes you and trusts you. Notice your bird's beak and head movements. Parakeets use their beaks for a variety of purposes, from physical tasks to conveying messages. If your bird is performing any of the following activities, it is typically a sign of happiness and comfort around you. Grinding the beak, left to right in the same way that people grind their teeth, is a sign of happiness in parakeets. Mouthing with the beak, without actually biting, is one way parakeets play with one another. If your bird is gently mouthing you with his beak, without actually trying to bite you, it is probably a sign of affection. Regurgitating in front of or "at" a person is a sign of tremendous affection. This is particularly true if your parakeet displays signs of eye pinning and head bobbing immediately before regurgitating. Notice any talking, singing, or whistling. These three vocalizations are a common sign that your parakeet is content and happy in your home. If your bird is very vocal, particularly when you walk into the room, it is a good sign that your bird likes you. Listen for beak chattering or purring. Beak chattering and purring are not always loud; some birds make these sounds softly and silently. No matter how your bird chatters and purrs, it is typically a sign that he is content and wants to interact or play with you. Pay attention to tongue-clicking. One way parakeets express that they would like to be picked up or petted is by clicking the tongue against the beak. If your parakeet clicks his tongue around you, it is usually a sign that he likes you and wants you to interact with him more. Make sure your bird's physical needs are met. Forgetting to feed or give water to your bird is very dangerous to the bird's health, and could over time reduce your bird's overall happiness and trust in you. Always be sure that your bird has enough clean drinking water, and be sure to feed him an appropriate diet. Make sure your bird has access to seeds, grains, beans, vegetables, nutritious pellets, and occasional fruit. Do NOT give your bird chocolate, avocado, salty foods, garlic, onion or any human snack foods. Make him feel safe. Your bird views his cage as a home within your home. Making your bird's cage as comfortable as possible will help him feel safer in your home, and may help him feel more caring toward you. Be sure your bird's cage is big enough. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight, out of reach from any other pets you may have, and away from loud or frightening sources of noise, such as televisions and radios. Give your parakeet toys. Parakeets love to play, and providing your bird with fun, challenging toys will make him happy and content. Be sure your parakeet has toys that allow him to climb, as well as toys that are colorful and make noise. Give your parakeet a swing inside his cage, and make sure he has plenty of perch space inside the cage. Get your parakeet toys that are safe to chew on. Look for toys with wooden components, or solid, sturdy beads that can be bitten and chewed. Encourage your parakeet to trust you. You can do this by showing your bird that you are safe and friendly. Speak to your bird often, and use soothing, calm tones. You should also allow your bird to eat and play outside his cage, and encourage him to interact with you. Over time, your bird will feel safe and comfortable around you, and he will come to show you affection. | Notice whether your bird cuddles with you. Look at your bird's wings. Notice your bird's tail. Observe your bird's body posture. Watch your bird's eyes. Observe whether your bird hangs upside down. Notice your bird's beak and head movements. Notice any talking, singing, or whistling. Listen for beak chattering or purring. Pay attention to tongue-clicking. Make sure your bird's physical needs are met. Make him feel safe. Give your parakeet toys. Encourage your parakeet to trust you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Sprouted-Onions | How to Plant Sprouted Onions | If your onions have green sprouts, you can get them ready for planting by peeling off the outer skin and cutting away the onion layers from the sprouts. Once your sprouts are free, place them in glasses of water until white roots form at the bottom. After your sprouts grow roots, plant them in some quality potting soil about 1 inch apart from each other. Whether the plants are indoors or outdoors, make sure they're in a spot that gets plenty of sun. To keep your plants growing, water the soil around each onion every few days. | Peel off sprouted onion’s papery outer skin. Dig your fingernails into the skin at the top of the onion bulb and rip it off piece by piece. Discard the skin when you are done. Use a knife to cut the onion's layers from the sprouts. The sprouts grow at the center of the onion bulb. Slice through onion's layers vertically while avoiding the sprouts. Repeat on the other side then carefully slice off the onion's layers. If you don't have a knife, peel off the onion's layers individually with your hands. You can eat the onion layers if they are firm and crisp, though make sure you wash them first! If they are soft and mushy discard them. Separate the onion sprouts. You will likely find a few sprouts growing at the center of the onion bulb. Some will protrude from the bulb, others will not. Use your hands to gently separate the sprouts from one another so they don't need to compete for space. Given proper care, each sprout can grow into a brand new onion bulb! Place the sprouts in water until roots grow. You can keep the sprouts in individual cups, glasses of bowls of water. Within a few days white roots will form at the bottom of each sprout. If white roots are already present you can plant the sprouts straight into the soil. If you see dry, brown roots on a sprout, it means they are already dead. You want to wait for new white roots to form. Plant the sprouts 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in quality potting soil. Dig an individual hole for each sprout, and cover it so only the green part sticks out. Keep each sprout at least 3 inches apart (7.5 cm), or in separate pots, so they don't need to compete for space. Consider applying a thin layer of mulch to the soil to aid the growth process. Whether indoors or outdoors, ensure the plants get ample sunlight. If you live in a cold climate, plant the sprouts in pot plants inside and gradually introduce them to the outdoors. The onions have been inside for some time and will need to adjust. During the winter in cold climates keep the plants indoors at all time to ensure they stay alive. Expect to see onion bulbs form after 60-80 days! Water the plants every few days. Onions are resilient, but need plenty of water to grow. Pour a little water from a gardening can, or use a hose, on the soil around the onions, not the plant itself. Ensure the soil is well drained. If you are using mulch, the onions will only need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water a week. Check the plants for weeds every day and remove any that appear. As the onions grow, weeds will inevitably emerge around them. Wear garden gloves and ensure you pull the weeds out by the roots so they don't grow back. Treat the plants twice a week with fungicidal spray. The spray will prevent harmful fungi from destroying your plants and ensure they remain healthy. A few short sprays on each plant should be enough. If you prefer not to use synthetic compounds, oxidate or copper sprays are good alternatives. Look for signs that the onions are ready for harvest. The onions should be grown after 60-80 days. They will, however, go rotten if you leave them ripe for too long. You will know an onion is ready when: The onion bulb fully emerges from the soil. The green sprouts wilt and/or turn brown. Flowers stalks appear. Pull the onions from the ground once they have ripened. When the sprouts have turned to full onion bulbs that look ready for consumption, you can harvest them. Don't be scared of ripping out the roots. Place the onions outside on dry ground for a few days. Handle them carefully and lay them out in a single layer to avoid bruises.This will begin the curing process and allow excess soil to fall from their skins. Clip the roots and cut 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the onion's foliage. You can use a knife or garden scissors. This will stop the onions from decaying in storage. Keep the onions on cool, dry ground until dry outer skins form. You will know they are cured when the foliage shrivels and the onions produce a papery outer layer. A shed or garage floor works well; anywhere that is cool, shaded and dry. The curing process will normally take around one month. You can skip the curing process if you wish to eat the onions straight away but storing them without curing first carries a high risk of mildew and rot. If you can't find anywhere dry enough to cure the onions, consider using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels down.. Store the onions in baskets or dry mesh bags. This will ensure they remain in the right conditions and do not damage other fruit. The onions are now ready for consumption! You will want to eat the onions within a single month. If an onion sprouts, you can replant it again! | Peel off sprouted onion’s papery outer skin. Use a knife to cut the onion's layers from the sprouts. Separate the onion sprouts. Place the sprouts in water until roots grow. Plant the sprouts 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in quality potting soil. Water the plants every few days. Check the plants for weeds every day and remove any that appear. Treat the plants twice a week with fungicidal spray. Look for signs that the onions are ready for harvest. Pull the onions from the ground once they have ripened. Place the onions outside on dry ground for a few days. Clip the roots and cut 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the onion's foliage. Keep the onions on cool, dry ground until dry outer skins form. Store the onions in baskets or dry mesh bags. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Fish-from-Dying | How to Keep Your Fish from Dying | To keep a fish from dying, start by cleaning your tank once a week and keep the water temperature regulated, which can prevent common parasitic diseases like ich. Keep your fish healthy by treating their water if they live in a bowl, or installing a filtration system to an aquarium, both of which will keep the tank free of harmful toxins. Additionally, reduce the buildup of waste by giving your fish small, frequent meals throughout the day that they can finish. | Filter or treat the tank water. To keep your fish healthy in his environment, you need to keep the tank water clean and toxin free. Fish can release more waste than plants or bacteria can process, and this waste can lead to toxic or harmful chemical build up in the tank if it is not filtered or removed. If your fish lives in a bowl, you will need to treat the tap water you use in the bowl so it is safe for your fish to live in. Treat tap water with water conditioner and a pinch of aquarium salt before you put it in the fishbowl. The salt will help to kill bacteria in the water and keep the water clean for your fish. Do not use iodized salt, as this can harm your fish. If your fish lives in an aquarium, you will need to install a filtration system in the aquarium to maintain clean water for your fish. Before you get any fish for your aquarium, you should dechlorinate the tank water and install a filtration system. You will need to allow the tank time to cycle through the water several times, and only introduce a few fish at a time in the environment so the filtration system is not overloaded with waste to process. This will help you avoid “new tank syndrome”, which can kill your fish. Maintain the water correct temperature for your fish. If your fish is kept in water that is too warm or too cold, this could lead to high levels of stress in your fish and repress his immune system. This could then leave your fish susceptible to infection and disease. The required water temperature will depend on the fish type. If you have a tropical fish, your water temperature should be around 75 °F (24 °C). Tropical fish are able to tolerate water temperature fluctuations, to an extent. A goldfish, on the other hand, can tolerate water temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The key is to avoid rapid dramatic changes in water temperature and to maintain a water temperature that is comfortable for your fish. Different species of tropical fish can require different temperatures so always check to make sure you are providing the correct environment. When you buy your fish, the retailer should recommend a reliable aquarium heater to keep the water temperature constant. You can also get a thermometer to confirm the temperature of the tank or bowl water. You should wait a few days after setting up your aquarium to introduce any fish into the tank to allow the water temperature to stabilize. Check with the retailer to make sure the tank or bowl you buy for your fish is big enough as a living environment that is too small for your fish can be dangerous for your fish. If your fish is finding the water temperature too hot, he may display certain symptoms, like darting around frantically or acting hyperactive when it is not feeding time. If your fish appears to move very slowly, seems to shiver, or loses interest in food, the water may be too cold for him. You may need to adjust the water temperature so it is closer to the ideal temperature for your fish type. Make the bowl or aquarium fish-friendly. Adding decorations to your fish's bowl or tank can help to reduce his stress levels and give him a happy environment to swim around in. Add a plant, live or plastic, to your fish's bowl. This will give your fish a hiding place, which he will appreciate. If you add a live plant, watch for rotting leaves. You will need to remove or cut these leaves so they do not pollute the water. You can also add rocks and broken clay pots to give your fish more hiding places and make him feel more secure. Do a 10-15% water change once a week. This will help to remove any waste buildup and any decaying organic matter from excess food and plant or fish waste. Doing a small partial water change weekly will also clean any toxins from the water and keep the water clean. Do not remove any of the aquarium plants or decorations from the tank or bowl if you don't need to. Removing or cleaning these items can kill the beneficial bacteria that has been filtering through your tank and reduce the quality of your filtration system. As well, you do not need to remove your fish from the tank or bowl when you do a partial water change. This can stress out your fish and could expose him to harmful bacteria. To do a partial water change, remove 10-15% of the water and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated tap water. You can use a siphon to suck up any gunk in the gravel and decorations. Clean 25-33% of the gravel and decorations with the siphon. You should also use an algae scraper to remove algae on the surface of the tank or the tank ornaments before you remove any of the water. If your fish tank is under ten gallons, you will need to perform a 50-100% water change at least twice a week, or every other day. If your fishbowl does not have a filter, you should do a 100% water change at least once a day to remove any waste or toxins from the water. Getting a top cover for the bowl or a filter can reduce the water changes you will need to do on a daily basis and protect your fish from getting an infection or a disease. Check the water once a day to ensure it is not cloudy, foamy, or has an unusual odor. These could all be signs of a bacterial infestation and may require a full water change. Give your fish small, frequent meals. Your fish is used to eating small, frequent meals in nature. Mimic this by giving him small meals throughout the day rather than one big feeding session. Small feedings are also easier on your tank's filtration system. Most manufactured fish foods are formulated to provide your fish with all his nutritional requirements. Ask a service person at your local pet store for recommended fish foods for your fish, based on his breed. Treat your fish to a salt bath. A salt bath can be great for your fish's overall health. However, if your fish is already on other medications, you should only do a salt bath before giving him other medications. Sea salt, kosher salt, aquarium salt and pure Morton's rock salt are all recommended for use. If possible, use natural sea salt with no additives, as it is high in minerals. Use a container that is clean and free of any contaminants. Add tank water to the container, as long as the tank water is safe to use, or add fresh water that has been de-chlorinated. Ensure the water temperature in the container is the same as the temperature of the water in the tank, or within three degrees of the same temperature. Add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Mix the salt into the water to ensure all the granules have dissolved and then place your fish in the container of salt water. Keep your fish in the salt water for one to three minutes, and observe your fish during the salt bath. If your fish displays any signs of stress, like rapid swimming or jerky movements, move your fish back into his main tank. Add chlorophyll to the tank. Chlorophyll is considered medicine for goldfish and can help boost your fish's immune system and health. Look for pure liquid chlorophyll at your local pet store. It usually comes in drops. Give your goldfish a chlorophyll bath in his tank, following the instructions on the bottle. You can also give your goldfish chlorophyll by adding it to his gel food. Note if there are any whitish-green threads on your fish’s skin. This is a symptom of anchor worms, which are small crustaceans that burrow into your fish's skin and enter his muscles. They then release eggs in your fish before they die, leaving behind damage in your fish that can become infected. Your fish may also scratch against objects to try to remove the anchor worms, and the points where the anchor worms are attached to your fish may be swollen. To treat anchor worms, you will need to remove the parasite from your fish and clean the wound with an antiseptic, such as iodine. A seawater bath five minutes a day can also force the parasite to fall off. Look for a layer of mucus covering your fish’s gills and body, or chewed on gills or fins. These could be symptoms of body flukes, which are 1mm long flatworms. Flukes develop due to undesirable environmental conditions, such as poor water quality, overcrowding, or stress. These flatworms are often present in aquariums but remain harmless unless stressful conditions cause an outbreak to occur. Your fish may also scratch against objects to try to remove the flukes, have reddened skin, or drooping fins. His gills may also move rapidly and he may have a hollow belly. You can treat flukes with a professional parasite guard. Always follow the directions on the package. You can also treat any secondary infections due to flukes with antibiotics or an anti fungus solution. Check if your fish has any protruding scales or looks bloated. These are symptoms of dropsy, which is a bacterial infection in your fish's kidneys. It can cause renal failure and fluid accumulation, or bloating. It often occurs in fish that are weakened due to poor water conditions. To treat dropsy, you may need to use antibiotics or medicated feed from a veterinarian. You should also practice preventative care by doing regular water changes, maintaining ideal aquarium temperatures and adding aquarium salt to the water. Note if your fish is covered in white specks or spots that look like salt or sand. This is a sign of fish ick or ich. The spots may be slightly raised and your fish will likely scratch against objects in the tank due to irritated and itchy skin. Your fish may also have respiratory issues and appear to gasp at the surface of the tank water. Ick attacks fish that are stressed due to irregular water temperature and pH fluctuations in the water. To treat or cure ich in goldfish , you can use medicated ick guard, which can be found at your local pet store. You can also prevent the develop of ick by maintaining a consistent water temperature, cleaning the tank weekly, and adding aquarium salt to the tank. Check if your fish’s tail or fins are fraying or appear faded. These are all signs of a bacterial infection that causes your fish's fins, tail and mouth to rot. Rot typically occurs in fish who are bullied by other fish in the tank or who are injured by a fin nipping tank mate. A poor tank environment can also contribute to the development of rot. Treat rot by testing the water quality in the aquarium and completing a partial water change. You can apply a multipurpose treatment to help any clamped or damaged fins heal. Adding one tablespoon of aquarium salt per a gallon to the tank can also prevent rot in your fish. | Filter or treat the tank water. Maintain the water correct temperature for your fish. Make the bowl or aquarium fish-friendly. Do a 10-15% water change once a week. Give your fish small, frequent meals. Treat your fish to a salt bath. Add chlorophyll to the tank. Note if there are any whitish-green threads on your fish’s skin. Look for a layer of mucus covering your fish’s gills and body, or chewed on gills or fins. Check if your fish has any protruding scales or looks bloated. Note if your fish is covered in white specks or spots that look like salt or sand. Check if your fish’s tail or fins are fraying or appear faded. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drop-an-Egg-Without-It-Breaking | How to Drop an Egg Without It Breaking | To drop an egg without breaking it, wrap the egg in wet paper towels and place it in a plastic bag of puff rice cereal. Fill 4 small bags with puffed cereal too, then put all the bags into 1 large container. You can also wrap the egg in packing material, like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or inflated plastic packets. Then, put the wrapped egg in a box and seal it shut. Other airy materials, like marshmallows and popcorn, are also great for packing an egg to ensure it won't break. | Get a bowl. It needs to be big enough to put an egg and water in. Pour some water into the bowl. Not too much, just about half way full. Add ice to the mix. Make sure the ice is in small chunks. Put the egg in the ice water. Leave it to set for 10 minutes
Take it out. Drop it- it wont break! Use cereal. Surrounding the egg with cereal can be a surprisingly effective way of distributing the force of the impact. For best results, choose a "puff" type cereal over something with flakes. These puffs contain a decent amount of air and make better cushions. Wrap the egg around with wet paper towels. Place the egg in one plastic bag and surround it with a puffed rice cereal. Fill four other small bags with the same cereal but do not put any eggs inside. Place all the bags inside of a larger resealable bag. Make sure that the bag with the egg in it is in the middle and all the other bags are packed around it from all sides. Wrap the egg in packing material. Packing material is designed for the specific purpose of protecting fragile items from bumps and blows. If you have enough of it, this material can also protect a raw egg from breaking after a nasty tumble. The simplest way to approach this is to get heavy-duty bubble wrap. Carefully wind the bubble wrap around the egg anywhere from two to five times, creating a thick cushion. Tie the ends of the bubble wrap with rubber bands to prevent the egg from slipping out through the top or bottom. If you do not have bubble wrap but do have other packing materials, like packing peanuts, inflated plastic packing packets, packing paper, cotton balls, or crumpled newspaper, you can use these materials to cushion the egg, as well. Spread a thick layer of your chosen packing material inside a box that is at least four to eight times larger than the egg. You should use enough material to fill the box halfway. Place the egg in the center of this cushion, then gently cover it with enough packing material to fill the rest of the box. Close the box and seal it with tape before the drop. Try marshmallows or popcorn. These airy, soft foods can be used like cereal or packing materials. The basic idea is to surround the egg with enough of a cushion using these foods to reduce the force of the impact the egg faces once it lands. The exact container you use does not necessarily make a difference, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Make sure that the container is large enough so that you can cushion the egg around all sides, just in case the egg lands on its side instead of on the top or bottom of the container. You also need to make sure that you have enough marshmallows, popcorn, or similar soft food to fill the container completely. If not, the egg might move around inside. Marshmallows and popcorn both work so well because they contain so much air. You could try other types of food, as well, but the food you choose should either be very soft or very airy. Fill the container halfway with marshmallows. Place the egg in the center of your marshmallow nest, then carefully fill the rest of the container with marshmallows, as well. Make sure that the entire container is filled but do not press down on the egg as you pack the container. Let the egg float. If you can keep the egg floating in water during the drop and upon impact, the force of the impact should distribute itself evenly throughout the water and have very little effect on the egg itself. Place the egg inside of a tin can, plastic box, or other durable container. This container should be about five times as large as the egg. Fill the rest of the container with water and add a handful of salt. The egg will float better in salt water than in normal water. Make sure that the entire container is filled with water and that it is well sealed before you drop it. Create a cradle. Suspend the egg in the center of a box or similar container using a pair of nylon stockings or panty hose. Stockings are very elastic and soft. As the container holding the egg strikes to ground, the stockings should give slightly, allowing the egg to come to a stop without that stop being quite so sudden. As a result, the force on the shell is lessened, making it less likely to crack. Cut off one leg of the stockings. Place the egg inside this leg at the center of stocking. Tie the egg in place using rubber bands. Tightly pull the stocking leg diagonally through a box, extending it from one upper corner to one bottom corner. The egg should be positioned in the center of the box. Staple or otherwise hold the stocking in place. Note that your box can be made of nearly any material. It could be a cardboard or plastic box, or you could even construct a box frame out of metal clothes hangers. Weigh down the bottom of your container. You can place the egg at the top of a cushioned container instead of placing it in the center as long as you have a heavy enough weight to control the direction the container falls in. The easiest way to do this is to use a stone and styrofoam cups. Place one heavy rock in the bottom of one styrofoam cup. The rock must be heavier than egg. Place six more styrofoam cups inside the bottom cup, on top of the rock. Place the egg inside the top cup. Fit one more cup gently on top of the egg to secure the egg's position. Tape the cups together along the sides so that the container will not fall apart during the fall. If the rock is heavy enough, the container should fall rock-side down and egg-side up. The styrofoam cups should also help cushion the blow. Make a parachute. If you can design a parachute for the container holding your egg, you can reduce the velocity at which the egg drops. Since the egg is falling at a slower speed, the force of the impact will be much less once it hits the ground. Less force means that your egg might have a chance at survival. There are a few different parachutes you can try, but one of the easiest materials to use is a plastic shopping bag. Place the egg in a box, along with any cushioning you may choose to use. Attach a large plastic grocery bag to the top of the box using tape or a stapler. Make sure that the handles are near the sides of the box so that enough air can get inside the bag as the box drops. When you drop the box, make sure that the side you attach the parachute to is at the top. This will allow air to fill the bag and cause it to open up, reducing the speed of the descent as a result. Catch the egg in a net. An egg shatters when dropped on the ground because massive deceleration within a small distance creates a significant amount of force. Catching the egg in a net of sorts can increase the deceleration time and reduce the overall force. If you cannot use an actual safety net, a simple alternative is to use a linen sheet. Stake the sheet at least 1 foot (30.5 cm) above the ground. When you drop the egg, make sure that it lands as close to the center of the sheet as possible. Similarly, you could also give the egg a cushion to fall into instead of a net. The principle at work here is the same. Fill a large, wide box with a thick layer of heavy-duty bubble wrap or similar packing materials. When you drop the egg, make sure that it lands on the cushion. Choose a grassy location. If you can choose the landing site, opt for a grassy location instead of a concrete sidewalk or parking lot. Grass and soil are naturally softer than concrete or stone, so the force of the impact will automatically be much smaller. For even better results, drop the egg after a good rainstorm so that the ground is very soft. Try to avoid dropping the egg during a drought, since soil tends to be much harder and more firmly packed in these conditions. | Get a bowl. Pour some water into the bowl. Add ice to the mix. Put the egg in the ice water. Leave it to set for 10 minutes
Take it out. Drop it- it wont break! Use cereal. Wrap the egg in packing material. Try marshmallows or popcorn. Let the egg float. Create a cradle. Weigh down the bottom of your container. Make a parachute. Catch the egg in a net. Choose a grassy location. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Organic-Farmer | How to Become an Organic Farmer | Even if you raise your crops and livestock without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, you'll have to become certified in order to become an organic farmer. Create an Organic System plan, which should include information about the substances used to treat your land, along with the exact procedures you plan to use when growing your crops or raising your livestock. Submit the OSP to a USDA certifying agent, then have your land inspected to ensure you meet the qualifications for an organic certification. | Learn what being “organic” entails. Grow crops without the use of synthetic substances or genetic modification. Raise dairy herds and livestock with 100% organic feed, supplements, and medications. Expect a lengthy transition period from non-organic to organic farming before being able to market yourself as “certified organic.” Non-GMO crops must be grown on land that hasn't been treated with synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides for three full years before they can be considered organic. Dairy herds can be switched from non-organic to organic after a year-long transition that is supervised by a certifying agent. Poultry must be raised exclusively by organic means from their second day after hatching onward. The mothers of livestock must be treated only by organic means no later than the last trimester of pregnancy for the newborn to be considered organic. Get an entry-level position, apprenticeship, or internship. Learn the ins and outs of organic farming by applying for a farmhand position on a certified organic farm. Condition yourself to the long hours and heavy labor demanded by this profession. Grow acquainted with the techniques used in organic farming. Familiarize yourself with the farm's calendar year in terms of planting, harvesting, and how best to utilize the time in between. In lieu of working on an actual farm, working for a nursery or landscaping company can also teach you similar core concepts. Apprenticeships and internships can be found through the National Center for Appropriate Technology's ATTRA program. Pursue a degree in agriculture. Apply to colleges or universities that offer associate or bachelor's degrees in organic agriculture. Focus on such subjects as crop production, economics, farm marketing, food science, and soil management. Also join extracurricular clubs devoted to organic farming in order to gain as much firsthand experience as possible outside of the classroom. California State University-Chico, Berea College, Dickinson College and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are among the top schools with certified organic farms. Earning a degree is not a requirement for becoming an organic farmer. However, the education gained in the process will better prepare you for the challenges ahead. Sign up for farmers’ business courses. If you are unable to attend a two- or four-year program for a full degree, attend auxiliary programs designed specifically for farmers. Learn how to identify and utilize resources. Study how to build business plans, manage finances, and handle long-term investments. Such courses are available in person, online, or in a combination of the two. When researching online schools, make sure that the course content pertains to your climate and region. Familiarize yourself with the application. To certify your farm as organic, you will have to submit an Organic System Plan (OSP) to a certifying agent. Before you do, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website to download the application itself. Go to ams.usda.gov and search for the “OSP Template.” Review the document to know the precise information required by certifying agents. Improve your chances of being approved in a timely fashion by including all information from the start. ATTRA's “Organic Systems Plans: Market Farming and Greenhouses” is a valued companion-piece that explains the application in detail. Repeat this step for each additional country that you intend to sell to. The United Nations have recommended guidelines for organic certification, but practices may still vary from country to country. Research your land’s history. One important element of the application process is providing a list of substances used to treat soil and plants over the last three years. If you have recently purchased your land or are in the process of doing so, be sure to ask the previous owners for this information. Factor this into your OSP's timeline. If the previous owners used substances that are not approved for organic certification, expect a longer wait before you can become certified yourself. Create an OSP. Your specific plan will vary from others depending on your crop, livestock, the size of your farm, and other factors. In general, it should include all the practices you intend to use to farm your land. Detail the following areas: The exact procedures to be enacted, and how often. The substances that you will use at all levels of production. How you plan to supervise production to confirm that your OSP is enacted. Any methods used to prevent nearby non-organic farming from affecting your organic production. Contact a certifying agent. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website (ams.usda.gov) to find agents that have been accredited by the USDA's National Organic Program. Search by name, state, or country. Decide on an agent based on each one's fees and proximity. Have them look over your OSP so you can make any necessary changes before you set it in motion. Stay in communication. Alert your certifying agent if you have to alter your OSP to address unexpected issues after you put it into practice. Always use written forms of communication, such as letters and emails, to create a physical record. Save all correspondence, especially confirmation of your changes, in case proof of such is required later on. Keep in mind that your OSP is legally binding. Hang on to all relevant paperwork to protect yourself. Have your farm inspected. Assess your OSP's success. Based on your OSP's timeline, arrange with your agent for them or a third party to visit your farm. Have them investigate your operation thoroughly. Expect them to take samples of your soil and products, including tissue samples of livestock. For crops, expect inspectors to focus on: the condition of your fields and soil; the health of your crops; weed- and pest-control; irrigation; storage facilities; equipment. For livestock, inspectors will look for: the quality, rations, and purchase history of animal feed; the animals' quality of life, including living situations, medical care, and overall health. Accept the agent’s decision. Receive your certification if you pass your inspection. If not, make whatever changes are recommended by the agent. Arrange for a second inspection according to the presented timeline. Reapply annually. Maintain your organic certification by applying for recertification on a yearly basis. Arrange with your agent for follow-up inspections. Prove that your farm is still operating according to regulations. | Learn what being “organic” entails. Get an entry-level position, apprenticeship, or internship. Pursue a degree in agriculture. Sign up for farmers’ business courses. Familiarize yourself with the application. Research your land’s history. Create an OSP. Contact a certifying agent. Stay in communication. Have your farm inspected. Accept the agent’s decision. Reapply annually. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Scared-Red-Bellied-Parrot | How to Handle a Scared Red Bellied Parrot | To handle a scared Red Bellied parrot, use slow movements and avoid making any loud noises so you don't startle it more. As you approach your parrot, you should talk in a calm, friendly tone and repeat its name so it knows you're not a threat. However, if your parrot shows any signs of aggression, like raising its wings or puffing up its body, back off and give it time to relax. Once your parrot allows you to move close to it, give it a treat and tell it “Good job!” | Use positive reinforcement to train your parrot. Before you attempt to handle a frightened parrot, it is important to work on positive reinforcement training. This will help your parrot to associate spending time with you with treats and praise and reduce their fearfulness. Start by identifying what kind of treats will motivate the parrot. Then, keep this treat on hand when you begin training. To get your parrot to associate its behavior with the reward, you will need to deliver the reward right when the desired behavior is performed. For example, if you want the parrot to step out of its cage, then you would need to praise the parrot and give the reward at the exact moment it does so. You can also use a clicker to mark the behavior and then deliver the treat right after. This will teach your parrot to associate the treat with the clicker. If the bird is likely to bite, then offer the treat on a wooden spoon to protect your hands. Maintain a relaxed demeanor. Parrots can sense your emotional state and will respond to how you are feeling. If you bring stress and anxiety into the room with the bird, it will only make the bird more scared and upset. Try to maintain a calm, relaxed demeanor when you approach the bird. If you are feeling stressed, take a few minutes to do deep breathing and calm down. Then, approach the bird. This is especially important if you are approaching the bird in the moment when it is startled or scared. Do not chase or try to grab at the parrot. Chasing or grabbing at the parrot will only make it more anxious. Sudden movements will scare the parrot more. Instead, use slow, gentle movements around the parrot. Let it know of your presence and remain calm. Avoid slamming any doors or windows around the parrot, as this will only make it more frightened. Talk calmly and enthusiastically to the parrot. Use a low, friendly voice to talk to the parrot. Say the parrot's name in a clear voice. You may say “Hello pretty” or “Hello beautiful” to show the parrot that you are friendly and affectionate, not something to be feared. Do not yell or shout at the bird, as this will just scare it more. You may need to talk or sing to the parrot for a little while to calm it down. Maintain your distance when you do this and do not make any sudden movements towards the bird. Let the parrot know you are going to approach it. The Red Bellied parrot should be kept informed of your movements. You want the parrot to feel involved and aware so it is less afraid. Say to the parrot, “I'm going to approach you, okay? I'm going to move closer to you.” You should also keep saying its name in a soothing, calming tone so the parrot knows you are not a threat. Watch for any signs of aggression. Notice if the bird has elevated feathers on its neck and its eyes are flashing towards you or appear very wide. It may raise its wings and puff up its body to look more aggressive and large. In some cases, the bird may actually tuck its wings closer into its body to show that it feels threatened. If you notice any of these signs, back off and try talking in calming tones to the parrot. It may need more time to relax and feel less afraid. Move slowly and carefully towards the parrot. If the parrot does not display any clear signs of aggression, try moving closer and closer to it. Display relaxed body language, with your arms relaxed at your sides and your eyes engaged with the bird. Try saying the parrot's name as you move towards it to keep it calm. Give the parrot a treat as a thank you. If the parrot allows you to move close to it, offer it a small treat as a thank you. Say “Good job” or “Great going.” Hold out the treat so the parrot can take it from you. Giving the parrot a treat will let them know that you are not a threat to them. Present your hand to the side of the parrot. Once the parrot is okay with you approaching it, try getting it to do a “Step up,” where you offer the parrot your hand as a perch. Start by presenting your hand to one side of the parrot. Hold it out slowly and carefully so the parrot can see it. If the parrot is larger in size, you may need to use your arm as a perch. Press your hand to the parrot’s belly until it steps up. If the parrot seems calm and non-aggressive towards you, continue moving your hand towards it. Press it at the parrot's belly so it can step up. Placing your hand at the parrot's belly can also help it fall forward until it has to perch on your hand. This is a good option if the parrot has never stepped up before or seems unsure. Lean into any nips or bites so the parrot relaxes. If the parrot reacts by nipping or biting at your hand, try to lean into it so the parrot eventually relaxes its grip. In most cases, the parrot will not break the skin or try to bite you aggressively. If you are afraid of nips or bites, you can wear long sleeves or gloves when you approach the parrot. Reward it with a treat. If the parrot agrees to step up onto your hand, make sure you offer it a treat right away as a reward. Say “Great job” or “Awesome” to the parrot so it gets verbal praise as well. The parrot will then see being handled by you as a positive thing that results in treats and affection. Handle it for a short amount of time every day. Get the Red Bellied parrot used to being handled by getting it to “step up” for one to five minutes a day. Talk and sing to the parrot as you handle it so it is less stressed around you in the long term. Over time, you should be able to build a trusting, affectionate relationship with the bird. You can also play with the parrot daily so it trusts you and gets used to being around you. | Use positive reinforcement to train your parrot. Maintain a relaxed demeanor. Do not chase or try to grab at the parrot. Talk calmly and enthusiastically to the parrot. Let the parrot know you are going to approach it. Watch for any signs of aggression. Move slowly and carefully towards the parrot. Give the parrot a treat as a thank you. Present your hand to the side of the parrot. Press your hand to the parrot’s belly until it steps up. Lean into any nips or bites so the parrot relaxes. Reward it with a treat. Handle it for a short amount of time every day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards | How to Organize Pokémon Cards | There are many options for you to organize your Pokemon cards, including by set, evolution, or by national number. If you want to organize them by set, look for the symbol below the Pokemon picture, which will tell you the set that your card belongs to. For example, you may have a flower, which indicates the Jungle set, or a hollow star, which indicates the Neo Genesis set. Then, organize your cards into set groups. Alternatively, pick out all of the Pokemon that are in the same evolutionary series and arrange them with the lowest Pokemon first. Once you've sorted your cards into evolutionary groups, decide how you want to arrange them, such as alphabetically. If you want to arrange them by national number, look in a Pokedex to find the national number for each card. You can also search online for the national number. | Organize by deck boxes. This system works well if you are still building your collection and most of your cards are collected into decks. Simply place your cards into an empty deck box and place the box somewhere convenient, like on a shelf or in your closet. Since you've likely started to change your decks to be stronger when playing, you may want to name or label your decks so you know exactly what each box contains. For example, you might put a piece of tape on a box and write on the tape, "Psychic Pokémon Deck." Use a binder. There are many card collecting games similar to the Pokémon TCG (trading card game). These have frequently made use of binders, and this method of organization might be right for you. This format will allow a clear view of your cards and easy access. It will also protect your cards from damage, like bending and mold. These trading card binders are often filled with plastic inserts which have pockets for your cards. You can buy inserts like this from your local board game/hobby store. You might also make use of tabs to help you easily navigate your binder. Binder tabs can be bought at most office supply stores. You can make your own simple tab by fastening a piece of tape to the front and back of your plastic insert, allowing some extra tape to stick out from your binder. Then write the heading on your tab, for example, you might write, "Type: Grass." File cards away into a card catalog. This method is best for serious collectors who have thousands of cards to keep track of. A card catalog is usually a large, wooden piece of furniture filled with narrow drawers into which you can put cards. You can find card catalogs at flea markets, garage sales, eBay, CraigsList, and antique stores, though antique catalogs may be expensive. If you purchase your card catalog secondhand, you should inspect it carefully. Many of these are old, and you might have to spend some time or money restoring it to hold your cards safely and securely. Separate cards into storage boxes. You can buy narrow box-sleeves that are designed to hold your cards at your local game/hobby store, office supply store, or online. There are also larger boxes intended specifically for storing trading cards that you could easily use for your Pokémon cards. After you organize your cards you can store your collection in these boxes, you can label each box according to your system of organization. For example, you might label one box, "Fighting Type," and another "High HP Pokémon." Locate the symbol. Most Pokémon cards have a symbol below the bottom right corner of the Pokémon's image. This symbol identifies the set. Some examples of set symbols include a flower (Jungle set, #2), a hollow star (Neo Genesis set, #8), and the letter 'R' (Team Rocket set, #5). Sets are usually released four times a year. If you have purchased cards from Pokémon International, or possess cards from this series, the set information will be located in lower right hand corner at the bottom of your card. These symbols can be small and easy to miss; look carefully! Separate your cards by set symbol and number. It'll be easy for you to group all like symbol cards together, but for further organization you'll need to arrange by set number. Each set has a designated number of cards, and each card is numbered within its set. This will help you organize your cards with even greater precision. You may need to use an online card directory to determine each cards position in a set. Many online set directories will first require you to choose the set category (like Base, Aquapolis, and Jungle) before linking you to the card number directory. The base set of the first cards released in English do not have a symbol. You may want to gather these cards together and arrange them according to HP (hit points) or alphabetic order. Look for "secret rare" cards. Within sets, there are sometimes special cards that have a number higher than the set directory lists. These are "secret rare" cards. For example, you may see a card that is 63/62. This is not an error; this means that you have a special card. Collect promotional cards together. You'll find that some of your cards only have a card number and no set number. This indicates that the card is a promotional card, also referred to as a "promo." These are frequently given as a bonus to players when they purchase a deck. Although promotional cards have no set number, you can still organize these according to card number or release date. You'll have to look up this information online, as there are many promo cards, each with a different number and release date. You should also keep an eye out for "black star promos." These are extra special cards that are produced specifically for promotional events. Place cards in your storage container. Depending on which method of storage you have chosen, this may be a binder, a box-sleeve, or even a card catalog. Now that your cards are organized by set, you can insert these into your storage container to complete your organization. If you are using a binder, make sure the card slots are big enough for your Pokémon cards. Some card binders are intended for smaller cards, and trying to fit your Pokémon cards in these might cause your cards to bend or otherwise deform. When organizing your cards by set, trust the set symbols and number, even if the Pokémon on the card appears to be the same. Charizard from the Dragon Frontiers set and Charizard from the Power Keepers set have different numbers, pictures, and abilities. Gather each evolution in a separate stack. Most Pokémon evolve into a stronger form when a certain level is attained or a special item is used. Go through your Pokémon cards and pick out all Pokémon that are in the same evolutionary series. Start with the lowest evolution Pokémon and put all higher evolutions together with it. This will likely create many stacks, depending on the volume of your collection. While many Pokémon evolve, some do not. All single evolution Pokémon can be grouped together. Organize your evolutionary groups. Now that your cards are separated by evolution, you should think about how you want to organize these groups. You might want to alphabetize your evolutions, or you could group these according to type, keeping all like-type evolutions together. Even if you divide your evolutions into like-type categories, it can still be difficult to easily find evolutions within the type grouping. To further organize your like-type sets, you might want to alphabetize all evolutions within like-type sets. Insert your cards into your binder, box, or catalog. Place your cards into your binder, box-sleeve, or catalog according to your evolutionary organization. To make sure your cards are easily accessible, you may want to create sections in your binder, use separate boxes, or use different drawers for each category you have organized your evolutions into. For example, if you are using box-sleeves, you might keep all your fire evolutions together and label the box "Fire Types." If you've chosen to use a binder, you can create section dividers to keep types separate with tabs. Find the national Pokédex number. Even if you aren't a fan of the animated series or the Pokémon video games, you probably know that in the Pokémon universe trainers have a special device called a Pokédex. The Pokédex is a kind of Pokémon dictionary, and it lists a number for each Pokémon. You can use this number to organize your Pokémon. In the Pokémon TCG, you can sometimes find the national number in the information below the picture of the Pokémon card or in the bottom left hand corner of the card. Some cards will not have the national Pokédex number written. Search online for the national number, if necessary. An online Pokédex exists, as well computer and mobile device apps, and you can use any of these to search for national numbers of the Pokémon you are trying to organize. You might be able to speed the sorting process by writing down each Pokémon card you own, looking up the number, and writing the number next to the name. Separate cards by national number. Organizing your cards by Pokedex number is especially useful if you are a card collector. The numbers make referencing your collection simple and straightforward. However, for active Pokémon TCG players, this may not be the best option for deck-building and playing. Store your cards by national number. Now that your cards are organized by Pokédex number, all you need to do is put your cards in your container/binder in order. You can group cards you have multiple copies of together, or if using a binder, you may be able to put duplicates into the same card pocket of your plastic insert. You should be aware that putting several cards in the same plastic pocket in your binder could cause damage to the card. If the condition of the card is important to you, you should never have more than one card per plastic card pocket in your binder. You may want to leave space in your container for cards that you know you are missing. This will make it easier to add any new cards that you get. Identify cards by type. The basic Pokémon types are: bug, dark, dragon, electric, fairy, fighting, fire, flying, ghost, grass, ground, ice, poison, psychic, rock, steel, and water. However, there are also special types and hybrids, flying/ice to give one example. Collect all like-type Pokémon in one section apiece. Organizing by type is one of the more popular ways to organize cards for active players of the Pokémon TCG. This is because you can easily search your collection for useful type combinations. Arrange your cards within types. Even after separating your cards by type, if you have many cards it will be difficult to navigate your type groupings without a little more organization. You should create a sub-category within your type groups. You can do this by ordering the cards alphabetically or by national number, to name two options. Archive your cards in a container. You'll have to decide the order you'll store your sorted Pokémon types. You may want to do this alphabetically, with bug coming first, then dark, then dragon, and so on. If you are an active player, you may want to have your most used type first, followed by your second most used type, and so on. Group your cards according to rarity. Organizing cards by rarity is another good method for collectors to use, as it organizes cards by relative financial value. This will make it easier for you to evaluate the worth of your card collection. Gather all cards of similar rarity into groups together. Symbols in the bottom right corner of the card will indicate its rarity. A circle represents common cards, diamond uncommon, and star rare. Arrange your rare card groupings. You might use an alphabetic, national Pokédex number, or HP (hit point) system to further organize your rare card groups. If you are a player and collector, you may find that separating your rare card groupings into type, then arranging types by number or alphabetic order, works best. Pack away your cards. You'll probably want to separate binders, boxes, or drawers to keep different rarity groupings separate. An alternative to this would be to store your cards in your container and then use tabs to create sections for the different varieties of rare card. Even if you're using box-sleeves, you may want to keep your rare cards on hand so you can show these off to friends and other collectors. To keep your rare cards visible, you could put your rare cards in a binder that has plastic inserts with pockets for your cards. To further protect rare cards, you might want to encase each in a special plastic card sleeve intended to keep rare cards pristine. These protectors will be 2.5 in. by 3.5 in. (64mm by 89mm) in size, and can be bought at your local hobby store. | Organize by deck boxes. Use a binder. File cards away into a card catalog. Separate cards into storage boxes. Locate the symbol. Separate your cards by set symbol and number. Look for "secret rare" cards. Collect promotional cards together. Place cards in your storage container. Gather each evolution in a separate stack. Organize your evolutionary groups. Insert your cards into your binder, box, or catalog. Find the national Pokédex number. Search online for the national number, if necessary. Separate cards by national number. Store your cards by national number. Identify cards by type. Arrange your cards within types. Archive your cards in a container. Group your cards according to rarity. Arrange your rare card groupings. Pack away your cards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Tofu | How to Dry Tofu | To dry tofu, start by opening the container and draining off any water inside. Then, pat the tofu dry with paper towels, and sandwich it between 6 layers of paper towels on a plate. Place another plate on top, then set something heavy on top of that to press the tofu down, like a cast iron skillet or a few cans of food. Every 30 minutes, drain off any water that's been pressed out onto the plate until no more water comes out, which can take 1-4 hours depending on how firm the tofu is. For a faster option, place the tofu in a microwave-safe container and microwave it on high for 2 minutes to dry it. | Drain a block of tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Open a 15 oz (425 g) container of tofu and pour off the water that's inside. Take the tofu out of the container and pat the surface dry with paper towels. You don't have to squeeze or press the tofu at this point. Just dry the surface as much as possible. If you're using silken tofu, just pat the surface dry. It is not firm enough to withstand pressing. Place the tofu on a plate between 6-8 layers of paper towels. Stack about 3 or 4 layers of paper towels on a sturdy plate and place the block of tofu on top of the paper towels. Then, either wrap the paper towels around the block of tofu or add another 3-4 layers of paper towels on top. The paper towels will help absorb the water released by the tofu as you press it. If your plates are deeply concave, you may want to turn the bottom plate upside-down. Add another plate and a 2 lb (0.91 kg) weight on top of the paper towels. Once you've stacked the tofu and paper towels together, place a second plate on top of the stack. Then, add something heavy—like a cast iron skillet or several cans of food—to the top so the tofu will be pressed between the two plates. Look around your kitchen to see what you can use! Try a canister of flour, for instance, or a large cookbook. You can buy a pre-made tofu press , but unless you'll be drying tofu frequently, there's no need to take up your cabinet space with something you won't use often. Drain the water off the plate every 30 minutes until no more water comes out. Every 30 minutes, tilt the plate over your sink and pour off any water that's collected on the bottom plate. If the paper towels get completely soaked, replace them with new ones. The type of tofu you use will affect how long it needs to drain. Super-firm tofu might be completely drained in 30 minutes to an hour, while medium-firm tofu might still need to be pressed for 3-4 hours. Use the tofu right away or store it for 2-3 days in the fridge. Once you've pressed the water out of your tofu, it's ready to marinate or cook. If you're not planning to eat it right away, place it in a resealable plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you dry your tofu, it will be able to absorb more of the flavors from a marinade, and it will develop a crispier exterior once you cook it. Place a 15 oz (428 g) container of tofu in the freezer overnight. After you purchase your tofu, place it directly into the freezer for 6-8 hours or overnight. Do not open the package or pour off the water, as the tofu might get freezer-burned. Freezing tofu before you press it takes a little advance planning, but the actual drying process is much shorter than using the traditional pressing method. However, freezing the tofu will change its texture, making it somewhat more bready than tofu that hasn't been frozen. Thaw the tofu in the refrigerator for 5 hours or overnight. Once the tofu has frozen completely solid, remove it from the freezer. Place the container into your refrigerator and let it sit there for at least 5 hours or overnight, or until there are no ice crystals remaining on the tofu. You can also place the tofu container under cool running water to help defrost it more quickly. Open the container and drain off any liquid. Once the tofu seems thawed, open the container and carefully pour off the water that's collected in the bottom. If you'd like, you can pierce the tofu with a knife to ensure it's thawed all the way through the center. If the tofu is still frozen, place it in the refrigerator until it's completely thawed. If there's ice in the center, the tofu will not dry properly. Press the tofu with your hands to squeeze out the water. Take the tofu out of the container and hold it in both of your hands over the sink. Then, squeeze your hands together to force as much of the liquid out of the tofu as you can. If you're having trouble squeezing the tofu in your hands, try placing it between 2 plates first. Press them together as hard as you can without smashing the tofu, then drain off the water. Pat the tofu dry and use or refrigerate it immediately. Use paper towels to pat the surface of the tofu dry after you've pressed it. Then, you can marinate it and use it in stir-fry, on the grill , bake it, or fry it, depending on your favorite recipe! If you're not going to use the tofu right away, put it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and place it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Bring 2 cups (470 mL) of salted water to a boil. Place a pot on the stove and measure out 2 cups (470 mL) of water. Then, add about 2 tbsp (35 g) of salt to the water. Turn your stove to high heat and bring the water to a rapid boil. It may seem strange to pour water over something to dry it out. However, the heat and salt will cause the tofu to tighten, which will force out the water that's inside. Salted water takes longer to boil than fresh water, so if you'd prefer, you can wait to add the salt until after the water boils. Cut your block of tofu into squares and place it in a shallow bowl. First, cut the block of tofu lengthwise into about 3 slices. Then, cut each slice into long strips. Finally cut the strips into uniform squares or cubes. Once you've cut the tofu, move it to a shallow container or bowl. Having evenly-cut pieces will ensure they soak and cook evenly. However, if you have a few irregular pieces, it will be fine. If you'd prefer to leave your tofu in planks, that's okay too. Pour the water over the tofu. Once your water is at a rolling boil, carefully lift the pot and carry it to the bowl of tofu. Tipping the pot away from you, pour the water slowly over the tofu. Remember, the steam and the water can both burn you, so be very careful. It's a good idea to use oven mitts or pot holders when you pick up the pot, as the handle could be hot. It's okay if the water doesn't completely cover the tofu. Allow the tofu to sit in the water for about 15 minutes. The salt water will help draw the moisture out of your tofu as it soaks. In addition, the tofu will absorb a little of the salt, so it will be more flavorful when you cook it. Try prepping the rest of your meal or mixing up a marinade while you're waiting! Wrap the tofu in a towel or paper towels and squeeze out any remaining liquid. After the tofu has soaked, take it out of the water and place into a clean kitchen towel or a stack paper towels.Gently squeeze the tofu to remove any water that's left, then pat the surface dry. After that, your tofu is ready to cook ! Place your tofu in a microwave-safe container. The tofu will release some liquid in the microwave, so you may want to use a container with a rim. For instance, you might use a microwave-safe takeout container or a flat-bottomed bowl. Leave the tofu uncovered when you put it into the microwave. Microwave the container on high for 2 minutes. Place the tofu in your microwave and make sure the power is set to high. Then, turn it on for about 2 minutes. Try not to open the microwave while it's cooking, as the tofu may not heat all the way through the middle. Let the tofu cool until you can comfortably handle it. Carefully remove the container from the microwave and allow the tofu to sit for about 5 minutes. The tofu and the liquid in the bottom of the container will be very hot, so don't try to touch it until it's cooled off. Squeeze out any remaining moisture, then pat the tofu dry. Once the tofu is cool, wrap it in a kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any moisture that's left inside. Then, use the towels to pat the surface of the tofu until it feels dry and spongy. Your tofu will now be ready to marinate or cook with! | Drain a block of tofu and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the tofu on a plate between 6-8 layers of paper towels. Add another plate and a 2 lb (0.91 kg) weight on top of the paper towels. Drain the water off the plate every 30 minutes until no more water comes out. Use the tofu right away or store it for 2-3 days in the fridge. Place a 15 oz (428 g) container of tofu in the freezer overnight. Thaw the tofu in the refrigerator for 5 hours or overnight. Open the container and drain off any liquid. Press the tofu with your hands to squeeze out the water. Pat the tofu dry and use or refrigerate it immediately. Bring 2 cups (470 mL) of salted water to a boil. Cut your block of tofu into squares and place it in a shallow bowl. Pour the water over the tofu. Allow the tofu to sit in the water for about 15 minutes. Wrap the tofu in a towel or paper towels and squeeze out any remaining liquid. Place your tofu in a microwave-safe container. Microwave the container on high for 2 minutes. Let the tofu cool until you can comfortably handle it. Squeeze out any remaining moisture, then pat the tofu dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vanilla-Cake | How to Make a Vanilla Cake | To make a vanilla cake, start by dusting an 8-inch cake pan with flour, and using a pastry brush to spread melted butter or oil over it. Then, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Next, use your mixer to blend in 1 tablespoon of butter at a time, until the mixture looks like loose sand. After that, add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time, then 1 egg at a time, before adding the milk and vanilla. Finally, pour the batter into the cake pan and bake it in a 400°oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. | Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius. Dust an eight-inch cake pan with flour and spread melted butter or oil over it using a pastry brush. Sift the dry ingredients except the sugar. In a large bowl, sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift well, until the dry ingredients are light and fluffy. Add the butter, one teaspoon at a time. Cut a teaspoon of your butter and add it in the dry ingredients. Blend using an electric blender or hand blender. Continue to do this until all the butter is out. The result should be like loose sand. Add the sugar and eggs. Slowly pour the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Do not dump all the sugar in at once. To help the vanilla cake stay moist, add each ingredient one at a time. Do the same for the eggs. Blend until well-combined, with the result looking like stiff sand. Pour the vanilla extract and milk. Slowly pour the milk and vanilla extract into the cake batter. Blend until the batter looks glossy and there are no flour streaks. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 30-35 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 176 degrees Celsius. Dust an eight-inch cake pan with flour and spread melted butter or oil over it using a pastry brush. Cream the butter and sugar. Using an electric or hand blender, cream the butter and sugar on medium for about two minutes. The results should have a bright yellow color and should be fluffy. Pour the egg whites and vanilla extract. Add the egg whites and vanilla into the creamed mixture. Blend on medium for one minute. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine the dry ingredients. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the batter. Slowly pour ⅓ of your flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Add ½ of the milk. Add ½ of your milk and add it to the batter. Blend on medium speed. Continue the two steps, pouring the flour mixture and milk. Continue these two steps three times. Ensure you blend each time correctly. This process is what helps the cake stay moist and fluffy. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 35 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Dust an eight-inch cake pan with flour and spread melted butter or oil over it using a pastry brush. Sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until the dry ingredients are light and fluffy. Add the milk, salt and sugar. Pour the milk, salt, and sugar into the dry ingredients. Blend with a hand blender or electric blender on medium speed. Add the melted butter and vinegar. Pour the melted butter and vinegar into the cake batter and mix again until well-combined. The cake batter should start to look glossy. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 25-30 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Dust an eight- or nine-inch cake pan with flour and spread melted butter or oil over it using a pastry brush. Mix all the ingredients with a blender. Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend well with an electric or hand blender. Ensure that you mix well; there should be no flour streaks. The end result should be light yellow and glossy. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 30-35 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Spray a cake pan that is 9 by 13 with melted butter or oil using a pastry brush. Dust with gluten-free flour. Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a hand blender or electric blender until light and fluffy Add eggs and vanilla extract. Crack the eggs and pour the vanilla into your creamed mixture. Blend again, making sure there are no egg streaks in your creamed mixture. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt, and gluten free flour into a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine the dry ingredients. Mix until well-combined. Add half of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Pour half of the dry ingredients mixture into the creamed mixture. Blend on slow speed for about a minute, until there are no more flour streaks. Add milk and the rest of the dry ingredients. Pour the rest of the dry ingredients and add only one-half of the milk. Blend on slow speed until the batter is mixed properly. When the cake batter has been combined well, pour the rest of the milk and mix again. The end result should be slightly stiff and glossy. Pour the cake batter in cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 35 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Cover a cake pan that is eight-inches with melted butter or oil using a pastry brush. Dust with flour. Mix soy milk and vinegar. In a mixing bowl, use a whisk or fork to mix the soy milk and vinegar together. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients into the soy milk mixture. Pour the almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon juice, water, and apple cider vinegar. Mix them together using a whisk or fork, until properly combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to mix the cake batter. For a faster results, you can also use an electric or hand blender. Mix until cake is a light yellow in color and is glossy. Pour the cake batter in cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up all the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan into the oven. Have it bake for about 35 minutes, which is when the cake springs back when you touch it, and a toothpick comes out dry when you poke the cake. Let the cake cool. Flip the cake pan upside down on a wire rack. To make the cake easier to flip, circle a knife around it. It should pop out. Have the cake cool for about five minutes. Frost the cake. Using your favorite frosting and icing , frost your cake to your liking. You can also add toppings such as sliced fruit, sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Enjoy! | Prepare to make the cake. Sift the dry ingredients except the sugar. Add the butter, one teaspoon at a time. Add the sugar and eggs. Pour the vanilla extract and milk. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Cream the butter and sugar. Pour the egg whites and vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the batter. Add ½ of the milk. Continue the two steps, pouring the flour mixture and milk. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Sift the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the milk, salt and sugar. Add the melted butter and vinegar. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Mix all the ingredients with a blender. Pour the cake batter in a cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add half of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Add milk and the rest of the dry ingredients. Pour the cake batter in cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Mix soy milk and vinegar. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the wet ingredients into the soy milk mixture. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Pour the cake batter in cake pan. Bake the cake. Let the cake cool. Frost the cake. Enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Kick-the-Can | How to Play Kick the Can | To play Kick the Can, first find at least 3 players and choose somewhere large to play that has a lot of hiding spots, like a park or playground. Then, set up a can in the middle of the playing area and choose 1 player to be the seeker. While the seeker is counting and closing their eyes, have everyone run and hide in different spots. If the seeker calls out your name and hiding spot, try to run and touch the can before they do. If they get their first, you have to sit in jail until another hider reaches the can. If you get their first, everyone in jail is free! | Gather together players. You'll need at least three people to play, but this game can involve many players. With a large enough space and enough hiding spots, you could play with well over 20 players. Get together a group of kids from your neighborhood, from school, or from after school clubs to play this game with you. Invite kids your age you see playing alone to come play Kick the Can. Say something like, "Hey, we're going to play a group game called Kick the Can. Would you like to play?" Find a soda can or bottle. Bottles and cans are the typical choice for this game, but you can use anything that could be safely kicked some distance. Other options include balls, small trash cans, small boxes, plastic cones, a plastic bucket, and so on. Give your item a few trial kicks. You don't want it to go too far or too short. Choose an object that can be kicked a medium distance. You may want to put some rocks into your item. Doing this to items like cans, bottles, and boxes can help you adjust the distance an object is kicked. Determine the boundaries of your game. The best play ares will be large, with plenty of hiding places. Playgrounds and parks work great, as do cul-de-sac streets (which are closed off at one end). Clearly agree on the boundaries of your play area with all players. Natural features, like tree-lines, large rocks, and paths are a great way of clearly outlining the boundaries of your play area. If one of your boundaries is unclear, use other items, like branches, rocks, hats, cones, and so on to mark it. Designate a jail area. The jail is where players go when they're caught by the seeker. Your jail, much like your playing area, should have clearly defined boundaries. Some common places used for the jail include decks, patios, benches, porches, and so on. If you don't have a clearly defined jail in your play area, make one by arranging branches, stones, cones, and more to form its boundaries. The jail should be large enough to fit as many players are playing, but not much larger than that. Pick the seeker and agree on a count time. Use rock, paper, scissors to select the seeker or use whatever method you prefer. No matter how many players there are, there is only one seeker per game. After that, agree with other players on the time the seeker will count before searching for hiders. The more time you have to hide, the more likely it is hiders will have a better hiding place. Use longer count times for the seeker for longer, more challenging games. Short count times can add an fast paced aspect to this game. If you and your friends like quick games, choose short count times. Set up the can. Alternatively, set up the item you're using in place of the can. Arrange this item in a central location in your playing area. This location should be wide open and difficult to sneak up on. You may want to locate your can close to your jail. This way, if the can is kicked, the seeker will have to run towards the jail while jailed players are running away. Hide while the seeker counts. The seeker begins close to where the can/item has been set up. Their eyes should be closed as they count to the number decided beforehand. All other players should find a hiding spot while the seeker is counting. When the seeker finishes counting, they can search for the other players. Go to jail when caught by the seeker. For the seeker to catch someone, they have to call out the hider's name and hiding spot. Then the hider and the seeker race back to the can. If the seeker arrives first, the hider is in jail. If the hider gets there first, they must kick the can. There are many variations of Kick the Can. One of the most common has the seeker running to tag players out after calling out their name and location. Hiders should still try to kick the can. Reset the game when the can is kicked. After the can is kicked, the hider runs to find a new hiding place while the seeker gets the can and places it back where it was. All jailed players are freed when a hider kicks the can. Since a hider kicking the can releases jailed players, the seeker should be strategic in guarding the can. Try to keep an eye on it to prevent hiders from sneaking up on it. Depending on your house rules, sometimes the seeker only needs to set up the can again before searching, other times the seeker counts again before the game continues. Play until only one hider remains. The last hider is winner. You might want to set an overall time limit for each round of the game so that the seeker doesn't have to search for too long. Set a 15 or 30 minute timer or use an alarm on your phone. Some versions of the game go until the seeker catches all hiders. In this case, the seeker is considered the winner. Add more seekers to your game. This can be especially fun if you are playing with a large group of people. However, you might want to make a rule that seekers can't wait around the jail or babysit the can. The number of seekers you add depends on your preference. Even with fewer than 20 players, 2 seekers can balance the game. This way, seekers can split between offense (seeking) and defense (protecting the can). If you choose to add seekers to the game, you might also want to increase the number of cans for each additional seeker. For example, a 2 seeker game might have 2 cans. Have seekers tag players. This can add a thrilling pursuit aspect to this game. Instead of having seekers beat hiders to the can, have them tag hiders instead. Tagged players should go, as per usual, to jail. Play in the dark with flashlights. Playing in the dark can be dangerous, so you should make sure your parent or guardian knows and is OK with you doing this beforehand. This version of the game uses no can, as it would be difficult to locate a kicked can in the dark. Instead: Equip seekers with flashlights. Tag people out by shining the light on them and calling their name. Release people from jail by having hiders tag jailed players. Choose a jail in a well lit location, like a porch, so seekers can see potential jailbreaks. Contest the can. This variation requires you to split players into two teams. In the middle of a hardtop area, place your can. Draw a large circle around it with a piece of chalk. Have teams stand an equal distance from the can on opposite sides. Then: Flip a coin to determine which team goes first. Take turns rolling a soft ball at the can to knock it over. Each team should have a ball. The first team to knock over the can must run to it and set it up again with only their feet. Only one active player can be in the circle at a time. The opposing team can freeze players trying to set up the can by hitting them with their ball. The game continues until the can is set up or all the players on one team are frozen. | Gather together players. Find a soda can or bottle. Determine the boundaries of your game. Designate a jail area. Pick the seeker and agree on a count time. Set up the can. Hide while the seeker counts. Go to jail when caught by the seeker. Reset the game when the can is kicked. Play until only one hider remains. Add more seekers to your game. Have seekers tag players. Play in the dark with flashlights. Contest the can. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draft-a-Thesis-Proposal | How to Draft a Thesis Proposal | When you draft your thesis proposal, you'll want to define your topic and outline your proposed research. Start with a working title, which is a short statement about your thesis. It should briefly state what your research topic is and how you plan to conduct your research. Then, you can begin outlining your proposal. Begin with an introduction that discusses the significance of the problem you're addressing with your thesis and what it will contribute to the field. You'll also want to state your research objectives and the questions you plan to address. Another aspect of your proposal is your literature review, which should summarize the important information you found in your sources and analyze how it impacts the work you plan to do. Next, discuss your theoretical approach and the methodologies you plan to use to conduct your research. Include a timeline that outlines how long each part of your proposal will take you to complete. While your abstract will typically come at the start of your proposal, you may want to write it last since you'll have a clearer sense of the project you're summarizing. | Choose your topic. You might begin with a vague idea of what you want to research. You will need to define a topic that has interest in your field, can fill a gap in knowledge, and has a manageable scope. The topic should interest you and be something you are capable of researching and writing about. For example, you can start with the general idea that you want to write about how children are portrayed in 19th century Russian literature and your favorite authors are Turgenev and Tolstoy. Discuss your initial ideas with your thesis supervisor. Before you begin writing your proposal, discuss your ideas with your supervisor. They can help you understand the complexities of your topic and suggest how you can best approach it. Having guided input will help you to write a better proposal. Create a working title. A working title is a short statement about your thesis. It can very briefly state what your research topic is and how you will conduct your research. This can help you narrow your topic and be better prepared to discuss it with your professor and committee. Your working title should be longer and more descriptive than your final title. For example, your working title could be “Tracing the Portrayal of Children in 19th Century Russian Literature in the Works of Turgenev and Tolstoy.” Review the current literature. A literature review will provide you with information about what has already been published on your topic and help you identify gaps in earlier research. This can help you figure out where more research is needed. It can also show you how your thesis will fit into work already conducted in your field. Use the literature review to synthesize information about previous work done on your topic or topics related to yours. Find the strengths and weaknesses in earlier studies that can be improved by your thesis. Reviewing previous literature will help you figure out the potential significance of your thesis. For example, you will want to start by looking for other works on Turgenev and Tolstoy as well as works that discuss the portrayal of children in 19th century Russian literature. Choose what the main sections of your proposal will address. Knowing how a proposal is structured and what it should contain will help you outline yours. Find out if there are obligatory sections required for a proposal in your field. Your supervisor or committee might also ask you to include specific sections in your proposal. Generally, a thesis proposal has an introduction, an abstract, a literature review, a discussion about methodology and theory, a timeline, and a bibliography. Depending on your field, you may also present preliminary data and include appendices. Create subtopics for each main section. Break down each main section into more specific subtopics. Include as many details as you can. This level of detail will make it easier to plug in information while you are writing the proposal. You do not need to know everything at this point. This is just to get you started. For example, subtopics in the methodology section can include: Specific novels or stories you will focus on. Why you believe Turgenev and Tolstoy should be examined together. How you will approach different genres. How you will treat different stages of each author's career. Add other information you will need in your final proposal. Your final proposal will require a bibliography, so put endnotes in your outline. You will also need to submit a timeline. Prepare for this by including notes on the outline about how and when you will accomplish each section. This level of detail will save you time when writing the proposal. You can also come up with a preliminary list of chapters. Provide an introduction. Start with an introduction to your work. Discuss the significance of the problem you will address in your thesis and what it will contribute to the field. In your introduction, also state your research objectives and the questions you plan to address. For example, your introduction might start like: “Turgenev and Tolstoy wrote about memorable children, women, and peasants. While there are many studies about portrayals of women and peasants in their novels, there is much less scholarship about how children are depicted. This thesis will address children in these authors' works.” Present your literature review. Write out the information you learned during your initial review. First, summarize the important information you found in your sources. Next, present an analysis of that information and how it impacts the work you intend to do in your thesis. Discuss any works you will use in your research. For example, you could say something like: “Eikhenbaum and Berlin's standard studies of Tolstoy will provide background information to this study. Neither of these works addresses any children who appear in Tolstoy's novels.” Describe your theoretical approach and methodology. Discuss your theoretical approach and the methodologies you will use to conduct your research. This can be one or two sections of the proposal. Talk about any initial data you have collected and your early ideas about the implications of your findings. Address any possible concerns the committee might have with your methods and explain why you chose those methods. This is where you should include information about working with human subjects or other data collection that might require additional permissions. Information and discussion about initial data can be a separate section. Include your timeline. Your proposal should clearly spell out the timeline you outlined. Indicate how much time you will need for each stage of the proposal. A good timeline can help demonstrate the feasibility of your research to your committee. Provide dates wherever possible. Write an abstract. The abstract for your proposal will be a coherent summary of the entire proposal. A good abstract can be read as a stand-alone document. Structure the abstract based on your research questions, and address information about each question in that section of the abstract. Write your abstract last when you can best summarize your thesis. | Choose your topic. Discuss your initial ideas with your thesis supervisor. Create a working title. Review the current literature. Choose what the main sections of your proposal will address. Create subtopics for each main section. Add other information you will need in your final proposal. Provide an introduction. Present your literature review. Describe your theoretical approach and methodology. Include your timeline. Write an abstract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Consecrate-Yourself | How to Consecrate Yourself | If you want to consecrate yourself to God, make a conscious, willing, voluntary decision to dedicate your heart to Him. You should view your commitment to Christ as a priority and feel gratitude and love in your heart for God, so make sure you take a second to ask yourself if you're truly dedicated or simply giving into outward pressures. Once you're certain that you want to consecrate yourself, repent to God by acknowledging your sins and the need for the salvation offered by Christ. Then, either get baptized or renew your baptismal promises to mark the start of your new spiritual life. From here, draw closer to God by praying regularly, attending weekly worship, and studying the scriptures. | Define "consecration. " In a general sense, the term “consecration” refers to the act of dedicating oneself to a specific purpose or intention. To “consecrate” yourself essentially means to wholly dedicate yourself to something of greatest important. When spoken plainly, however, "consecration" refers to the act of setting yourself aside and dedicating yourself to a deity, and that deity almost always refers to the God of Christianity. The term can also be used to refer to ordination into a sacred office. For most believers, however, it only refers to a basic, personal act of dedication. To “consecrate” something, one makes that thing holy or sacred. In that sense, the act of consecration can also be defined as the act of being made sacred. Consider its spiritual roots. As a religious practice, consecration dates as far back as the Old Testament. There are discussions about consecration in both halves of the Bible, in fact, and the practice is also frequently referred to by the Christian community of today. One of the earliest biblical references to the act of consecration can be found in Joshua 3:5. After wandering through the wilderness for 40 years, the people of Israel were commanded to consecrate themselves before entering the Promised Land. As this command was issued and followed, they were also assured that God would do great things and fulfill the promises He made to them. The act of consecration is also referred to in the New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, God instructs his followers to "touch no unclean thing" and promises to receive them in response. Similarly, in Romans 12:1-2, Paul describes the necessity of viewing the body as a living sacrifice to God, set aside wholly for the worship of God and no longer for the ways of the world. Understand God's role in consecration. God calls humanity to be consecrated to Him. The ability to consecrate yourself is only made possible by God, and the calling to do so comes directly from God. All holiness comes from God, and any holiness demonstrated by a human being is transferred to that person from God. Only God has the power to transform a human into something sacred, so in a sense, God is consecrating you—making you holy—once you decide to consecrate yourself. As the Creator, God wants each person to live in God's image and likeness. As such, God wants to dedicate each person to a sacred or consecrated life. Dedicate your heart to God. To consecrate yourself is to answer God's call to spiritual consecration. This means making a conscious, willing decision to dedicate your soul, mind, heart, and body to God. This decision must be one of will, intelligence, and affection. Only you can make the decision to consecrate yourself to God. No one else can push you into it. Reflect on your motives. Since consecration is something that must be done voluntarily, you need to ask yourself if you are truly dedicated or if you are caving into outward pressures. Only you and God know your heart, so don't worry about whether you appear to have the right motives. You should view your commitment to Christ as a priority, not a secondary option or passive experience. You should also be able to feel gratitude and love in your heart for God. If your heart is ready to be consecrated to God, it will love God in response to the love God has for you. Repent. Repentance is one of the first acts you should undertake when you make the decision to consecrate yourself to God. The act of repenting involves the acknowledgment of your sins and the need for the salvation offered to you by Christ. Repentance is a personal experience, and it's also a fairly straightforward one. Upon gaining the desire to repent, all you need to do is pray for forgiveness and ask God to help you fight against temptation in the future. Be baptized. Water baptism is an outward sign of inner consecration. In being baptized, you are given a new spiritual life and dedicated to a life lived for the service of Christ. You should also take time to regularly renew your baptismal promises, especially if you were baptized as an infant before the decision was completely yours to make. Renewal of your baptismal promises can happen in several ways. Some denominations, like Roman Catholicism, have the Sacrament of Confirmation, in which you confirm your own intention to remain consecrated to God. Without a separate sacrament, you can still renew your baptismal promises by reciting a creed of faith or by regularly praying a personal vow to God about your desire and intention to remain consecrated. Separate yourself from the evils of the world. The physical body will always be drawn to the ways of the world, but consecrating yourself means prioritizing the spiritual life over the physical one. There are plenty of things in the physical world that are good. For instance, on a basic level, food is good because it provides the human body with the nourishment it needs to survive. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the food you eat, either. As a fallen world, though, even good things can be hijacked and used for ill purposes. Using food as an example, you can ruin your body by eating too much food, especially if you eat the wrong foods. Rejecting the evils of the world does not mean that you have to reject the good things of the world. It only means that you have to reject the bad side of worldly things. It also means that you have to accept that worldly things are significantly less important than spiritual things. On a practical level, this means rejecting things the world promotes when your faith tells you that those things are wicked. It also means following God's will for your life even when it seems to conflict with something neutral the world holds as a major priority—financial security, romantic love, etc. These “neutral” things can be good when used to serve God, but they are not to be prioritized over service to God. Draw closer to God. Rejecting the wicked ways of the world will not be enough to truly transform you. The human spirit always needs to "drink" from some source. If you do not drink from a worldly source, you must drink from a divine source. Just as the body hungers for the ways of the world, the spirit thirsts of the ways of God. The more you train yourself to cave into the desire of your spirit, the easier it will become to continually turn to God. There are practical things you can do to draw closer to God. Regular prayer is one of the most important. Weekly worship at a church and study of the Scriptures are two other common and highly effective practices. Any activity that allows you to keep God as the focus of your life and encourages you to approach God can be used as a tool for that purpose. Stay committed. Consecration is not a single, one-time-only decision. It is a way of living. When you make the decision to consecrate yourself, you must be prepared to continue pursuing God for the rest of your life. Even though you can only draw near to God after consecrating yourself, your consecration will never be "complete." You will never achieve perfect righteousness. God does not demand complete perfection, though. You are only asked to make the commitment and to actively pursue it. You can stumble as you walk the path, but you must choose to keep walking even when you do. | Define "consecration. Consider its spiritual roots. Understand God's role in consecration. Dedicate your heart to God. Reflect on your motives. Repent. Be baptized. Separate yourself from the evils of the world. Draw closer to God. Stay committed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-For-a-Long-Distance-Run | How to Prepare For a Long Distance Run | If you're planning a long distance run, you'll want to prepare properly to help you perform at your best. As a new runner, you'll need to start preparing 3 to 6 months before a half marathon and 6 to 12 months before a full marathon. Aim to train 3 or 4 days a week so you have days for your body to recover. On training days, practice going for long runs at a pace you can comfortably maintain to help build your endurance. You should also do some speedwork by alternating between sprinting and jogging at a comfortable pace, which will help you get faster. To help you stay motivated, find friends you can run with or join a local runner's group. | Identify your goal. If you aren't doing cross-country as a school or college sport, you have the freedom to decide exactly how long you want your long-distance run to be. Long distance runs span a range from a 3K (three kilometers, or under 2 miles) all the way up to a marathon (over 40 kilometers, or 26 miles) or an ultra-marathon (over 60 kilometers). Think about your previous athletic experience and how hard you want to push yourself. If you're amping up from a sedentary lifestyle, talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. You can work together to develop a plan that takes your strengths and weaknesses into account. You will want to consider your body's limitations, including asthma or injuries, in your decision. Also take the availability of safe places to run near you into account. Figure out a training plan. You probably don't want to wait, but it's important to give your body time to adjust to long-distance running. Depending on your fitness level, it takes a new runner about 3 to 6 months to prepare for a half marathon and about 6 to 12 months to prepare for a marathon. You're going to be building up to the race, so there's no need to strain yourself right off the bat. If you're running a very long race, like a half or full marathon, make use of a professionally developed training plan. There are plenty available on the Internet, or you can reach out to a local running or athletic store for resources. There's no need to run every day. It's actually best not to. Shoot for three or four days a week, with one of those days perhaps being an extra-long weekend run. Be aware that you won't necessarily run the full distance before the race. The only time marathon runners actually run marathons is on race day! Run slow. This is counterintuitive but essential. You can't sustain a sprint for ten miles, so don't try. Pace yourself--you can always build up speed later in your training. The most important thing right now is learning to cover a lot of ground. Take smaller steps. The number of steps you take per minute is called your cadence. Professional runners actually run with shorter steps than an average person--they just make those steps faster. Maintaining a shorter stride will also help protect you from strain and injury. A cadence of 180 is ideal. To figure out what it's like to perform this way, run on a treadmill and watch a clock with a second hand. Time your steps so that you're taking three steps every second. Shake up your routine with speed work. Running at exactly the same pace for ten miles can get a little monotonous. Once you've started to feel comfortable running long distance, mark off set periods of speedwork: increase your pace to a near-sprint for a half-mile, then recover for a mile at your normal jogging pace. Finish strong. If you're comfortable running for a long time, and you've gotten the hang of speedwork, you can start to familiarize yourself with the fast finish. Ramp up the pace for the last few miles of your run to train your body to power through the last bits of a long race. Do not do a fast finish every time you go for a run. Save it for special occasions! It's best once a week at most. Find a runner’s group. If you want to get feedback, motivation, and potential new friends, locate a runner's group near you. They're all over the place and they exist for all different levels and events. Try Googling your area's running groups, or ask for a referral at a running supply store. Running groups can help you by getting you motivated to leave the house. If you have a scheduled time to run, it's easier to honor it. Another advantage of a running group is that it keeps you from getting bored while you run, if you're social. Furthermore, a little friendly competition before the race never hurt anyone. Stretch. You don't need to twist yourself up like a pretzel, but a few gentle stretches can go a long way toward protecting you from injury. Make sure you stretch your arms as well as your legs, because it is possible to get a shoulder cramp. Stretch before and after every run, and after you wake up for bonus points. Be sure that you are warmed up before you stretch. It is important for your muscles to be warm when you stretch. To stretch your hamstrings, do the figure-4. Sit on the ground with one leg extended in front of you, and the other bent so that its knee touches the floor and its foot touches the other leg's knee. Reach toward your extended foot, and hold. To stretch your quads, stand on one leg and grab the ankle of your other leg. Gently pull it back. If you have trouble balancing here, tighten your abs. To stretch your shoulders, move one arm so that your hand is between your shoulder blades and your elbow is pointing up. Grab the elbow with your opposite hand and pull carefully. Take walk breaks if you need them. It's good to keep a consistent pace, but stopping your running to walk every now and then is actually good for your muscles and breath. Plus, if you're doing a long run or race, you'll need to stop running to rehydrate anyway. Stay hydrated. This doesn't only help you run longer without losing your breath, but it also helps reduce the chance of getting cramps. 8 glasses (64 ounces, or about 2 liters) a day is the gold standard, but everybody is different—experiment until you find an amount of water that feels right for your body without weighing it down. It's possible to overdo it with hydration; excess water might make you feel bloated or weighted down. Listen to your thirst cues, and don't keep chugging water if you feel like there's no room in your stomach for it. Carb up. A couple hours before you run, fuel yourself correctly! Carbohydrates are the preferred fuel for long-distance runners, and the right ones burn slowly and consistently to give you plenty of energy. You can throw a little fat into your pre-running meal as well (like olive oil or peanut butter), but save heavy-protein foods like steak or tofu for later. The best carbohydrates are the so-called “complex” ones, which give you excellent energy without a crash. Focus on whole grains like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and brown rice; root vegetables like sweet potatoes; and pulses like beans, peas, and lentils. Avoid simple carbohydrates, like heavily sugared cereals and doughnuts. Embrace good habits. A long-distance run asks a lot of your body. Therefore, you'll want to treat your body right, so it performs for you. This means emphasizing the things you already do to keep it in good shape, and eliminating any habits that might be holding you back. Do not smoke! It shortens your breath and constricts your blood vessels. Drink in moderation (if at all). Alcohol dehydrates you, and too much of it can keep your body from absorbing protein from food. This means you'll have to work even harder to build muscle. Get some sleep. Sleep helps your body refresh and regenerate, and sharpens your mind, too. Everybody is different—shoot for 8 hours of sleep, and adjust if that feels like too much or too little. Don’t push too hard before the race. You may want to double-check that you can finish a run as long as the event that you've prepped for. Resist the urge! It's important to go easy on yourself so you've got the maximum amount of energy for the run. If you feel like you're going to go wild without some physical activity, you can always do yoga, stretch, or dance. Remember to sleep, too. Eat extra carbs. If you live in a town that annually holds a big race, you might have noticed that the night before, the town often holds a giant pasta dinner in town hall or a public park. The carbohydrate consuming that you did during your training should reach a frenzy right before the race. Lean into it--food is fuel, and pasta is delicious. If you have a running group or squad, have a pasta potluck and wish each other luck the night before. Wake up and move around. Start off on the day of the big race by waking up with extra time. Do a few dynamic stretches or jumping jacks, or anything to get your blood pumping, Make sure you don't push yourself too hard, though. Save your energy for the race. Eat a good breakfast. Fiber and hydration are important now more than ever. If you're not usually a breakfast person, it's still important to eat something. A healthy breakfast of complex carbohydrates and a little protein and fat, paired with a big glass of water, can really help you run faster. Some great breakfast ideas include oatmeal with peanut butter; a banana with a handful of nuts; and toast, dates, and protein spread. Avoid sugary foods such as donuts or muffins for breakfast, as they won't give you any energy or stamina for your run. Hydrate to dominate. A big glass of water (around 16 ounces) is a good idea in the hour leading up to the race; dehydration is real, and drinking a moderate amount of water will help you avoid it. Plan to supplement this with water stops along the route, but don't overdo it. If you drink too much water during the race, it'll end up slowing you down. Check if there will be hydration stations available during the race. If not, you can run with a small water bottle. Warm up and psych down. There's a performance aspect to running a race, and it's possible to get a little nervous in the hours leading up to it. This is one case in which you don't want to meditate or nap if you're anxious. After all, if you get too relaxed, you won't run as well. So shoot for a physically and mentally calm, but alert, state. Deep breathing and gentle stretching can help prepare both your body and mind. Try tensing your already-tense muscles, then relaxing them. It may seem simple, but smiling helps transform your outlook and relax your body. Try it! Do your best. You've been training for weeks or months, and you're all ready to begin your long-distance run. No matter what happens, be proud of yourself! You set a goal and sweated a lot as you worked toward it. Hopefully, your first race is so fun that you decide to stick with long-distance running. | Identify your goal. Figure out a training plan. Run slow. Take smaller steps. Shake up your routine with speed work. Finish strong. Find a runner’s group. Stretch. Take walk breaks if you need them. Stay hydrated. Carb up. Embrace good habits. Don’t push too hard before the race. Eat extra carbs. Wake up and move around. Eat a good breakfast. Hydrate to dominate. Warm up and psych down. Do your best. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Naturally-Curly-or-Wavy-Thick-Hair | How to Care for Naturally Curly or Wavy Thick Hair | To care for naturally curly or wavy, thick hair, start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo every 2-3 days to avoid stripping your scalp of its natural oils. On the days you don't wash your hair, dampen your hair and massage a leave-in conditioner into your roots. Then, comb through your strands with a wide-tooth comb to keep them free of knots. Additionally, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, since heat can damage thick or curly hair. | Wash your hair every two to three days. Get your hair wet any more often, and you'll strip your scalp of natural oils. Pick two or three days a week to wash your hair in the shower. On days you do not wash your hair, get your hair slightly damp and massage leave-in conditioner into your roots. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate detergents are usually harsh on curly hair. Accumulated sulfate residue on the scalp can cause dryness and irritation. When shampooing your hair, go for natural alternatives (like coconut or olive oil-based products). Sulfate-based shampoo usually lathers more than sulfate-free alternatives. Use less shampoo than you think you'll need when using sulfate-free alternatives. Sulfate-free shampoos will reduce frizz more than shampoos that contain sulfates. Part your hair into sections to wash it thoroughly. It's easy to wash thick, curly hair unevenly. Separate your hair into 4-6 sections. Twist or pin up your hair to separate it. Remove one twist at a time and wash it thoroughly. Pin it back up as you finish, and move onto the next section until you're finished. Washing your hair in sections takes a longer time, but your hair will tangle less and you'll reach a greater area. Co-wash your hair once per week. Co-washing is a technique made especially for curly or wavy hair. Reduce how often you use shampoo, and use solely conditioner to hydrate your hair. Laying off shampoo every so often can make wavy hair smoother, softer, and less prone to frizziness. Dry hair especially benefits from co-washing because your hair maintains more natural oils. Don't cut out shampoo completely. Alternate between co-washing and using shampoo to keep your hair from getting greasy. Remember that conditioner cannot clean your hair like shampoo can. Deep condition your hair at least twice a month. Curly hair tends to be naturally dryer, and it needs lots of hydration to remain healthy and lush. Once every two weeks, wash your hair with a deep conditioning product and leave it in for between 10-30 minutes before washing it out. Replace one of hair washes for the week with a deep conditioning session. Comb your hair while it's still wet. If you wait until thick hair is dry, you're more likely to deal with tangles. Bring a comb with you in the shower, and smooth out your curls while the conditioner's still in. You can re-comb your hair after the shower or while styling your hair, but this initial combing can keep your hair knot-free. Use a detangling tool to comb. A wide-toothed comb, for example, can preserve your waves and prevent split ends. You can also use your fingers as a makeshift comb to work through tangles in the shower. Avoid using brushes of any kind, as they add too much volume and contribute to frizzy hair. Air dry your hair, or blow dry it with a diffuser. Heat can damage thick or curly hair. Use a towel or soft t-shirt to dry off your hair. If you need to dry your hair quickly, turn your blow dryer to a cool setting and attach a hair diffuser. Diffusers distribute the dryer heat evenly and disturb your curl pattern less. Avoid using straighteners or curling irons. Regularly using thermal tools on curly hair can lead to damage and split ends. Wean yourself off of hot tools and look for natural alternatives, like using hair bands or rollers. If you must use thermal tools, invest in high-quality products and apply a heat protection product before you style. Moisturize your hair when frizzy. Frizziness is often caused by heat and humidity, which causes proteins in your hair to dry out. Moisturizers like coconut oil or frizz creams can restore your curls to their natural pattern. Choose natural oils above synthetic alternatives: natural products absorb into your hair, but synthetics sit on top. Apply the amount of product suggested on the package. Product buildup can lead to dryness and even hair breakage. Avoid over-saturating your hair with too much moisturizer or hair butter. Read the product directions and only apply the directed amount. On days where you use multiple products, wash your hair in the evening. Trim your hair monthly or every two months for healthy hair. Thick hair often suffers from split ends, which can make full hair go limp. Every 6-8 weeks (or when your hair seems stringy), visit your stylist for a quick trim. Cutting wavy, thick hair can be difficult, so unless you are a professional, visit a stylist familiar with curly hair. Trims are important to reduce split ends. If you do not get your hair trimmed, the split end may eventually cause your hair strand to break off. Ask your stylist to take the bulk out of your hair. Thick hair, especially when paired with curls, can easily weigh down your head. Instead of asking your stylist to remove one or two inches (2-5 cm), ask them to remove extra weight. Tell your stylist that you want a looser and flowing feel if your hair constantly feels unmanageable. Choose a layered hairstyle. Styles with long layers are great for giving thick hair a natural look and removing some heaviness. Also, tastefully added layers can enhance natural curls or waves. Ask your stylist if they can add texture in the back as they thin your hair. Shy away from bangs. Short, curly bangs can look uneven or outdated. Unless you're set on bangs, avoid asking your stylist to cut you any. Ask your stylist for a cut that frames your face instead, for a similar and more flattering look. Go shorter for more manageable hair. Long, curly hair can sometimes defy taming attempts. If you can't find a way to manage your mane, ask your stylist for a shorter style. Cropped hair can keep volume in check, especially styles that are longer in the front than the back. | Wash your hair every two to three days. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Part your hair into sections to wash it thoroughly. Co-wash your hair once per week. Deep condition your hair at least twice a month. Comb your hair while it's still wet. Use a detangling tool to comb. Air dry your hair, or blow dry it with a diffuser. Avoid using straighteners or curling irons. Moisturize your hair when frizzy. Apply the amount of product suggested on the package. Trim your hair monthly or every two months for healthy hair. Ask your stylist to take the bulk out of your hair. Choose a layered hairstyle. Shy away from bangs. Go shorter for more manageable hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Random | How to Be Random | To speak or act randomly with your friends, use non sequiturs, which are illogical statements that don't seem to follow any pattern or meaning. You can also use very specific, obscure facts and details in everyday conversations, like telling people your favorite color is dioxazine violet. In order to act randomly, get a few wild accessories to add to an otherwise normal outfit, like putting on jeans, a t-shirt, and a gorilla mask. Another random act is to change plans midstream, so in the middle of shopping for new clothes, drop everything and go to the zoo. Or form some unusual obsessions, like learning everything you possibly can about labradoodles. | Use non sequiturs. Non sequitur is Latin for "does not follow" and describes a speaker's failure to construct an argument in a logical manner. This phrase has been used since the time of the Caesars. Today, the word "random" is used in basically this way, referring to the use of non sequitur for comedy. The word "random" really refers to a process or a decision made without a conscious or systematic choice. True randomness is unplanned, making it somewhat difficult to provide a concrete strategy for "being random." Strictly speaking, a person is not random. A phrase or an action can seem spontaneous or unexpected, but one person is not more or less "random" than another. You can, however, learn to be wacky and spontaneous in the way that people mean when they say "random." Be oddly specific with what you are saying. It will sound more random, or like you've got some kind of head injury. For example, instead of saying, "A few years ago," be more specific and say, "A few years after the year before ten years ago, I was speaking to the brother of my sister's father (uncle)." Take your figures of speech to extremes. Learn very specific facts and recite them regularly. Start thinking of the most obscure, inane, and spectacularly random details under the sun and committing them to memory. The more you've got rattling around in your noggin', the more random you'll be able to be. Don't use regular colors, like "blue," use "eggshell," or "dioxazine violet." Look through Liquitex paint names for ideas; a favorite of theirs is "hookers green" in your writing and your speech. And yes, those are real colors. The next time someone asks you to pick a number between one and ten, answer with something like "pi", "e", or "the square root of seven." Avoid "wandom" words. "Wandom" means "wannabe random," and it can be extremely heartbreaking that someone would feel the need to invent this term. This is usually formerly random material that has been overused and is just not random anymore. Strictly speaking, anything that you've used for joke purposes before can only be "random" once. Wandom words include pickle, chicken, monkey, dino, penguin, purple, pie, squirrel, moo, pizza, mayonnaise, pudding, pants, rawr, socks, pony, llama, unicorn, taco (or burrito), cheese, and nose. Of course, the randomness is fairly culturally specific to North American school culture, so feel free to ignore this step. Use random words as you see them. Speak about yourself in the third person. Third person means replacing "I" with your full name. This is common to the ego-obsessed and many professional wrestlers. If you want to take it even further, when you're speaking about the group you're in by using random alternative group concepts. Instead of saying "we," say "our company," "our army," "the movement," or "the squad." Keep switching between normal speaking and these methods, and also constantly changing the replacements themselves for maximum efficiency. Make random noises. Things like "mwargh" or "oooooohh" or even "bwah" and "digee" will work divinely. You could also laugh. A lot and randomly. People will know you for it. Sometimes, you can be the person who laughs and makes everyone else join in! Don't try for this, though. You have to kind of be in your own world first. Use weird voices. Try putting on a new accent, or speaking in an abnormally high, low, or loud voice. You can experiment a lot with this. Try seeing how far you can push your voice! Dress in unusual clothing combinations. Put on a very normal outfit, like jeans and T-shirt, but add something ridiculous. Like a big gorilla mask. Of course, you could also go with strange clothing all the way. You might want to invest in things like suspenders, top hats, parasols, glitter vests, canes, ribbons, army boots, hippie or (real) vintage things, neon things, glowsticks, or rainbow suspenders. The trick is to have basic staples: plain T-shirts in varying colors and a couple pairs of blue jeans, maybe in gray, paired with freaky accessories. Form unusual obsessions. Pick a certain state, food, person, or animal. Make them very public and insane. Maybe you could be obsessed with the Hindenberg disaster, labradoodles, or the actor Charles Nelson Riley. Learn as much as possible about unusual and specific historical trivia and bring it up more or less at random. Pick something you're genuinely interested to make it worth your while. Make plans and change them mid-way. Just because you're buying a new coat doesn't mean you can't go to the zoo on the way there. Plans should be broken if you think of a more exciting plan. Always let spontaneity trump whatever it is you thought was more important. Listen. Secret to random success? Listening closely to the conversation and responding with something that'll come across as off-the-wall at an appropriate moment. It's not appropriate to interject a "random" gag when your girlfriend is trying to tell you about how she feels, or when your parents are scolding you about not cleaning your room. Listen to what other people say to find a good in. Then jump. Good times for a "random" joke? When a conversation dies. You're in a group and everyone's being boring, talking about the same old, same old? Tell them all about Star Trek: The Next Generation, a show that ended like decades ago. Add a title to your name. Why be your regular old self? Only refer to yourself as "Lord Steven" or "Captain Theresa." Better yet, invent your own. If you use an adjective, make sure it doesn't usually apply to people in normal circumstances. If You use a noun, make it an uncommon one, or one in another language. Examples include John Doe the inhospitable, Dr. Doe, John Doe of Topeka, and John el Fuego. Study the masters. So-called random humor isn't the invention of the 13 year olds at your school, despite what they'll have you believe. If you want to brush up on wacky, off-the-wall, "random" styles of humor, explore the following unusual sources to get your fix: Ultimate Warrior's pro wrestling promos. Monty Python's Flying Circus Family Guy Zach Galifianakis' stand-up routine Dada Julius Caesar Try to lose your inhibitions. Many people think of very random things through the day, but never act on them because they're too afraid of being embarrassed or seen as weird. Want to run at pigeons in the middle of a conversation? Suddenly feel like running doing a slope screaming "Wheeee!"? Get the urge to pick roadside daffodils and walk off with a bouquet of them while you're going somewhere? Surrender to your whims. Break free of conventional rules. Finishing your sentences clearly? Holding the same opinion from hour to hour? What for? If you decide you want to buy rubber ducks whilst talking about something important — don't be afraid to end the conversation and do it! Decorum means nothing to the total random. If you're at a college library and suddenly, you just want to find Waldo, go to the desk and ask for Where's Waldo. They probably won't have it, but hey, at least you tried. | Use non sequiturs. Be oddly specific with what you are saying. Learn very specific facts and recite them regularly. Avoid "wandom" words. Speak about yourself in the third person. Make random noises. Use weird voices. Dress in unusual clothing combinations. Form unusual obsessions. Make plans and change them mid-way. Listen. Add a title to your name. Study the masters. Try to lose your inhibitions. Break free of conventional rules. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Cell-Phone-Numbers | How to Get Cell Phone Numbers | To get cell phone numbers, try searching Facebook or LinkedIn if you know the person you're trying to contact. You can also search Google for phone numbers attached to websites like social media accounts, school newspapers, and local organizations. If you're still struggling, you might consider paying for an online service, like Intellius, to search for a number by name or address, but bear in mind that these networks might not be up to date. | Visit the National Cellular Directory. The National Cellular Directory is an organization which functions much like a land line phone company, keeping a database of individual cell phone numbers. However, it is an "opt-in" service, and to find a person there, that person must have voluntarily registered. Pay for a service. People search organizations such as Intellius will quickly find just about anybody. A simple name/address/phone number search can be very inexpensive—in some cases, under a dollar. If you do a lot of searches, though, you would probably want to consider a more robust plan. Most online searches will "find" a person for free. But to get any more information than that will have a significant cost. These organizations do not always operate with information that is up-to-date. For example, while they may be able to find the cell phone number of a particular person, that cell phone number may have been discontinued several months previously. Use caution when considering these organizations to ensure you are working with a legitimate company. Experience has also shown that those sites have incorrect ages or locations, even going so far as to offer to sell you the phone numbers of people who are long deceased. Go to Google. While virtually all the name search sites will charge you to view a phone number, there is a plethora of information out there on all of us, and our phone numbers may be attached to a number of things. School newspapers, social media sites, local organizations we may have joined, etc. Use Facebook or LinkedIn. Many times, people will make their phone numbers available to the general public. If you know the person and are trying to reconnect, friend them on Facebook, or make them a connection on LinkedIn. When the Internet fails, use "Sneakernet," the informal description for doing actual legwork! Use word of mouth to get cell phone numbers. For example, if you need to find Dave, but don't know his phone number, ask mutual friends if they will get a message to Dave and say that you'd like to contact him. If they don't know where Dave is, either, broaden the search to check with coworkers and family. Be sure to be honest with these contacts regarding your reason behind obtaining the number to ensure the best results for all parties involved. | Visit the National Cellular Directory. Pay for a service. Go to Google. Use Facebook or LinkedIn. When the Internet fails, use "Sneakernet," the informal description for doing actual legwork! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Old-Car-Wax | How to Remove Old Car Wax | To remove old car wax, you'll need to purchase a pre-wax cleaner to break the wax down. If you're using a spray-on pre-wax cleaner, start by washing and drying the car, then spray the wax remover directly onto the surface of the car. However, avoid getting the cleaner on any plastic or rubber trim, as it could become discolored. Use a soft terry cloth to wipe the wax remover off of the paint using side to side and top to bottom motions. Apply a second coating if the first didn't remove all of the wax. | Start with a freshly washed and dried car. Remove any surface dirt from the car's exterior by washing it using a non-drying soap and water. Dry it clean with soft cotton towels or by allowing it to air dry. By removing as much dirt from the surface as possible, you allow the chemicals in the pre-wax cleaner to get directly to the layer of wax instead of having to contend with layers of grime and gunk first. Choose the right pre-wax cleaner. Liquid pre-wax cleaners can be divided into two categories: spray on wax removers and non-abrasive polishes. Strictly speaking, a spray on wax remover is a more legitimate pre-wax cleaner. Spray on wax removers strip the wax off a car but do not do much else. They do not clean deep and do not remove contaminants that lurk below the surface. However, because they do not cleanse deeply, they make a good choice for someone who likes to frequently strip old wax and apply new wax. Non-abrasive polishes cleanse a little more deeply. They are used for less frequent strippings and clean dirt that settles beneath the surface of the paint. Their primary purpose is not to remove wax, but that is a secondary effect. Spray the wax remover directly on the surface of the car. Apply the cleaner liberally, but make sure that you only get it on the paint of the car and not the plastic or rubber trim. If allowed to soak into plastic or rubber, wax removers have the tendency to discolor. Wipe the surface clean. Use a soft terry cloth to wipe the wax remover along the paint using side to side and top to bottom motions. Spread the wax remover using long, even strokes. Reapply as necessary. If your first application of wax remover did not remove all the wax, you may apply another coating. Avoid repeating this too often, however, since too many applications on unprotected paint can gradually start to damage the point. Apply all-purpose cleaner to the rag to clean the trim. Since plastic and rubber can become discolored when you use wax removers, a milder all-purpose car exterior cleanser is a better option. Apply the cleaner directly onto a clean terry cloth rag. Gently rub the surface of the trim. Apply light, even pressure along the trim to remove as much of the old wax as possible. Wash and dry your car before using the clay bar. It is best to remove surface dirt from the paint before using the clay bar. The amount of dirt particles being picked up by the bar will be reduced, thereby allowing the bar to pick up more of the wax. Work with a small area at a time. You should use the clay bar on an area that is no bigger than 2x2 feet (61x61 centimeters). This way, you can focus on each area more thoroughly, leading to more even removal. Spray clay lubricant directly on the surface. Some clay bars come with clay lubricant, but sometimes, you may need to purchase it separately. A clay lubricant creates a smooth surface for the clay bar to pass over, making it easier for the clay to glide along the surface of the car without leaving pieces behind. The lubricant should be misted onto the paint evenly. Slide the clay bar along the moistened area. Wipe from side to side or top to bottom, but apply a gentle pressure either way, allowing the clay to do the majority of the work. You may actually be able to hear the clay picking up wax and various contaminants. The clay bar will resist at first, but this is normal and acceptable as long as no clay is being left behind. Continue sweeping the area until the clay bar no longer sticks. The wax is completely removed once the clay bar can slide across the surface without any resistance. Use additional clay lubricant to remove clay residue. If any clay pieces did break off and stick to the paint, spraying them with clay lubricant should make it easier to wipe them away. Tidy the area with a microfiber towel. Remove any excess lubricant and clay particles with a clean terry cloth rag. Repeat the process only if necessary. Lightly rub the paint with your fingers. If it feels smooth, the clay bar did its job. If not, you may need to repeat the process once more, focusing on any areas that still feel rough. Clean the entire car in the same manner. Continue working in 2x2 feet (61x61 centimeters) sections until all the wax has been stripped. | Start with a freshly washed and dried car. Choose the right pre-wax cleaner. Spray the wax remover directly on the surface of the car. Wipe the surface clean. Reapply as necessary. Apply all-purpose cleaner to the rag to clean the trim. Gently rub the surface of the trim. Wash and dry your car before using the clay bar. Work with a small area at a time. Spray clay lubricant directly on the surface. Slide the clay bar along the moistened area. Use additional clay lubricant to remove clay residue. Tidy the area with a microfiber towel. Repeat the process only if necessary. Clean the entire car in the same manner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Nipple-Piercing | How to Care for a Nipple Piercing | To care for a nipple piercing, start by cleaning it twice a day, since piercings typically take only 3 to 6 months to heal if cleaned properly. If you want to decrease your chances of infection, clean your new piercing with a sterile or salt water solution, and wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton, which absorb sweat, making it harder for germs to linger. However, be careful not to over-clean your piercing or it could become irritated and take longer to heal. You should also avoid taking part in any sexual activity that involves your nipple piercing, such as saliva, rough play, rubbing, or touching. Instead, focus on keeping good hygiene and resist the urge to touch your piercing, so it will heal faster and better in the long run. | Clean your piercing twice a day. Your piercing will take 3 to 6 months to heal. It may take longer than that if you do not care for it properly or if it becomes infected. Only use a sterile solution or a salt water soak to clean your new piercing. If you over-clean your piercing or use harsh products, your piercing will become irritated and take longer to heal. Do not take part in sexual activity that involves your nipple or piercing. Saliva may contain bacteria that can cause infection as well. These measures may seem extreme, but if your piercing becomes infected, you will have a much bigger problem on your hands with a much longer healing process. Take precautionary measures to heal your piercing and your body will thank you. In addition to saliva, any rough play, rubbing, or touching should be avoided as well. Wear clean, breathable fabrics. You will probably feel most comfortable in a generic sports bra (one not made for high impact sports), tank top, or shirt. Cotton is preferable since it is breathable and absorbs sweat, which decreases the ability for germs to harbor and cause infection. Wash and change your sheets once a week as well. Sleeping in a fitted sports bra or tank top will also keep you from snagging your piercing on your sheets or comforter. Know what is normal. While your piercing is healing, you may experience some discoloration and tightness around the jewelry. Your body will also secrete a whitish-yellow fluid, and you will see crust on your jewelry. All of this is normal. You still may have crusties after your piercing heals. The crust should easily wash away with warm water. Pay attention to the amount of discharge and crust that you have. This will help you gauge what is normal for you. Look out for infection. If you experience redness, unusual swelling, itching, burning, a rash, or pain that will not go away or subside, you may have an infection. If you do not have an infection, you may be sensitive to the cleaning products you are using or to the jewelry that is in your piercing. Pay attention to your body, if you feel like something is not right, look into it. If you notice a bad odor, an increase in discharge, or your discharge changes color, you may have an infection as well. See a doctor or your piercer. Contact your piercer or your doctor if you have any signs of infection. If you think your piercing may be infected, do not remove the jewelry. Taking out the jewelry may not clear the infection automatically. Leave the jewelry in and wait for a consultation from a licensed piercer or doctor. Reach out at the first sign of infection. The longer you wait the worse it will get. You may be advised to remove your piercing, take antibiotics, or have some type of surgical intervention. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics. Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before you clean your piercing. Wet your hands, lather the soap, and scrub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. You can clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water. However, hand sanitizer will not get your hands as clean. If you do not wash your hands first, germs and bacteria from your hands can infect your piercing. You can hum the "Happy Birthday" song in your head twice instead of counting to 20. Clean your piercing in the shower. Lather up a small amount of soap in your hands and apply it to your piercing. Rinse all of the soap off of your piercing. Do not leave any suds or residue behind. Use fragrance-free, dye-free soap. Stay away from harsh soaps that may irritate the skin around your piercing. Do not apply the soap directly to your piercing and don't let the soap sit for more than 30 seconds. Do not use soap more than twice a day. Soak your piercing in a salt water solution. A salt water soak is the best way to clean your piercing. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of pure, non-iodized sea salt and 1 cup of distilled water in a clean glass. Bend over and place your nipple into the glass. Your nipple should be fully submerged in the water. Press the glass toward your body and try to create a suction effect or a tight seal so that the solution does not spill or leak. You can sit or stand while you do this. Let your piercing soak for approximately 5-10 minutes or longer. Heat the water in the microwave before you soak your nipple. Do not burn your skin, but the warmer the water the better. Discard the solution from the glass once you are through. Soak your piercing twice a day or more often if it is not healing well. You can make a gallon of the solution and keep it in your refrigerator. Then just heat up the amount you need for each soak. If you are preparing a large batch, mix 4 teaspoons of salt with 1 gallon of distilled water. After 4 weeks, clean your piercing once every 2 or 3 days. Use a sterile saline solution. A pre-made sterile saline solution is the second best method for cleaning your piercing. Spray the solution on your nipple and completely cover your piercing. The solution does not need to be rinsed off. The two most popular brands of sterile saline solution are H2Ocean and SteriWash. Do not spray the solution on a cotton ball or swab before applying. You need to apply the solution directly to your skin. Dry your piercing. Once you have finished cleaning your piercing, gently pat the area with a clean, disposable paper product. Cloth towels harbor bacteria and can snag your piercing. Talk to your piercer about whether or not they recommend rotating your piercing. Do not clean your piercing with harsh chemicals. Avoid cleaning with Betadine, Hibiclens, Bactine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial or other harsh soaps. Also avoid cleaners that contain Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). You should also avoid ointments such as Neosporin, bacitracin, and other antibiotic ointments. These ointments contain petroleum jelly and will keep your piercings moist. A moist piercing attracts bacteria. These cleaners and ointments will hurt the healing process and keep your piercing from getting oxygen. Also avoid getting any of your personal care products (e.g. lotion, shampoo, conditioner) on your piercing. If you are cleaning your piercing in the shower, clean it after you have washed your hair and used your other products. Do not mess with your piercing. It can be tempting to touch and play with your piercing, but you must avoid doing this. If your piercing is still healing, do not touch it unless you are cleaning it. Do not rotate or twist the jewelry either. Keep your piercing dry. Dry your piercing as soon as you get out of the shower or finish cleaning it. Routinely change your clothing and do not leave sweaty, tight clothing on the piercing for long periods of time. Always use a clean, disposable item (e.g. paper towel, cotton ball, etc.) to dry your piercing. Towels may contain harmful bacteria. Do not submerge your piercing in a lake, pool, or hot tub. It is best to not go swimming until your piercing is fully healed. If you do go swimming, wear a waterproof bandage and clean your piercing as soon as you are finished. | Clean your piercing twice a day. Do not take part in sexual activity that involves your nipple or piercing. Wear clean, breathable fabrics. Know what is normal. Look out for infection. See a doctor or your piercer. Wash your hands. Clean your piercing in the shower. Soak your piercing in a salt water solution. Use a sterile saline solution. Dry your piercing. Do not clean your piercing with harsh chemicals. Do not mess with your piercing. Keep your piercing dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Statement-of-Purpose | How to Write a Statement of Purpose | To write a statement of purpose, start by explaining what led you to pursue graduate study in your chosen field. Then, highlight your specific interests and undergraduate achievements, using specific examples, like awards you received. Next, be specific about why you want to attend the program, and provide names of professors or laboratories you want to work in and why you'd be an asset to them. Finally, if you've taken time off since college, describe what you've learned during this time and how it will inform your graduate studies. In general, try to keep your statement between 500 and 1,000 words. | Come up with a “hook. ” Admissions committees will expect that every applicant is excited to study the field they're applying for, whether it's biology, history, or anything in between. If you want to stand out, you'll have to start with an attention-grabbing hook that explains exactly why you are motivated to pursue advanced study in your field. Brainstorm particular factors that led to your decision to pursue graduate study. Make these as interesting as possible, but truthful and believable. For instance, maybe your interest in studying Italian grew out of that time you got stranded at the airport in Rome for 24 hours. Or maybe you decided to study entomology because you can remember your grandparents telling stories about how devastating the boll weevil infestations were. Sketch out a description of your experience in the field. If you've completed any research projects or gained other significant expertise in the field, you'll definitely want to say so in your statement of purpose. Focus only on experiences you garnered as an undergraduate--no one wants to hear about your high school chemistry class! Plan to include a section discussing anything relevant, like: Your undergraduate thesis, senior project, or other major research work. Time interning in a lab, with a cultural foundation, etc. Any publications you have produced or contributed to. Major presentations, talks, posters, or exhibits you have been involved in. Plan a section that specifically discusses what you want to study. Be specific here. Instead of just stating that you want to study sociology, for instance, describe your serious interests in the intersection of gender, public health, and post-industrial urban spaces. This section should also make it clear why the school you are applying to is the right place to study this field. Do your research. Study the webpages of the department you are interested in applying to as well as its faculty members. Their research interests don't have to be exactly the same as yours, but they should be related. Daydream about your future plans. Some discussion of where you'd want to go after graduate school would be a good idea. This could say that you'd like to become a researcher at a university, or apply your advanced knowledge of chemistry to the pharmaceutical field. Pay attention to any specific questions you are asked. The prompts for statements of purpose are often very general, like “Describe your interests and experiences in this field, and where you see your future in it.” However, sometimes you will be asked more specific questions, like “What specific resources do you expect to need for your graduate research?” If your application's prompt includes any specific questions, build them into your outline. Wow them with your knowledge of the field. You should have at least one substantial paragraph devoted to the specific topics that interest you. Describe the contemporary theories, books, scholars, or topics that excite and inspire you. You can pose interests as a question. This makes your writing engaging, and shows your ability to formulate research questions. For instance, you might write something like “the question I keep turning to in my research is: How did gender-based concerns shape the epistolary novel and related genres in eighteenth-century France?” Focus on showing, not telling. Let the details speak in your statement. This will excite the admissions committee, and make your personal statement stand apart from boring, stale, and vague essays. For instance, write something more than “I gained significant experience as an intern in a chemical engineering lab that I will apply to my graduate study.” Instead, try something like “While interning at the UC Berkeley Chemical Engineering Lab, I discovered a new method for crystallizing citric acid. In my article published in the New England Journal of Chemistry, I explained how this can potentially transform the industrial production of this compound. I intend to pursue research on these applications during my graduate study.” Don't be afraid to use the technical lingo of your field. Remember you are writing to your peers who want to know you are knowledgeable. Toot your own horn. A statement of purpose is no time to be modest. Don't boast, but be forward about your accomplishments. Remember you want to impress admissions committees! This means don't settle for something like “As an undergraduate, I excelled academically.” Instead, show specific evidence of your accomplishments: “A $2000 grant from the Louisiana Historical Society to fund my research on material culture in Antebellum African American daily life. The senior thesis I wrote reporting my findings earned the LSU Library Undergraduate Research Award.” Name who you want to work with. If there are specific professors you want to work with in graduate school, mention them in your statement of purpose. This will need to be tailored to each individual school you apply to. For instance, you could say something like “I'm interested in taking one of Professor Mueller's courses on contemporary theories of the novel,” or “As a student in your program, I would further my research by participating in Dr. Cortez' genomics lab group.” If you don't yet have anyone specific in mind, that's ok. Instead, you can mention the department's or university's strengths and how you would benefit from them: “As a practicing translator, I would enthusiastically contribute to UD's Center for Intercultural Communications.” Be honest in talking about your interests, and don't feel as though you can only discuss working with big names. Keep in mind that sometimes the most famous professors in a department might not work with many graduate students. Explain any gaps or academic issues. It's perfectly fine if you've taken some time off between your undergraduate years and entering graduate school, but you should briefly address this. Likewise, having an academic setback (like a failing grade one semester or a lowish test score), won't get you automatically rejected if your application is otherwise strong--but you should explain yourself. For instance, you might say “After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent two years as an assistant to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, an experience that will inform my graduate studies in public administration.” If you have an academic issue to address, try something like “After selecting my senior research topic, my sense of focus was heightened. My GPA increased significantly, and I received a High Pass on my senior thesis.” Be concise. Most statements of purpose are about 500 to 1000 words (1-2 pages). If the length is not specifically stated, keep them within this range. Make your statement too short, and admissions committees will be underwhelmed. Make it too long, and they'll be annoyed. If the application specifically asks you to write a statement that is less than 500 words or more than 1000, however, follow the directions. Read your work out loud. While your statement of purpose is written for an audience of scholars, and can make use of specialized vocabulary, it should sound nice as well. Reading your essay out loud is a good way to make sure it flows well, and doesn't have any awkward phrases, overly long sentences, or other issues. Mark any problem spots as you read your statement of purpose outloud, then revise them. Have professors look over your statement. Professors in your field will know what makes a compelling and convincing statement of purpose. Ask at least two who know you well (such as your thesis advisor, or any who write you letters of recommendation) to read over the statement once you've drafted it. If they have any suggestions to improve your statement, revise it and ask them to read it again. Proofread and copy edit. After you've drafted and revised your statement of purpose, and some professors have given it their seal of approval, it's ready for a final polishing. Go through your essay with a fine-toothed comb, checking for typos and any other errors. Don't rely on your word processor's spelling and grammar check tools, since they might not catch everything. Double check all requirements before submitting. After your statement of purpose is finished, re-read the directions on your application. Make sure you've answered any specific questions on the prompt, and that you've formatted everything properly. Once everything looks good, it's ready to go! If you have multiple applications, make sure that you've matched the right statement of purpose with the right application. You don't want to send in a statement of purpose that mentions the wrong school! | Come up with a “hook. Sketch out a description of your experience in the field. Plan a section that specifically discusses what you want to study. Daydream about your future plans. Pay attention to any specific questions you are asked. Wow them with your knowledge of the field. Focus on showing, not telling. Toot your own horn. Name who you want to work with. Explain any gaps or academic issues. Be concise. Read your work out loud. Have professors look over your statement. Proofread and copy edit. Double check all requirements before submitting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cover-Up-a-Bruise | How to Cover Up a Bruise | To cover up a bruise, first apply a heavy layer of foundation that matches your skin tone to the bruise. Then, layer some concealer over the bruise for extra coverage. If the bruise shows through, you'll need to use a color corrector. Use a color corrector in the opposite color of your bruise to cancel the color out. If your bruise is purple, use a yellow color corrector. If your bruise is blue, use an orange color corrector. If your bruise is red, use a green color corrector. Apply the corrector with a makeup brush, then cover the area with a concealer that matches your skin tone. Finally, apply translucent powder to help keep the makeup in place. | Skip the lotion. When you apply lotion before applying foundation to your body, the foundation may not stay put as well. Therefore, it is best to skip the lotion or to at least avoid applying lotion to the area that is bruised. If your skin is very dry, then apply a light layer of a lightweight lotion before using the foundation. Apply a heavy foundation that matches your skin tone. You can purchase a foundation that is meant to be applied on your body, or just buy a full coverage foundation. Apply about a dime sized amount on the bruised area and blend it well with your fingertips. Theater makeup also works well for covering body bruises. Use concealer for darker bruises. If you have an extra dark bruise that still peeks through the foundation, then you may need to spot treat it with some concealer. Gently dab the concealer onto the bruised area with your fingertips or using a makeup sponge. Opt for a skin tone colored concealer in a shade that is slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Try a little lipstick mixed with concealer. Mixing your concealer with a bit of orangish red lipstick may also help to hide the bruise. Mix a small amount of orangish red lipstick in with your concealer to create a peachy or pink tone. Then, apply the makeup mixture to your bruise. After you apply the pink makeup mixture to your bruise, blend it well and then cover it with a layer or two of skin toned concealer. Use concealer first. To ensure good coverage of a bruise, start by applying a layer of concealer. Choose a concealer that is lighter than your natural skin tone and dab enough concealer onto the bruise to cover it entirely. Pat the concealer onto the bruise using a fingertip or makeup sponge. Then, blend it in well using your fingertips or the sponge. You can also look for a concealer that has a yellow base to help offset the bluish color of the bruise. If your bruise has other color tones, then a different type of concealer may work better. For example, you can use a green based concealer for red bruises, white based concealer for brown bruises, and lavender based for yellow bruises. Apply a layer of foundation. After you have covered the bruise with a layer of concealer, follow it up with a layer of foundation. This will help to even out the tone and provide more coverage. Use your fingertips or a makeup sponge to pat on the foundation and blend it in. Apply the foundation over your whole face for best results. Do not just apply it to one cheek or one side of your face or there will be a noticeable difference in the color. Dust on some translucent powder. To provide another layer of coverage, use a fluffy brush to dust translucent powder over the concealer and foundation. This will also help to keep the makeup in place. Apply the powder over your whole face as well. This will help to ensure that you have a uniform look. You may need to reapply the powder throughout the day. Try taking the powder compact with you and check the makeup once every few hours. Use clothing and accessories to cover up the bruise. Physically covering the bruise with clothing may also help. Consider the location of the bruise and check your wardrobe to see what clothing and accessories you have that might help you to cover it up. If the bruise is on your arm or leg, then wearing a long sleeved shirt or pants is an easy way to cover it up. However, this is not always possible, especially in hot weather. If the bruise is near your hairline or on your forehead, then wearing a scarf, headband, or hat may provide coverage. If the bruise is on your eye or near the bridge of your nose, then wearing a pair of sunglasses or your prescription glasses may help. Wear a strong eye or lip look. Creating a strong eye look or wearing some bold lipstick may help to distract people's attention away from the bruised area. Keep in mind that this will not cover the bruise, but it may help to draw people's attention away from it. For example, you could apply some black eye liner with a couple of layers of mascara to create a dramatic eye look, or opt for a bright red lipstick to draw attention to your lips instead. Put on an interesting accessory. If you have some really long dangly earrings or a statement necklace, then this might be the day to wear them. Putting on some interesting accessories will not cover the bruise, but it can help to pull the focus away from it. For example, if you have some large hoop earrings or a necklace with a large pendant, then these might help to distract away from the bruise. | Skip the lotion. Apply a heavy foundation that matches your skin tone. Use concealer for darker bruises. Try a little lipstick mixed with concealer. Use concealer first. Apply a layer of foundation. Dust on some translucent powder. Use clothing and accessories to cover up the bruise. Wear a strong eye or lip look. Put on an interesting accessory. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Around | How to Sneak Around | To sneak around, wear comfortable clothing that doesn't make noise, and wear socks instead of shoes if you're inside. As soon as you enter a room, look for a hiding place, and stay aware of your surroundings once you hide. If you hear someone coming toward your hiding place, don't move until they pass. Then, if you need to move, wait until there's some background noise, or throw a small item in the opposite direction as a distraction. On your way to a new hiding place, stay low to the ground, and move as slowly as possible. | Wear tight clothing, so you don't make as much noise when you move. Wearing jeans is fine while scratchy running pants with the same material as snow pants would give you away. Avoid wearing any chains, necklaces, bracelets, and anything else hanging. Wear only clothes! If you can, try to get a ghillie suit if you are in a high grass or forested area so that you can hide. Focus on camouflage. Wear dark brown and green colors when outside. When inside, stick to dark places and wear grayish-coloured clothes. Try to wear clothing that conceals all of your skin, as skin shows up when a light is shone upon it. If you're indoors, try to wear socks. Shoes are too heavy and make noise, and bear feet can stick to smooth surfaces (and therefore make noise). Stay alert all of the time. Always act as if someone is looking for you at every moment. Never relax and be ready to freeze at a nanosecond's notice. Use your brain. Don't try to dart into another hiding spot when you know that your target is right outside the room. Don't make noises to annoy your target. Keep it stealthy and quiet. If your target looks in your direction, don't move. Don't give yourself away UNTIL the person actually says "I see you!" or something like that. The human eye is attracted to movement, so if you stay still, there's actually a good chance that you won't be seen. Stop periodically to check your surroundings. Make sure no one is following you and that no one is around. If you hear someone's footsteps, then immediately find a hiding place. Your hiding place shouldn't be somewhere where you will be found easily, such as your bathroom or closet. Be smarter than the average person. People usually look right, left, and back, but not up or down. Hiding under the bed is just as good a hiding place as the top shelf of a closet. Know where it's likely to be safest to walk, crawl or creep. Walk next to the wall where the floor is less likely to squeak, especially on stairs. Avoid the wall opposite the door in every room so that a glance into the room won't spot you. If someone comes walking toward you, freeze and don't move for a while, and you probably won't be spotted. Be aware of the background when outside. Avoid sky or grass and stick around mixed shadow and light, buildings, and trees. Stay low as much as possible and avoid wide open spaces. If you have to get to the other side, and there is no coverage straight across, go around and make big circular detours. Inside your house, know where everything is. Know where the floorboard squeaks are and map them. Know which doors never get closed and slip behind them for a quick and temporary hiding spot. Know the best hiding spot in every room and all possible escape routes. Move with great care. When sneaking, every movement counts, and it's important to be as graceful as a cat, as quiet as a mouse and as light as a bird. Move slowly and carefully most of the time. Sometimes, though, you'll need to move swiftly, to get to where you need to be without notice. Move quickly when in the open and rest in complete silence when safe. Use the balls of your feet whenever you walk, run, or jump. This will help silence your feet. It is best to go with socks, but if you need shoes on, then carefully and slowly walk in shoes that don't make a lot of noise. Support your weight on the handrail when walking up or down the stairs. If you are walking on a squeaky floor, grab furniture or handrails to support yourself, as it helps you to make less noise. Use all possible cover when forced into the open. Laying flat on your stomach helps when hiding behind small things. If you need to look around something, use one eye so your whole head does not show. If you have long hair, put it up, so, when hiding, it does not show and get you discovered. Never allow your form to be shown against the horizon. Learn to locate good hiding places quickly. As soon as you enter a room, start looking for places to hide. You could squeeze in between a dresser and the wall. You could hide under a rumpled bedspread. If you're in the bathroom, you could get behind the shower curtain and pull it out just enough to hide you so it wouldn't look suspicious. The small space behind chairs and couches works well, too. However, they have to be against the wall. Just look around for more clever hiding places. At night, use shadows to your advantage. Put things back where they are supposed to be. If you move anything, put it back in place. Someone very observant would be able to tell that an item was moved into a different position. It is best to assume that there is such a person if you're dealing with a group of people. Take advantage of covering noise. Move when something is making noise. When the coffee grinder is going, the TV volume is up, or a car is passing, that is your time to move. Do not do it otherwise unless you really have to. It's risky. A good time to move is when there's background noise. If some people are talking, then that's an excellent time to move because they would probably be paying close attention to the conversation, not so much for things around them (like you sneaking around). If someone hears a noise they will wait to hear another sound. If you don't move for a while, they may think they were hearing things and will probably forget about it. Throw something to change a person's trajectory, encouraging them to go away from you. If you think that someone is going to find you (if you're hiding from someone), carry a small object that you can throw a fair distance away, to create a distraction that will allow you to change your hiding place. An alternative to this: Set up a noise maker in a nearby room. Try taking a clear string and tying it to something in the closet. Make sure it is a long string. After you have secured the knot, close the closet door as far as it can go. Get into position in your hiding place. Make sure you have a firm grip on the string. If your target is about to find you, give the string a quick but strong jerk. Whatever it was tied to should topple over, making a loud noise. Your target will run to the noise, and then, seeing no one is there, will probably get discouraged and leave the room. Just make sure your target doesn't see the string! Have a good excuse ready. For instance, if you are caught, you could say you are playing hide-and-seek, you're there to do repairs, or you're looking for someone/a particular house number. | Wear tight clothing, so you don't make as much noise when you move. Focus on camouflage. Stay alert all of the time. Use your brain. If your target looks in your direction, don't move. Stop periodically to check your surroundings. Be smarter than the average person. Know where it's likely to be safest to walk, crawl or creep. Move with great care. Use all possible cover when forced into the open. Learn to locate good hiding places quickly. Put things back where they are supposed to be. Take advantage of covering noise. Throw something to change a person's trajectory, encouraging them to go away from you. Have a good excuse ready. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Skip-Your-Period | How to Skip Your Period | To skip your period, talk to your gynecologist so they can go over your different options with you, which may include taking birth control pills, getting hormone injections, or wearing a patch. Keep in mind that it usually takes at least 3 weeks of taking medication to skip your period, so plan accordingly if you're trying to miss your period for a certain event. Also, double check with your insurance provider that they'll cover your medication. | Make an appointment with a gynecologist. Your doctor can go over the different options available to you and help you decide which one will suit you best. You will also find out what to expect, how to take certain medications, and what risks may be involved. This is the safest way to go about stopping or missing your monthly periods. Learn about the different methods. The only way to stop your normal monthly periods are by using hormones. Hormones can be oral, injected, or come in patch form. There are many different brands and hormone strengths out there, so advise your physician of your plans for the best recommendation. Birth control pills with extended cycle regimens are the best method. Seasonale, Lybrel, and Seasonique are three types of oral contraception that are formulated to cause your period less often. Plan accordingly. In most cases, it will take at least three weeks of medication to effectively skip your period. So if you are trying to miss your period for a certain event, be sure to leave yourself enough time for you body to get on schedule. Check with your medical insurance provider. Birth control pills can be expensive, so make sure your insurance provider will cover and refill your prescription every month. Suppress your period with extended-cycle birth control pills. These pills are designed to lengthen the time inbetween each period with continuous hormone use. This method requires women to take pills with hormones for several months at a time followed up with seven days of hormone-free pills. The week of hormone-free pills will allow women to get a regular period. Seasonale and Seasonique are the two most popular brands on the market that offer the extended-cycle birth control option. While they vary in hormone strength and have different pill instructions, they both offer about three months of a missed menstrual cycle. Stop your period for one year with continuous birth control use. This method requires you to take hormone pills everyday with no down time for one year. At the end of the year, you will take a week's worth of pills with either no hormones, or very little, to allow your body to produce a regular period. One popular brand that helps you miss your period for one year is called Lybrel. It requires you to take hormone pills for 365 days with no breaks for placebo pills. Use your regular birth control pills. Birth control pills come in monthly packs and have three weeks of effective pills, and one week of placebo pills. To skip your period, don't take the placebo pills in your pack. Instead, when you get to the first placebo pill, start the next month's pack of pills. There are mixed reviews from doctors on the level of safety this method has. Some doctors say it is safe, while others do not advise doing this. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you. Try the NuvaRing to skip a period. The NuvaRing is a contraceptive ring that you insert into your vagina for three weeks at a time. It releases hormones into your body to stop pregnancy for those three weeks, and then it requires you to take it out for one week so you can get your normal period. If you are looking to skip your period for a special event, take your NuvaRing out, but instead of leaving it out for one week, immediately replace it with a new one. Do not leave the same NuvaRing in for more than three weeks. You will need to replace it with a new one in order to stay safe and stop your period. | Make an appointment with a gynecologist. Learn about the different methods. Plan accordingly. Check with your medical insurance provider. Suppress your period with extended-cycle birth control pills. Stop your period for one year with continuous birth control use. Use your regular birth control pills. Try the NuvaRing to skip a period. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hair-Bow-out-of-Ribbon | How to Make a Hair Bow out of Ribbon | To make a classic hair bow, start by pulling a 5-6 inch piece of ribbon through an elastic hair tie so ½ the ribbon is on each side of the tie. Then, cross the ends of ribbon and tie them in a knot up against the hair tie. Next, fold each end into a loop, cross the left loop over the right loop, then pull the left loop under the right loop. When you've done that, pull both ends tight, keeping the loops as flat as possible to maintain the bow's shape. Finally, even up the loops to make them the same size, and cut the ends so they're the same length. | Select the fabric you would like to use for your bow. Some great fabrics to use would be satin, velvet, nylon, cotton, vinyl, or grosgrain. You can choose whichever material you like best. Consider how stiff you want your bow to be when picking out the ribbon. If you want your bow to pop-up, use a firmer material like grosgrain or vinyl. Decide how you want to fasten the ribbon in your hair. There are many types of hair clips, ties, and headbands available, and ribbon can be attached to almost all of them. All you will need to attach your ribbon to your hair accessory is a hot glue gun or fabric glue. Choose the type of bow you want to make. There are endless styles of bows to pick from, all ranging in level of difficulty. Decide if you want to make a bow that requires glue or stitching before you begin. While bow making may seem challenging at first, with practice, it will become easier, and you can keep moving on to more challenging bows. Try the versatile bow tie hair bow. This style has tucked tails, which gives it the resemblance of a bow tie. This bow is easy to fasten to any hair clip and is perfect for babies, pets, or headbands. Gather your supplies. You can use any type of ribbon fabric or pattern you want for this style of bow. You may also want to choose an embellishment to add to the center of the bow as a finisher. You will need the following items: Ribbon Needle Thread Hot glue gun or fabric glue Embellishment for the center of the bow Hair clip, elastic, or headband to apply the bow to Decide what size you would like your bow to be. This bow design works in small or large sizes. Once you decide on the size you prefer, you will need to double the length, and add one extra inch to figure out how much material you will need to make your bow. If you would like a standard 2 1/2 inch bow, you will need six inches of fabric. Cut your ribbon to the required length. Once your ribbon is cut, you will loop the ribbon into a circle, and allow the two edges to overlap by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm). Hold the overlapped edges in place, and push your threaded needle through the bottom and pull it through the top. Then, wrap the threaded needle around the center of the bow several times so that the middle of the bow creases together in the center. Tie off your threaded needle. Once the thread has a tight hold in the center of your bow, you can push your threaded needle through the top of the bow and pull it out through the bottom. Cut the needle off, and tie a knot in the remainder of the thread to keep it from pulling back through the thread. Finish off your bow. If you would like, you can add another piece of fabric by wrapping around the center to hide your thread. You can add any type of embellishment by simply gluing it directly on to the center of the bow. Once it has dried, your bow is ready to wear. Try the classic bow for an easy style. The classic bow is tied in a similar way you would tie your shoelaces. For this, you will need about five to six inches of ribbon and an elastic hair tie. Pull the ribbon through the elastic hair tie. Make sure that the ribbon is smooth and has equal lengths on both sides. Cross the two sides together. To do this, lay the two pieces of ribbon on top of one another, and then slide the top piece over to the left, making them side by side. This will set you up for the knot. Create a knot with your two pieces of ribbon. Move the right piece up, over, and under the left piece, so that you create a loop. You will then move the right piece into the loop, and pull tight into a knot. Fold each end of the ribbon into a loop. This is the first step to create the actual bow loops. Simply lay the end of each ribbon tail over your index fingers to fold the ends and create loops. Cross the left loop over the right loop. Then take the left loop under the right loop and pull tight. Take the left loop under the right loop and pull tight. Try to keep the bow loops flat while you make the knot. This will help keep the shape of the bow once it is tied. Arrange the ribbon loops. Each loop should be of the same size. Once they are even, cut the ends so they are the same length. Your hair bow should now be tightly fastened to your hair elastic and ready to be worn. To seal off the tail ends, use one coat of clear nail polish to keep it from unraveling. Make a boutique style layered bow. For this unique bow, there are several materials you will need to create a three-inch-long hair bow. Go to your nearest fabric store, and get the following: 23 inches of ribbon Needles Thread Straight pin Alligator clip 5 x 4 piece of cardboard Sharp scissors or rotary cutter Straight ruler Hot glue gun Cut your cardboard template. To create the shape of your bow and hold down your ribbon, you will use a piece of cardboard to act as a template. You will need to cut a square out of the center of the length of the cardboard that is one inch deep and 1/2 inch long. Measure out the space you will cut with a ruler and trace it with a pencil. Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to carefully cut your cardboard. Wrap your ribbon around the length of the cardboard twice. This will create the layered look of the bow. Use an alligator clip to keep the end of the ribbon held down as you wrap it around your template. Hold your wrapped ribbon in place. Once you have wrapped the ribbon around the cardboard template twice, flip over the template, and use your straight pin to hold the ribbon in place. Push it through the cutout opening of the template so that it goes through the top and bottom of the ribbon. Slide the ribbon off of the template. Be sure to carefully remove the ribbon, but leave the pin in the center to hold the shape of the ribbon. Apply pressure on the pin while simultaneously holding your ribbon. You can now pull the tails of the bow out from the bottom of the ribbon to the left and right side. Your ribbon should begin forming an "X" shape. Pull each loop up to form an 'X' design. The goal is to fan out your bow to create more volume and shape on each side. You can move the loops how you would like by keeping pressure in the center to hold them in place. Crease your bow with thread. Take your threaded needle and make sure the end of your thread is already knotted so that it doesn't slide through your ribbon. Pull the needle through the bottom center of the bow while making sure your bow doesn't loose the "X" pattern. Once you have wrapped your needle through the center of your bow several times, cut the needle from the thread and tie the thread in a knot. Glue your bow on your desired hair accessory. You can use a hot glue gun, or fabric glue, to glue your bow to a hair clip, headband, or hair tie. Once the glue has dried, your bow is ready to wear. | Select the fabric you would like to use for your bow. Decide how you want to fasten the ribbon in your hair. Choose the type of bow you want to make. Try the versatile bow tie hair bow. Gather your supplies. Decide what size you would like your bow to be. Cut your ribbon to the required length. Hold the overlapped edges in place, and push your threaded needle through the bottom and pull it through the top. Tie off your threaded needle. Finish off your bow. Try the classic bow for an easy style. Pull the ribbon through the elastic hair tie. Cross the two sides together. Create a knot with your two pieces of ribbon. Fold each end of the ribbon into a loop. Cross the left loop over the right loop. Take the left loop under the right loop and pull tight. Arrange the ribbon loops. Make a boutique style layered bow. Cut your cardboard template. Wrap your ribbon around the length of the cardboard twice. Hold your wrapped ribbon in place. Slide the ribbon off of the template. Crease your bow with thread. Glue your bow on your desired hair accessory. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Sore-Hocks-in-Rabbits | How to Diagnose Sore Hocks in Rabbits | To diagnose sore hocks in rabbits, check your rabbit's hocks for signs of the condition, such as fur loss, red or cracked skin, and sores. You can also observe whether your rabbit is reluctant to move around, which may mean it's experiencing discomfort or pain from sore hocks. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your rabbit to the vet so they can assess the situation and suggest treatment if necessary. | Do a regular visual inspection of your rabbit's hocks. The hocks are the rabbit equivalent of an ankle joint, and the area that's affected is the length of the paw from the hock to the tips of the toes. To check your rabbit, gently roll the rabbit onto its back so that you can see the underside of the rabbit's back legs. Take care not to force the rabbit over, as this can damage their spine. You may find it helps to cover the rabbit's eyes with a towel as this has a naturally subduing effect. It's a good idea to sit on the floor when checking your rabbit, just in case they wriggle and you let go. Judge the severity of the sore hocks. There is a sliding scale of severity from fur loss right through to full thickness pressure sores with secondary infections. In its mildest form, the rabbit may lose the fur on the surface in contact with the ground, and the skin may look slightly red. If the problem has progressed a bit further, the area may become puffy or swollen, the skin may be obviously reddened or even cracked or scabby. Even further, it can develop into a sore or ulcer form. An ulcer is when the surface of the skin breaks open, often in response to pressure, such as is the case with bed sores. Look for the signs of secondary infection. Unfortunately, once the surface of the skin is broken, this provides an entry route for bacteria and infections. To check for this, look for a weeping discharge, often consisting of pus, from the sore. The area may smell unpleasant. Usually there is significant swelling and large areas of skin loss from the lower surface of the limb. Once the discharge is cleaned away you may even be able to see underlying structures through the gap in the skin, such as tendons or ligaments. Pay attention to behavioral signs. This rabbit will be very uncomfortable and reluctant to move around. Unfortunately this worsens the problem because the rabbit spends longer in one spot, which may be damp and contributing to the sore hocks. Thus a classic vicious circle develops. In some cases the infection spreads into the joints or even the bones. This is very painful and the rabbit will be reluctant to move. When it does move, it will be with an abnormal gait or a limp. The pain and discomfort may also stop the rabbit from eating. Try to alleviate the rabbit's discomfort while waiting to take it to the vet. Keep the rabbit's claws short, so that the foot lies at a normal angle. Also give the rabbit a deep bed of soft straw, so that the injured area is cushioned a bit. Be sure to keep the rabbit's living space clean as well. If the hock injury was caused by the rabbit sitting in urine, clean the area and make sure it is no longer sitting in its filth. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian. If you discover your rabbit has sore hocks then seek veterinary attention. The vet will look at the hock area and assess whether the skin is damaged. If it is, the vet will also assess whether a secondary infection is present. If the answer is yes, the vet will investigate whether the infection has spread to the bones or joints, which may involve radiography of the affected bones. The vet will examine the rabbit to check for health problems that could cause it to sit still for longer than normal. The veterinarian will also check the length of the rabbit's claws. Long claws raise up the paw, especially on hard surfaces, pushing the weight back onto the rabbit's hocks. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. The sores will need to be cleaned and wrapped, in order to prevent further irritation. Your veterinarian should show you the proper procedure for cleaning and wrapping the wound, as you will need to change the wrapping on a regular basis. Your veterinarian my prescribe a medication, such as an antibiotic, to apply to the wound. This will help kill any infection and allow the wound to begin healing. Understand how a rabbit's hocks naturally function. To understand how hock sores occur, it first helps to understand how rabbits move in the wild. They are constantly moving around from one patch of grass to another. Soil is relatively soft and allows the rabbit's claws to sink into the ground and the whole of the underside of the foot is in contact with the earth. This spreads the rabbit's weight evenly over a surface that is soft and forgiving. Also, wild rabbits tend to be lean, so they are not carrying excess weight which presses down on the hock area. Understand why sore hocks occur. Contrast how a wild rabbit's hocks connect with the ground with pet rabbits. They move around over hard surfaces, such as carpet, laminate flooring, or lino. These surfaces do not allow the claws to dig in so the foot is naturally tilted up at the foot and down at the hock, adding pressure to the hocks. In addition rabbits kept in hutches for part of the time may be on abrasive surfaces such as mesh, which abrade and traumatize the skin to the lower limb. Also, wet bedding softens the skin and weakens its ability to form calluses and protect itself. Indeed, urine in straw macerates (softens) the skin further and dirty conditions predispose to infection. Pet rabbits may also be overweight, which adds extra pressure onto the rear limbs. Prevent sore hocks. Remove soiled areas of bedding from your rabbit's living space on a regular basis. There should be no wet areas that the rabbit can sit in and damage its skin. Also make sure that your rabbit has a good surface to stand, and sit, on. It should not have to sit or stand on a wire flooring for long periods of time. Trim your rabbit's nails on a regular basis, so that its long nails don't press the hocks awkwardly onto the ground. Also, keep your rabbit at a healthy weight, so it is not carrying excess weight. Excess weight can put extra pressure on the hocks. | Do a regular visual inspection of your rabbit's hocks. Judge the severity of the sore hocks. Look for the signs of secondary infection. Pay attention to behavioral signs. Try to alleviate the rabbit's discomfort while waiting to take it to the vet. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. Understand how a rabbit's hocks naturally function. Understand why sore hocks occur. Prevent sore hocks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Heads-Up! | How to Play Heads Up! | Heads Up! is a fun party game you can play with friends using your phone. Start by downloading the Heads Up! app on your phone. Then, split up into teams. Choose one team to go first, then have them choose one of the decks in the app to determine what category they'll be playing with, like "Animals," "Celebrities," or "Accents." One person on that team holds the phone up to their forehead with the screen facing out. Then, the other players on their team read the answer on the screen and try to give the player clues about what it says without directly saying the answer, spelling it out, or using words that rhyme with it. If the player holding the phone guesses the right answer, they tilt the phone down toward the floor to score a point. Then, the team keeps playing until the 60-second timer runs out. If at any point the player holding the phone can't figure out the answer, they can tilt the phone up to skip to the next answer. Teams score 1 point for each correct answer they get. After one teams turn is over, the next team gets a turn. Alternate who holds the phone and who acts out the clues so everyone on each team gets a chance. You can play as many rounds as you'd like. Whichever team scores the most points wins! | Determine which version you need. Figure out whether you have an Android phone or use an iPhone or iPad. There is also another version of Heads Up! for the iPod and iPad called Heads Up! Kids. Decide on whether you'll be playing the game with children or with adults. Heads Up! Kids replaces text with pictures so that kids who can't read can also play along. Visit the app's download page. Visit the download page for the device you plan on playing the game with. Search for the name of the app and then visit the download page. If you have an Android device, visit the Google Play store. If you have an iPhone or iPad, visit iTunes. Heads Up! on the Google Play store is free. Heads Up! on iTunes costs $.99. Download and install the game to your phone or tablet. Click the download button to start the download and installation process. Once the download is done, an icon for the game should show up on your home screen. If you are downloading the app on iTunes, keep in mind that you'll have to pay $.99 for the game. Tap on the icon on your home screen to open the game. After the app has been downloaded and installed, it should create an icon on your home screen. Tap on the icon to open up the program so that you can start the play the game. Organize into teams of two. If more than two people are playing, have everyone split up into teams of two. One player will guess the word on the screen while their teammate will provide clues to them. The goal is to guess the word that appears on the tablet without looking at it. Each time that a person guesses the word on the screen correctly, they receive a point. Rhyming is not allowed. Choose a deck. In Heads Up! there are a variety of subjects that you can choose from. Talk to your friends and determine which subject everyone likes the best. Decks include celebrities, movies, animals, accents, and characters. There are new decks regularly being added to the game, such as the Chinese New Year edition. Read the deck description and tap Play. Once you tap the deck you want to play, you'll be brought to a brief description of what kind of clues will be in the deck. Talk to other people who are playing with you to determine if this is the topic you'd all like to play before starting the game. This description will also give you brief directions on the rules of the game. Put the back of the phone against your forehead. Decide who wants to go first, then have them put the phone against their forehead, with the face of the phone facing out so that their teammate can see the word. After a countdown, the game will begin. Putting the phone on your forehead will make sure that you can't see the word, but that your teammate can. If you are using a tablet, you can put the tablet in front of you instead of placing it on your forehead. Tilt the phone down if you guess the word correctly. Your teammate will see the word and try to provide clues without saying the word directly. The person giving the clues should signal when you've gotten the word correct. Once you do, tilt the phone down so that the face of the phone points towards the floor. This will record your point. Tilt the phone up if you can't guess the word. If you're totally stumped and aren't sure what the word is, tilt the phone upwards to skip the card and go on to the next one. This won't count against your score, but you won't get a point for the card. Continue guessing cards until the time runs out. You have 60 seconds to guess all of the cards in the deck for your turn. Try to guess as many words as you can before the time runs out. Once the timer goes down to zero, it will tally up your points. After you have guessed the words in your deck, it's your teammate's turn to guess the word and your turn to hold the phone. Whoever scores the most points at the end of the round wins. You can play as many rounds as you want. If you are playing with more than 2 people, you can combine the points on each team, and whichever team gets the most, wins. Choose a deck that you're knowledgeable about. The best way to score more points is to be knowledgeable about the topic. If you love movies or TV shows, for example, you should pick the celebrity or movie deck. If you know a lot about biology and different animals, you should play the animal deck. The more you know about the topic in the deck, the easier the game will be for you. Play as a team rather than against each other with just two people. While you can play Heads Up! against each other, you can also play as a team. Instead of trying to score more points than the other player, try to score points together and get a high score. This can be a less competitive and more fun way of playing the game. Give a description of the word. One of the most common clues in Heads Up! is a description of a word. Try to visualize the object that is on the phone and describe it to the best of your ability. The more accurate and recognizable details you give, the better chance the person will be able to guess it. For instance, if the card says "alligator" you can say something like "It's a green reptile with a long mouth and lots of teeth." Make recognizable noises. If the word is an animal that makes a certain sound, you can copy the noise to give a clue of the word. If the word is a famous television show or movie with a recognizable theme song, you can hum the song instead of trying to describe the show or movie. Think of sounds, noises, or songs that are related to the word and use them instead of describing it. For example, if the word is "dog" you can bark or say "woof" instead of describing a dog. Say synonyms of the word on the screen. If there is a widely used synonym for the word that is on the screen, you can use it. Think about words that related or mean the same thing as the word on the screen and use that as your clue. For example, if the word on the screen is "cliff" you can say something like "precipice, crag, or bluff." | Determine which version you need. Visit the app's download page. Download and install the game to your phone or tablet. Tap on the icon on your home screen to open the game. Organize into teams of two. Choose a deck. Read the deck description and tap Play. Put the back of the phone against your forehead. Tilt the phone down if you guess the word correctly. Tilt the phone up if you can't guess the word. Continue guessing cards until the time runs out. Choose a deck that you're knowledgeable about. Play as a team rather than against each other with just two people. Give a description of the word. Make recognizable noises. Say synonyms of the word on the screen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Bed-Sores | How to Prevent Bed Sores | To prevent bed sores, turn your body to a different position every 2 hours so you're not putting too much pressure on one area. Depending on your injury, you may need someone to help you change positions. Also, make sure your bed isn't elevated more than 30 degrees when you're lying down so you're not sliding down the bed, which can cause friction that leads to bed sores. You should also stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to keep your skin as healthy as possible. | Keep turning the body. When you are taking care of a bedridden individual, make sure you move the body every two hours. You don't have to move him to another room or piece of furniture, but the position should be different enough that the same area of the body is not under pressure. For example, turn the patient from the right side to the left. You can also use a pillow to prop him up. If you are stuck in bed yourself, you can invest in a trapeze bar and reposition yourself. This only works if you are physically strong enough to use such a device. If the patient has certain kinds of injuries, such as those to the spinal cord, make sure he is moved in such a way as to not cause more injury. Cut down on shear. One way that bed sores develop is through pressure on the skin due to sliding. The patient may lose traction when she is elevated, which causes the bedding and the skin to move in opposite directions. For example, the skin of the tailbone may stay in place while the body slides down the bed. The pressure on the skin can cause bed sores over time. When lying down, make sure the bed is not elevated more than 30 degrees as to avoid sliding and friction. If the patient can sit all the way up, this will more than likely not occur. Buy a special mattress. There are special mattresses on the market that can reduce the amount of pressure put on the body. This will help the patient avoid having any one area as a focus of pressure. You can also buy a air-filled or water filled mattress to help reduce the pressure on the patient's body. Look for these at a medical supply store so you can purchase a medical-grade mattress for this purpose. If you are unsure on which to buy, ask your doctor for recommendations for the particular situation. You can also use a mattress pad or cushions to help protect the bony areas of the patient. Provide proper nutrition. Malnutrition can contribute to the development of bed sores. This can develop especially quickly in patient's who are unable to take sufficient calories orally and/or willingly. Make sure the patient eats balanced meals of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Make sure you check the dietary restriction of any patient you deal with. Each patient is assessed individually for his specific nutritional needs. Stay hydrated. To keep the skin of the patient healthy, make sure that she stays hydrated. If you are not sure how much water she should have, ask the doctor to advise you based on the patient's specific needs. Different illnesses and conditions require different hydration needs. You can also use juice to stay hydrated and keep up nutrition as well. Identify early signs of bed sores. Bed sores happen over a period of time. Early signs can include: non-blanching erythema or a purple or maroon localized area of discolored, intact skin, which may be painful, firm, mushy, boggy, or a different temperature than adjacent tissue. This indicates early stage of tissue damage or probable wound formation. Watch for signs of infection. Once bed sores have been identified, they should be watched for signs of infection. This includes fever, areas of redness along the border of the ulcer sore, drainage of pus, and a soft texture beneath the skin indicating that the tissue beneath is likely filled with pus or rotting away. Bandage the sore. Once infection in identified, ask the patient's doctor for appropriate treatment methods. Typically, the doctor will advise tight gauze moistened with normal saline. The gauze should be removed one to two times daily. This action removes dead skin, which allows healthy tissue to form and the wound to heal. Depending on the size of the ulcer, healing will take around four to six weeks. Dry gauze should be packed on top of it. The skin around the sores should not be wet like the wound. The type of dressing will depend on the size and depth of the of the wound and the amount of drainage. Talk to the doctor about the best dressing and technique to use for the particular patient. Use particular cleaning products. Never use hydrogen peroxide or betadine on bed sores to clean the healing skin. Instead, always use mild soap and warm water to clean the wound. If that is not possible, use a mild no-wash cleanser to clean the area. The doctor may order an enzymatic or chemical dead skin removal solution to facilitate healing. The removal of the dead skin through surgical means can be necessary in many cases if there is a lot of dead tissue. Other methods for cleaning bed sores include enzymatic agents, maggots, or high-pressure water jets. Use antibiotics. If there is infection that sets into the sores, a systemic antibiotics might be prescribed. This will help heal the infection and the skin as well. Intravenous antibiotics may be necessary if a bone infection is present, which is not uncommon in bed sores on the pelvic region. Learn the risk factors. Patients at risk are those who have limited mobility and spend a great deal of time in bed or sitting. This can be at home, in a nursing home, a hospital, or in a retirement home. The causes for being bedridden include spinal cord injuries, strokes, progressive neurological disease, fractures, comas, and those in intensive care units (ICU). Around 70% of bed sores occur in patients over the age of 65. The remainder occur in younger patients who suffer from issues that leave them in the bed. Look for the causes. Bed sores develop from the abuse of the skin due to immobility, as well as prolonged exposure to moisture. Bed sores lead to a decreased quality of life as well as increased mortality and morbidity. They are localized injuries to the skin or underlying soft tissue, usually overlying a bony prominence. This includes the bottom, the ankles, the heels, or the hip bones. However, they can occur at the site where a patient is hooked to a ventilator and are constantly rubbed against by the equipment or tubing. They develop due to unrelenting pressure to the area, which blocks the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, causing cell death. This can happen despite a caregiver's best attempt at preventing them. However, some cases develop due to inattention and elder abuse. Elder abuse is a public health concern despite being grossly under-reported and under-detected. Recognize the stages of bed sores. The severity of bed sores ranges from stage I to stage IV. The state of the bed sore affects the health of the patient and changes the kind of treatment necessary. Stage I is when the sore is an area of redness over a bony prominence, that will not turn pale when pressed with your finger. The redness will not go away or get better. Stage II entails the loss of partial skin thickness to the outermost layer of skin. Often a shallow wound with a pink-red base will occur at the site with a clear fluid filled blister overlying this shallow wound. Stage III consists of a wound with total loss of the thickness to the outer layer of skin, which cuts into the underlying layer of skin. The wound is not too severe, does not continue into the muscle layers and bone, and the tendons and muscles are not exposed. Stage IV is when all the outer and inner layers of skin are gone, exposing the underlying muscle layers. The bones, tendons, and muscles may be exposed. If there is no underlying fat in the area, the sores, such as those on the ears or nose that occur from respiratory devices, are classified stage IV as well. | Keep turning the body. Cut down on shear. Buy a special mattress. Provide proper nutrition. Stay hydrated. Identify early signs of bed sores. Watch for signs of infection. Bandage the sore. Use particular cleaning products. Use antibiotics. Learn the risk factors. Look for the causes. Recognize the stages of bed sores. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Bean-Plant | How to Grow a Bean Plant | To grow a bean plant, you'll need a plot of soil and some trellis to support your plants. First, dig holes in the soil about 3 inches deep. You'll also need to put up a trellis, which the bean plant will climb up as it grows. Place a seed in each hole and cover it with about 2 inches of soil. Water them once every 2-3 days immediately after planting so the soil is always damp. After the beans sprout, put down a layer of mulch to give them extra nutrients. Every 4 weeks, add fertilizer to the soil, which will boost your crop. | Learn the two different types of beans. In general, there are two overall types of beans: shell beans and snap beans. Both types can grow in either the pole- or bush-style, but the pods of the beans are what make them unique. Shell beans are primarily removed from their pod to be eaten, and are consumed fresh or dried to save for later. Snap beans are eaten inside their pod, and are only eaten fresh (not dried for later use). You can grow multiple styles of these beans directly adjacent to one another, because bean plants are self-pollinating and won't cross-contaminate each other. Popular shell beans include black beans, fava beans , black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans. Popular snap beans include snap (green) beans, adzuki beans, mung beans, asparagus beans, and scarlet-runner beans. Consider growing a pole-bean variety. Pole beans are a type of beans that are vining and must be supported with a trellis or pole. Pole beans grow an average of 5- to 6-feet tall, and can grow either shell or snap bean. Pole beans generally thrive in cooler summer temperatures, as low as 50 °F (10 °C) in the summer. In the US, they thrive in the northern states. You can use whatever support system (trellis, pole, fence, arbor, etc.) that you want for pole beans. Consider growing a bush-bean variety. Bush beans are a type of beans that grow in off a bush, and do not need a trellis or pole for support. Generally, bush beans grow best in warm environments with summer temperatures reaching above 100 °F (38 °C). In the US, they thrive in the Southern states. Bush beans should be planted in large rows, requiring much more space than pole beans. A variety of bush beans called 'half-runners' is a bush/pole hybrid, and may require some support or placement near a fence for stabilization. Choose your garden plot. Beans are flexible plants, able to grow in both sun and shade. When possible, choose a garden plot in most or partial sunlight. Because pole beans grow primarily upwards, you need only a small space for them. Bush beans grow outwards, meaning that they require much more space; choose a plot 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) wide and as long as you desire (for the total number of beans you wish to plant). Know when to plant. Beans should be planted after the last frost has passed, typically in the spring months of March and April. Planting too early in the season will cause the seeds to freeze and die, while planting too late may not give them enough time to mature for a harvest in the fall. Check with your local agricultural extension to find out the best planting time for your area. Know how to plant. Beans are one of the few plants that should not be started as seedlings indoors or transplanted into your garden. This is because they have a delicate root structure that is easily damaged, and may not survive the transfer. As a result, you should sow your seeds directly into the ground come spring. Prepare your soil. Beans grow best in soil with good drainage and lots of nutrients. To prepare your soil, mix in a garden compost and gardening topsoil into your garden plot. Use a hoe to till the soil thoroughly and break apart any clay-like chunks. Incorporating the compost into the soil will help to provide plenty of nutrients to help the beans grow. Beans are nitrogen fixing, meaning they can pull nitrogen from the air and add fertility to the soil. They do this in symbiosis with bacteria. If you have not previously grown beans on your plot, consider adding a bacterial inoculant. You can dust your seeds with it, or add some to each hole when planting. Set up your trellis. If you're planting pole beans, you will need to put your trellis in the ground prior to planting the beans. Place the trellis, stake, or pole in the exact area you plan to plant. As the beans grow, they will naturally wind themselves around the structure for support. Dig a hole deep enough to stabilize the trellis/pole, should there be bad weather or heavy winds. Dig a hole. Pole beans should be planted so that there is one seed per hole, and each seed is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) away from the next. Bush beans should be planted so that there is one seed per hole, and each seed is at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the next. The hole should be 1-inch deep. Remember that bush beans need more space in between plants than pole bean as pole beans grow vertically. Place the seeds. Carefully put one seed in each hole you've dug; it may be tempting to put multiple seeds at once, but this will cause the seedlings to compete for space and nutrients as they grow, and possibly result in the death of the plant. Cover up each seed with 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of your garden soil. Water your seeds regularly. Immediately after planting, give your seeds plenty of water to aid in their germination. After planting, you should continue to water the seeds once every 2-3 days, so that the soil is always moist. Avoid over watering though, as too much water (leaving puddles or pools on the topsoil) will cause the seeds to rot. Put down a layer of mulch after the seeds sprout. Mulch is an incredibly helpful tool for new gardeners. Made from trees, leaves, or straw, mulch is a layer of shredded plant limbs you place over the topsoil in your garden. This blocks out weeds and traps in moisture, two good things for new plants. Spread a layer of mulch 1-inch thick over your garden soil after your seeds have grown several inches tall. Fertilize your garden every four weeks. Fertilizer adds nutrients to garden soil, helping increase the growth of your beans and the overall harvest. Fertilizers are made of a combination of three primary ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Beans naturally produce a lot of nitrogen, meaning that you should look for a fertilizer that has low nitrogen content (such as a 5-20-20 mixture). Ask your local nursery worker with help on choosing a fertilizer for your beans, if you have questions. Do not add nitrogen fertilizer to the soil if you added a nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The bacteria will help the plants make their own. Pick bean pods before the shapes of the beans show through. If you want to eat your beans fresh, you should pick your beans when the pods are large and full. The pods should not yet show the shape of the beans, because by that stage they have begun to dry out. Harvest the pods by snapping them off at the top; don't tear them, as this can damage the plant and prevent new pods from sprouting. If you harvest at the right time, your bean plants could continue to produce new pods for several weeks. Dry your beans on the plant. If you want to dry your shell beans for later use, the process is easy: leave your beans on the plant until they are completely dry. This process usually takes 1-2 months after having reached peak ripeness. You can tell when the beans are totally dry and ready for storage, as they will rattle inside the pods. Freeze beans for later use. Fresh beans can be frozen and used later, if you don't want them fresh but don't want to dry them. Simply place them in an airtight container and put them in your freezer. They will remain good for 6-9 months after initially being placed in the freezer; thaw them by letting them rise to room temperature. | Learn the two different types of beans. Consider growing a pole-bean variety. Consider growing a bush-bean variety. Choose your garden plot. Know when to plant. Know how to plant. Prepare your soil. Set up your trellis. Dig a hole. Place the seeds. Water your seeds regularly. Put down a layer of mulch after the seeds sprout. Fertilize your garden every four weeks. Pick bean pods before the shapes of the beans show through. Dry your beans on the plant. Freeze beans for later use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-a-No-7-Serum | How to Apply a No 7 Serum | If you've already removed your makeup and washed your face, pat your face dry with a hand towel, but don't remove all of the water. Squirt a pea-sized amount of serum onto your fingertips and dab the serum onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Use gentle sweeping motions starting at the center of your face and moving outward to massage the serum into your skin. Then, massage some No 7 day cream into your face if applying in the morning, and use No 7 night cream instead if applying at night. | Remove your makeup. If you have any makeup on, make sure to remove all of it with a makeup removing wipe or by wetting a cotton pad with makeup remover. As an alternative, you can use a cleansing oil to take your makeup off. Regardless of the products you choose to use, use a little pressure as you wipe away your makeup and make sure to wipe your entire face. Go back over areas of your face where you've applied more makeup, such as your eyes, to ensure that you remove it completely. Wash your hands thoroughly. It's important that your face is clean when you apply your serum. Since you wash your face with your hands, this means that your hands need to be clean as well. Rinse your hands with some warm running water, and then create a lather with some antibacterial hand soap. Wash your hands for about 20 seconds, rinse them off, and then dry them with a clean hand towel. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Always wash your face before you apply your serum. Create a lather with a cleanser of your choice and some warm water. Then, massage your face with the cleanser to remove dirt and oil from your skin. Rinse the cleanser off completely with warm water. Go with a cleanser for acne-prone skin if you frequently get breakouts. Choose a cream-based hydrating cleanser if your skin tends to be dry. Pat your face dry with a soft cloth or towel. Get a clean hand towel and gently press it against your skin repeatedly. Stop before your skin is completely dry, as the serum may be able to lock in some of the moisture from the water. Put a pea-sized drop of serum into your hand. Take the cap off of your serum and squirt a little bit of it onto your fingertips. Aim to squirt out a pea-sized amount. Because the serum is concentrated, a little bit tends to go a long way. Dab the serum onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Rub your fingertips together to spread out the serum and then tap the serum onto your forehead. Then, dab the rest of the serum onto your cheeks and chin to ensure that it's applied in all of the most beneficial areas. Massage the serum into your skin. Rub the serum into your skin all over your face and neck, but don't get too close to your eyes. Start towards the center of your face and use an outward sweeping motion as you apply. Let the serum absorb into your skin completely before you put any other products on it. Follow up the serum with No 7 day cream every morning. The No 7 serum contains several beneficial anti-aging properties but it doesn't have moisturizing properties. After applying your serum in the morning, stick your finger into a jar of No 7 day cream and scoop out a little bit with your finger. Massage it into your skin to ensure that your face is properly moisturized and protected from the sun. As an alternative, use any face lotion or cream that has an SPF. Wait 15 minutes before you put on makeup. When applying your serum in the morning, leave your face alone for about 15 minutes or so after you've finished your moisturizer. This will allow the moisturizer to set into your skin and properly hydrate your face. After the time is up, you can start putting your makeup on. Apply No 7 night cream every evening after applying your serum. After applying your serum at night, scoop a little bit of night cream out of your No 7 night cream jar, and gently rub it all over your face. This way, your face will stay hydrated and healthy while you sleep. Dab some eye cream around the outside of your eyes sparingly. Don't apply your serum or moisturizer around your eyes, and instead use a cream that's specifically for eyes. Just after applying your moisturizer, get a little bit of the No 7 eye cream onto your fingertips and then dab it around the outside edges of your eyes only. This should help to minimize and/or prevent crows feet. The skin around your eyes is delicate, so it's best to only use products in this area from time to time. If you'd prefer to use another brand of eye cream, feel free to use it instead. | Remove your makeup. Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat your face dry with a soft cloth or towel. Put a pea-sized drop of serum into your hand. Dab the serum onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Massage the serum into your skin. Follow up the serum with No 7 day cream every morning. Wait 15 minutes before you put on makeup. Apply No 7 night cream every evening after applying your serum. Dab some eye cream around the outside of your eyes sparingly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Poison-Ivy-or-Poison-Oak-Off-Your-Clothes | How to Get Poison Ivy or Poison Oak Off Your Clothes | To get poison ivy or poison oak off your clothes, you'll need to wash them as soon as possible to remove the oils that cause allergic reactions on your skin. The easiest way to do this is to run them through your washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle. Make sure to wash them on their own, since you don't want to transfer the oil onto any of your other items. You should also use an entire capful or scoop of laundry detergent to ensure you remove as much of the poison ivy or oak as possible. Once the wash cycle is over, put on a pair of gloves before transferring your clothes to the dryer, since even a trace amount of oil can cause an allergic reaction. | Don’t wash contaminated clothing with uncontaminated items. Just to be safe, wash your contaminated items on their own without any uncontaminated clothes. The laundry cycle should remove the oil from your clothing, but you won't want to risk contaminating other items. Traces of oil could remain in the leftover water that didn't drain. Further, agitation is necessary to remove the oil from your clothing, and extra clothes will result in less agitation. Use the hottest water, largest load, and longest cycle settings. Lots of hot water, agitation, and plenty of washing time are all it takes to remove urushiol from clothing. It might seem wasteful to wash just a few items on the highest load and time settings, but using these settings is essential. Urushiol isn't very water soluble, so it'll take lots of water and detergent to get rid of it. In addition, a long wash cycle will help prevent residue from redepositing on your clothing and washing machine's interior. Use a full scoop of laundry detergent. Because of urushiol's low solubility, you'll need as much detergent as possible to get it out of your clothes. Use an entire capful or scoop of detergent, or pour it into your washer's detergent drawer compartment to the max fill line. While any laundry detergent should do the trick, a degreaser detergent is the best option. Avoid filling up the washing machine with clothing. If necessary, divide your clothes into multiple loads so each load only fills your washer halfway at most. If you completely fill your washing machine with clothes, there won't be enough room for the agitation necessary to remove the oil from your clothes. Wear gloves when you transfer clothes to the dryer. If you used a long washing cycle, you've most likely eliminated all of the oil. However, there's a chance that traces of the oil might be left in the water in the machine that didn't drain after the wash cycle, and you don't want to take any chances of getting it on your skin. Once you've transferred the clothes, run the empty washer for one cycle on the hottest setting to ensure you've removed any residual oil. Feel free to air dry your clothes if you prefer. The washing machine does the dirty work; a machine dryer doesn't play any part in getting rid of the oil. Use a commercial product if you have a high efficiency washer. A high efficiency washing machine automatically senses load size and uses less water, so it might not get out all of the oil in your clothes. To stay on the safe side, pre-treat your clothes with a store-bought urushiol removal product, such as Tecnu or Zanfel, then machine wash them twice. While wearing gloves, apply the product to your clothes when they're dry. After washing them, run the empty washer on a hot self-cleaning cycle. Clean non-machine washable items with hot water and detergent. Wear long rubber gloves when hand-washing an item that can't go in the washer, like a leather jacket or shoes. Mix two tablespoons of laundry or dish detergent with two cups (480 mL) of hot water. Soak a sponge with the cleaning solution, wash the item's surface, then wipe away soapy residue with a wet cloth. You can use a toothbrush to scrub hard to reach places. Just remember to throw out the toothbrush and sponge when you're finished. To clean shoelaces, remove them and soak them in the cleaning solution, then rinse them under hot water. Check your item's care instructions and test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire item. Try using a commercial product on leather. If you're concerned about using detergent on leather garments or shoes, you can try applying a commercial urushiol removal product. Saturate a dry cloth with the product, rub it onto the item, then wipe it away with a wet cloth. Check your product's label or website to verify it's safe for leather, and test it on an inconspicuous area first. Wash tools and gear with rubbing alcohol or detergent. Don't forget to wash garden tools, golf clubs, jewelry, and any other exposed items. Rinsing them with rubbing alcohol will do the trick. If you don't have any handy, or are concerned about how alcohol might effect an object, wash it with dish or laundry detergent and hot water. Take your clothing to a dry cleaner if necessary. If you have any doubts about hand-washing a delicate item, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Dry cleaners use chemicals that aren't water-based, so if your garment can't handle any water exposure, a professional can remove urushiol without damaging it. Be sure to keep your clothing in a plastic bag, and let your dry cleaner know that the items were exposed to poison ivy. Wear gloves when handling contaminated clothes and gear. Vinyl or rubber gloves are best, as urushiol can penetrate latex. Preferably, your impermeable gloves should cover your forearms. For extra protection, wear long sleeves to protect your arms. Throw out your gloves after handling contaminated items, even if they're rubber kitchen gloves. Store items in a plastic bag until you can wash them. Wash your clothes as soon as possible to prevent urushiol from setting and becoming more difficult to remove. If you can't wash them immediately, store contaminated clothing and gear in a plastic garbage bag. Throw out the bag after you take the clothes out to wash them. Avoid letting contaminated items come into contact with clothes that haven't been exposed to poison ivy or poison oak. Clean your washing machine, sink, or basin after washing your clothes. After machine washing your clothing, run the empty washer for one cycle with a cup of bleach and hot water. If you used a sink, bucket, or basin to wash items by hand, thoroughly clean it with a sponge or cloth, hot water, and dish detergent. Rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach can be substituted for dish detergent. It's best to just throw away sponges, brushes, or other tools you used to wash items by hand. | Don’t wash contaminated clothing with uncontaminated items. Use the hottest water, largest load, and longest cycle settings. Use a full scoop of laundry detergent. Avoid filling up the washing machine with clothing. Wear gloves when you transfer clothes to the dryer. Use a commercial product if you have a high efficiency washer. Clean non-machine washable items with hot water and detergent. Try using a commercial product on leather. Wash tools and gear with rubbing alcohol or detergent. Take your clothing to a dry cleaner if necessary. Wear gloves when handling contaminated clothes and gear. Store items in a plastic bag until you can wash them. Clean your washing machine, sink, or basin after washing your clothes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Poodles | How to Train Poodles | If you want to train your poodle, enroll it in puppy kindergarten or an obedience class to help it socialize and learn tricks. In addition, you should schedule short, fun, daily training sessions of about 10 minutes in length, where you have your poodle practice commands. Make sure to teach your poodle one trick at a time, since it could get confused if you try to teach it too many new things at once. You should also use positive reinforcement, like verbal praise and extra petting, instead of yelling or punishing, since this will just make it afraid of you. To ensure your poodle doesn't forget what it's learned, keep your training sessions repetitive and your tone of voice consistent when you deliver certain commands. | Purchase a crate. If your poodle is a puppy, it will be important to teach him how to stay in a crate. Choose a crate that will be large enough for him to stand up and move around in, but not so large that he can use a separate space to go to the bathroom. The crate should feel cozy to him, but not claustrophobic. A toy or miniature poodle's crate should be 24 x 18 inches (61 x 46 cm) or 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm). For a standard poodle, an ideal crate size is 48 x 36 inches (122 x 91 cm). Make the crate comfortable for your poodle. Crate training will go more smoothly if the crate looks inviting to your poodle. Place comfortable bedding in the crate that already has his scent on it. In addition, place some of his favorite toys in the crate, along with his food and water bowls. Place the crate in an area close to people. Since poodles love human companionship, having your Poodle's crate in area with a lot of human activity will help him feel more comfortable. Remember that the crate should be a place of comfort and peace, not punishment. Encourage your poodle to enter the crate. Over the course of crate training, you will practice leaving your poodle in the crate for increasingly longer periods. To begin, leave the crate door open and toss some treats inside. When your Poodle enters the crate to eat the treats, immediately give him verbal praise. Do not force him into the crate if he is hesitant—let him enter on his own time so he will not have a negative association with the crate. Work up to feeding him his meals in the crate. It may help to give your poodle a verbal command, such as 'kennel,' when you want him to enter the kennel. Immediately give him a treat when he enters the crate after your command. Close the crate’s door and leave the room. When your poodle is comfortable entering his crate, start closing the door behind him. Begin by closing it only for a few seconds when he is inside, then opening it back up again. Next, close the crate's door and leave the room, randomly coming back for short time periods. Over time, gradually increase the time you stay out of the room after closing the crate door. Do not open the crate door if your poodle whines or fusses. Doing so will teach him a bad habit for getting attention. Even as your puppy becomes comfortable with staying in the crate with the door closed, you should not leave him in there day and night. He will not be able to hold his bladder for that long, and he will start feeling lonely by not being able to interact with you. Begin house training early. Whether you have a puppy or an adult poodle, it is best to start house training him soon after bringing him home. The earlier you begin, the quicker your poodle will know the proper place to go to the bathroom. The longer you wait, the more ingrained bad bathroom habits can become, making house training that much harder. Poodles tend to be house trained quite easily. Poodles have great memories, and will therefore remember the good and bad habits. Make sure he remembers only the good bathroom habits! Create a bathroom schedule for your poodle. Your poodle should know when it is time to go outside to use the bathroom. Since puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, they will need to go out more frequently. Good times to take your puppy out are first thing in the morning, after playing, and after eating or drinking. As a rule of thumb, puppies can hold their bladder for approximately 1 hour per month of age, up until 9 to 12 months. As your puppy poodle ages, wait for longer periods before taking him out after different activities. This will strengthen his bladder muscles. Adult dogs can hold their bladders for longer, but should still be on a bathroom schedule. Keep the schedule consistent to decrease the chance of accidents in the house. Select an outdoor bathroom area for your poodle. Your poodle should go to the bathroom in the same place every time he goes outside. This will help him remember where he should go. If you have a backyard, choose an area that is away from areas where people would go (e.g., children's play area, garden). The area should also be away from potential distractions, such as a busy street. If you have a puppy and are not able to take him out several times a day, consider setting up an indoor bathroom area near his crate. Put some puppy pee pads down so he can relieve himself when you are not home. As he gets older and can hold his bladder for longer, discontinue using the pee pads. If you do not have a yard, pick a nearby grassy area. Allow your poodle to pick the exact bathroom spot. Although you should identify the general area where your poodle should go, allow him to pick the exact spot within that area. When you take him outside, let him sniff around and explore within the general area until he settles on a specific spot. After he picks the spot and relieves himself, take him to that specific area each time you take him outside. Wait for your poodle to eliminate. It may be tempting to give your poodle only a few minutes to go to the bathroom before you bring him in, especially if you are in a rush. However, rushing your Poodle when he is outside will not be very effective for house training—he may hold it so he can spend more time with you inside, increasing the chances of him having an accident. Ideally, you should give your poodle about 15 to 20 minutes outside. Reward good bathroom behavior and ignore bad bathroom behavior. As you house train your poodle, reward him with positive reinforcement (e.g., verbal praise, extra petting) when he eliminates outside. However, if he has an accident, do not punish him. Punishing him will make him fearful of you and make house training more difficult. If he has an accident, clean it up without making a fuss. Use an enzymatic cleaner that will remove the odor so your poodle will not go back to that same spot. If you catch him in the act of having an accident, interrupt him with a firm verbal command (e.g., 'outside!'), pick him up, and take him outside to his designated bathroom spot. When he finishes eliminating outside, give him verbal praise and a treat. Acclimate your poodle to a leash and collar. As with other forms of training, it can be easy to train your poodle puppy to walk on a leash. First, he will need to get used to the leash and collar. Place the collar on him and let him wear it while he is eating and doing other activities around the house. He may try to wriggle it off, but do not take it off him until he has settled down. Use a plain, flat collar. It should be snug around his neck (snug enough to stick 1 or 2 fingers between his fur and the collar), but not tight. Use a non-extendable leash that is 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) long. To acclimate your puppy to the leash, attach the leash to the collar and let him walk around like that inside your home. Keep a close eye on him so he doesn't entangle himself in the leash. Take short walks with your poodle. When your poodle puppy is comfortable with the leash and collar, take him on short walks inside your home. Hold the leash loosely and give him lots of verbal praise during the walk. If he begins to pull, stop immediately—if you continue walking, he will think it's okay for him to pull and strain on the leash. When he behaves well on the leash inside, start taking him on short walks outside. Gradually increase the lengths of the walks as your puppy becomes more comfortable with walking on the leash. Teach your poodle to heel. When you begin to leash train your poodle, it is okay for him to walk slightly in front of you. As the training progresses, though, he should learn how to walk beside you. The 'heel' command instructs your poodle how to do this. With your poodle standing on your left side, hold a squeaky toy or treat in your right hand. Allow him to see the toy, say 'heel,' and begin walking forward. Give him a reward (the toy or a treat) when he can walk beside you for 20 to 30 seconds. Enroll your poodle puppy in puppy kindergarten. If you have a puppy, enroll him in a puppy kindergarten class when he is about 8 to 12 weeks old. This timeframe is critical for proper puppy socialization. Puppy kindergarten will teach your poodle how to socialize with other dogs and other people, and be obedient in distracting situations. It will also help your Poodle become more self-confident. In addition to puppy kindergarten, socialize him on your own at home. Invite your friends over to expose your puppy to new people in a friendly environment. When you take him out on walks, introduce him to friendly neighbors and let him hear some of the sounds of everyday life, like cars passing on the street. Enroll your adult poodle in obedience class. Obedience class is where your poodle will learn basic commands, such as sit, stay, and heel. Your veterinarian or the staff at your local pet store can give you recommendations on quality obedience classes in your area. Obedience class will not only teach your poodle basic commands, but will also teach him to see you as his leader. Whichever commands you learn in class, practice these commands at home between classes. Schedule short, daily training sessions. No matter how smart your poodle is, and how much he wants to please you, he will not want long training sessions. Limit your training sessions to 10 minutes. Any longer than that, and your Poodle may become bored. Make the training sessions fun to prevent boredom. For example, show lots of enthusiasm and give your poodle positive reinforcement. The more excited you are, the more he will enjoy the training sessions. Daily, consistent training will help you and your poodle develop a close bond. Since poodles enjoy working closely with their owners, your Poodle will likely enjoy working with you every day. Practice one command at a time. When you teach your poodle basic commands, wait until he masters one before you move onto another. If you try to teach multiple commands at once, your poodle may become confused with what you are trying to teach him, and he may become discouraged. Fully mastering one command will give him the self-confidence to learn even more. Keep your training consistent. Consistency is key when training a poodle. Continue to train your poodle throughout his life so he never forgets the commands. For example, when you teach him 'sit' as a puppy, continue to train him to 'sit' throughout his adult life and reward him each time he does so. You can also be consistent by giving the same command, in the same tone of voice, for a specific action. If you have other household members, make sure everyone uses the same commands so your poodle does not become confused with which command to follow. For example, if you say 'stay,' then other household members should not say something like 'stay here.' Be firm during your training sessions. Do not let your poodle think he can get away with not following your commands. If he is getting impatient or fussy during a training session, end the session and pick up where you left off during the next session. Your poodle will learn that misbehaving during one training session does not mean he is off the hook for learning the command. | Purchase a crate. Make the crate comfortable for your poodle. Encourage your poodle to enter the crate. Close the crate’s door and leave the room. Begin house training early. Create a bathroom schedule for your poodle. Select an outdoor bathroom area for your poodle. Allow your poodle to pick the exact bathroom spot. Wait for your poodle to eliminate. Reward good bathroom behavior and ignore bad bathroom behavior. Acclimate your poodle to a leash and collar. Take short walks with your poodle. Teach your poodle to heel. Enroll your poodle puppy in puppy kindergarten. Enroll your adult poodle in obedience class. Schedule short, daily training sessions. Practice one command at a time. Keep your training consistent. Be firm during your training sessions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Foam-Mattress | How to Clean a Foam Mattress | To clean a stain on a foam mattress, start by mixing a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, then spraying it on the stain. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda on it, let the solution or baking soda sit for at least 5 minutes, then dab a clean rag up and down across the stain to remove it. When you've cleaned as much of the stain as you can, sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit overnight to help with any odors. Then, vacuum up the baking soda and let the mattress dry completely before you put the bedding back on. | Take off your bedding. Start by removing the blankets, duvet, sheets, pillows and mattress cover. Wash your sheets and mattress cover. To keep a clean mattress, you will need to regularly clean all of the layers that go on top, such as the mattress cover. With everything off the mattress, you are ready to vacuum. It is a good idea to clean your mattress cover at the same time as your foam mattress. Look on the label of the mattress cover to determine the washing cycle. Likely, you can put in a normal wash cycle. Choose the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. You will be using the upholstery attachment to clean your mattress. If the attachment is clean, go ahead and attach it to your vacuum cleaner. If it is dirty, you should remove all of the bits of fabric and dust from the upholstery attachment using your fingers. Then, wash it with soapy water. Rinse it and then let it dry for twenty-four hours. Vacuum the mattress. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum your foam mattress. Get rid of any hair, dust or crumbs from late night snacks. Start by vacuuming the top of the mattress. Then, clean the sides of the mattress. Flip the mattress or put it against a wall to clean the bottom. Exercise caution in your use of water and cleaning liquids. Foam mattresses should not be exposed to excessive water, so you need to take a cautious approach when spot cleaning stains. It is easy to get too aggressive when removing stains from a foam mattress, which can have the unintended effect of either pushing stains deeper into the mattress or getting the mattress too wet. If the mattress gets wet, it could easily get mildew. Never saturate the mattress with water or a cleaning agent. Instead of using a steam cleaner or a wet rag, you should use a spray bottle. You are less likely to get the mattress excessively wet if you mist the mattress with a small amount of water using a spray bottle. Choose a cleaning agent. To get stains out of a foam mattress, you will need vinegar, baking soda or an enzymatic commercial cleaner. Another option is to create your own cleaning agent by mixing a few drops of dish soap into 3 tablespoons (24 g) of baking soda and 10 fluid ounces (300 mL) of hydrogen peroxide. Enzymatic cleaners work very well, but vinegar is a trusted option that is also inexpensive. You can use a mix of half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. You can sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain. Follow the directions on the bottle of enzymatic cleaner. Spray the stain. After spraying a moderate amount of cleaning agent on the stain, let it sit for five minutes. Remove as much of the stain as possible. After the cleaning agent has had a chance to break down the stain, use a clean rag to remove it. Use a dabbing, up and down motion, as opposed to a circular rubbing motion. If you rub the cleaning agent around too much, you could end up spreading the stain. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Let the baking soda sit on the stain overnight. In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda. This process should help remove any odors associated with the stain. Dry out the mattress. Since foam mattresses do not do well when they are wet, you need to get your mattress dry as soon as possible. If you have access to an outdoor area and it is good weather, you could let the mattress dry out in the sun. If the weather is not amenable, you could set up a fan in your room to let the mattress dry out. Dry out the mattress. You should take steps to dry out your mattress right away. If it is a sunny day and it isn't too hard to take the mattress out to the porch or backyard, you could let it dry out in the sun. Once the spill is dried up, you can address any stains with appropriate cleaning agents, such as baking soda. Dab the stain to remove liquid. If you get a foam mattress wet, you should use a clean rag or an absorbent towel to dab the stain. Press down on the wet area with the clean rag or towel. Adjust the rag or towel so that you have a dry part to use and then repeat the dabbing motion. You should avoid scrubbing the stain with a circular or aggressive motion, since this approach could cause the stain to set. You may need to use many rags or towels, depending on the size of the stain. Set up a fan. Station a fan in front of the foam mattress. Put the fan on high and direct it towards the part of the mattress where the spill occurred. Let the foam mattress dry out. After removing as much of the stain as possible, you should leave the mattress to dry out for a few hours. Avoid putting any bedding on the mattress until it is completely dry. If there is a window in the room, you could open it up to improve air circulation and speed up the drying time. Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress. Spread a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the foam mattress. Leave the baking soda on the mattress overnight or during the day while you are at work. Then, vacuum up the baking soda. Mist the foam mattress with a citrus based cleaner. You can use a lemon or other citrus based cleaner to remove odors from a foam mattress. Spray a light layer of citrus cleaner. Then, let it dry completely. You can make your own citrus based cleaner. Put some orange or lemon peels in an airtight container. Fill the container with white vinegar and let it sit for two weeks. Then, strain out the orange peels. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and clean. Give it some fresh air. Put your mattress out on the front porch or backyard for an hour or two. The breeze and sun will help eliminate bacteria and deodorize the mattress. Airing out your mattress may be easiest in a rural or suburban location. Remember to bring it back inside and keep an eye on the weather, since you don't want to get your foam mattress wet. If you live in a city with a lot of air pollution or traffic, you may want to skip this step. Put on the mattress cover. Once you have vacuumed, cleaned and deodorized your foam mattress, you can go ahead and put on the clean mattress cover. The mattress cover will help keep your foam mattress nice and clean. If you tend to drink a lot of coffee or wine in bed or own a pet, you may want to use a waterproof mattress cover. A waterproof cover will help you avoid the disaster of a soaking foam mattress. | Take off your bedding. Choose the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum the mattress. Exercise caution in your use of water and cleaning liquids. Choose a cleaning agent. Spray the stain. Remove as much of the stain as possible. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Dry out the mattress. Dry out the mattress. Dab the stain to remove liquid. Set up a fan. Let the foam mattress dry out. Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress. Mist the foam mattress with a citrus based cleaner. Give it some fresh air. Put on the mattress cover. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-in-Las-Vegas-for-Cheap | How to Stay in Las Vegas for Cheap | To book a cheap room in Las Vegas, try to schedule your trip during the middle of the week when business is slower. Major casino resorts are incredibly expensive, so try staying at a business hotel, chain hotel, apart-hotel, or Airbnb instead. Many hotels hide big fees behind enticing rates, so look for rooms that come with things like free food, parking, and wifi. If you're not picky about when you visit, purchase discounted reservations from websites like RoomerTravel. | Visit during the middle of the week for cheap hotel rooms. The Las Vegas strip is busiest on Friday and Saturday, when lots of people fly in to enjoy a weekend away from home. During this time, room prices go up to match the increased demand. However, once everybody leaves on Sunday, the cost of a reservation plummets, with many hotels offering steep discounts to simply fill up rooms. Stay at traditional hotels instead of casino resorts. Casino hotels like the Luxor and Bellagio are a standout feature of Las Vegas. However, they are also incredibly expensive, meaning you won't find a lot of cheap rooms in them. Instead, try staying at business hotels that don't house casinos or stage shows, chain hotels like the Hilton, local apart-hotels, or even Airbnbs. Since major casino resorts offer gambling and entertainment options, you can visit and enjoy them even if you don't have a room there. Look for hotels with lots of free perks. Like the hotels in many major cities, Las Vegas resorts hide additional fees behind good-looking room rates. These can come out of nowhere and eat up your extra cash. To avoid this, look for hotels that offer free, inclusive perks such as complimentary WiFi, food, and valet parking. Buy unused hotel reservations. Las Vegas is an extremely popular vacation spot, and as such, reservations get canceled all the time. Websites like RoomerTravel put these reservations up at a discounted price, meaning that while you may not be able to pick the date, you can get into an expensive resort for relatively little money. Eat at buffets to get the most amount of food for the lowest price possible. Las Vegas buffets are extravagant, well-stocked smorgasbords filled with tons of different foods. The cheapest options are the buffets at Station Casino and the Riviera, but most hotel buffets are worth the price of admission for the sheer amount of food you get. Some casinos may require you to have a Player's Club Reward Card to eat at their buffet. Leave the strip for cheaper dining options. The Las Vegas strip is the most popular area of town for tourists, meaning it has the most expensive restaurants. Fremont Street, the downtown area frequented by locals, features a variety of dining options at more reasonable prices. Fremont even has its own hotel buffets thanks to places like Gold Coast and the Fremont Casino. Buy alcohol from cheap resort bars and specialty stores. Whether you're drinking wine, beer, or something else entirely, Las Vegas offers plenty of hard drink options. Avoid expensive bars where you can rack up a huge tab in no time. Instead, get your liquor from actual spirit shops, which will be far cheaper than buying individual drinks, or inexpensive resort bars like the $1 Bar at Casino Royale, which offers $1 Michelobs and $.75 Coors Light draughts all day. Gamble at casinos on Fremont street for cheaper tables and better odds. Las Vegas is most well known for its extravagant strip casinos like The Venetian and Caesars Palace. However, if you want to play at tables that have lower bet minimums and odds that are more friendly to casino patrons, you'll need to travel to Fremont Street. This downtown area is home to vintage casinos like the Four Queens, Binion's, and El Cortez, establishments frequented by Las Vegas locals. Go to stage shows featuring less famous performers. In addition to gambling, Las Vegas is known for their extravagant stage performances from big names like Cirque du Soleil, the Blue Man Group, and Britney Spears. However, the strip houses plenty of acts that, since they're not as well known, are far cheaper than their famous contemporaries. Some great, low-budget performances include: Mike Hammer's comedy magic show at the Four Queens Resort. Tickets cost $29. Marc Savard's comedy hypnosis show at Planet Hollywood. Tickets start at $27. Aussie Heat, a male revue at Planet Hollywood. Tickets start at $49. Look online for free or discounted tickets. Though Vegas shows are usually quite expensive, many acts receive regular price cuts to encourage more people to come. Websites like TripAdvisor feature updated information on how much shows cost and what discounts, if any, are available. Some acts, like comedy magic duo Penn & Teller, occasionally offer free tickets in exchange for donating blood or participating in fundraising walks, while others give out tickets in charity raffles. Though not as common, some acts offer free tickets to taped or rehearsal performances. When purchasing tickets, make sure to ask about student and military discounts. Visit local museums, parks, and outdoor attractions. In addition to gambling and stage shows, Las Vegas offers a wide variety of cheap entertainment options ranging from local museums and art galleries to parks and thrill rides. If you're looking for something extremely cheap, check out: The Shark Reef, an aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Admission is $20. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Admission is $18. The Neon Museum, an outdoor collection of neon signs. Tours start at $19. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden. Admission is free. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus, an indoor amusement park. Rides cost $6 to $12 each. The SlotZilla Zip Line, which takes you over the Fremont Street Experience. The line costs $20. | Visit during the middle of the week for cheap hotel rooms. Stay at traditional hotels instead of casino resorts. Look for hotels with lots of free perks. Buy unused hotel reservations. Eat at buffets to get the most amount of food for the lowest price possible. Leave the strip for cheaper dining options. Buy alcohol from cheap resort bars and specialty stores. Gamble at casinos on Fremont street for cheaper tables and better odds. Go to stage shows featuring less famous performers. Look online for free or discounted tickets. Visit local museums, parks, and outdoor attractions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Pyramid | How to Make a Paper Pyramid | To make a paper pyramid, start by folding and unfolding a square piece of paper in half diagonally both ways. Then, rotate the paper so that it looks like a diamond and fold it into a small triangle. Next, fold the triangle into a square and then fold the flaps in so it looks like a kite. Finally, anchor the folds and fold the tip of the kite down to finish your pyramid. | Find a square piece of paper. To make a pyramid, you need to start with a paper that has equal dimensions in length and width. The thicker the paper, the more durable the pyramid, but if you go too thick, the pyramid will be difficult to fold. Good paper choices include: Origami paper Construction paper Cardstock Fold and unfold the paper. First, fold and unfold it diagonally through the center from top right to bottom left, and then diagonally through the center from the top left to bottom right. Lay the paper flat on a table. Look at the folds you've made (the paper will be folded into four triangles). Either with a pencil or in your mind, label the four folds that divide the paper into quarters as A, B, C, and D (in order, going counter-clockwise). Orient the paper. You want the paper in front of you so that the triangle labeled side D and A has its bottom edge facing you. Fold the paper into a smaller triangle. Start by folding the left side of the triangle in half in on itself, so the outer edges of sides C and D meet. Repeat on the other side, so that the outer edges of sides A and B meet. Fold the triangle into a square. Start on one side, and fold the bottom corners in toward the center, so that each bottom corner comes to meet the top corner. Repeat on the other side. Fold the square into a kite. Orient the square so it looks like a diamond, with all the folded flaps at the top and the neat bottom point facing you. On each side of the paper, fold the two side points of the diamond into the center so the bottom edge of the diamond lines up with the center edge of the square. Anchor the folds. On each of the four kite faces, open each fold one at a time until you get a small right triangle sticking out the back of your fold. Fold this little triangle down over the front, and then refold all the original folds. Repeat with each kite face. Fold down the tip of the kite. Fold it back and forth to create a nice crease. Now, stand the kite up on the bottom tip, and gently press the center tip at the top. The paper should begin opening up and unfolding at the base at the last crease you made. Once it unfolds into a triangle, you can square off the edges of the base and the sides of your paper pyramid. Finished! Print or draw a pyramid template. Either use a square piece of paper to create your own template or print one off and use it as either the paper for the pyramid or a cut-out template that you can trace onto a different piece of paper. A proper pyramid template pattern will have a square base, and of each side of that base, there will be an attached triangle. Two or all four of these triangles will have tabs on them. Once cut out, the four triangles will come together and join at the top to form the pyramid faces. Cut out your pyramid pattern. The tabs on the side are important (so don't cut them off) because these will be used to glue or tape the sides of the pyramid together. Flip the paper over and decorate it. Now that the pattern has been cut, you have the basic shape for your pyramid, and it can now be decorated any way you like. Remember that the faces on the underside of the paper will become the outside, so be sure to decorate the right side! Try drawing an overlapping grid pattern to make it look like the bricks of an Egyptian pyramid. Crease all the pyramid edges. After decorating, flip the pyramid back over to create creases so that the faces will come together nicely. Make sure to direct the creases inward, and don't forget to crease the tabs as well. If you are using thicker paper, such as cardboard, consider using a hobby knife or scissors to gently trace the lines where the pyramid will bend and fold. Form the pyramid. Apply glue or tape to the outside edges (the decorated side edges) of all the tabs. Bring the four faces of the pyramid together, securing them to each other by positioning the sticky tabs on the inside of the pyramid faces. Gently press the sides to the tabs and allow the glue to dry. | Find a square piece of paper. Fold and unfold the paper. Lay the paper flat on a table. Orient the paper. Fold the paper into a smaller triangle. Fold the triangle into a square. Fold the square into a kite. Anchor the folds. Fold down the tip of the kite. Finished! Print or draw a pyramid template. Cut out your pyramid pattern. Flip the paper over and decorate it. Crease all the pyramid edges. Form the pyramid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Gas-Stove-Clean | How to Keep a Gas Stove Clean | To keep a gas stove clean, start by removing the burner grates and caps. Submerge them in hot, soapy water and leave them to soak while you clean the stove. Use a cleaning brush or paper towel to wipe away any loose debris, which will make it easier to scrub. Spray some cleaner on any grimy spots and let it soak for 5 minutes. Then, scrub the stovetop with a clean rag or sponge. Try using a toothbrush to get into the gaps where the burners and caps were. Once you've cleaned the stovetop, scrub the burner grates and caps in the sink. If they're still not clean after using soapy water, try a heavy-duty degreaser instead. | Allow your stove to cool. Turn off all your gas burners and allow the stove to cool down completely before cleaning. Cleaning a stove while it is hot can result in injury. Remove the burner grates and caps. Once the burners are cool, lift them away from the stove. Place them in the sink. Burners can be placed in a large bucket or wash basin if a sink is not available. Fill the sink with hot water and dish soap. Completely submerge the burners in hot water. Add a drizzle of dish soap to the water while it is running to create suds. Allow the burners to soak while you clean the stove. Brush away loose debris. With a cleaning brush or paper towel, brush away any loose debris. Don't worry too much about scraping caked on food and grime. Scrub the stovetop. Clean the top of the stove using a stovetop cleaner or soapy water. With a clean rag or sponge, scrub the surface. Pay close attention to caked on food and grime. Don't forget to scrub the knobs and face. Spray some cleaner on tough spots and let it soak for five minutes before scrubbing. This will help to loosen the grime. Clean around the burners. Use a toothbrush to get into the crooks where the burners and caps sit. These areas can be tough to reach with a rag. Then wipe the area clean with a rag. Dry the stove. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the stove's surface. Drying the stove's surface will prevent streaking and make your stove's surface shine. Scrub the burner grates. Using a toothbrush or sponge, wash the burner grates that were soaking in the sink. Most of the grime will wipe away fairly easy since they have been soaking for several minutes. Set the clean burners off to the side. Scrub the burner caps. Using the same toothbrush or sponge, wash the burner caps. Set them off to the side with the burners. Rinse the burner parts. With fresh, warm water, thoroughly rinse the burner grates and caps. Be sure rinse away all of the soapy residue. If the burners still aren't clean after using dish soap, try a heavy-duty degreaser instead. Dry the burner parts. Set the burner grates and caps on a mat to air dry. If you want the pieces to dry quickly, wipe them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Secure the burner parts back on the stove. Once the parts are completely dry, place them back on the stovetop in their proper positions. Your stove is now ready for use once again. | Allow your stove to cool. Remove the burner grates and caps. Fill the sink with hot water and dish soap. Brush away loose debris. Scrub the stovetop. Clean around the burners. Dry the stove. Scrub the burner grates. Scrub the burner caps. Rinse the burner parts. Dry the burner parts. Secure the burner parts back on the stove. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-to-a-New-Elementary-School | How to Transfer to a New Elementary School | Transferring your child to a new elementary school can feel like a daunting task, but by learning about your school district, gathering the right documents, and filing the correct paperwork, you'll make the process easier. Check your city's website to see what school districts they have and what schools are within your district. If you need to go out of district, you can apply for an inter-district transfer or look into magnet or charter schools, though these schools can be harder to get in to. Once you pick a school, apply for a transfer request. Additionally, they'll likely need proof that you live in their zone or an application to apply from out of district. You'll also need to supply your new school with immunization records and birth certificates. | Find out what school district you’re in. Check your city's website to see what school districts they have. Your city or town may have as little as one district, and a large city may have several districts. Ask your neighbors what schools their children attend, but be aware that boundaries can divide what district you and your neighbors are in. Choose a school from your same district. If your school district has several elementary schools within it, you may or may not be able to transfer your child. Find out what school choices your district offers. A transfer request may be easier, if your district offers open transfers. In New York City, for example, they offer what is called a variance and you can use that to apply to different schools within a district. Choose a school from a different district. Many school districts offer inter-district options, where different schools across neighboring areas take applicants from a large pool. Inter-district options are common in larger cities. Magnet schools are normally very competitive, have special programs, and high expectations of students. Charter schools may be competitive and require certain grades. Some schools use a lottery system, where applicants are chosen randomly. Some schools accept students by a combination of lottery and competitive requirements. Compare school ratings. Look at district rankings in your area or state. Many schools within a district can be evaluated by looking at their school accountability reports. Many places use a grading scale and this information should be posted on a district website. Visit the school. Selecting a school that fits best may require informal principal interviews and tours of the school. Matching a school with a student can mean reviewing extra-curricular activities, discipline policies or classroom size. Look for signs of a good school, like engaged students and high expectations. Determine how integrated the school is. Find out how integrated a school is by looking at how much variety it offers economically, socially and racially. It's important for a school to offer a rich learning environment, and that includes different viewpoints from peers and teachers. Look at demographic statistics to determine whether a school has a student pool that is mostly homogeneous or varied. Start the enrollment process as soon as you can. Once you have a projected move date, you can contact a new school for information about their enrollment process. The early you can do this the better, because you will need to fill out paperwork and show the school important documents. It can take anywhere from one day to several days to fully enroll in a new school. Get a copy of current classes and coursework. Your child's new school will want to know what curriculum your child has been studying. Special programs your child is in, such as band or foreign language learning, will be things the new school will want to know about in order to accommodate you. Some things at the new school may not be offered, or they may offer more classes, such as advanced placement options. Gather proof of residency. Your new school will want proof that you live in their zone. Proof of residency can be as simple as having a piece of mail addressed to you. It can also be as complicated as having to show a lease agreement or mortgage paperwork, and hard proofs of I.D. The school district can tell you exactly what you need to show as proof. Check the district website. If you're moving to a new district, they will likely have important information about their enrollment process online. Search through links for parents or new enrollments to get an idea of what the school will ask for. You may be able to find what enrollment fees the school has online. Call the district office. Even though you may know the specific school your child will attend, it's important to contact the district office first. They will have the most up-to-date information about how to get your child enrolled, and they can tell you important things you need before you contact a school. Sometimes, you can fully enroll your child at the district office and start immediately at a new school. Other times, you may need to make an appointment at a new school and file enrollment papers there. Gather immunization records and birth certificates. A new school district may ask to see copies of the same documents you needed to enroll your child in a current school. Make sure you have documents handy, like current shot records and a copy of your child's birth certificate. You will also need your child's social security number. Check school calendars and grades completed. You may have to time your child's new school start to a new district's calendar. It may also be wise to have mid-term or semester grades completed at an old school before starting a new school. This will make it easier for teachers to know where your child is at in his or her studies. Apply for a transfer request. Thoroughly fill out all necessary documents to initiate the transfer process, and submit them on time. A missed deadline can mean a missed approval from the school. Be mindful that some districts will require you to turn in the transfer request forms to the school, while others require you to turn them into a district office or mail them. Sometimes transfer requests will not be granted until the start of the upcoming school year. Transfers from one district to another typically require permission from both the current school and the desired school. A transfer may be denied if insufficient reason for a transfer is given or a school is overcrowded. Fill out enrollment paperwork. Fill out necessary forms for your child at the school. You can call ahead, if you didn't have to make an appointment. Some schools offer online enrollment, and if they do, they can tell you over the phone. The new school will have applications and forms to fill out. It's also a great idea to have key documents on hand, such as birth certificates, immunizations, and proof of residency. Read the new school’s handbook and guidelines. Remember that a new school may have different policies on things like clothing, lockers, or physical education. Read the school handbook and go over any differences with your child several days before a new school start. This will ensure your child is not surprised or stressed at the last minute, if he or she has to wear a uniform or use a locker. Tell your child about a move ASAP. The sooner you tell your child about a new school, the sooner they will have time to accept the change. Be positive when you tell your child by saying something like "Mommy got a new, exciting job that will help us do more things, but you will have to change schools." It's important to let your child openly express any anxious or sad feelings about a move. Be sympathetic to what your child is feeling and point out anymore positive aspects of the move. Bring your child to the new school in advance. It's a good idea to show your child the school they will be attending, before the first day. Take your child with you, when you fill out any enrollment paper at the new school. Set up a time to take a school tour with your child and possibly meet teachers and counselors. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities. Plan to enroll your child in any sports teams or clubs at a new school. If you enroll your child in activities before a move, it will give him or her something to look forward to. It will also be a great way for your child to make new friends. Get involved at your child’s new school. Join the school's Parent Teacher Association and volunteer in your child's classroom. You can get to know your child's teacher or teachers and network with other parents. It may also be comforting to your child to know you're close and supportive. | Find out what school district you’re in. Choose a school from your same district. Choose a school from a different district. Compare school ratings. Visit the school. Determine how integrated the school is. Start the enrollment process as soon as you can. Get a copy of current classes and coursework. Gather proof of residency. Check the district website. Call the district office. Gather immunization records and birth certificates. Check school calendars and grades completed. Apply for a transfer request. Fill out enrollment paperwork. Read the new school’s handbook and guidelines. Tell your child about a move ASAP. Bring your child to the new school in advance. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities. Get involved at your child’s new school. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Crown-Molding | How to Install Crown Molding | To start installing crown molding, nail the first piece in place with finishing nails. You might want to have somebody help, since it's easier to have one person hold the molding while the other hammers it down. Then, if your room is longer than your molding and you had to make scarf cuts to join 2 pieces, put a thin layer of glue on the cut of the first piece, fit the joint snugly, and fasten the second piece with nails, wiping away any glue. Keep going around the room in one direction until you're done. | Purchase your molding. Molding comes in different heights and styles, so shop around and find your favorite design. The angle at which the molding will sit against the wall varies, normally between 38º and 52º, so be sure to measure it before you begin cutting. This guide uses 45º as a default angle; although this angle is always the proper choice for scarfing, it may need to be adjusted slightly for other cuts. Since crown molding is generally made of wood, it is prudent to let it sit in the home environment for a few days before installing it. The wood will expand or contract based on the temperature and humidity in the house; it is better to let it adjust before nailing it in so that it will not crack and warp after the fact. Create a guide fence for your miter saw. Because the molding will sit against your wall at an angle, each joint (that is, each place where two strips of crown molding meet) will be a compound angle. The molding will need to be mitered to achieve the angle, and beveled to fit snugly against each adjacent piece. Achieving this using 2 separate cuts is very difficult, so this guide will teach you how to cut both of these angles using a single cut. For this, you need a guide fence, which is a piece of plywood glued to your saw table that helps you position the molding in exactly the same place for each piece. Place a piece of molding upside-down on the miter saw table. The side of the molding that will contact the ceiling should be against the saw table, and the side that will contact the wall should be against the saw's vertical fence. Make sure that the decorative side is facing you, and hold the molding at the same angle at which you will install it. Secure the molding with clamps to the vertical fence. Get a piece of plywood or dimension lumber that is just as long as your saw table. Apply hot glue to the saw table on both sides, and place the plywood against the glue, pressing it snugly against the molding. When the glue is set, remove the crown molding and use the miter saw to cut away the center portion of the plywood fence at 45º angles. Make any necessary scarf cuts. If any wall in your room is longer than the pieces of crown molding you have, you will need to join 2 lengths with a scarf joint. Measure the point at which you will need to join the 2 lengths, and then place the first length into the miter saw, upside-down and at an angle as before. Adjust the blade to a 45º angle and cut through the molding. Place the second length into the saw and cut it with the blade in the same position, making sure that the piece you need to keep is on the other side of the blade. Cut any outside corner joints. When 2 walls form an outside corner (making a 270º angle in the room's interior), the joinery is simple. Place the first piece of molding in the miter saw against the guide fences you created, and cut it at a 45º angle. Cut the adjoining piece with the saw in the same position, this time keeping the piece of molding you intend to use on the other side of the blade. Cut any inside corner joints. Inside corner joints are a little more complicated than outside corners. The first length of molding should be cut square, meaning its edge will sit flush against the wall. The second piece will be cut at a 45º angle as before, but then coped so that it fits snugly over the profile of the first piece. Cut the first piece of crown molding square. Place it in the miter saw and cut with the blade set to 0 degrees. Cut the second piece at a 45º angle, cutting just as you would for an outside corner. Use a dark pencil to trace along the edge of the cut (of the second piece) along the molded front of the piece. Use a coping saw to cut away the bevel of the cut edge. Follow the outline that you drew closely, removing as much of the wood behind the leading edge as you want. Only the front of the molding will be seen when installed, so the cut can be made roughly as long as you follow the outline. Nail the first length of molding in place. Use finish nails to install the first length of molding. It is a good idea to get a second person to position the molding while you secure it. If you had to make a scarf cut to cover the first length of wall, apply a thin layer of glue to the scarf joint on the first piece of molding. Fit the scarf joint together snugly, and fasten the second piece with finish nails. Wipe away any excess glue. Nail the rest of the molding in place. Working either clockwise or counterclockwise, affix each piece of molding using the process outlined above. This will be much easier with two people, since one person can hold each piece of molding in place while the other hammers it down, but it can be done alone if necessary. Apply a small amount of glue to each scarf joint before nailing the next piece, and wipe excess glue away with a cloth as you work. Continue until all molding is in place. If a corner joint doesn't quite fit, use a rasp to quickly and evenly grind down extra wood, testing regularly against the joint until you find a perfect fit. Boring small holes into the points of each outside corner joint allows you to secure the corners to the wall firmly with an extra finish nail in each hole. Smooth the crown. 100-grit sandpaper is suitable for finishing scarf joints on bald wood. For pre-finished white crown molding, use paint-on white caulk to smooth the joints. Caulk is also appropriate for smoothing over nail holes and any other marks in the molding. Consider caulking in the gap between the top of the crown and the ceiling for a smoother appearance, if there is such a gap. Paint the crown. This step will require paint and a brush. Enamel paints are generally the best for this kind of work, and fall into two basic categories: acrylic enamel, which dries quickly and is less odorous than its counterpart, but which has a flatter finish, or alkyd enamel, which takes longer to dry and has a stronger smell, but whose deep, lustrous finish cannot be matched by acrylic paint. Whichever style you choose, use an angle sash brush (which is preferred for its ability to paint sharp, clean lines easily), and apply your paint evenly and methodically. The standard color for crown molding is white, but other colors may be appropriate depending on the effect you desire for the room you are working on. You can also paint the molding before you install it, but be aware that you'll have to repaint anywhere that gets scuffed during installation. | Purchase your molding. Create a guide fence for your miter saw. Make any necessary scarf cuts. Cut any outside corner joints. Cut any inside corner joints. Nail the first length of molding in place. Nail the rest of the molding in place. Smooth the crown. Paint the crown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Undercut-Hair-for-Men | How to Do Undercut Hair for Men | To do an undercut hair style for men, start by parting their hair above their upper temples and clipping it to the top of their head. Then, trim their hair underneath their upper temples, as though there's a line going around their head. If their hair above the line is longer than 4-6 inches, cut this down so it's not too long. To blend the person's hair together in a fade, use a comb to draw out a short length of hair just above the invisible line, and trim it with scissors. Repeat the process, working your way down their hair and cutting a smaller amount of hair each time. After you've finished the fade, clean up around their sideburns, neck, and ears with an unguarded clipper. Finally, style their undercut by combing their long hair on top to 1 side and applying some pomade or wax to hold it in place. | Choose the right clipper for the person's hair. Without a good clipper, doing undercut hair for men can be difficult. Ideally, your clipper will be a single-length clipper. But if you want to do fading and tapering, you will need a clipper that allows length adjustments. The ideal clipper to do undercut hair for men is one of high quality and high durability. An Andis cordless clipper, for instance, is a popular option. As for corded clippers, an Andis or Oster model is preferable. With a single-length clipper, choose one that is numbered one, two, or three. You could also use a number zero, but this tends to be too short. A clipper set at four or above is usually too long, though some men might want to “test drive” an undercut by getting the short part of their hair clipped with a number four clipper. Identify their upper temple area. The temples are the corners of the hairline where the hairline curves and thins, and provide an important guide when trying to do undercut hair for men. The temples sit in different locations on each person's face. To identify a person's temples, first locate their hairline, the place where their hair meets their forehead. You might also be able to locate the temple based on the position of the ears. The tops of the ears, traced forward to the edges of the face, typically intersect the temples. Trace the hairline to its outer edges on the left and right side. When you notice the hairline angle up and out, you've located the upper temple. Visualize disconnecting the haircut. Disconnecting the undercut refers to the process of keeping the hair that remains long on top distinct from the hair that is cut short. To do undercut hair for men, disconnect the hair at the upper temple level. Imagine, in other words, drawing a straight horizontal line around the “lid” of the head that passes through the right and left upper temple. Cutting hair below this line short and keeping hair above this line long will allow you to achieve a quality undercut for men. For a more dramatic disconnection, cut the hair higher at the parietal ridge, or the top corner of the head. Part their hair where you want to disconnect it. Parting the hair will make it easier for you to see which hair you need to be cutting. Make a clean part and then clip the long hair on the top of their head back so it's not in your way. If their hair is too short to clip back, use water or a styling product to keep their hair parted. Apply the clipper. Turn the clipper on. Move the clipper smoothly and evenly through the person's hair beneath the invisible disconnect line. You can start on the left and move around the back to the right, or start on the right and move around to the left. If you want to fade the undercut, set the clipper to the setting you wish to use. Cut the hair on all sides to a point about halfway to the disconnect line. If you wish to do undercut hair for a man who wants a more dramatic contrast between the hair above and below the disconnect line, just cut all the hair beneath the disconnect line to an even length using the single-length clipper. Use long, steady applications of the clippers and shake off hair that accumulates at the front of the device. This will prevent the clippers from getting clogged, and allow you to see where you're cutting. Fade the hair. If you intend to blend the top edge of the hair below the disconnect line into the hair above the disconnect line (“fade” it), use a comb and scissors. Turn the comb so that its teeth are pointed up and away from the scalp at a 30- to 45-degree angle. Use the comb and draw out a short length of hair just above the halfway point below the disconnect line (the point up to which you previously cut using with the clippers). Use the scissors to cut the hair off. Continue around the back and sides of the head to achieve the same hair length at the same height everywhere. Then, use the comb again at a level just above the one you previously cut. Draw out a slightly longer length of hair, again keeping the teeth of the comb upright. Cut the hair off, again working your way around the entirety of the head to achieve an even length at the level you've selected. Continue in this way until the hair below the disconnect line gradually blends into longer hair on all sides of the head. The length you leave the longest hairs of the fade below the disconnect line is up to you. There is no right or wrong length into which you should fade. It is not necessary to fade the hair when doing undercut hair for men. Just ask the recipient of the haircut if they wish to have their hair faded, or if they prefer to keep all hair below the disconnect line at an equal length. Readjust as needed. Whether you apply a fade or not, you will need to change the position of the clipper and the direction it moves several times. For instance, when cutting hair on the left side of the head, you might find it easiest to hold the clipper in your right hand and move it toward the back of the head. When cutting hair on the opposite side, you might find it easier to hold the clipper in your left hand and move it toward the back of the head. Move your hand to a comfortable position when doing undercut hair for men. After each application of the clipper, brush the hair straight down with your comb. This will allow you an opportunity to evaluate your handiwork and figure out if you need to cut more or rework the line along which you're working. Cut the top of their hair. If the hair that remains above the disconnect line is longer than 4-6 inches, it will need to be cut. As you work toward the back of the disconnect line, the hair will need to be progressively shorter to keep it from hanging down over the back of the head. Start by cutting a guide at the back of the hair above the disconnect line. Then, comb the hair from the front of their head back to meet this guide, working with 1 section at a time. Some men like to keep the hair above the disconnect line long and tie it into a topknot or bun. Ask the recipient of the undercut hair for men whether they wish the hair above the disconnect line to remain long. Plan the part. If the man receiving the undercut knows he wants to part it, ask which side he parts from. If he wants, you could keep the top hair (the bit above the disconnect line) longer on the side from which he parts it. This will better allow the hair to lay flat when parted. Clean it up. Go over the sideburns and edges of the hair with an unguarded number zero clipper to achieve straighter edges. Try to achieve a straight, sloping line from the back of the ears to the neck, and a smooth curve along the hairline around the back of the neck. Remove any straggling neck hair creeping down the neck. Don't forget to clip stray hair that may hide behind the ears. Wash the hair out in a hairdresser sink. Dry it with a towel. Choose a pomade. Pomade is a hair product made of water-soluble solution. It helps hair achieve a clean shine and is a popular choice for holding undercut hair for men in place. Pomade is a suitable product for slicking undercut hair back or to the side. Choose styling wax. Styling wax is a hair product that gives your hair a smooth, soft texture but also creates definition. Styling wax might feel tacky in the hair and is thicker than gel, pomade, and other hair products. One potential styling combination is to slick your undercut hair back with styling wax, then blasting it with a hair dryer for twenty to thirty seconds to achieve more volume. Use a hairstyling cream. Hairstyling cream (sometimes called “styling cream”) is the best choice for styling undercut hair for men that is curly or frizzy. In undercut hair for men, styling cream provides a natural shine and creates the impression that the undercut hair is thicker. It also has moisturizing properties to keep your hair healthy. Hairstyling cream allows the undercut hair more movement than styling wax or pomade, and is a good choice when you want you wish to give the hair more freedom. Try a hair gel. Hair gel offers the hair only limited movement. Hair gel is good for styling undercut hair with definition, shine, and texture. If, for instance, you want to style undercut hair into a spiked or other vertically-oriented shape, hair gel is your best bet. Hair gel tends to be thinner in consistency than pomade and often has a range of holding strengths, from “lightweight” to ''heavyweight.” Gels are easier to wash out of the hair than pomades and waxes. Comb the undercut. If the recipient of the undercut has wavy hair, use a wide-toothed comb to manipulate it. If they have straight hair, use a conventional comb. You can comb the hair to the side or slick it straight back. Wear the undercut with or without facial hair. Men may want to wear the undercut with or without facial hair. An undercut looks great with a long beard, a short beard, or no beard at all. Getting your undercut with a nicely trimmed beard, though, can give you a more classic look. | Choose the right clipper for the person's hair. Identify their upper temple area. Visualize disconnecting the haircut. Part their hair where you want to disconnect it. Apply the clipper. Fade the hair. Readjust as needed. Cut the top of their hair. Plan the part. Clean it up. Choose a pomade. Choose styling wax. Use a hairstyling cream. Try a hair gel. Comb the undercut. Wear the undercut with or without facial hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Generate-Passive-Income | How to Generate Passive Income | To generate passive income, try investing in dividend stocks from a well-established company so you'll receive regular dividend payouts. Alternatively, consider investing in bonds to receive regular interest payments from the company you've invested in. You could also invest in a royalty trust, which pays out royalties on the extraction of natural resources like coal or gas. Additionally, consider investing in entertainment royalties by purchasing the rights for things like music, literary works, or inventions. | Decide to invest in dividend stocks. Dividend stocks pay out a portion of the company's profits to shareholders. These dividends are paid at regular intervals, so they produce a regular income stream. Investors who hold a large amount of this type of stock are known as "income investors" because they prioritize regular dividends over stock value growth. Dividends do not necessarily lower the risk associated with investing in the stock market. Before choosing this strategy, be warned that dividends are taxed as income rather than as capital gains, meaning that the taxes you pay on them will be higher than what you would pay on another type of market investment. Choose stocks with high dividends. Typically, the companies that pay the highest dividends are older, more established companies. These companies no longer need to reinvest their income into growing the company, so they are free to allocate the money to investors in the form of dividends. Telecommunication companies, Real Estate Investments Trusts (REITs), and utility companies, in particular, are known for having high dividend payouts. Always check a company's stock price performance and fundamental stability before investing in them. High dividend payments are great, but only if the company paying them survives. In other words, look for very old, established companies that have been paying dividends at roughly the same or an increasing rate for a long time. Calculate dividend yield. Dividend yield can help you calculate the return you'll receive from your dividend-earning stock. It is calculated by simply dividing the annual dividend payout per share by the price per share. So, a stock that costs $50 and returns $3 in dividends each year would have a dividend yield of $3/$50, or 6 percent. This would be a great dividend yield, as the average company on the S&P 500 returns 2-3 percent. Reinvest your earnings. You can grow your portfolio even more by reinvesting your dividends. This means that when you receive a dividend payment, instead of keeping the money, you use it to purchase more shares in the company. Consider doing this every time you receive a dividend until you need to live on the passive returns (perhaps at retirement). Your equity and in turn your dividend payments will continue to build during this time. Invest in bonds. When you purchase a bond, you are purchasing a loan taken out by a company or a government. The bond issuer holds your money (the price you paid for the bond) for a defined period of time. You receive fixed interest payments, usually twice per year until the term of the bond expires. When the bond expires, the bond issuer pays you back the principal. Bonds are a good option for passive income because they take little time to manage and you can start earning money quickly. That said, bond prices are at a point now where their values will decline significantly if and when interest rates go up. This means that your returns on bonds purchased now may be very low when you actual receive your payments. Invest in resource royalty trusts. Royalty trusts are investment vehicles provided by major banks that provide royalty payments from the extraction of natural resources, like coal and natural gas. The trust itself has no involvement in the mining or production of these materials, but earns regular royalty payments that are then distributed to shareholders. The exact royalty payment depends on the volume of resource sales and the market price of the resources, but investors are seeing high yields, sometime higher than 10 percent. In addition, these investments are taxed like capital gains rather than as income (like dividends) and may qualify you for energy-based tax credits. Before investing, be aware that this is still a volatile investment. Payments are liable to change without warning and, eventually, the natural resource will be depleted, ending payments entirely. Additionally, shareholders over a certain threshold may be liable for additional state income taxes in the state where the trust is held. Buy entertainment royalties. Royalties are typically paid to the holders on intellectual property for the use of that property. The property can be anything from literature and music to patents on inventions. These royalties can be earned by creating a valuable idea and licensing that idea out. However, other investors can also purchase the rights to these royalties from their creators. This allows the creator to partially or entirely sell their rights to a property, giving them a lump-sum payout and an investor the rights to receive steady royalty payments. Search for royalty exchange websites online to get started. Notable websites include SongVest and The Royalty Exchange. Participate in royalty-based venture financing. In traditional venture financing, an investor buys a stake in a company to provide growth capital to its founders. This investor is then entitled to a percentage of the gains experienced when a company is bought or has an initial public offering. However, there is another kind of venture financing where an investor can invest start-up capital in exchange for regular royalty payments that are based on the company's revenue. This doesn't give the investor any ownership in the company, but does guarantee regular payouts (assuming the company survives). This type of investment is rare and will have to be negotiate with the business owner. Buy shares in royalty companies. In addition to royalty trusts, there are also royalty companies that exist apart from financial institutions. These entities finance mining operations in exchange for royalty payments on the value of minerals and precious metals mined. These companies can also sell shares in the market, allowing investors to enjoy their royalty benefits. Well-established royalty companies can also provide stable income, as many have diversified their holding in a variety of mining operations, guaranteeing relative stability from market fluctuations. Shares of these companies generally trade at about 20 times royalty. That means that the return on investment would be about 5 percent per year. Understand what a silent partner does. In short, the silent partner is an investor in a business partnership who does nothing except provide their capital. This type of investor, also known as a "limited partner," has no hand in the daily operations of the business. They are limited in liability to the amount of their investment, meaning that they could lose their investment, but not more. This type of investment provides passive income with the potential to be quite large if the company grows. However, there is no guarantee that the other partners will follow through on the promised growth. Always consult with a lawyer before investing a silent partner. This will help you understand your legal and financial obligations to the company. Find business partners. In order to be a silent partner, you will need active partners to grow and maintain the business. Usually, these are either friends or family members looking for a way to get their business idea off the ground. Other times, you may be able to seek out small business owners looking for investors. In either case, investigate the other partners and determine whether or not they are trustworthy and business-savvy enough to grow their proposed company. Go over business proposals. Being a silent partner is not a completely inactive position. You can still review business proposals and usually have the right to vote on important company matters. Before investing or deciding on a large growth push, review the company's financial projections and business plans. Calculate the potential returns you could earn versus how much you stand to lose if the venture fails. Structure your partnership. Limited partnerships can only be created by filling out official documents with your state. In many cases, you'll have to draw up a formal partnership agreement that determines each partner's rights, responsibilities, and percentage ownership, among other important details. Even if you are not required to do this, you should anyway to avoid any conflicts in the future. As usual, always discuss this contract with a lawyer before signing it to make sure that you are being treated fairly in the agreement. | Decide to invest in dividend stocks. Choose stocks with high dividends. Calculate dividend yield. Reinvest your earnings. Invest in bonds. Invest in resource royalty trusts. Buy entertainment royalties. Participate in royalty-based venture financing. Buy shares in royalty companies. Understand what a silent partner does. Find business partners. Go over business proposals. Structure your partnership. |
https://www.wikihow.com/File-a-Complaint-Against-Your-Employer-(USA) | How to File a Complaint Against Your Employer (USA) | To file a complaint against your employer in the USA, first try explaining your problem to your employer to see if you can resolve the issue internally. If they refuse to cooperate, visit the Wages and Hours Division website to file a complaint. Provide both your and your employer's personal details, such as their name, address, and phone number. You should also include any evidence of negligence, such as pay stubs, emails, and your employee handbook. Alternatively, if your employer has violated the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or the Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, file a charge of discrimination at your nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission field office. | Talk to your employer. Before you file a formal complaint, talk to your boss or someone in the human resources department and see if you can resolve the issue internally. Don't get emotional or make any personal attacks. Even if you think your boss is a jerk, you don't need to tell him that. Remain polite and professional at all times. Document everything that happens. Keep records of each exchange, in writing if possible. If you have any oral conversations, you don't have to record them, but try to take notes soon after. Your best option if a conversation takes place is to send an email or written letter to the person with whom you spoke within 24 hours of the conversation. State when the conversation took place and that what you're writing is your understanding of what was said, then summarize the conversation. For example, you might write: “Dear Betty, Thank you for speaking with me yesterday regarding the missing hours on my paycheck. It is my understanding that you have reviewed the payroll records and that I was paid for all the hours I'd worked. However, I worked on Wednesday and was not paid for those hours. You agreed to check the time clocks and see if they were functioning properly. Thank you for your assistance.” Don't gossip about the issue with your coworkers. Although you may be upset about what happened, be professional and avoid accusations that you are spreading rumors or talking about people behind their backs. If you are a member of a union, you may be required to talk to a union representative before you file a formal complaint or do anything else. If that's the case, follow your union policies. Make sure your employer is required to comply with federal law. The Wages and Hours Division of the DOL enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and other federal laws dealing with employee hours and wages. The FLSA and FMLA apply generally to all companies engaged in interstate commerce. If you're not sure if your employer is covered, you can call the WHD at 1-866-4USWAGE to ask. The division's toll-free help line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time. You also can visit a local office in person or send an email. The WHD also will let you know if you should file with your state agency before filing a federal complaint. In many cases, you must exhaust any state remedies before you move to the federal level. Gather the required information. To file a formal complaint with the WHD, you'll need your name, address, and phone number, as well as the name, address, and phone number of your employer. You'll also need to tell them the name of the owner or manager they should speak to regarding your complaint, the type of work you did, and how and when you were paid. You also should include any additional information or documentation, such as pay stubs or a copy of the employee handbook, that you think the WHD might find helpful when they evaluate your claim. File your complaint. You can begin the complaint process by calling the WHD at 1-866-4USWAGE or visiting the division's website. You'll be directed to your nearest local office, where your complaint will be evaluated. Complaints to the WHD are confidential. In the event the WHD decides to investigate your employer, your identity will not be revealed to anyone. Because complaints must be filed within two years of the incident, make sure you file as soon as possible after you discover the problem with your wages or hours. Follow through with your complaint. If the WHD discovers unpaid wages or unpaid overtime compensation, it may supervise the payment of that money. It also may seek penalties from your employer for violation of the law. In addition, employers who intentionally violated the law may be brought up on criminal charges and could face criminal fines and imprisonment. The DOL may file a lawsuit against your employer on your behalf. If it doesn't, you have the right to file a private civil suit. Make sure your employer is required to comply with federal law. The laws enforced by the EEOC apply to all government employers and to private businesses with at least 20 employees. Federal law applies whether you are an active employee or a job applicant at a covered employer. Check that the action of your employer violates a law enforced by the EEOC. Federal laws enforced by the EEOC include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws protect against employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. For example, if an employer posted a help-wanted ad seeking only white female applicants for a secretarial position, that ad would violate the law and an affected applicant could file a complaint with the EEOC. Age discrimination laws only apply if you are over the age of 40. The law is designed to protect older workers from being treated unfairly because of their age, but it does not prohibit employers from discriminating against younger employees who may not have adequate experience. Prohibited practices also include making a work environment so intolerable through discriminatory behavior that a reasonable person would not be able to stay, a situation known as constructive discharge. Talk to your employer. Before you file a formal complaint, talk to someone at your workplace with authority. Your workplace should have a policy for dealing with discrimination or harassment publicly displayed. This can be difficult if your direct supervisor is the one responsible for discriminating against you or harassing you, but don't be afraid to go over his head. If you're represented by a union, talk to your union representative before you do anything else. They are there to help you in these kinds of situations. Don't gossip about the situation among your coworkers, no matter how upset you are, and don't ask them about the person who's bothering you. For example, suppose your direct supervisor, Larry, frequently makes comments about your body that make you uncomfortable. Speak to someone who has the authority to discipline Larry or make those comments stop, rather than asking your coworkers if Larry has ever said anything similar to them. However, if a coworker witnesses the harassment or discrimination, ask them to write down what they saw or heard so you have their statement on the record. Keep a record of everything that happens, including every encounter or episode of harassment, particularly if you're trying to show a pattern of harassment or a hostile work environment. File a charge of discrimination at your nearest EEOC field office. In most cases, federal law requires that you must file a charge with the EEOC before you can file an employment discrimination lawsuit against your employer. If your state has a Fair Employment Practices Agency, you can file there and your charge will also be filed with the EEOC if federal law applies. You must file your charge within 180 days of the last incident of discrimination. That deadline is extended to 300 days if your employer is covered by a state or local law that prohibits discrimination on the same basis as the federal law enforced by the EEOC. If more than one incident has occurred, the deadline applies to each event separately. However, if you're charging an ongoing pattern of harassment, the EEOC considers all of the events as a whole. The deadline applies to the last and most recent event, although the EEOC considers all events related to the harassment, even those for which the deadline has passed. While the EEOC does not allow you to file your charge online, it does have an Online Assessment Tool you can use to determine whether the EEOC is the appropriate place for you to file a charge. When you file your charge, the EEOC will give you a copy of your charge with a charge number. Within 10 days, the agency will send a notice and copy of the charge to your employer.. Wait for a response from the EEOC. The EEOC will evaluate your charge and determine the appropriate response. In some cases, the agency will ask your employer to provide a written response to your charge, while in others it will ask you both to participate in a mediation program. If the EEOC determines that your charge was filed too late, that it does not have jurisdiction to resolve your claim, or that it would be unlikely to find discrimination based on the facts you've provided in your charge, it will promptly dismiss your charge. If asked to participate in mediation, you and your employer will sit down with a neutral third party who will assist you in coming to a compromise. The goal is for both parties to discuss the issue and come to a voluntary settlement. Follow through with your charge. If the EEOC finds no violation of the law, or if you and your employer are unable to reach a settlement at mediation, the EEOC will provide you with a Notice-of-Right-to-Sue. This document gives you the ability to file a lawsuit in federal court. If the agency does find a violation of the law and cannot reach a settlement with your employer regarding that violation, your charge will be forwarded to the agency's legal staff to decide whether the agency wants to file a lawsuit. If they decline, you will receive a Notice-of-Right-to-Sue. Understand what OSHA does. OSHA is a federal agency charged with ensuring workers have safe and healthful working conditions and that they are not subject to any extraneous risks of harm while on the job. Talk to your employer. Before you go to OSHA, alert a manager or supervisor to the hazard that is impacting health or safety in your workplace. They can't fix the problem if they're not aware of it. Gather the information you’ll need. Almost all employers are covered either by OSHA or by an OSHA-approved state program. OSHA requires certain information to accompany your complaint and request. Reviewing the complaint form can help you figure out what information you'll need to compile to make your complaint. Apart from identifying information about yourself and your employer, OSHA would like to know how many employees work there and are exposed to the hazard, when they are exposed, and for how long, what kind of work they're doing, and how long the hazard has existed. Additionally, if you have any knowledge about whether anyone has been injured as a result of the hazard and whether anything has been done to correct it in the past, this would also be helpful for OSHA. However, you don't have to know all of this information to file a complaint. You should include any and all information that you think might be helpful, as long as it is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Don't worry about not knowing the rules or regulations, or knowing which health or safety standard has been violated. File a health and safety complaint or request for inspection. OSHA allows you to file a complaint online, over the telephone, or using mail or fax. You can use whichever method is easiest for you. However, if there is an emergency or the situation is life-threatening, you should call 1-800-321-OSHA for an immediate response. Submit your complaint form to your local or regional OSHA office. Written complaints that you sign and submit to your nearest OSHA office are most likely to result in onsite inspection and further action. File for discrimination within 30 days of the incident. If you were fired, demoted, transferred, or otherwise discriminated against because you requested an inspection or demanded your employer comply with your rights under the OSH Act, you can file a discrimination complaint with OSHA as well. Follow through with your complaint. When the OSHA inspector arrives at your workplace, you have the right to accompany her on her inspection and meet with her privately. You also have the right to sit in on any meetings that are held between the OSHA inspector and your manager or other employer representative. If you aren't represented by a union, the OSHA inspector also is required to talk to other employees about the subject matter of your complaint. If the inspector finds a violation of OSHA standards, she can order the problem fixed by a certain date and charge fines to the employer. You and other employees have the right to challenge the deadline for resolution of the problem. If your employer appeals the inspector's decision, you have the right to be involved in the appeals process. However, you must notify OSHA in advance that you want to be involved. Talk to your employer. Before you take any steps to involve an outside party, make sure you've done all that you can do by speaking directly to your supervisors, management, or human resources department. If you are represented by a union, you'll need to speak with your union representative and make sure all the union policies are followed before you submit your complaint. Document all encounters with your employer regarding your dispute, and if possible keep all exchanges about the issue in writing. Find out if your employer is covered by the state law. Generally, state labor and employment laws cover all employers doing business within the state, but some state laws only cover companies with at least a certain number of employees. Your state laws cannot provide any less protection than federal law, but they may provide more. If they do, it would be more advantageous for you to file a complaint for violation of the state law than for violation of the federal law. For example, by 2015, 29 states had a state minimum wage that was higher than the federal minimum wage law. If you lived in one of those states and had a wage complaint, you would be better served to file a state rather than federal complaint. In addition, some states prohibit discrimination based on factors not covered by federal law. In these situations, employees would have a claim under state law but not under federal law. Many states adopt the federal law as state law as well, which means any violation of the federal law by an employer also is a violation of state law. You can start your state research at your state labor department's website. The website will have information about what activities violate state law, how to file a complaint, and how to contact state government employees who can assist you. File your complaint. To file a complaint with a state agency for violation of state labor or employment law, you'll have to follow the procedure established by that agency. For example, to file a state complaint in Texas, you must print a paper form, fill it out, and either mail it or take it in person to the office of the Texas Workforce Commission in Austin, Texas. In contrast, Pennsylvania has three regional offices where complaint forms must either be mailed or presented in person. In many cases, if you haven't yet contacted a federal agency regarding your complaint, the state agency will contact them on your behalf if their input is necessary. Exhaust federal and state agency options. In many cases, you are required by law to file a complaint with the agency responsible for enforcing a law before you can file a lawsuit. You also want to make sure you've exhausted all internal options. Before you file a lawsuit, confirm that you've talked to your boss or to the human resources department and you've followed all company policies regarding the complaint or dispute. If you're represented by a union, talk to your union representative before you file a lawsuit. Decide where to file your lawsuit. If your claim arises under federal law, you must file suit in federal court. Otherwise you'll probably file suit in state court. You may be able to file a simple breach of contract suit in small claims court, provided the amount of money you're claiming your employer owes you falls under the threshold for small claims – typically under $10,000, depending on the state. Keep in mind that if you are an at-will employee, your ability to file a lawsuit may be limited, especially if you intend to file for breach of contract. At-will employment means your employer can fire you for any reason or no reason at all. However, if your employer has any written policies you are entitled to rely on them. For example, if the employee handbook given out at your company states that employees cannot be terminated unless they've been written up three times, you possibly could sue for breach of contract if you were fired and had only been written up once. If you have to file suit in federal court to enforce your rights, you probably want to consider hiring an attorney experienced in employment law. Federal court procedures are complicated and the standards of evidence can be difficult. Draft your petition or complaint. You need to tell the court what happened, how it was against the law, and the money or other remedies you believe you deserve as a result. An employment law attorney is highly recommended at this stage unless you're filing in small claims court. The clerk's office won't have forms available for employment law cases as they do for many other matters, and an attorney can make sure you've included all the facts that you need to prove your case. If you cannot afford an attorney, check with your local legal aid office or at the nearest law school, which may have clinics with free or reduced-rate services. File your petition or complaint and serve your employer. Once you've finished drafting your complaint, you must file it with the clerk of court at the court where you've decided you need to file your suit. When you file your suit, the clerk will stamp it and possibly schedule your initial hearing. You pay filing fees ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the state and whether you're filing in small claims, state, or federal civil court. After your suit is filed, your employer must be served so he knows what you're asking a judge or jury to decide and when he has to appear in court to present his side. You cannot serve your employer yourself, but the clerk's office will have a list of law enforcement and private process serving companies you can use. They will charge you a fee for their service. | Talk to your employer. Make sure your employer is required to comply with federal law. Gather the required information. File your complaint. Follow through with your complaint. Make sure your employer is required to comply with federal law. Check that the action of your employer violates a law enforced by the EEOC. Talk to your employer. File a charge of discrimination at your nearest EEOC field office. Wait for a response from the EEOC. Follow through with your charge. Understand what OSHA does. Talk to your employer. Gather the information you’ll need. File a health and safety complaint or request for inspection. File for discrimination within 30 days of the incident. Follow through with your complaint. Talk to your employer. Find out if your employer is covered by the state law. File your complaint. Exhaust federal and state agency options. Decide where to file your lawsuit. Draft your petition or complaint. File your petition or complaint and serve your employer. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Test-for-ADD | How to Test for ADD | If you want to test a child, an adult, or even yourself for ADD, share what relevant symptoms you've noticed with a psychiatrist or doctor. Typically, children's symptoms include getting distracted easily, acting impulsively when impatient, and struggling to complete new tasks unless they're fun. Alternatively, adults with ADD may notice feeling restless, disorganized, or stressed, and will likely have at least one other mental health condition, like depression or anxiety. Since many physical and mental health conditions share similar symptoms, avoid the urge to self-diagnose, and let a licensed professional make your official diagnosis, instead. | Learn the general symptoms of ADD in children. While professional diagnosis is crucial, you should get a sense of the general symptoms of ADD before making an appointment with a professional. This can help give you a sense of whether or not professional testing would be appropriate for your child. The symptoms of ADD are broken down into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children displaying symptoms of inattention are often easily distracted. They may frequently miss details, forget things, and switch quickly from one activity to another. They may struggle to complete new tasks and have trouble focusing on a single task long term, unless it's something fun. They may frequently not turn in homework assignments and lose small items, like pencils and folders. They are also prone to daydreaming, have difficulty following instructions, and may not listen. Hyperactivity symptoms may still be present in children with ADD, but they may be minimal and not as obvious as they are in children with ADHD. Hyperactivity symptoms may include fidgeting, getting up and moving around when he or she should sit still, talking a lot, having a hard time playing quietly, or having a hot temper. Children displaying symptoms of impulsivity are marked by intense impatience. They may blurt out inappropriate comments, struggle to regulate or constrain their emotions, and display an inability to understand consequences. Children may interrupt activities or conversation and be unable to wait their turn in class or at home. Children with ADD may also have another mental or medical health condition that looks like ADD or that accompanies it. Learn the symptoms in adults. If you're an adult who struggles with everyday tasks, you may have ADD. Many adults with the disorder do not realize they have it. If you suspect you may have ADD, you need professional diagnosis. However, learn a bit about the symptoms first in order to gauge whether testing is appropriate for you. Adults with ADD struggle to prioritize and focus in day-to-day life. They may run late frequently, miss meetings at work, struggle to keep up with social obligations, and miss deadlines. The impulsivity associated with ADD may be marked by difficulty waiting. Adults with ADD may experience intense frustration or impatience waiting in traffic or waiting in line at the store. Other general symptoms include restlessness, mood swings, disorganization, a hot temper, unstable relationships, and a difficulty coping with stress. If you have ADD as an adult, you also had it as a child even if you were not officially diagnosed. If you remember having any of the symptoms of childhood ADD listed above, this may indicate ADD in the present. It's normal to have difficulty concentrating and coping with stress on occasion. This is what can make ADD difficult to catch. If you've only struggled with the above symptoms occasionally, you probably do not have ADD. If these symptoms are an ongoing problem that affect your personal and professional life, seek professional testing. Many adults with ADD have at least one other mental health condition, like depression or anxiety. If you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition in the past, you're at higher risk for ADD. Adults with ADD are also at a higher risk of abusing alcohol or drugs. Take self diagnostic tests. If you display any of the above symptoms, there are many diagnostic check lists and self tests online. Look for reputable websites, however. Universities often have diagnostic tests through their counseling centers. Websites like Psych Central and Psychology Today may offer self tests. Such tests can give you a sense of whether you may have ADD. They serve to help you see whether your symptoms are a problem and if professional testing is necessary for you. Do not rely solely on personal diagnosis. Most self checklists and online tests will advise that you make an appointment with a mental health professional. This is because symptoms of ADD are often similar to symptoms of other physical and mental health disorders. Only a qualified, licensed psychiatrist or doctor can make a proper diagnosis. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself if you suspect you may have ADHD. Make an appointment with a child psychiatrist or a doctor. If you worry your child may have ADD, make an appointment with a child psychiatrist. Only a trained mental health professional or doctor will be able to test for the condition. Prepare for the appointment ahead of time. Make a list of your child's symptoms and any difficulty he or she has in school. Take stock of personal information regarding your child, including any recent changes that may affect his or her behavior. Make sure you know all your child's medications, including any vitamins or herbs you give your child. Such things can potentially affect your child's behaviors, causing symptoms similar to ADD. If your child has been tested for ADD or other mental health disorders before, bring any evaluations you have with you. Sometimes, schools may do testing for ADD and then recommend your child see a psychiatrist. Take your child to the appointment. On the scheduled day, bring your child to his or her doctor's office. Be open with your child about what's going on but phrase things in non-judgmental terms. It's important to phrase things in non-judgmental terms for your child. You do not want your child to feel stigmatized for having a mental health issue. Instead of saying something like, "We're going to the doctor to see what's wrong" try something like, "We're going to the doctor to see how we can help you." Evaluations for ADD are primarily a matter of information gathering. A doctor or psychiatrist will ask your child a lot of questions. If your child is too young to answer or understand all the questions, you may have to step in and help on occasion. Your doctor or psychiatrist may give you a series of questionnaires regarding your child's behavior. These will have to be filled out by family members, teachers, and babysitters. As a lot of information must be gathered to diagnose ADD, it's unlikely that a single appointment will be enough. You'll usually be asked to come back for a follow up, with all the information you and your child were asked to fill out. Have your child undergo a medical exam. Symptoms of ADD can be caused by underlying medical conditions. To rule out a medical cause, your child will have to have a basic physical. Depending on the child's age and medical history, additional exams or blood work may be required. Your child's vision and hearing may also be evaluated if there are any concerns. Answer any questions the psychiatrist or doctor asks. Your psychiatrist or doctor will ask you a variety of questions about your child's behavior. Strive to answer all questions to the best of your ability. You will be asked about symptoms of other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or conduct disorders. These can cause symptoms that are similar to ADD, and may often go along with ADD as well. You will be asked basic questions about your child's behavior. Your doctor will want to know when the troubling behavior started, how severe the behavior is, and whether it occurs all the time or only in certain situations. The doctor will also ask about your child's eating, drinking, and sleeping habits. He or she will want to know whether your child gets enough sleep, whether your child consumes caffeine, and whether your child's diet is high in sugar. You will also be asked about your discipline methods as a parent and the typical daily routine in your home. Keep in mind symptoms must be ongoing for at least 6 months to warrant an ADD diagnosis. Symptoms that have been occurring for a short period only could be the result of a variety of factors, like changes to your household or routine. Ask questions yourself. You should ask questions. ADD can be a confusing disorder and difficult to deal with as a parent. Have some questions ready when going into an appointment. You will probably have questions about how to proceed if your child does have ADD. Ask your doctor about the various treatment options and what resources are available for parents. If you're considering medication for your child, be sure to ask about side effects and the best means to administer medication. Ask for printed materials or website recommendations you can use to learn more about ADD. See more than one specialist. Diagnosing ADD is a long process. In order to help get the big picture, you'll need to see a variety of specialists in addition to your child's regular physician. Clinical psychologists, social workers, school psychiatrists, teachers, learning specialists, and others involved in a child's life and education will be consulted to make a diagnosis. Learning and language disorders can also have symptoms that are similar to ADD and may also affect how it is treated, so your child's teachers and other school personnel can help with the evaluation and treatment of ADD. As a parent, providing as much information as you can regarding your child's behavior, schedule, and symptoms can help the process. Be proactive about getting your child diagnosed. If your child does have ADD, the sooner a diagnosis is made the better. Check in with any doctors or specialists you see to get test results and assessments. Make appointments with any specialists recommended by your doctor as soon as you can. Call your child's school and speak to the principal. Be open about the fact you are trying to determine if your child has ADD. By law, public schools are required to assist you in these matters. During the course of diagnosis, there will be a variety of test taking an information gathering. Your child will likely have to take standardized screenings for ADD. He or she may also need to take a basic IQ test and psychological tests that measure social adjustment. A family medical history is important to diagnosis as are interviews with a child's teachers, babysitters, and other caregivers. You can help by staying up-to-date on what information is needed. Try your best to provide this information at the request of doctors and specialists. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist or doctor. If you suspect you may have Adult ADD, make an appointment with a psychiatrist or doctor. A qualified medical or mental health professional will be able to provide you with the proper tests for diagnosis. Before your appointment, make a list of your symptoms. You should also include any problems at work, home, or school that these symptoms cause. List personal information about yourself that may be relevant. For example, any major changes in your life can cause symptoms similar to ADD. List your medications. Certain medications can cause side effects that are similar to ADD. Answer any questions your doctor and psychiatrist asks. At your appointment, you'll likely be asked a variety of questions about your behavior and lifestyle. These will help your doctor or psychiatrist figure out whether an ADD diagnosis is appropriate. Your doctor will ask about when your problems concentrating started. He or she will also ask whether these problems are continual or only happen on occasion. Your doctor will also want to know the level to which such problems have affected your health and well-being. Your doctor will also want some personal history from you. He or she will ask about your childhood and any traumatic experiences you've undergone in the past. Such things can affect your behavior and change the nature of your diagnosis. Your doctor will also want basic information about things like your diet, sleep habit, stress level, and work. Get tested for other medical and mental health conditions. Certain medical conditions, including other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, can cause symptoms similar to ADD. Your doctor might want to test for these conditions before making a diagnosis. What tests you will need depends on your personal medical history. Your doctor may request basic blood work to rule out other medical problems. In order to be diagnosed with ADD as an adult, you need to have shown symptoms of the disorder as a child. If you remember displaying symptoms of ADD when you were younger, such as struggling to concentrate in school, mention this to your doctor. Ask questions. If you are diagnosed with ADD, you will likely have a lot of questions about your diagnosis. Make sure you ask your doctor about your treatment options, medications, side effects of medication, and for resources you can use to learn about your condition. | Learn the general symptoms of ADD in children. Learn the symptoms in adults. Take self diagnostic tests. Do not rely solely on personal diagnosis. Make an appointment with a child psychiatrist or a doctor. Take your child to the appointment. Have your child undergo a medical exam. Answer any questions the psychiatrist or doctor asks. Ask questions yourself. See more than one specialist. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist or doctor. Answer any questions your doctor and psychiatrist asks. Get tested for other medical and mental health conditions. Ask questions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Like-a-Guy-for-Girls | How to Act Like a Guy for Girls | If you're a girl who wants to act like a guy, start by adopting physical masculine mannerisms. To mimic a masculine way of walking, swing your hips less and your shoulders more while leading your walk with your upper body. If you want to sit like a guy, rest your ankle on your knee instead of crossing your legs. Additionally, you can give more masculine handshakes by keeping your hand firm and maintaining eye contact. | Be confident. One characteristic that people often notice about guys is that they tend to seem confident and self-assured in all circumstances, even if they're faking it. To make yourself appear more confident: Stand up straight, keep your head and chin up, and look ahead instead of at the ground Make eye contact with people Speak slowly and clearly when you talk Don't fidget Keep your arms at your sides instead of crossed in front of you At work, don't be afraid to speak up if you have a good idea. Practice these confidence techniques when you speak to your co-workers and bosses. Engage in physical activity. Guys don't typically shy away from physical activities and sports, so you can act like a guy by participating too. Some activities that are traditionally associated with guys include: Fishing Watching sports Biking Camping and hiking Take risks. It seems that men are more willing to take risks when it comes to things like gambling and recreational activities, so part of acting like a guy can include being a little more willing to take risks than you might otherwise feel comfortable with. This might include: Choosing to do something you know you might get in trouble for from your parents, such as playing good-natured practical jokes on friends and family. Just be careful that you don't do anything illegal, because that's not a good kind of risk. Engaging in activities where you could get hurt in a way that won't be life-threatening, such as skateboarding, mountain biking, or trying weird new foods. Make your needs clear. Don't be afraid to ask for something you want or need, and be specific about what it is. You can do this without being bossy or rude by still being polite and saying things like “please” and “thank you.” You can make your needs clear: When you're at restaurants. Don't let somebody else order for you, and be specific with the wait staff about what you want. For example, if you want your food a certain way, say “May I please have the veggie burger, hold the mayo, with a side-salad, and the dressing on the side. Thank you” When you're working on a project with others. If you know certain tasks need to be completed, don't be afraid to delegate certain roles to your friends, co-workers, or classmates. Just make sure you're doing your fair share of the work as well! For example, you can say something like, “We'll get this done faster if we divide the tasks. I will take care of the food preparation. Jill, can you handle the guest list? And Andrew, can you take on the decorations? Thanks everyone!” In relationships. Being clear about your needs means asking for help when you need it and telling friends and loved ones how they can best support you. For example, if you feel your significant other hasn't been doing enough around the house, say, “I feel like I've been responsible for most of the chores around here, and I need your help. I've made a list and divided the housework between us, and I would appreciate if you could take care of the items on your list.” Be assertive. Assertiveness is all about being considerate of others while also expressing yourself. It's compared to passiveness, where you allow others to tell you what to do, and aggressiveness, where you dictate to others. You can be assertive by making your beliefs, feelings, and opinions clear to others without saying that someone else is right or wrong. During a school discussion, for example, you can say to a classmate, “I understand your opinion, but I believe that global warming is real and that it's caused by humans because the scientific research backs that position.” Be assertive in all aspects of your life, including at work, with friends and family, in relationships, and in your dealings with strangers. For example, if a friend is doing something you don't appreciate, you can say, “We're friends and I respect you and our friendship. I would appreciate if you did the same, and stop calling me that name, because it's rude and offensive.” Part of being assertive means being able to say “no” when you don't agree with something, and standing up for the things you believe in. If someone tries to get you to do something you don't agree with, just say, for instance, “I feel that everyone has a right to share this country, so I will not participate in your protest.” Walk the walk. Men and women tend to walk differently because of biological, physiological, and social differences. To walk more like a guy, make sure you: Swing your hips less and your shoulders more Walk with your legs a little farther apart than you normally would Keep your elbows slightly winged out Project your head and chest slightly ahead so you're leading your walk with your upper body Adopt a firm handshake. It's always polite to have a firm handshake, but many people consider it even more important for guys than girls. To make sure you have a firm grip, don't let your hand become limp when you're shaking. Keep your hand strong and engaged. Don't forget to make eye contact when you're shaking hands, as this is a sign of confidence and respect. A firm handshake is important any time you shake someone's hand, including when you're first introduced, when you want to greet or bid farewell, or when you're congratulating. Sit differently. Again because of biological and social differences, men and women generally sit differently, and this includes on chairs, couches, seats, and on the ground. To cross your legs, don't cross one leg fully over the other. Instead, spread your knees apart a little and cross one ankle over the other. If you don't want to cross your legs, keep your feet flat on the floor and your knees and feet slightly apart. When sitting, rest your hands on your knees or on the armrests. It is also common for many males to place their ankle on their knee when sitting down as an alternative to crossing them | Be confident. Engage in physical activity. Take risks. Make your needs clear. Be assertive. Walk the walk. Adopt a firm handshake. Sit differently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-an-Axolotl | How to Care for an Axolotl | To care for an axolotl, start by filling a 10 gallon tank with water and installing a canister filter to keep the water clean. Line the bottom of the tank with a substrate of sand or large pebbles, then make sure the temperature of the tank is between 60 or 70 degrees by adjusting the temperature in the room where the tank is. To feed your axolotl a good diet, purchase night-crawlers or frozen bloodworms from a pet store. Finally, feed your axolotl every other day with as much food as it can eat in 30 minutes. | Set up the tank. A 10-gallon (38 liter) tank can work for a single axolotl. However, bigger is generally better when it comes to an axolotl. Opt for the biggest tank you can fit into your home. A 20-gallon (76 liter) tank is a good size for an axolotl. Fill the aquarium with water completely, the way you would fill it for fish. Tap water is safe to use if you condition it as you would for a freshwater fish tank. If you do not condition the water, chlorine and other chemicals in the water can harm or kill your axolotls. Keep a lid on the aquarium at all times. Axolotls will sometimes jump out of their tanks. Install an external canister filter. An external canister filter is necessary to keep your axolotl's water clean and healthy. You can purchase this type of filter at a local pet store. Any filter you install should have a spray bar or other outlet to control water flow. While axolotls need subtle water flow, they are stressed by actively flowing water. Exposure to strong water flow may cause them to stop eating or develop stress-related health problems. Provide substrate. Substrate is material that lines the bottom of an aquarium. The bottom of an axolotl tank should be lined with large fish tank pebbles (larger than the axolotl's head) or fine sand (fine grain sand being the ideal substrate). Do not use small pellets or rough sand (such as blasting sand). An axolotl may accidentally ingest such substances. Keep lighting minimal. You do not need to provide lighting for an axolotl the same way you would for a fish tank. Bright lighting may actually cause an axolotl to feel distressed, so opt for a plant light if you add a light at all. Axolotls do not need a lot of light to thrive, so lighting is usually so you can see the animal rather than for the axolotl's benefit. Minimize how often you keep the light on. Lights can generate excess heat, which can be bad for an axolotl. Turn it off when you are not feeding or viewing the axolotl. Maintain the right heat. Usually, you do not need a tank heater to keep an axolotl tank sufficiently warm. The proper temperature for an axolotl hovers between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit (approximately 16°-21° Celsius). This is generally room temperature, so heating the tank should not be necessary. However, make sure to adjust the temperature of the room that contains the tank if you live in an area prone to extreme heat or cold. You may need to keep an air conditioner or heater in the room during some months. Axolotls exposed to temperatures above 74° F (23° C) will develop heat stress. If your tank is prone to overheating, purchase a tank cooler. Feed your axolotl a proper diet. You can buy night-crawlers and frozen bloodworms at a local pet store or feed them earthworms from pesticide free soil. These should be the staples of your axolotl's diet. You can also provide frozen shrimp and bits of chicken for a treat. Avoid live fish as food due to parasites. Feed your axolotl every other day for half an hour. Provide the axolotl with as much food as it can eat in a half hour time frame. Change the water regularly. Once a week, remove 50 to 60% of the water from the tank. Then, replace it with fresh water. Tap water is safe to use if you condition the water and have a filtration system in place. Separate young and old axolotls. If your axolotls breed, remove the babies from the tank using a net and place them in a separate aquarium. Older axolotls may prey on younger ones, so it's not safe to keep axolotls of different ages in a tank together. Do not place other animals in an axolotl tank. Axolotls are best kept in their own tank, but occasionally can do well with another axolotl of a similar size and age. However, they will prey on other types of fish or marine life. In general, an axolotl tank should only contain axolotls. Refrain from handling axolotls. Axolotls are not people-friendly pets. They do not need human contact to be happy and, in fact, this may stress them out. Only handle an axolotl when necessary, such as when removing babies from a tank. Axolotls may also nip if handled. | Set up the tank. Install an external canister filter. Provide substrate. Keep lighting minimal. Maintain the right heat. Feed your axolotl a proper diet. Change the water regularly. Separate young and old axolotls. Do not place other animals in an axolotl tank. Refrain from handling axolotls. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Destroy-a-Hard-Drive | How to Destroy a Hard Drive | Before wiping all of the data from your hard drive, make sure you back up any data you want to keep. Then, plug your hard drive into your computer and electronically delete all of the information. To access your hard drive, open the computer case, find the hard drive casing, which should be labeled, and remove the circular hard drive. You can then destroy your hard drive by hammering it, burning it, melting it, crushing it, or even shooting it! No matter what method of destruction you choose, make sure you do so safely and within the parameters of the law. | Back up your data. It's easy to forget about all of those MP3s you ripped in the 90s and beloved family pictures when all you can focus on is destroying the cause of your shame and avoiding federal prison. You will, however, want to make sure to back up all of your important and legal data, however, since the whole point of the resulting exercise is that those things will be... you know... gone. Erase all of the data on the hard drive with software. While the more exciting methods of destruction will do a pretty good job of rendering data irretrievable, they can't be 100% guaranteed (especially if you have reason to believe the government is willing to spend several months and millions of dollars to find your dirty, dirty secrets). You can do this on your Windows or macOS without having to download or purchase any extra software. Wiping your data and blowing up your drive, however? Yeah, nobody's getting that back. See How to Wipe a Computer to learn how to get started. A complete wipe of your computer will probably do the trick. Only someone with very serious forensics equipment could recover your data after a wipe. Open the computer case and remove the hard drive. The hard drive can be located in different spots in each type of case, sometimes within a metal box. You can look up where the hard drive is located online if you're struggling to find it. Remove the casing from the drive. To remove the casing, you'll likely need to loosen a variety of screws, depending on your hard drive's make and model. Possibly cutting some tape. Be warned that there are often screws hidden underneath labels, so you might have to go poking around. Remove the magnets. You will need to remove the arm and magnet structure in order to reach the platter underneath (your real goal). There are screws involved. It's pretty straightforward. Remove the magnets carefully because they are seriously very strong and you can really hurt yourself with them. Seriously, you will struggle to get them off a fridge. You can break fingers with these things. And for the love of whatever you pray to, don't eat them and don't let your pets eat them (pets, in this case, includes kids). Remove and dispose of the platter(s). This is the thing that looks like it would make a nice mirror. You'll probably need to unscrew the circular piece at the center which holds in down. This is the thing that stores (the majority at least) of your data, so you'll need to destroy it. Sometimes there is more than one platter, so pay attention to that. Incinerate the hard drive. Burning the hard drive guarantees that your data will be completely destroyed within minutes. It's best not to start a fire for the sole purpose of destroying your hard drive. To safely burn the drive, contact a reputable data destruction service that performs safe, on-site incineration services. Smash the drive with a hammer. Before doing this, insert the drive into a cloth bag so the pieces don't go flying everywhere. Get a hammer (either one lying around your house or at a hardware store) and smash your drive with it until the drive's broken into thousands of tiny pieces. Once done, divide the remnants up into multiple bags and dispose of each separately so they cannot be pieced back together. Puncture the drive. If you have a sharp knife or any metal pins, you could push them through both sides of the drive itself in order to put holes in it and render it unusable. | Back up your data. Erase all of the data on the hard drive with software. Open the computer case and remove the hard drive. Remove the casing from the drive. Remove the magnets. Remove and dispose of the platter(s). Incinerate the hard drive. Smash the drive with a hammer. Puncture the drive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Are-Ready-for-a-Cat | How to Know if You Are Ready for a Cat | Adopting a new cat is exciting, but before you take the leap into kitty parenthood, take a minute to reflect on whether you have the money, space, and lifestyle to make it work. The cost of food, veterinary care, and other supplies can add up to several hundred dollars a year, so be sure to factor that into your budget. You should also consider whether you have enough space for a cat to be run around, as well as places to hide in and explore. Along with enough space, make sure you have time to play with it every day. If you don't have the time or resources right now to take good care of a cat at the moment, you can hold off and adopt a cat when you're ready. | Initiate a conversation with everyone who you live with. One of the first steps you need to take is to talk to everyone who lives in your household. Without the cooperation and consent of everyone you live with, you won't be ready to adopt a cat. Share your plans with your family, significant other, or roommates. Call a meeting at a time everyone can attend. A good time would be around dinner time on a weekday. Share your intent to get a cat and some of the specifics, including where the litter box will be, and where you will get the cat. Keep a dialogue open with your roommates and/or family. They might think of problems after some reflection. In addition, you might also be able to prove to them (by acting responsibly) that you are ready for a cat. Listen to everyone’s concerns. Once you've shared your intent to get a cat and initiated a conversation about it, you should ask for feedback on the idea. This is important, as the people you live with may have helpful ideas or serious concerns about whether you are ready to get a cat. Make it clear that you want to hear any thoughts they may have about getting a cat. Don't interrupt anyone as they're sharing their ideas about you getting a cat. If people bring up substantial concerns, you may want to make a written list of the problems they think will arise from you getting a cat. This way, you can look over the list later and address one concern at a time. Avoid getting a cat if someone objects. If any of the people you live with seriously object to you getting a cat, you should not get one. This is important, as the cat will be another member of your household. Bringing a cat into the house should be a decision everyone makes together. If you live in an apartment that does not allow pets, you should not get a cat. Even if you think you can hide the cat from your landlord, this is not fair to the cat, and could result in fines or even eviction. If you have a roommate or family member that is allergic to cats, you shouldn't get one. If you live at home and your parents say no, this means you are not ready to get a cat. Ultimately, you'll be ready to get a cat when you are independent of your parents and have your own home. If someone objects because they think they'll wind up taking care of the cat, you should reflect on their assertion. What this means is that the person does not believe you are ready to get a cat. You should take that concern seriously. Be prepared to pay for upfront costs. After you've talked with your roommates or family and everyone has consented, you need to take stock of whether you have the money to pay for things you'll need right away. This is important, as cats need a substantial number of items right when you get them. Make sure you can buy: An adoption or homing fee. This could vary widely, from nothing to several hundred dollars. A water bowl, food bowl, and litter box. Depending on where you get these items, they could run up to $50. Food and treats for the first few weeks. This should cost $20 to $40 per cat. A vet exam and the cost of initial vaccinations. This might run you about $150. If the cat is not spayed or neutered, you will need to budget for surgery. The cost of surgery is typically around $200, but this can vary widely depending on the type of surgery you choose and where you live. Make sure you can pay for recurring costs. You'll also need to make sure you have the money to pay for things you'll need regularly for your cat. Ultimately, if you don't have enough income to pay for these necessities, you shouldn't get a cat. You'll have to pay for: Food costs, which may run between $100 and $200 a year, depending on the food you choose. Litter, which could add up to $200 a year per cat. Yearly vet exams and vaccinations, which could cost you between $100 and $300. Parasite treatment and prevention, which is typically $100 to $200 per year. Toys and treats, which could run up to $100 a year. Verify you have space. Many people, especially those in urban areas, may not have the space they need to get a cat. While cats are small and can be very content living indoors, you need to reflect on your circumstances when determining if you are ready to get a cat. How big is your home? If you live in a 500-square foot apartment in New York City with 2 roommates, squeezing a 4th living being into that space might make it way too tight. Make sure other pets will accept a new cat. You need to make sure that all other pets that live in the home will accept a new cat. This is important, as some pets may be territorial and could react violently to a new pet. Watch to see how your (or your roommate's or family member's) dog behaves around cats at the vet, a boarding facility, or an animal shelter. If you, your family, or a roommate already have a pet, ask another friend if they can bring their cat to your house. Watch carefully to see how the pet that already lives in your home behaves around the visiting cat. This can hint at how your pet will behave around a new cat. It is really important to see how pets behave at home, as that is their territory and they may react differently than if they encountered a new cat outside the home. Commit yourself to the cat’s life. Before getting a cat, you need to decide if you are committed to caring for that cat for the remainder of its life. This is important, as cats can live a relatively long time. When reflecting on this, remember that: The average cat will live between 10 and 20 years. Some breeds have increased longevity. For example, American Shorthairs live between 15 and 20 years. If you decide to get rid of your cat, it will be very hard for you to find someone to adopt your cat. In many areas, most cats abandoned or dropped off at local animal shelters are euthanized. It is highly unlikely that you will find a caring and loving home for your cat after they've grown out of kittenhood. Make sure you have time. Before getting a cat, you need to take a good look at your life and schedule and make sure you have extra time that you'll be able to share with a cat. This is important, as you'll need to play with and socialize your cat. If you work long hours, like 10 to 14 hours a day, you probably should not get a cat. If you're in a transitional time in your life and are busy with an array of work related, academic, or social activities, think before getting a cat. Determine if you can be a cat caretaker. Just because you have time and money for a cat does not necessarily mean you should get one. You also need to make sure you have the right temperament to be a caretaker and pet parent to a cat. When determining this, consider: Do you get frustrated easily? If so, you should consider the rigors of owning a kitten. Do you enjoy the affection of animals? You cat is likely to walk up or walk around you for affection at the weirdest times. For instance, they may decide to sit on your keyboard while you are working. Do you need constant affection or attention from a pet? Your cat may not provide you with constant and unconditional love. In fact, it's more likely that your cat will only provide you with affection on their terms. Avoid getting a cat if you move frequently. If for any reason you move very often, you should think twice before getting a cat. This is important, as there are a wide variety of challenges you'll face as a pet owner who moves all the time. Consider that: Your cat will undergo a wide variety of moving-related stresses. You might incur animal boarding or shipping costs. If you rent an apartment, you'll have to pay extra fees, deposits, and more. For example, a pet fee could cost up to $1,000 depending on the size of your apartment and the region you are moving to. | Initiate a conversation with everyone who you live with. Listen to everyone’s concerns. Avoid getting a cat if someone objects. Be prepared to pay for upfront costs. Make sure you can pay for recurring costs. Verify you have space. Make sure other pets will accept a new cat. Commit yourself to the cat’s life. Make sure you have time. Determine if you can be a cat caretaker. Avoid getting a cat if you move frequently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Pronouns | How to Use Pronouns | To use pronouns, start by identifying the noun that the pronoun will be replacing and determine if it is the subject or object of the sentence. For example, in the sentence, "Jane is running," the noun is performing the action, so replace "Jane" with the subject pronoun "she," and write the sentence as "She is running." Alternatively, in the sentence, "The girl threw the ball," the ball is the object that's receiving the action of the sentence. In that case, replace "the ball" with the object pronoun "it" to write the sentence as "The girl threw it.” | Identify the antecedent. The antecedent is the noun that a pronoun is replacing. Every pronoun must have a clear antecedent. The antecedent usually appears before the pronoun in a sentence or in the previous sentence. “Gabby always wanted to go to the zoo, and now she had her chance.” In this example, Gabby is the antecedent of she. "The gulls were chattering as they flew.” Gulls is the antecedent of they. Memorize the personal pronouns. Personal pronouns are pronouns that refer to people or things. They are the most basic form of pronouns. Personal pronouns should always be the same number (singular or plural) and gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter) as their antecedent. There are three types of personal pronouns: subject, object, and possessive. First person singular: I, me, mine First person plural: we, us, ours Second person, singular and plural: you, yours Third person masculine singular: he, him, his Third person feminine singular: she, her, hers Third person neuter singular: it, its Third person plural (all genders): they, them, theirs Choose subject pronouns if the pronoun is performing the action. The subject pronouns are I, we, you, he, she, it, and they. Subject pronouns are usually used at the beginning of sentences or clauses. They will usually come before a verb. If your pronoun is doing the action, you should use a subject pronoun. “ She drives to work every day.” She is doing the action of driving. Therefore, she is the subject. “ They practice basketball in the morning.” They are doing the action of practicing. Therefore, you use a subject pronoun. Choose object pronouns when the pronoun is receiving the action. The object pronouns are me, us, you, him, her, it, and them. If the pronoun is receiving the action, it is called a direct object. Object pronouns are always used when the antecedent is a direct object. “Bob threw it across the room.” It is receiving the action of throwing. Therefore, you use an object verb. “Dad patted him on the back.” Him is receiving the action of patting. Therefore, you use an object verb. Put object pronouns after prepositions. Object pronouns also come after prepositions. In this case, the pronouns are replacing the indirect object. Prepositions are words like “before,” “to,” “after,” “through,” and “above.” They indicate position. After prepositions, always use the object pronouns. “Mark passed the ball to him.” “Alice walked in between them.” “The teacher walked in front of her.” Show ownership with possessive pronouns. Possessive pronouns are pronouns that indicate that something belongs to someone or something else. The possessive pronouns are mine, ours, yours, its, his, hers, and theirs. “The car is hers.” “The blue house is theirs.” ”That book is a favorite of mine.” Ask questions with interrogative pronouns. Sometimes you don't know who or what is doing something. In those cases, you use the interrogative pronouns. These include who, whom, what, whose, and which. Interrogatives lack an antecedent. ” Who is going to the movie?” ” Whose car is that parked out front of our house?” ”I don't understand what is going on.” Refer to nouns with demonstrative pronouns. Demonstrative pronouns include this, that, these, those, and such. These words refer to a specific noun that is being referred to in a conversation. The speaker or reader should understand exactly what the antecedent is. She looked at a red car. " That is a nice car,” she said. In this example, that is a demonstrative pronoun which is clearly referencing the red car. Define nouns with relative pronouns. Relative pronouns are used after nouns to provide more information about that noun. They can tell us which person or thing we are talking about, or they give more information about that person or thing. Relative pronouns are who, whom, which, whose, and that. Who is the subject pronoun. You use it when it is performing the action. It is only used to refer to people. For example, “We visited my grandmother, who lives down the street.” ”Whom” is an object pronoun. Again, this means we only use it when it is receiving the action or after a preposition. For example, “To whom am I speaking?” “Which” is used when you are providing non-essential information. For example, ”I put ketchup on my pasta, which is how I like it.” “That” is used when providing essential information about an object. For example, ”I like pasta that is covered in ketchup.” Emphasize with intensive pronouns. Intensive pronounces end in either –self (if it is singular) or –selves (if it is plural). They are myself, ourselves, herself, himself, itself, themselves, yourself, and yourselves. You can use these pronouns to add emphasis to a sentence. ”He himself will carry the torch to the podium.” ”They can do it themselves.” Show that the subject is also receiving the action with reflexive pronouns. The reflexive pronouns are the same pronouns as the intensive. They end in –self (for singular) or –selves (for plural). They indicate that the subject and the object are the same person or thing. “I helped myself to the buffet.” In this sentence, the subject (I) and the object (myself) refer to the same person. Indicate a general or non-specific object with indefinite pronouns. These pronouns are often used to describe a general antecedent without specifying exactly who or what is.being discussed. Indefinite pronouns are almost always singular. The exceptions to this rule are both, all, few, many, or all. These are plural. Indefinite pronouns include: Each Anybody Somebody Nobody Everybody One Anyone Everyone Someone Neither Either Nothing Anything Everything Something Say the sentence out loud. Your ear is very good at catching mistakes. Speak the sentence. If something sounds off, check the pronouns. You may not have written them correctly. Check that the pronouns agree with the verbs. Singular pronouns should take singular verb forms. Plural pronouns take plural verb forms. Double-check that the pronoun takes the same number value as its antecedent and that the proper verb is being used. Each, either, neither, and one are always singular. That means that they take singular verbs. Who takes the value of its antecedent. If its antecedent is plural, then who is plural. If the antecedent is singular, who is singular. Replace the pronoun with the antecedent. The sentence should have exactly the same meaning if you switch the pronoun with the antecedent. If you want to make sure that your usage is correct, try replacing the pronoun with its antecedent. Circle every pronoun, and draw a line to its antecedent. The antecedent should be very close to the pronoun, ideally within the same sentence or the sentence immediately before it. If you cannot find the antecedent or the antecedent is far away from the pronoun, replace the pronoun with its antecedent. Replace all nouns with pronouns. Take away all nouns, and replace them with just pronouns in the sentence. This can help you remove distracting words and identify errors more quickly. For example, in the sentence "Dad snapped a photo of Mike and she," replace Dad , a photo , and Mike with he and it. You are left with "He snapped it of she." You may notice the error that a subject pronoun (she) is being used where an object pronoun (her) should be used. The sentence should read “Dad snapped a photo of Mike and her.” Complete the sentence. Sometimes, sentences leave out verbs that are understood in the meaning of the sentence. This often happens with “than” comparisons. Add these verbs back in to see if the pronoun is correct. For example, in the sentence “He makes more money than she/her,” you can finish the sentence to find the correct pronoun. “He makes more money than she [does]” is more correct than “He makes more money than her [does].” | Identify the antecedent. Memorize the personal pronouns. Choose subject pronouns if the pronoun is performing the action. Choose object pronouns when the pronoun is receiving the action. Put object pronouns after prepositions. Show ownership with possessive pronouns. Ask questions with interrogative pronouns. Refer to nouns with demonstrative pronouns. Define nouns with relative pronouns. Emphasize with intensive pronouns. Show that the subject is also receiving the action with reflexive pronouns. Indicate a general or non-specific object with indefinite pronouns. Say the sentence out loud. Check that the pronouns agree with the verbs. Replace the pronoun with the antecedent. Circle every pronoun, and draw a line to its antecedent. Replace all nouns with pronouns. Complete the sentence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-Suede-Shoes | How to Stretch Suede Shoes | If you need to stretch your suede shoes, buy an immediate-use stretching solution marked for suede shoes. Spray an even coat of solution on the inside of your shoes and on the outside if the product's instructions call for it, then put your shoes on for several hours. If your shoes are still tight, try repeating the process once again, but be sure to check the instructions on your spray since some products should only be used once. | Try a spray solution to stretch your shoes 1/4 to 1/2 a size. Spraying your shoes then wearing them for a few hours is a quick fix. If you only need to stretch them 1/4 to 1/2 a shoe size, a spray could do the trick. Spray solutions are also your most affordable option. Purchase an immediate-use solution marked for suede shoes. There are plenty of stretching products available online or at shoe care stores. To avoid damage or discoloration, look for one labelled specifically for suede. Some are designed to be used overnight with a shoe stretching tool, so go for one marked for immediate use if you want to skip the stretching tool. Spray the inside of your shoes lightly. Spray a light, even coat on the inside of your shoes. If necessary, use your fingers or a clean cloth to reach the nooks and crannies and to spread the solution evenly. Check your product's instructions, as some sprays should be applied to the outside, too. Wear your shoes for a few hours. There's no need to walk around, so you can just sit at your desk and get some work done while your shoes mold to your feet. For a little more stretch, you can also put on a pair of thick socks before slipping on your shoes. Repeat the process if necessary. If they're still tight after a few hours, or for thicker shoes and boots, you might need to repeat the process once or twice. You can use most products as many times as you need without damaging your shoe. However, if you've tried spraying and wearing your shoes twice with no luck, chances are you'll need a stretching tool. Check your product's instructions to make sure it's safe to use several times. Some sprays aren't meant to be used more than once in a short period. Invest in a shoe stretcher that fits your needs. You can find a variety of shoe, high heel, and boot stretcher designs online. They're typically sold individually and come in size ranges for men and women. If you need to stretch the leg of a boot, there are stretchers that expand the shaft. You can also find stretchers with attachments that make extra room for bunions. Spray the shoes with a shoe stretcher solution. Some shoe stretchers come with a spray solution. If yours doesn't, or if it's not specifically marked safe for suede, purchase a solution labelled for overnight use with a shoe stretcher. Check your product's instructions, and spray your shoe as directed. Insert the stretcher and turn the handle to tighten it. Insert the end of the shoe stretcher that looks like a foot, and locate the handle on its other end. Turn the handle clockwise until it fits tightly into the shoe. If you only have one stretcher, you'll have to stretch one shoe at a time. Turn the handle 3 to 4 times after the stretcher is tight. When the stretcher fits snugly into the shoe, you'll encounter resistance as you turn the handle. Once it feels tight, turn the handle an additional 3 to 4 times to stretch the shoe. Remove the stretcher after 24 to 48 hours. Turn the handle counterclockwise to loosen it, then take it out of your shoe. Try the shoe on and, if necessary, repeat the process. If the fit is good, and if you only have one shoe stretcher, spray and stretch your other shoe. Don’t expose real suede to extreme heat or cold. Some DIY hacks for stretching shoes include using a blow dryer or placing bags of water in shoes and freezing them. Extreme temperatures aren't good for suede, so don't try these hacks. In addition, you can't control how much bags of water expand as they freeze, so they might tear your shoes. Check your soles to see if they’ll prevent stretching. There's a limit to how much you can stretch heavy work boots and other shoes with thick soles. In addition, soles made of heavy plastic, rubber, and other tough materials will get in the way. Even a professional would have trouble, and might be able to expand them by 1/4 to 1/2 shoe size at most. Avoid using a stretcher on a shoe with a narrow design. Whether they're flats or heels, you have to be careful about stretching shoes with narrow toes. You might be able to safely stretch a pair by a fraction of a shoe size if you spray them and wear them. However, using a stretcher might contort their shape permanently. Consult a professional if you’re worried about damaging your shoes. You might want to think twice about stretching your shoes yourself if they were expensive, delicately designed, or have thick, plastic or rubber soles that could interfere with stretching. When in doubt, look for a local cobbler or shoe repair specialist. | Try a spray solution to stretch your shoes 1/4 to 1/2 a size. Purchase an immediate-use solution marked for suede shoes. Spray the inside of your shoes lightly. Wear your shoes for a few hours. Repeat the process if necessary. Invest in a shoe stretcher that fits your needs. Spray the shoes with a shoe stretcher solution. Insert the stretcher and turn the handle to tighten it. Turn the handle 3 to 4 times after the stretcher is tight. Remove the stretcher after 24 to 48 hours. Don’t expose real suede to extreme heat or cold. Check your soles to see if they’ll prevent stretching. Avoid using a stretcher on a shoe with a narrow design. Consult a professional if you’re worried about damaging your shoes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ride-a-Ripstick | How to Ride a Ripstick | To ride a RipStik, start by placing your non-dominant foot on the front of the board and pushing off with your dominant foot. Then, once both of your feet are on the board and you're moving, keep your feet centered and bend your knees slightly to maintain your balance. If you want to go faster, twist your hips back and forth instead of pushing off with your foot like you would on a skateboard. To turn, shift your weight on your front foot toward the direction you want to go. | Put on a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads to stay safe. Buckle the helmet onto your head and fasten the Velcro on your elbow and knee pads. When you ride a Ripstik, you can move at rather fast speeds and have the potential to fall and hurt yourself. To prevent hurting your head, arms, and legs, wear a helmet and protective padding. It's also helpful to have a pair of sneakers with rubber soles. They help you stabilize your feet on the board. Have a friend help you balance if you need help getting on the board. It is much easier to balance if you have a friend who can support your weight as you stand on the board. Grasp their shoulder as you get balanced, then let go of them when your footing feels secure. If you don't have a friend, lean on a wall or railing to help you get on the board. Put your RipStik on a smooth, flat surface. To get started, find a flat paved surface to practice on. This can be a sidewalk, driveway, or empty parking lot, for instance. Place the RipStik on the ground so it rests on its side. The board should face you and the wheels should point away from you. Avoid riding through areas with cracks, speed bumps, water, and sand. Any of these may throw off your balance and cause you to fall. Place your non-dominant foot on the nose of the board. The front of the board is slightly more narrow, and this is called the “nose.” If your right foot is your dominant foot, place your left foot at the nose of the board. When you ride a RipStik, the nose must be facing forward. Riding with your left foot in front is referred to as riding "regular." Riding "goofy" is when you ride with your right foot on the nose of the board. The larger end called the tail of the board. Push off with your dominant foot and place it on the tail. After one of your feet is centered on the nose, use your other foot to gain some momentum, and then square your foot on the center of the board. Move your foot in one quick motion so you can easily find your balance. At this point, both feet should be centered on each end of the board. You'll find that speed equals stability when riding a RipStik, so pushing with one of your feet will help you get balanced. If a friend is helping you, they can let go at this time. If you are struggling to maintain your balance, try pushing off with a bit more force and moving your foot to the board faster. You can also try bending your knees slightly to help you stay in position. Reposition your footing if your feet are not centered. When you ride a RipStik, your feet must be in the middle of both the nose and tail sections. If they aren't, simply stop the RipStik and try again. If your feet aren't centered, you won't be able to control the board, make a turn, or gain speed correctly. Maintain your balance as the board is moving. It's much easier to stay on the RipStik once the board starts to move. Adjust your weight into a comfortable position and let the board glide forward. Keep your feet centered as you ride to move straight. This may take some practice, but with time, this motion will feel more and more comfortable. If you are having trouble balancing, try bending your knees slightly or practice somewhere near a wall or railing so you can get stability. Step off the RipStik when you want to stop. Getting off of the RipStik is simple. All you need to do is take your dominant foot off the board, followed by your non-dominant foot. If you are going slowly, you can do this rather effortlessly. If you are concerned about your speed, move the foot on the nose of the board towards one side to come into a 90-degree turn, and then remove your foot. This slows the board down before you get off of it. Twist your hips back and forth to move the RipStik faster. When riding a RipStik, you don't have to push with your foot like you do when riding a skateboard. Simply wiggle the nose and the tail simultaneously by twisting your hips and shoulders back and forth. Move slowly to gradually increase speed, or twist your body quickly to go really fast. When doing this, your body moves in a snake-like motion. Shift your weight on your front foot from side to side to make a turn. The direction of your turn depends on which foot you have in the front. For instance, if your left foot is on the nose of the board, adjust your weight towards the toe-side of your foot to move to the right. To turn toward the left, distribute your weight to the ankle-side of your foot. Move your feet in opposite directions to make a sharp turn. If you want to make a turn that's greater than 90-degrees, adjust the foot on the tail of your board the opposite way you angled your front foot. For instance, if you lean toward the left to distribute your weight toe-side, twist your back foot towards the right. This may take some practice, but by moving your back foot the opposite way of your front foot, you can easily manipulate the RipStik. Practice this over time to perfect your turning technique. Riding a RipStik looks easier than it is, and it takes some practice to be able to get on the board, speed up, and turn with ease. If you can, practice for 30 minutes every day until you feel comfortable hopping on for a ride. The more you practice, the easier riding a RipStik will be. | Put on a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads to stay safe. Have a friend help you balance if you need help getting on the board. Put your RipStik on a smooth, flat surface. Place your non-dominant foot on the nose of the board. Push off with your dominant foot and place it on the tail. Reposition your footing if your feet are not centered. Maintain your balance as the board is moving. Step off the RipStik when you want to stop. Twist your hips back and forth to move the RipStik faster. Shift your weight on your front foot from side to side to make a turn. Move your feet in opposite directions to make a sharp turn. Practice this over time to perfect your turning technique. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Lips-Naturally-Red | How to Make Your Lips Naturally Red | To make your lips redder, remove dead skin with a natural scrub made out of honey and brown sugar or brush them with a soft bristled toothbrush. Then, increase blood circulation by applying a natural lip plumper like cinnamon. To keep your lips moist and help them retain their color, spread 1/2 a teaspoon of coconut oil on them. Finally, coat your lips with a lip stain or use red fruit juice from cherries or pomegranates instead. | Use a natural lip scrub. The first step to getting red lips is getting rid of dry, flaky skin that builds up and hides their natural color. Sloughing away the dead skin brightens your lips, brings out their inner red color and prepares them to take on a stain. Here's how to make and use your own scrub: Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Scrub the mixture into your lips in a circular motion. Rinse the mixture away with warm water. Repeat as necessary. Try a toothbrush. Sometimes a basic lip scrub isn't enough to get rid of the dead skin. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will do the trick. Choose a clean toothbrush, wet it with warm water, and gently scrub your lips in a circular motion. Rinse your lips. They should be left bright, plump and renewed. Use a natural lip-plumper. Increasing circulation to your lips makes them look plumper and redder. You can naturally make your lips a little plumper by using cinnamon or another spicy household item on your lips. Just rub a little on, wait a few minutes, then rinse your lips. You can use any of the following as a natural lip plumper: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper mixed with a few drops of water 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with a few drops of water 5 drops of peppermint essential oil or peppermint extract A piece of fresh ginger rubbed over your lips Moisten them with a homemade serum. Now that your lips have been exfoliated and plumped, it's time to make them soft and supple. This will help them keep their color longer and prevent them from drying out. Use any of the following ingredients as a lip serum; just rub it on your lips and wait a few minutes for it to absorb: 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon almond oil Apply lip stain with a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in your stain of choice. Start in the center of your lips and work your way outwards. Afterwards, lightly trace the outline of your lips. Try to keep the stain off the skin around your lips. Use fruit juice on your your lips. Choose any kind of bright red fruit, nick it with a knife, and apply it to your lips. After the first coat dries, you can add more layers to deepen the red color. Keep going until you like the way your lips look, then add a layer of clear lip balm to seal it in for a few hours. Cherries and pomegranates will provide the most color. Strawberries and raspberries may give you a more subtle color. Try beet root powder. This natural powder is made from dried beets, which have beautiful deep red hue. Mix beet root powder with enough water to make a thick paste. Spread it on your lips and let it sit for three minutes, then rinse away the excess paste with warm water. Repeat until your lips are as red as you'd like. Protect them from the sun. Your lips are prone to getting dark spots from the sun, just like the rest of your skin. Protect them by using lip gloss with SPF of 15 or higher. That way your lips won't get sunburned and dark when you enjoy a day outside. Keep them from getting chapped. Chapped lips tend to look dull and washed out. If you want bright, pretty red lips, take steps to prevent them from getting dry and flaky. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Use coconut oil, almond oil, or a good healing lip balm to keep your lips moist throughout the day. Take extra precautions during winter. Dry winter air can chap your lips much more quickly than normal, so you'll probably want to carry lip balm with you wherever you go to keep your lips healthy. You may also want to sleep with a humidifier to keep the air in your house from getting too dry. Your skin will thank you. Avoid smoking. Smoking can cause lip discoloration and wrinkling, which is the opposite of what you want if you're going for red lips. Avoid smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Finished. | Use a natural lip scrub. Try a toothbrush. Use a natural lip-plumper. Moisten them with a homemade serum. Apply lip stain with a cotton swab. Use fruit juice on your your lips. Try beet root powder. Protect them from the sun. Keep them from getting chapped. Take extra precautions during winter. Avoid smoking. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Cancer | How to Date a Cancer | Cancers are the most loyal and caring of the star signs, but they're also the most cautious. When you first meet a cancer, take your time getting to know them. You might want to make the first move instead of waiting for them. They might take a little longer than other people to open up, but once they do, you can have a deep connection with them. Even when you've been dating a while, don't stop reassuring them that you love them and care about them. Cancers are one of the most romantic and affectionate signs so don't forget to give them plenty of love and attention, and you'll get it back. | If you want to sweep someone off their feet, know that this is the sign for you. Cancer women are the definition of the woman waiting for her knight in shining armor. She loves romance, intimacy, and being openly cared for. Cancer men will be romantic and courtly, lavishing you with gifts and coy praise. Though they move slowly, romance is in their hearts. Cancer needs to be shown that you are the real deal. In order to get the ball rolling, you'll need to give it a push first. So grab your white horse and get to trotting. Cancer, in all its dynamic glory, is worth it. Get to know them. Because Cancer is such a cautious sign, it will serve your relationship best to get to know them before you demand any higher level of romance or intimacy. Becoming friends first will allow them to slowly fall for you. Cancer is a very physically affectionate sign. Complement your relationship with small touches, hugs, and subtle -- yet significant -- displays of affection. Warm them up to your touch. They'll love to reciprocate. Go for it. If you're a girl, you might need to make the first move instead of waiting for him to do it. If you're a guy, be aware that she might have to take more time than normal before she is ready to kiss you. This doesn't mean they're not into you, it just means they need to be drawn out of their shell! Never ask them out in public, as this will make them feel nervous. Ask them out in private. Invite them on a casual, yet fun, date. Nothing with too much pressure or too many stigmas. Just because someone is a Cancer doesn't mean they can't have fun. Try taking them to the beach or swimming pool, since this is a water sign. Don't bother with games. Cancers are super intuitive when it comes to people and their motivations, so don't waste your time playing hard to get, cat and mouse, or any other variety of mind game. They'll see right through you and know you're not being genuine. Cancers, if they feel comfortable, will be direct with you. They need you to be direct with them, too! If you're presenting an image around them or trying to be mysterious, they will not be having it. They're super good at reading people, so don't even think about hiding your emotions! Make them feel at home. Cancers are huge on family and feeling at home. Generally, they prefer staying at their home, but if you can make them feel comfortable anywhere, you're in. Let them know they are a part of your home and have free reign over the territory, too. Talk to them about your family. Let him or her know that you value yours and are a family man/woman. They'll take solace in knowing that you two are of like minds. Family is very important to them and nothing will ever change that. Accept that your Cancer is old-fashioned, traditional, and loyal. These aren't bad things! In fact, they can be quite positive. When you nab a Cancer, they will be loyal to you to the moon and back. They expect you to be the definition of romance: loving, kind, maybe a bit conservative, and just as loyal as they are. Nothing wrong with that! When it comes to getting them in bed, they may be a bit vanilla. More romantic and sensual than spicy and exotic. But if you get them to trust you, they will be willing to open up their world. As long as you show them it's safe! Know that they may have trust issues. Though trust issues are really a human thing, Cancers usually come with them right outta the gate. They want to trust others, they just find it hard. Especially with their great memories and their ability to hold grudges because of it. However, they love to love others, so it's very much so a give and take. This is probably Cancer's main drawback. It can be hard to crack their shell. But if you're willing to put in the work, it can be totally worth it. You'll find a soft, sensitive core that will put you above everyone and everything else. Realize that Cancer needs to be needed. If this sign were given one label, it would be "nurturer." This is their default -- the only way they know how to operate. So be willing to lean on them! They love it. They thrive on it. Be open with your needs and they'll seek to fulfill them. It makes them happy! Let them take care of you when you're sick. Talk to them about a problem when one pops up. Ask them their advice for an issue at work or with your friends. Heck, let them cook you dinner! Pretty good trade, huh? Get ready to be supremely cared for. Cancers are the most nurturing of all the signs. If you want a relationship that's more of the anxious and avoidant type, Cancer is not for you. They will love showing you romance and affection. Hopefully you can reciprocate! This isn't to say that they're clingy. While they can be, it's so genuine it's hard to hold it against them. They just want to be around you and show you how much they care. It's almost admirable. If only everyone loved like a Cancer can! Always be reassuring. Don't play hard to get -- Cancer will probably think you're not interested and don't care about them. If they seem to be feeling a bit insecure about themselves or the relationship, don't hesitate to comfort them. They'd do the same for you! They will not tolerate a temper on your behalf. If you get angry or upset at the little things, they'll think you're not being rational and seeing the big picture. If you get too angry at them, they'll think you don't care. They can be quite sensitive when they feel vulnerable. Mean what you say. Cancers put a lot of weight in words. If you offer them a declaration of love, they'll take it as a declaration of love. So mean what you say. If you want to get a Cancer in bed, don't tell them you love them. Don't sugarcoat. It won't get you anywhere! If you don't mean what you say, they'll probably see through it anyway and deem you a liar. While you may not view it as lying, they will. So choose your words wisely. Cancer will remember what you say! Be direct. Cancer may not be open with you initially, but once you get under the shell, they'll expose their inner selves to you and expect honesty that rivals their own. So be direct! Let them know how you feel. You'd appreciate the same behavior back, wouldn't you? Sort through their bundle of complexities. Cancer is the crab. They have a hard exterior that's very difficult to crack through, but underneath is a person that's sensitive and emotional. They can at times come off very weak, but also be strong and independent. In short, they're a very dynamic, unpredictable sign. Can you keep up? They are very complex and can be quite fragile. Upset a Cancer and they'll be upset for days. When they feel safe and loved they are incredibly successful, wonderful human beings. When they feel vulnerable, they shut down and clam up. It's up to you to draw out the greatness inside them. | If you want to sweep someone off their feet, know that this is the sign for you. Get to know them. Go for it. Don't bother with games. Make them feel at home. Accept that your Cancer is old-fashioned, traditional, and loyal. Know that they may have trust issues. Realize that Cancer needs to be needed. Get ready to be supremely cared for. Always be reassuring. Mean what you say. Be direct. Sort through their bundle of complexities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Your-Husband%27s-Birthday | How to Celebrate Your Husband's Birthday | To celebrate your husband's birthday, try hosting a surprise party at your home and inviting all of his friends and family members. Or, if your husband would prefer something more intimate, you could take him out to dinner at a restaurant he loves or host a small dinner party at home. Alternatively, you can organize a fun group outing for your husband's birthday, like a camping trip, a wine tasting, or a concert. You could also plan an exciting road trip or sign the two of you up to take a fun class together. | Collect ideas throughout the year. Pay attention when he casually mentions something he likes or needs. Maybe he gets excited about a new book coming out by his favorite author. Maybe he gets frustrated with the broken zipper on his old laptop case. Make note of these little clues and write them down so you'll have some inspiration when his birthday rolls around. You can also use your smartphone to keep an ongoing list of gift ideas. Give him a food subscription. Everyone loves food, and you probably know at least a few foods that your husband's crazy about. From chocolate to pickles to bacon, there are subscriptions available for every type of connoisseur. Check with his favorite stores and brands first to see if they offer any such deals. If he enjoys trying new things, consider a subscription to Munchpak, which mails its subscribers a different collection of snacks from around the world every month. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription can be a great way to bring fresh fruits and veggies into the house while supporting local farmers. Buy him some top-notch booze. If your husband's a drinker, get him a nice bottle of whatever he loves best. Choose something that's a little nicer - and more expensive - than what he might buy for himself. Look for gift packs that come with specialty glasses to add a little extra flair. If you're looking for a cheaper option, or want to supplement this gift, consider giving him a nice drinking accessory like a high-quality magnetic bottle opener or freezable whiskey stones. Wine subscriptions can be a great gift for vinophiles, and may introduce him to some new favorites. Choose something practical. If he insists he doesn't want anything, give him something he needs. It may sound boring, but it shows that you care about making his everyday life easy and convenient. You can start by noticing the items he uses every day, like his coffee maker or electric razor, that could use an upgrade. Get him something he can use at work, like a new briefcase or a chair massager. Get him a tech gadget. There's never any shortage of options when it comes to cool new tech accessories. Whether it's practical or just for fun, he'll appreciate having a new “toy” to try out. If he loves music, spring for a new set of speakers or high-quality headphones. He may also enjoy a retro record player (and a few records to get him started, if he doesn't have any). Charging stations are always a useful gift. Get a well-made wooden charging station with specialized compartments for his gadgets. You might even consider buying him 2 - one for home and one for work. Give him something nostalgic. Find out what he remembers fondly from his past. Perhaps you can get an old photo from one of his college buddies and have it framed for him, or buy him the Blu-ray edition of his favorite childhood movie. Is there a specific food or product he used to love that's been discontinued? You may be able to find it on eBay or Amazon, or specialty nostalgia shops. Get him something with his favorite team or band on it. From coffee mugs to posters to t-shirts, he's bound to like it if it has the name of his favorite band or sports team on it. You can buy him something he already needs, like a sweatshirt or new bedsheets, with his team's logo on it. If you can afford to, go the extra mile and buy him a unique collectible, such as a framed setlist or a signed jersey. Look for items that refer specifically to events he's attended, like a framed photo of a game he went to. Donate to his favorite charity. Does he love animals? Make a donation to the ASPCA in his name. Is he an avid reader? Consider donating to the local library. You'll be making the world a better place without cluttering up your home with things he doesn't need. Buy him a membership to something he loves. Whether it's an art museum or the botanical gardens, a membership is the gift that keeps giving. You may even want to spring for extra memberships for yourself, your whole family, or a few of his friends who share his interests. Buy him season tickets to his favorite sports team. It might be a splurge, but he'll never forget it! Choose something you can have fun doing together, like a season pass to the local performing arts theater. Give him some alone time. This can be especially valuable if you have kids - it could be that an afternoon of peace and quiet is the best gift you can give. Offer to give him the house to himself or suggest that he take a day to do something just for him. If you're a crafty type, you can give this gift in the form of a cute handmade “coupon” - just be sure to specify when it can be redeemed. Sign him up for a class. If there's something he's been wanting to learn, or used to do but no longer has time for, buy him a few classes with a local instructor. Make sure the timing fits with his schedule, and offer to find a babysitter or stay with the kids if it's during the time he would normally be home. Cooking, dancing, foreign language, and music or film appreciation classes can all be fun options. Consider challenging him with something he wouldn't normally do, like acting or yoga. He may end up discovering a passion he never knew he had. Do something with him you normally wouldn’t. If there's something he's been trying to drag you along to for a while, this is the time to suck it up and humor him to show that you care. It'll mean that much more to him if he knows it's something you're doing just for him. If there's something he loves that you can't stand - scary movies, Thai food - give it a try. You'll be making a meaningful gesture and might just surprise yourself by enjoying it after all. Try something you used to do together but no longer have time for. If you used to go camping in college but now you have trouble getting away from work, carve out some time and surprise him with a trip to your local state park. Indulge his inner daredevil. If he's always wanted to do something extreme like skydiving or base jumping, sign him up for classes. If you're game, you can join him - or just film it safely from the ground. He may also prefer to try some safer thrills, such as an escape room or laser tag. Plan a trip together. Whether it's a cruise in the Bahamas or a long weekend at the beach, having quality time away from the stress of daily life will be a great gift to him. Choose a destination you'll both enjoy, and make sure you can schedule it when for you'll both have free time. If you can't afford to buy tickets yet, you can still surprise him by starting a “vacation fund.” Find a large jar or box and decorate it with photos of your dream destination, and add whatever you can afford to get your savings started. (Obviously, once he's received the gift, you should put this money in the bank!) Be tourists in your own town. If you can't afford to take a trip, or can't find a babysitter for more than a night or two, you can still take a vacation right where you are. Book a room at a nice hotel in your own city and spend a weekend exploring all it has to offer. Take a tour to learn more about your city. You may even be able to choose a culinary or drinking tour that lets you sample the goods at local restaurants and bars. Host a birthday party. If your husband enjoys having lots of people around, invite friends and family to your home to help celebrate. Offer drinks and light refreshments, and make sure there's a birthday cake. Consider choosing a theme that has to do with your husband's interest, such as his favorite TV show or sports team. If your husband likes surprises, consider making it a surprise party - but remember to come up with a good cover story, or he'll get suspicious if you don't seem to have any plans for his birthday. Get together with a few close friends. If your husband isn't a terribly social type or doesn't know many people in the area, he may prefer to have an intimate gathering or go out with a few friends. Plan ahead so that his closest friends will be available, and choose a setting where you can all easily talk and relax. Host a small dinner party at your home. Make your husband's favorite meal and ask guests to bring wine or appetizers. Make a reservation at a restaurant your husband loves. If possible, choose a private room so that your dining experience will be quiet and peaceful even if the restaurant is crowded. Go on a group outing. Coordinate with a few friends and choose a fun activity to do as a group. Choose something your husband will like, but make sure you consider your other guests' preferences too - he'll have more fun if everyone's having fun. Camping trips, wine tasting, “escape rooms,” and concerts can all be good choices. Choose something that's fun for all ages and you can bring the kids along too! Plan a mini-roadtrip or getaway. Get your family together or pick a few good friends to join you on a fun excursion to a nearby attraction. You can plan the trip around an activity, liking seeing his favorite band play in a neighboring city or going rafting in the state park, or simply plan to take a day or two to relax and get away from it all. While including him in your planning will make it easier to choose something he'll enjoy, it can also be fun to surprise him by leaving your destination a mystery until you arrive. Celebrate his past with a throwback party. Book a roller skate disco or plan an 80's-themed dance party. It will send him back to his younger days, and probably do the same for you and his friends. You can even go further back and use a kitschy little-kid theme, like a TV show from his childhood. If he has friends in the area who have known him for a long time, ask them to help you plan a party that will remind him of a fun time in his past. | Collect ideas throughout the year. Give him a food subscription. Buy him some top-notch booze. Choose something practical. Get him a tech gadget. Give him something nostalgic. Get him something with his favorite team or band on it. Donate to his favorite charity. Buy him a membership to something he loves. Give him some alone time. Sign him up for a class. Do something with him you normally wouldn’t. Indulge his inner daredevil. Plan a trip together. Be tourists in your own town. Host a birthday party. Get together with a few close friends. Go on a group outing. Plan a mini-roadtrip or getaway. Celebrate his past with a throwback party. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-when-Things-Don%27t-Go-to-Plan | How to Adjust when Things Don't Go to Plan | You can adjust when things don't go to plan by taking a deep breath and giving yourself time to calm down before making any decisions. Try listening to your favorite album or reading a book to distract yourself. Once you've calmed down from your disappointment, start thinking about other options that are available to you. For example, if you wanted to go to a specific restaurant, but they're closed, consider looking for a different restaurant that has the same cuisine. Or, if you didn't get the job you interviewed for, consider how you might apply for similar jobs in the future. If you're still struggling, try thinking about times in the past when your expectations weren't met. Try to figure out what you did to move on and apply it to your current situation. | Keep your cool. Take a moment to breathe and calm yourself. We all experience roadblocks in life, and things don't always go according to plan. Avoid being hard on yourself or others. Getting upset will like not make the situation any easier. Take a step back for a moment. Consider getting some distance from the situation for 30 minutes, 1 hour, or a day. Take a walk. Get a drink of water. Distract yourself with something positive. Try using some self-soothing activities to help you calm down, such as listening to your favorite album, reading a book, or engaging with a favorite hobby, such as knitting, playing guitar, or baking. Come back to the situation when you're able to be patient and calm. Acknowledge that you are disappointed. Once you have calmed down, you can begin to address the disappointment. The first thing you will need to do is to acknowledge that you are feeling disappointed. Try saying something like, “I am disappointed that this did not go my way.” You can also try writing about the disappointment. What did not go your way? Why is it upsetting you? How can you move forward from this disappointment? Assess what went wrong. Think about the situation from an objective standpoint. Avoid blaming yourself or others. Try to clearly see what happened. Your judgment may be clouded by negative emotions or stress. Instead listen to others that have a more objective view. Take a neutral approach. Your assessment should be based on the pros and cons of the situation. Evaluate both the good and the bad. Consider writing down the pros and cons of the event. Accept what you can and cannot control. Some things are simply out of our control. For example, if you made plans to travel for the weekend, and a storm hits, things may not go as planned. There are forces outside of yourself that influence and shape outcomes. Avoid dwelling on things that you can't change, and focus on what you can. Think about how you can be a solution to a problem. Learn to adapt. Adaptation is key when things go awry. It is part of our evolution as people to learn to adapt to our environments. The more flexible you are in your plans the more likely your expectations of what you wanted will be met. Life is not a straight and easy path. It is filled with twists and turns. Each day we are learning how to adapt to our daily lives and challenges. For example, imagine how you get to school or work. While there may be one specific way you do this, imagine the other possibilities available. Some routes may be easier and shorter, others may be longer or harder. But they still arrive at the same destination. Explore what your expectations were. Sometimes we get frustrated when things don't go according to plan because they don't meet our expectations. Think about the expectations you had for the situation. Think about if your expectations may have been too strict or rigid. One plan or goal is not a measure of your worth. Just because things didn't work out this time, that doesn't mean they will never work out in the future. For example, you and your friends wanted to go to a special restaurant, and you find out it's closed. You may be disappointed or upset because you were expecting a nice meal there. Instead of thinking that the only good meal is at this one restaurant, evaluate the other places available. Restate your goal. Since your original plan hasn't come through, return to your original mission or goal for the situation. You likely had a brainstorming phases about your goals and expectations. Go back to that moment. Talk about your goal again with those involved. Consider writing down your original goal. Putting the situation in writing, particularly for bigger plans, can help to solidify what your goal is. Use this goal as a framework to restate and reimagine your alternative plans. Think about the options available. So your original plan hasn't worked out? Now is the time to think about the other options available. What is your Plan B or Plan C? If you don't have an alternative plan in place, then evaluate other options to consider. Gather information about other options available. Consider writing down the other options available, and making a list of pros and cons. Reassess the strategies and possible outcomes to your plans. Talk with others involved in the process--friends, family, co-workers. See if they may have additional ideas. While these alternatives may not be your original plan, one or more of them may turn out as good as the original. Make a decision about next steps. Take action. Be clear about next steps you're taking. Avoid feeling defeated, as if the original plan was the best or only one available. Approach this next phase feeling positive and hopeful rather than negative. Be confident in your decision once you've evaluated the different options available. Build resilience. Having resilience means that you can keep working toward your goals even if things do not go your way. Building this skill takes time and practice, but it can help you to overcome disappointment more easily. To build resilience, you can: Put things into perspective. When something does not go your way, consider if it is something that is worth spending time and energy on. For example, if you had hoped to get a job that you interviewed for and did not get it, then your time and energy might be better spent applying for different jobs. Take a moment to put your situation into perspective to help you build up your resilience. Maintain good relationships. If you have good relationships, then you will probably feel more secure when something does not go your way. Try to maintain healthy relationships with your friends and family to feel more secure during difficult times. Challenge unhelpful thoughts. Resilient people can alter their thinking to help themselves stay motivated and to continue working towards their goals. You can do this too by challenging thoughts that are untrue or unhelpful. For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I will always fail,” then you can challenge this untrue and unhelpful thought. Try telling yourself something like, “Things might not always go my way, but if I keep working towards my goals then I will achieve them.” Use the past for guidance rather than regret. The past is just that, the past. While you can't take back what has happened, you can use this experience as a helpful tool. Think about how the best and the worst of the situation for you or others you care about. What can you or others learn from this? For example, let's say you're working an important project with a small team. Maybe the project is bigger than expected, and more time consuming than you thought? So the team ends up rushing to complete the project and it seems to you like the project is failing. This could be an opportunity to understand when to ask for additional help. Maybe you and the team could take a different approach to the project? Maybe the project isn't as bad as it seems because you had too high expectations? While this is all in hindsight, it's important to see what happens next as a way to grow. Avoid giving up. When something doesn't go the way you'd like, you may feel like you've failed. Avoid seeing yourself with hate, and instead focus on what you are thankful for. Resilience is key to keeping yourself motivated.. Giving up means giving into your own self-doubts. Reframe your negative thoughts by thinking about the good things that have happened. Even if they are small things. For example, if you were hoping to get an A on an exam and instead got a C, think about how you can look at the bigger picture. Maybe this is your only C on an exam this semester? Maybe this isn't the only test for the class so you can study harder on the other exams? Maybe the other students all got Cs on the exam too? Learn from mistakes. Life is trial and error. Some mistakes are our own, and some are those of others or simply forces beyond our control. Own up to your mistakes, but avoid dwelling in them. When you are honest with yourself, then you can learn to grow and become better. Mistakes are learning opportunities. They can push you to the invisible boundaries of what's possible and what's not. When you try new things, it's possible you'll make mistakes. This is part of life. It can make you stronger and more prepared for the next time. Consider saying to yourself, "I know that I messed up, but it's not the end of the world" or "I can learn from this. I can be better. I can be ready for the next time." Ask for help. There's no shame in asking for input. Talk with people that you trust about what they think about the situation. Get advice from a variety of people. Seeking advice can help you feel less alone with your thoughts or concerns. People on the outside might have a better vantage point about what's going on. | Keep your cool. Acknowledge that you are disappointed. Assess what went wrong. Accept what you can and cannot control. Learn to adapt. Explore what your expectations were. Restate your goal. Think about the options available. Make a decision about next steps. Build resilience. Use the past for guidance rather than regret. Avoid giving up. Learn from mistakes. Ask for help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Rear-Cassette | How to Change a Rear Cassette | To change a rear cassette on your bike wheel, start by removing the rear wheel from the bike. Next, remove the skewer, which is the rod running through the center of the wheel, and insert a lockring removal tool into the center of the cassette. Then, clamp an adjustable wrench on your lockring removal tool and turn it counter-clockwise to remove the lockring, followed by the cassette. Afterwards, slide the new cassette in place and tighten the locking nut with the wrench. Finally, refit the skewer and put the wheel back on the bike. | Remove the wheel from the bike. This is easily done by undoing the skewer or the nuts from the axle, undoing the quick release of the brake and removing the wheel from the bike. Take the wheel off and set the bike aside. The chain is, more likely than not, around the cassette. If you're struggling to remove it, shift the front gear into the smallest ring. Find where the chain threads through two small wheels on the derailleur arm (the shifting mechanism on your back wheel), and push to put slack in the chain. Inspect the cassette for wear and damage and confirm a cassette replacement is necessary. If the teeth are worn, they'll be rounded rather than square. This is also a good time to give the to check for axle bearings for wear and proper lubrication. If the axle moves, the bearing cones need to be adjusted and you may need to replace the bearings in the axle. A bike shop can do this for you if you so desire. Signs you need a new cassette include: Skipped or slipping chain while riding. Issues shifting ( Note: Check that your derailleurs are properly adjusted before changing the cassette) Visibly worn teeth (points are lower are rounder on some gears than others). Cracked, broken, or warped gears. Remove the skewer. Put the wheel on a flat surface with easy access to the cassette and remove the skewer, which is the long rod running through the center of the wheel. More often than not, the skewer and mating bolt on the other end can be easily screwed off by hand. Place your lockring removal tool into the center of the cassette. Replace the skewer with a lock ring removal tool. It will have a grooved ring on the end that locks it into the cassette. This will be your pressure point to unscrew the cassette. Some older lock-rings don't have attached skewers. They are meant to replace the bolts on your own skewer, then used like normal. Unscrew the normal ends and put the lockring removal tool on your old skewer to use. Wrap the chain whip around the largest sprocket in a counter-clockwise direction. Choose the largest sprocket you can get the chain around. The chain whip keeps the cassette from turning while you unscrew it. It is simply a long handle with about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of bike chain at the end, which allows it to lock the cassette in place. Wrap as much of the chain as you can around one of the largest gears, going counter-clockwise. To loosen the bolt later you will need to turn the lockring counter-clockwise, so the chain whip will pull the the cassette clockwise -- this is the opposing pressure to keep everything steady. Alternatively, use a length of chain instead. Clamp a large adjustable wrench on your lockring removal tool. Use the wrench to hold the chain whip in place. If you're just starting out, this might be easier with two people. Tighten the adjustable wrench around the lockring tool so that you can get a lot of power on it. Make sure the tool is firmly jammed in the cassette. This is easily recognizable by the 12-tooth lock nut on the cassette. Holding the chain whip in place, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to release the lock-ring. This nut has a regular thread that needs to be rotated in an counterclockwise direction. It will probably take some force, and may make a loud grinding noise, which sounds like popcorn, as it is removed. This is because of the locking teeth. While you don't want to break anything, know that this takes a fair amount of force, especially if never done before. All this takes off is the lock ring, the small, usually silver piece that prevents the cassette from moving. Set the lock ring aside in a careful place -- you definitely do not want to lose these! Slide the cassette off after removing the lock ring. Usually, it consists of a few sprockets, spacers, and a large set of sprockets riveted together. Keep everything in the same order you took it out in as a guide for adding your new cassette. There may also be a plastic chain guard between your cassette and the spokes of the wheel -- it can be kept or discarded. Some teeth may slide off alone, and some may be pinned together. You may need to use a thin object to lightly pry a few gears off. Clean the hub of the bike with an old rag and some light cleaning fluid. You rarely get to this area when cleaning, so take the time to get the gunk out now. Use an old rag and some rubbing alcohol, gentle dish soap and warm water, or Simple Green. Replace the cassette with the same gear ratio. First, count the number of gears. Then, count the number of teeth on the smallest gear, then the largest one. Put these numbers together to get your ratio. For example, an 11-32 should be replaced with another 11-32. You can find the tooth counts stamped on the sprockets. A part number or name would be useful as well. You can easily bring your cassette into a bike shop as well to get a near identical cassette. Replace the cassette with a different ratio. Most cassettes are interchangeable within brands for a certain number of gears. For example, Shimano sprockets (gears) can be mixed with other Shimano sprockets. Even older sprockets can be used with some adjustments. To get sprockets, buy them separately or as a whole unit. Cassettes can be disassembled by removing the pins holding them together, the pins have no other purpose than to make assembly easier. Then just stack together the cassette with the gear ratios you want. Some sprocket tooth counts are less common than others, keep that in mind when buying as you might end up with sprockets identical to what you've already got. It's tricky to mix and match gears, so it's best not to try unless you're experienced. Additionally, compatibility between gears and cassettes can vary. For example, a SRAM cassette may be compatible with a Shimano freehub body, but the new SRAM XD driver series isn't compatible with any older model cassettes. Similarly, Campagnolo freehub bodies are only compatible with Campagnolo cassettes. If you're in doubt about which one to use, consult your local bike shop. Note that changing gear ratios could require a longer or shorter chain to fit on new sized sprockets. The replacement cassette should have the same number of gears. For example, replace a 10-speed cassette with a 10-speed cassette instead of a 9- or 11-speed cassette. Slide the cassette back onto the hub of the bike in the order you bought them. Put your new cassette on just like you took off the old one. Note that there are a set of smaller teeth on the hub that the cassette slides into. One of them is bigger/smaller than the others. On the cassette, one of the openings is this same size, telling you how to line the new cassette up with the hub. Immediately slide the lock ring on to keep things from moving. You may need to add some gears one at a time. If they are separated, note any spacers (small, plastic rings) in between them when you buy the cassette. These must go on in order. Tighten the locking nut of the cassette. Use a wrench to gently tighten the lockring tool. Never over tighten this as the threads are very small and won't take much force. The cassette is fitted with locking teeth to stop it coming off, giving it the distinctive grinding or zipping sound as it is removed and replaced. Hand tighten the bolt as much as possible, then use the wrench to just tighten it a hair more so it doesn't move. You'll likely hear a grinding sound while you do this, which will sound like popcorn. You'll know the bolt is tight enough when you only hear 1 or 2 pops. The gears should all move together -- there should be no play or wobble in any of the sprockets. Refit the skewer and put the wheel back on the bike. Once the cassette is back on, put the wheel on the bike and refit the chain. You're ready to ride again. Always put the bike chain back near the gear the bike is in so that it doesn't clank violently when you start pedaling. If confused, shift the bike all the way to one side of the gears and put the chain on the furthest two rings on that side. Replace your chain whenever you replace your cassette. As chains wear down, the cause more and more stress on the rear cassette. In fact, proper chain replacement (every six months or so for regular riders) is the best thing you can do to prevent replacing your cassette too often. If you put a new cassette on, even if it is identical to the old one, you should replace the chain as well for the best results. | Remove the wheel from the bike. Inspect the cassette for wear and damage and confirm a cassette replacement is necessary. Remove the skewer. Place your lockring removal tool into the center of the cassette. Wrap the chain whip around the largest sprocket in a counter-clockwise direction. Clamp a large adjustable wrench on your lockring removal tool. Holding the chain whip in place, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to release the lock-ring. Slide the cassette off after removing the lock ring. Clean the hub of the bike with an old rag and some light cleaning fluid. Replace the cassette with the same gear ratio. Replace the cassette with a different ratio. Slide the cassette back onto the hub of the bike in the order you bought them. Tighten the locking nut of the cassette. Refit the skewer and put the wheel back on the bike. Replace your chain whenever you replace your cassette. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-an-Underbite | How to Fix an Underbite | To fix an underbite, you will need help from a dentist or orthodontist. For mild underbites, you can get braces, tooth extractions, or an upper jaw expander. These will help move your lower jaw into the correct alignment. Tooth extractions are a quick procedure where your dentist numbs the area around a tooth, then loosens and pulls the tooth from its socket. Upper jaw expanders are mechanical devices fitted across the top of your mouth that you tighten regularly with a key. If your underbite is more severe, you can use a chin cap or reverse face mask. Sometimes, surgical correction is also a possibility. | Ask your orthodontist about braces. Braces are a common fix for many underbite problems. The amount of time that you need braces will depend on the level of your underbite, as well as any other dental complications you may have. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see if braces might be a good option for you. Metal braces are commonly used to treat underbites, but clear braces such as Invisalign may also be an option for mild to moderate underbite problems. Talk to both your orthodontist and your dental insurance provider to find the right option for you. Talk to your dentist about tooth extractions. A tooth extraction is a common starting point for correcting underbites in adults. Getting rid of teeth crowding the jawline can decrease the overall pressure, allowing the remaining teeth to move into the correct alignment. This process is usually a quick procedure performed by your dentist in their office. For an extraction, your dentist will use a local anesthetic in the area of the tooth to be pulled. Once the area is numb, they use a series of tools to loosen the tooth in its socket and pull it out. Due to the anesthetic, you shouldn't feel anything beyond a slight pressure. Look into an upper jaw expander. Upper jaw expanders are usually fitted across the top of your mouth and held into position using your upper molars. These mechanical devices are adjusted daily to help slowly pull the lower jaw into the correct alignment. An expander is fit by your orthodontist. After it's in, you use a key to control the expansion. A key is made up of a plastic handle and a metal tip that fits into the expander. Your orthodontist will show you how to insert and use the key when to adjust the expander. You will still have regular appointments with your orthodontist to ensure that expansion is going properly. Generally, expanders are worn for about 3-6 months. They may be a little uncomfortable when they are first fitted, but many people say expanders are more comfortable than braces. Wear a chin cap while you sleep. Chin caps are external devices that limit the growth of the lower jaw. These caps are fit to your individual chin, and wrap around to connect to straps that run from the side to the back of the head. Chin caps are generally only worn for a portion of the day. Often, they may only be worn while sleeping. Chin caps need to be prescribed and fit by your orthodontist. Try a reverse face mask. Reverse face masks, or RFMs, are external devices with a forehead rest, a chin rest, and metal bar that attaches to the upper row of teeth. This device is prescribed by an orthodontist and worn part-time to pull the upper row of teeth into the correct position. RFMs are about as effective as chin caps for underbite corrections. Talk to your dentist about surgical correction. In the case of very severe underbites or underbites in older patients, surgical correction may be necessary. The procedure will ultimately be done by an oral surgeon, but the process generally starts with a consultation at your dentist's office to see you would be a strong candidate. If so, they will recommend you to a specialist in your area. You may also want to talk to your dental insurance provider to see how much of the surgery costs will be covered. The general process for surgically correcting an underbite involves separating the bone in the rear portion of the jaw and modifying it so that the lower, tooth-bearing portion can be moved for proper alignment. Surgical treatment may be performed as a singular correction, or as in addition to other corrections such as tooth extractions or braces. Practice good oral hygiene. Clean teeth won't fix an underbite, but they can make it less conspicuous. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss every day, and go in for a dental cleaning every 6 months. Consider veneers for a mild underbite. For a very mild underbite, adding veneers to the upper teeth may help correct the visual problems associated with an underbite. This won't do anything to correct the actual bite or jaw alignment, it will only treat cosmetic issues. Veneers are very thin, white porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to help adjust their color, size, shape, and/or length. Your dentist can adjust individual veneers to ensure they are the correct size and shape for your smile. It's completely normal to be self-conscious about the appearance of an underbite. If your biggest concern is how your underbite impacts your smile, veneers may be a good choice for you. If your underbite impacts the alignment of your teeth or how you eat, or if it causes you any kind of pain, you will need a more intensive treatment than veneers. See if your dentist offers “Facelift” dentistry. A process currently called “Facelift” technology uses a mix of reshaping the lower teeth and adding veneers to the upper teeth. Practicing dentists claim that this improves the appearance and the jaw function of mild to moderate underbites. Since this is a new practice, it is not offered everywhere. It's long-term results and effectiveness have also yet to be proven. | Ask your orthodontist about braces. Talk to your dentist about tooth extractions. Look into an upper jaw expander. Wear a chin cap while you sleep. Try a reverse face mask. Talk to your dentist about surgical correction. Practice good oral hygiene. Consider veneers for a mild underbite. See if your dentist offers “Facelift” dentistry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-Life-With-No-Regrets | How to Live Life With No Regrets | You can live life with no regrets by allowing your values to guide you, since doing things that align with your values will make you feel more fulfilled. For example, if family is important to you, try spending more time with your loved ones, or if necessary, begin repairing broken relationships. Alternatively, if experiences like travel are most important to you, work on saving money to visit all the places on your bucket list. Additionally, make sure you set goals for yourself, like calling family once a month, to help you stay on track. If you still feel frustrated by regrets in your life, try talking to a licensed counselor or psychologist to help you overcome obstacles. | Make a bucket list. Research shows that people tend to regret what they didn't do more than what they did. With this in mind, create a list of things you want to do during your lifetime. These can be "small" experiences like sky-diving or "big" experiences like advancing your career or having children. Identify your values and allow them to guide you. It's not always obvious what will make us happy. Take a minute to examine what it is that you want out of life. Some people find meaning in the joys and challenges of teaching, others thrive on the competition and creativity of the business world. Before making a big decision, ask yourself: "Will this action or course cause me to feel regret? Is it in line with my values?" Your values have a lot in common with your highest priorities. Look at your daily life to help you answer this question. Where do you spend your time and money? Family? Education? Art? Travel? Set goals that support your values (if you want to live abroad for a year, for instance, set goals to save money to move, gain employment, etc.). Take 15 minutes every week to check in with yourself and make sure you're pursuing things you really want and enjoy. If not, change your path! Test yourself to find your strengths. If you aren't sure what direction to pursue in life or what you find meaningful, take this career personality and aptitude test. The test will help you discover your strengths and match those strengths to a potential course in life: click here. See a licensed counselor or psychologist. A licensed professional can help you discover your innate talents, identify your passions and overcome obstacles. This is especially useful if you feel frustrated at not knowing where your life should be headed. Speaking with a life coach is another option, but be aware that is little regulation on getting those certifications. Take an inventory of your life's obstacles. Many people know what they want, deep down, but they may have problems achieving those goals and dreams. Frequently, for example, people report regret over not following their own desires because of pressure from other people. Knowing what is preventing you from reaching your full potential is an important step. Keep in mind that most people's regrets center around education, romantic activities, and their career. Pay attention to what may be hindering you from developing these areas of your life. Repair broken relationships. Constructive communication can help if you have trouble maintaining a relationship with a close friend, lover, or family member. Follow these steps in order to repair that connection: This kind of communication consists of: Be proactive about repetitive disagreements. Recognize signs and triggers of a fight about to happen. Pause and re-orient yourself to being more aware of those old patterns of behavior. This will help you change your response and act more intentionally. Express yourself in a more compassionate, less confrontational way. Use "I" language rather than "you" language, such as "I'm upset by what you said," rather than, "You're being rude to me." Find ways to deal with your own emotions, such as practicing mindful breathing when you start to feel angry. You can do this by paying close attention to the sensation of your breath going in and out of your nostrils. Set goals. It's not always easy to reach our highest aspirations in life. Use the technique of goal-setting to help you take things one step at a time. Here are some tips for how to set realistic and achievable goals: Set goals that can be measured. This will help you feel accomplished and keep your motivation up when you see progress. Set goals that are challenging but also realistic. Try to find a balance with goals that are challenging but not impossible. If they're too easy then you might get bored, and you won't grow as much. If they're too difficult then you may become frustrated and give up. Keep your goals flexible. It's good to have a routine, but if your goals are too rigid, failing to meet them can be discouraging. Know that it's okay to go back and revise your goals. Also, missing a goal now and then is better than burning yourself out. Develop your mode of expression. Self-expression and creativity are integral to living a good life with no regrets. This can show up in many different ways, from more traditional avenues, such as performing as a musician or artist, to less conventional paths, like being a social worker or computer programmer. Creative expression is not limited to the arts, but appears anywhere someone has discovered their passion. Here are some steps you can take: Experience things fully. Slow down and pay attention to what's going on around you. Let your own self emerge. Be cautious about external cues from people and the larger culture for what you should feel, think, and do. Be honest. Being honest with yourself and others will give your innermost self an opportunity to grow. Keep your choices in check. It may seem like having more choices is always better than having fewer choices, but research shows that this is not actually the case. Having fewer choices means that once you make a decision, you don't worry as much about the path you neglected to take. On the other hand, if the decision is reversible and only one among many, there's a higher potential that you will reflect needlessly on your decision, taking energy away from other pursuits. For example, if you're looking at colleges to attend after high school, narrow your choices to a handful rather than applying to twenty different locations. Focus on experiences. Research shows that people are likely to regret buying things, whereas they're likely to regret not buying or pursuing experiences. Psychology shows that materialism, or the pursuit of "things," is not the key to happiness. Experiences create lasting memories, while "things" deteriorate and lose their shiny new appeal. For example, spend your money on a family vacation or a trip to Europe rather than a slightly bigger TV. Live in the present. One of the biggest obstacles to happiness is dwelling in the past. You'll never be able to change reality or go back in time, so why spend energy dwelling on it? The practice of mindfulness is all about learning to appreciate and live in the present moment, because that's where life actually occurs. Learn to orient yourself toward the now: Practice mindful breathing for at least five minutes a day. Use a word or image to bring you back to the present. It can be a flower, the word "peace," or whatever works for you. Engage in mindful activities like yoga or going for a walk while paying close attention to your steps. Forgive yourself. Feeling resentment and anger toward yourself for mistakes you've made in the past interferes with your life, and it can even contribute to health problems such as heart disease. Forgive yourself for the right things. Making mistakes is a part of being human and is worth forgiving yourself over, but you shouldn't need to forgive yourself for things like being who you are: if you are gay, transgender, or have a handicap, for instance. Use regret to move forward. Regret actually has several positive aspects. We experience regret when we need to take a hard look at ourselves and our choices. Research shows that many people rate regret as being more useful than other negative emotions in areas such as: avoiding future negative behaviors, gaining insight into yourself, and achieving harmony with the people in your life. Ask for forgiveness. If you've hurt someone that you care about and you have difficulty overcoming that guilt, do your best to make amends with the person. You can do this by: Demonstrating that you feel bad about your actions. The first step is to show that you feel empathy toward how the person feels. Accepting responsibility for your actions. Don't blame anyone else; take responsibility for your behavior. Showing that you are willing to make it up. Promise to try to act differently in the future, and take steps to make it right. Even if the person isn't receptive, you made the effort, and for that you can be proud. Give up on having total control. There are things you simply can't control in life, no matter how much you want to or how hard you try. Life will always have an additional curveball to throw or an additional ace up its sleeve. The best way to deal with this predicament is to embrace it and throw yourself into the fray, loving every moment and knowing that you are living intentionally, even when you experience pain or make bad choices. Create value out of your struggles. One of the best ways to let go of the past and live without regret is to let your past mistakes work for you. If you are still feeling pain over something you did years ago, take that as a sign that something needs to be done in order for you to move on. That might be apologizing to someone, changing the course of your career, or moving to a different place. | Make a bucket list. Identify your values and allow them to guide you. Test yourself to find your strengths. See a licensed counselor or psychologist. Take an inventory of your life's obstacles. Repair broken relationships. Set goals. Develop your mode of expression. Keep your choices in check. Focus on experiences. Live in the present. Forgive yourself. Use regret to move forward. Ask for forgiveness. Give up on having total control. Create value out of your struggles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Egg-off-a-House | How to Wash Egg off a House | Washing egg off your house probably isn't how you'd like to spend your time, but fortunately you can easily remove egg stains with household items. If you can, remove the excess egg before it dries, since this will be much easier. Wipe it away with a cloth or scrape it off with a dull knife. If you have a hose in your garden, spray the egg away with water. To get rid of any dried stains, try mixing 1 cup of non-bleach laundry detergent into a bucket of warm water. Then, scrub your wall with the water and a hard-bristled brush. Alternatively, mix 1 cup each of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the egg stains with it and scrub them off with a sponge. For tougher stains, try using a paint scraper. | Wipe away any excess egg easily removed. Act fast. The quicker you remove the egg from the side of your house, the better off you will be. When egg dries, the stains become more stubborn, although still removable. In particular, you want to make sure that you get rid of any pieces of shell fastened to the house. Try to get rid of any looser pieces of the egg that you can easily remove. Due to their high moisture content, eggs remove somewhat easily when the egging is fresh. Prepare cleaning supplies as soon as you notice that your house has been egged. You could also use a dull knife to scrape off excess egg stains. Or you could use a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Wipe away any egg that you can easily see. Be aware that some residue will likely remain. Spray water toward the egg stain. Take a hose, power sprayer , or pressure washer , and direct a stream of water at the remaining egg stain. The water pressure in the hose will help remove some of lingering egg residue. You don't want to scratch the house while removing the egg, which is why it's important to hose off or remove any loose shells. Wash the egg downward. Wet the area beneath the egg before you do so, so that it doesn't stick as it is washed downward. Avoid using hot water on the egg at any time because it could actually cook the egg enough that it will become harder to remove from the side of your house. Put the hose on low pressure, and use warm water if possible. Try not to use a high-pressure hose, because this can move the egg to other areas of the house. You can buy or rent pressure washers at local hardware stores. Test an area first. If the remainder of the egg stain doesn't entirely come off with the water spraying, you're going to need to apply a cleaning solution to your house siding. By testing a small area of the stain first, you can see if the cleaning solution is removing any of the paint. There are times that you will need to repaint the area that was egged. However, you may be able to remove the egg without causing that issue. Most cleaning procedures work for aluminum or vinyl siding, although more unique sidings like stucco can require a more intense cleaning process. Soak the egg stain. Especially if the egg stain is old, it might be congealed and harder to remove. Soaking the egg stain makes it easier to get it off with chemicals. If you have light siding, you could dab hydrogen peroxide on the stain first to weaken it. If your paint is a darker color, don't use this, though, because it is a bleaching agent. With darker stains, you should try non-bleach laundry detergent and water to loosen up the stain before you try to completely remove it. You could also soak your rag in the cleaning agent you choose, and blot the stain with it, in order to loosen it. Leave whatever chemical you apply to the stain on it for a few minutes before moving to the next step. Mix laundry detergent in water. This is one of the most common ways to remove egg stains from a house. Take 1 cup of non-bleach laundry detergent, and put it in a bucket of warm water. If the egg has already dried, the stain will be more stubborn and probably require detergent. You could also try using dish soap or even shampoo. You want to choose a gentle cleaner that doesn't have bleach in it. Take a scrubbing brush with bristles, and dip it into the soapy water. Scrub the egg gently with the warm soapy water. Rinse the area. Once you've scrubbed the egg-covered area with the soap-and-water-mixture, rinse it off with the hose or pressure washer. Repeat the process if it's needed. Try an all-purpose household cleaner. Instead of detergent and water, you could use an all-purpose household cleaner, but make sure to choose one that is alkaline-based. Alkaline-based cleaners will get rid of the egg stains more effectively by dissolving the fats in them. Formula 409, Zep, and Simple Green are examples of household cleaners that are alkaline based. As with the detergent, put the cleaner in warm water, and gentle scrub the stain. Then, rinse the area to get rid of the remaining cleaner and egg. When using alkaline cleaners, take care to wear gloves and eye protection, and read the label to avoid any irritation to your skin. Use a cleaner recommended for removing organic, high protein matter like blood, grass or food. Use white vinegar. To give the cleaning solution more oomph, try adding some white vinegar into it. White vinegar is an effective, natural cleaning solution for many surfaces. Mix one cup of white vinegar into one cup of warm water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle that you've cleaned. Spray the solution onto the egg stain. Make sure the stain is completely wet. Then, take a clean sponge, and soak it in hot water. Wipe the stain with the damp sponge. You may need to remove some of the egg with a paint scraper if necessary, but be careful not to scratch or damage the paint. Consider soaking a terry cloth towel in the solution and holding it onto the egg stain for several minutes to loosen the stain. Clean an egg off stucco. Stucco is an exterior plaster finish on some houses. You can get rid of egg stains, but it's a little bit trickier. Remove the stain as fast as possible because it will be harder to clean if it dries and becomes embedded in the cement. Use a water hose, pressure washer or power sprayer. Put the pressure washer or power sprayer on a medium setting of between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI. Try using a cup of non-bleach laundry detergent in a gallon of hot water, and scrub the stain to remove it with a scrub brush, then spray with water again. Mix a cup of non-bleach formula laundry detergent with a cup of talc, bentonite, or powdered silica into a gallon of hot water. These items are usually for sale in the local hardware or home improvement stores. Stir the concoction until it forms a thick paste known as a poultice solution. Apply the poultice to the egg stain. Once you have the poultice paste mixed, apply it liberally to the remaining egg stain. Use a trowel to put the poultice on any remaining egg. The poultice solution should help dissolve the remaining egg stains in the stucco. Once you are done, put plastic wrap over the poultice solution. It should completely cover it. Let it remain there for an hour. Remove the plastic wrap. Spray the stucco with a water hose, power sprayer, or pressure washer. Get rid of egg stains on a car. Maybe the pranksters hit your car as well as your house. Removing egg from cars is similar to removing eggs from a house. Remove the egg as quickly as you can. Use a car-wash mitt, a terry-cloth towel or a sponge. Don't use scrubbers or anything with hard bristles or it could damage the paint on the car. Use a mixture of soap and water. Put it in a spray bottle, and spray the car with it. Let it soften up and then wash it off with warm water. Waxing your car frequently is a good way to protect it from the elements as well as an errant egg. | Wipe away any excess egg easily removed. Spray water toward the egg stain. Test an area first. Soak the egg stain. Mix laundry detergent in water. Try an all-purpose household cleaner. Use white vinegar. Clean an egg off stucco. Apply the poultice to the egg stain. Get rid of egg stains on a car. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Acclimate-Your-Betta | How to Acclimate Your Betta | To acclimate your betta to a new tank, start by placing it in a clear bag with some water from its old tank. Next, place the bag on top of the water in the new tank for 15 minutes so it can slowly acclimate to the temperature. Then, cut a hole in the bag and hold it upright as you pour in 1 cup of water from the new tank. Continue holding the bag for 15 minutes so your betta can adjust to the water's mineral content. Afterwards, pour in another cup of tank water, hold the bag for another 15 minutes, then turn it sideways to release your betta into the tank. | Choose a tank for your betta. In their natural habitat, bettas live in murky, stagnant water. Although they can survive in very small, cramped tanks, it's healthier for the fish to give it a larger environment. Look for a tank that is holds around five gallons of water, as this will give the fish plenty of space. Do not keep your betta in a tank smaller than one gallon. Since betta fish breathe air directly from the top of the water, your tank does not need a filtration system. In fact, it's better if the tank doesn't have one—the current created by the filtration is stressful to bettas. Prepare the tank. Wash the fish tank thoroughly and then rinse the gravel carefully in hot tap water. Do not use soap or detergent on the gravel. Then layer the gravel carefully at the bottom of the tank. Rinse any decorations and put them into the tank. The tank does not necessarily have to be a traditional fish tank; any large container will do. It's important that you include gravel in the fish tank. Opt for a neutral color, and for relatively small-grained gravel. The neutral color will calm your betta, and bacteria that build up on the gravel will digest your fish's waste and keep the water relatively clean. Fill up the tank with tap water. Do not use mineral water in the tank, since it lacks important minerals that your betta fish will need. It's important that, when filled with tap water, your fish tank will have plenty of surface area at the top. Betta fish do breathe underwater like most fish, but come up to the surface for an extra gulp of air at times. For this reason, a narrow-topped container like a wine bottle does not make a suitable tank for a betta. Purchase a water conditioner. A conditioner will remove chlorine (which is unhealthy for fish) from your tap water, and also filter out other impurities and heavy metals. Follow the instructions on the conditioner bottle, and remember to add this as you fill the tank with water. You'll also need to add conditioner every time you change the water in the fish tank (roughly once a week). If you bought your betta at a pet store, you should have received a water conditioner specifically made for bettas. If you were not given one, you'll need to purchase a conditioner on your own. Conditioners should be available at any pet store, and can also be easily purchased online. The amount of conditioner that you use will vary based on the size of your fish tank. Follow the directions on the bottle regarding the amount of conditioner to use, and the amount of time to let it mix in the water before it's safe for your fish. If you live in a rural area where the tap water is not chlorinated, you may not need to use a conditioner. Some conditioners get rid of heavy metals though, so you can use it if you need. Float the bag at the top of the fish tank. Before you do this, make sure the bag has enough air so the betta can breathe. Letting the bag float at the top of the betta's new tank will allow the water in the bag (with the betta in it) to match the temperature of the water in the tank. This process is known as “floating” the betta. Let the bag sit in the tank for 10–15 minutes. Mix the water from the tank with the water in the bag. Once the bag has floated in the fish tank for about 15 minutes, you can start to expose your betta to the water in the fish tank. Use scissors to cut a hole in the bag. Using a baster or a small cup, pour about a cup of the tank water into the bag. You'll need to stand there and hold the bag upright during this time. If you release the bag or let it tilt too far to one side or the other, the water will spill out into the tank. Let the water sit for 15 minutes. Your betta needs this time to slowly adjust to the temperature, pH level, and mineral hardness of the water in the tank. If you rush these steps and do not give your betta time to acclimate to the water, it will be harmful to the fish's health. Repeat the step one more time: mix another cup of tank water into the bag with the betta. Continue to hold the bag in the tank during this time. Make sure to keep the cut in the bag facing upright. Release the betta into the fish tank. After acclimating the fish for roughly 30 minutes, take the bag, turn it sideways, and allow the betta to swim out. Your betta may take some time to get used its new surroundings, but it should be comfortable living in the water of its new tank at this point. If the water in the betta's bag is dirty, minimize the amount that gets into the fish tank. Dirty water in your tank is never a good thing! After the fish has been acclimated, you can also take an aquarium net and gently place your betta in the tank. Do not feed your betta right away. The fish will probably not eat for the first day it's in a new tank. Some bettas will refuse to eat for the first three days, sometimes even a week. Float the cup containing your betta at the top of its new fish tank. At this stage, you want your betta to get used to the water and its temperature. A sudden exposure to the (probably colder) water of the fish tank would be harmful to your betta. Let the cup float for about 15 minutes. Pour some of the tank water into the cup. Do this slowly, using a baster or a small cup. Do not pour the tank water directly onto the betta; pour the water off to the side of the fish. At this point, the cup should still be floating in the fish-tank water. The betta needs to get used to some of the tank water, as it will have a different mineral hardness and pH level, in addition to a different temperature. Leave this to sit for 15 minutes. Add a little bit more of the tank water. You want the tank water and water from the cup to be very well mixed—almost at a 1:1 ratio—before you place the betta fish in the tank. Again, wait for 15 more minutes. At this point, you can use your fingers to feel the temperature of the fish-tank water and the cup water. They should be roughly the same temperature. Transfer your betta from the cup to the fish tank. Using an aquarium net, gently take your betta out of its cup and move it into its new tank. Be gentle, as you do not want to poke or harm your new fish. If the water in the betta's cup is relatively clean of excrement and silt, you can pour the fish and its water directly into the tank. | Choose a tank for your betta. Prepare the tank. Fill up the tank with tap water. Purchase a water conditioner. Float the bag at the top of the fish tank. Mix the water from the tank with the water in the bag. Let the water sit for 15 minutes. Release the betta into the fish tank. Float the cup containing your betta at the top of its new fish tank. Pour some of the tank water into the cup. Add a little bit more of the tank water. Transfer your betta from the cup to the fish tank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beef-Jerky | How to Make Beef Jerky | To make beef jerky, start by selecting a lean cut of meat like sirloin, flank steak, top round, or eye round. Slice the meat into very thin strips and remove all noticeable fat. If you'd like to use a marinade for more flavorful jerky, place the meat strips in the marinade of your choice and refrigerate them for 10-24 hours. Then, coat the meat strips in your favorite seasonings and put them in your dehydrator for 8-12 hours. Refrigerate the dried beef jerky in mason jars and enjoy it within 2 weeks! | Choose a lean cut of meat. When making beef jerky, use nearly any cut of lean meat. Fat spoils and limits the shelf life of beef jerky, so go with the leanest option you can find. For example, select flank steak, bottom round, sirloin tip, top round, or eye of the round. Ground beef is an option, though it may have a much different texture than jerky made from steak. Cut off any noticeable pieces of fat. To help your jerky preserve, use a sharp steak knife to strip off any remaining fat chunks. Aim to only remove the fat, rather than cutting off part of the steak as well. This way, the jerky is healthier and stays fresh longer. Freeze your meat for 1-2 hours if you want it to make it easier to cut. After you cut off the fat, place the meat on a baking tray, and put it in your freezer for about an hour or 2. You want the meat to be hard to the touch but not completely frozen. While this is optional, flash-freezing the meat can make it easier to cut very thin, uniform strips. Slice your meat into 1⁄8–1⁄4 in (0.32–0.64 cm) strips. Use a sharp steak knife to cut your meat into smaller pieces. If you like more chewy jerky, make your cuts with the grain. For less chewy jerky, cut against the grain. If you have the option, use a jerky slicer to ensure your pieces are completely uniform. This is a great idea if you are making a lot of jerky at one time. Marinate the meat if you want to enhance the taste of the beef. When making beef jerky, use a marinade to give the meat a cajun, teriyaki, or smokehouse flavor, for instance. Put the pieces of meat into a large, sealable plastic bag, and pour 1-1 1/2 cup (237-355 mL) of a marinade of your choice into the bag. For a cajun marinade, use 1/2 cup (118 mL) of olive oil, 1/4 cup (59 mL) of vinegar, and 1/3 cup (79 mL) of Worcestershire sauce. For teriyaki jerky, use 1 cup (237 mL) of soy sauce, 2 tbsp (30 mL) of honey, and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of rice vinegar. For a simple, delicious marinade, use about 1/2 cup (118 mL) of Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup (118 mL) of olive oil. Add seasoning to the marinade to give the meat more flavor. Sprinkle seasoning of your choice into the bag. In total, you want to use about 1-4 tbsps (15-60 g), based on the seasonings you prefer. Some great options include 1 tbsp (15 g) of garlic powder, 1 tbsp (15 g) of pepper, and 1 tsp (5 g) of fresh ginger. You can try dusting the meat with a little bit of salt, pepper, cinnamon, and chipotle pepper. Other yummy seasoning includes a little coriander, cumin, clove, and nutmeg. Honey, red pepper flakes, and black pepper also work well for a mild and slightly sweet jerky. Try using some crushed oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Refrigerate your meat for 6-24 hours so it can absorb the flavors. After you add your marinade and seasoning, stir up the meat so it's completely covered. Close up the bag, and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours. To maximize the flavor, let the bag sit for 24 hours. The longer the meat sits, the more flavorful the jerky is. Pat the strips of meat with a paper towel to remove excess marinade. After your meat marinates for a while, remove it from the fridge and dab each piece gently with a clean paper towel. Getting rid of extra marinade helps speed up the drying process. As you do this, you can place the strips onto a cookie sheet or plate. Use a dehydrator for an easy and efficient option. A dehydrator is a device that cooks food at a low temperature over an extended period of time. It removes the water from the food while keeping the raw enzymes intact. If using a dehydrator, cook your jerky at 160 °F (71 °C). When making beef jerky, this is a straightforward and easy-to-use option. Read over your instruction manual so you can follow your device's specific instructions. Dry beef jerky in your oven if you don't have a dehydrator. If you don't have access to a food dehydrator, that's okay. You can still easily make beef jerky in your oven. Preheat your oven to 175 °F (79 °C). Place the pieces of meat so there's room in between each strip. If using a dehydrator, put the strips of meat onto the rack directly. If using an oven, line a baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil, and place a metal drying rack in the middle. Ensure there is at least ⁄ 16 in (0.16 cm) in between each piece so they can all dry evenly. If the pieces of beef overlap, each slice may not dry consistently. Let the meat dry for 3-8 hours. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours to make beef jerky, but you may need more or less time. Your drying time depends on your particular dehydrator, oven, marinade, and cut of meat. Check the meat every 1.5-2 hours or so to avoid over-drying the jerky. To test the jerky, remove a piece, let it cool, and take a bite. If your jerky cooked to your desired texture, take it out of the oven. If it's too soft or meaty, let it cook for another 1-2 hours. If you overdry the jerky, it may be too hard to eat. Remove the jerky from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool. Before you eat or store the jerky, let it come to room temperature. If you used a dehydrator, use a fork to lift up each piece and put it onto a plate. If using an oven, use a pot holder to remove the pan, and place the pan on top of your stove. Your jerky should cool down in about 1-3 hours Try some fresh jerky. Once your beef jerky cools down a bit, you can dig in. Eat the jerky 1 piece at a time whenever you want a yummy, healthy treat. You can eat it by itself or use it to spruce up tasty dishes. Try grating your beef jerky over a fresh salad for a tasty topping. Add pieces of beef jerky to steamed Brussels sprouts for extra flavor. Use chopped beef jerky to enhance a basic egg and cheese omelette. Put your jerky in a paper bag for 1-2 days if it is not dry enough. If your jerky is still slightly too wet after it cools down, try placing the strips in a paper bag and leaving them in there for several days. Check on the jerky daily to test its moisture level, and transfer it to an airtight container after it seems dry enough. The paper bag removes the excess moisture from the jerky. Store your jerky in a resealable bag or glass jar for a short-term solution. The jerky stays fresh indefinitely since it is dry, but the quality will decrease after a few months. For the best quality of jerky, store your meat at room temperature for 2 weeks, in the fridge for 3-6 months, or in the freezer for 1 year. Ensure the jerky is in a cool, dry place. Whenever you want a bite, simply open the bag or jar and chow down. Over time, exposure to air makes the jerky less fresh. Use a vacuum sealer for a long-term storage option. Vacuum sealers work great for storing beef jerky because you can remove all of the air from the packaging. Air decreases the quality and freshness of the jerky over time. To use the vacuum sealer, fill the vacuum bag with your jerky, fold the edge over, and place the edge inside the sealer. Press the "Vacuum sealer" button to extract the air. Once your jerky is vacuum sealed, it can stay fresh for over 1 year in the freezer. Turn off the machine once no air remains in your package. | Choose a lean cut of meat. Cut off any noticeable pieces of fat. Freeze your meat for 1-2 hours if you want it to make it easier to cut. Slice your meat into 1⁄8–1⁄4 in (0.32–0.64 cm) strips. Marinate the meat if you want to enhance the taste of the beef. Add seasoning to the marinade to give the meat more flavor. Refrigerate your meat for 6-24 hours so it can absorb the flavors. Pat the strips of meat with a paper towel to remove excess marinade. Use a dehydrator for an easy and efficient option. Dry beef jerky in your oven if you don't have a dehydrator. Place the pieces of meat so there's room in between each strip. Let the meat dry for 3-8 hours. Remove the jerky from the dehydrator or oven and let it cool. Try some fresh jerky. Put your jerky in a paper bag for 1-2 days if it is not dry enough. Store your jerky in a resealable bag or glass jar for a short-term solution. Use a vacuum sealer for a long-term storage option. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smirk | How to Smirk | A smirk is a good facial expression to show others you're slightly amused by something. Keep your lips closed as you raise one side of your mouth to form a half smile. Try to keep your lips relaxed as you do this, since smirks look best when you're not straining. Alternatively, curl both sides of your mouth slightly upwards so it looks like you're forming a shallow smile with your lips. As you smirk, make eye contact with the person you're smirking at to show how you're feeling. For example, if you're smirking at a joke, give the person a sly, short glance. | Keep your lips closed. Unlike smiles, smirks generally don't show teeth. This is logical - a smirk doesn't convey open, candid happiness, but rather sly amusement. Keep your lips together as you smirk, but don't purse or hide your lips - just let them stay in their normal, loose, resting position. A good rule of thumb is that your smirk shouldn't require any exceptional effort on your part. Smirking without your lips closed can come across as bizarre or even creepy - some people find that doing this makes them look like old-fashioned gangsters. Smile with one half of your mouth. Keeping your lips together, pull one corner of your mouth up in a sort of crooked half-smile. You shouldn't need to use too much force to do this - smirks look best when they're effortless, not strained. Many people's smiles aren't perfectly symmetrical, so one side of your smile may work better for smirking than the other. Practice in a mirror to determine which side of your smirk is best. Alternatively, smile so that only the corners of your mouth go upwards. One variant on the basic one-sided smirk is a smirk that's basically a very coy, "shallow" full smile. This is extra-tricky and not something everyone can do. Try to curl the corners of your mouth up slightly in an expression of subtle amusement. Don't smile too much, though - there's a thin line between a debonair smirk and a leering, grinch-like grin. Maintain eye contact. Regardless of the style of smirk you choose, the way you use your eyes can make or break your smirk. Ideally, your eyes should help "back up" whatever emotion you're trying to convey by smirking. If you're cockily flirting, show confidence by looking the person you're smirking at in the eyes with a smoldering gaze. If, on the other hand, you're just expressing mild amusement at a joke you just heard, shoot a sly, knowing look out of the corner of your eye. Use common sense here. Don't leer at the recipient of your smirk for any longer than you normally would look at someone in the situation you're in - smirks can really creepy, really fast if accompanied with a stare. Don't raise your eyebrows or tilt your head. A common mistake many people make when smirking is to raise their eyebrows and/or cock their head to the side. With a few exceptions, this usually looks somewhat "cheesy" and insincere. Usually, when someone does this, they'll end up conveying a different emotion than they originally intended (befuddlement, for instance, rather than coy amusement). Smirks are usually best when they're subtle and shouldn't normally need to be heavily "telegraphed" or "hammed up", so avoid these attention-grabbing behaviors. Don't try too hard. Whatever you do, when you smirk, don't look like you're trying to smirk. Smirks naturally convey a little arrogance along with whatever else you're trying to convey - it's just the way they usually look. If your smirk looks put-upon or otherwise insincere, you'll find that it may have the opposite effect as the one you intended. Remember - stay relaxed. Smirks are cool and confident, not attention-seeking. Don't smirk so that you can be seen smirking, but rather, smirk as a natural response to something happening around you. Smirk to convey sarcasm. One classic use for smirks is to show that something you're saying (or that you've just said) is intended sarcastically. For instance, you might adopt a subtle smirk after giving out effuse, ironic praise to convey that your previous remarks weren't 100% sincere. Smirk to convey amusement. Smirks are somewhat confusing because they're used both to display sarcasm (as above) and to display actual, genuine amusement (albeit in a muted way). A smirk after hearing a good joke can be a silent, controlled way of showing that you found the joke somewhat funny. Conversely, a smirk after hearing someone make a good point during an argument can be a tacit admission that s/he is correct. Of course, in both of these situations, sarcasm also is a possible response, so it's crucial to have a keen eye for the context of the situation. Smirk to be smarmy. Somewhere between sarcasm and amusement lies smarminess - a sort of detached, arrogant sense of enjoying one's self. Unsurprisingly , smirking can be used for this emotion as well! For starters, try smirking as you make a biting joke about someone to his or her face (in good fun, of course) or smirking as you list your own wonderful qualities. Smirk to flirt. Smirking is a great tool for sexy, confident people - men and women alike. Smirking shows self-satisfaction in a knowing, teasing, confident way - in short, when applied well, it's irresistible. Give a smirk to someone who's caught your eye on the dance floor for a fleeting moment as you walk past or shoot a smirk to the good-looking person at the end of the bar whose drink you just bought. You'll make a lasting impression of confidence and self-assurance that can open the door to exciting romantic possibilities! | Keep your lips closed. Smile with one half of your mouth. Alternatively, smile so that only the corners of your mouth go upwards. Maintain eye contact. Don't raise your eyebrows or tilt your head. Don't try too hard. Smirk to convey sarcasm. Smirk to convey amusement. Smirk to be smarmy. Smirk to flirt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Divide-a-Whole-Number-by-a-Decimal | How to Divide a Whole Number by a Decimal | To divide a whole number by a decimal, write out the division problem with both numbers represented as decimals with the same number of places to the right of the decimal point. For example, you would write 3.0 with one decimal place divided by 1.2. Then, move the decimal places to the right until you have 2 whole numbers. In this case, you would have 30 divided by 12. Solve this problem as a normal long division equation to get your final answer, which would be 2.5 in this case. Remember to include any decimal places in your answer. | Write out your division problem. Use pencil in case you want to revise your work. Example: What is 3 ÷ 1.2 ? Write the whole number as a decimal. Write a decimal point after the whole number, than write zeroes after the decimal point. Do this until both numbers have the same number of places to the right of the decimal point. This does not change the value of the whole number. Example: In the problem 3 ÷ 1.2, our whole number is 3. Since 1.2 has one place to the right of the decimal point, rewrite 3 as 3.0, so it also has one place after the decimal. Now our problem is 3.0 ÷ 1.2. Warning: do not add zeros to the left of the decimal point! 3 is the same as 3.0 or 3.00, but it is not the same as 30 or 300. Move the decimal points to the right until you have whole numbers. In division problems, you're allowed to move the decimal points, but only if you move them by the same amount for each number. This lets you turn the problem into whole numbers. Example: To turn 3.0 ÷ 1.2 into whole numbers, move the decimal points one space to the right. 3.0 becomes 30, and 1.2 becomes 12. Now our problem is 30 ÷ 12. Write the problem using long division. Put the dividend (usually the larger number) under the long division symbol. Write the divisor outside it. Now you have an ordinary long division problem using whole numbers. If you want a reminder of how to do long division, read the next section. Find the first digit of the answer. Start solving this just as you would normally, by comparing the divisor to the first digit of the dividend. Calculate the number of times the divisor goes into this digit, then write this number above that digit. Example : We're trying to fit 12 into 30. Compare 12 to the first digit of the divisor, 3. Since 12 is larger than 3, it goes into it 0 times. Write 0 above the 3, on the answer line. Multiply that digit by the divisor. Write the product (the answer to the multiplication problem) down below the dividend. Write it directly below the first digit of the dividend, since this is the digit you just looked at. Example: Since 0 x 12 = 0, write 0 underneath the 3. Subtract to find what's left over. Subtract the product you just found from the digit directly above it. Write the answer on a new line below. Example: 3 - 0 = 3, so write 3 directly below the 0. Bring down the next digit. Bring the next digit of the dividend down next to the number you just wrote. Example: Our dividend is 30. We've already looked at the 3, so the next digit to bring down is 0. Bring this down next to your 3 to make 30. Try to fit the divisor into the new number. Now repeat the first step of this section to find the second digit of your answer. This time, compare the divisor to the number you just wrote down on the lowest line. Example:' How many times does 12 fit into 30? The closest we can get is 2, since 12 x 2 = 24. Write 2 in the second spot of the answer line. If you're not sure what the answer is, try some multiplication problems until you find the largest answer that fits. For example, if it seems like 3 is about write, multiply out 12 x 3 and you'll get 36. This is too big, since we're trying to fit within 30. Try the next one down, 12 x 2 = 24. This does fit, so 2 is the correct answer. Repeat the steps above to find the next number. This is the same long division process used above, and for any long division problem: Multiply the new digit on your answer line by the divisor: 2 x 12 = 24. Write the product on a new line below your dividend: Write 24 directly underneath 30. Subtract the lowest line from the one above it: 30 - 24 = 6, so write 6 on a new line underneath. Continue until you reach the end of the answer line. If there's still another digit left in your dividend, bring it down and continue solving the problem the same way. If you've reached the end of the answer line, go to the next step. Example: We just wrote 2 at the end of the answer line. Go to the next step. Add a decimal to extend the dividend if necessary. If the numbers divided evenly, your last subtraction problem has "0" as the answer. That means you're done, and you have a whole number as the answer to your problem. But if you've reached the end of the answer line and there's still something left to divide, you'll need to extend the dividend by adding a decimal point followed by a 0. Remember, this does not change the value of the number. Example: We're at the end of the answer line but the answer to our last subtraction problem is "6." Extend the "30" under the long division symbol by adding ".0" to the end. Write a decimal point at the same spot on the answer line as well, but don't write anything after it yet. Repeat the same steps to find the next digit. The only difference here is that you must bring the decimal point up to the same spot on the answer line. Once you've done that, finding the remaining digits of the answer is exactly the same. Example: Bring down the new 0 down to the last line to make "60." Since 12 goes into 60 exactly 5 times, write 5 as the last digit on our answer line. Don't forget that we put a decimal on our answer line, so 2.5 is the final answer to our problem. | Write out your division problem. Write the whole number as a decimal. Move the decimal points to the right until you have whole numbers. Write the problem using long division. Find the first digit of the answer. Multiply that digit by the divisor. Subtract to find what's left over. Bring down the next digit. Try to fit the divisor into the new number. Repeat the steps above to find the next number. Continue until you reach the end of the answer line. Add a decimal to extend the dividend if necessary. Repeat the same steps to find the next digit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-and-Buy-the-Correct-Bike | How to Measure and Buy the Correct Bike | To measure and buy the correct bike, think about how you'll be using the bike. Get a comfort, cruiser, or hybrid bike if you want to ride around town. If you plan to ride long distances on pavement, choose a road bike, and if you want to cover a variety of terrain, select a mountain bike. Choose a bike that lets you comfortably reach the handlebars, with your knees slightly bent at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Make sure you can stand comfortably with your feet on the ground with the top tube of the bike between your legs. | Buy a road bike if you plan to ride primarily on pavement. There are a lot of different types of road bikes available for different styles and functions. They are all, however, made for generally even, hard terrain like city roads or smooth trails. They are the most common bikes out there, and can be broken up into a few subcategories: Racing/Road bikes: Aerodynamic, fast, and light, these bikes are the most common road warriors. They have thin tires and lighter frames, and usually aren't made to carry extra weight. Components are built for speed on a variety of geography, from big hills to long flats. Cross bikes: These have wider tires and a sturdier frame, and are built for a variety of terrains, from city roads to bike paths and light trails. They are usually built to handle some weight, so they work well for commutes to work or the store and on short-range trips. Touring bikes: Made for long, self-contained trips, these bikes are sturdy, no-frills bikes that can take a beating and hold a lot of weight. Because of this, they also function well as commuter or city bikes. Triathalon/Time-Trial Bikes: Build for speed, these expensive beasts are light as a feather and have special handlebars that let you lean down for minimum wind resistance. Know how to measure a bike's frame size. The main factor in buying the right bike is the frame size. The frame is the metal body of the bike, and it is measured in three key places. While most bike frames utilize only one measurement for sizing, knowing how to locate all three is key to getting the right size bike. Seat Tube: This is the vertical bar between your seat and the pedals. It is measured to the center of the crankshaft, which is the circular disk that your pedals attach to. Top Tube: This is the horizontal bar between your seat and the handlebars. It affects your "reach" towards the handlebars. Head Tube: This is the small vertical area on the front of your bike, measured between from where it begins to fork around your front wheel and the handlebar stem. It also affects your "reach" to the handlebars. Measure your inseam. Stand with your feet six inches apart, and measure up to your pubic bone from the inside of your foot (where your leg meets your hip in your crotch). Take this measurement in centimeters, since all road bikes are measured that way. Multiply .67 by your inseam measurement to estimate seat tube length. Multiply.67 by your inseam to find you suggested seat tube. If your inseam is 85 centimeters, for example, your seat tube should be 56.95, or 57, centimeters long. The seat tube is usually, though not always, measured from the top of the tube to the center point of the crankshaft. Make sure you can stand comfortably with the top tube between your legs. You're going to hit the inevitable red light, and you need to be able to stand up with your feet on the ground while you wait. Straddle the bike and make sure that you can stand with both feet firmly on the floor. If you can't, you'll need to go down a frame size. Try out a variety of bikes to determine your "reach. " There are a lot of different formulas out there to figure out the right reach, but the truth of the matter is that everyone is different, and you need to find out what is comfortable for you. When trying out bikes, note the length of the top tube and head tub, as well as the length of the stem -- the smaller piece connecting the handlebars to the frame -- and write down the measurements you like in case you want to buy your bike online. A comfortable reach should: Let you rest your hands comfortably on the handlebars. Your fingers should be free to wiggle around. Keep you elbows slightly bent, not locked or pressed up. Allow you to reach all parts of the handlebars, especially gears and brakes, easily. Know that comfort must always take precedence over measurement. The lengths of each tube may mean little compared to your final fit, since the angles the frame is joined at affects the distance between the seat, pedals, and handlebars just as much as the size. Studies have shown, for example, that a longer top tube can result in the same fit as a smaller one depending on the length of the head tube. These measurements are starting points as you go shopping, not perfect metrics for the right fit. Always ask to test out 3-4 brands of bikes, and try out a size above and below the one you measured for. Your personal geometry is unique, so you need a bike that fits you. Buy a road bike with handlebars even to the seat height if you are just beginning. It is easy, especially with curved "drop" handlebars, to get your hands lower on the bike. While serious riders often prefect lower handlebars, those who struggle with flexibility or are new to biking almost always prefer a bike with handlebars even to the seat height. Flat handlebars are rare on road bikes, unless they are designed for cruising or casual riding. It is difficult to go long distances with flat bars. Drop bars are the classic, double C-shaped handlebars with two front-facing brakes and a variety of places to put your hands for comfort. Purchase a "rack" if you plan on traveling or commuting with your bike. Bike racks allow you to pack things above your back wheel, but not all bikes are compatible with racks. In general, road bikes are not made to handle the weight of a rack, though cross and touring bikes are. Bikes that have two holes at the top of the "v" leading from the seat to the back wheel and two more hole in the very back of the frame will allow you to mount a rack. Panniers are bags designed specifically to clip onto a bike rack, and are essential if you are transporting a lot of goods or want to travel long distances. Buy a mountain bike to ride hard over a variety of terrain, not ride quickly. Mountain bikes are made to take a beating and survive. Even city or small town dwellers like them, as they can turn off on dirt paths, crush over curbs, and get a little muddy without worrying about the bike breaking down. That said, a mountain bike's true purpose is to safely bomb up and down trails covered in roots, rocks, and sticks, and they will handle it accordingly. Trail Bikes are great, all-purpose mountain bikes that can handle light and difficult trails as well as pavement and dirt roads quickly. All Mountain Bikes are made for hard, technical trails and serious riders. If you plan on hitting the trials, spending a little extra money will almost always be worth it for safety and comfort. Take your inseam measurement to determine frame size. Stand with your feet 6 inches apart and measure from the inside of your foot up to where your leg meets your waist, between your crotch and inner thigh, in inches. Multiply this number by.67, then subtract 4" to 5" from the answer to get the estimated length of your top tube, which is the part of the frame running from the handlebars to below your seat. Use the top-tube for your measurement when possible, as seat tube (pedal to seat) measurements are tricky to determine and change from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you have a 33 inch inseam, you need a 17.5" top tube, since: 33" x.67 = 21.75" 21.75" - 4" = 17.75 Specialty bike makers Lapierre & Neil Pryde have different geometry. Multiply your inseam by.62 instead of.67 if you really want one of these bikes. If your bike shop gives frame size by seat tube length, multiply your inseam by.185. The number should be the distance between the top of your seat tube and the middle of the crankshaft, the circular piece attaching the pedal to the bike. Let comfort take precedence over the calculated measurement. Because the angles your different tubes are joined at affects the distance between the seat, pedals, and handlebars, these measurements will change from bike to bike and rider to rider. Taking measurements is a good starting points, but you need to get the bike you feel most comfortable on. Try out different brands and a size above and below your measured size. You cannot tell if a bike is the right fit if it is the only one you try. Your hands should rest comfortably on the handlebars so that your fingers feel free. You want your elbows slightly bent, not locked or pressed up on the handlebars Most mountain bikers prefer their handlebars 1-2" lower than their seat height, as it lowers your center of gravity. You should be able to reach the shifter and brakes without losing your balance on a properly sized bike. Decide if your want double or single suspension. All mountain bikes have shock absorbers on the front wheels, allowing you to get over obstacle easily and maneuver in tricky terrain. However, serious bikers need to consider double suspension: Hardtail: Another name for single suspension, these bikes only have shocks on the front wheel. They are lighter and cheaper options, and transition better to pavement riding. Full-Suspension: Made for technical, tricky trails, these bikes are heavier but far more maneuverable and useful for serious mountain bikers. Get a frame built for bigger wheels for increased comfort and ease on hard trials. Bigger wheels are becoming more and more fashionable, but you cannot swap out smaller wheels if your frame is made for bigger ones. In general, you have three options for wheel size. 29 inch: These behemoth wheels are great at rolling over rocks and roots, have provide more grip to the trail. They carry momentum well downhill, letting your go faster, but they are harder to accelerate. 27.5 inch: A hybrid wheel, they have some of the speed of a classic 26" with the increased movement over rocks and roots found in a 29". 26 inch: The traditional wheel size, these are light and speedy wheels that still function well on the trail. Until 5-10 years ago, they were the standard mountain bike wheel. Buy a bike that fits you skill level but allows room for growth. Bikes are expensive, and you don't want buy a new one simply because you felt like saving money on the first one. If you're serious about biking, whether it is mountain, road, touring, or commuting, spending a little extra on a good bike now will save you money in the long-term. Ask yourself-- what is your fitness level now, and what do you want it to be? You should get a bike somewhere in the middle. Beginner or intermediate mountain bikers might start with gentle trails that don't require good suspension, but if you love the sport you will quickly want to move up to harder trails that require a better bike. Road riders might be fine to start with a heavier, cheaper bike, but you'll suffer on group rides or races as you get more experienced. The frame is the most expensive part of the bike, and should be your first concern. Brakes, gears, wheels, and handlebars can all be swapped out or upgraded later. That said, good components resist wear and tear and lead to smoother riding. Get a comfort, cruiser, or hybrid bike if you only want to ride occasionally around town. These bikes come in a variety of shapes and purposes, but they share one thing in common -- they aren't made for long distances. If mountain or road bikes seem too specific for you, you should try out the following bikes instead. They usually come in standardized measurements (S, M, L, XL), so pick one that lets you comfortable reach the handlebars. Your knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Fixed Gear: Simple, light bikes made almost entirely for urban cruising, they offer you no extra gears. They are easy to maintain and ride, though they perform best on flat terrain. Cruiser: Also known as "beach bikes" or "comfort bikes," these bikes are made for comfort, with high handlebars that let you ride almost completely upright. Hybrids: Great commuting or urban bikes, hybrids have bigger tires than road bikes but similar geometry, keeping them light and speedy while allowing you get over bumps and cracks with ease. Test bikes in person before buying online whenever possible. Shopping for bikes online is a great way to get the perfect bike for you and potentially save money, but you should never by a bike online without testing it out beforehand. Once you've narrowed down your search to 3-4 types of bike, call you local bike shops and see if they have them in stock. Head down and try them out to make sure they fit you well and ride comfortably before buying. Online reviews are a great place to get a feel for a bike. Check out online bike blogs and magazines and see what they think of the bikes, and read customer testimonials to see if there are any persistent issues with the bike that you want to avoid. Understand gears and gear ratios. Gearing may seem confusing, but you should remember that it comes down to two factors. First, more gears means more options when riding, allowing you to find the perfect resistance going up or down hills. Gears, however, add to the weight of the bike, which is not desirable if you are racer or mountain rider heading uphill a lot. The classic gearing for both road and mounting bikes is 3 gears in the front and 9 in the back, resulting in a 27 speed bike.' Compact cranks are smaller, lighter gears in the front, giving you only two big chainrings to get into but cutting down on weight. Understand the different types of brakes. There are two large subdivisions of brakes -- rim brakes and disc brakes. Almost all mountain bikes, aside from entry level, use disc, while road bikes have much more variety. Rim Brakes come in many forms, but they all function by clamping onto the rim of your wheel and holding it in place to slow you down. There are two big pads on either side of both wheel the squeeze when you let go. They are cheaper and easier to fix and maintain than discs. Disc breaks rely on a separate steel disc attached to your wheel that the brakes grab in order to slow down the entire wheel. They are often more sensitive than rim brakes, and the tight space between the breaks prevents sticks,leaves, etc. from catching on the brakes and ruining them mid-ride. They are, however, harder to manage and calibrate without prior knowledge. | Buy a road bike if you plan to ride primarily on pavement. Know how to measure a bike's frame size. Measure your inseam. Multiply .67 by your inseam measurement to estimate seat tube length. Make sure you can stand comfortably with the top tube between your legs. Try out a variety of bikes to determine your "reach. Know that comfort must always take precedence over measurement. Buy a road bike with handlebars even to the seat height if you are just beginning. Purchase a "rack" if you plan on traveling or commuting with your bike. Buy a mountain bike to ride hard over a variety of terrain, not ride quickly. Take your inseam measurement to determine frame size. Let comfort take precedence over the calculated measurement. Decide if your want double or single suspension. Get a frame built for bigger wheels for increased comfort and ease on hard trials. Buy a bike that fits you skill level but allows room for growth. Get a comfort, cruiser, or hybrid bike if you only want to ride occasionally around town. Test bikes in person before buying online whenever possible. Understand gears and gear ratios. Understand the different types of brakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-over-an-Ex-Boyfriend | How to Get over an Ex Boyfriend | To get over your ex-boyfriend, start by letting yourself have time to grieve honestly so you can heal. Each day that you conquer on your own will bring you closer to peace and happiness. Try to find power in being responsible for your own happiness, and explore how your identity has evolved without your ex. Hold off on rushing into a new relationship for at least a few months, as this time can be a crucial period for really learning from the way things ended. Think about the factors that led to the breakup and how your values and needs may evolve because of them. Studies show that crying makes you feel emotionally and physically better, so let yourself cry! | Let yourself grieve. Trying to block legitimate feelings or make short cuts around the grieving process will only prolong your heartache in the long run. By simply burying your emotions, they're bound to reemerge some day, only intensified. Although it can be difficult, focus on feeling every feeling and experiencing every heart pang because they'll make you a stronger person in the long run. Accept that you cannot avoid the uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal from your ex. You are not letting go because you want to, but because you have to in order to be the happiest and healthiest version of you. Recognize that every day brings you closer to healing and happiness. Be kind to yourself and accept that you will be functioning at a less than optimal level for a little while. Embrace your independence. Remember that no one and nothing can make you content except for yourself. You might feel a sense of power knowing that your happiness is in your hands alone. If at all possible, look at the upside of being alone. You get to make the decisions and are no longer defined by someone else. Spend some time exploring who you are now, and forge your own identity. Serving as your own support system means you won't be let down or disappointed. Engage in activities that you're ex didn't enjoy or wouldn't do with you. Eat foods that he didn't like and watch movies that he wouldn't see with you. Detach yourself. Accept that for right now you're going to stand on your own two feet without your partner, and resist the urge to rush into another relationship. In doing so, you may come to understand realities about your previous relationship, or your ex, that you hadn't noticed before. View the relationship objectively, using your brain rather than your heart. Ask yourself if he was the kind of boyfriend that you would want for your best friend, sibling, or child. Consider if you had to do it all over again, would you choose this person as a partner. The answer may cause you to think about the relationship in a new way. Especially if the break up is still fresh, don't feel pressured to make any decisions regarding your old relationship or its future. Your ability to focus exclusively on healing will take some pressure off of the next few months. Remember that you broke up for a reason. The pain you're now experiencing is temporary, but it is likely there were real issues in the relationship that were permanent. Turn on the water works. Studies show that you really will feel better after a good cry. Emotional tears contain toxic biochemical byproducts, so ridding your body of them relieves stress and removes these substances. Even the physical feeling you get from shedding a few tears allows you to release your pain and begin the mending process. Another unexpected, but great, aspect to crying is that you're reminded how huge your capacity to care for others can be, and that you still have the ability to love. If you think you'd benefit from a good cry, but would like to do it in private, try taking a shower or going on a long walk to a secluded park. Exercise regularly. Walking, running, swimming and biking will actually offer immediate relief from your pain because staying active stimulates brain chemicals and increases serotonin, which advances the growth of nerve cells. You'll also gain valuable reflection time with which to ruminate and think over your feelings. You could come to some valuable conclusions this way. You'll not only enjoy physical health, but experience more energy to make it through the day. You'll feel satisfied on an emotional level for taking charge of your own mind and body. If you decide to join a group exercise activity, such as a spinning class or sports team, you may even form a valuable support system by making new friends. Surround yourself with people who love, care for, and understand you. Don't be afraid to share your feelings with them. The more your support system understands what you are going through, the more helpful they can be. You may even find comfort in the fact that you can open up to and trust them, rather than depending on your ex boyfriend. Consider joining a support group filled with people who are going through the same experience you are. Sometimes it's easier to share your true feelings with strangers. If there is no one in your life you feel comfortable reaching out to, find a therapist or counselor who specializes in loss. Develop new friendships. Chances are that you didn't have as much time to form new bonds when you were with your boyfriend, or you may feel that you lost your network along with the break up. Take a class or volunteer so you have the opportunity to interact with others who you share the same interests as. List your qualities that you're most proud of. This will help you to focus on the positive rather than the negative. You'll also notice which of your strengths you value, rather than what someone else does or doesn't like about you. Once your viewpoint is no longer clouded by negativity you'll be able to uncover your true self. Were you always proud of your ability to write thoughtful poems, but he didn't appreciate you for it? Put this one at the top of your list. Alternately make a list of obstacles you've overcome and hardships you've persevered through. Recognizing how resilient you've been in the past, reminds you that you can do it in the present. Write down goals. Make a list of realistic steps and a timeline to help you focus on anything but your break up and your ex. A sense of accomplishment will boost your self-esteem and remind you of your worth. Working hard towards something for the future will mean you're less focused on the day-to-day and more determined on the overall big picture. Writing down your goals, rather than simply imagining them, will help them seem real and make you more likely to hold yourself accountable. Your goals can be anything from working towards a promotion at your job to simply flossing your teeth everyday. The idea is to feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. Help someone else. Focusing on another person, and acting as their support system, will give you a purpose and shift your thoughts away from your break up. Think of it as rechanneling the love and energy you previously put into your relationship. Others will naturally be drawn to you and want to spend time with you, making you feel less lonely and rejected.Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or perform acts of kindness towards a friend who has experienced a death in the family. Giving back and showing kindness towards others has been proven to relieve symptoms of depression. People will be more likely to help and support you in your time of need. Give yourself permission to move on. It may be hard to believe that you'll find love again, but remember that unless you put yourself out there and take risks, you won't reap any benefits. Learning from past mistakes and applying what you've learned in the future is an important part of ending the relationship. Don't let yourself feel guilty for putting your feelings for your ex, good and bad, behind you. Put yourself out there to meet new people and even flirt if someone catches your interest. You might be surprised at the number of decent, interesting people who attract your attention now that you're more open to meeting them. Ask your friends to partake in a girls night out with you, where you have fun together and meet new people. Create a new reality that doesn’t include your ex. Purge yourself of materials and even friendships that you find are toxic or holding you back. Make changes and take plunges that you've always thought about, but never actually done. Get a drastic haircut, redo your living room, or travel to a foreign country. Forging new experiences without your ex, will make you feel worlds away from the life you created together. Make small changes such as where you shop for groceries or go to get your hair done. The idea is to feel like you've created an entirely different life for yourself. If there were any hobbies or interests that you found yourself giving up on while you were with your ex, try to rediscover your passion for them. Don’t focus on any guilt that you’re harboring. If you feel that you made a mistake in the relationship and have attempted to make amends, move on. Don't be hard on yourself for things that you cannot change. To help alleviate guilt, try reminding yourself what you did right, either in the relationship or outside of it. Envision a time when you were supportive, loving and loyal to those around you. Determine who is behind the guilt that you're feeling. Are your friends wishing you would get back together with your ex or is he manipulating you in some way? Determining which feelings are someone else's and which are your own is important for figuring out if the guilt is warranted or not. Don’t go out of your way to avoid places or people that remind you of your ex. If you had a favorite restaurant that you frequented together, make it a point to still eat there. Make reservations to go with friends in order to create new memories. This will keep you from limiting yourself and letting your sadness dictate your actions. If you shared a mutual friend with your ex who you still care about, try not to let the nature of the friendship change now that you're no longer together. Don’t allow lingering negativity to get in the way when you do meet someone new. Remember that starting a new relationship doesn't mean it will end like your last one did. Concentrating on how you feel you were wronged will make you appear bitter and unpleasant to be around. If you hold onto these feelings, you could miss the opportunity to meet someone amazing in the future. Allow yourself to learn from past mistakes, but understand that no two men are the same. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. If you begin to notice an unhealthy pattern within your relationships, consider how you can avoid this. Whether it's being taken advantage of, or letting a negative side of your own personality take over, recognize that failure to change this habit will result in a similar outcome. If the type of man that you're drawn to keeps hurting you, address the reasons behind why you're drawn to this type of relationship. Talk with those closest to you who saw the nature of your relationship first-hand. Ask them for help in constructively evaluating what went wrong with your ex. Don’t find reasons to contact your former lover. Chances are that if your break up is fresh and you are still healing, even a friendship isn't possible between the two of you for now. It will be difficult to have an objective viewpoint on what went wrong if you're still in contact. Additionally, it may make it harder for you to accept the end of the relationship, which will only prolong your grieving process. True closure can be difficult if there is still dialogue between the two of you. A clean break will make acceptance of the end unavoidable. If he is the one contacting you, consider changing your phone number and email address. Delete him from your social media accounts so you aren't forced to inadvertently think about him throughout the day when you login to your accounts and he's posted an update. If you don't want to delete him altogether, most apps have ways of blocking people, as well. Don’t use alcohol or drugs to escape from your pain. While you may be tempted to do whatever it takes to relieve your feelings of loneliness, you will be further behind in the long run if you rely on something as destructive as these numbing agents. Drugs and alcohol will block your feelings, and put off the grieving process, rather than getting you closer to starting to heal. There is a chance you could develop an addiction, producing another issue to overcome. It's possible you could drive away friends and potential future mates with this harmful behavior. | Let yourself grieve. Embrace your independence. Detach yourself. Turn on the water works. Exercise regularly. Surround yourself with people who love, care for, and understand you. List your qualities that you're most proud of. Write down goals. Help someone else. Give yourself permission to move on. Create a new reality that doesn’t include your ex. Don’t focus on any guilt that you’re harboring. Don’t go out of your way to avoid places or people that remind you of your ex. Don’t allow lingering negativity to get in the way when you do meet someone new. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Don’t find reasons to contact your former lover. Don’t use alcohol or drugs to escape from your pain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Nutella-Brownies | How to Make Nutella Brownies | To make Nutella brownies, start by melting chocolate chips, butter, and unsweetened chocolate in the microwave, and combining it with 1/2 cup of Nutella. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar together, then add vanilla extract and the Nutella mixture. Next, mix in flour, cocoa, and salt, and pour the batter into a greased baking pan lined with parchment paper. Finally, place the pan on the middle rack of the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F. | Preheat the oven and check the rack’s position. Ensure that your oven will be at the right temperature when you're ready to bake by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Next, check that the oven rack is the middle position so the brownies will bake evenly. Make sure that you know how your oven indicates that it's reached the preheated temperature. In most cases, there will be a beep or a light will flash to let you know that it's reached the proper temperature. Line a pan with parchment paper. Find a 8-inch by 8-inch (approximately 20-cm by 20-cm) baking pan to bake your brownies in, and line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper. Allow the paper to hang over two sides of the pan. That will make it easier to get the brownies out of the pan when they're done baking. You can use a 9-inch by 9-inch (23-cm by 23-cm) pan for the brownies, but don't go any larger than that. You'll likely wind up with brownies that are thin and overcooked. If you don't have parchment paper, you can line the pan with foil instead. Butter the sides of the pan. While the parchment paper will cover the bottom of the pan, you want to make sure that the brownies don't stick to the sides. Use some softened butter to grease the sides of the pan that aren't covered by the paper. You can use non-stick cooking spray instead of butter if you prefer. If you don't have parchment paper or foil on hand, you can also butter the entire baking pan, including the bottom and sides, to keep the brownies from sticking. Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and unsweetened chocolate in the microwave. Place 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips, 1 ½ sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter that's been cut into pieces, and 4 ounces (113 grams) chopped unsweetened chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bowl at 20% power for 1 minute, and then remove the bowl to stir the ingredients. Repeat the process at 30 second intervals until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Don't try to melt the chocolate chips, butter, and chopped chocolate all at once. The mixture can easily scorch in the microwave. Make sure to work in intervals, testing at each break to see if the ingredients are fully melted. Add the nutella to the melted butter and chocolate. Once the chocolate and butter are completely melted, mix in ½ cup (150 grams) Nutella. Make sure to stir well to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. You don't necessarily have to use Nutella brand hazelnut spread. Any hazelnut cocoa spread will work for the brownies. Beat the eggs and sugar together. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk and 1 ¼ cups (245 grams) granulated sugar at medium-high speed. Mix the ingredients together for approximately 3 minutes or until they become thick and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and nutella mixture. Add 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 mL) vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, and mix well. Next, use a spatula to gently fold the nutella and chocolate mixture in with the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Make sure that the nutella and chocolate mixture is completely cooled before you fold it in. If it's still hot, it may start to cook the eggs. Mix in the flour, cocoa, and salt. Finish off the batter by adding ¾ cup (96 grams) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon (approximately 5 g) fine sea salt to the nutella mixture. Use your spatula to fold the dry ingredients in until just combined in a thick batter. The batter doesn't have to be entirely smooth. It's okay if there are a few lumps. Consider mixing in 1 cup (125 g) of toasted and chopped hazelnuts or 1 tablespoon (approximately 15 mL) of hazelnut liqueur to the batter if you want to deepen the hazelnut flavor of the brownies. Pour the batter into the pan. Once of all the ingredients are combined, use the spatula to transfer the batter into your prepared pan. It will be extremely thick and sticky, so work slowly to ensure that it's evenly spread. Bake the brownies for 35 to 40 minutes. Place the pan of brownies in the preheated oven, and let them bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know that the brownies are done when you stick a tester into the center of the pan and it comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Any thin skewer can work as tester, but a toothpick is usually the easiest tool to use. The edges of the brownies should be set when they're done, though the center will remain slightly moist. It's best to under bake your brownies rather than overbake them. Take them out of the oven if you're not entirely sure whether they're done or you may risk burning them. If you don't have any toothpicks or other thin skewers at home, you can stick the tines of a fork into the center of the brownies instead. Let the brownies cool before serving. You'll probably want to cut into your brownies right away, but it's important to allow them to cool first. Leave them in the pan for approximately an hour before cutting them. Let them cool for another hour on a wire rack before serving. Allowing the brownies to set for a couple of hours not only means a cleaner cut when you slice them, but it gives the flavors time to deepen too. Finished. | Preheat the oven and check the rack’s position. Line a pan with parchment paper. Butter the sides of the pan. Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and unsweetened chocolate in the microwave. Add the nutella to the melted butter and chocolate. Beat the eggs and sugar together. Stir in the vanilla and nutella mixture. Mix in the flour, cocoa, and salt. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake the brownies for 35 to 40 minutes. Let the brownies cool before serving. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Language | How to Create a Language | To create your own language, start by making up basic words that you'll be able to use every day, like pronouns and nouns. Then, decide on an alphabet for your language so you can write letters and spell words. Create a grammar system for your language so you can use verbs and other parts of speech to form full sentences. Once you have a good understanding of your language, start practicing it by translating pieces of writing or teaching your friends how to speak it. | Identify simple words that you can use to form basic sentences. Assign sounds to pronouns like "I,” “my,” "he,” "his,” “she,” “her,” “they,” and “we”. Then, decide how you'll say verbs like "to be", "to have", "to like", "to go", and "to make.” You can also include simple words like “a,” “and,” “the,” “but,” and “or.” You can also make up the words for numbers up to 10, and then decide how you would like your language to count up to 100. For example, in the fictional Sindarian language, “Him” is translated to “Hon.” In Dothraki, “She” is translated to “Anna.” In Valyrian, “to go” is translated to “naejot jikagon.” Come up with words for common things that you encounter in daily life. As your vocabulary grows, start naming everything you can think of. As you come across something, think of a word for that item or concept, and write down how it sounds when you say the word out loud. This will help you to start thinking in your new language. Look at lists of commonly used words to get an idea of which words you should add first. Think of the words for items around your house, animals, days of the week, time, body parts, food, people, jobs, locations, clothing and more. If you're stumped, remember you can borrow words from other languages. You can even alter the word. For example, the French word for man is homme. The Spanish word— hombre —is almost the same, with only a few letters/the pronunciation changed. Create your own dictionary by translating from your native language. Open the dictionary and begin translating any random words from your native language into your made up language. Not only will this be helpful if you forget how to say something, but it will ensure you don't miss a word. You can also use translation dictionaries, like English to French or German to English dictionaries to get an idea of how words are pronounced in different languages. Try to make the words easily pronounceable and readable to avoid tongue twisters that make learning the language difficult. In general, simple, common words should be shorter. For example, a long word like "kesolainotokos" would mean "volcanic ash,” while a short word like “giob” would mean “you” and a medium word like "umevo" could mean "movie." Combine simple words to make compound words. Compound words are a great way to grow your language quickly without having to come up with entirely new words, and this method works great for nouns. Simply take the first noun that describes the function of something, and then add it to another noun that describes what the noun is. Modern languages like German and English use this technique to make new words every day. For example, if the word 'Khinsa' means 'China,' and the word 'Bever' means 'Drink,' you can make the word 'Khinsabever,' which means 'tea.' This works because the beverage tea originated from ancient China, so it can be considered a Chinese drink. Name your language using your new sounds and vocabulary. Use your new language to come up with a name for the language. Try to come up with a short, unique word that encompasses the origin of the language or identifies the race of the people who speak the language. The name of your language doesn't have to be related to a race or country, but it can be if you want it to be. For example, in the show Star Trek, the Klingons speak Klingon, and in the movie Avatar, the Na'vi people speak Na'vi. In the show Game of Thrones, the Dothraki people, who live by the Dothraki Sea, speak Dothraki. Create your own alphabet if you want to write in your language. Draw out your own letters to represent the sounds that make up your language. Then, organize them in a pattern to create the alphabet. You can even sing it out loud to practice making the sounds. Keep in mind that this can be a long process, and each letter or syllable should make at least 1 sound in your language. Borrow letters from an existing alphabet for an easier route. Consult the Latin, Cyrillic, Greek, Georgian, and Coptic alphabets, which are still used in the world today by native speakers. If one of these alphabets contains all of the sounds that you need, you won't need to create a new one. You can assign new pronunciations to letters if you need to do so. This will also make it easier for people who already use those alphabets to learn your language. You can combine alphabets by using letters from both Latin and Cyrillic, for example. In that case, you could use "Я" for the /j/ ("y") sound, and Latin letters for other sounds. You may also want to use romanizations, which are translations of other words that use different alphabets. For example, the Russian word знаю is romanized into English as "znayu". This can be very useful if your language does not use the Latin alphabet. Use pictographs or symbols to visually represent words. Draw out what each word means using simple lines to make a pictograph or symbol. Then, come up with a pronunciation for each symbol based on the different parts of the drawing. Make sure each symbol or marking has its own unique sound. Many languages, like Chinese, use pictographs or symbols to represent their spoken language. In English and other languages, the numbers are considered pictographs or symbols, since they aren't part of the alphabet. Add accents to existing letters to create new letters or sounds. To keep your alphabet short, include accents, which are little markings above and below some of the letters to change the pronunciation. Generally, accents can go on vowels, such as a, e, i, o, u, and y, and some consonants, like c, l, n, r, s, t, and z. For instance, E can be pronounced /ɛ/, like the "e" in "dress", while É is pronounced /ə/, like the "o" in "of.” Pick the best word order for sentences and questions. Decide if you want the subject to come first followed by the verb when you're making a sentence, like you would make a sentence in English. Then, decide what order people should place the words to ask a question. You can use your native language to decide on sentence structure, or you can create your own rules. For instance, in English, the word order is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). In Japanese, the word order is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV). Once you decide this order, you can make general rules about where to put adjectives, possessors, adverbs, and more in your sentences. Decide whether you want to have plural nouns in your new language. Choose a prefix or suffix for nouns if you want to show a distinction between one and more than one. Some constructed languages use “double” words, which just mean the word is repeated 2 times to indicate that there is more than one. Keep in mind that you can construct a language without plurals nouns, but it can become confusing to learners and speakers. Pluralization can be as simple as adding the “a-” sound before a word, or even putting the “-s” sound at the end of the world, like you would in English. Figure out how to use verbs to build sentences. In most languages, verbs change depending on the subject and tense of the sentence. Decide if you want to alter the verbs in your language by adding sounds to them, like prefixes or suffixes, to indicate who is speaking and when the action of the sentence took place. For instance, if you wanted to say that a person or thing likes something in the present tense in English, you would say "I like,” “you like,” "He/she likes," “It likes,” “We like,” or “They like.” In this example, you can see that the verb “to like” is altered by adding an 's' on the end for pronouns that are third person singular, such as he, she, and it. You may also want to add a word to distinguish between between words like "swim" and "swimming.” However, some languages, like French, don't do this. In French, "Je nage" can mean "I swim" or "I am swimming.” You might also choose to change the word entirely to match the subject and action of the sentence. These are normally referred to as “irregular” verbs. Practice speaking and writing in your new language. Start off with a simple sentence like "I have a cat." You can then move on to more complex sentences, like "I like to watch television, but I prefer to go to the movies." If you run into words that you haven't created yet, make them up and ensure that they fit into the grammar rules of your sentence. | Identify simple words that you can use to form basic sentences. Come up with words for common things that you encounter in daily life. Create your own dictionary by translating from your native language. Combine simple words to make compound words. Name your language using your new sounds and vocabulary. Create your own alphabet if you want to write in your language. Borrow letters from an existing alphabet for an easier route. Use pictographs or symbols to visually represent words. Add accents to existing letters to create new letters or sounds. Pick the best word order for sentences and questions. Decide whether you want to have plural nouns in your new language. Figure out how to use verbs to build sentences. Practice speaking and writing in your new language. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Formica | How to Cut Formica | To cut formica with a circular saw, start by measuring the area you want to laminate with a tape measure and mark the cutting line on the formica with a pencil. Then, put masking tape on the cutting line, lay the formica on a flat surface, and cut along the lines. Once you install the formica, use a jigsaw to do any trimming or make any round cuts. Finally, use a belt sander with a grit of 100 to smooth the edges. | Purchase the size of Formica sheet that fits best for your project. Formica sheets are between 1/16 and 1/32 of an inch (.15 and.08 cm) thick. Sheets can be 3, 4, and 5 feet (.9, 1.22, and 1.52 m) wide and 8, 10, and 12 feet (2.44, 3.05, 3.66 m) long. The smallest sheet available is generally a 3x8 feet (.9x2.44 m); however, some home improvement stores offer scrap bins if your project is small. Measure the area you wish to laminate with a tape measure. Mark the cutting line on the Formica with a pen or pencil. Place masking tape on the cutting line. Use extra layers of tape at the edge of the Formica where the saw will first start the cut. If the line is not visible through the tape, remeasure and remark on top of the masking tape. Lay the Formica on a flat, rigid surface. You can use a scrap piece of plywood or OSB as a table to cut Formica. The surface you use will probably be scored by the saws, so be sure that what you are using is safe to cut on and can get damaged. Cement would not be a good surface to cut on. Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces. Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw. Cut out the shape's form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. Install the Formica onto the countertop or other location. Use a jigsaw with a fine blade to trim the Formica and make any rounded cuts. Use a belt sander with a grit of 100 to smooth the edges. Belt sanders can be heavy to operate, and you may choose to sand the edges by hand or with a small metal file. Cut the Formica to 1/8 inch (.32 cm) larger than the size needed. Remove any masking tape used for the larger cuts with the circular saw. Install the Formica onto the location. Trim the Formica to the exact size needed. Use a trim router that features a laminate cutting bit. Use a flat metal file to clean off any burrs or rough edges that may have occurred while cutting the Formica. | Purchase the size of Formica sheet that fits best for your project. Measure the area you wish to laminate with a tape measure. Mark the cutting line on the Formica with a pen or pencil. Place masking tape on the cutting line. Lay the Formica on a flat, rigid surface. Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces. Install the Formica onto the countertop or other location. Use a jigsaw with a fine blade to trim the Formica and make any rounded cuts. Use a belt sander with a grit of 100 to smooth the edges. Cut the Formica to 1/8 inch (.32 cm) larger than the size needed. Remove any masking tape used for the larger cuts with the circular saw. Install the Formica onto the location. Trim the Formica to the exact size needed. Use a flat metal file to clean off any burrs or rough edges that may have occurred while cutting the Formica. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Program-a-Car-Key | How to Program a Car Key | To program a car key, start by inserting a programmed key into the ignition. Then, turn the car on and off with the key without starting the motor. Then, quickly remove the programmed key and insert a second programmed key and turn the car on and off again. Finally, quickly replace the second programmed key with the unprogrammed key and turn the car on and off one last time. | Sit in the driver’s seat. You'll need access to the car's ignition switch in order to link the keys to the car's systems. You may need two working keys to make or fix a third. Consult your owner's manual for additional steps required by the manufacturer. Search your car's make and model online as well. You can find the exact steps needed to program keys for your car. Many newer cars have improved transponders in electronic keys. These have to be programmed by a dealer or auto locksmith for your car's unique anti-theft system. Insert a programmed key into the ignition. Put the key in the slot and leave it alone for a moment. Place the other two keys where you can easily reach them. You'll need to move fast to activate the car's programming mode. Make sure you know which key is which. Turn the car on and off. Turn the key you placed in the ignition. Don't start the motor. Simply turn the key to the on position, which activates the electrical system. Immediately turn the key back so the car shuts off. Turn the car on and off with the second working key. You have about five seconds to remove the first key. Find the second programmed key and put it in the ignition. Again, turn the key so the car comes on without starting the engine. Turn the key back so the car shuts off. Insert and turn the third key. You'll have about ten seconds to replace the second key with the unprogrammed key. Quickly turn the key once again to the on position. A second later, turn it back to the off position. Leave the key in the ignition. Wait for the security light to turn on. Look on your dashboard for the car's security light. It should stay lit for about three seconds. You may need to press the buttons on the key you wish to program. When finished, remove the key and test it out. Turn the ignition on. Sit in the driver's seat with the ignition key and the key fob (also called a keyless entry remote). Close all doors. Place the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Don't start the engine. Consult your owner's manual or online for specific steps for your vehicle. Different manufacturers require slightly different steps to complete the reprogramming process. Press the lock button on your remote. Aim the remote at the transmission receiver if you know where it is. It'll be somewhere in the front of the car, such as above the mirror, so aim it forward. Hit the lock button within a couple of seconds of turning the key. Turn the ignition off. Immediately reach for the key in the ignition. Shut the car off. Continue to move quickly. You only have a few seconds before the car's system resets the commands. Repeat programming with other remotes. Many cars desync all remotes when you attempt to program a new one. Start at the beginning. Turn on the ignition, press the lock button on the next remote, and turn off the ignition. Don't wait between actions. Each key should be reprogrammed right after the last one. If you wait more than a few seconds, the car exits programming mode. You'll have to start over if you wish to program all the remotes. For some cars, you'll have to repeat the cycle several times in order to enter programming mode. You may hear the locks click, telling you that this was successful. Turn the ignition on. Once again, turn the key in the ignition. Turn the car on, activating the electrical system. Don't start the engine. Press the lock button on the first remote. When you press the button, the car should enter programming mode if it didn't already. The car's locks will activate to show that this happened. Press the lock buttons on all remotes. Start with the first remote and press it again to make sure it is programmed. The locks should sound to show that the remote has successfully been programmed. Quickly move to the next remote. Repeat the process for each remote you wish to program. Afterwards, you can turn off the ignition and test your remotes. Get a blank key. Blank keys can be ordered online for a reduced cost. Make sure you get ones that are specifically for your make and model of car. The keys also have to be blank. You can't, for example, take a remote for your old car and program it to your new car even if they are the same make and model. With newer cars, most likely you will not be able to program a new key yourself. You will have to visit a dealer or locksmith. Call a locksmith or dealer. Electronic keys all have transponder chips. Some of these will let you unlock the car but won't let you start the car. You'll have to call a certified dealer of your car manufacturer or an auto locksmith. Either one will be able to help you when you find yourself unable to program your key. These professionals will use your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) number to make sure you get the right key. The VIN number can be found on most official documentation, including the vehicle title, registration, and insurance card. You may also find it by looking through the windshield onto the right side of the dashboard. Bring ownership information to the locksmith. By law, you have to show your license and registration when ordering an official key. This is to prevent someone from taking your car and getting a new key. You may also find a code card in your owner's manual. Bring this along to make key creation easier. | Sit in the driver’s seat. Insert a programmed key into the ignition. Turn the car on and off. Turn the car on and off with the second working key. Insert and turn the third key. Wait for the security light to turn on. Turn the ignition on. Press the lock button on your remote. Turn the ignition off. Repeat programming with other remotes. Turn the ignition on. Press the lock button on the first remote. Press the lock buttons on all remotes. Get a blank key. Call a locksmith or dealer. Bring ownership information to the locksmith. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Someone | How to Help Someone | If you're trying to help a friend, ask them how they're doing by making an “I” statement, like “I'm worried about… “ that tells your friend you're concerned without being judgmental. Then, listen to what your friend says, and take it seriously rather than brushing it off, even if you think it's silly or trivial. Try to show your support for your friend by asking how you can help rather than offering immediate advice. Also, pay special attention to any symptoms your friend may have of physical or mental health issues that might require professional help. | Listen to your friends. These are the people you know the best, and who know you the best. If you and your friends are close, you should be able to talk to one another about problems or concerns without fear of judgment. Additionally, when your friend suggests something is wrong, or he need your help, be paying attention for indirect signs. Your friend may not always say something is wrong directly, so look for signs that something might be off, such as missing events he normally attends or expressing concerns about things that he previously never worried about, like money. Ask how your friend is doing. If something is wrong, or seems off with your friend, she may not always tell you about it directly. Don't be afraid to ask about it. She may be waiting for you to start the conversation, not wanting to burden you with her problems. One way to do this, or to suggest someone else has a problem, is to start with an "I" statement. Start by talking about yourself, such as "I noticed," or "I'm concerned that," before explaining what you see. This can be a good way to get your friend to open up, or at least let her know you are concerned and not judging their potential issues. If you are approaching your friend about a serious concern, like alcoholism or depression, you may encounter denial. "I" statements help here as well, talking about how her problem is causing trouble for you. Take your friend’s concerns seriously. Even if the concern is over something simple or trivial, it's clearly bothering your friend. Instead of laughing it off or telling him to get over it, consider how it concerns him, and look for ways to help him overcome it. Wait to offer advice. If your friend comes to you with a problem, your first instinct will probably be to jump in and tell her what to do next. While this is a natural impulse, hold back. Instead, ask "What can I do to help?" or "Is there is anything I can do?" That way, you are offering to help, which the other person can always reject if she doesn't want it. Suggest possibilities for growth or advancement. Even if your friend doesn't seem to need anything in particular, that doesn't mean you can't offer a suggestion to improve where he is or what he is doing. If you see something that might be good for your friend, perhaps a job opportunity or a new book to read, let him know about it. Even if he doesn't take it, he'll probably appreciate that you thought of him. Another way to do this is to introduce your friend to other people. These can be professional encounters, new friends, or even romantic partners. Consider your friend's wants and needs, and look for other people who might be a good match. Be prepared to do nothing. This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best thing you can do to help someone is stay out of her way. Saying no can be difficult, especially to a friend, but if helping her conflicts with your personal values, or won't let her grow on her own, you'll need to find a way to do so. Smile. Smiling is contagious, and you never know whose day you will brighten by smiling at them. Plus, it will make you look friendlier and more confident, a person that others may feel more comfortable asking for help, even if you are a stranger. Take action if you see something wrong. Don't be a bystander. You don't need to know the other person, but if you see someone is in pain or trouble, reach out and help. Research suggests that people are less likely to help others when there is a crowd around. Don't let yourself fall into the trap of thinking "someone else will take care of it." This doesn't have to be something serious like stopping crime. Sometimes, people just need the door held open, or help carrying something heavy. Even little actions like this can be helpful. If the person you see is the victim of a crime, the best thing you can do to help is to contact the police. If you can reach a phone, dial 9-1-1 and give information on what is happening and where. If the situation could be dangerous, such as a robbery or an assault, your first priority is keeping yourself out of danger. Calling the police and letting them handle it is the best thing you can do. Donate to charity. There are thousands of charities out there, dealing with all kinds of social, cultural, and medical causes, and other concerns. Your giving can certainly be money, but clothing, food, or anything else the charity says it needs to carry out its mission is good also. Find charities that deal with causes you care about. For example, if a family member suffers, or has suffered, from a certain disease, look for a charity that is researching a cure or provides support to victims and their families. You don't need to just look at charities that deal with big national or international issues. Smaller, local charities are probably more in need of your help, and can more directly impact your immediate community. Donating clothes that you no longer wear is a great way to help the less fortunate. Clothes that are in good shape can be great for people unable to afford new things to wear. Plus, you'll be able to clean out your closet or drawer for more space. When giving money to charity, it is generally better to give to larger, more established organizations. These groups usually have a good record of delivering on services, meaning your money will get where it needs to go. Volunteer. Many organizations need more than just money or materials. They need people willing to help. Find organizations in your area that are looking for volunteers, and ask what you can do. In most cases, the things they will ask you to do are easy things that anyone can do, so you don't need to worry about having special skills. Just showing up will be enough. Alternatively, if you do have some special skills or other technical expertise that might be of use to a group, offer those services. For example, if you are a website designer, you can offer to make a site for a group that needs to reach out to people over the internet. Publicize your ideas. If you've got a great idea, or some information that will help solve other problems, you need to let people know about it. There are a variety of mediums for publishing your ideas, and different things you can write about. One way you can do that is to write a blog that discusses issues important to you and offers solutions is an easy way to do this. Make sure to publicize your blog on social media and other blogs that cover similar topics. If your ideas are longer and more well formed, you can publish them as articles in magazines or newspapers , or even as a book. If you have an idea for fictional work, like poetry or a novel, those can be good as well. Good literature helps to understand the nature of humanity, or can provide pleasurable reading for someone looking to get away from the regular world for a little while. You never quite know how your work can affect someone one. Ask around. If you think you want to get involved with others, but don't know how to start or have something particular in mind to do, ask others. Friends, family, businesses, churches, and other social groups are already finding ways to help others and improve their communities, and they will probably have a few good suggestions for things you can do to join in. Set up single friends. Listen to your friends, and consider what kinds of things they would want in a new friend or romantic partner. Make sure to expand your circle of acquaintances as well, so you have a pool of people to draw from and bring together. Finally, make sure your intentions are clear with your friend as well. You don't want to trick him into a relationship, and you should be sure that is something he wants. Refer someone for a job. If you know someone who would be a good fit for an open job, or a friend asks you to be a reference, make sure you are ready to highlight her positive qualities. Look at the job's description and requirements so that you can tailor your remarks to the company's specific requests, highlight your friend's strengths. Keep your remarks professional, avoiding personal comments, and use active verbs to describe how your friend will be a good fit for this job. If you are writing a letter, make sure you proofread and edit before sending it off. A bad letter looks bad for you, along with your friend. You may want to encourage someone to get a job if they have been unemployed for a while or lack motivation. Tutor someone in a subject you know. If you are a good student, or even just if you have a friend struggling in a subject, you can offer to help them out. Make sure you identify what he does know well, or if there are particular areas he needs help. Try to create goals for gradual improvement that both of you can easily track. Also, at the end of each session you have, be sure to give him something to work on for next time so that you can pick up where you left off. Help someone move. Moving can be a very stressful process. If a friend or someone you know is moving, find ways to help. An extra pair of hands to carry items, or even a large vehicle (if you have one) are always helpful. If you can't make it on the day of the move, offer to help pack before or unpack afterward, or to help clean the living spaces. Help someone with health issues. Keep an eye out for symptoms of your friend's health problems. Talk to your friend about what she needs from you when those symptoms appear, so you can know what to do and be ready to help. Encourage her to seek help from medical professionals, even offering to drive if necessary. Make sure you stay in contact during her treatment as well. Sometimes just knowing a friend is there for her can help the healing process. | Listen to your friends. Ask how your friend is doing. Take your friend’s concerns seriously. Wait to offer advice. Suggest possibilities for growth or advancement. Be prepared to do nothing. Smile. Take action if you see something wrong. Donate to charity. Volunteer. Publicize your ideas. Ask around. Set up single friends. Refer someone for a job. Tutor someone in a subject you know. Help someone move. Help someone with health issues. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Dinosaur-Birthday-Cake | How to Make a 3D Dinosaur Birthday Cake | To make a 3D dinosaur birthday cake, start by baking two 9-inch round cakes. Then, cut one of the cakes in half and cut out a tail, head, and 4 legs from the other cake. Next, make the dinosaur's body by laying the 2 large cake halves cut-side down on a serving board so they're right next to each other. Then, stick the dinosaur's tail, head, and legs to the body using frosting. Once the dinosaur is assembled, cover it with fondant and you're finished! | Mix your cake batter. Cakes made from scratch will be denser and stronger than a cake mix. Using the ingredients list above, combine sugar and butter, then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix flour and baking powder together, and then combine the dry ingredients with the sugar-butter-egg mixture. Use the milk to thin out the batter. Bake the cakes. Separate the batter into two greased 9" round pans, and put them into a preheated 350-degree oven. They should take 30 to 40 minutes to bake. Make Buttercream Icing while the cakes cool. Following the ingredients list above, use a hand-mixer to cream the butter with the vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Add the meringue powder for hold, and then slowly add the milk until your frosting is the desired consistency. Separate the frosting into 4 parts. 2/4 should be dyed green, ¼ should be white, and ¼ should be dyed blue. Allow your cakes to cool completely. If you have time, freeze the cakes before assembling the dinosaur. This will help manage the crumbly effect that occurs when you frost it. Make a paper template based on this image (click to enlarge) . If you have a printer that can print on 11”x17” paper, you can print it large enough for a 9" cake. Otherwise, take a piece of light construction paper and replicate them by hand. The diameter of the circle should fit a 9" cake. Cut out the body of the dinosaur. Find the center of one cake. Cut the cake in half with a serrated bread knife. Put the two halves together with cut edges aligned, and place it on your serving plate. This is the body of the dinosaur. Set it aside. Cut out other body parts. Cut out the different parts of the paper template along their lines, arrange them on the cake, and carve the cake accordingly. Before you actually cut the cake, you can arrange the paper pieces to see how they look. If there are any cuts or adjustments you'd like to make, you can plan ahead now. Assemble the dinosaur on the serving board. Look to the attached photo for help. Use white frosting to join the two body halves together. Add the appendages to the body by stacking them close. Put the head on the body with some toothpicks (take note of where they are so that you don't accidentally include them in a slice of cake later). Trim the corners and square edges off the feet and shoulders if you like, but the corners will not be a problem once you frost the cake. Spread a thin layer of green frosting over the cake with a spatula. This is called the crumb coat -- and for good reason, as much of the crumbs pull away and get mixed up in the frosting. Use a very light hand on the cut surfaces of the cake. This is where having made the cake from scratch will be of most help, as cake mixes are far more crumbly and difficult to work with. Add scales to the dinosaur. Use a star tip to pipe on green frosting, then add blue stars for accents along the back and head. Roll the fondant out 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Hand cut the fondant with a small knife to create diamond shapes for the plates on the dinosaur's back. Detail the plates with a toothpick to give them a ribbed texture. Make as many or as few as you'd like to put on the dinosaur's back. Add the fondant plates. Stick fondant diamond plates into the back. If the frosting does not hold the plates well, stick a toothpick into the plate then stick it into the cake. Add candy for a finishing touch. Use candy corn for spikes on the tail, cinnamon candies for the eyes, and chocolate chips for the toes. You can also use any other candy you can think of to accent the tail and head. Decorate the cake board. You can use green icing to pipe grass onto the cake board for your herbivore dino to graze on. Or, spread a layer of icing on the board and sprinkle it with toasted coconut flakes to simulate rocky terrain. Make palm trees with pirouette cookies for the trunk and pieces of parsley for the palms so it looks like your dinosaur is in a forest. If you have them, you can use plastic dinosaur toys for fun. | Mix your cake batter. Bake the cakes. Make Buttercream Icing while the cakes cool. Separate the frosting into 4 parts. Allow your cakes to cool completely. Make a paper template based on this image (click to enlarge) Cut out the body of the dinosaur. Cut out other body parts. Assemble the dinosaur on the serving board. Spread a thin layer of green frosting over the cake with a spatula. Add scales to the dinosaur. Roll the fondant out 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Add the fondant plates. Add candy for a finishing touch. Decorate the cake board. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Request-Letter | How to Write a Request Letter | To write a request letter for an interview, start by including your name and contact details in the top left-hand corner. Next, write an appropriate greeting such as "Dear Mr." or "Dear Mrs.", followed by the hiring manager's name. In your first paragraph, write 2-3 sentences in which you mention your name, the job you're interested in, and where you saw it. For your 2-3 body paragraphs, explain how you gained your skills and how they would benefit the company. Finally, add a concluding paragraph where you say you're available for an interview. | Find the company you want to work for. Search job postings to see if anyone is hiring your skill set, but sometimes it can be difficult finding jobs that are out and actively recruiting. There are times when it is best to inquire directly with a desired company as to whether they have any room for your unique set of skills. Figure out which one you are writing the letter for. Do research on the company so you can know exactly what it is they do, stand for, and could be looking for in a new employee. This will also help you to tailor your letter to highlight skills that they value. Look up employee reviews of the business. You can get a good sense of the work culture and see if it is a good fit for you. If you are laid-back, it might not be a good idea if you see that the company has a strict way of dealing with deadlines. Be wary if you only see good reviews without any of constructive criticism. That could be false advertising initiated by the company themselves. Format your letter heading. The proper way to format the heading is in the top, left corner. Include your name and contact information such as address, email, and phone number. Beneath that, have the name and contact information for who you are writing to. Use a clear, legible font. In the professional world is it best to stick with a clear, concise one such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Use the proper greeting. It is best to have Dear Mr., Ms., or Mrs. followed by the name of the hiring manager. Do your research to find the name of whoever is in charge of hiring or who your letter will hit first. If you cannot find the name, address the letter to Whom It May Concern. Write your opening paragraph. This is the company's introduction to you, so make sure to put your best foot forward. Say what position you are applying for and where you saw the job. Also, mention if you were referred by another employee or professional contact. Highlight the skills that are relevant to the position. Keep your writing clear and concise. Companies do not want to have to read long, verbose letters. They want to see at a glance whether or not you will be a good fit for their company. Write the body paragraphs. This is where you can expand on your skills, where you acquired them and, and how these will be an asset to the company. If you are working off of a job description, make sure to address the specific qualifications they have outlined. If you do not have a description, work off of the research you have about the company and what you think would suit their needs. Include how you would fit in at the company. If you know the job culture, it would be good to say some things about yourself that shows that you would easily assimilate with the company. Focus on what you can do for them. Do not say what the company will personally bring you. That will sound like you are just using the company as a stepping stone. Even if this is the case, you should not let this be known. Everything you say should emphasise what you can do for them. Write your closing paragraph. This is where you thank them for their time in reviewing your letter. You should state that you are available for an interview at their convenience. If you plan on following up with a phone call, let them know in this paragraph. Give a proper closing salutation. Best regards or Cordially work well for a professional letter. Address your envelope to the human resources department or hiring manager. You want to make sure that this letter gets into the right hands and is not lost in all the other mail the company receives. Mail the letter and follow-up. If the company turns you down for an interview, ask them why. That could be constructive reasons to consider for the next time you apply to a similar job. You might be able to reapply to the job when you have more experience that they are looking for or at a time when they are actually actively hiring. Figure out why you want the raise or promotion. If you have been at the company for a while, it is normal to want a raise or an increase in responsibility. If it is not an automatic benefit that is outlined in your job, you might have to formally ask. Ask after you have earned the right to a raise. Do not ask within your first 90 days or before you have really shown your asset and growth within the company. It is unprofessional to inquire about a pay raise or promotion you do not deserve. Ask your manager or supervisor how to inquire about a raise. Every company has a different policy. If it is a formal letter, then continue with the next steps. If it is to ask face-to-face, reference How to Ask for a Pay Raise. Ask who to address the letter to. Sometimes it is your direct manager, but it could be the human resources department or even the CEO of the company if it is a smaller establishment. Discuss what it is you want with your manager and figure out the proper channels to go about inquiring about it. There are times when you might have to send the letter to multiple people like your direct manager or supervisor as well as the human resources department. Be aware of this so that you fulfill all requirements for your request. If you talk to your manager and they do not think you are ready for the raise or promotion, listen to them. Ask for constructive criticism and work on their suggestions. Inquire again in a few months when you believe you are more prepared. Do a proper letter heading. This should include your name and company contact information on the left hand side of the letter, and the name and contact information of whoever you are addressing beneath it by one line break. State what you have contributed to the company. This will show how you have been beneficial for the efficiency for the company. This is also the place to allude to what you are asking for. This is to show that you have done your job and been an asset, and the raise is well-deserved. Maintain your professionalism throughout the letter. It would be easy to become too familiar since you work with this company everyday. Remember that you are addressing your superior. If you believe your length of time working at this company warrants a raise or promotion, say that as well. An example is if you worked five years and have never gotten a pay increase or promotion. It is best to tell them all the reasons you believe you deserve what you are asking for. Tell where you have brought the company growth and in what areas. If you implemented a new program or made a suggestion that positively benefitted the business, this is where to highlight that. Be sure to talk about the results of your innovative work. If it made a department run smoother or resulted in an increase of revenue, say that. Be specific. Discuss your daily job duties. If you successfully complete your job requirements in a timely and efficient manner, highlight this point. You were hired in to do a job, and you do just that. This further proves your value to the company. It shows you are an integral part of their success. Highlight any times you have gone beyond your job duties. For instance, maybe you work overtime to make sure projects are completed in a timely manner or you offer your free time to other departments that could use your assistance. If you are going beyond your job description, tell them that. Show pride in your company and that you work there. If you believe in what the company does and that positively influences your attitude toward the job, make that known so that they believe you are a true team player that is there for the long-haul. If you are not as driven in this area, do your best to show any positivity you have for the company. Talk about personal characteristics you have that benefit the company. If your professionalism and go-getter attitude works towards things getting done, say that. This is the time to really show how you have shined during your time there. Make your official request for a pay raise or promotion. You have outlined why you deserve it, now it is time to tell them exactly what you want. If it is a particular amount of money you are looking to make, let them know this. Also, let them know what you will do if you do not get this raise or promotion, such as if you have another job offer that you are considering. Be open to negotiation. The company might not believe you deserve all of what you are asking for or not be able to afford it; however, they could be willing to give out a smaller amount. Tell them the highest amount you want, but be open to what they are willing to give. Close out your letter. Thank them for their time and let them know within what timeframe you will be following up. Do not let it go for more than a week. This gives them time to think over your request, but also make sure that it is considered and reviewed. Include a professional closing salutation and your personal signature. Mail your letter. Decide whether to use traditional mail or your company's mail system. It also might be acceptable to hand the letter to your manager personally. Ask around to see what is the best protocol and follow-through. Know what you are requesting. When you need some information such as past records or assistance with something like assistance with an event you are planning, it is best to write a formal letter that outlines exactly what it is that you need. Use a professional letter heading. As always, you want to format your letter correctly. The heading is an important part of this. At the top of the page in the left margin, put your name and contact information such as your phone number and address. Below it should be the address for whoever you are asking for information or assistance from. If you are writing for something personal, use your home address. If it is for a job or company you are volunteering for, use the address for the business. Greet whoever you are writing to. If you know you are writing to, then that is great. Use the proper title such as Ms., Mrs., or Mr. Dear Mrs. and then their name. If you do not know, do some research to see if you can find who it should be directly written to. Call the company or location to inquire about who would be best to ask. If you call the main line and tell them what you need, they could be able to direct you in the right way. If you cannot find a name, then opt for To Whom it May Concern as your default. Ask for what you need. The first paragraph should explicitly tell what it is that you are requesting Give as many details as necessary so that the person or company you are asking for knows exactly what you need so they can properly decide whether or not they can fulfill your request. Try not to omit any details. You do not want to spring something on them at the last moment and they decide to not go through with your request. You also do not want to make it more difficult at the last minute. This could lead them to deny you for any requests in the future. Keep it simple. Do not ask for more than you need. You are requesting a favor, and it would be considered rude to ask for the world when you do not actually need it. Keep your request as simple as you possibly can. Tell why you need and what it will be used for. The second paragraph should focus on what the information or assistance is going to be used for. For instance, if you are asking for a paystub for proof of income in the first paragraph, use this one to state that it is to prove consistent work history for a rental application. This is important so that whoever you are asking knows what their information or request is going to be used for and this could impact their decision. Thank them for reviewing the request. Being polite and gracious could positively affect their decision if they know you appreciate their help. This could keep your reputation favorable for possible future requests. If you are planning on following up, let them know. Let them know the best time to contact you so that they can know when they are able to reach you, as well. Do not make it seem as if they have to do what you are asking. This is a request and not a command. Mail the letter and wait for your response. Now, is when you wait. If you stated you will be following up, do so. If it has been over a week of time, give them a call or direct email to remind them of your request or have them go find your letter in a pile of mail they have not yet reviewed. Be considerate of their decision either way. You do not want to burn any bridges in case you need to ask for another request in the future. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easier for any documents to be sent to you if need be. | Find the company you want to work for. Format your letter heading. Use the proper greeting. Write your opening paragraph. Write the body paragraphs. Write your closing paragraph. Address your envelope to the human resources department or hiring manager. Mail the letter and follow-up. Figure out why you want the raise or promotion. Ask your manager or supervisor how to inquire about a raise. Ask who to address the letter to. Do a proper letter heading. State what you have contributed to the company. Tell where you have brought the company growth and in what areas. Discuss your daily job duties. Make your official request for a pay raise or promotion. Close out your letter. Mail your letter. Know what you are requesting. Use a professional letter heading. Greet whoever you are writing to. Ask for what you need. Tell why you need and what it will be used for. Thank them for reviewing the request. Mail the letter and wait for your response. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Sunburn | How to Treat a Sunburn | If you need to treat a sunburn, take a cool bath or a gentle shower to help soothe your discomfort. Allow your skin to air dry or gently pat it with a towel to avoid causing more irritation. If the sunburn is still hurting, apply a cold, wet compress to the affected area for 20-30 minutes, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. You can also apply aloe or a topical pain reliever to the sunburn to help numb it for a while. Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid going out in the sun until your sunburn heals. | Have a cool bath or gentle shower. Keep the water just below lukewarm (cool, but not tooth-chattering cold) and relax for 10 to 20 minutes. If showering, use a gentle stream of water, not a full blast, to avoid irritating your skin. Air dry or pat gently with a towel to avoid abrading the skin. Avoid using soap, bath oils, or other detergents as you bathe or shower. Any such products can irritate your skin and possibly make the effects of the sunburn feel even worse. If you have blisters forming on your skin, take a bath instead of showering. The pressure from the shower might pop your blisters. Apply a cold, wet compress. Dampen a washcloth or other piece of fabric with cold water, and lay it over the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. Re-wet it as often as you need to. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Over-the-counter drugs such as Ibuprofen or aspirin can lessen the pain, and may or may not reduce inflammation. Do not give aspirin to children. Instead, opt for something that is specifically marketed as a child's dose of acetaminophen. Child's Motrin (Ibuprofen) is a good option due to the possible anti-inflammatory effect. Try a topical pain reliever. Drugstores also sell sprays meant to relieve red and itchy skin. Sprays that contain benzocaine, lidocaine or pramoxine have a numbing effect that may help with the pain. However, as these are potential allergens, it may be best to test the medication on an unaffected patch of skin first and wait a day to see if it causes itchiness or redness. These sprays should not be used on children 2 years of age or younger without a doctor's advice. Sprays containing methyl salicylate or trolamine salicylate may endanger children 12 and under, and capsaicin can be dangerous for people 18 and under, or for anyone with a chili allergy. Wear loose cotton clothing over sunburned areas. Baggy t-shirts and loose cotton pajama pants are ideal clothing items to wear while you're recovering from a sunburn. If you can't wear loose clothing, at least make sure your garments are cotton (this fabric allows your skin to "breathe") and fit as loosely as possible. Wool and some synthetic fabrics are especially irritating, due to scratchy fibers or trapped heat. Consider cortisone cream. Cortisone creams contain steroidal treatments that may reduce inflammation, although evidence suggests that they have little effect on sunburns. If you think it's worth a try, you can find low-dose, over-the-counter tubes at your local drugstore or supermarket. Look for hydrocortisone or something similar. Do not use cortisone cream on young children, or in the face region. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any doubts or concerns about using this cream. This medication cannot be sold as over the counter sunburn treatment in the United Kingdom. Minimize sun exposure. Ideally, you should hang out in the shade or wear clothing over affected areas if you're going back out into the sunshine. Wear sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 whenever you go outside. Reapply every hour, after exposure to water or excessive sweat, or according to the product label. Drink plenty of water. Sunburn can be dehydrating, so it's important to counterbalance this by drinking plenty of water while you recover. Eight to ten glasses of water a day are recommended while recovering, with each glass containing 1 cup (240mL) of water. Apply unscented moisturizer to your skin as it starts to heal over. When you no longer have open blisters or the redness of the sunburn has subsided a bit, you can safely use a moisturizing cream. Liberally apply a creamy, unscented moisturizer to sunburned areas over the next few days or weeks to prevent peeling and irritation. Call an emergency number for serious conditions. Call your local emergency number if you or a friend has one or more of these symptoms: Too weak to stand Confusion or inability to think clearly Passed out Call a doctor if you have signs of heatstroke or dehydration. If you're experiencing the following symptoms about your sunburn, visit a doctor as soon as you can. If any of these symptoms are debilitating, call an emergency number rather than waiting for an appointment. Feeling weak Feeling faint or dizzy Headache or pain that doesn't respond to pain relief methods below Rapid pulse or rapid breathing Extreme thirst, no urine output, or sunken eyes Pale, clammy, or cool skin Nausea, fever, chills, or rash Your eyes hurt and are sensitive to light Severe, painful blisters, especially more than ½ in (1.25 cm) wide Vomiting or diarrhea Watch for signs of infection. If you're experiencing the following symptoms, especially around a blister, your skin might be infected. Medical attention is vitally important. Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister Red streaks extending away from the blister Drainage of pus from the blister Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit, or groin Fever. Call emergency services for third-degree burns. It is possible, though rare, to get third-degree burns from the sun. If your skin looks charred, waxy and white, much darker brown, or raised and leathery, don't wait to call an emergency number. Raise the injured area above your heart while you wait, and move clothing to avoid it getting stuck to the burn, without undressing. Seek medical help. Contact a doctor immediately if your skin is blistering from sunburn. This is a sign of severe sunburn that should be treated with personal medical advice, and the blisters put you at risk of infection. While waiting for an appointment, or if your doctor does not recommend any specific treatment, follow the precautions and general advice below. Leave blisters intact. If your sunburn is serious, blistering "bubbles" of the skin may form. Do not attempt to pop them, and try to avoid rubbing or scraping them. Popped blisters can lead to infection and scarring. If you absolutely cannot function with the blisters intact, visit a doctor and ask to have them popped in a safe, sterile context. Protect blisters with a clean dressing. Wash your hands with soap and water before adding or changing dressings to prevent infection. Small blisters can be covered with an adhesive bandage (plaster), while larger ones can be covered with a gauze pad or surgical dressing, taped gently into place with medical tape. Change the dressing daily until the blister has gone. Try an antibiotic ointment if you see signs of infection. Consider using an antibiotic ointment (such as polymyxin B or bacitracin) on your blisters if you suspect infection. Infection might manifest as a foul smell, yellow pus, or extra redness and irritation around the skin. Ideally, visit a doctor to receive a diagnosis and advice specific to your symptoms. Note that some people are allergic to these ointments, so do a "patch test" on an unaffected area first and make sure you don't have a bad reaction. Handle a burst blister. Do not tear off the flaps of skin left over from broken blisters. You'll shed them soon enough; don't risk irritating your skin even more now. Use these at your own risk. The remedies below have not been sufficiently scientifically verified, and should not replace scientific medical treatment. Additional remedies not listed below may actually delay healing or encourage infection. Avoid egg whites, peanut butter, petroleum jelly, and vinegar in particular. Immediately apply 100% aloe vera, or, even better, pure aloe vera from a plant. Aloe vera is known for relieving some of the pain while also hydrating the skin. This method, when applied immediately and often, can take away even the worst sunburns in a day or two. Try the tea method. Brew three or four teabags in a pitcher of warm water. When the tea is almost black, remove the tea bags and let the liquid cool to room temp. Gently dab at the sunburn with a cloth soaked in the tea, the more, the better. Do not wash it off. If the cloth causes pain, dab at the burn with the teabags instead. Try to do this at bedtime and leave it on overnight. Be aware that the tea can stain clothing and sheets. Consider eating foods with antioxidants and vitamin C. If the burn is very recent (still red and not peeling), try eating food full of antioxidants and vitamin C, such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries. One study showed that this reduced the body's need for fluids, lowering the risk for dehydration. Try calendula ointment. Calendula ointment is considered by some to be especially good for severe burns with blistering. You can find it at a naturopathic store; ask the retailer or naturopath for advice. Be aware that no herbal treatment is appropriate for the treatment of serious injuries; if you have severe burns or blisters that won't heal, see a doctor immediately. Apply witch hazel lotion. This treatment may soothe your skin. Apply carefully to affected area and leave on. Use Egg Oil (Oleova). Egg oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids like Docosahexaenoic Acid. It also contains immunoglobulins, xanthophylls (lutein & zeaxanthin) and cholesterol. The omega-3 fatty acids in egg oil are bound to phospholipids which have the ability to form liposomes (nanoparticles), which may be able to penetrate deep and heal the dermis. Massage the damaged skin with egg oil twice a day. Gently massage the area including the surrounding one-inch periphery for ten minutes during each of two daily sessions. Leave it on for at least an hour, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Wash off with a mild, pH neutral body wash. Avoid soap or any other alkaline substances. Repeat twice a day until the skin is restored to its pre-burn condition. | Have a cool bath or gentle shower. Apply a cold, wet compress. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try a topical pain reliever. Wear loose cotton clothing over sunburned areas. Consider cortisone cream. Minimize sun exposure. Wear sunscreen. Drink plenty of water. Apply unscented moisturizer to your skin as it starts to heal over. Call an emergency number for serious conditions. Call a doctor if you have signs of heatstroke or dehydration. Watch for signs of infection. Call emergency services for third-degree burns. Seek medical help. Leave blisters intact. Protect blisters with a clean dressing. Try an antibiotic ointment if you see signs of infection. Handle a burst blister. Use these at your own risk. Immediately apply 100% aloe vera, or, even better, pure aloe vera from a plant. Try the tea method. Consider eating foods with antioxidants and vitamin C. Try calendula ointment. Apply witch hazel lotion. Use Egg Oil (Oleova). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Someone-to-Hang-Out | How to Ask Someone to Hang Out | To asking someone to hang out, say something like, “Hey, you want to chill after class sometime?” Or, if you have a common interest, like a sport or a TV show you both like, you can use this as a reason to hang out. For example, if you both like watching football, say something like, “You want to go to a bar and watch the game on Sunday?” Alternatively, if you're leaving class or work together, you can ask what their plans are for the rest of the day. If they're not busy, ask if they want to get a drink, play some video games, or whatever you both like doing. | Ask in a casual way. If you have been planning to ask them for a while, don't come on too strong. Keep yourself calm so that when you ask them to hang out it doesn't come across as desperate or pushy. Take a breath and use your regular conversational tone. You'll sound too eager if you say, “You are so cool and I really want to spend more time with you.” Be casual when you ask a classmate by saying, “Man everytime we talk, this guy is droning on in the background. We should chill outside of class sometime.” If you had fun with someone at a party, say, “It's been a great meeting, do you want to catch up later on sometime?” Use a specific common interest as a reason to hang out. You may have a hard time asking someone to hang out without a specific reason. If you're asking someone you know you have a common interest with, use that to your advantage. Tell them it would be fun to do the activity together sometime. If you always talk to a coworker about the Walking Dead, ask them if they want to come over and watch it with you. You know you're both free when it's on, and the hangout has a set time frame so they can split when it's over. You might meet someone that works out at your gym. Since you are probably there around the same time, ask them if they'd want to work out together. Say, “We could both have a spotter and push each other to work harder.” Say to someone, “I've noticed we always seem to be painting in this studio at the same time, would you want to meet up and actually paint together sometime?” Be confident that they will say yes. It's no good to ask someone to hang out if you tell yourself they won't want to. Get in the mindset that you are fun to hang out with and that the person you ask will say yes. If you are confident in yourself and make a direct ask, the person will be more open than if you seem timid when you ask. Don't say, “You're probably busy most of the time and have a lot of other friends already, but we could hang out sometime if you want to it. It's okay if you would rather not.” For an example, think about a co-worker you'd like to hang out with. Catch them in the break room and say, “We should find something cool to do outside of this place sometime.” It's simple, shows your interest, and leaves things open to developing. If you're in a weekly club with someone, say, “You know, we meet up here every week. Let's grab some food after the meeting sometime.” Again, it's direct and shows that you are assuming they would be interested. Tell the person some times that work for you. When you ask someone to hang out, make sure you have a few times in mind when you know you're free. Think of three dates within the next two weeks that you'd want to do something. Offer those dates to the person and ask if they are free during any of those times. If you ask them to hang at an unspecified time in the future, it's less likely to happen. If you give them three dates, there's a decent chance they'll be able to say yes to one of them. You might have one night a week that you always keep open in case something comes up. Tell them you're usually free on Tuesday nights and ask if next Tuesday would work. For example, “I'm looking for something to do in the next couple of Saturdays, would you want to hit the shops downtown and then get some lunch?” Invite them to an event that is coming up. If you already have a party or get together planned, even if you aren't hosting it, invite the person to come to the event. Since it is happening at one specific time, if they aren't able to attend, they are only turning down the event and not you. This is also less pressure than a one-on-one hang out. If you are having a Super Bowl party, invite them to join you. It's a common event, it's set at a specific time, and there will be plenty of people to interact with. Maybe you don't have anything specific that's coming up. Plan something with a group of friends for the purpose of inviting the person you want to get to know. It doesn't have to be a private event. Ask the person if they want to go to the town festival and walk around together. They would probably go anyway, and it's a laid back, public event. Make plans for the following weekend. Throughout the week, people may have set schedules, but they are often more open on weekends. If you typically only see people in a weekday environment, ask them to do something over the weekend. This gives you morning, afternoon, and night times to work with. Weekends are good because people are often more open to late nights on Friday and Saturday, and they may have more free time during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Weekends also offer more events like community theater, farmer's markets and festivals, concerts, and parties. Say, “After this long week, I need to blow off some steam this weekend. Would you want to hit up the shooting range on Friday after work?" Ask them to go to an upcoming meal. If you are at work or getting out of class around lunch time, ask the person if they want to eat lunch together. If you both packed your lunch, you could sit and eat together. Otherwise, ask the person if they want to go out for lunch together. This works because you both need to eat and it's a low-pressure way to hang out. It doesn't have to be an immediate meal. Ask someone to grab dinner when you get off work or meet up in a few hours when you finish what you're doing. If you leave a party late at night, ask if they want to grab some late night food at a nearby diner. Transition from class or a meeting into hanging out. If you're with the person at work, a club meeting, or class, ask them if they want to do something when the engagement is over. Ask them while you're in the meeting if they want to hang out afterward, or ask them right when it is over if they want to go do something. They may have things going on back to back, but a lot of times people will be free when a scheduled event has ended. Take advantage of this gap in their schedule. Say, “I've got a couple of hours to kill when the class is over, do you want to go walk around the quad?” This is a simple way to hang out and it's a low-pressure ask since it's spur of the moment. When you're heading out the door after work or an organization meeting, say, “I'm going over to Poor Richard's to grab a drink. Do you want to come hang out?” Getting a drink after work is common, so this type of question will seem normal to them. Invite someone to go wherever you’re going. Anytime you're about to do something and you see someone you want to hang out with, ask them to join you. Since you are going to do it no matter what they say, it's not a big deal if they turn you down. If it's a person you see every day, you have unlimited options of what to invite them to. This works when you are on your way out of the dorm to see a movie, leaving your apartment complex to go for a hike, or leaving the office to play ultimate frisbee. Get in the habit of inviting people to come along with you wherever you are going. After a while, they will get used to you asking and eventually they will say yes and join you. | Ask in a casual way. Use a specific common interest as a reason to hang out. Be confident that they will say yes. Tell the person some times that work for you. Invite them to an event that is coming up. Make plans for the following weekend. Ask them to go to an upcoming meal. Transition from class or a meeting into hanging out. Invite someone to go wherever you’re going. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Beats | How to Make Beats | To make beats, set up a metronome or click track to get the beat started and help you stay on tempo as you build the song. Next, create a drum beat that meshes with the click track. Then, incorporate a bass line that connects the melody to the percussion to lock in your rhythm. Finally, build a melody around the mood you're trying to create by adding instruments, sounds, and lead lines. | Set up a metronome or click track to get the beat started. This will typically be a separate track in your software. Depending on how fast or slow you want the song to be, the speed of the click can be divided into halves, thirds, or quarters. You can experiment if you're unsure. The click track will help to ensure that with all of the copy and pasting you'll do, the song stays on tempo. Your tempo will vary according to the mood and style of the song, and is typically between 80 and 120. More likely than not, you'll turn the click track off once you have a basic beat made -- this is just a guide right now to keep you on tempo. Build the drum beat before anything else, meshing it to the click track. The drums are your backbone, providing the structure that all other instruments fall on. They usually come first. That said, you don't have to use drums for percussion -- gunshots, car doors slamming, synth blasts, pots and pans, and much more have been used to provide rhythm in songs of all genres. Hip-hop beats have a classic trio -- kick drum, snare, and hi-hat. That's it. Check out DJ Premier's famous beats on the album Step in the Arena for a classic example. You can download drum packs, which are recordings of different percussion sounds, to use in your songs for free online. Search the drums you want on a search engine, like "Steel Drum Sounds Pack," or "Led Zeppelin Drum Sample Pack." Use the bass line to set a melody to the percussion. Together, the bass and drums form the rhythm section of every song. While the drums set the tempo and beat, the bass locks into this rhythm and hints at the melody, often with simple, danceable lines. There are many songs that are almost all drums and bass -- so don't disregard the bass because it is harder to hear in the final mix -- it's the instrument that gets people dancing. Bass lines can be a simple, like Nas' "Memory Lane (Sittin' in the Park)," or complex, like Common's "Be (Intro)." A bass line doesn't need a bass guitar, though they help. Listen to what Daft Punk is able to do with deep synthesizers for another example. Your bass line and kick drum (the deepest sounding drum) should mesh for the maximum effect. Most producers like to have them alternating. Add in melody instruments, sounds, and lead lines. The bass and the drums should be unique to make your song unique. Still, the melody line is where most songs come to their own and become new, big beats. Build melodies around your mood, using synths and electronic sounds for EDM or techno music, horns and guitars for R&B, even odd "found sounds" from weird sources (see "Windows Media Player" by Charles Hamilton for an example). The possibilities are endless. Play around with sounds constantly-- the only way to find out what sounds best is to try out as many different orchestrations as possible. Practice using seamless loops to extend your song out. Looping is taking at least one bar of music, like a drum line, and repeating it flawlessly so it sounds like the drummer is playing the exact same thing the whole song. You can, and should, loop everything -- making the perfect smaller section and then dragging it out to save time and get the perfect tempo for your entire beat. Great loops don't feel like loops -- they perfectly come back around so it sounds like a real musician is playing the instrument over and over again. Mix up the song with a "new" beat in the intros, outros, and/or middle. A straight beat is great. But most songs are made up of several related beats, each coming together to provide excitement and movement. The new beats, however, are almost always closely related. Some ideas for breakdowns and changes include: Add a new melody line: A new sample, some brief vocals, or the re-emerging melody line usually signals a "chorus" or sing-along section of the beat. This is usually the most memorable part of the beat. Drop to a minimal beat: Dropping to just drums and bass, or even just drums, is a great way to lower the energy. You can then blast the beat back to pump the song back up and get the crowd really moving. Building and dropping: Add volume, new instruments, and drums to grow tension and energy, then drop out to a big, bassy, and danceable section. Think about tension, energy, and space when building beats. These are more nebulous concepts of music composition, and every producer has different preferences. No matter what you choose, think about these three concepts to make interesting, layered beats. Tension: Found in juxtaposition, tension is what pulls the song forward. It is the difference between the intense moment before a "drop" in dubstep and the cathartic, slower boom after the drop -- this difference creates tension, which creates greater songs. Energy: What is the tempo of the song? How does it change or evolve, and does it bring the crowd with it? Some songs need full energy the entire time, plowing ahead. Others songs benefit from slow builds, changes, and swings in energy. Space: What is the beat for? If it is for a rapper, you best leave some moments of near "silence" so that they can get the words out. Think of how "full" your ears feel -- sometimes simpler is good, allowing one instrument to shine. Sometimes you need all 30 tracks at once. Use sampling to create the backbone to a beat. You don't always have to write out every melody or drum line by yourself. Find a portion of another song that stands out to you and incorporate it into your own music. It is usually difficult to sample a song with drums, so this part of the beat will be added later. Once you've loaded the sample into your hard drive, heighten or lower it until it's unrecognizable from the original song. The goal is to create something totally new. From here you can chop and loop the beat however you'd like. Look up your favorite beats on WhoSampled.com. You'll be surprised how often samples are used. Heighten and lower the pitch, or slow down and quicken the speed of your favorite songs to create your own sample to be added to a new song. Check out all of 3 Feet High and Rising or Paul's Boutique for golden-age examples of sampling prowess. Listen to your favorite producers with an ear to steal their tricks. The best way to grow quickly is to try and imitate the pros, learning the skills that will give you your own voice and creative freedom down the line. You can listen to anyone you want as long as you stop and think about why you like it so much, and what ideas you can borrow or change. For example: Listen to famous DJ Premier's samples from his music project called “Re:Generation.” DJ Premier is known for his signature scratching sound and flawless song constructions. Skrillex is notable for using samples of his own vocals. By using autotune, he is able to change the tone and speed of his voice so that it becomes almost unrecognizable. His song “Father Said” features samples of his own voice auto-tuned, as does “Turmoil.” Pete Rock uses samples for the entirety of his songs. He's known to chop and layer several various samples within the same song. He's an avid user of horns and drums, as is evident in his sample: “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)." Learn to play another instrument or learn music theory. The more you know about music, the easier it will be to create it. From the tuba to the turntable, the same ideas and skills are needed no matter what music you're making. So push yourself musically as much as you can -- you can always reject the ideas if they don't work. Learn how to play an instrument. Since many beats are made with a keyboard, the piano is a great place to start. Listen to as varied a selection of music as you can -- great producers pull from great music no matter what the genre. Experiment, play, and break all the rules when making beats. Make 30-second beats just to try out a new drum pack. Watch a tutorial on how to get a vocal sample to sound just like Kanye's in "School Spirit." Make a song with no drums. Like all creative endeavors, you only learn to be more creative by trying new things. The basics of beat making may be obvious, but you need to push yourself to make new and unique songs. Trying to remake sounds and beats you love is a great way to teach yourself from the masters. There are thousands of free tutorials online and on YouTube. When in doubt, look it up. Invest in a powerful computer. If you have an older computer or one that doesn't have much memory, this might impede on your beat making. Macs are typically considered to be the better option for music making apps, and are naturally geared towards creative work right out the box. Don't underestimate the importance of choosing the type of computer that you are most comfortable with. The goal is to make creating beats feel like second nature, and Windows computers are more than capable. Look for a computer that has at least 2 GB RAM, or random access memory. This is temporary storage within your computer that dictates how fast your computer runs. Find the right Digital Audio Workstation for your needs. A DAW is a program used for editing, mixing, recording, and mastering digital audio files. This is what you'll actually be using to record instruments and add effects. While every software has its advantages, you need to keep in mind your specific needs while choosing one. Remember that your computer can also dictate what DAW you are able to use. GarageBand and Logic Studio, for instance, are only available on Apple computers. Take your budget into account. This is most likely going to be an investment that you'll use for years to come, so consider if saving up a few extra hundred dollars will help you get the software of your dreams. Consider your experience level. Pro Tools will be hard for beginners to comprehend, and if it's too daunting, you might give up prematurely. On the other hand, experienced beat makers might not find all the bells and whistles if they go with a beginner's software, and learning Pro Tools or Logic brings you to near-pro status once you've gotten over the learning curve. If you find using the mouse tedious and find yourself more inclined to use knobs, faders, and buttons, then you'll need to purchase an external controller or MIDI. Just like your mouse would, the knobs on a Midi device control pitch, tempo, volume and more. Replace your desktop's speakers with external ones. It may be difficult for you to hear the detailed music you're creating without some high-quality speakers. Studio monitor speakers make your music creations sound as accurate as possible because they are tuned to a flat response. Unlike other speakers which tend to emphasize bass or make notes sound fuller, these speakers will be consistent and precise. However, this means that the speakers don't color your creation in any way, so while you may not think it sounds good at first, you'll be able to recognize where you need work. Active monitors already include a built-in amplifier. Aside from saving yourself from needing to purchase external equipment, this amp is made to ensure the best performance. Serious audiophiles, however, likely want an external receiver or amplifier. If this sounds too complicated, just stick to a set of speakers and don't worry about the amp. You want speakers with at least five inches woofers. Buy extra beat-making equipment. While you can definitely make many beats with little more than a computer and speakers, you're going to up plenty of new doors if you invest in more precise music equipment. At minimum, you should consider: Keyboards: Keyboards allow you to input notes straight into the computer. You can then assign these notes to any sound or instrument you want, making a keyboard invaluable for melody making, or even drumming (if you set the keys to drum sounds). Drum Machines: These let you assign a sound to a set of pads you can then hit like real drums. Microphone: You can record voices or raps, but also record any sounds you hear otherwise to incorporate into the beat. MIDI Controllers: MIDI controllers give you the ability to adjust rhythm, drums, loops, tone, and beats with complex but powerful controls. This is the level of precise control needed for professional sounding beats. | Set up a metronome or click track to get the beat started. Build the drum beat before anything else, meshing it to the click track. Use the bass line to set a melody to the percussion. Add in melody instruments, sounds, and lead lines. Practice using seamless loops to extend your song out. Mix up the song with a "new" beat in the intros, outros, and/or middle. Think about tension, energy, and space when building beats. Use sampling to create the backbone to a beat. Listen to your favorite producers with an ear to steal their tricks. Learn to play another instrument or learn music theory. Experiment, play, and break all the rules when making beats. Invest in a powerful computer. Find the right Digital Audio Workstation for your needs. Replace your desktop's speakers with external ones. Buy extra beat-making equipment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sash | How to Make a Sash | To make a sash, start by getting 2 yards of 3-inch ribbon. Next, choose decorations and embellishments for your sash, like iron-on letters, sequins, and decorative trim. Once you've decorated your sash, wrap it around yourself and adjust the ends so they meet at your hip and overlap at an angle. Then, pin the ends in place and sew a straight stitch across the 2 ends. Finally, cut off any excess fabric at the ends to finish your sash. | Get approximately 2 yards (1.8 m) of a 3 inches (7.6 cm) ribbon. Wide ribbon makes a great sash and eliminates the need to sew as much. 2 yards (1.8 m) is enough ribbon for most adults, but you may need to adjust depending on the size of the person. Measure the ribbon on the person by wrapping it from their hip to their opposite shoulder and back down to their hip. You can always trim the ribbon if it's too long, so it's better to have more than you need than not enough. Choose ribbon in the color and texture of your choice. Opt for a thicker, matte type of ribbon to ensure that the iron-on letters will adhere to the ribbon. Choose some decorative trim. You can accent your sash with some fringe, lace, or another type of trim if desired. Make sure to get enough to cover the entire edge of your ribbon. For example, if you have a 2 yards (1.8 m) long piece of ribbon, then you will need the same amount of trim to cover one edge of the ribbon, or twice as much trim to cover both edges. Try contrasting a red ribbon with some black fringe, or contrast a pink satin ribbon with some white lace. Select your iron-on letters. You can find iron-on letters in craft supply stores. Choose letters in the style and color of your choice. Make sure that the letters are the iron-on type and that they will fit onto the ribbon you have chosen. Choose some sequins, crystals, and other embellishments. To add some extra color and sparkle to the sash, you can also glue on some sequins, crystals, and/or beads. Choose embellishments that have a flat side if possible. This will make it easier to glue them onto the ribbon. Try adding light pink crystals to the edges of a dark pink beauty pageant sash. Add some red sequins to a black bachelorette sash. Enhance a white sash with contrasting baby accessory beads (rattles, bottles, booties, etc.) for a baby shower. Pin the trim to the ribbon. To accent your sash, pin the trim to one edge of the ribbon or to both edges if desired. Make sure that the edges of the ribbon and trim are overlapping by at least 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Place a pin through the ribbon and trim every 2 inches (5.1 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) to secure them. Sew the trim in place. Use your sewing machine to sew a straight stitch about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edge of the trim to secure it to the ribbon. Make sure that you sew through the ribbon and the trim. Position the letters on the ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half so that the two ends are matching up and lay the ribbon on a flat surface. Then, begin placing the letters so that they are centered on this section of ribbon. Start and finish placing the letters about 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 6 inches (150 mm) from the fold and the end of the section. Space letters out evenly as well. If the word you want on the sash is a longer one, then place the first letter closer to the edge. For example, if you are making a "Bachelorette" sash, then start pinning the "B" about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the edge and space them evenly so that the "E" is also about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the edge. Iron the letters in place. Follow the instructions for the iron-on letters to iron them onto the ribbon. You may need to cover the letters with a towel or t-shirt to protect them from the heat. Apply even heat to all of the letters. Glue on any other embellishments. Apply a dab of fabric glue to the ribbon where you want to place a sequin, crystal, or bead. Then, press the embellishment into the glue. Repeat until you have attached all of the embellishments. Then, let the glue dry overnight. For example, if you are making a sash for a bridal shower, then you could glue on some wedding accessory embellishments, such as a wedding cake, wedding dress, or a bouquet. Pin the ends of the sash together. Before you secure the ends of the sash, try it on. Position the sash how you want to wear it and adjust the ends so that they meet near your hip. The ends should be overlapping at a slight angle. When you are happy with the fit, place a pin through the 2 ends to secure them. Sew across the sash ends. Remove the sash with the pin still in place. Then, use your sewing machine to sew a straight stitch across the two ends. Sew just below where you pinned the ends together. Remove the pin after you finish sewing. Cut off the excess material. After you finish sewing the ends together, cut along the edge of the seam, about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the stitches you just sewed. Then, discard the excess fabric and your sash is ready to wear! | Get approximately 2 yards (1.8 m) of a 3 inches (7.6 cm) ribbon. Choose some decorative trim. Select your iron-on letters. Choose some sequins, crystals, and other embellishments. Pin the trim to the ribbon. Sew the trim in place. Position the letters on the ribbon. Iron the letters in place. Glue on any other embellishments. Pin the ends of the sash together. Sew across the sash ends. Cut off the excess material. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-Your-Hair | How to Wrap Your Hair | To wrap your hair, start by washing it with shampoo and conditioner. Then, use a comb to divide your wet hair into 2 to 4 sections, and comb each section until it's smooth and free of tangles. Next, wrap each section of hair around the top of your head and use alligator clips to keep them in place. Finally, wrap your hair with a satin scarf to help keep it smooth until you're ready to unwrap it. | Wash your hair. Use your regular shampoo and a deep conditioner. Starting with clean hair will make it easier to wrap your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or setting lotion to the hair from roots to ends. This should improve the PH balance of the hair. It can also help it to stay moisturized. Consider applying a natural oil, such as argon, jojoba or Moroccan oil, to each section individually. This is best for natural and very dry hair. Skip this step if your hair is already relaxed. Part your hair into 2 or 4 sections. If you have a thick head of hair, you should use 4 sections. If your hair is already relaxed or straightened and dry, you should use 2 sections to keep the hair more uniform. Use a rat tail comb to ensure the sections are parted in straight lines along the scalp. Comb the first section on the bottom left side of your hair from roots to ends. Be sure to remove all tangles. You want to get the hair as straight and smooth as possible prior to wrapping. Comb each of the remaining sections individually. Work each section until it is smooth and free of tangles. You can use your alligator clips to keep the sections apart. Wrap the bottom left section around the base of your skull, right above your ear and around the top of your head. It should continue wrapping in a swirl pattern around the outside of your head until you reach the end. Make sure it stays straight in all areas. Comb the section and start the wrapping process again if it does not stay straight, smooth and detangled. Pin the wrapped section at the top with large alligator clips. You may need to add a pin to the hair at the nape of your neck or a few other places that feel loose; however, you should try to use as few clips or pins as you can, because they can crimp the hair. Repeat the wrap with the bottom right section, wrapping it around the base of the skull, above the left ear and around the top of the head. Clip it. Wrap the top left section around the right side of the head, below the 2 previous wraps, or above them, if need be. Clip it as necessary. Wrap the top right section around the left side of the head. Clip it as necessary. You should try to use between 4 and 6 clips. You can comb out the hair as you wrap it; however, it may make it harder to wrap all the sections of the hair, because the comb can disturb other sections. Combing or wrapping after combing depends upon your preference. Your hair should look like a “hive." It should have wide, higher sections around the entire outside of the head. Try not to pile the sections of the hair on top of each other, but have them swirl around each other. Wrap a satin scarf around your wrapped hair before you go to bed. The satin will help to smooth the hair at night and avoid excess breakage. An easy way to tie a scarf is to lay the square scarf on top of your head. Pull all corners towards your forehead and tie them all into a single knot to hold them in place. Consider placing a pair of clean pantyhose over the scarf as you sleep. This can help to keep the wrap intact. Place the trunk section of the pantyhose over your head. It should be tight but comfortable. Wrap the legs around to the base of the neck. Tie them in place. Use a hooded hair dryer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour while your head is wrapped. If you don't have a hooded dryer, you can use a hand held blow dryer on medium with a dryer cap. This process will dry your hair while straightening it. Wait until the hair is completely dry to remove the wrap. Depending on the length of your hair, it may take several hours or more to dry completely. You should keep the wrap in place for at least 20 minutes to 1 hour after it is dry. As the hair cools, it will become smoother. If you prefer to dry your hair later, leave the hair wrapped. You can keep it covered with a silk scarf until you are ready to style it. It is important to only use a silk scarf as this will prevent the hair from pulling or snagging during sleep. Do not remove the pantyhose and scarf immediately when you wake up. Keep the hair wrapped until you are ready to comb and style it as usual. Removing the hair wrap too early can cause your hair to get messed before you even start getting ready. Cover your head with a shower cap and shower. Then, wait until you are no longer in the humid bathroom and remove all the layers. The hot, damp environment of a shower can cause your hair to get wet and end up frizzy. Unwrap your hair by unpinning and unwrapping the hair sections. Comb the hair in the opposite direction that the hair was wrapped. Combing the hair back will help eliminate any annoying cowlicks that can come from wrapping hair. | Wash your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or setting lotion to the hair from roots to ends. Consider applying a natural oil, such as argon, jojoba or Moroccan oil, to each section individually. Part your hair into 2 or 4 sections. Comb the first section on the bottom left side of your hair from roots to ends. Comb each of the remaining sections individually. Wrap the bottom left section around the base of your skull, right above your ear and around the top of your head. Pin the wrapped section at the top with large alligator clips. Repeat the wrap with the bottom right section, wrapping it around the base of the skull, above the left ear and around the top of the head. Wrap the top left section around the right side of the head, below the 2 previous wraps, or above them, if need be. Wrap the top right section around the left side of the head. Wrap a satin scarf around your wrapped hair before you go to bed. Consider placing a pair of clean pantyhose over the scarf as you sleep. Use a hooded hair dryer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour while your head is wrapped. Wait until the hair is completely dry to remove the wrap. If you prefer to dry your hair later, leave the hair wrapped. Do not remove the pantyhose and scarf immediately when you wake up. Cover your head with a shower cap and shower. Unwrap your hair by unpinning and unwrapping the hair sections. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Fresh-Fish | How to Buy Fresh Fish | To buy fresh fish, look for a fillet or steak with a bright, consistent color across its whole surface. Avoid any fish with dark spots, cracks, or tears. If the edges of the fillet are drying out or changing color, it has started to go bad. If you're buying whole fish, look for ones with clear, puffy eyes. Cloudy, sunken eyes are one of the first signs that a fish is going bad. Its skin should also be bright and shiny if it's fresh. If you press down on the fish, its flesh should feel firm. Some types of fish are frozen before they're sold, so if you're looking for the freshest fish, ask an employee which ones have been freshly caught. | Pick fish that’s currently in season. Out of season fish have to be frozen, which takes away their freshness. Start by looking for options that are in season. If you aren't sure where to start, asked the employee which fish was freshly-caught. Most ocean fish are freshest in the late spring and summer. Some shellfish are fresher in the fall and winter. Other fish are caught year-round, so ask the worker which is the freshest option. Look for fish with clear, puffy eyes and avoid fish with cloudy eyes. When a spoiled fish dehydrates, its eyes are one of the first parts to deteriorate. A fresh fish has clear, shiny eyes that puff out. Check for these signs on any fish you're considering. Spoiled fish have cloudy eyes that are hard to see through. The eyes also start sinking as the fish dehydrates. Get a fish with bright and shiny skin. A fresh fish's skin will still be shiny and brightly-colored. The scales will remain metallic and reflect light clearly. Any signs of discoloration or fading on the fish's skin indicate that it is starting to go bad. Make sure the fish’s gills are bright red. A fresh fish still has blood in it, so its gills should be bright red. Lift up the gill flap near the fish's head, or ask the employee to lift it for you. Underneath you'll see the spongy gills. Look for a bright and uniform color on the gills to indicate the fish is still fresh. Spoiled fish gills look darker red, more like a brick. Look for a uniform color on the gills as well. If there are different shades on the gill surface, the fish isn't fresh. Push on the fish to make sure it feels firm. A fresh fish still has firm skin and muscles. If you lightly press into it, the skin should spring back quickly. If the skin feels mushy, the fish is starting to go bad. Press in a few different spots. Fish sometimes bruise in different areas. A store employee may now want you touching the fish with your bare hands. In this case, ask them to push on it and watch to make sure the skin springs back. Pick a fish fillet with no discoloration or darkening on its surface. A fresh fillet has a bright, uniform color across its whole surface. Any discolored or dark spots indicate that the fillet isn't fresh. Do a visual check for any discoloration before buying a fillet. Look especially on the edges of the fillet where it was cut. If the edges are drying out our changing color, the fillet is starting to go bad. Some fish have fibers or stripes on their skin that could look like discoloration. Check for other freshness signs if you aren't sure. Avoid a fillet with cracks or tears on its surface. When a fillet starts going bad, its fibers tear and separate. A fresh fillet has a smooth, uniform surface. Look for this to find a fresh piece of fish. Sometimes an uneven cut can look like tearing. The difference is that a spoiling fillet will look tight, which tears and flakes the skin. Look closer and see if the skin is actually flaking, or if there was just an uneven cut. Check for cloudy moisture indicating that the fish is spoiled. All fish have some moisture on their surface, but the moisture should be watery and clear. Slime is a sign that the fish is starting to rot. Cloudy or discolored sign is an even worse sign. Avoid any fish with milky slime on its surface. If the employee lets you, run your finger across the fish. If the moisture is sticky and slimy, this isn't a fresh fish fillet. Buy fish that are on ice, not wrapped in plastic. Just like whole fish, fish fillets should be kept out and on ice and only wrapped in plastic when they're sold. Fish wrapped in plastic at the store is generally not as fresh. Limit your choices to unwrapped fish packed on ice. Fish in refrigerators is generally not as fresh. The fresh fish are kept on ice. Visit a store that has a lot of customers for a high food turnover rate. A good indication of a quality food establishment is how busy it is. If a grocery store has a reputation for low-quality food, it probably won't have many visitors. For fish markets specifically, a lot of customers means that fish gets sold quickly and fresh catches are brought in regularly. Spend a few minutes around a store or market you're considering shopping at and see how many customers enter. If there aren't many customers, consider shopping somewhere else. Take the time of day into account. Most food stores are less busy during weekdays. If, however, it's Saturday afternoon and there are no customers, then avoid this establishment. In larger supermarkets, the store could still be crowded if the fish isn't good. Watch the fish counter specifically for a few minutes and see if anyone buys something. If some time goes by and customers seem to be avoiding the fish area, this is also a good indication that you should avoid it too. Avoid a store with an overly fishy smell. Fresh fish does not have a strong fish odor. Accordingly, neither should a store that sells fresh fish. If you walk into a market and are overwhelmed by the fishy smell, it means there is spoiled fish in the area. Don't buy fish from this store. Spoiled fish also has a mild ammonia smell. This odor also indicates that a market isn't selling fresh fish. Fresh fish markets should smell more like salt water. There is some fish smell, but not a pungent, ammonia-like odor. Search the store for signs of poor sanitation like puddles and dirty floors. If a store looks dirty, you can assume that its food isn't the freshest. Take a walk through the aisles of a store before making a purchase and check its sanitation level. Puddles on the floor from melted ice, dirty floors, cleaning products near food, and unpleasant smells are all indications that a store does not follow sanitary procedures closely. The fish area of any store should be neat and clean. Look for nicely-arranged and labeled fish. Fish pieces like heads and scales shouldn't be visible or near the fresh fillets. Look for a store with glass counters that you can see behind. A store that doesn't let you see behind its counters could be hiding unsanitary conditions. Check that all products are clearly labeled. In the US, federal law states that all food products must be clearly labeled. Check any fish market to see if all the products are labeled. If you can't find basic information about the fish, consider shopping at a different store. Common information on seafood labels include whether the fish was freshly-caught or farmed, and whether or not it was frozen. Very reputable dealers will include the date that the fish was caught as well. Sometimes labels are technically accurate, but still misleading. For example, “Fresh salmon, previously frozen” is technically true if the salmon was frozen right away. But a frozen fish will never have the taste of a freshly-caught one, so avoid a product like this if you only want fresh fish. Avoid a store where the employees don’t let you inspect the fish. If you request to inspect a fish you're considering buying, employees should be happy to show you the fish and prove it's fresh. If employees hesitate or won't let you look at a fish further, they may be hiding the fish's quality. Consider shopping at a different store where employees let you see the fish up close. It's reasonable that an employee would not want you touching the fish with your bare hands. However, they should still be willing to show you the eyes, gills, and skin to determine if it is fresh enough. Find a website to buy fresh fish online. If there isn't a fresh fish market near you, some websites specialize in delivering fresh fish packed in ice right to your doorstep. Search online for a reputable dealer with good reviews. Look for sellers that pack the fish as soon as its caught for the freshest options. Pay close attention to shipping costs if you order fish online. Some of these expenses can be very high, depending on where you live and what you order. Don't hesitate to contact a seller if you have questions about their service. Ask when the fish is shipped out to determine how fresh their product is. | Pick fish that’s currently in season. Look for fish with clear, puffy eyes and avoid fish with cloudy eyes. Get a fish with bright and shiny skin. Make sure the fish’s gills are bright red. Push on the fish to make sure it feels firm. Pick a fish fillet with no discoloration or darkening on its surface. Avoid a fillet with cracks or tears on its surface. Check for cloudy moisture indicating that the fish is spoiled. Buy fish that are on ice, not wrapped in plastic. Visit a store that has a lot of customers for a high food turnover rate. Avoid a store with an overly fishy smell. Search the store for signs of poor sanitation like puddles and dirty floors. Check that all products are clearly labeled. Avoid a store where the employees don’t let you inspect the fish. Find a website to buy fresh fish online. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Taking-Eliquis | How to Stop Taking Eliquis | If you need to stop taking Eliquis, ask your doctor first, since changing your medication could be dangerous. If you experience side effects like bloody urine or feces, chest pain, dizziness, swelling in your face, or if you have a stroke, stop taking Eliquis and go to the hospital immediately. Then, consult your doctor. If you're allergic to the drug or it's causing you other issues, your doctor may change you to a different medication, like warfarin or a device called the Watchman, which limits blood clots. If you need to stop taking Eliquis before surgery, stop 1 or 2 days before the operation and resume taking it right after. You shouldn't need to take alternative medication before surgery, but your doctor should advise you about this. | Stay on Eliquis until your healthcare provider tells you to get off. Suddenly stopping Eliquis can cause serious issues. For instance, you could have a stroke or a blood clot, leading to major damage. Always consult your healthcare provider first. Stop Eliquis 1- 2 days before medical procedures. Generally, you need to get off this medication a day before most medical procedures, including surgeries and dental work. However, you should call your healthcare provider before you stop taking this medication. Your healthcare provider can advise you on what to do before the procedure. Talk to your surgeon first, but it's also a good idea to talk to your regular doctor, as well. If the procedure has a higher risk of bleeding, you may need to stop it 2 days before. Examples of surgeries with a higher risk of bleeding include kidney biopsies and coronary artery bypass surgery. Also, any surgery that's expected to be over 45 minutes falls into this category. Examples of lower risk surgeries include carpal tunnel repair, abdominal hysterectomy, and cholecystectomy. Stop Eliquis earlier if you have higher serum creatinine levels. If your serum creatinine levels are higher than 1.5 milligrams/dL, you'll need to stop 2 days ahead for a procedure with standard risk for bleeding. You'll need to stop 3 days ahead for procedures that are high risk for bleeding. Your serum creatinine levels can be determined by a blood test, which your healthcare provider can perform. Generally, you'll only need this test if you are having kidney problems, too, who will likely be monitoring these levels regularly, anyway. Don't bridge with an alternative medication. You generally shouldn't need another medication or device to help with anti-coagulation between when you stop Eliquis and when you have your procedure. However, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if that's correct for you. Start Eliquis again after the procedure. Once the procedure is done, you can start taking Eliquis again. However, you must wait until any bleeding has stopped and your blood is clotting properly before beginning the medication again. Your surgeon or healthcare provider should give you the go ahead. Switch to an alternative medication or device as needed. If you can't be on Eliquis for some reason, you'll likely need to be on an alternative. Alternatives like the drug warfarin or a device known as the Watchman may be solutions. Try the Watchman if blood thinners aren't working for you. This medical device fits into your left atrial appendage, where blood clots tend to form. It stops blood clots from escaping this area by closing it off. However, because medical procedures can be risky, you should stay on blood thinners like Eliquis if they are currently working for you instead of switching. The Watchman is a catheter threaded through a vein in the leg. It goes all the way to your heart. It's been proven to be as effective as warfarin at preventing blood clots. Typically, you'll stop your blood thinner just for the procedure, and then you'll be on it again for a month and a half after the Watchman is inserted. That's how long it takes for the procedure to fully close off the area that has the potential to release blood clots. Consider warfarin. Warfarin is an older drug than Eliquis, but it does work well for some people. When switching to warfarin, you'll start taking warfarin, and then on the third day after you begin taking warfarin, you'll stop taking Eliquis. Warfarin can have similar side effects to Eliquis, including severe bleeding, bloody urine or stools, bruising, dizziness, weakness, joint pain, and bloody vomit. Look for signs of internal bleeding. Because Eliquis is a blood thinner, 1 of the side effects can be internal bleeding. For instance, you may notice red or especially dark urine, vomit, or feces, all of which indicate blood. Similarly, if you get a cut and can't stop bleeding within 10 minutes, that's also a noteworthy side effect. Visit the emergency room if you have one of these symptoms. Heavier periods and unexplained bruising can also be side effects, though they aren't quite as serious. They don't warrant a visit to the ER, but you should call your healthcare provider. Pay attention to signs of an allergic reaction. Eliquis can also cause what appears to be an allergic reaction. You may have chest pain, dizziness, swelling in your face or tongue, or trouble breathing. Call emergency services if you experience these symptoms. Check for signs of a stroke. Eliquis can put you at higher risk of a stroke, particularly if you stop it suddenly. Signs of a stroke include difficulty speaking, drooping in your face, weakness in a limb, dizziness, loss of vision, and headaches. Dial emergency services for these symptoms. Watch for falls that cause a bump to the head. Serious falls, particularly ones where you hit your head, are more of a problem when you're on Eliquis. You are more likely to bleed internally when you have a fall on Eliquis. Always pay attention to more serious falls, and visit the emergency room just in case. Pay attention to unexpected pain or swelling. Another serious side effect of this drug can be sudden pain anywhere in your body or swelling. Particularly notice sudden pain in your joints. These symptoms also warrant an emergency room visit. This side effect could be caused by internal bleeding. Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting Eliquis. If you have any of these symptoms, you're probably going to need to go off Eliquis. However, you'll need to do it under your healthcare provider's supervision, as quitting suddenly can increase your chances of a stroke or blood clot. | Stay on Eliquis until your healthcare provider tells you to get off. Stop Eliquis 1- 2 days before medical procedures. Stop Eliquis earlier if you have higher serum creatinine levels. Don't bridge with an alternative medication. Start Eliquis again after the procedure. Switch to an alternative medication or device as needed. Try the Watchman if blood thinners aren't working for you. Consider warfarin. Look for signs of internal bleeding. Pay attention to signs of an allergic reaction. Check for signs of a stroke. Watch for falls that cause a bump to the head. Pay attention to unexpected pain or swelling. Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting Eliquis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Estimate-Celsius-Temperatures-in-Fahrenheit | How to Estimate Celsius Temperatures in Fahrenheit | To estimate a Celsius temperature in Fahrenheit, multiply the temperature by 2, then add 30 to that number. This will give you an approximate temperature in Fahrenheit. If you need a more precise estimate, multiply the temperature by 2, then subtract 10% and add 32 to that number. The result will more closely represent the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion. | Determine the temperature. Look for a temperature display. Many public clocks display the temperature below the time. Ask someone to tell you the temperature if you cannot locate a thermometer or temperature display. Multiply the temperature by 2. Use a calculator or simply multiply the numbers in your head. Either way, you want to double this number. Add 30 to this number. Take the doubled number and add 30 to it. Make use of a calculator or perform the addition in your head. This will give you an approximate temperature in Fahrenheit. For example: Determine the temperature in Celsius: 20 degrees Multiply this number by two: 20 x 2 = 40 Add thirty to this number: 40 + 30 = 70 degrees Fahrenheit Determine the temperature. Find a temperature display. Look for a public clock on a building such as a bank. Many public clocks also display the temperature below the time. Ask someone to tell you the temperature if you cannot locate a thermometer or temperature display. Multiply the temperature by 2. Use a calculator or simply multiply the numbers in your head. Either way, you want to double this number. Subtract 10% from this number. Calculate 10% by multiplying the number by 0.1. For example, 100 x 0.1. = 10. Subtract this number from the number you doubled in the first calculation. Use a calculator to perform these operations for best results. Add 32 to this number. Take the doubled number and add 32 to it. Make use of a calculator or perform the addition in your head. This will give you a semi-precise temperature in Fahrenheit. For example: Determine the temperature in Celsius: 20 degrees Multiply this number by two: 20 x 2 = 40 Determine ten percent of this number: 40 x 0.1 = 4 Subtract this number from your number in step two: 40 – 4 = 36 Add thirty-two to this number: 36 + 32 = 68 degrees Fahrenheit Learn rough comparable temperatures by heart. These numbers are easy to memorize and will allow you to make quick conversions. Memorize Celsius to Fahrenheit using multiples of 10: 0 degrees Celsius equals 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 10 degrees Celsius equals 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 20 degrees Celsius equals 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 30 degrees Celsius equals 86 degrees Fahrenheit. 40 degrees Celsius equals 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn comparable temperatures by heart. These numbers are fairly easy to memorize and will allow you to make precise conversions. Memorize Celsius to Fahrenheit using multiples of 5: -5 degrees Celsius equals 23 degrees Fahrenheit. 5 degrees Celsius equals 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 15 degrees Celsius equals 59 degrees Fahrenheit. 25 degrees Celsius equals 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 35 degrees Celsius equals 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn comparable temperatures by heart. Memorize Fahrenheit to Celsius using multiples of 10 to perform rough conversions: 32 degrees Fahrenheit equals 0 degrees Celsius. 40 degrees Fahrenheit equals 4.4 degrees Celsius. 50 degrees Fahrenheit equals 10 degrees Celsius. 60 degrees Fahrenheit equals 15.5 degrees Celsius. 70 degrees Fahrenheit equals 21.1 degrees Celsius. 80 degrees Fahrenheit equals 26.6 degrees Celsius. | Determine the temperature. Multiply the temperature by 2. Add 30 to this number. Determine the temperature. Multiply the temperature by 2. Subtract 10% from this number. Add 32 to this number. Learn rough comparable temperatures by heart. Learn comparable temperatures by heart. Learn comparable temperatures by heart. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Female-Guinea-Pig-With-Babies | How to Take Care of a Female Guinea Pig With Babies | To take care of a pregnant female guinea pig, feed it a healthy, balanced diet of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and vitamin C-fortified guinea pig pellets. You should also ensure it's getting enough calcium by supplementing its regular hay with a limited amount of alfalfa hay. Once the babies are born, replace the cage bedding once a day, and make sure not to use shavings with aromatic oils or ones that are made of sawdust or cedar since these can cause health issues. | Check the size of the mother guinea pig’s cage. On her own, the mother guinea pig needs a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. Now that she has pups, she will need a slightly larger cage — at least 8 square feet. Visit your local pet store if you need to purchase a larger cage. the mother guinea pig a healthy diet. Feed Your female guinea pig will need to eat a healthy diet to have enough energy and nutrients to meet the demands of pregnancy and nursing. Components of a healthy, balanced diet are fresh vegetables (e.g. turnip greens, cucumbers); small amounts of fresh fruits (e.g. kiwi, papaya, strawberries); and vitamin C-fortified guinea pig pellets. Vitamin C is important to prevent a pregnancy complication called pregnancy toxemia. Supplement the mother guinea pig’s diet with calcium. Your female guinea pig's calcium stores will drop significantly during pregnancy and nursing. Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, which is an excellent source of calcium. Alfalfa hay is high in calories and calcium. Supplement her her regular hay with alfalfa hay to give her an energy boost. Timothy hay is also a good choice for female guinea pigs, but is lower in calcium than alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay should not replace her regular food — it should be provided in a limited amount as a supplement. Replace the cage bedding regularly. Now that your female guinea pig has pups to care for, her cage will probably get messier than usual; however, she may be too exhausted to take care of all of her motherly duties after she has given birth. Initially, remove the contaminated bedding where the births took place. Then, change out the bedding once a day. Wood shavings are a good bedding option, but you must make sure the shavings are free of aromatic oils — these oils can cause severe respiratory illness in guinea pigs. Also, the shavings should not be made of sawdust or cedar. HySorb wood shavings are one of the best types of wood shavings available, but they are expensive. Newspaper is a less expensive option, but is not absorbent and does not absorb odor. If you choose to use newspaper, you should use it in conjunction with a more absorbent bedding that is better at controlling odors. Other bedding options include cotton cloth, cotton fleece, and towels. Each option is very absorbent, but may need to changed and cleaned on a daily basis. Give the mother guinea pig time to nurse her pups. Guinea pig pups are essentially born ready to go: their eyes are open, they have hair and a full set of teeth, and they can run around on their own. They will still need to nurse, though, for three weeks before they are ready to be removed from their mother. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. Their mother will not reject them if they are handled by humans. During the nursing period, the mother guinea pig will clean her pups' bottoms to stimulate their urination and defecation. Do not be concerned about the mother guinea pig’s maternal instincts. Other than nursing, a female guinea pig is usually not very 'motherly' toward her pups. Even before she gives birth, you will notice that she does not prepare a nesting area in the cage. After birth, do not be surprised if she doesn't pay much attention to her pups. Adult female guinea pigs are typically not very protective of their young. Rather than stepping in to raise the pups on your own, allow the mother to nurse her pups, even if it seems like she doesn't care for them very much. Monitor the mother guinea pig for pregnancy complications. Since baby guinea pigs are born fully furred and ready to go, the mother guinea pig is at increased risk of experiencing health problems during and after pregnancy. For example, the mother guinea pig may experience a difficult birth and end up with a prolapsed uterus. You will see the uterus protruding out of her vaginal area. She may also experience circulatory problems because of the extra weight she's carrying before birth. If her blood is not circulating properly, she may seem overly exhausted and thus unable to care for her pups. Take the mother guinea pig to your veterinarian right away if she is experiencing complications after birth. She may need intensive veterinary care. Check the mother guinea pig’s mammary glands. Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands) is common in guinea pigs and can occur after birth. If the mother guinea pig's mammary glands feel hard or painful to the touch, or look bluish, she probably has mastitis. Check the milk as well. Off-colored or clumped milk are often associated with mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can spread through the mother's guinea pigs bloodstream. Take her to your veterinarian immediately for treatment (e.g. antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications). Keep the mother guinea pig away from male guinea pigs. Although your mother guinea pig may feel exhausted after giving birth, her body will already be ready to become pregnant again. If you have adult male guinea pigs, keep them away from her to prevent back-to-back pregnancies. Since guinea pigs don't take long to reach sexual maturity, you will also have to keep the male pups away from her as well. Immediately after nursing, you will need to move the male pups to their own cage to prevent them from trying to impregnate their own mother. Position a lower water bottle for the pups. Both the mother guinea pig and her pups will need to stay well hydrated. Since the pups are so small, you will need to give them their own water bottle that will be low enough for them to sip from easily. The pups' water bottle will probably be too low for their mother to sip from, so you should purchase another water bottle and position it at a higher height for her. You may have to go through a trial and error period to determine the ideal water bottle positions for the mother and her pups. Handle the pups. It is okay to start handling the pups soon after they are born — as long as you don't interfere with the mother guinea pig's motherly duties (e.g. licking the pups, eating the placenta, etc). Use two hands to handle the pups: one to support the front end, and one to support the back end. Hold the pup close to your chest and talk to it in a soothing voice. The pups may be a bit squirmy the first time you pick them up. It isn't used to being held, and may miss mommy. Gently lower the pup back into the cage when it starts to squirm. Early and frequent handling will help socialize the pups and get them comfortable with the human touch. Handle the pups only when they are awake and not nursing. Monitor the pups' weights. Record each pup's weight soon after they are born, and then daily for their few weeks of life. Healthy pups will gain weight steadily. If a pup is not gaining weight like the rest, it may not be nursing well. For this pup, you should try to give it extra private time with the mom so it can have a better chance to nurse. It is common for pups to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth, then start gaining weight. Watch the pups for signs of illness. This is particularly important for white guinea pigs, which are susceptible to a syndrome called Lethal White Syndrome. Signs of this syndrome include small or missing eyes, crooked teeth, and blindness and/or deafness. If you have white guinea pigs pups and notice any of these clinical signs, take them to your veterinarian for treatment. The fact that your guinea pig pups are white does not automatically mean they will develop the syndrome. In general, guinea pigs are hardy, so the pups will probably be just fine after birth. Determine the sex of the pups. Although the pups are tiny, there is an easy way tell which ones are female and which ones are male. Check the anal area of each pup: female pups will have 'Y'-shaped skin flaps on top of their anuses, and male pups will have slender openings instead of the flaps. If you are uncomfortable with doing this, take the pups to your veterinarian for the sex determination. Keep the male and female pups in separate cages after nursing. Not only does the mother guinea pig need to be protected from the male pups, but the female pups need protection as well — the male pups could even try to impregnate their sisters! Male pups should be separated from the mother and female pups at three weeks of age (right after nursing). The female pups can stay with the mother until four weeks age, then be moved to their own cage. Find a home for the pups. As much as you love the pups, it may not be feasible for you keep them all. It is ideal to adopt pups out in single-sex pairs. If you have an odd number of pups, then you can try to find someone who already owns a guinea pig that is the same sex as the 'odd number' pup you would like to give away. Although tempting, it is not a good idea to offer the pups as 'free to a good home.' This can actually devalue them, and cause them to be seen as unimportant and disposable to the prospective owner. Do not give the pups to a pet store. It is likely that the pet store does not screen potential buyers, so someone who does not know how to care for them, and may care for them improperly, could purchase the pups. In addition, the pups could be used as food for the reptiles. If you are unable to rehome the pups on your own, consider contacting a reputable guinea pig rescue organization in your area. Your veterinarian or local pet store may be able to recommend who to contact. | Check the size of the mother guinea pig’s cage. the mother guinea pig a healthy diet. Supplement the mother guinea pig’s diet with calcium. Replace the cage bedding regularly. Give the mother guinea pig time to nurse her pups. Do not be concerned about the mother guinea pig’s maternal instincts. Monitor the mother guinea pig for pregnancy complications. Check the mother guinea pig’s mammary glands. Keep the mother guinea pig away from male guinea pigs. Position a lower water bottle for the pups. Handle the pups. Monitor the pups' weights. Watch the pups for signs of illness. Determine the sex of the pups. Keep the male and female pups in separate cages after nursing. Find a home for the pups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Free-Calls | How to Make Free Calls | To make a free call, download an app like WhatsApp, Google Duo, or Viber on your phone so you can call and message people for free. However, keep in mind that the person you want to call will have to download the same app. If you both have iPhones, you can also call them using FaceTime, which should already be installed on your phone. Alternatively, you can call someone from your computer using Facebook Messenger or Skype. With Skype, you can call someone one their regular phone number, but you'll have to pay for credits. | Use Facebook Messenger to call from either your computer or smartphone. You can use the Messenger app or use the messaging feature on the Facebook website. Select a contact in Messenger, click on the “i” button, and press “Make free call.” Your contact will receive a notification, and your call will connect over the internet. If you are calling from the Facebook website, make sure you have a microphone installed. You can also use a webcam and host a video call. Most webcams will have a microphone installed. You can make calls to local friends or international acquaintances. Call and chat with Skype. Skype is a popular video calling software, and you can use it on computers, mobile devices, and some TVs. Download the free app and create your profile. Open Skype from skype.com or through the Skype app. Click on the “Contact” icon to display your Skype contacts. Click on a person's name and then select the “Skype Call” button. There is no charge to use Skype, as long as you are calling other Skype users. If you call phone numbers, you will be charged per minute. You can also instant message your contacts through Skype. This service is free as well. Try Google Hangouts, especially if you have an Android smartphone. Create a Google account for free, log into your account, and open the Hangout app. For new calls, tap the “+” in a green circle at the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on “New Conversation” and select your contact. You can easily redial previous callers by selecting the contact and tapping on "previous conversations." You can make both video and audio calls with Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts is preinstalled on Android phones. For non-Android users, download Google Hangouts from your App store for free. Both users will need to have Google Hangouts installed on their devices. You will not be able call non-Google Hangout users. Your call will not connect if you are not connected to WiFi. Download WhatsApp and call contacts for free. WhatsApp is a popular software you can use to send messages and make calls. Open the app, search for your contact by name or number, and select the “Phone” icon. This will begin your call. WhatsApp connects through WiFi, so you can call both domestically and internationally. Call with Apple FaceTime if you have an iPhone. All iPhones have FaceTime preinstalled, which lets you call or video message any other iPhone user. Open the app, click on the “+” symbol in the top right corner, and select who you would like to call. Click on the blue phone icon to start your call. This feature is not available on Android phones. Try Google Duo for an easier alternative to Google Hangouts. Visit your app store, download the app, and enter your phone number. Tap the “Video Call” button on your main screen and select one of your contacts. You can call anyone who has installed Google Duo. Click on the phone number to make your call. To make calls, Google Duo uses your phone number, rather than your Google account (used for Google Hangout). Google Duo is equipped with a "Knock Knock" feature, which plays a video feed of the caller before you answer a call. Download the app Viber to send messages and make calls. Viber is another free calling app you can try. Install Viber from your app store and open the Viber app. To create an account, provide your country and phone number. To make a call, tap on a contact, click on “Free Call,” and you will connect to another Viber user. Viber will automatically find other Viber contacts in your phone. You can only place free calls with other Viber users. You can also send messages for free. Make free international calls using the app Rebtel. Download the app, create an account, and place your international calls. Both users must call via Rebtel. Rebtel is unique because it connects international contacts by linking local numbers. If your contacts don't have Rebtel, you can still make international calls for a small fee. | Use Facebook Messenger to call from either your computer or smartphone. Call and chat with Skype. Try Google Hangouts, especially if you have an Android smartphone. Download WhatsApp and call contacts for free. Call with Apple FaceTime if you have an iPhone. Try Google Duo for an easier alternative to Google Hangouts. Download the app Viber to send messages and make calls. Make free international calls using the app Rebtel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Fondue | How to Make Chocolate Fondue | To make chocolate fondue, start by breaking up 1 pound of chocolate into small pieces with your fingers or a knife. Then, bring 2-4 inches of water to a boil in a pot over medium-high heat and place a mixing bowl on top of the pot so it traps the steam. Next, pour 2 cups of heavy cream in the pot and heat it up for 1-2 minutes, lowering the heat if it starts to boil. Finally, add the chocolate to the bowl and whisk everything together until the chocolate is melted. To round out the flavor of your fondue, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. | Break up 1 lb (453 g) of chocolate into small, 1⁄4–1⁄2 in (0.64–1.27 cm) pieces. Use your fingers to break up the chocolate if it is soft or thin enough, and set it aside. For denser chocolate, place the chocolate on a cutting board and cut it up with a sharp knife. If you are using chocolate chips or chocolate that is already portioned into small pieces, then leave the chocolate as is. Boil 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) of water in a pot over medium-high heat. Choose a small or medium-sized pot that will support your mixing bowl when placed on top. The circumference of the pot should be wide enough to allow the mixing bowl to rest on top, but not so wide that the bowl falls into the pot. Fill the bottom of the pot with water and bring it to a boil. If you do not have a pot size that will support your mixing bowl, you can also use a saucepan. Rest a heat-resistant mixing bowl on top of the pot to create a double boiler. Check that the mixing bowl is trapping the steam from the boiling water within the pot. It is okay if the bottom of the mixing bowl is touching the water, but make sure it is not submerged. The double boiler will make it easier to melt the chocolate for the fondue. If you already have a double boiler system that works well for you, use that to create the fondue instead. Heat up 2 cups (470 mL) of heavy cream in the mixing bowl for 1-2 minutes. Gently stir the cream occasionally to make sure that it is heating up properly. Do not allow the cream to boil. Lower the heat on the stovetop to a medium-low temperature if the cream starts to bubble. If you are using a saucepan instead of a pot, make sure to use a potholder to hold the mixing bowl still when you stir. Add 4 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 tsp (1.15 g) of ground cinnamon to the cream while it is heating to give the finished fondue a festive taste. Then, let the cinnamon steep in the cream for 15 minutes off the stove. If you used cinnamon sticks, remove them after the cream is heated and before adding the chocolate. If you prefer, you can steep the heated cream with 1/2 tsp (1.15 g) of ground cinnamon and ancho chili pepper for a spicy Mexican chocolate fondue, or steep the cream with your favorite tea for a subtle earthy flavor. Add the chocolate to the heated cream while whisking the mixture. Gently whisk the mixture to avoid spilling it. Continue to stir the mixture until all of the chocolate has melted and the creamy mixture has a smooth consistency. If the fondue seems too thick, whisk in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of heavy cream to thin it. Add more heavy cream if needed to reach a desired consistency. Stir in 1 tsp (4.9 mL) vanilla extract to round out the flavor. Turn off the stove after you have completely stirred in the vanilla extract. This will prevent the flavor from cooking off. Elevate the flavor of the fondue by spiking it with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of your favorite alcohol or liquor. The alcohol will cut the sweetness of the chocolate and compliment the vanilla extract nicely. Start by trying brandy, rum, amaretto, or Bailey's Irish Cream. Instead of vanilla extract, experiment with other extract flavorings and match the taste of the fondue to the occasion. Contrast a dark chocolate or bittersweet fondue by adding 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of orange extract, or make a white chocolate fondue festive by adding 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of peppermint extract. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and ignite the handy fuel to keep it warm. Avoid burning the fondue by keeping the flame under the fondue pot low. If needed, occasionally stir the fondue as you eat it to rotate the fondue from the bottom of the pot. If you do not have a fondue pot, pour the mixture into a chafing dish or ceramic bowl. Then, wrap a towel around the base of the bowl to trap the heat. The fondue may thicken quicker using this alternative, so serve it immediately after pouring. Fill a plate with an assortment of fruits and sweets to dip into the fondue. Pick items that can easily be dipped or pierced with a fondue fork or skewer. Cut your dipping items into ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) cubes if needed. Arrange the items on a large serving plate, or individuals serving bowls to accompany the fondue. Cut up fresh or dried fruit to dip into the chocolate fondue. Use bananas, pineapples, strawberries, apples, pears, mangos, cherries, or any other fruit you like. Choose an array of sweet items to compliment the chocolate like soft cookies, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownies, coconut strips, or pound cake. Also add some salty or neutral items to plate to balance out the sweet items. Rice cakes, wafers, biscuits, and pretzels are always good to have for chocolate fondue. Serve the fondue immediately after heating for the best experience. Gather some friends and family, and enjoy the chocolate fondue immediately after preparing. Refill the dipping options as needed, or take some suggestions from your guests about what else you can add. Stir the fondue occasionally to rotate it up from the bottom of the pot. This will keep it from thickening or drying out over the low flame. Add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of heavy cream to thin out the fondue if needed. Refrigerate leftover fondue in a sealed container for about a week. When you are ready to eat more of the fondue, reheat it on the stovetop in a pot over a low heat and stir it continuously to keep it from burning. Add heavy cream as needed to thin and rehydrate the mixture. | Break up 1 lb (453 g) of chocolate into small, 1⁄4–1⁄2 in (0.64–1.27 cm) pieces. Boil 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) of water in a pot over medium-high heat. Rest a heat-resistant mixing bowl on top of the pot to create a double boiler. Heat up 2 cups (470 mL) of heavy cream in the mixing bowl for 1-2 minutes. Add the chocolate to the heated cream while whisking the mixture. Stir in 1 tsp (4.9 mL) vanilla extract to round out the flavor. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot and ignite the handy fuel to keep it warm. Fill a plate with an assortment of fruits and sweets to dip into the fondue. Serve the fondue immediately after heating for the best experience. Stir the fondue occasionally to rotate it up from the bottom of the pot. Refrigerate leftover fondue in a sealed container for about a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Fennel | How to Grow Fennel | To grow fennel, start by planting some fennel seeds 10 inches apart in fertile, well-draining soil right around the last frost in spring. Then, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the bulbs begin to form at the base of the stem, push up the surrounding soil to shade them from the sun and keep them from turning green. At that point, you can begin to cut off the leaves, but wait until the late summer if you want to harvest the bulb. | Choose a fennel variety. The type of fennel you choose to grow will depend on what part of the fennel plant you wish to use -- the bulb, the fronds or the seeds. Florence Fennel is grown for its bulbous stem, which can be eaten raw, grilled or baked. It is also possible to eat the thicker stalks which sprout from the bulb, as they are similar to celery. Herb fennel does not produce the same bulbous stem. It is grown for its delicate leaves, which are used as a herb. Herb fennel also produces seeds which have a licorice-like flavor (as does the rest of the plant) and are used for seasoning. Plant the fennel outdoors. The process for planting both varieties of fennel is the same. The seeds should be planted directly into the garden, around the time of the last spring frost. Plant the fennel seeds in fertile, well drained soil. If necessary, loosen the soil a little before planting and add in some compost and a little soil for drainage. Plant the seeds approximately ten inches apart and cover them with a light layer of soil, about ⁄ 8 inch (0.3 cm) deep. It's probably a good idea to plant a few more seeds than you need, then thin them out later. Plant the fennel far away from any dill or coriander -- these plants tend to cross-pollinate, which reduces seed production and affects the taste. You can use an almanac to determine when the last frost typically occurs in your area. Plant the fennel indoors. If you prefer, you can plant the fennel seeds in containers approximately 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Once the seedlings have grown to height of 3 or 4 inches (7.6 or 10.2 cm), you can harden them off in a cool greenhouse or cold frame before transplanting them to the garden. Alternatively, you can keep the fennel in a container. As fennel is a deep-rooted plant, it will require a container at last 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep, filled with light soil with some added gravel for drainage. If you plant more than one fennel plant in a container of this size, it will be too crowded to produce a large bulb, but you will still be able to enjoy the leaves and seeds. Care for the fennel. Fennel grows best in full-sun. At first, you should water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Once it has established itself, you may only need to water it if there is a drought. Be careful not to overwater, as this may cause the roots to rot. There is no need to fertilize the soil during growing season. Once the bulb begins to form at the base of the stem, hill up the surrounding soil to cover it. This shades it from the sun and prevents it from turning green. This is known as "blanching", as it keeps the bulb white and sweet (which is only necessary if you intend to eat the bulb). Fennel is not usually affected by pests or disease, but occasionally you will spot aphids or whiteflies on the leaves. If so, you can use a pyrethrin-based insecticidal soap to get rid of them. Harvest the fennel leaves. You can start harvesting the fennel leaves once the plant becomes well-established. Don't take too many leaves at once though, or you might harm the plant. The fennel leaves can be used to add an aromatic, anise or licorice flavor to soups, salads and other Mediterranean-style diets. If you use fennel regularly, try planting multiple plants. Harvest one plant a week, but remember to keep watering and fertilizing the plant after harvest. Harvest the bulb. Florence fennel bulbs can be harvested once they reach the size of a small tennis ball, usually in late summer/early autumn. To harvest, cut the fennel below the bulb at the soil line. Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator for several days. Fennel bulbs will survive a frost or two, so there is no rush to harvest them as soon as the weather turns cold. However, you shouldn't allow the fennel bulb to grow too large, or it will turn bitter. Harvest the fennel seeds. Fennel seeds can be harvested as soon as they're ripe and the plant's flowers have turned brown. The seeds are very loose, so the best way to collect them is to place a large bowl or sheet underneath the plant and shake the seed head. Alternatively, you can wrap the seed heads with cheesecloth while you're cutting the stalks and remove the seeds later. Allow the seeds to dry completely, then store them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. They will keep for up to six months. Leave the fennel to grow as a perennial. Fennel grows as a hardy perennial between USDA hardiness zones 5 and 10. It self-sows very easily, so if it has bloomed once, the seeds will have likely fallen to the ground, allowing it to re-emerge the following spring. Every spring, you should fertilize your fennel patch with a standard fertilizer, or nourish the soil with some fresh (preferably homemade ) compost. However, in northern zones (or areas where winter temperatures regularly drop below 15 degrees F/ -10 degrees C) fennel should be treated as an annual and will need to be replanted each spring. | Choose a fennel variety. Plant the fennel outdoors. Plant the fennel indoors. Care for the fennel. Harvest the fennel leaves. Harvest the bulb. Harvest the fennel seeds. Leave the fennel to grow as a perennial. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Popliteal-Pulse | How to Find the Popliteal Pulse | The popliteal pulse is located at the back of the knee and can be challenging to locate. To find this pulse, first, have the person lie flat and flex their knee at a 45-degree angle. Hold their leg with one hand and curl your fingers underneath their knee with your other hand. Use the tips of your index and middle fingers to gently compress the artery. If you've found it, you should feel a soft, regular beat. Look at a watch or a clock as you count the beats. A healthy pulse should be below 99 beats a minute and have a regular rhythm. | Get the patient to lie flat. The popliteal pulse can be more difficult to detect than other pulses, so you want to make sure you have good access to the area. Start by having the patient lie down flat on their back if possible. If it is not possible for them to get on their back, have them lie down on their side. Relaxation is critical to detecting the popliteal pulse. Let the patient know they should allow the leg to go limp. If they are struggling, it may help to take them through some guided breathing. Flex the knee. Once the patient is lying down, help them flex their knee to a forty-five degree angle by lifting their leg up by the sides of the knee. Feel for the artery. Place one hand under the knee for support, and curl your fingers under the knee with the other hand. Use the fingertips to feel for the artery. The artery may feel firmer than the surrounding area, and will provide some resistance when pressed. Try not to press too hard, as this could cause discomfort for the other person. Compress against the artery. Use the tips of your index and middle fingers to compress against the artery. Push slowly and softly, feeling for the pulse. Do not push too hard, as this could cause you to lose the feeling of the pulse. Push just until you feel the beat in the artery. Try not to use your thumb as you look for the pulse, as your thumb has its own pulse that may obstruct the reading. Feel for the pulse rate. The pulse rate is the number of beats per minute you feel while taking the pulse. You can either count for a full 60 seconds to get the pulse rate, or count for 30 seconds and double the number of beats for a solid estimate. For an adult, a resting pulse of between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered within a normal range. If the person was active or under stress immediately before or during the reading, the pulse may be higher. Too high or too low a pulse rate could indicate a critical problem. Seek medical help immediately if a pulse is unexpectedly outside of the normal range. Pay attention to the rhythm. A healthy pulse should have a steady “lub-dub” rhythm. If you are unfamiliar with what this feels like, check your own pulse on your neck or wrist as an indicator. The popliteal pulse should have the same rhythm. If the rhythm is off, seek immediate medical attention. Check the dorsalis pedis (DP) pulse. The DP pulse can be used to check for some of the same complications as the popliteal pulse. If you cannot feel the popliteal pulse, look for a pulse in the blood vessels running down the center of the foot. Feel for a pulse as you would with any other vessel. Place your index and middle finger over the center of the patient's foot. Look for signs of infection or disease. Look at the patient's legs and check for signs of complications such as ulcers, varicose veins, changes in color or pallor, and blackening or missing toes at the extremities. Also, feel for warmth or coolness in the foot. Feeling hot can indicate a problem like an infection, while feeling cold can indicate an occlusion. These signs could be an indicator of critical medical problems that need immediate attention. Feel the firmness of the artery. When taking the pulse, the popliteal artery may feel more firm than the area surrounding it, but it shouldn't be hard. If the artery is hard or overly firm, let a doctor know immediately. | Get the patient to lie flat. Flex the knee. Feel for the artery. Compress against the artery. Feel for the pulse rate. Pay attention to the rhythm. Check the dorsalis pedis (DP) pulse. Look for signs of infection or disease. Feel the firmness of the artery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Gravel-Garden | How to Make a Gravel Garden | To start your gravel garden, clear the area by removing any weeds and plants that are there. Then, till the soil with compost and roll out the weed membrane in strips across the garden. After you've cut the membrane to fit the garden, secure the overlapping parts of the membrane with weights or landscape pins. Then, cut crosses where you'd like to place your plants, and dig holes to plant them in the ground. Finally, spread the gravel 2 inches deep across the garden. | Pull weeds and remove all plants from the garden. Carefully remove the plants that you want to keep and place them to the side of the garden or in pots temporarily. When digging up the plants you want to keep, be sure not to sever any of the roots or separate the root ball at the bottom of the plant. If you're going to be doing the project over a few days, wrap the roots of the plant in a plastic bag and mist them with water to keep them alive. Removing the weeds before you begin working will keep them from growing back once you lay the gravel. Till the soil with compost or manure to encourage growth. Adding compost or manure to your gravel garden will improve the soil composition and make it easier for the plants to grow there. Use a rake or garden till to dig about 4 inches (10 cm) into the ground and mix the dirt and compost or manure together. If you come across any large stones, put them to the side to incorporate into the gravel. You can find compost or manure at most home improvement stores or nurseries, or you can make your own compost pile at home. Dig a border around the garden and add an edger to improve drainage. If you have heavy soil, such as clay, you'll need some extra drainage for the garden. Get enough edger, which is a metal strip, to border your entire gravel garden. Bury it 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep so it's level with or just above the ground. The edger will define a permanent border between the gravel garden and your lawn or other garden beds and keep the gravel in place. Then, dig a border about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) wide and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) deep around the garden inside the edger. Fill the border with gravel to increase air in the soil and remove excess water that the plants can't use. For gardens with regular soil, this step isn't necessary, but adding a border won't hurt your garden if you like the look of it. Measure the area of the garden and cut the weed membrane to size. Most weed membrane comes in large strips. Simply roll out the membrane and cut it to fit the shape of your garden. Be sure to use sharp scissors because the membrane can sometimes be difficult to cut. Then, lay the next strip with about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of overlap on the sides. Try to keep the membrane in straight lines to avoid wasting any material. Secure the membrane with weights or pins at overlapping points. To hold the membrane in place, you can use larger rocks that you've gathered, or special landscape staples. Place the rocks or staples about 2 feet (0.61 m) apart on the overlapping areas of the membrane. You can find landscape staples at most home improvement stores, or you can order them in bulk online. The number of staples needed will depend on the size of your garden and how many pieces of weed membrane you'll use. Select the plants that you’d like to have in your garden. Cacti, succulents, grasses, daisies, Mediterranean plants, and many herbs will thrive in the gravel garden because they require less water than other plants. Look for plants like lavender, yucca, lilies, juniper trees, lilacs, or stonecrop at your local nursery or home improvement store. If you have soil with a lot of clay in it, select larger and more established plants to ensure that their roots will attach to the soil when you plant them. Position your plants and cut the membrane where you will plant them. Once the membrane is in place, you can organize your garden how you'd like. Place your plants in groups of 2-3 different flowers or shrubs that look good together. Then, use scissors to cut a cross in the soil that is big enough to fit the roots of the plant when the flaps are folded back. For an eye-catching look, pair flowers, like lilies, with large shrubs, like juniper trees, to create a pop of color when the flowers bloom. Try to avoid planting smaller plants, like stonecrop, underneath of large bushes that might cast a shadow on them for part of the day. Make sure you give the plants enough space to grow to their full width! For most plants, their maximum size will be listed on the tag or you can look it up online. Avoid cutting a hole for the plant, because this makes the weed membrane useless in that area. Cutting a cross allows the membrane to be as close to the plant as possible to protect it from weeds. Dig holes for the plants and lower them into the soil. Fold the flaps of the membrane back and dig a hole just large enough to fit the plant and its roots. Lower the plant into the ground and cover it with the soil, pressing on the ground around the roots of the plant to level the ground. Add compost to the hole to provide extra nutrients for your plants. This is especially important when using a membrane/weed barrier as the soil beneath the gravel won't be naturally enriched with organic matter. Avoid letting soil fall onto the membrane while you're planting. If some does get onto the membrane, wipe it off before you lay the gravel. Tuck the membrane flaps under the the plant and water thoroughly. Fold the flaps back under the plant and make sure there are no gaps where you can see soil. Water each plant for about 30 seconds to saturate the soil before you lay the gravel. If the membrane is lifting, you can use a landscape pin or rock to hold it in place. Spread the gravel mulch over the membrane. Distribute the gravel around the garden as evenly as possible, pouring it over the membrane all over the garden. As a general rule 55 pounds (25 kg) of gravel will cover about 0.7 square yards (0.59 m ) of the garden at a depth of about 2 inches (5.1 cm). You can order the gravel in bulk or buy it in bags from the home improvement store. You can add large rocks or boulders to the area before you spread the gravel to add variety. Depending on the size of your garden and grade of the gravel, you might have to buy more or less gravel to cover the entire area of the garden. If your garden isn't a square, measure the shape of a square around the garden and use the leftover gravel to fill in bare spots as needed throughout the year. Use a rake to level the gravel to about 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick. When you first apply the gravel, you'll have some areas that are deeper than others. Pull a rake across the garden in straight lines to distribute the gravel evenly across the garden. If you have some areas that are still deeper than others, use a shovel to remove some of the gravel and then rake it smooth. Be careful when you're leveling the gravel to not interfere with the plants. When you reach a plant, use the rake to go around the plant and even the gravel without damaging the leaves or pulling it from the ground. Water around the plants twice a week with a gentle stream until they are established. Your new plants may take up to a month before their roots are established in the soil. Water each plant for 30 seconds twice per week for a month to ensure that they're growing and forming roots. After a month, you can cut back your watering to an as-needed basis. For areas that don't get a lot of rain, water the garden once per month or more depending on your climate and the needs of your specific plants to ensure the plants have enough water. Be sure to use a mist or gentle stream to keep the gravel from moving when you water the plants. This applies to all plants, even watering succulents and cacti , to ensure that their roots become established in the soil. Be vigilant about weeding around the plants to prevent overgrowth. The first year of a gravel garden requires a lot of maintenance, especially around the new plants. Keep an eye out for weeds that might've grown through gaps in the membrane or around the base of your plants. Pull them as soon as you see them sprout from the gravel. After the first year, your plants will be more established and there will be fewer weeds to pull. | Pull weeds and remove all plants from the garden. Till the soil with compost or manure to encourage growth. Dig a border around the garden and add an edger to improve drainage. Measure the area of the garden and cut the weed membrane to size. Secure the membrane with weights or pins at overlapping points. Select the plants that you’d like to have in your garden. Position your plants and cut the membrane where you will plant them. Dig holes for the plants and lower them into the soil. Tuck the membrane flaps under the the plant and water thoroughly. Spread the gravel mulch over the membrane. Use a rake to level the gravel to about 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick. Water around the plants twice a week with a gentle stream until they are established. Be vigilant about weeding around the plants to prevent overgrowth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Insurance-Underwriter | How to Become an Insurance Underwriter | If you want to become an insurance underwriter, start by studying hard in your math classes in high school. Also, consider taking math-related electives, such as statistics, or joining the Math Club. After high school, get a degree in business, accounting, or math. While you're still in school, or right after you graduate, try to find an internship at an insurance company so you can learn about the business. Once you have some experience, apply for a position as a junior underwriter, and work your way up to a senior position. | Focus on your high school education. To be an underwriter, you need stellar math skills, so don't be afraid to dive deeply into your math classes. You may also want to take statistics or accounting as an elective if possible. If your school offers them, you should take classes that introduce you to the law and business practices; if your school doesn't, consider taking some concurrently at a local community college if you can. Get a bachelor's degree. You can become an underwriter with pretty much any bachelor's degree, so you don't need to start over if you already have a degree. Nonetheless, most companies would prefer you have a degree in business, accounting, or law or that you at least took some classes in those areas. Math and economic degrees are also helpful. Gain experience. One of the best ways to build up experience is to work as intern. Most big companies will hire interns, including insurance companies. Look for internship positions on the job section of big insurance websites, but you may also be able to find internships through your university. You can work over the summer, or you can try tackling it during the year, as well. Sometimes, you can even earn course credit for internships. Most companies are well aware that you are there to learn as well as provide work. They'll provide you with training sessions you won't get in college, as well as allow you to network with people in the field. Graduate with a good GPA. While it's not essential to have a 4.0 GPA, a higher GPA may help when you're applying for your first job. You can list it on your resume when you're first on the job market. Learn to be analytical. You need to be able to take data and pull the important information out of it to help you solve problems. Your math and statistics classes will help with this skill. Work on being analytical when going about your day-to-day life. For instance, when looking at an online article, analyze the presented facts to see if they add up to the conclusion the writer is making. In addition, go beyond the article to see if other data supports the writer's conclusion. This process will slowly teach you to pull out what information is important and use that information to make an informed decision. Work on your decision-making skills. Insurance underwriting is not the place for indecisiveness. You need to be able to look at what you analyzed and make a decision. One way to build decision-making skills is to analyze decisions in your everyday life. If you're trying to buy a camera, take the time to evaluate the information available. Decide what is most important to you in a camera, and see which models measure up. Pay attention to detail. Many classes can teach you how to pay attention to detail, from grammar classes to chemistry to math and statistics. Most of the time, paying attention to detail just means having the patience to be thorough and to go over everything with a fine-tooth comb, sometimes multiple times. Learn to write it down. You don't need to be able to remember every detail in your head. Use your computer and paper to your advantage. You'll be able to make connections on paper that you may not be able to in your head. You can teach yourself to pay closer attention to detail by trying a detail-oriented hobby, such as logic puzzles, stained glass, or even knitting. These types of hobbies will teach you to focus on the nitty-gritty details, which can help you in your professional life as well. Learn to communicate. You have to be able to deal with people, as you will need to convey why you will or will not insure somebody, for instance. You'll also need to talk to various professionals, such as medical professionals, to find out more about a person before making a decision. One way to improve your communication skills is to take a speech class. Though you won't be giving speeches (most of the time), speech class may help you build confidence when talking to others. English classes are also important, as they help you build skills in written communication. You can also try getting any job in customer service or retail, as you constantly must deal with people, and it can help build up your skills. Find an insurance company you want to work for. If you don't want to move, try to find one in your area. If you're interested in what the company stands for before applying, look at the mission statements and recent news on the company. Consider what the company specializes in. If you're more interested in the medical side, make sure to apply at companies that offer medical insurance. If you're more interested in insuring cars, try a car insurance company. Look at benefits. Salary is important, but other benefits are important as well, such as vacation time, a flexible work schedule, and things like gym memberships. Look for interesting perks that show the company values you as an employee. For instance, Nationwide offers "Life Resource Counselors." These counselors help with everyday problems, such as finding a plumber or finding a nursing home for your parents. Another thing to look at is voluntary turnover rates. For instance, Aflac only has a 5 percent turnover rate, meaning most people want to stay in their jobs at that company. Apply for junior underwriter. The position of junior underwriter is usually an entry-level position. Another name for this position is assistant underwriter. However, getting any entry level position can help you get your foot in the door. You can always transfer to the department you want later. Use your internship experience. If you did work as an intern, apply for a job at the same company. Many companies are more willing to hire someone they know has a good work ethic, and if you've proved yourself as an intern, you'll have an easier time getting in the door. However, even if you don't apply at the same company, you can use your experience to help you gain a position. You actually worked at an insurance company, whereas many of your peers coming out of college may not have that same experience. Work for several years. Most certifications require that you have experience in the field before becoming certified. For instance, The Institutes requires 2 years of experience in insurance for some certifications, where you worked for at least 17.5 hours a week. This time must have been completed in the past 5 years. The Institutes is one of the major organizations that provides certification to the insurance industry. Choose your certification. Once you're a junior underwriter, it should be obvious which certification is best for you. In fact, your company will likely have a preferred certification for you to obtain and will also likely sponsor you for certification. For instance, The Institutes offers certification in Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Commercial Underwriting. Matriculate. Just like college, you'll need to matriculate with the certification program you choose. Usually, this process just means submitting a form and fee. It means you're joining the program officially. You don't have to do it right away, but you should do it pretty early. Do the coursework. All certification requires that you take coursework before taking exams. For instance, the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter certification requires that you take about eight classes. Four of those classes are "foundation" courses, while 3 are from a concentration you'll chose; the last one is an elective option. Each one will take you 4 to 8 weeks, on average. You take these classes online, studying textbooks and course material to pass the exam at the end of class. Pass an exam. The exams can vary from certification to certification. For instance, in the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter certification, you take an exam at the end of each class. However, you also must take an exam on ethics at the end of your certification process, unless you already took a course on it. Pick a specialty. Different companies specialize in different areas. If you're specialized, you'll be more likely to be needed by that specific company. You can underwrite everything from medical insurance to casino insurance. Once you pick your specialty, read up in that area; in fact, it may not hurt to take a class in that area if you're able to. If you're curious what specialties are in demand, look at current job listings to see what insurance companies are looking for. Create relationships with brokers. As an underwriter, you will be working with brokers. You will be the one to decide whether a broker's clients receive insurance. Therefore, you need to be on good terms with your brokers. Make sure to establish good relationships early on with your brokers. Remember people's names. Ask how they are doing, and really mean it. Try to remember what each broker likes, and provide that kind of service. The little things will help get you noticed, as well as help establish relationships. It doesn't hurt to keep a written record of details to help you remember. These relationships will show in how much work you get done and how well you do it. Your boss will notice if you are on good terms with your brokers, which can help you move up later. Do your job well. It goes without saying that the best way to be noticed is to do your job well. In underwriting, that means paying attention to detail and creating the right plan for the right customer. The right plan will be noticed because your client will be satisfied with what you've done, and you'll get fewer complaints. A good plan will provide the coverage your customer needs, but it won't put your company up for unnecessary risk. Apply for positions. Even though sometimes you may be promoted to senior positions without applying for them, let your superiors know want to be considered by applying for positions. If you feel like you are waiting too long to move up, you can also apply for positions outside of the company. If don't actually want to move companies, you can use getting hired for other positions as leverage to move yourself up in your own company. | Focus on your high school education. Get a bachelor's degree. Gain experience. Graduate with a good GPA. Learn to be analytical. Work on your decision-making skills. Pay attention to detail. Learn to communicate. Find an insurance company you want to work for. Apply for junior underwriter. Use your internship experience. Work for several years. Choose your certification. Matriculate. Do the coursework. Pass an exam. Pick a specialty. Create relationships with brokers. Do your job well. Apply for positions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Healthy,-Shiny-Silky-Hair | How to Have Healthy, Shiny Silky Hair | With the right hair care routine, you should be able to have healthy, shiny, and silky hair. Always be gentle when washing, drying, and brushing your hair so you don't make it frizzy. Use cold water to rinse your hair and help seal its cuticles, which will make it shinier. Pat your hair dry instead of twisting and rubbing it. Heat can damage your hair so it's best to air dry your hair whenever possible and limit your use of curling and straightening irons. Every few weeks, you should also use a deep conditioner and leave it in for at least an hour, which will make your hair shiny and smooth. You can also make a natural hair mask from eggs, banana, avocados, or yogurt to moisturize your hair. | Handle your hair gently when you wash and dry it. The way you handle your hair makes a big difference in its texture and appearance. When you're rough with your hair, it can frizz up and start looking dull. Hair is a fragile material that should be handled with care, just like a delicate piece of fabric. Here's what to keep in mind: When you shampoo your hair don't roughly scrub it. Massage the shampoo into your hair and distribute it with your fingers. Rinse your conditioner in the coldest water you can stand. The cold temperature seals the cuticle and helps your hair look shiny, while hot water will cause it to frizz up and look dull. Gently squeeze the water from your hair and pat it dry with a towel instead of twisting and wringing it out. Shampoo just a few times a week. Shampooing your hair every single day causes it to dry out and become brittle. The natural oil your scalp produces to nourish your hair gets rinsed away before it can do its job. If you want your hair to stay healthy and shiny, you only really need to wash it once or twice a week, depending on your hair type. When you first cut back on how often you wash your hair, you may notice it looking oilier than normal. Your scalp is producing oil on overdrive since it's used to everyday washings. After a week or two things will balance out and your hair will look cleaner, longer. On days in between washings, when you need to perk up your hair, try dry shampoo. It's a powder you sprinkle, or an aerosol you spray, on your hair to absorb the oil, and it works like a charm. Let your hair air dry instead of using heat. The best way to keep your hair healthy is to let it dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer. The heat from the hair dryer damages the hair shaft, and if you do it every day you'll definitely see damage over time. Put that hair dryer away and let your hair dry the natural way. The same goes for other heat styling tools, like curling irons, straightening irons, and hot rollers. On days when you do want to use a hair dryer or other styling tools, apply a heat protectant serum to your hair so it doesn't get quite as damaged. Comb your hair instead of brushing it. Running a plastic-bristled brush through your hair, especially when it's wet, is almost guaranteed to cause some damage. Brushing tends to rip your hair, while combing removes the tangles without pulling it out. Use a wide-tooth comb and work out the tangles starting close to the tips and moving up to the roots. Don't use damaging treatments. Dyeing, bleaching, chemically straightening, and chemically curling your hair all damage the shaft. For the healthiest possible hair, it's best to stop these treatments and let your hair take on its natural color and texture. Your hair might not be the exact color you want, but it will be healthy, shiny and silky. If you do want to dye your hair, look into henna, honey, or tea dyeing. These natural dyes actually restore shine to your hair, rather than damaging it. You won't be able to achieve a dramatic color change, but you can go a few shades lighter or darker. Avoid restrictive hairstyles that pull out hair. Waves, wefts, dreads, and other styles that require permanently pulling your hair into a tight position can cause damage and hair loss. While some types of weaves are less damaging than others (sewn weaves are usually better than glue-ins, for example) your hair will be healthier if you forego them altogether. Condition your hair each time you shampoo. Use just enough conditioner to coat the strands of your hair without completely weighing it down. Apply the conditioner an inch or so from your roots and use a wide-toothed comb to comb it down to the tips. Rinse the conditioner with cool water for a shiny finish. If your hair tends to get very dry, try using a leave-in conditioner as well. Apply the conditioner after you get out of the shower, while your hair is still damp. It will keep your hair soft and supple until your next shampoo. Do deep conditioning treatments every few weeks. Deep conditioning treatments are a great way to make your hair look silkier and shinier. Since the treatments are so effective, you only need to do them once every week or two. Use a store-bought deep conditioner or a household oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Complete the treatment as follows: Dampen your hair and apply about a tablespoon of the deep conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute it throughout your hair. Put your hair in a high bun or ponytail at the top of your head. Cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Leave the conditioner in for at least an hour and up to eight hours. Shampoo your hair as normal to remove excess conditioner. Try a homemade hair mask. On days when you don't have time for a deep conditioning treatment but you want to give your hair an extra lift, try using a household product to enhance your hair's texture and appearance. After you wet your hair in the shower, apply a hair mask. Shampoo it out at the end of your shower. Here are homemade masks that make hair shiny and silky: One tablespoon of honey or one egg white One blended banana or avocado One tablespoon of milk or yogurt A combination of any of the above ingredients Use finishing oil or serum to add shine. If your hair tends to get frizzy and dull, hair oil or serum will smooth it down and protect it from the elements during the day. Put a few drops on your fingertips and run the serum through your hair, focusing on the tips. Look for hair serum or oil that contains one of the following nourishing ingredients: Argan oil Moroccan oil Jojoba oil Try a boar bristle brush. Most brushes are unhealthy for hair, but boar bristle brushes are specially designed to make your hair shiny and smooth. The bristles are the same texture as human hair, and they pull your hair's natural oil from the roots to the tips for a nourishing conditioning treatment. These brushes also stimulate the scalp, which promotes hair growth. The night or morning before you plan to shampoo your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles. Brush your hair with a boar bristle brush for about 10 minutes to distribute the oils. Wait at least an hour before shampooing. Be healthy from the inside out. Your diet and other health habits have a big effect on the texture of your hair. When you eat plenty of protein, nutrients, and healthy fats, your hair looks shiny and healthy. When you don't, your hair is the first place it shows. Watch and see how your hair improves when you do the following: Eat food that contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. Salmon, sardines, avocados, nuts, and flaxseeds are all excellent for promoting healthy hair growth. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When you're dehydrated, your hair can end up getting dry and brittle. Avoid smoking cigarettes. Smoke damage can make hair look dull and dried out. Use natural hair products. Ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner may be making your hair look dry and dull instead of silky and shiny. Switch to all-natural shampoos and conditioners that nourish your hair instead of stripping its gleam and weighing it down. Here's what to use: Choose sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are harsh cleansers used in everything from dish soap to laundry detergent, and people are starting to realize they're not very good for hair. Look for shampoos that say "sulfate-free" and are made with natural cleansers. Sulfate-free shampoos are also good for those with curly and wavy hair, because they help prevent frizz. Choose a silicone-free conditioner. Silicons are added to conditioner because they make hair look shiny and smooth after the first few applications. Unfortunately, over time they build up in your hair and cause it to look weighed-down and dull. You're better off with silicone-free options. Massage your scalp to promote hair growth. Besides feeling great, massage promotes good circulation in the scalp, which helps your hair grow faster and stronger. Do a scalp massage every day, or at least every time you take a shower. Just place your fingers on your scalp and rub it using a gentle circular motion. To enhance your massage, try using coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. This is especially beneficial if you're worried about thinning hair. Tea tree oil, lavender oil or cedar wood oil are also healthy for hair. Get regular trims. Trim off your split ends regularly to keep your hair in the best of health. Getting regular trims will also make your hair look shinier in appearance, since you're removing the dull, damaged parts. Choose a cut that brings out the best in your hair, and get your locks trimmed every 6-8 weeks. | Handle your hair gently when you wash and dry it. Shampoo just a few times a week. Let your hair air dry instead of using heat. Comb your hair instead of brushing it. Don't use damaging treatments. Avoid restrictive hairstyles that pull out hair. Condition your hair each time you shampoo. Do deep conditioning treatments every few weeks. Try a homemade hair mask. Use finishing oil or serum to add shine. Try a boar bristle brush. Be healthy from the inside out. Use natural hair products. Massage your scalp to promote hair growth. Get regular trims. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Bachelors-Degree-Online | How to Get a Bachelors Degree Online | To get a bachelor's degree online, first make sure that you meet all of the necessary requirements, like getting a high school diploma or GED or taking the SAT or ACT tests. Then, find a school you want to attend by reading reviews from current students online and looking for colleges or universities that offer a degree in the subject that you want to study, like biology or computer science. Don't forget to check that the school is accredited by the department of education in your country, too. | Evaluate whether you have the necessary qualities. Getting a bachelors degree online can be lonely and requires self-motivation, time management and commitment in order to complete the program in the usual 4 years. Also, not everyone may benefit from attempting higher education. It is important to consider what is the most helpful set of options for you. There are many profitable career options that do not require college education. If you need to get your GED, you might have to wait a year before you have the necessary diploma. If you have already completed an associates or bachelors degree in a related field, speak to your study coordinator to find out which of your credits you may transfer. If you are allowed to transfer credits, you'll need to take fewer online courses and might even be able to complete your bachelors degree in less than the average 4 years. Make sure you meet the entry requirements. These requirements exist in order to maintain the quality of a program. Selectivity also helps to limit class size. Each program has its own specific requirements, but in general, you'll need the following: A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential. Your SAT/ACT scores. A personal essay that states why you want to pursue a course of study. Personal, educational, or professional references. Research schools that offer the curriculum you want to study online. It is important you are able to find a program that fits your educational goals. Because you are taking your classes online, you are not limited by distance. Take your time to find a program that offers what you want. Make sure that the educational institute is accredited, recognized by the department of education in your country. This ensures that the quality of education meets the standards expected of a school in your country. Find out which classes they offer as a part of your studies and make sure they cover the subjects in which you're interested. Research your school. Find out what current or former students say about their online learning experience at the educational institute you're considering. Reviews are a great way to know more about a school. There are also a great number of ranking websites that can provide similar information, such as US News and World Report. Be sure to know your program and your school's reputation before you study with them. Check the 4-year degree completion rate and overall graduation rate for any school you wish to attend. Be wary of predatory schools, like University of Phoenix, that are expensive and have low graduation rates. You can contact former students by contacting the school's alumni association and asking them for references. They can put you in touch with people who completed the major in which you're interested. Find out if the students feel they were assisted properly in selecting classes and their majors. Ask if they were assisted properly in evaluating their ability to learn online. Inquire how flexible and engaging they find the instruction to be, and whether there are group sessions and assignments as well as individual assignments. Find out whether the school helps students find internships and work. Many schools offer great placement programs that can be extremely helpful to graduates. Ask whether the students feel that they got value for their money. Enroll in the program of your choice. This is very important, as you cannot usually just take classes. You must enroll first. Make sure that you take all the necessary steps to fully enroll in your school. Submit the necessary application materials. Be prepared to do an admissions interview, either in person or by phone. Make sure you have access to the necessary equipment. You'll need a computer with Internet access in order to participate in classes, upload your assignments and access the study materials. Text books may be required. Manage your time effectively. Successful college students know how to take charge of their time. With online degrees, it can be easy to let other activities take priority. Procrastination can injure your chances at success. Take care to manage your time such that you stay on top of your coursework. Make a study calendar. Online students need structure. By making a strong schedule and planning your calendar ahead of time, you can help ensure you get your work done. Know when to relax and when to pull an all-nighter. There are definite times to celebrate, take it easy, and relax during a semester. But if you don't know when to fire on all pistons, you may put your grades at risk. Do a little bit of schoolwork every day. This can make classes seem less overwhelming. Follow all guidelines. It is easy to overlook a detail, but that is not the same as being lazy. Read everything carefully. Deadlines and instructions are not negotiable in most cases. You do not want to jeopardize your academic career by not carefully considering all the guidelines in each assignment, class or program. Pay close attention to any syllabus you are given. Double check periodically on particular deadlines. Keep a schedule of due dates for easy reference. Pick classes you are more likely to do well in. If you find yourself unable to pass a class, look for another way to satisfy the requirement. Talk to an academic counselor or adviser with your program to see if any accommodations can be made. Remember that your school wants you to graduate as much as you do. Students are more likely to succeed with material they find engaging. Take a college transition class if offered. These “college skills” courses are designed to help people ease into college. For people who have struggled in the past, these courses can make a big difference in student outcomes. Free up your schedule to accommodate your classes and necessary study hours. If necessary, make arrangements to postpone or reschedule other responsibilities that conflict with your online study times. School is a top priority. You are not only supposed to treat it with the respect you might give a paying job, you have to pay for it. Don't waste your money or disrespect your hard work by not giving school the proper time. Take fewer hours at work. Reduce time spent on leisure activities. Ask for help. If you're finding it difficult to use the online software or maintain your study schedule, talk to your student adviser and ask for assistance. Your teachers are there to provide you with help. In addition, many schools offer other kinds of supplementary assistance. Make certain you have met all degree requirements. The last thing you want to do is find out you have one last class to take, right before you graduate. Pay careful attention that you meet every last requirement for graduation. Contact registrar or student services to see if your requirements will be met on time. File to graduate on time. Many schools require that you file or announce your intent to graduate by a certain date. In some cases, you may not be permitted to graduate if you have not filed to do so on time. Even if you have met the requirements, you may be made to wait until the end of he next term to graduate. This could potentially harm employment chances or moving on to other postgraduate education. Pay your tuition and fees. Many schools will withhold a diploma until you pay all the fees associated with attending the program. Be sure that you will have covered any due costs you may have incurred, to insure you graduate in a timely manner. See if there are special fees associated with graduation. Make sure you do not owe any fines for lost or damaged materials if you rented them from your school. Be sure that you are current with your tuition. Accept/order your diploma. This is one of the best parts for most people. It is possible to decline the diploma, and so it is a step that you must choose in order to complete the degree. Unless you have a well-thought and supported reason to do so, you should not decline the degree. | Evaluate whether you have the necessary qualities. Make sure you meet the entry requirements. Research schools that offer the curriculum you want to study online. Research your school. Enroll in the program of your choice. Make sure you have access to the necessary equipment. Manage your time effectively. Follow all guidelines. Pick classes you are more likely to do well in. Free up your schedule to accommodate your classes and necessary study hours. Ask for help. Make certain you have met all degree requirements. File to graduate on time. Pay your tuition and fees. Accept/order your diploma. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Your-Hair-for-School | How to Do Your Hair for School | To do your hair for school, make a trendy ponytail by covering your typical hair tie with a scrunchy, ribbon, or bow. Alternatively, create a flipped ponytail by parting your hair just above the hair tie to your ponytail, passing the ponytail through the hole, and securing it with a bow or hair clip. If you have shorter hair, work some gel into your hair from the roots, giving it a spiky look. | Make a trendy ponytail. With one hand, brush or pull your hair back, trying to avoid fly-away strands. With the other hand, grab a hair tie and slip the ponytail through the elastic. Twist the elastic, forming a figure-8 and pull the hair through again. Keep twisting the elastic and pulling your hair through until the elastic is tight. Consider covering the hair tie with a scrunchie, a ribbon, or a bow or ribbon in your school colors. If you don't want any hair ties visible, take a strand of hair and wrap it around the base of your ponytail several times, covering the hair tie. Tuck the end into your hair tie, under your hair. Secure the hair strand using a bobby pin. You can wear your ponytail low at the base of your neck, high on the top of your head, or medium high at the very back of your head. You can even wear it on the side of your head. Create a flipped ponytail. This style is also known as an upside down ponytail. Start with a ponytail. Make a hole in your hair just above the hair tie, between the back of your head and the tie. Be sure to keep equal hair on either side of the hole. Pass the ponytail through the hole, and give it a tug. You can then tie a scrunchy or a bow around the base of the ponytail. You can also add a bow hair clip above it. Look sophisticated with a simple bun. Start with a high ponytail on top of your head. Take your ponytail and twist it into a rope, then wrap it around the elastic as many times as you can. While holding the hair in place with one hand, start securing the bun with some bobby pins. Place a bobby pin in the front, back, left, and right side of the bun, then place another bobby pin between them. Finally, spritz the bun with a small amount of hairspray, and smooth down any flyaway strands with a little bit more hairspray. Add a bit of detail to the bun by braiding a strand of hair and wrapping it around the bun. Secure the braid with a bobby pin. Create a messy bun. Start with a high ponytail. Twist your hair into a rope, and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, creating a bun-shape. Secure your hair by wrapping a hair tie around the base of your bun—be sure to get the hair tie over the ends of your hair. Shake your head around and pull a few pieces out until you get the messiness you want. Consider doing a half-up, half-down style. To do this, gather a small section of hair at the top of your head (about eye level and up). Pull it towards the back of your head. You can clip it in place or tie it using a smaller hair tie. Consider curling or straightening your hair. Make a simple braid. Start by separating your hair into three even sections. Then, take the section of hair to the left and cross it over so that it ends up between the other two sections. Then, take the section on the right and cross that over so that it ends up between the other two sections. Repeat these steps until you have about an inch or two left of hair. Tie the braid off with a hair tie. You can make one braid at the back of your head, or two braids to either side of your head. If you are making two braids, start them behind your ear. Keep your bangs out of the way by pinning them back. For a more interesting look, consider twisting them one or twice before pinning them. Wear longer hair in braids, ponytails, or buns. You wear high ponytails, low ponytails, buns, one braid, or two braids. You can even try French braiding your hair. Put your hair in a braid the night before and take it out in the morning; this will make your hair wavy. If you have a little more time on your hands, curl your hair and put it in loose-side ponytails, or curl random parts and let it be slightly messy, or put it up in a messy bun. Consider leaving a bit of your bangs in a side parting and the rest of you hair in a high/side ponytail. Pin shoulder-length hair back using bobby pins. You can do this with one section, on the top of your head, or on either side of your head in two sections. Curl or straighten medium-length hair. You can't do as much with it as you can with long hair but you still have some options for making it look fantastic. In pressed time put your hair into a messy bun, or just brush it and wear it down. If you got up early and want to be adventurous, then take your straightener and straighten your hair. Then, just at the ends, turn the straightener out so you will get flicks. Use your curler or straightener (whatever you prefer) and curl your hair. Make the curls really tight or loose. Also, curl bits of hair and clip your fringe back. Use hair gel or hair wax to spike short hair. Apply a small amount of gel or wax to the palm of your hand and rub it between your fingers. Next, run your fingers through your hair and start fluffing it upwards, starting from the roots. If you have ethnic or naturally-kinky hair, get it cornrowed. Be sure to keep your head wrapped up with a silk scarf or a net to prevent your cornrows from getting messed up while sleeping. Wash and condition your hair before redoing the cornrows the next week. Use hair gel or hair spray to tame any new growths experienced during the week. Keep short, naturally-kinky hair out of the way with a cloth headband. Pull the headband down over your head so that it is around your neck like a collar, then tug the part that's in front of your up over your face. Position it so that it is resting right at the top of your head. Gently tug the sides of the headband behind your hairs. Use bobby pins and headbands to keep your bangs out of the way. You won't be able to concentrate well in school if you keep on having to mess with your bangs. Luckily, bobby pins and headbands come in many different colors and patterns—try getting some that match your outfit or your school's colors. Keep your hair back with a headband. You can use a metal or plastic headband, or a cloth one that wraps around your entire head. Headbands work on just about any hair length. For a chic, boho look, choose a flower crown or wrap a colorful scarf around your head, like a headband. Look cute and girly with a few bows. You can purchase some simple clip-on bows and put then right above a ponytail, or you can tie a ribbon around the end of a braid. Keep up the school spirit by choosing your school colors. Avoid using too many or too big accessories. Putting a massive flower on your hair for school might be a bad idea because it might not only get you into trouble, but it might also earn you a few mean laughs. Consider using a small hair accessory or two instead. | Make a trendy ponytail. Create a flipped ponytail. Look sophisticated with a simple bun. Create a messy bun. Consider doing a half-up, half-down style. Make a simple braid. Keep your bangs out of the way by pinning them back. Wear longer hair in braids, ponytails, or buns. Pin shoulder-length hair back using bobby pins. Curl or straighten medium-length hair. Use hair gel or hair wax to spike short hair. If you have ethnic or naturally-kinky hair, get it cornrowed. Keep short, naturally-kinky hair out of the way with a cloth headband. Use bobby pins and headbands to keep your bangs out of the way. Keep your hair back with a headband. Look cute and girly with a few bows. Avoid using too many or too big accessories. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Cytauxzoonosis-in-Cats | How to Diagnose Cytauxzoonosis in Cats | To diagnose cytauxzoonosis in cats, look for symptoms, like loss of appetite, breathing troubles, or a fever. You can also check to see if its ears, eyes, or gums are turning yellow, which is a sign of jaundice, another symptom of cytauxzoonosis. If you suspect your cat may have cytauxzoonosis, take it to the vet immediately since the disease can escalate quickly, and is often fatal. After your vet performs a physical exam, expect them to recommend diagnostic tests, including blood work and tissue samples, to confirm the diagnosis. | Observe a loss of appetite. A cat infected with C. felis will start showing signs of cytauxzoonosis within 5‒14 days of infection. Anorexia is a common sign of the disease. Pay attention to whether your cat is eating less than usual. Notice breathing troubles. C. felis enters a cat's body as sporozoites (spore-like stage of parasite development). These sporozoites invade large white blood cells (WBCs) and develop into schizonts (a type of cell). Infected WBCs go to a cat's veins and block blood flow. If schizonts block blood flow in the lungs, a cat can develop breathing trouble. If your cat has breathing troubles, it will start breathing rapidly or exert a lot of effort to take deep breaths. Listen to your cat vocalize. A cat with cytauxzoonosis will feel pain all over its body. To demonstrate this pain, a cat will vocalize loudly. If you hear your cat wailing loudly, it's probably in a lot of pain from the disease. Check your cat for jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of various parts of the body due to liver problems. Cytauxzoonosis can cause jaundice. Look at your cat's eyes, ears, and gums to see if they are turning yellow. Instead of looking yellow, the gums may look pale due to low levels of red blood cells (RBCs). Look for signs of depression. Cats with cytauxzoonosis are frequently depressed. Signs of depression in cats are below: Loss of appetite Avoiding human interaction Sleeping more than usual Less playful Strange behavior (no longer using the litter box, becoming more aggressive, grooming less often) Take your cat’s temperature. Cats with cytauxzoonosis develop very high fevers, indicating a severe infection. A cat's normal body temperature is 100‒102.8 degrees Fahrenheit (38‒39 degrees Celsius). With cytauxzoonosis, the temperature can go as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). You can take the temperature by ear or rectally. Ear temperatures are usually less reliable than rectal temperatures. To take the rectal temperature , coat the thermometer with lube, such as KY jelly. Holding your cat with its hind end facing you, gently insert the thermometer about 2 inches (5 cm) into the rectum and hold it there until you hear it beep. If you're not comfortable taking the temperature (or your cat won't let you), your vet can do so. As cytauxzoonosis gets worse, a cat can become very cold. Detect neurologic problems. As cytauxzoonosis progresses, a cat can start showing neurologic signs. For example, a cat may have trouble walking or start having seizures. A cat's pupils may also start moving rapidly and uncontrollably. Look for these neurologic signs in your cat. Signs of seizures in cats include body twisting, muscle twitching, salivating, and rigid limbs. Take your cat to your vet. Cytauxzoonosis causes severe illness very quickly and is often fatal. If your cat is showing signs of this disease, do not delay in taking it to your vet for diagnosis and treatment. Let your vet examine your cat. Before running any diagnostic tests, your vet will perform a thorough physical examination of your cat. In addition to the physical signs mentioned above, your vet will touch your cat to feel for an enlarged spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. They will also see if your cat is dehydrated. The disease-causing tick may or may not be on your cat at the time of your appointment. Allow your vet to take a blood sample. Analyzing your cat's blood will help your vet diagnose cytauxzoonosis. First, they will look at blood cell counts (complete blood count) and levels of other substances in the blood (blood chemistry). On the results, your vet will see low counts of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. They will also see elevated liver enzyme levels. Your vet will also look at your cat's blood with a microscope (blood smear). On the blood smear, your vet will be able to see schizonts in WBCs. They may also see merozoites (what gets released from the schizonts) in RBCs. RBCs are usually not infected until late in the disease. If your vet doesn't see infected RBCs on one day, they may want to take blood samples each day after that to continue looking at the cells. Have your vet take tissue samples. Frequently, seeing C. felis on a blood smear is enough to diagnose cytauxzoonosis. Sometimes, though, blood smears don't show C. felis. If this happens, your vet will want to take a tiny tissue sample from your cat's spleen, liver, or lymph nodes to look for the organism. This sample is called a fine needle aspirate (FNA). To take an FNA, your vet will anesthetize your cat. They will then use an ultrasound machine to identify the affected organ. Your vet will use the image of the affected organ to guide a long, thin needle into the organ and pull up a tissue sample into the needle. Your vet will analyze the tissue sample with a microscope. | Observe a loss of appetite. Notice breathing troubles. Listen to your cat vocalize. Check your cat for jaundice. Look for signs of depression. Take your cat’s temperature. Detect neurologic problems. Take your cat to your vet. Let your vet examine your cat. Allow your vet to take a blood sample. Have your vet take tissue samples. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tiropita | How to Make Tiropita | To make tiropita, start by mixing crumbled feta cheese and beaten eggs and refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes. Then, while that's in the fridge, cut some filo sheets into strips that are 4 inches wide. Next, lay one of the strips out on some wax paper and brush it with warm, melted butter. Once you've done that, spoon some of the feta and egg mixture onto the end and then fold the filo sheet up so it looks like a stuffed triangle. Finally, repeat with the rest of the sheets and mixture before baking the tiropita at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. | Crumble the feta cheese. A pair of forks works well. Beat the eggs. Mix the beaten eggs into the feta. Refrigerate this filling mixture for about 30 minutes. The refrigeration step is optional, but it gives you time to prepare everything else. Melt the butter over low heat and keep it warm. You can clarify the butter by skimming off the white solids. Keep the butter warm in a small crock pot, over a very low flame, or by storing it in a heavy, ceramic pot. You can microwave it for a few seconds now and then to reheat. Unfold the filo and spread it on waxed paper . Measure the filo on the short side and decide if you will cut it into two, three, or four strips. It's better to have strips that are too wide than too narrow. Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the filo sheets into strips about 4 inches (10cm) wide. You can cut a stack of several sheets at once. Folding the dough back along itself as you go can help to keep the cuts straight and parallel to the edge. Work with a moderate number of sheets at a time , perhaps a dozen or so. Roll extra sheets tightly in waxed paper and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to work with them. Filo that dries out tears much more easily. Spread a generous length of waxed paper onto a table and have the filling, melted butter, pastry brush, trays or baking sheets, and filo close at hand. Lay a strip of filo on waxed paper and brush it generously with warm, melted butter. The butter makes the filo bake to a flaky crisp. (In the photo, instead of waxed paper, there's a blue silicone baking sheet, for contrast.) Place one to two tablespoons of the feta mixture on one end of a strip of filo. You can eyeball the quantity according to the size of the strip. Fold the filo around the filling on a diagonal so that the corner meets the opposite edge. Fold the tiropita straight up, following the edge. Repeat the diagonal and straight folding until you reach the end. If there is a bit of extra, tuck it in or simply fold it around and stick it to the outside. This is the same fold used for the United States flag , after it has been folded in half twice. Brush the entire outside surface with more melted butter. Lay the tiropita on a baking sheet in a single layer with a little space in between them. If you are making the tiropita before an event, you can stack them between sheets of waxed paper and freeze them until you are ready. Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 15-20 minutes , until golden brown and crispy. Frozen tiropita will take a little longer to bake than thawed ones. Serve hot. | Crumble the feta cheese. Mix the beaten eggs into the feta. Melt the butter Unfold the filo and spread it on waxed paper Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the filo sheets into strips about 4 inches (10cm) wide. Work with a moderate number of sheets at a time Spread a generous length of waxed paper onto a table Lay a strip of filo on waxed paper and brush it generously Place one to two tablespoons of the feta mixture on one end Fold the filo around the filling Fold the tiropita Repeat the diagonal and straight folding Brush the entire outside surface Lay the tiropita on a baking sheet Bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 15-20 minutes |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Cream-Cheese-Frosting | How to Thicken Cream Cheese Frosting | You can quickly and easily thicken cream cheese frosting with icing sugar, corn starch, or by lowering the temperature. If you don't mind the frosting getting sweeter, add 2 tablespoons of icing sugar to the frosting and mix it together until it reaches the consistency that you want. If you don't want to add additional sweetness to the frosting, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to it and stir it well to thicken it. You can add additional corn starch to thicken the frosting even more if you want to. Another simple way to thicken cream cheese frosting is to place it in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the cool air to harden the fats in the cream cheese and butter. | Add 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of icing sugar to the frosting. Measure the icing sugar into the bowl of frosting. Don't worry about packing the icing sugar into the spoon. - Just add 2 loosely packed tablespoons (16 grams). In some countries, icing sugar is called powdered sugar or confectioners sugar. This method will make the cream cheese frosting sweeter as it is adding extra sugar to the mixture. Mix the icing sugar into the frosting. Use a spoon to combine the icing sugar and the cream cheese frosting. Stop mixing the frosting as soon as the ingredients are mixed, as over-mixing can cause the frosting to become runny and less sticky. If you do over-mix the frosting, place it into the fridge for 1 hour to harden. Add an additional 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) (16 grams) of icing sugar, if necessary. If the frosting is still not thick enough, mix in an extra 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of icing sugar. Continue to add portions of icing sugar to the frosting until it reaches your desired thickness. It is best to add small amounts of icing sugar at a time, as this stops the frosting from accidentally getting too thick. Store the frosting in the fridge for up to 5 days. Transfer the frosting into an airtight container to stop it from absorbing the other smells in the fridge. If you don't have an airtight container, use a sealable bag instead. Write the date on the container to help yourself remember how long it has been in the fridge for. If you want to use the frosting at a later date, place the airtight container into the freezer for up to 3 months. Add 1 tbsp (25 g) of cornstarch if you don’t want to sweeten the frosting. One of the great things about cream cheese frosting is that it isn't as sweet as other types of frosting. Cornstarch is a good way to thicken the frosting without increasing its sweetness. Mix 1 tablespoon (25 grams) of cornstarch into the frosting. If it is still too runny, add a little more. Continue to add cornstarch until you are happy with the texture. Avoid adding more than 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) of cornstarch per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese. Adding more cornstarch than this can impact the taste of the frosting. In some countries, cornstarch is called corn flour. Refrigerate the frosting for 1 hour to thicken it without adding extra ingredients. Cream cheese will vary in thickness depending on the temperature. Transfer the frosting into an airtight container to stop it from soaking up other smells, and then place it into the fridge. The cool air will harden the fats in the cream cheese and butter, and make the icing thicker. If the cream cheese is still too soft after 1 hour, leave it in the fridge for a further 30 minutes. If the cream cheese frosting gets too hard, simply leave it at room temperature to soften. Add a small amount of meringue powder to quickly thicken the frosting. Add 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of meringue powder to the frosting per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese. Mix the meringue powder into the frosting until it is evenly dispersed. If the frosting is still not thick enough, add an extra 1 teaspoon (2.3 grams) of meringue powder. Purchase meringue powder from a speciality cooking or baking store. This option is really effective if you want to pipe the frosting onto a cake as it helps the mixture to hold its shape. Mix 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of soft butter into the frosting to make it creamier. The fats in the butter will help to thicken the cream cheese frosting and will add a rich and creamy taste. Mix the frosting with a spoon until the butter is completely dispersed in the mixture. Continue to add soft butter to the frosting until you are satisfied with its taste and consistency. If your butter is hard, simply leave it at room temperature for 1 hour to soften. Add 2 tsp (5.2 g) of arrowroot powder if you want a flavourless thickener. Arrowroot is similar to cornstarch but it has very little flavour, which makes it perfect for adding to frosting. Measure the arrowroot powder into the frosting and then mix it with a spoon until the mixture is thoroughly combined. If the mixture is still too runny, add another 2 teaspoons (5.2 grams) of arrowroot powder. | Add 2 tablespoons (16 grams) of icing sugar to the frosting. Mix the icing sugar into the frosting. Add an additional 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) (16 grams) of icing sugar, if necessary. Store the frosting in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add 1 tbsp (25 g) of cornstarch if you don’t want to sweeten the frosting. Refrigerate the frosting for 1 hour to thicken it without adding extra ingredients. Add a small amount of meringue powder to quickly thicken the frosting. Mix 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of soft butter into the frosting to make it creamier. Add 2 tsp (5.2 g) of arrowroot powder if you want a flavourless thickener. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Hermit-Crab-(Purple-Pincher) | How to Care for a Hermit Crab (Purple Pincher) | To care for a purple pincher hermit crab, keep it in a 10-gallon tank with at least 3-4 other crabs since hermit crabs are social animals. Line the bottom of the tank with a few inches of substrate, and add driftwood and plastic rocks so your hermit crabs have things to climb on and hide in. To feed your hermit crabs, make sure they have constant access to commercial crab feed, and supplement their diet with 1 serving of fruit and 1 live insect every day. | Obtain a glass 10 US gal (38 L) tank. This is a great starter size for someone relatively new to owning crabs. These tanks are relatively inexpensive. At most pet stores, 10 gallon (37.9 L) tanks cost about $13 USD and 20 US gal (76 L) tanks run closer to $30 USD. Avoid buying tank-building starter kits at pet stores, because they don't hold humidity in. Hermit crabs love to climb and have a knack for escaping their tanks. So, make sure that the tank you purchase comes with a lid, and keep the lid tightly shut once the crabs are inside! Purchase at least 3-4 hermit crabs. Purple pincher hermit crabs are social animals and don't do well in isolation. Never purchase just 1. Start out your crab collection with 3–4 animals and, if your interest in the crabs grows, you can add more crabs as years go by. Although the sizes of individual hermit crabs vary, they're typically between 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) long. As your collection increases, if you're going to house more than 3–4 crabs in your tank, or if you're caring for jumbo hermit crabs (not recommended for beginners), you will need a 20 US gal (76 L) tank. To avoid overstocking a larger tank, avoid keeping more than 6 purple pinchers in a 20 US gal (76 L) tank. Cover the bottom of the tank with 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of substrate. The best substrate for purple pincher crabs is a 1:1 blend of ordinary sand and coconut coir. Purchase both sand and coir at a local pet store, and blend them together with your hands. Then spread an even layer in the bottom of the tank. Home-improvement stores and plant nurseries may also sell coconut coir. Coconut coir is harvested from the fibrous middle of the coconut shell. In stores, it's typically sold as a dried brick that you'll need to break apart before mixing with sand. Situate 5–6 objects in the tank for crabs to hide behind. Crabs are typically nocturnal, so during the day, they'll appreciate having some objects in the cage to hide and sleep behind. Situate half a dozen objects around the tank, including things like a plastic hiding hut, full-size seashells, and chunks of choya wood or driftwood. Wash the items with soap and water before putting them in the crab's cage. You can purchase driftwood and plastic rocks at most pet stores. Pet stores should also sell genuine shells. Or, if you live near the ocean, take a walk along the shore and collect the items yourself. Hang mesh from the back of the tank for your crabs to climb. In their natural habitat, hermit crabs spend the majority of their days climbing. To replicate this in the tank, hang up a sheet of mesh. You can also purchase pieces of driftwood from your local pet store and set 2-3 of them up vertically on the edges of the cage. Unlike many other species of crab, purple pinchers don't spend much time digging. Provide 3–5 spare shells of various sizes for each crab. As they're famous for doing, hermit crabs will often switch shells. They do this when they outgrow a smaller shell, but also for the sake of change. Give your purple pinchers a few choices by situating approximately 3 shells per crab throughout the cage. Provide shells in a variety of shapes and sizes so the crabs can select a shell that suits them best. Hermit crabs can become possessive over shells, and may even fight over an especially popular one. Try adding additional shells that look like the popular one to prevent future fights. When you provide new shells, wash them in hot water before adding them to the tank. Heat the tank to a consistent temperature range of 75–85 °F (24–29 °C). Purple pincher crabs are native to regions with hot temperatures and high humidity. Place an undertank heater on 1 side of the tank to raise the overall tank temperature and create a warm zone for the crabs. Avoid letting the temperature slip below 70 °F (21 °C)—cool temperatures can be harmful and even fatal to hermit crabs. Hang a thermometer over the edge of the cage so you can easily check on the temperature from time to time. Maintain the tank’s humidity range between 70–80%. Keeping a healthy humidity range for your hermit crabs is critical for their wellbeing. Purchase a hydrometer (a device that measures humidity) from your local pet store and hang it in the tank. In most cases, the water that you'll provide for the crabs to drink will put off enough moisture to keep the humidity at a healthy level. If the humidity falls below 70%, use a plastic spray bottle to spray 10–12 bursts of dechlorinated freshwater into the tank. This will raise the humidity level. If the humidity rises above 80%, remove the top of the tank and place a sheet of mesh over the opening. This will allow the humidity to leave the tank. Clean the tank once a month with white wine vinegar and a sponge. Purple pinchers are relatively clean pets. When you notice the glass getting dirty, pour a few drops of white wine vinegar onto a sponge and wipe down the inside of the tank. While you're cleaning the tank, use a small shovel to pick up and dispose of crab waste. You can clean the tank with the crabs inside as long as they don't try to escape. If they do, pull the crabs out of the tank and set them in a second tank or a glass container that they can't climb out of. Throw away old substrate and replace it with a new blend only if it becomes oversaturated and starts to mold. Keep commercial crab feed constantly available for the crabs. Purchase a commercial crab feed from a local pet store. Place 2-3 scoops of commercial food in a small bowl and set it into the crab tank. Keep an eye on the food supply and, when it runs out, replace it. You'll likely need to replenish the food every other day. As with most species of crabs, you don't need to be concerned that the purple pinchers may overeat. Set the feed dish at least 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) away from the 2 water dishes, so that the feed doesn't get wet. Enhance crabs’ diets with fruit and insects daily. Both in nature and in captivity, purple pincher crabs are omnivorous and can eat a diverse blend of foods. They enjoy eating a variety of fruits including apples, bananas, mangoes, and papayas. Hermit crabs also eat proteins including meat, fish, and live insects. Purple pinchers will also snack on vegetables and tree leaves. To keep crabs healthy, give each crab 1 live insect and 1 small serving of fruit each day. You can give the crabs the insects and fruit at the same time, or space them out by a few hours. Don't give an individual crab more than, for example, a third of a banana. Most pet stores sell live insects that you can feed to your crabs. Crickets are a cheap, popular choice. Provide crabs 1 bowl of dechlorinated freshwater and 1 of saltwater. Purple pinchers need both fresh and saltwater to survive. The fresh water must be dechlorinated. Both of the 2 water dishes should be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep, so that the hermit crabs can completely submerge themselves in the water when they choose to. Dump out the old water and replace it with new water at least twice per week. So that your crabs don't accidentally drown in the water, lean a 4 in (10 cm) stick or other object inside the dishes so crabs can easily crawl out. | Obtain a glass 10 US gal (38 L) tank. Purchase at least 3-4 hermit crabs. Cover the bottom of the tank with 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of substrate. Situate 5–6 objects in the tank for crabs to hide behind. Hang mesh from the back of the tank for your crabs to climb. Provide 3–5 spare shells of various sizes for each crab. Heat the tank to a consistent temperature range of 75–85 °F (24–29 °C). Maintain the tank’s humidity range between 70–80%. Clean the tank once a month with white wine vinegar and a sponge. Keep commercial crab feed constantly available for the crabs. Enhance crabs’ diets with fruit and insects daily. Provide crabs 1 bowl of dechlorinated freshwater and 1 of saltwater. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Piano | How to Clean a Piano | To clean a piano, start by dusting the keys every few days with a feather duster. For a deeper clean, use a wet cloth with clean water on ivory keys or water and dish soap on plastic keys, making sure to dry the keys as you go. Next, gently rub a clean damp cloth along the outside of the piano, working in small sections, then drying the area with a soft cloth. If you need to clean the soundboard, hold a vacuum set on reverse or a compressed air nozzle a few inches away from the surface, and use vertical strokes in the direction of the strings to blow out the dust. | Dust the keys. Use a feather duster and apply light pressure to remove dust from the keys. Even dust can scratch the piano, so be very gentle. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies as well, such as between the keys. Dust the piano every couple days to prevent dust from settling on the piano and making its way into the soundboard and the action mechanism. Clean ivory keys. Find a clean white cloth made of a soft and lint-free material like flannel or microfiber. Wet the cloth with clean water, and then wring out as much of the water as possible. Clean a few keys at a time by gently rubbing them with the damp cloth in a back-to-front direction. Immediately go over those keys with a dry cloth to remove any excess water before cleaning more keys. Avoid coarse cloths, synthetic materials, and paper towels, all of which can scratch the keys. Don't use colored materials, because they can transfer dye to the piano. Don't use a side-to-side motion when cleaning, because this can push dirt and moisture down between the keys. To identify ivory keys, look for a grain that runs in the direction of the keys, fine splits, warped areas, and a matte finish. Clean plastic keys. Because plastic keys are synthetic and not porous like ivory, you can clean them with extra cleaning products if necessary. Plastic keys will always be perfectly flat and smooth, and they won't have a grain or warp marks like ivory ones. To clean plastic keys, you'll need a cloth damp with water and cleaning solution, a cloth damp with just water, and a dry cloth. Fill a small bowl with clean water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent or vinegar. Mix the solution, then dip in a clean white flannel or microfiber cloth. Wring out the excess water and gently rub a few keys using the back-to-front motion. Take the cloth that's damp with clean water and go over those keys to remove excess cleaning solution. Go over the keys with the dry cloth. Repeat with a few more keys until all the keys are clean and dry. Clean the finish. Gently rub the outside of the piano with a clean damp cloth, working in small sections, and then drying those small sections with a dry cloth. Use straight strokes in the direction of the wood grain, rather than circular motions. This will prevent swirl marks and streaks. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth, such as cotton or microfiber. This process will remove dust from the casework and remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. Make sure the cloth is just slightly damp. You don't actually want the damp cloth to leave behind any visible moisture. Polish the finish only when necessary. When polishing is necessary, apply a small amount of piano polish directly to a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently rub a small section of the piano in the direction of the grain. Be particularly delicate with corners and edges, where there's only a thin layer of finish. Then, wipe away any excess polish using a clean cloth. It's important that you use specific polish that's safe for pianos, and only polish when the piano really needs a thorough cleaning, buffing, or has some fine scratches that need to be filled. Polishing can actually damage the finish on the piano, and if it gets inside, it can damage the action components. Don't use a high-gloss polish if your piano has a lacquer finish, because lacquer finishes aren't meant to be high-gloss. Instead, use a product with a satin finish. Only use high-gloss polishes on polymer finishes. Do not use regular household furniture polish, avoid silicone-based products, avoid products with lemon oil, and don't spray aerosol products on or near the piano, because they can damage the exterior and interior of the piano. Blow dust from the soundboard. Whether you have a grand piano or an upright, you can clean out the soundboard by blowing away accumulated dust and dirt. To do this, either use a vacuum on reverse or a can of compressed air. However, it's important that you only do this if you're experienced with cleaning piano interiors, because it's very easy to damage the strings and dampers. If you have doubts, call a professional to clean inside your piano. To clean inside yourself: Hold the vacuum or compressed air nozzle a few inches (several centimeters) from the surface of the soundboard and use vertical strokes in the direction of the strings to blow out dust. Make sure that you don't touch the strings or the dampers with the vacuum nozzle, the air can, or your fingers. Blow the dust and dirt to an accessible corner of the piano, and then use a vacuum on suck mode to clean up the mess. Call a professional cleaner as an alternative. A professional has the tools, experience, and knowledge necessary to clean the action parts of your piano without damaging the delicate and sensitive components. Professional cleaners won't just clean what they can see, and they'll also remove the keys and other parts to get at dust and dirt in every nook and cranny. Wash your hands before you play. Dirty and oily hands and fingers are the major culprit that will make your piano dirty, so always wash and dry your hands well before you play. To wash your hands properly, wet them under running water and add soap. Lather your hands for at least 20 seconds, getting the fronts, backs, between the fingers, and under the nails. Rinse with running water, then pat dry with a clean towel. Protect the piano from the elements. Sun, humidity, and extreme hot and cold can age, fade, and damage your piano. Keep the piano out of direct sunlight, and store it in a temperature and humidity controlled room. Don't keep the piano near any drafts or vents, and don't store it in any room that's prone to dampness. Don't place objects directly on the piano without protection. If you do have any objects on your piano, such as a lamp or metronome, make sure they have protective felt on the base that won't scratch the surface. Never place drinks, food, or liquids on top of the piano, and never let the piano come in contact with vinyl or rubber. Close the lid when not in use. Whenever the piano isn't being used, make sure the lid is covering the keys. This will protect them from the sun, dust, dirt, and spills. | Dust the keys. Clean ivory keys. Clean plastic keys. Clean the finish. Polish the finish only when necessary. Blow dust from the soundboard. Call a professional cleaner as an alternative. Wash your hands before you play. Protect the piano from the elements. Don't place objects directly on the piano without protection. Close the lid when not in use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Wedding-Speech | How to Write a Wedding Speech | To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. | Introduce yourself to the crowd. Start by letting everyone in the bridal party and crowd know who you are. Tell them your name, role in the wedding and relation to the people getting married. Not everyone will have met you, and they'll want to know how you're connected with the bride or groom and why you've been asked to give a speech. The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words. Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don't talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple. Open with a joke. Start by telling a joke or recalling a humorous anecdote to loosen up the crowd (and yourself. Humor is very disarming, so getting everyone laughing right off the bat can help dispel some of the nerves of giving a speech. It will also get everyone to like you and make your speech more memorable if everyone is having fun. Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine. Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children. Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child. Share memories of the bride and groom. Recall some of your fondest experiences with the couple of the hour. If you've been chosen as the best man or maid of honor, chances are you have a long history with the bride or groom. Relating a special memory or inside joke will spark an emotional resonance that touches everyone listening. Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch. Offer advice or well-wishes for the future. Shift the focus of the speech to the newlyweds and their future together. Address the bride and groom directly. Wish them health, happiness, and prosperity. If you want, you can include a short parable or quote to help illustrate the piece of wisdom you're giving. If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche. Thank everyone in attendance. Bring the speech to a close by thanking the bride and groom, their parents, friends and family, everyone in attendance and even the staff setting up and catering the reception. Be gracious and make everyone feel like they're part of a wonderfully special occasion. Ask that everyone enjoy themselves and share in the bliss of the new bride and groom. Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated. Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There's no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name. Write the speech well in advance. Make sure your speech is written out and ready to be memorized two to three weeks ahead of the time you're expected to deliver it. Being asked to give a wedding speech is being entrusted with a big responsibility, so you should take it seriously. The sooner you get the speech written, the more time you'll have to study it so that when the times comes reciting it will feel like second nature. Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good. Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech. Check with the wedding planner or master of ceremonies to find out when you'll be giving your speech. Typically, speeches and toasts are reserved for the reception once everyone is seated and has begun eating and drinking, but weddings can follow very different formats. Be clear about your entrance cues and proper use of the sound and projection equipment on hand. Not knowing for certain when you're going on can make your nerves much worse. Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given. Don't spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you're sufficiently prepared, you won't need to give it a second thought until it's time for you to deliver it. Practice, practice, practice. After your speech is written, recite it off the page. Then, try to recite it without looking. Then, recite it from memory while you're showering, driving or doing your laundry. Practice your speech until you couldn't forget it if you tried. That way, if you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety once you're in front of an audience, you'll have your reflexive memory to fall back on. Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you're simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity. Bring your notes with you. Even though you should aim to commit your speech to memory entirely, it's still a good idea to bring your notes with you to the stage. If you have a lapse and get stuck, your notes can help you get back on track smoothly. If you don't end up using them, you'll at least have all your bases covered. Better safe than sorry. Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length. Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time. Maintain your composure. Do your best to keep your cool once the MC invites you to give your speech. Public speaking is a little awkward for everybody, but if you're well prepared and stick to what you've rehearsed, you'll be just fine. Remember, you're surrounded by friends and family, and they all want to have a good time and see you succeed. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you're saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you're giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people. Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don't have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it's time for you to take the floor. Keep it short and sweet. Try to limit your speech to somewhere between 2-5 minutes. While there is no mandatory length for a wedding speech, it's best not to ramble on and on. Your speech should be long enough to draw your listeners in and get them emotionally invested, but not so lengthy that they start to get bored. Hit the high points and let the crowd get back to socializing. It's perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone. Speak slowly and deliberately. It's easy to start chattering too fast when you're nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you'll probably be going at just the right speed. People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you've written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating. Be sincere. Speak from the heart. Let everyone around you know that you mean what you say, and emphasize how much your relationship with the bride or groom means to you. This is your chance to pay tribute to your friendship and show your gratitude for being asked to take part in the ceremonies. Allow your emotion to guide your words, not your desire to get the speech over with as quickly as possible. Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly. It's normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there's no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you're talking about how much you truly care. Finish with a toast. When you've concluded your speech, ask everyone to raise a glass to honor the newlyweds. Say a few quick words wishing them the best in the future. Have everyone drink, then invite them to stick around and have fun celebrating together. Most importantly, have fun yourself! It's customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom. | Introduce yourself to the crowd. Open with a joke. Share memories of the bride and groom. Offer advice or well-wishes for the future. Thank everyone in attendance. Write the speech well in advance. Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech. Practice, practice, practice. Bring your notes with you. Maintain your composure. Keep it short and sweet. Be sincere. Finish with a toast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Long-Hair | How to Wash Long Hair | Washing long hair takes a little longer than short hair, but the process is the same. Start by getting your hair wet in the shower. Then, massage about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo into your hair and scalp. Rinse it out, then apply a dime-sized amount of conditioner, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse it out with cool or lukewarm water. This will help protect your hair from frizz and make it shinier. It's healthier to air dry your hair if you can, but if you use a blow dryer, don't forget to apply a little heat protectant first. Wash your hair whenever it starts to get greasy, which should be about every other day. Washing your hair too often can actually make it dry or oily. | Add a shower filter. Adding a shower filter to your bathroom will benefit the health of your hair and skin by reducing exposure to chemicals such as chlorine. A shower filter will also enhance the pH balance of the water that you are using to wash and clean with and will ultimately result healthier, softer skin and hair. It may seem a bit over-the-top but the benefits can potentially outweigh the initial hassle of installing it. Shower filters can be purchased at home goods or home improvement stores, such as Bed Bath and Beyond or Home Depot. To install the filter, begin by detaching the shower head from the pipe it is attached to. Place the filter on the pipe and hand turn it in a clockwise direction to secure it. Turn on your shower and let water run through the filter to flush it out. The water may be discolored, which is normal for a new filter. Let the water run until you see that it is clear when coming out of the filter. Place the shower head on the filter and hand turn it clockwise until it is secure. Select your shampoo and conditioner. Each hair type has different needs and requirements. A shampoo that works great for your friend's hair may not work very well for yours. Talk to your hair stylist or do some research to find a shampoo and conditioner that will work best for your hair type. You can even take a quiz online to find out which products might work best for you, based on your hair and scalp type. Color-treated hair can benefit the most from shampoos that are sulfate-free and contain gentler alcohols than what is found in other shampoos. There are shampoos available based on the color that you have dyed your hair, such as blonde, red, or brown. You can also help the color of your dyed locks last longer by using a shampoo designed for color-treated hair. Curly hair is more prone to dryness, so look for a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo. To reduce frizz and manage curls, try a nourishing shampoo like DevaCurl Low-Poo. Those with dry, brittle hair should try a moisturizing shampoo that cleanses but will also rehabilitate dry, damaged locks. A great shampoo to try would be the Living Proof Restore Shampoo, which contains a molecule that controls moisture. Wash your hair in the evening. It is best to wash your hair in the evening to allow it time to air dry. Hair is susceptible when wet, so brushing your hair directly after you wash it can damage it more easily. Letting it air dry will keep it healthy and will reduce your styling time in the morning! Shampoo hair at the correct frequency. Shampooing your hair too frequently can strip the hair of natural oils that are essential for your hair's health and vitality. Individuals with fine hair may need to shampoo almost every day, otherwise it may look oily. But those with thicker or curly hair may be able to get by only shampooing a few times a week. Rinse your hair. As soon as you step in the shower, rinse your hair with warm water. You hair should be thoroughly wet before adding any shampoo or conditioner. Rinsing your hair first with warm water is also beneficial because it opens the cuticle of each strand of hair, which is the shingle-like outside layer of the strand of hair. This will allow the dirt, product, and oil to be more easily removed. It will also help your hair efficiently absorb the oil in your conditioner. Condition your hair first. Conditioning your hair before adding shampoo will actually protect your hair and will prevent the ends from drying out too much. It will also fill in any holes in the cuticle with moisture, which will ultimately both protect your hair and increase the smoothness and shine. Add a dime sized amount of conditioner to your palm and quickly run it through your hair. Rinse lightly. The longer your hair, the more conditioner you'll need to use. Experiment with the amount until you have enough to massage through your hair without any left over. Shampoo your hair. Add a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and begin lathering, but only at your scalp. Younger hair, closest to the scalp, is often the most oily, while the hair farthest away from your scalp is older and dries out faster. This is why it's only necessary to shampoo at the base of your scalp, rather than lathering up all of your hair. It is not necessary to shampoo the rest of the hair, unless it is dirty or oily. Rinse away the shampoo with warm water. Add conditioner from the middle of your length to the tips. You do not want to make the tips of your hair absorb more oil than they naturally already do. To avoid this, apply conditioner starting only from the middle of the length of your hair to the tips. Let the conditioner sit in your hair while you finish showering. You can clip it up to keep it out of the way. When you've finished up with everything else, release the hair from the clip and rinse the conditioner thoroughly out of your hair with warm water. Rinse with cold water. Finish washing your hair by giving it a final rinse with cold water. This can be tough but the benefits outweigh the pain. Cold water will seal the cuticle of the hair and make your hair shine, since the sealed cuticle reflects light. Allow to air dry for half an hour or so. Allowing the hair to air dry before you blow-dry it will save you effort and will reduce damage. The drier your hair, the less exposure it will have to the blow-dryer, which will save you time and your hair from unnecessary damage. Take this time to do something else, such as preparing for your day or completing a task that you have been meaning to do. Apply a heat protectant serum. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of serum onto your palm and rub between your hands. Apply to your hair, taking care to avoid the roots, so as not to make them greasy by adding too much product. Once you have applied the serum, brush your hair out with a wide-tooth comb, carefully brushing out any knots or tangles you encounter. A little bit of serum goes a long way! Don't squeeze out any larger than a dime-sized amount; you might even be able to get by with a bit less. Attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair-dryer. The concentrator nozzle is often overlooked but it is an important tool to use with your blow-dryer. It focuses the flow of air onto one section of your hair, rather than blowing hair all over in a chaotic manner. Each hair dryer should come with this nozzle in the box. If you do not have one for yours, you can search online for a nozzle that matches the make and model of your blow-dryer. Section your hair. Tie back the uppermost part of your hair near the crown of your head, then section the rest into three or four inch sections. You can use clips to pin the hair firmly into place. When you are ready to dry a section, remove the clip and brush out any tangles. Use a round brush. Hold the round brush firmly in one hand (usually your dominant hand) and the blow-dryer in the other. Position the round brush at the end of the hair that is closest to the scalp, with the hair of the section you are getting ready to dry resting on top of the round brush. Press the concentrator nozzle against the brush and hair, with the round brush supporting the hair. Your hair will be between the blow-dryer and the round brush. Comb out the section of hair, keeping the nozzle pressed against the brush, until that section is dry. Repeat with each section until all of your hair is dry. | Add a shower filter. Select your shampoo and conditioner. Wash your hair in the evening. Shampoo hair at the correct frequency. Rinse your hair. Condition your hair first. Shampoo your hair. Add conditioner from the middle of your length to the tips. Rinse with cold water. Allow to air dry for half an hour or so. Apply a heat protectant serum. Attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair-dryer. Section your hair. Use a round brush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Microchip-Your-Cat | How to Microchip Your Cat | If you want to microchip your cat, make an appointment with your vet because it is only safe when done by a vet and many states make it illegal to attempt it yourself. Once you're at the appointment, complete the paperwork that registers your cat's microchip. Although the vet sends this information in after the chip has been inserted, you must check that the information on the paperwork is correct, including your name, home address and other relevant contact details. If this information changes later, you'll need to update it by contacting the registration database direct, not your vet. To complete the registration process, ask your vet if there is a fee for registration and make sure to pay it. | Avoid microchipping your cat on your own. Never inject your cat with a microchip on your own. This is illegal in many states and can cause you to have legal measures taken against you. There are sellers who will sell you a microchip without going through a veterinary office, but you should never implant these devices yourself. Take these to your vet to have them checked out and implanted in the right way. Visit the vet. When you decide it is time for your cat to be microchipped, take him to the vet. Qualified veterinary professionals should always administer microchips to your cat. They know exactly how much pressure to use, where to place the microchip, and how to combat the rare chance of side effects. Since your cat is smaller than other animals, it is important that the microchip is injected in the right place to avoid issues. Complete the paperwork. When you go to the vet to have your cat microchipped, complete the paperwork that goes along with the microchip. The paperwork acts as the registration form for the manufacturer's database, such as Homeagain, once it is sent in by the vet. Ensure that all of your contact information is correct so the database has the right information for you. Always obtain copies of the microchip paperwork for your records. This will help you keep track of your unique ID number and manufacturer information attached to the microchip. There might be a registration fee for the database, but the microchip is worthless without the registration. Verify ID number on the microchip. While your vet is preparing to inject your cat with the microchip, she will verify the unique ID of the chip matches the paperwork you have. She will run the microchip reader over the chip inside the applicator and make sure the reading is correct. This also checks to make sure the microchip is emitting properly before it is injected in your cat. Have an assistant secure your cat. You will be in a normal exam room when your cat is injected with the microchip. This procedure requires two people, one being an assistant who will secure your cat. The assistant should hold your cat by the scruff of her neck, which is the skin right on the neck. He should also hold your cat's rear end steady with his other hand. This will keep your cat from jerking when the microchip is injected. Have the vet perform the microchip administration. Once your cat is secured by the vet assistant, your vet will find the right area between your cat's shoulder blades for the microchip. She will then tent the skin of your cat's back and press the applicator to the area, implanting the microchip under the skin. The microchip is around the size of a grain of rice, so it shouldn't cause too much pain. Your cat's skin around the injection site doesn't need to be sterilized as long as he is clean. Verify the microchip again. After microchip administration, your vet will verify the microchip is still working. This will ensure that nothing went wrong with the microchip during implantation. She will run the reader over the implantation site to check that your unique ID is still emitted from the microchip. When your cat goes in for his yearly checkup, your vet will likely recheck the device to make sure nothing has gone wrong with it. Update your information. In order for your cat to be returned to you, your contact information in the microchip manufacturer's database needs to be up to date. If you change your phone number, move, or have any other contact information change, you need to contact the database to let them know. This way, they can update your information to reflect your new situation. Discover why microchips matter. If you microchip your cat, there is an increased chance of your cat being returned to you if he runs off. Breakaway collars, which are the type that should be used on cats, can break off easily, but microchips are permanent forms of ID once they are implanted. Learn a microchip's longevity. Microchips last a long time and do not need to be charged or replaced. They require no power because they just bounce information to a scanner. This means that the microchip will last for the entire span of your cat's life, unless the chip malfunctions for some reason. This means that you only have to implant your cat once. Consider how a microchip functions. Microchips are devices that use radio wave emissions to project a unique ID number for your cat. There are three different frequencies that can be used, but most veterinary offices, shelters, and rescues have universal microchip readers which allow them to read all different emissions. When a vet, shelter, or rescue checks a microchip, the cat's unique ID and the manufacturer of the chip are displayed. From this information, the person that found your cat can contact the database to find out your information. This also means that your contact information is safe from others unless they have access to the microchip database. Determine the cost of microchips. On average, vets charge between $25 and $50 for microchip administration. This may vary depending on the price of your vet and if you get it done in conjunction with other procedures. Discover microchips don't affect your cat's health. Microchips cause very few side effects. Only 391 cases of any side effects have been reported out of four million documented cases of animal microchipping. Pain is felt when the microchip is injected, but it is slight. There may be a little more pain for cats because they are smaller and have less padding than other animals. Your cat may react to a certain degree to the injection, but the pain is similar to that associated with any shot. If you are worried about the pain associated with the procedure, consider having your cat's microchip put in when he is neutered (or spayed if female). This is commonly done so as to avoid an extra office visit and to save your cat from even the slight pain associated with it. The rare extreme side effects are microchip migration that leads to abscesses or, in one case, cancerous tumor growth around the microchip. | Avoid microchipping your cat on your own. Visit the vet. Complete the paperwork. Verify ID number on the microchip. Have an assistant secure your cat. Have the vet perform the microchip administration. Verify the microchip again. Update your information. Discover why microchips matter. Learn a microchip's longevity. Consider how a microchip functions. Determine the cost of microchips. Discover microchips don't affect your cat's health. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Stop-Nosebleeds-in-Cats | How to Stop Nosebleeds in Cats | To stop nosebleeds in your cat, start by talking to it in a calm, soothing tone while you secure it in a comfort bag or wrap it in a towel. Once your cat is restrained, put an ice cube in a plastic bag and wrap it in a clean towel. Apply the ice to the bridge of your cat's nose, but make sure you don't cover its nostrils, to stop the bleeding. After the nosebleed is over, gently wipe away any blood from your cat's face. Then, contact your vet to determine the cause, such as an underlying illness or infection. | Stay calm. Cats easily pick up on human emotions. If you panic, your cat will become nervous, which will cause their blood pressure to rise. This can lead to more bleeding. On the other hand, keeping a cool head will allow your cat to calm down and cooperate with you. Keep your cat still. First, talk to your cat in a soothing tone and pet them as you normally would. This will work with your calmness to help your cat settle down. Then, secure them in a comfort bag. Make sure it's not too tight around the cat's neck. If you don't have a comfort bag, you can wrap them in a towel and secure it with a clothespin. This will allow you to start taking measures to stop the bleeding. Make an ice pack. Readymade ice packs are usually too large for small feline noses. Take one or two ice cubes from your freezer. Place them in a plastic bag. Then, wrap the bag in a clean towel. Apply the ice pack. Place the ice pack on the bridge of your cat's nose. Make sure you don't cover your cat's nostrils. The cold temperature should cause the blood vessels to constrict and stop the bleeding. Don't give your cat any medication, unless prescribed. A nosebleed can stem from a number of illnesses or injuries. Medication could worsen your cat's condition. The only exception to this rule is if your vet has prescribed medication specifically for the nosebleed or its underlying cause. Clean up the blood. Find a clean and dry paper towel. Wipe away any blood from your cat's face. This will keep their airways clear and prevent them from swallowing blood. Make sure you use gentle strokes. If the nosebleed was caused by a cut in the nose, forceful strokes could trigger more bleeding. Seek veterinary help. Nosebleeds in cats occur due to an underlying illness (such as an infection or leukemia) or injury (such as head trauma or a foreign body in the nose). Only your vet can make the proper diagnosis and take measures to cure the condition or keep it under control. Depending on what's causing the nosebleed, treatments can range from simple antibiotics to surgery or a blood transfusion. Visit your cat at the vet's office. Unless the nosebleed resulted from a minor infection or injury, your cat might have to stay at the vet's office or animal hospital for several days. For their recovery, they'll need to see familiar faces and hear familiar voices. Talk to your cat and pet them often to reduce their stress. Limit your cat's activity and excitability. Heightened activity or emotions could trigger another nosebleed. Follow your vet's advice on keeping your cat calm for the recovery period. This might include crating, relocation to a small room, or medication. Stick to the vet's feeding instructions. If your cat's nosebleed was the result of kidney failure, high blood pressure, or related condition, they'll have to go on a special diet. Give your cat only the foods that the vet deems safe. Sometimes, the diet will only be temporary. However, you should be prepared to keep your cat on the diet for the rest of their life. Provide any prescribed medications. Cats suffering from respiratory infections or recovering from surgery will need antibiotics. Some nosebleed-related conditions, such as poisoning or blood clotting disorders, require dietary supplements and/or long-term medications. Stick to the dosing schedule your vet prescribes. You'll usually only have to give your cat antibiotics for two weeks or less. However, if your cat has cancer or other chronic condition, you should be prepared to stick to the dosing schedule for the rest of their life. Tend to your cat's stitches. Cats whose nosebleeds were caused by foreign bodies, abscesses, or cancer will likely have to undergo surgery. Change the surgical dressing as prescribed. Look for swelling, redness, blood, discharge, or foul odor in the stitched area. These usually indicate infection. Call your vet if you notice any of these abnormalities. Follow all other veterinary advice. Your vet will give you a list of symptoms to look out for as your cat recovers. These usually include blood loss, pale gums, weakness, or collapse. Don't try to improvise on any instructions. If your vet tells you to bring your cat to the office for certain symptoms, do exactly that. Your cat's life could depend on it. Visit the vet for follow-up care. Your vet will need to check your cat's prognosis. Work out a schedule for follow-up visits and keep each appointment. The vet will let you know when your cat has a clean bill of health. Recognize if your cat has encountered poison. Toxins, like rat poison, can cause nosebleeds in cats. If your cat has a nosebleed, look around your home and yard to see if any toxic materials are available to your cat. Tell your veterinarian if you think your cat has ingested poison. Check to see if your cat has gotten into any medications. Medications, such as those used for chemotherapy and sulfa-based antibiotics, can cause nosebleeds in cats. Check to see if your cat has eaten any medications in your home. If this is the case, let your vet know what medication, and how much of it, your cat has ingested. Watch out for signs of trauma. Trauma can sometimes cause nosebleeds in cats. Keep a close eye on your cat to prevent it from falling or getting into fights with other animals. If you think your cat has experienced trauma which is causing a nosebleed, take it to the vet and provide them with as many details about the incident as possible. Test your cat for infections or diseases. Parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral infections can cause nosebleeds in cats. So can inflammatory and dental diseases, as well as cancers. Take your cat to the veterinarian regularly to get screened for infections and diseases. If these issues cause nosebleeds, be sure your vet knows what your cat has been diagnosed with. | Stay calm. Keep your cat still. Make an ice pack. Apply the ice pack. Don't give your cat any medication, unless prescribed. Clean up the blood. Seek veterinary help. Visit your cat at the vet's office. Limit your cat's activity and excitability. Stick to the vet's feeding instructions. Provide any prescribed medications. Tend to your cat's stitches. Follow all other veterinary advice. Visit the vet for follow-up care. Recognize if your cat has encountered poison. Check to see if your cat has gotten into any medications. Watch out for signs of trauma. Test your cat for infections or diseases. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enroll-at-a-Community-College | How to Enroll at a Community College | Once you've chosen a college you'd like to attend, start by familiarizing yourself with their admission requirements. Most colleges ask you to take specific tests for entrance and require you to have a GED or high school diploma. After you are accepted, meet with a counselor who can help you choose what you would like to study and register for classes. You can be a full-time student or take one class per semester, but remember that your program will most likely require you to take classes in a specific order. | Find out which tests your school requires. What tests you need to take can vary greatly by school. Before you commit to a test, check with your school to find out what the entrance requirements are. In addition, they should be able to tell you what score you need to make to get in. Look on the school's website or contact the admissions office to find out more. Take national college tests. Most schools will allow you to use the national standardized tests for getting into community college. The two main tests are the SAT and the ACT. The SAT focuses more on math, writing, and reading, while the ACT has a science section, as well. These tests cost money, and you must schedule them well in advance. Most communities only offer them on certain dates, usually on Saturdays. You can visit the websites for each test to find places in your community to take them or ask at your local high school. You can also register for the test online. You should prepare ahead of time for these tests by reviewing practice tests and materials. The websites for the test have practice tests you can take. Take a placement test. Some community colleges require placement tests in place of the national college tests, though most schools will take either one. You will likely need to take the test at the school. Each school's test will be a little different, but likely it will test you in math, reading comprehension, writing, and science. Some schools will even allow you to take one from home. Usually, the school's placement test will be a little cheaper than the national test. However, if you plan to move on to a four-year college, you might as well take the national test, as you will need it then. Use other methods for placement. Some schools allow other tests to be substituted for the standard placement tests. For instance, sometimes Advanced Placement (AP) scores can be substituted, which are scores on tests for college-level classes you took in high school. Other possible substitutes include the IBT and the IELTS, both of which are English exams. You may also be admitted if you already have a college degree or you've passed an English class at another school, though it must be college-level. Find the application. Most schools have online applications now. Find your school's website, and locate the admissions page. You should be able to quickly find the online application. You likely can still apply with a paper application if you prefer. Contact the admissions office of your school to find out more. In some cases, you may be able to fill out one application to send to all the community colleges in your state, called a common application. Texas has this program, for instance. Designate the type of program you want. Many community colleges offer more than just associate's degrees. For instance, many offer continuing education courses and noncredit courses. You may also need to take dual education courses or even finish high school. For an associate's degree, you'll need to select credit courses. Noncredit courses are often just offered for fun or to learn a new skill, while continuing educations are meant for professionals who are required to have a certain number of hours per year for their jobs. Dual education is when you take a class at a community college while you are still in high school and earn credit in both places. Decide on a course of study. When you enter, you need to tell the school what you want to study, also known as a major. Most community colleges have degrees in things like business, accounting, or nursing. Your school will have a list of majors you can pursue while you are there. You can change your course of study, but at a community college, it can take you much longer to finish if you change in the middle. Fill out your biographical information. You'll need information like your state of residence, your address, your parents' names, and your Social Security number. You'll also need information on factors such as your citizenship and ethnicity. Fill in the academic requirements. This area will include your testing scores and your transcripts and information from other schools. You'll need to know things like your high school grade point average (GPA). They may also have questions about any CLEP or AP tests you've taken that give you college credit, as well as any credits you'll want to transfer from other schools. Find the appropriate documentation. You will need to back up much of what you've reported in your application. For instance, you'll need high school transcripts and transcripts from any other colleges you've gone to. You'll also need to designate the community colleges you've chosen as a place to send test scores when you take the test, or you need to have them sent afterwards. All of this documentation must be official copies. For official transcripts, contact your previous school. They will send a transcript for you. However, you will often need to pay a fee, though some high schools do it for free. Do your tax returns. To fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you need to have your tax returns done. If you're a dependent, you'll need your parent's tax returns done as well. Since federal aid is based on income, the FAFSA needs tax information. A dependent means your parents still claim you as a dependent on your tax return. In that case, their incomes will be used to determine your financial aid. It's also based on your age. The FAFSA can help you determine your dependency status, as it asks you a series of questions. If you must turn in your FAFSA before your tax returns are done, you can estimate your information when you turn it in. Later, you will need to amend your FAFSA with the proper information. Find the FAFSA. The best way to fill out the FAFSA is online at the government's website for FAFSA. However, you can also download a form to print and mail in, or if you prefer, you can request a paper form by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Filling out online make the process faster, plus you can save some data year to year. Create a FSA ID. Creating an ID is not absolutely essential, but it makes the process much easier. If you create a FSA ID, you can sign your FAFSA electronically, as well as pull in information from the IRS. To create an ID, you will need to give an email address and a username. You will also need to create a password, as well as enter some biographical information, including your Social Security number. Once you submit it, you need to verify your email by clicking a link that the website sends to you. Fill out the form. Basically, you will need to complete biographical information. You'll will also need to list your school or potential schools so they will also receive the information. Most of the time, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which just means the FAFSA will automatically pull in information from the IRS to fill out the income data you need for your FAFSA. Send your application in early. Your school will likely have a deadline for you applying for financial aid. Keep in mind that the FAFSA can take as long as a month to be returned to you with your financial aid package, so you need to start it well in advance of the deadline. Your community college's deadlines should be up on their website with the admissions information. If it's not, contact the financial aid office at your school. You usually need to apply for financial aid before you're accepted. However, sometimes it's not as crucial for community colleges as it is for traditional colleges because their financial aid deadlines are often not as early. Still, it's best to check when the deadline is. Your state may also have deadlines, so use the FAFSA's website to calculate yours. They have a place where you put in your state of residence and the school year you'll need financial aid, and it will tell you what your state's deadlines are. Fill out the school's scholarship application. Many schools have a separate application for scholarships. Scholarship awards can be based on income, minority status, grades, and a whole host of other factors, so fill it out even if you don't think you're eligible. You should also consider looking for scholarships outside of your community college. Check with some of your local charitable organizations, such as the Rotary Club. Many of these organizations give out scholarships. You can also look at scholarship search engines or ask at the financial aid office at your college. Your high school's guidance counselor office should have information, as well. Wait for your acceptance letter. Before you enroll, you need to be accepted to the school. Your community college should have information up on when you will receive your letter, so if you don't receive one around that time, contact your school. If you're not accepted, you can always try again for another semester, though you may need to retake some tests and do better on them to gain admission. Meet with an adviser. Before enrolling, many schools have you meet with an adviser. In place of that, some schools will have a group registration and enrollment session. Find out what your school requires. While it may seem like a pain, these sessions can help you sort out what classes you'll need to enroll in, as well as what you need to do to complete registration. Register for classes. Once you've been admitted, you need to sign up for classes. Generally, your program will have specific classes you need to take. Often, you will need to take them in a specific order, which will be laid out. Sign up for the first classes you need. These days, you can usually sign up for classes online. Sometimes, you need an adviser's approval first. If you can't sign up online, you can visit the registrar's office. Finish up payment. While your financial aid will cover much of your school, it may not cover all of it. If it doesn't, you'll need to finish paying for the classes yourself. Luckily, community college isn't as expensive as four-year colleges. You'll likely be able to pay online. If not, go to the registrar's office. | Find out which tests your school requires. Take national college tests. Take a placement test. Use other methods for placement. Find the application. Designate the type of program you want. Decide on a course of study. Fill out your biographical information. Fill in the academic requirements. Find the appropriate documentation. Do your tax returns. Find the FAFSA. Create a FSA ID. Fill out the form. Send your application in early. Fill out the school's scholarship application. Wait for your acceptance letter. Meet with an adviser. Register for classes. Finish up payment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Homing-Pigeon | How to Train a Homing Pigeon | To train a homing pigeon, you should purchase the highest pedigree rock pigeon that you can afford. Ask around at your local pigeon club for recommendations on breeders. Once your birds arrive, make sure they have a nice home and plenty of food that they will want to return to each day. Start training your pigeons at 6-8 weeks old by dropping them off away from your house and rewarding them with food when they return home. Gradually, increase the distance until they fly home from 5-10 miles away. | Decide how much you’re willing to spend. You should purchase the highest quality birds that you can afford. It is better to purchase a smaller number of pairs of a higher quality, than a larger number of pairs of a lower quality. You should buy pigeons in pairs, unless you're buying a very specific pigeon of a particular pedigree. If you're buying the pigeons for the purpose of racing, base your buying decision on performance before anything else. This can include the performance of the specific pigeons you're purchasing, the performance of the family line (i.e pedigree), or even the performance of the breed. If you're buying the pigeons for show purposes, or you just want really cool looking pigeons, then you'll want to base your buying decision on conformation. For show purposes, judges pick winning pigeons based on a certain list of physical characteristics. Homing pigeons can cost anywhere from approximately $50 up to several hundred dollars, depending on the pedigree and breeder. Keep in mind that in addition to the cost of the pigeons, you must also pay the cost of shipping. And because you're shipping live animals, shipping can be quite expensive, depending on where you're ordering from. Build a home for your pigeons before they arrive. Your pigeons are going to need a place to live the minute they arrive at your door, so be prepared. Pigeon homes are referred to as lofts and lofts can come in a variety of sizes and configurations. You can build your own, hire someone to build one for your, or order one pre-made. Each pair of pigeons should have approximately 8-10 cubic feet of space inside the loft - so the space you have available for a loft might also dictate the maximum number of pigeons you can have. Some of the most important things to remember about a loft is that it should: protect your pigeons from predators (including the neighbourhood cat), have both interior and exterior (protected) space for the birds, have an excellent ventilation system, and have additional space for feed and equipment (you don't want to store this stuff outside). If you're breeding your pigeons, you will also need to separate out a space just for them and their eventual offspring. Pigeon lofts need to be located in an area somewhat free of aerial obstructions. Remember, your pigeons fly, so wires, trees, lamp posts, etc., can be a distraction for your pigeons when you're trying to train them. Racing pigeon lofts should be designed so the birds don't spend a lot of time on the roof. This means the roof should not be flat, if possible, and might need bird spikes to help deter your pigeons from landing. Locate a breeder or seller and order your pigeons. Pigeon breeders and sellers are located around the world. If you're concerned about the cost of shipping your pigeons, you'll probably want to choose a breeder located as close to you as possible. Otherwise you'll want to choose a breeder based on pigeon performance and pedigree. Most breeders band their pigeons when they're young, so this is not something you'll have to do once you receive your pigeon. Ask for recommendations from a local pigeon club if you're unsure as to the reputation of a breeder. Introduce your pigeons to their new home. If these are your first pigeons, then you can put them in the loft right away without a problem. However, if you're adding new pigeons to your collection, you'll need to keep them separated from your existing pigeons for a couple of weeks. Take good care of your pigeons. Your pigeons need clean water everyday. Their food should be consumed within 15-20 minutes of you giving it to them. After 15-20 minutes cleanup and remove anything they haven't eaten. They'll also need grit to ingest, which helps them obtain vitamin and minerals, and assists with digestion. You'll need to feed your pigeons (using the 15-20 minute technique) twice per day. Remember to clean your loft on a regular basis, especially the floor. There are several bird-specific online stores located around the United States that specialize in pigeon care. Their level of experience will be helpful if you're new to the world of pigeons. Pigeons will require more protein if they're breeding, but more energy (i.e. fat and carbohydrates) when they are racing. The protein amounts contained in the feed should be listed on the bag. For breeding season you should feed them a 16-18% crude protein mix. For racing and training season you should feed them a 14-15% crude protein mix. When you pigeons are molting, in the off season, you'll want to feed them the 16% crude protein mix again. While all veterinarians have learned to care for birds as part of their training, not all veterinarians will take care of birds on a regular basis. If you already have a vet whom you trust, and they feel confident they can treat your pigeons, great. If not, ask for recommendations or referrals to a bird-specific vet in your area. You can also ask for referrals from a local pigeon racing club, or pigeon rescue organization. Start your pigeons’ training program when they’re 6 weeks old. At 6 weeks you can help your pigeons figure out the trapdoor in your pigeon loft. The trapdoor is designed to allow your pigeons to get into the loft anytime they want, but you'll be able to set the trapdoor to only let them out when you want. These trapdoors might be a little confusing to your pigeons at first, so you might have to help them go in and out at first. It may be helpful to put together a training schedule so you have something specific to follow everyday. Training requires dedication on your part, so knowing what you have to be ready for each day will help keep the training consistent. The training schedule should allow for training to occur at least once a day, and either the method or distance being worked on should change once a week. For example: everyday during week 1 practice going in and out of the trap door with the pigeon; everyday during week 2 practice returning to the loft from 1 mile away; etc. Read pigeon club blogs - specifically ones written from your geographical area. Local blogs will have advice on your specific geography and climate. Ensure your pigeons have incentive to return to their loft. Good food, comfortable lodgings and being treated like royalty is what makes your pigeons want to come back. Provide your pigeons with the highest quality food and lodgings you can afford. Begin training your pigeons to come home after being released. This part of the training can begin when your pigeons are between 6 and 8 weeks old. Start by taking your pigeons 1 mile from home and releasing them. Do this several times a week. Use a cage or a basket to carry your pigeons to the release location. Expand the training distance by 5 miles per week. Each week go further away from home to release your pigeons , and go in different directions each time. Don't expand the distance too far, too fast. If your pigeons have any trouble, stop increasing the distance and continue training them at the last distance they were successful. Some of the longest pigeon races are several hundred miles in a single flight. This is the maximum distance from home that you should practice with your pigeon, but do not go to these distances until your pigeon is able to return from shorter distances, in any direction, consistently. Be careful of bird loss. Bird loss is unfortunate, but not uncommon. If you experience bird loss, reduce the training distance and frequency for a while. For example, if you were training at the 10 mile distance, reduce back to 5 miles for several weeks. Pigeon clubs all have lost bird reporting processes that you can take advantage of if you lose a bird. People who find lost birds can report those birds (using their leg bands) on these websites. You can then contact the finder and arrange to have your bird brought home. Some pigeons might simply get tired on their return journey and need time to rest. While they may normally come back to the loft in one day, it may take them a few days to return if they've stopped for a break. Create a second “home” for your pigeons. In addition to training your pigeons to return to your home loft, you can train them to fly between two loft locations (maybe your home and your cottage, or your home and a friend's home, etc.). Feed your pigeons at both lofts periodically, to give them incentive to want to return to each loft. If they're at one loft and are hungry, they'll fly to the other loft to look for food. Find a local pigeon racing club and join. The American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU) is the national organization for pigeon racing. They have hundreds of affiliated clubs around the United States. Most homing pigeons, when purchased from an American breeder, will come banded with an ARPU band. Use the ARPU's “Find a Club” link on their website to locate the nearest club to you. The ARPU has a number of different memberships available, including junior memberships (for kids under 18), family memberships, and memberships for people interested in pigeon racing, but unable to participate. You will have to be an active member of the ARPU before you can join a local club. Attend racing events and observe. Using your local club's website, Facebook page, or newsletter, you can determine when that club will be hosting races throughout the year. Races are normally divided between “young birds” and “old birds”. You may also want to consider attending the American Racing Pigeon Union's annual convention, if you have the time and funds. The ARPU's convention is held in a different location each year. The convention usually includes a race. Get advice from existing pigeon racers. The ARPU offers a “Help-a-Beginner” Program which is for those who have only flown in one racing season and would like some assistance or advice on how to be a better pigeon racer. Beginners are matched with mentors and breeders and work together throughout the season. Enter your pigeons in racing events. Once you're a member of a local club, you'll be able to enter your pigeons in races. Check with your club to determine the best race for beginners - which would usually be a shorter race. Try racing different pigeons in different races to see how they perform. Note that the “Help-a-Beginner” program doesn't allow beginners who have raced more than one season to participate. Therefore, if you're interested in this program make sure to apply after your first racing season. Race your pigeons. Pigeons race from a specific location (as determined by the race organizers) to their home loft (i.e. your house). The organization will determine the actual distance between the release point and your home loft, and that distance, plus the time the pigeon took to travel, will be used to calculate speed. And the fastest pigeon wins! | Decide how much you’re willing to spend. Build a home for your pigeons before they arrive. Locate a breeder or seller and order your pigeons. Introduce your pigeons to their new home. Take good care of your pigeons. Start your pigeons’ training program when they’re 6 weeks old. Ensure your pigeons have incentive to return to their loft. Begin training your pigeons to come home after being released. Expand the training distance by 5 miles per week. Be careful of bird loss. Create a second “home” for your pigeons. Find a local pigeon racing club and join. Attend racing events and observe. Get advice from existing pigeon racers. Enter your pigeons in racing events. Race your pigeons. |
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