url
stringlengths
27
124
title
stringlengths
10
107
summary
stringlengths
15
6.15k
article
stringlengths
0
117k
step_headers
stringlengths
0
5.75k
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Wormery
How to Build a Wormery
To build a wormery, get a clear container with holes in the lid for ventilation, and fill it with sand, soil, leaves, and overripe fruit. Once you've collected worms, which you can purchase or find under rocks or leaf piles, add them to the container and place it somewhere cool and dark. For a larger wormery, you'll want to top 8 to 10 centimeters of gravel with 7 to 8 centimeters of damp material, which could include wet old newspapers, torn cardboard, leaf litter, and compost manure. From here, you can maintain your wormery by keeping it cool, moist, and sprinkled with kitchen waste for your worms to eat. Stick to scraps like coffee grounds, tea leaves, and vegetable peelings, then cover them with an inch of bedding to keep fruit flies away.
Get a container. Various types of containers will work, as long as there is proper ventilation. If you want a container you can observe well, use a large, clean glass jar or other clear container. Poke some holes into the lid, or cover the top of the jar with a fine mesh fabric secured with a rubber band. Your container should be ready before you get the worms, because worms shouldn't be exposed to the light for long. You'll want their moist, dark home ready for them when you collect them. Create layers for the wormery. Put one centimeter of sand in the bottom of your container. Add a thick layer of damp soil, and another centimeter of sand on top of that. Then fill the jar with moist soil up to five centimeters from the top of the container. In a separate container, prepare the top layer you will put on top of the worms once you have them. The topmost layer can include pieces of overripe fruit (such as grapes), vegetable peels and leaves (from trees and/or tea). Collect worms. You can search for or buy earthworms or tiger worms (redworms). Places you can catch worms are compost piles, gardens, or under rocks or leaf piles. Check the grass, sidewalk or driveway after a lot of rain. If you can't find worms yourself, you can buy them at a local tackle shop. Keep your hands moist when handling worms. Place the worms right onto the topmost (food) layer in the container. Put the container away. Store the container in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. Put thought into where you keep your wormery. Worms like a place without vibrations. Wrap the container with black paper and secure it with string or a rubber band. Put on the ventilated lid. For example, don't keep your wormery near a furnace, speaker, refrigerator or dishwasher. If you're keeping the container outside, choose a garage or shed, and wrap the container in bubble wrap as insulation, without covering the ventilated lid. See what the worms are up to. If you used a clear container for observation, such as a jar, after a couple of weeks you can examine how the worms have taken to their new environment. They have likely made patterns in the soil and processed the food you gave them. Prepare a container. For a large wormery, you can use a plastic bin or garbage can with drainage holes drilled in, covered by recycled wood from old pallets. You can use many different types of containers to house worms and even layers of containers separated by wire mesh, as long as the top of your wormery has holes for ventilation. Large wormeries should also have preparations made for drainage. Another option for a large wormery is to use three old tires, weld mesh, and plywood or hardwood. Create a flat base with bricks or paving slabs, topped with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut the wire mesh into three circles with wire cutters, so that each circle fits over a tire rim. You can secure it to the tire with garden ties. Cover the top with a board weighed down with bricks. Keep stones or gravel in a layer at the bottom of the container. Put a sheet of cardboard over the gravel and a layer of shredded newspaper over that to prevent the worms from falling through. Add drainage holes in the bottom of your container. Check the drainage holes occasionally to make sure they are clear. Prepare the layers for a wormery. Fill the bottom of the container with eight to ten centimeters of gravel or coarse sand. On top of that, put a circle of polythene or wood with drainage holes. Add seven to eight centimeters of damp material like compost manure or leaf litter. Add worms to the bedding. Put a layer of moist newspaper on the top or side. Add kitchen waste to the top layer. Prepare a moist, degradable blanket for the top layer of old newspapers. Worms also like moist, torn cardboard. If your wormery has stacked containers, stuff each layer with shredded paper. Put about five centimeters of compost in the bottom layer, along with the worms. Add kitchen waste to the top layer to attract the worms up from below. Gather worms. You can look for or purchase earthworms or tiger worms (redworms) for your wormery. Places you can find worms include compost heaps, gardens, or underneath rocks or leaf litter. Try checking the grass or driveway after a heavy rain. If you can't find worms, you can buy them at a fishing tackle shop. Keep your hands wet when handling the worms. They breathe through their skin and need to remain moist. There are various tricks for catching worms. You can dig in the ground, or pour a water and soap solution on the grass. Put the container in an appropriate environment. Store the container in a cool, dark place such as a shed or garage during cold months. In warmer months, the container can stay in the shed or garage, or be moved to an area with partial shade. Your worms will be the most active if you keep them in an environment between 64 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 25 degrees Celsius). Their activity will lessen noticeably if their environment is below 10ºC (50ºF) or above 30ºC (86ºF). If your wormery isn't staying warm enough in the shed or garage in cold months, you have a couple of options. You can bury your wormery in the ground or snow to protect it from harsh temperatures. Or, you can surround the container with insulating material like polystyrene, thick carpeting, or a clear plastic tarp. Add a thick layer of hay, straw, grass or dry leaves to the top layer of your wormery during cold weather. Check the acidity if necessary. Composting worms like the pH level of their environment to be between 6.5 and 7.0. You can check soil acidity with a soil test from a garden store if your worm aren't producing as expected. Add coffee grounds or a small amount of peat moss to increase the acidity. To decrease acidity, add egg shells and/or turn the bedding weekly. Keep their climate ideal. Keep the worms' environment moist, not wet or dry. Don't allow it to get cold or too hot. The temperature of your wormery should stay between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 to 25 degrees Celsius). If the wormery is too wet and starts to smell, take everything out and thoroughly mix it with brown material before returning it to the container. If the wormery stays too dry, remove the contents, mix them with some water and green material, and return it to the container. Feed the worms. Feed the worms by adding kitchen waste to the top, such as uncooked fruit, coffee grounds, tea leaves and vegetable peelings. Although worms can process just about anything that's decomposable, there are certain items that aren't advisable to add. Worms can die from overfeeding, so make sure that you only add waste when the previous waste has been composted. However you should check the container regularly, since they'll die from not enough food as well. As a rule of thumb, try checking every day or every other day. Use a variety of food for your worms rather than the same thing over and over. The pieces you add should be small. If you give them garden waste, do so sparingly (a few annual weeds here and there). Don't give your worms meat, fish, dairy products, seeds, citrus peel, garlic and onions. Also avoid fatty foods like peanut butter or mayonnaise. Watch out for fruit flies. Since the wormery needs to be ventilated, the openings give fruit flies a way to get in. Feed your worms by digging a small trench in the wormery and adding the scraps. Then cover the scraps with an inch or so of bedding. This will prevent fruit flies as well as odors. Remove worm castings. About every three months, move the top bedding to the side and add fresh bedding. Wait about two weeks, and the worms will have moved over into the new bedding. You can then scoop out their castings with the old bedding. You can work worm castings and their old bedding into your garden as fertilizer.
Get a container. Create layers for the wormery. Collect worms. Put the container away. See what the worms are up to. Prepare a container. Prepare the layers for a wormery. Gather worms. Put the container in an appropriate environment. Check the acidity if necessary. Keep their climate ideal. Feed the worms. Watch out for fruit flies. Remove worm castings.
https://www.wikihow.pet/Prevent-Obesity-in-Labrador-Retrievers
How to Prevent Obesity in Labrador Retrievers
To prevent obesity in Labrador retrievers, try cutting your dog's food portions by 15 to 20% to avoid overfeeding it. You can also try cutting down or eliminating all treats, as this will help to reduce your dog's calorie intake. Additionally, it's important to exercise your dog regularly, which helps burn calories and stops it from eating out of boredom. If you currently leave food out for your dog at all times, consider switching to set meal times so you can control how much food your dog eats.
Choose a high fiber food. Another option you may consider for your lab is a high fiber diet dog food. This type of food will be more filling to the dog while providing all the nutrients she needs to stay healthy while on the food. A high fiber diet help stimulate your dog's metabolism. The downside of a high fiber dog food is this can be a bit less full of flavor so the dog may not like it as much. Give your dog smaller portions. Labrador retrievers love to eat. Owners often give into the lab's cute face and begging and feed her more food. However, this helps lead to obesity. If you don't want to change your dog's diet, you can feed her a normal diet, but reduce the portion sizes. This uses your dog's current food, but cuts down on the normal daily portion size you've been feeding her. Recommendations vary, but try cutting 15 or 20% of her food from her diet. Eliminate treats. Another way you can cut calories in your dog's diet is to eliminate all treats. Feeding your dog treats can cause weight gain or block the efforts to lose weight since each treat adds extra calories to the daily caloric count. Your lab probably loves treats and begs for them. Try to limit how many treats you give to your lab. If you feel a need to feed treats, get a good commercial one specifically made for dieting dogs. You can give your dog vegetables or rice cakes for snacks instead of more calorie heavy choices. If you know your family will give the dog treats, ration out the amount of treats that your dog can have each day. You can also place a few pieces of the dog's daily dog food in a sandwich bag and use as treats. Remove any constant food sources. Many people leave food down for their dog to eat throughout the day. Because Labrador retrievers are greedy dogs who are always hungry, you should carefully monitor what your pet eats. You can control what your dog eats by removing the bowl of food and only feeding your dog at set meal times. If your dog was used to having food out to eat at all times, you will need to begin feeding your dog two or three times a day. She has proven she can't control her eating if food is out all day, so you need to institute this control for your dog. Feed your dog a high-protein dog food if recommended by your vet. One option to help reduce your lab's weight is a high-protein food. Protein helps keep your dog's metabolism high and gives it energy to stay active. This is generally a more tasty food for the dog, but might not be as filling and satisfying to a dog used to eating more food. Speak to your veterinarian before putting your dog on a high-protein diet. This is a controversial diet that could be damaging to your dog's kidneys. If you choose to switch dog food, do so gradually over a period of one to two weeks. The first two day mix the dog food: ¼ new food with ¾ old food. The next four days mix the dog food: ½ new food with ¾ old food. The next two to four days, mix the food ¾ new food with ¼ food old food. Finally, your dog should be transitioned to the new food. If the dog leaves the new food in the dish, make a more gradual transition to the new food. If it absolutely refuses the new food, consult your veterinarian for advice. Recognize the healthy weight for a Labrador retriever. Labrador retrievers are one of the breeds that are at the highest risk for obesity. Your lab should be kept at a healthy weight, and you should take measures to prevent "fat lab" syndrome. A healthy weight for a Labrador retriever is between 55 and 80 pounds. Male labs may weigh five to 10 pounds more than females and be considered healthy. Make sure to base the healthy weight on your lab's build. Determine if your lab is small or large, stocky or lean, or tall or short. Labs have a tendency to gain two to three pounds each year between the ages of one and five, which can lead to obesity when your lab hits the middle age mark. If your lab is nearing the 100 pound mark, she is obese. Monitor your dog’s weight. Preventing obesity in your Labrador retriever is a lifelong endeavor. It takes proper feeding and exercise to keep a dog at a healthy weight. Check your dog's weight once a month. If you find out that she is gaining weight, it is time to take steps to help her lose weight. A simple way to determine if your dog is overweight is to run your hands along her ribs. If you feel a padding of fat and have difficulty feeling the ribs, your dog is overweight. It should take about six to eight weeks for your dog to lose weight. Adopt healthy feeding habits. Feed your Labrador retriever properly from the moment you get her. This helps prevent your dog from gaining weight in the first place. A high quality dog food is essential to maintaining a healthy weight. To choose a high quality dog food, look on its ingredient list. The top two ingredients should be meat and not a meat by-product. Meat provides your dog with more protein, which a dog needs to maintain a proper weight. You can always ask your veterinarian for help in choosing a good quality food for your dog and one that fits your budget. However, remember that food is the most cost effective medicine you can give your dog. Generally, it is more cost effective to invest in a good quality food than to try to correct medical problems later in life. Exercise your dog. Proper exercise and play are essential to developing muscle mass and to keep a bored dog from mindlessly eating. Exercising your dog can help keep her healthy and lower her body weight. Plus, exercising or playing with your dog is a great way to bond with your dog. There are many types of exercise that dog's love and that may benefit your health as well. Games of fetch or chasing the ball outside are always a good choice for an active dog. Walks are also necessity to keep a dog fit, especially a Labrador retriever. This is a great option for an elderly lab or a young lab puppy. A walk two or three times each day can do wonders for your dog's health. If you're a jogger, your adult lab, older than 18 months, can jog with you. Keep in mind that running or jogging for sustained time, like longer than 20 minutes, is too much for dogs under 18 months as their joints and bones are still forming. Dog parks are another good way for a Lab to get exercise, and to socialize with other dogs as well. As long as his or her vaccinations are up-to-date, dog parks are okay for your dog to visit. #*Agility training is an alternative way to get exercise and socialization in a structured training environment. Contact your local pet store or vet clinic to inquire about agility clubs in your area. Identify problems that occur when a lab is overweight. Obesity in Labrador retrievers can cause a lot of medical problems. An overweight or obese lab has a shorter lifespan than one at a healthy weight. Labs are also at a higher risk for arthritis, joint, and skeletal problems when they are overweight. Obesity can also cause heart and liver problems, respiratory diseases, and lower immunity for labs. Take your dog to the vet. If you already suspect your Labrador retriever is overweight or obese, visit your veterinarian for a checkup. The vet can guide you on the type and quantity of food you should feed your dog, how much weight a month your dog should lose, and your dog's goal weight. If a health problem, like hypothyroidism, is causing your dog to be overweight you will need to treat the medical condition. Determine if your dog has an underlying medical condition. Sometimes, your dog may gain weight because of a medical condition. Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing's disease, and hypothyroidism can cause weight gain. Hypothyroidism is a condition caused when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows metabolism down so the dog's body has trouble keeping weight under control. In addition to gaining weight or difficulty losing weight, a dog with hypothyroidism may become lethargic, may lose hair, and may seek warm places as it feels cold. Neutering or spaying a dog can also cause weight gain. A desexed dog requires about 10% less calories than an intact dog due to the decreased demands from the reproductive system. Recognize the health problems obesity causes. Overweight and obese dogs are prone to developing serious health problems. Chief among these are developing diabetes. Obese dogs are also at risk to develop painful osteoarthritis due to years of excess weight stressing the bones and joints. In addition, overweight and obese dogs are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Obese and overweight dogs also have a tendency to be less energetic, sleep more, and to have fewer interactions with their family.
Choose a high fiber food. Give your dog smaller portions. Eliminate treats. Remove any constant food sources. Feed your dog a high-protein dog food if recommended by your vet. Recognize the healthy weight for a Labrador retriever. Monitor your dog’s weight. Adopt healthy feeding habits. Exercise your dog. Identify problems that occur when a lab is overweight. Take your dog to the vet. Determine if your dog has an underlying medical condition. Recognize the health problems obesity causes.
https://www.wikihow.com/Transplant-Daffodils
How to Transplant Daffodils
It's best to transplant daffodils when growing season is over in late spring or early summer. Carefully dig up the bulbs and plant them 6 inches deep in a well-drained mix of soil and compost. If you're planting them outdoors, put them in a sunny spot. Or, if you're planting them indoors, keep them in a cool, dark spot for the first 3 months so they don't flower too soon. After 3 months, move the daffodil bulbs to a sunny spot near a window. During the fall, mix some soluble fertilizer into their water to give them a boost of nutrients.
Divide and transplant daffodils at the end of the growing season. Wait until the growing season is over before you begin. When the growing season is over, the foliage will wither away and turn yellow or brown. This usually happens in the late spring or early summer. If you wait much later in the year you may not be able to find your daffodils, as the plant will be dormant and any visible signs of it hidden under the ground. Because of this, try to take action when there's still some of the plant visible above ground. Dig up the daffodil bulbs without damaging them. Use a garden spade to dig up the bulbs, being careful to avoid damaging them. You'll want to dig quite a long way from the plant to avoid slicing through it accidentally. Bulbs are usually planted pretty deep, and over time daffodil bulbs can wriggle a bit lower into the soil, so expect to dig to about the depth of an average spade. Gently separate the daffodil bulbs. Once you locate the bulb, gently part it from the earth as carefully as possible, trying not to damage any roots. Gently separate the bulb clumps by twisting and pulling them apart with your fingers. Keep as many of the divided bulbs (also known as offsets) as you want to replant. The very smallest offsets may not flower within a year. Discard any that are damaged, mushy or show any signs of rot. Replant the daffodil bulbs as soon as possible. It's best to replant the bulbs fairly quickly if you can, although they should be fine for several weeks out of ground if delay is unavoidable. Store any bulbs you aren't planting immediately in a cool dry place. One ideal way to store them is in a paper bag in a dark corner of a garden shed. Find a sunny spot in the garden to replant the daffodils. Find a new spot in the garden for your divided daffodil offsets. They will prefer a sunny patch, although they'll tolerate partial shade for some of the day. A daffodil plant needs to receive at least three hours of sunlight per day. Plant the daffodil bulbs in well-drained, composted soil. Daffodils need a well-drained soil, so try to avoid planting them anywhere that puddles form and don't easily drain away. Daffodil bulbs rot easily in wet ground. It's a good idea to incorporate plenty of compost or organic matter, such as well-rotted horse manure, into the soil. If you aren't sure how much to use, cover your soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) with the manure and then mix it with the existing soil. If your soil is clay heavy and tends to retain water, you might may want to add some grit into the soil to improve drainage. Plant each bulb in a hole three times as deep as the width of the bulb. To plant each bulb, dig a hole three times as deep as the bulb is wide—that's around 6 inches (15.2 cm) in depth for a 2 inch (5.1 cm) bulb. If you can, add a trowel full of compost to the bottom of the hole for the bulb to sit on. Put the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing upwards. Fill the hole with soil and water well. You might like to top-dress (add a top layer) of fertilizer or mulch. Plant any remaining bulbs back in the original location. Now go back to the area where your bulbs were growing originally and replant the bulbs using the same approach. Having such a crowd of bulbs in this patch may have taken a lot of the nutrients from the soil, so it's especially important to refresh the ground with fertilizer in this spot. Feed the transplanted bulbs with a water-soluble fertilizer. In the fall, give your transplanted bulbs a good feed with a water-soluble fertilizer. During the fall the roots are most actively growing, so the fall feeding will help your transplanted bulbs get established in their new home. All bulbs will appreciate an annual top dressing of fertilizer or mulch. Plant daffodil bulbs in a deep pot with good drainage. You can also move daffodil offsets to a container. Try to choose a deep pot to give their roots plenty of room (at least 8 inches). The pot should have drainage holes. Use bulb compost or regular potting compost. Bulb compost or regular potting compost will work well for daffodils in pots. Fill the pot so that it is about two-thirds full, and plant the bulbs pointed end upwards. The bulbs should be close but not touching. Cover the bulbs with soil and water the pot. Keep the pot in a cool, dark spot for the first few months. Move the container to a cool dark spot such as a shed or cellar for a few months rather than bringing it into a warm home. Continue to water it and bring it out into a warmer, lighter place after about three months. It's best not to put containers of daffodils in a warm location as this inhibits flowering. Fertilize potted daffodils with bone meal. After flowering, top dress your container with a fertilizer such as bone meal (this is pretty stinky so you may not want to keep it in the house!). Replant fresh bulbs each year. Daffodils should survive three years in a container but won't be as good after the first year. For best results, plant the spent bulbs outside after the foliage dies back and replant your container with fresh bulbs for the following flowering season. Transplant daffodils from a pot to the ground. Indoor planted daffodils and those previously planted in containers can be moved to the outside for planting in the ground. The best time to do this is after they flower and when the foliage has died back. This will typically be in the late summer or early autumn. Follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to transplant your daffodil bulbs.
Divide and transplant daffodils at the end of the growing season. Dig up the daffodil bulbs without damaging them. Gently separate the daffodil bulbs. Replant the daffodil bulbs as soon as possible. Find a sunny spot in the garden to replant the daffodils. Plant the daffodil bulbs in well-drained, composted soil. Plant each bulb in a hole three times as deep as the width of the bulb. Plant any remaining bulbs back in the original location. Feed the transplanted bulbs with a water-soluble fertilizer. Plant daffodil bulbs in a deep pot with good drainage. Use bulb compost or regular potting compost. Keep the pot in a cool, dark spot for the first few months. Fertilize potted daffodils with bone meal. Replant fresh bulbs each year. Transplant daffodils from a pot to the ground.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Ophthalmoscope
How to Use an Ophthalmoscope
Before using an ophthalmoscope, turn the power switch on to confirm that the light is working, and replace the batteries if necessary. You should also explain to the patient that an ophthalmoscope will examine the inside of their eye, and warn them that the light may be bright. If you need to dilate the eye, apply 1-2 mydriatic eye drops 15 minutes before the exam begins. Then, dim all other lights in the room so you can more easily see into the patient's eye. Once you're ready to start the exam, hold the ophthalmoscope about arm's length from the patient's face and gently lift their eyelid with your other hand.
Determine if the ophthalmoscope is working properly. Turn the power switch to the on position to check if the light works. If not, replace the batteries and try again. Look through the aperture (eyepiece) to ensure clarity. Remove or slide open the aperture's cover if one exists. Select the appropriate setting. There are several aperture and filter options that can be used for specific goals in an eye examination. The most common setting used is the Medium light source, because most exams are done in a darkened room when the patient has not been treated with mydriatic (dilating) eye drops. Ophthalmoscopes may differ in which settings are available, but some possibilities are: Small light – for when the pupil is very constricted, like in a bright room Large light – for highly dilated pupils, like when treated with mydriatic drops Half light – when part of the cornea is obscured, like with a cataract, to direct light into the clear part of the eye Red free light – to better visualize the blood vessels and any problems with the vessels Slit – to check for irregularities in contour Blue light – to use after fluorescein staining to check for abrasions Grid – to measure distances Focus the instrument using the focusing wheel. Generally, you should focus your ophthalmoscope to the “0” setting, which is the baseline. Be aware that focusing towards the positive numbers – sometimes marked on the instrument in green – focuses on things closer to you, and focusing towards the negative numbers – sometimes in red – focuses on things farther from you. For the PanOptic ophthalmoscope, focus using the focusing wheel on a point about 10-15 feet away from you. Explain the procedure to your patient. Have your examinee sit down in a chair or on the examination table. Tell them to remove their glasses or contacts if they're wearing any. Explain what an ophthalmoscope is and warn the patient about the brightness of the light emitted. If you will be dilating the pupil with mydriatic drops, explain the procedure and effects, including that they should have someone drive them home after. You don't have to go into much detail about the eye exam. Say something like, “I'm going to use this instrument to look into the back of your eye. It will be a bright light, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.” Wash your hands. Gloves are not necessary for this procedure, but it's standard practice to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after any type of physical exam. Apply mydriatic drops, if necessary. Dilating the pupils provides easier and more thorough visualization of the eye structures, and is used often in optometrists' offices. Have the patient tilt their head back. Gently pull out their lower lid, and drop the appropriate number of drops into the eye. Have your patient close their eye for about 2 minutes, and press on the corner of their eye where it meets the nose. Do this in both eyes. Tropicamide 0.5% is most commonly used, applying 1-2 drops about 15-20 minutes before your exam. Other agents used are Cyclopentolate 1%, Atropine 1% solution, Homatropine 2%, and Phenylephrine 2.5% or 10% solution. All of these drops are contraindicated in patients with a head injury that is being monitored. Review a list of your patient's medications to ensure they have no interactions with the eye drops. Darker eyes may be less sensitive to drops and require more than lighter-hued eyes. Darken the room. Dim the lights considerably. Having extra lights on hinders the sharpness of the ophthalmoscope magnification. Remember, if you are unable to make the room darker, adjust the light setting on your ophthalmoscope accordingly. Position yourself in relation to your patient. You want to be eye-level with your patient, so stand straight, bend forward, or sit in a chair in order to be at the appropriate level. Position yourself at your patient's side, and approach them from approximately a 45° angle. Situate your scope and approach to the patient correctly. Let's say we first want to evaluate the patient's right eye. Wedge the ophthalmoscope against your right cheek with your right hand – when you move, your head, hand, and scope should move as one. Place the heel of your left hand firmly on the patient's forehead and spread your fingers out, providing stability. Position your left thumb gently over their right eye and lift the right eyelid open. Use your right hand and right eye to look at your patient's right eye, and vice versa. When using a PanOptic, steady the patient's head as usual and approach them from 6 inches away at a 15-20° angle. Do not worry about getting too close to the patient during this exam. You must be as close as possible to perform a detailed examination. Tell your patient where to look. Instruct your patient to gaze straight ahead and past you. Providing your patient with a specific spot to steady their gaze will relax the patient and prevent hurried eye movement that will disrupt your examination. Look for the red reflex. Hold the ophthalmoscope, still up to your eye, at about arm's length from the patient. Shine the light into the patient's right eye at about 15° from the center of the eye, and watch for the pupil to shrink. Then check to see if there is a red reflex. The red reflex is the reddish glint of light in the eye's pupil caused by reflection of light off the retina, like what you see in a cat's eye in the dark. Absence of a red reflex can mean there is a problem with the eye. As you look through the scope for the red reflex, you may need to adjust focus a bit depending on your own eyesight. Use the red reflex as a guide to start your exam of the retina. Moving your head, hand and scope as one unit, slowly follow the red reflex in closer to the patient's right eye. Stop moving forward when your forehead comes into contact with your left thumb. Following the red reflex should direct you to being able to visualize the retina. You may need to focus your scope to bring features of the eye into focus. Use your forefinger to turn the lens dial, as needed. Observe the optic disc. Use a “pivoting” motion to angle the ophthalmoscope left and right, and up and down. Observe the disc for color, shape, contour, margin clarity, cup-to-disc ratio, and condition of the blood vessels. If you have difficulty finding the optic disc, locate a blood vessel and follow it. Blood vessels will lead you to the optic disc. Look for cupping or swelling (edema) of the optic disc. Check the blood vessels and fundus for pathology. Pivot to examine the four quadrants of the eye: superotemporal (up and out), superonasal (up and in), inferotemporal (down and out), and inferonasal (down and in). Proceed slowly and carefully examine for signs of disease. This is by no means a complete listing, and you should use clinical judgment and knowledge during your exam, but watch for the following: AV nicking Hemorrhages or exudates Cotton wool spots Roth spot Retinal or venous occlusion Emboli Evaluate the macula and fovea last. Instruct your patient to look directly into the light. This can be uncomfortable, which is why it's saved for the end of the exam. The macula is responsible for central, focused vision, so visual acuity tests often indicate healthy or dysfunctional macula. The macula appears as a darker disc approximately in the center of the retina, with the fovea a bright point in the middle of the macula. Assess the other eye. Repeat the procedure on the other eye, and remember to switch which hand and eye you use for examination. Though some illnesses cause changes in both eyes, other problems may only show up in one eye; it's important to observe both carefully. Educate your patient. Explain any abnormalities that you noticed to your patient, what it might mean, and any further actions they should take. If mydriatic drops were used, instruct your patient they may experience light sensitivity and blurred vision for several hours. Remind them they should have someone drive them home. Provide them disposable sunglasses if they did not bring their own. Document your findings. Document everything that you saw in your examination, including specific notes on any abnormalities. It is often helpful to include pictures as visual cues to remember what you saw, and to compare to that patient's later exams to see how things have changed.
Determine if the ophthalmoscope is working properly. Select the appropriate setting. Focus the instrument using the focusing wheel. Explain the procedure to your patient. Wash your hands. Apply mydriatic drops, if necessary. Darken the room. Position yourself in relation to your patient. Situate your scope and approach to the patient correctly. Tell your patient where to look. Look for the red reflex. Use the red reflex as a guide to start your exam of the retina. Observe the optic disc. Check the blood vessels and fundus for pathology. Evaluate the macula and fovea last. Assess the other eye. Educate your patient. Document your findings.
https://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-the-Waffle-Stitch
How to Crochet the Waffle Stitch
If you've already done a foundation chain and want to crochet a waffle stitch, start by chaining 3 and turning your work. Double crochet into the first stitch, then do a front post double crochet stitch in the next stitch. Next, double crochet into the following 2 stitches, work a front post double crochet into the next stitch, and continue this pattern to the end. For your third row, double crochet the first stitch, make 2 front post double crochets into the next 2 stitches, and repeat until the end. Finally, alternate between the second and third row patterns until your work is done.
Chain a multiple of 3. You can make your waffle stitch crocheted item as small or as large as you want, but the starting chain needs to be a multiple of 3. Make a slipknot to get started and then yarn over and pull through the slipknot to make your first chain. Yarn over and pull through twice more to make your first 3 chain stitches. Keep chaining multiples of 3 until you are happy with the length. If you just want to practice this stitch, then try making a chain of 12. This will allow you to create a sample swatch. For a larger item, such as a washcloth, scarf, or blanket, make chains in multiples of 3 until the chain is the length that you want the finished project to be. Double crochet across the chain. To complete your foundation row, you will need to double crochet into each of the chains in your first row. Start with the third chain from the hook and double crochet to the end. To double crochet, yarn over the hook, then insert the hook into both of the top loops in the next stitch. Yarn over again and pull through 1 loop. Then, yarn over again and pull through 2 loops. Then, yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops. Turn and chain 3. After you reach the end of the chain, turn your work and then chain 3 to begin the next row. This chain of 3 will provide slack to continue working your project. Double crochet into the next stitch. The first stitch you make for the second row will be a regular double crochet stitch. Work the stitch into the stitch next to the turning chain you have made. Go behind the next stitch to make a front post double crochet stitch. Next, you need to work a double crochet stitch into the back of one of your stitches from the previous row. This is called a front post double crochet stitch. The only difference between a front post double crochet stitch and regular double crochet stitch is that after you yarn over for the first time, you need to insert the hook behind the stitch rather than going into it. Insert your hook behind the stitch that is just below your next stitch. Then, yarn over again and complete the double crochet stitch as usual. Make sure to work the front post double crochet stitch behind the top of your last double crochet stitch, and not into the stitch. Working the stitch this way will push the yarn forward and help to form the waffle pattern. Double crochet into the next two stitches. After you complete the front post double crochet stitch, work a regular double crochet stitch into each of the next 2 stitches. These stitches will sit further back from the front post double crochet stitch and you should start to see the beginnings of a waffle pattern. Repeat the process to the end of the row. Continue to work 1 front post double crochet stitch followed by 2 regular double crochet stitches. Do this all the way to the end of the row. Chain 3 and turn. After you complete this row, make a chain of 3 and then turn your work around. This will serve as your turning chain and provide slack to begin the next row. Double crochet into the next stitch. You will be working the third row and all other odd rows on the wrong side (also known as the back side) of your project. Work a double crochet stitch into the stitch next to the chain of 3 you just made. Work a double crochet stitch into the front of the next two stitches. Follow up your first double crochet stitch with 2 front post double crochet stitches. Work these stitches behind each of the next 2 double crochet stitches in your row. Repeat this process to the end. Continue to work 1 double crochet stitch followed by 2 front post double crochet stitches all the way to the end of your third row. You should now notice a distinct waffle pattern on the right side of your work. Finish the row with a front post double crochet stitch. To complete your third row, work a front post double crochet stitch around the chain of 3 at the end of your row. This will have the same effect as the normal double crochet stitch that you are using to end your right side rows. Repeat the second and third rows. To keep working the waffle stitch, keep repeating the second and third rows. Do this until your crocheted piece reaches the desired size, and then tie off your last stitch and cut the excess yarn.
Chain a multiple of 3. Double crochet across the chain. Turn and chain 3. Double crochet into the next stitch. Go behind the next stitch to make a front post double crochet stitch. Double crochet into the next two stitches. Repeat the process to the end of the row. Chain 3 and turn. Double crochet into the next stitch. Work a double crochet stitch into the front of the next two stitches. Repeat this process to the end. Finish the row with a front post double crochet stitch. Repeat the second and third rows.
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-New-Car
How to Drive a New Car
When driving a new car, take it easy on the engine and brakes to avoid any damage. Drive slowly for 5 to 10 minutes each time you start out to allow the engine to fully warm-up. It's also good to drive routes that require frequent stops and starts for the first 1,000 miles. This will smooth out the rough edges of the brakes and several engine components, like the cylinder walls. When stopping the car, ease into it as much as possible for the first few hundred miles.
Drive slowly for 5-10 minutes each time you start out. Letting the engine “loosen up” with some easy driving each time you get behind the wheel may help it reach peak performance sooner. When possible, drive around the neighborhood before hitting the freeway or otherwise taxing the engine or brakes. Idling doesn't count as a proper warmup — you need to drive the car. Try to keep up this practice for the first 1000 miles (1600 km). Decades ago, cars needed to be slowly and methodically “broken in” to let the engine settle into its full capabilities. New cars are built with much narrower tolerances (imperfections and the like), but simple things like warming up the engine with easy driving can still help. Use stop-and-go driving to wear in the engine and brakes. You may hate being stuck in traffic, but it's actually not a bad thing for your new car. Frequent stops and starts help to smooth out the rough edges of your brakes and several engine components — for instance, the engine cylinder walls. Seek out stop-and-go driving for the first 1000 miles (1600 km) or so. Then you can look for better ways to avoid rush hour traffic! Brake a little gentler and earlier. Normal driving conditions help wear in the brakes evenly, but limit high-speed stops and “riding the brake” unnecessarily for the first 100-200 miles (160-320 km). Also, your new car's brakes will inevitably feel different from what you're used to, so ease into stops whenever possible until you get accustomed to them. Test the car’s capabilities without maxing them out. Yes, it's okay to drive your new car fast — the days of keeping a new car under 55 mph (90 km/h) are long gone. Feel free to use the passing lane on the highway, or to tow or carry a moderate load. But don't test the car's maximum speed or haul an unreasonable amount. Make sure you're comfortable with your vehicle's mechanics before you drive it at high speeds. You should know how to adjust the mirrors, defog the windshield, and check your blind spots. Change the oil after 1,000 miles (1600 km). Some new cars may be calibrated to run for 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or more before the first oil change is recommended. However, you're likely to find metallic flakes in the removed oil, from the natural and necessary wearing down of rough edges and the like. And, in fact, you're likely to find these flakes in your oil almost immediately after you start driving. Get an oil change at 1,000 miles (1600 km), then again at the first recommended mileage. If you're really worried about grit in the oil doing damage, change the oil after 20 miles (32 km), 1,000 miles (1600 km), and then at the recommended mileage. Play with the cabin controls before leaving the car lot. Sit in your new vehicle for 15-20 minutes and take stock of your new environment. Practice turning on the radio, putting on your hazard lights, adjusting the wiper speed, turning on the air conditioner, and so on. Methodically adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors (in that order) until they all feel just right. Skim through the owner’s manual while you sit in the car. Don't wait until there's a problem before you open up the guidebook in your glove box. If you're not quite sure what a certain button does, or what that light on your display means, take a little time to consult the owner's manual. Figure out what your new car can do, and how exactly you can get it to do those things. Check the condition of the tires before driving the car. Your new car should have new tires, but it's always a good idea to check the air pressure and make sure the treads look new and even. Also, for the first 3-5 miles (5-8 km), the tires may be slightly slick due to a moulding release agent from the manufacturing process. So try to avoid high speed turns or sudden stops on the way home from the dealership. Do a safety feature checklist every time you get in the car. Give yourself a quick quiz: Where is the button for my hazard lights? How do I turn on the defroster? Where's the switch for my high beams? What does it mean if this light is flashing? Taking your eyes off the road to figure out how to make your wipers go faster can easily lead to an accident. Especially if you had your old car for a long time, you need to erase the muscle memory of where to reach to adjust this or that, and instill new instinctive moves. Keep checking the views from your new vantage point. Unless you bought the same model again, your new car probably places you higher or lower off the ground than before. This means your view forward and in every direction will be somewhat different. Keep making minor tweaks to your seat and mirrors during your first month or two of driving, paying special attention to blind spots. Over time, this new perspective will feel like home. Practice your parallel parking before trying it for real. The view out of the back windshield will be different in your new car, and you won't know exactly where your back bumper is yet. Also, since the steering, gas pedal, and brakes will all be a bit unfamiliar, it can even harder to squeeze into tight parking spots. Instead of bumping into parked cars, pretend you're studying for your driver's license test and set out some orange cones in an empty parking lot. Drive safely no matter how new or old your car is. New cars keep coming out with better and better safety features, but the best safety feature is still avoiding an accident in the first place. Wear your seatbelt every time. Obey speed limits and traffic laws. Put down your smartphone and other distractions. Follow at a safe distance. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Adjust your driving to suit the weather conditions. Never drive under the influence of impairing substances.
Drive slowly for 5-10 minutes each time you start out. Use stop-and-go driving to wear in the engine and brakes. Brake a little gentler and earlier. Test the car’s capabilities without maxing them out. Change the oil after 1,000 miles (1600 km). Play with the cabin controls before leaving the car lot. Skim through the owner’s manual while you sit in the car. Check the condition of the tires before driving the car. Do a safety feature checklist every time you get in the car. Keep checking the views from your new vantage point. Practice your parallel parking before trying it for real. Drive safely no matter how new or old your car is.
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Right-Sperm-Donor
How to Choose the Right Sperm Donor
To choose the right sperm donor, first rank a list of ideal donor traits, from physical characteristics to intellect and personality. If you want an anonymous donor, find a sperm bank with policies that you approve of and look for a donor that hits your must-have criteria. If you prefer the donor to be someone you know, ask them in private and explain what you'd want their role to be. Vet their medical history and draw up a contract with a family law attorney to delineate your rights.
Choose a donor you like physically. Physical appearance is a major factor many people think of when choosing a donor. You might want a donor with a particular height and weight, hair and eye color, ethnicity, and more, and it's totally fine to look for these characteristics when searching. Think about what your ideal donor might look like and start jotting down those traits. Some people want a donor that looks similar to you or your partner, so take this into consideration as well. If you're using a sperm bank, you won't be able to see what the donor looks like now, but you can read verbal descriptions and often see their baby photos or see their celebrity lookalikes. Look for someone with talents and a personality you like. For many, a donor's personality and talents are just as important as their physical appearance. Think about whether you want a donor that's athletic or musical, has a great sense of humor or a lot of compassion. Look for these qualities in donor question-and-answer sections, interviews with staff, and their stated interests. Many of these traits haven't been proven to be passed down genetically, but many people feel more comfortable choosing a donor with a personality they like. Find a donor with an education and background you approve of. You may want to choose a donor with a higher IQ, one that graduated from college, or one that has an interesting or intellectually stimulating career. Again, there's no guarantee that your child will inherit these traits, but it can still feel better to choose someone who's smart and successful as your donor. Use a donor with a healthy medical background. Other traits aside, it's essential that you choose a donor with a good medical history, both personally and within their family. Look for someone with no immediate family history of genetic or infectious diseases, addiction, or major health conditions to ensure your baby is as healthy as possible. If you use a sperm bank, the donor's medical history will almost always be checked out beforehand. Remember that there’s no guarantee that your child will have your donor’s traits. With both physical and personality or intellectual traits, you never know what your child will inherit from the donor. However, many people tend to go for the traits they like best with the mentality that they're at least giving their child a good shot of inheriting them. Rank your ideal donor traits in order of importance. Once you've figured out your ideal donor characteristics, arrange them into a list. Rank the traits from most to least important and decide on your top 3 “must-have” traits. Ranking the characteristics helps you see which are your priorities, just in case you have to be more flexible. Keep your expectations realistic. It's unlikely that you'll find a donor that fulfills all your ideal traits, but you can definitely find one that hits the most important ones. Don’t worry if your priorities change. When you start your search, you could realize that the traits you think are the most important might not actually be your priorities. This is normal. Don't be afraid to revise your list as you go and be open to new priorities. For example, maybe you went in prioritizing education and realize that you're more drawn to a sense of humor or generous personality. Whatever it is, feel free to refocus your search on new criteria when you need to. Choose from a sperm bank to look at pre-screened donors. One of the advantages of choosing a donor from a sperm bank is that your options are thoroughly vetted beforehand for health issues like family health backgrounds, addictions, or infectious and genetic diseases. They'll also provide extra information, like physical characteristics and personality descriptions, job, education, and more. Choosing through a sperm bank also ensures that the bank can take care of the legal and scientific steps of setting up the donation, freezing the sperm, and more. Choose a sperm bank that fits with your policy preferences. When you're researching sperm bank options, find out what kind of donor information they release, if they maintain donor information over time, and if they provide support for children, parents, and donors after birth. See what the bank's offspring limit is and how they track the outcome of donations. Look up reviews online for objective opinions on a sperm bank. All reliable sperm banks should test donors for sexually transmitted diseases and genetic illnesses; give donors annual physicals; and provide personal and family medical history for each donor. Call the sperm bank directly if you have any questions. Make an account to use the bank’s full services. Most sperm banks allow you to look at donors before making an account, seeing things like their occupation and physical characteristics. You can typically see even more information with an account, including voice and conversation samples, childhood photos, staff reviews, and celebrity lookalikes. Look online or call the bank to see how to set up an online account. It typically won't be connected to the account you'll need to purchase vials from the sperm bank; think of this as your browsing account. Browse through your sperm donor options. With your ranked list of traits in hand, use the filter options on the site to start narrowing down your list of potential donors. Look at each profile closely to see what criteria the donor meets, bookmarking donors that you think are promising. Focus on meeting the “must-haves” from your list of characteristics. You probably won't find a donor that perfectly matches all of your criteria, but you can definitely find one that meets your top points. Ask trusted friends or family members if you need an outside opinion. The more profiles you look at, the more difficult your search can get. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your options or aren't sure what you want anymore, don't be afraid to call a close friend or family member for advice. Say something like, “I'm hitting a wall in my donor search. I have a few guys who are great, but no one stands out like I thought they would. You know me better than anyone; can you come over and take a look?” You can ask them to narrow your list of donors to their top 5 or 10, review your search criteria, or anything else you feel comfortable getting help with. Choose a donor that meets your criteria and feels right. Once you've narrowed down your list to 2-3 options, review your criteria carefully one last time. You want a donor that matches your priorities, but you should also use your instincts. Which donor reminds you of the friends and family that you love? Which one feels like the right choice? There's no way to know how much the sperm donor will affect the identity of your child, but you do know that by raising and loving your child, you can help them become a great person, no matter what their genetic makeup. Once you've chosen, go onto your sperm bank's website or call them to purchase the sperm. Choose someone you know if you want them to have a relationship with your child. Some people decide to go with a known donor if they feel close to that person, or want them to be part of their child's life. Choosing a known donor can be exciting, but it comes with its own challenges, such as a higher cost and possible legal complications. This process can be costly, approaching up to $5,000, since you'll need to pay to have the donor's sperm frozen and tested for infectious diseases. Look up donor insemination laws in your state. Laws on parental rights and sperm donors vary by state, so look up yours before you make the decision to ask a known donor. Typically, a child conceived through artificial insemination with a donor that's not the woman's husband will not be considered the donor's child; the donor won't have parental rights. You and the donor should sign a legal agreement specifying the terms of the donation, even if it aligns with state law. You should also have the insemination done at a medical facility to ensure that you have other witnesses, such as a doctor, in case of any issues of parental rights. Think of someone you know who would hit most of your major criteria. When you're ready to start choosing your donor, make a ranked list of the things you want in a donor, including physical, intellectual, and emotional characteristics. Make a list of men you know who could be potential sperm donors, then start narrowing them down based on who hits your top traits and feels the most right. If you want, ask for an outside opinion from a close friend or family member to help you make your choice. Think about things like whether the potential donor is loving, smart, physically healthy, and a good person. Ask the man if he’s willing to be your sperm donor. When you've made your choice, ask the potential donor to talk to you one-on-one. Tell him that you want to have a child via artificial insemination, and that you'd really like him to be your sperm donor. Give him a few reasons why, then start laying down your expectations for his role in the child's life and see if he's OK with them. For example, you start off with something like, “You know I've been wanting to have a kid for a while now, right? Well, I've decided to do it by artificial insemination, and I wanted to know if you'd be the sperm donor.” Follow up by saying, “You're kind, smart, and handsome, which are all things I'd want in my child. But I know this is a hard ask, because I really wouldn't want you to act like a father or anything more than a family friend.” Lay out what you want his rights to be. A tricky part of choosing a donor that you know is working out your different priorities as far as how present he'll be in your child's life. He might want to be part of the child's life, for example, while you'd rather he stay separate. This is a tough thing to talk about, but essential to discuss and resolve before you get further in the process. Bring it up by saying something like, “But before we go any further, I wanted to talk about what your rights would be.” Be compassionate and gentle when he talks about his preferences. Listen to and consider what he has to say rather than rejecting it right away. Discuss your viewpoints and see if you can resolve your disagreement. If not, he may not be the right donor for you. Ask him about his medical and family history. Even if he agrees to the idea of being your donor, you still need to make sure he's healthy enough. Ask for a documented medical history for both him and his family, and about any smoking, drinking, or drug use habits. You should also ask that he gets tested for sexually transmitted diseases and take a fertility test. These questions might seem awkward, but they're crucial to ensure the health of your child. Say something like, “I need to know a lot about your medical and health background before I can make this choice for sure. Can you get me copies of your and your family's full medical histories?” Thank him for his understanding and openness. Talk to an attorney to make a contract that will satisfy you and the donor. When you've verified that your donor is healthy, it's time to make it official. Contact a family law attorney and tell them that you're planning to have a child with sperm from a known donor, and that you want to draw up a sperm donor contract to make sure that your and your child's rights are officially documented and protected. The law can be tricky in this area, so don't be afraid to ask the lawyer any questions you might have about sperm donors and parental rights. Explain to the donor that you're doing this as a legal and official way to document your agreement. Be upfront about all your expectations so that they don't get any surprises when you put together the contract. Choose a sperm bank to freeze and test his sperm. Look for a sperm bank that offers services for known donors, which may also be called designated or directed donors. Most banks require screening and testing of known donors that's just as rigorous as with anonymous donors, particularly for health issues. The donor will typically need to fill out several health forms, go in for a physical consultation and testing for diseases, and have a semen and eligibility analysis done. When the donor passes these examinations, they'll donate their samples and their sperm will typically be “quarantined” for 6 months to officially clear them for use.
Choose a donor you like physically. Look for someone with talents and a personality you like. Find a donor with an education and background you approve of. Use a donor with a healthy medical background. Remember that there’s no guarantee that your child will have your donor’s traits. Rank your ideal donor traits in order of importance. Don’t worry if your priorities change. Choose from a sperm bank to look at pre-screened donors. Choose a sperm bank that fits with your policy preferences. Make an account to use the bank’s full services. Browse through your sperm donor options. Ask trusted friends or family members if you need an outside opinion. Choose a donor that meets your criteria and feels right. Choose someone you know if you want them to have a relationship with your child. Look up donor insemination laws in your state. Think of someone you know who would hit most of your major criteria. Ask the man if he’s willing to be your sperm donor. Lay out what you want his rights to be. Ask him about his medical and family history. Talk to an attorney to make a contract that will satisfy you and the donor. Choose a sperm bank to freeze and test his sperm.
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Inflation
How to Calculate Inflation
To calculate inflation, start by subtracting the current price of a good from the historical price of the same good. Then, divide that number by the current price of the good. Finally, multiply that number by 100 and write your answer as a percentage. For example, if bread cost $2 USD in 2018 and $1 USD in 2010, you would subtract 1 from 2 and get 1. Then, you would divide 1 by 2 and get 0.5. Finally, you would multiply 0.5 by 100 and get 50 percent.
Choose the locations where you want to measure inflation. Often, you'll want to look at inflation in your own country. However, you might also want to look at the rate of inflation locally, compare the rate of inflation in your city to inflation nationwide, or compare the rate of inflation in your country to the rate in another country. The prices you choose to measure inflation depend on the place where you want to measure. Your location also impacts the currency. For example, if you wanted to compare the rate of inflation between the US and Australia, you would measure US inflation in US dollars and Australian inflation in Australian dollars. Since the rate itself is expressed as a percentage, it doesn't matter that you're comparing different currencies. Use the price index for the population and industry you're calculating inflation for. The most common inflation formula uses data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, there are many different CPIs. Each country produces its own CPI and various cities and regions may also produce their own CPI data. CPIs may be further divided by population. For example, in the US, you can use the CPI-U, which measures consumer prices for all urban consumers in the US, or the CPI-W, which measures consumer prices for a subset of urban consumers who earn more than half of their income from clerical or wage-earning occupations. The CPI provides an average of a "basket" of goods commonly purchased by the population measured. There are other indexes available for specific industries. For example, if you were calculating inflation for a cost estimate for a construction project, you might use the Construction Cost Index (CCI). Find index numbers for the period over which you want to measure inflation. Inflation is always measured over a specific timeframe. It could be months, years, or even decades. You'll need the starting point and the ending point for that time frame. Your result will tell you how rapidly prices increased during that time. For example, if you wanted to measure inflation over the course of a year, you would need the CPI number for the previous year and the CPI number for the target year. Your rate would tell you how rapidly prices increased during that year. Plug your variables into the formula to calculate inflation. The formula for inflation is a ratio of the later CPI minus the earlier CPI over the earlier CPI. After you divide the difference between the 2 CPIs by the earlier CPI, multiply the result by 100 to find the rate of inflation. The basic formula (without specific variables) looks like this: L a t e r C P I − E a r l i e r C P I E a r l i e r C P I ∗ 100 {\displaystyle {\frac {LaterCPI-EarlierCPI}{EarlierCPI}}*100} Subtract the index number for the earlier period from the index number for the later period. The formula is a bit easier to understand if you go through it step by step. Start by finding the difference between the earlier CPI and the later CPI. For example, suppose you're using the Australian CPI and want to measure the rate of inflation between the 4th quarter of 2010 and the 4th quarter of 2018. The index number for 2010 is 96.9 and the index number for 2018 is 114.1. Therefore, you would subtract 96.9 (the earlier CPI) from 114.1 (the later CPI) to get 17.2. If the result is a negative number, you have deflation rather than inflation. This means that for the period you're looking at, prices actually decreased and money increased in value. Divide the result by the index number for the later period. Now that you have a number for the top of your ratio, all you have to do is divide to get a decimal number. In the next step, you'll turn this decimal number into a percentage. To continue the example, you subtracted 96.9 from 114.1 to get 17.2. If you divide 17.2 by the earlier CPI of 96.9, you get 0.1775 (rounded). Multiply the outcome by 100 to get the inflation percentage. Inflation is expressed as a percentage, which gives you a measure of how rapidly prices increased during that period of time. Multiplying the decimal by 100 will get you that percentage. Continuing with the same example, if you multiply 0.1775 by 100, you get 17.75%. Therefore, the rate of inflation in Australia from 2010 to 2018 was 17.75%. Another way to turn a decimal into a percentage is to simply move the decimal over 2 digits to the right. Create a ratio of current CPI to your target CPI. If you want to determine how much something would cost in "today's dollars," start by dividing the most recent CPI by the CPI for the year you want to adjust. This can be either a past year or a projected number for a future year. As with calculating inflation, you can do this for different periods of time. For example, you could determine the value over a 4-month period. You just need a beginning date and an ending date. For example, if you wanted to find out what something that cost $50 in 1984 would cost in 2019, you would start by dividing the CPI for 2019 (255.657) by the CPI for 1984 (103.9) to get 2.46 (rounded). To find out what something that cost $50 in 2019 would cost in 1984, simply flip the numbers in your ratio and divide the CPI for 1984 (103.9) by the CPI for 2019 (255.657) to get 0.40. Multiply the value by your ratio to find the present-day value. The result of your ratio tells you what to multiply your value by if you want to find out how much that thing would cost (or how much that amount of money would be worth) currently. To continue the previous example, you would multiply $50 by 2.46 to get $123. This tells you that what cost $50 in 1984 would cost around $123 in 2019. If you flipped the numbers to get 0.40, you'd find that what cost $50 in 2019 would cost $20 in 1984. You can use the adjustment formula to find out the value for something at any time, not just the present day. Just sub the period you want for the "current CPI" in the equation. For example, something that cost $50 in 1920 (CPI 20.0) would cost $326.75 in 1990 (CPI 130.7) because $50 x (130.7/20.0) = $326.75. Apply the adjustment formula to a series of values to control for inflation. If you're working with a set of values over many years, you'll get a better sense of how those values have changed if you remove inflation. This gives you a real comparison of how much things cost over time. Choose a year you want to use (typically either the current year or the most recent year in the set), then complete the calculation for each of the numbers in the set. When you've finished, you'll have a set of amounts adjusted for inflation. All of these amounts are said to be in that year's currency value. Adjusting for inflation makes the prices more understandable to you and your audience. For example, the price of gas in 1950 was only 27 cents a gallon, which might sound incredibly inexpensive. However, adjusted for inflation, that price would be $2.86 in 2019 dollars — not much different from what you currently pay for gas in the US. If you were comparing American gasoline prices for every year from 1950 to 2019, you would apply the adjustment formula for each year (except for 2019, which is already in 2019 dollars). Your resulting table would be in constant 2019 dollars. Most spreadsheet programs have a formula you can use that will do these calculations for you so you don't have to do them all by hand. Set that formula as the value for one column of your spreadsheet and the result will automatically appear.
Choose the locations where you want to measure inflation. Use the price index for the population and industry you're calculating inflation for. Find index numbers for the period over which you want to measure inflation. Plug your variables into the formula to calculate inflation. Subtract the index number for the earlier period from the index number for the later period. Divide the result by the index number for the later period. Multiply the outcome by 100 to get the inflation percentage. Create a ratio of current CPI to your target CPI. Multiply the value by your ratio to find the present-day value. Apply the adjustment formula to a series of values to control for inflation.
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Parasites-in-Horses
How to Prevent Parasites in Horses
To prevent your horse from getting parasites, make sure to keep its stall clean to get rid of any larvae. If your horse eats off the ground, put its food in a rack or trough instead to get rid of any parasite larvae that might be in there. Ask your vet for help developing a personal deworming program to kill any parasites your horse might accidentally ingest. You can also arrange to take regular fecal samples to your vet to monitor your horse's health and help you choose the best dewormers.
Develop a deworming program with your vet. Antiparasitics, commonly known as dewormers, kill parasites in different ways, including paralysis and interrupting the life cycle. Many types of dewormers are available and they come in several formulations (e.g., oral paste, feed additives). In addition, there are various strategies to give dewormers, including rotating drug types several times a year and targeting specific parasites. Examples of dewormers are ivermectin, fenbendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. There is no “one size fits all” deworming program for horses. Your vet will recommend an individualized deworming strategy for each horse. This strategy will depend on various factors, such as your geographic location, the number and ages of your horses, and the results of parasite tests. Follow all of your vet's instructions carefully, and do not give your horses any deworming medications without your vet's recommendation. Use caution when deworming foals. Foals are especially susceptible to parasites called ascarids, which are thick, white worms that can grow up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) long. Ascarids can cause poor body condition, including a rough coat, colic (abdominal pain), and respiratory problems. To help a foal grow into a healthy adult, start deworming it at 4‒8 weeks of age and repeat every 30‒60 days, or according to your vet's recommended deworming schedule. Do not give daily dewormers to your foal. Foals need some exposure to internal parasites so they can build up immunity to the parasites. A daily dewormer would kill the parasites before immunity could develop, possibly causing more severe reactions to parasites later in life. Treat and quarantine all new horses. To prevent the introduction of parasites into your horse's environment, quarantine and deworm new horses. Your vet will recommend how long the new horses should be quarantined and dewormed before being introduced to your other horses. Have your vet perform regular fecal exams. Regular fecal exams are essential to an effective deworming program. Before beginning the deworming program, a fecal exam will allow your vet to identify specific parasites, determine the severity of infestation, and decide which dewormers to prescribe. During the deworming program, regular fecal exams will help your vet determine if the dewormers are effective and if you should give them more or less frequently. Your vet will examine a sample of fresh manure to identify parasites and count the number of parasite eggs. Twice-yearly fecal exams are recommended, but your vet will let you know how often they would like to perform the exams. Be aware that a negative fecal sample does not always mean that your horse is free of internal parasites. Some parasites have developed resistance to certain dewormers. High parasite egg counts could indicate dewormer resistance. Ask your vet about insecticide treatments. In addition to worms, horses may suffer from a variety of external and internal insect infestations. For example, if bot flies lay their eggs in your horse's coat, the larvae may be ingested by the horse and burrow into the lining of the horse's mouth and stomach. Insecticide treatments can break the life cycles of bot flies and other insect pests. Depending on the type of infestation, your vet may recommend that you: Use an external insecticide, such as Ivermectin paste. Always follow your vet's application directions carefully, and wear appropriate protective attire (such as gloves). Use an oral insecticide, such as a feed additive or bolus, or an injected insecticide. Treat your horse's living area with insecticides to prevent infestations. Use the insecticide at regular intervals, when the parasites are most likely to lay eggs. This time period may vary according to the parasite species and your geographic location. Your vet can help you determine when to use the insecticide. Group horses together according to age. Foals have weaker immune systems than those of adult horses. Therefore, foals could get very sick if they graze with adults in a pasture area that has a heavy parasite load. If you have multiple horses, put them in groups according to age before turning them out to pasture. This will decrease the likelihood of foals getting exposed to heavy parasite loads. If a horse has internal parasites, the eggs can pass through the feces and hatch into larvae (developmental stage before adults) on the ground. While grazing, a horse could ingest these larvae, which would develop into adults in the intestines. Perform pasture rotation. Pasture rotation involves moving horses from pastures with a heavy parasite load to those with fewer parasites. It also prevents overgrazing, which increases the chances of a horse ingesting parasite larvae. Deworm your horses before moving them to a new pasture to prevent contaminating the new pasture with parasites. If you have foals, move them to the cleanest pasture to minimize their exposure to parasites. Other tips for pasture rotation include: Dividing your pasture areas into multiple sections. Moving your horses when the grass in the current pasture area is 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) high. Mowing the grass after moving your horses to a new pasture. Allowing the grass to grow back to about 8 inches (20 cm) before putting your horses back in that pasture area. Have sheep, goats, or cows graze after your horses. Sheep, goats, and cows (collectively known as 'ruminants') will not get sick if they ingest horse parasite larvae. Therefore, they can graze in pastures after horses without a problem. As they graze, the ruminants will decrease a pasture's parasite load. Have the ruminants graze after moving your horses to a new pasture area. Do not overcrowd pasture areas. If there are too many horses in 1 area of pasture, that area could get overgrazed, increasing the likelihood of parasite larvae ingestion. There is no universal standard for the number of horses per unit of land, so your vet can help you determine how much grazing area each of your horses should have. Remove manure regularly. Manure management is key to preventing parasites in horses. Remove manure weekly from pasture. After removal, either compost and spread it or discard it. Because 1 horse can produce as much as 40‒50 pounds (18‒23 kilograms) of manure per day, regularly removing manure from your pastures is important. Spreading the manure dries out and kills parasite larvae. If you spread the manure after composting it, do not spread it in the areas where your horses graze. Your local agriculture extension department can provide guidance on proper spreading of manure. Contact a professional manure removal company if you are not able to compost and reuse the manure. Clean your horse’s stall regularly. When horses defecate in their stalls, parasite larvae can crawl up the sides of the stall walls. If your horse licks the walls, it could ingest the larvae and become infected. Clean the stall to prevent parasite infections. At a minimum, muck the stalls once a day. Tips for cleaning horse stalls are below: Use proper cleaning equipment: metal pitchfork, broom, scrub brush, a large bucket to hold the manure, and a wheelbarrow. Keep your horse out of the stall when cleaning. Either tie up your horse outside the stall or put it out on pasture. Remove the manure with the pitchfork and place the manure in the wheelbarrow. Sift the bedding through the pitchfork to minimize how much bedding you need to replace. Clean the water bucket with clean water and a scrub brush. For an intensive cleaning, remove everything from the stall to sweep and disinfect the floors and walls. Disinfect the water bucket as well. Allow the stall to dry completely before restocking the stall. 10% bleach is a good disinfectant. Feed your horse from a rack or trough. If your horse eats off the ground, it could ingest parasite larvae while eating. To prevent this, put your horse's food in a rack or trough. Clean the rack or trough regularly with clean water and a scrub brush. Remove bot eggs from your horse’s coat. Adult bot flies tend to lay their eggs on the insides of a horse's knees, where a horse could easily lick them up. The eggs are tiny and white. To remove them, you can use a fine-toothed comb or a dull blade. If you use a dull blade, be careful not nick your horse's skin and cause bleeding. Bot knives are also available that can remove the eggs. In addition, you could use sandpaper or a synthetic stone grooming block.
Develop a deworming program with your vet. Use caution when deworming foals. Treat and quarantine all new horses. Have your vet perform regular fecal exams. Ask your vet about insecticide treatments. Group horses together according to age. Perform pasture rotation. Have sheep, goats, or cows graze after your horses. Do not overcrowd pasture areas. Remove manure regularly. Clean your horse’s stall regularly. Feed your horse from a rack or trough. Remove bot eggs from your horse’s coat.
https://www.wikihow.com/Succeed-in-Medical-School
How to Succeed in Medical School
To succeed in medical school, try to join your school's mentoring program so you can learn from more experienced students or medical doctors. You can also improve your studying by practicing active learning, which means you should question the material, rather than absorbing it passively as you may have done in your undergrad. If you want to gain extra experience for your residency application, take advantage of volunteering opportunities at the university's counseling center or health clinic.
Find which learning methods work best for you. Even though you already have a few years of college education under your belt, medical school will be a very different challenge. Using the same study skills you used through your earlier undergraduate years may not suffice anymore. You may need to experiment with different studying methods and see which works best for you as a medical student. Make sure you are learning and studying actively rather than passively. Active learning requires you to ask questions about the material you are learning. You might consider: “What about this section of material is important? How do I fit this piece in with the larger picture of what I'm studying? What is the exact meaning of this?” Passive learning, on the other hand, might entail simply re-reading notes or going through the textbook with a highlighter. Incorporating studying into other daily activities can be helpful, as well. Try listening to recorded lectures a second time on your phone while working out at the gym, or while doing chores around the house. Success in medical school is often tied to how much time can be devoted to learning a topic, and trying hard consistently. Develop more effective approaches to studying. In addition to better understanding your own learning methods, you also need to work on studying smarter and more effectively. Use lectures, textbooks, and notes in varying ways until you find the way that works best for you. Pay special attention to the diagrams and figures in your textbooks. These are great visual representations of the reading, and understanding these images can be crucial to getting a full understanding of the concepts. This is quite important that you correlate concepts and structures in the anatomy atlas. Use textbooks as a reference point when going over lecture notes or handouts. If you are having trouble understanding something from class, use the textbook to clarify things. Spend time each day writing a brief summary of your lectures. Make sure you understand the key points that your professor wanted you to take away from it. Write down questions you still have and see if the textbook can offer some answers, and if it can't, discuss these points with your professor or classmates. Avoid pulling all-nighters, even if that may have worked when you were an undergraduate. Tests in medical school are going to be a lot more in-depth and more complicated, and they are often cumulative. Studying steadily over the course of the week will be more effective. Stay organized. Medical school is notable for an exceedingly large amount of information to be learned, and at times much of the information will seem unrelated. You will need to constantly integrate information between textbooks, lecture notes, labs, and lecture slides that do not always consistently integrate in real-time. Try tutoring. Either end of the tutoring equation can be helpful; you can gain insight and experience from being tutored just as well as doing the tutoring yourself. If your school has a tutoring center, visit it and see what kind of opportunities exist there. Tutoring and study groups serve a great purpose during medical school, as they can help you remember that you are not going through this difficult process all alone. There are other students just like you, and just having that support group can help ease some of the pressure and stress. Attend class consistently. You may have already learned this lesson as an undergraduate student, but in medical school especially, attendance has a great deal of influence on the level of success a student can achieve. If you are not present to learn the material through instruction, your success will most definitely begin to diminish. Not only can poor attendance affect your grades and success, but it can also reflect poorly on you as a professional. As a medical student, you are in training to become a medical professional, and you need to begin working on your professional demeanor and establishing professional habits—which includes being where you are meant to be, and being there on time. Set a schedule for schoolwork. Try to schedule time both before and after each class to preview and look back over notes and material for that class. This will help you get engaged with the material prior to the lesson beginning, and then help it settle into your memory more by looking over it again after the lesson ends. Make sure you schedule important or difficult tasks, like studying or schoolwork, for periods of the day when you know you will be the most awake and ready to work. For example, you won't want to schedule time to study for a test right before bed when you are likely to be tired and ready to sleep. Schedule these difficult or challenging things first, and then plan to do less taxing things later on. Set a schedule for personal time. Planning a set schedule for the time you will spend outside of the classroom is just as important as following your class schedule. Setting a schedule for things like study time, personal time, and appointments will help you maintain good habits and be less likely to forget to complete or work on something important. Use an online calendar or an app on your smartphone to maintain your schedule. Mark in appointments, group classes at the gym, and lunch with friends. Having these personal things marked will help you better out your studying schedule while still maintaining time for yourself and taking care of things you need to do. Be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has things that they are exceptional at, and other things that they have to work a little harder on. As a medical student, you probably have had a pretty successful academic career so far, so getting a low grade on something in medical school might feel a bit discouraging or upsetting. But, rather than focusing on these weaker areas and letting them consume you, try your best to better yourself in them, while still recognizing and playing off your strengths in other areas. Don't lose sight of the subjects you really excel at in an attempt to pour yourself into the subjects you are struggling in. Keep a balanced study routine and do your best in all subjects. To succeed in med school it's important you keep a good attitude and remain enthusiastic. This will help you stay motivated and being interested in the material will help you retain it better. Seek out a few mentors. Most schools will likely have a mentoring program you can enroll in to be matched with older students or established medical doctors that can advise you and help you along your way through school. If your school doesn't have one, try networking around your program. Professors might have suggestions for mentors in the community that they can help you connect with. Establishing a relationship with a few mentors can bring some great benefits. You will know other established doctors upon your graduation and you will have a handful of people to call on when you might need recommendation letters for residency applications. Be willing to branch out and explore. This includes exploring different medical fields as well as exploring the world around you. Some programs might offer study abroad opportunities that can give you a chance to learn about other cultures and the medical professionals that serve them. Even if you want to specialize in a certain field, learn as much as you can from other fields as well. Taking on a research project in another specialization or taking classes outside of your specific field can help give you a well-rounded education while it's available to you. See your advisor often. Just like you did through your undergraduate years, you will have a faculty or department advisor through medical school who will help you direct your course of study and keep you on track academically. But more than that, she has likely been through medical school herself, and will have a clear idea of how to help you succeed, as well as being able to offer valuable advice and insight. Your advisor is another very important professional relationship you should work on fostering and maintaining through medical school. She can be of great assistance to you both while you are in the program and after you finish and are working on residency applications. Take advantage of campus resources. Student organizations are great opportunities to bulk up your residency applications, as well as gain some practical experience in the community. Your program/campus likely has a few established organizations specifically geared towards medical students. Most universities have a great deal of other valuable resources for students, as well, including counseling centers, health clinics, and recreation centers. You will likely be paying a student fee for these things anyway, so you might as well take advantage of them! Engage in volunteer work. Just like you probably sought out volunteer opportunities when working on your medical school applications, you should keep doing so through medical school. They can help enhance your residency applications, but they can also enrich your learning experience by giving you valuable and practical experience with members of your community. Volunteering is yet another way to find a mentor if your program doesn't have a mentorship program. It can connect you with doctors in the area and help you establish relationships with people outside of your program. Prepare for what comes next. Medical school is just a step on your way to a residency and taking the licensing exam. After you pass your exam and get matched with a residency, you will need to be prepared for the hectic, exhausting schedule that often comes with your first year as a resident. Start preparing for your licensing exam in your first year of medical school. Passing this exam and landing a residency should be your goals for med school, so you should have both of these things in mind throughout the entire process. Work with mentors and professors to decide where you might fit best in a residency, and for help with your applications when the time comes. Take practice licensing exams and attend any seminars offered at your program to prepare for the test. Residency often entails long hours and work weeks, so make sure you get into the habit of taking care of yourself and maintaining your personal wellness through medical school in preparation for residency. Take time for yourself. Medical school can oftentimes feel all-consuming; it takes up so much of your time that you may feel like you have none leftover for yourself. This is why it's important to make time for yourself, even if you have to schedule little moments to yourself here and there. You want to balance your academic and personal life so you don't end up burned out or too overwhelmed. Have an activity that you enjoy doing that you can resort to when you need a break. Whether it's reading a book for fun, going for a bike ride or taking a jog, or even just making yourself a home-cooked meal, make sure you allow yourself the luxury of personal time now and then. Have friends that are not medical students. In medical school, it can be easy to settle into a kind of social bubble with the other students in your cohort. You might find that these people become your only friends, as you spend most of your time with them. But, it's important to keep friends that are not doctors, or training to be doctors. You want to give yourself a chance to disconnect from it now and then and have conversations that don't revolve around what you're working on or learning in school. Taking time away from campus and the people you are constantly around will help you gain some perspective on the whole experience of medical school. By taking a step back, you can get a better idea of what you're doing and why you're doing it, so taking time away now and then is really important. Exercise. Make sure you work regular exercise into your schedule. There are ways to incorporate exercise without neglecting your studies, like reading a textbook while you walk on the treadmill, or listening to a lecture in your headphones while you work out. Exercise can help you stay physically healthy, while also helping to reduce stress. Getting adequate sleep goes hand-in-hand with getting exercise when working towards maintaining good physical health. Especially as a medical student, you need to make sure you are getting enough rest so you can perform your best academically. Eat well. Try your best to eat fresh foods rather than processed. Rather than grabbing that sugary snack on the way out the door, grab a piece of fresh fruit instead. Make time to eat a properly balanced meal as often as you can each week. It may seem like processed or sugary foods are the easiest option, especially as a busy (and probably a bit financially strained) medical student. But, working in fresh foods when it's possible can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Live off-campus. Staying as close to campus as possible might seem like the best option when taking on a demanding medical school course schedule, but living outside of campus housing will probably be the better choice. You will limit the distractions that often come with living in dorms and student housing, and give yourself the physical and mental space you need to unwind each day from the stress of school. If you need to take on a roommate to help pay the rent, try to room with another medical student. Not only will you have a built-in support system with someone who understands the stress you're dealing with, but they will likely have similar study habits and ambitions, so you will likely have far fewer distractions. Avoid taking things personally. Medical school brings about an entirely new hierarchy that you will need to adjust to. Don't be offended if older students or doctors brush you off. Try not to let yourself get too discouraged if you aren't at the very top of your class right away. Medical school is an immense challenge, and it will take time, practice, hard work, and dedication to succeed. Remember to periodically take inventory of all the successes you have had so far. Remind yourself that you have already done an immense amount of hard work to get to where you are, and that alone is proof that you are capable.
Find which learning methods work best for you. Develop more effective approaches to studying. Try tutoring. Attend class consistently. Set a schedule for schoolwork. Set a schedule for personal time. Be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses. Seek out a few mentors. Be willing to branch out and explore. See your advisor often. Take advantage of campus resources. Engage in volunteer work. Prepare for what comes next. Take time for yourself. Have friends that are not medical students. Exercise. Eat well. Live off-campus. Avoid taking things personally.
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Degenerative-Joint-Disease-in-Cats
How to Handle Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats
To handle degenerative joint disease in cats, it's important that you take your cat to see a vet so they can prescribe medication to help with its pain and discomfort. You can also take your cat to see a veterinary physiotherapist, who can recommend exercises and therapies you can do with your cat at home to improve its comfort and mobility. In addition to taking your cat to see a professional, you can make adjustments at home so it doesn't have to move around as much. For example, you can keep its food dishes and litter box in close proximity to where it spends a lot of its time, and you can place ramps or stairs next to furniture so it doesn't have to jump. Additionally, provide your cat with plenty of engaging toys and activities to keep it happy and entertained even though it's losing mobility.
Take your cat to be seen by a veterinarian. If your cat is having a hard time moving, or you suspect that he is having joint problems, then you should take him to be seen by a veterinarian. Call your veterinary office, tell them what you think the problem is, and make an appointment for the cat to be assessed. When you bring the cat in, be sure to tell the veterinarian what your cat's symptoms are and why you think that he is having joint trouble. Allow testing to be done. When you bring your cat in to be seen by a veterinarian, the veterinarian will likely do a general assessment of your cat's health. After that, then they will take a close look at the cat's joints. If the veterinarian suspects that your cat has degenerative joint disease, they will need to do some further testing to get a definitive diagnosis. The two diseases that are included under the term feline degenerative joint disease are osteoarthritis and spondylosis deformans. These diseases can cause loss of cartilage between the bones, inflammation between the bones, or bony spurs developing in the joints. Your veterinarian may use the general term or either of these more specific terms. In most cases, the veterinarian will need to x-ray the joint to look for inflammation or abnormal growths. The vet may also want to take a sample of the fluid in the joint to look for other signs of inflammation or infection. Begin treatment. Treatment for degenerative joint disease typically includes medication to ease pain and discomfort. Your veterinarian is likely to prescribe a non-steroidal pain reliever (NSAID) or an opioid pain reliever to ease your cat's pain. Because NSAIDS are cleared through the kidneys and your cat's kidney function may affect the dose, your vet may recommend checking your cat's kidney function before starting your cat on any long term medication. You should also have your cat's health monitored regularly by a veterinarian if he is on these medications. Other types of treatments, such as surgery, are typically not suggested for cats with degenerative joint disease. The inflammation created by the surgery, combined with the advanced age of most cats suffering from this condition, doesn't make surgery a good risk to take. Consider alternative treatments. There are some alternative treatments that may be helpful for a cat with degenerative joint disease. Among them is acupuncture, which can help to ease joint pain, and the use of supplements that promote joint health. These supplements, including glucosamine plus chondroitin, promote joint health by increasing key enzymes and fluids in the joints. While there is little research about the effectiveness of supplement use for degenerative joint disease in cats, there has been a lot of promising research on their use in humans and dogs. If you see a veterinary physiotherapist, they can recommend some exercises and therapies to do with your cat at home that may help to improve your cat's comfort and mobility. Using heat therapy and possibly even hydrotherapy may also help. Continue to treat chronic pain. There can be a lot of pain associated with degenerative joint disease and it is your job as a cat owner to make sure that your cat's pain is managed as much as possible. Pain can be managed with several types of medication, including NSAIDs and opioids. Both should be prescribed by your veterinarian. Since cats are notorious for hiding their pain, you will need to assess its pain medication needs as best as you can. Discuss your cat's pain level with your veterinarian if you are unsure whether your cat has chronic pain or needs medication regularly. Make your cat's daily routine easier. If your cat has been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, then movement will become more difficult for your cat. With this in mind, you should change the cat's environment to accommodate its newly limited mobility. Keep essential items, such as food dishes and litter boxes, in close proximity to where your cat spends his time. Also, make sure that the cat does not need to climb stairs to complete essential activities, such as getting to a water dish. Make sure the sides of the litter box are low enough for the cat to get in and out of it. You may need to install ramps or stairs in your home to ease your cat's daily movement. For instance, if your cat sleeps on your bed at night, you may need to install stairs or a ramp to allow the cat easy access. Enrich your cat's environment. If your cat has degenerative joint disease, he may not be able to complete all of the activities that he used to. In order to keep your cat's mind active, even when his body can't be, you should enrich his environment. Give him areas to watch the outdoors and puzzles to work on that don't take much strength. Enriching your cat's environment will go a long ways towards keeping your cat happy even though he is losing mobility. Help your cat lose weight. If your cat is overweight and it has degenerative joint disease, then it may help the cat to lose some weight. Less weight on the cat's body means less pressure on his joints, which can decrease the cat's pain and discomfort. Discuss weight-loss plans with your veterinarian in order to assure that your cat gets a balanced diet while still losing weight. Give love and affection. If your cat has been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, he will need veterinary care but he will also need your love and affection. A cat that is in pain and unable to enjoy all the things in life that he once did will require more attention from you. Your love and affection can sometimes fill a void that is created when the ability to move is reduced. Spend quality time with your cat every day. Pet your cat, play with him, and just generally show him that you care. Identify problems with movement. Since the hips and the elbows are the joints most often affected by degenerative joint disease, look at these joints first for problems with movement. Make sure that your cat is walking normally and that his joints are moving freely. If your cat is having difficulty using his joints, this means that the problem with them is fairly advanced. Have your cat seen by a veterinarian right away if your cat is having this type of problem. Look for signs that your cat is hiding pain. It can be hard to figure out when your cat is in pain because cats are notoriously good at hiding pain. Showing outward signs of pain shows weakness, and so cats keep their pain to themselves whenever possible. With this in mind, try to assess your cat's pain level. Look for changes in routine, avoidance of normal movement, and reactions when you try to move your cat's joints. Hiding pain can come across a change in routine or behavior. If your cat is trying to mask pain, he will have to change his way of life to accommodate avoiding normal movement. Your cat may be too stiff and sore to groom herself regularly, so her fur may become unkempt and matted, especially around her rump. Look for changes on the surface of the joints. If your cat has severe degenerative joint disease, his joints may be swollen or deformed due to inflammation. If you happen to notice that your cat's joints look strange or different than usual, take the time to inspect them closely. A swollen joint could signal a variety of health problems, including trauma. If any of your cat's joints are noticeably swollen, have him checked out by a veterinarian right away. Assess areas that have experienced trauma. Degenerative joint disease can occur with no specific cause, but it is more likely to occur in a joint that has be subjected to trauma or excessive wear and tear. If your cat has had an injury to one of his joints in the past, be sure to keep an eye on that joint for signs of osteoarthritis. Look for problems in older cats. Degenerative joint disease is largely a problem for older cats. In most cases, it is connected to long-term wear and tear on joints, and so it rarely happens in young cats. If your cat is older, do an annual assessment of his ability to move his joints freely and without pain. If you see signs of pain or discomfort, have the cat looked over by his veterinarian.
Take your cat to be seen by a veterinarian. Allow testing to be done. Begin treatment. Consider alternative treatments. Continue to treat chronic pain. Make your cat's daily routine easier. Enrich your cat's environment. Help your cat lose weight. Give love and affection. Identify problems with movement. Look for signs that your cat is hiding pain. Look for changes on the surface of the joints. Assess areas that have experienced trauma. Look for problems in older cats.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Maple-Syrup
How to Make Maple Syrup
To make maple syrup, start by filtering some fresh maple tree sap with a coffee filter, which will get rid of any large pieces of debris. Then, boil the sap in a pan on the stove or over an outdoor fire so the water in the sap evaporates. Once the water has evaporated and the syrup reaches 219 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the heat. Finally, filter the syrup through a cheesecloth and store it in a sterilized container.
Make sure your trees are ready to be tapped. Maple season occurs during the spring when nights are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and days are starting to get warm. This causes the sap to start flowing in trees. The maple season is over when this temperature pattern ends. At this time the color of the sap will become darker. If sap is collected after the season is over it will be low in sugar content and have an undesirable taste. Select trees. There are many different types of Maple trees. Various types have different sugar content; the higher the better. The Sugar Maple has the highest sugar content. The maple tree has a distinct five point leaf. Typically, a tree should be at least 10 inches in diameter before it is tapped. Purchase taps. These are also known as spiles. Online is the easiest place to buy taps. Most taps are the same, but the collection containers differ quite a bit. Determine what style of collection container you will use: a bag, an attached bucket, a ground bucket, or a tube network (usually used by advanced syrup-makers). If you don't feel like buying a bucket, a clean milk jug will work fine. Avoid buying and installing a tube network if you haven't tapped before. Tap the tree. Drill a hole on the side of the tree that receives the most light, above a large root or under a large branch. The hole should be the size of your tap. It should also be around 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm) above the ground and a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) longer than your tap. The hole should be at a slight downward angle. An electric hand drill works well for this task. You could also drill a hole using a hammer and a long nail; hammer it in, then remove it. Attach a collection container. It is best to cover containers to keep out rainwater and bugs. Tap more trees. 40 gallons of sap makes just one gallon of syrup, which is why store-bought maple syrup is so expensive. A good number of trees to tap for a beginner is 7 to 10; you'll get about 10 gallons from each tree per season, so you'll end up with a few gallons of maple syrup. Collect the sap. Over the course of a few weeks, check the collecting containers every few days. Transfer the sap to sealed buckets or other large containers for storage. Keep collecting sap until the season has ended. Now you're ready to turn the sap into syrup. Filter the sap. If you have a smaller amount of sap, this is easiest done with a coffee filter. This is only to remove any sediment, bugs, or twigs from the sap. You could also reach in and remove large pieces of debris with a slotted spoon. The sap will be filtered again later, after it's boiled. Build a fire to boil the sap. Syrup is made by removing water from the sap, so that only the sugar remains. Sap contains only about 2 % sugar. You can use an evaporator, which is a machine made specifically for boiling sap into syrup, or a less expensive alternative like a good, hot fire (you can also boil it in a pan on the stove, but you're evaporating so much moisture that your whole house will fill with steam). To build an outdoor fire for sap boiling, follow these steps: Get one or more 5 gallon pots. Dig a shallow hole in the ground where you want to build the fire. Build a box out of cinder blocks around the hole. It need only be large enough to accommodate all of your pots. Set a fire grate in the box to hold the pots, leaving enough space below the grate to build a fire. Build a fire under the grate so it will heat the pots. Add sap to the pots. Fill them about 3/4 full of sap. The flames should lick the bottom of the pans and bring the sap to a boil. As the water evaporates, slowly add more sap. Continue stoking the fire and adding sap to the pots until the pots are half full with the remaining sap. The process of boiling sap down to syrup takes many hours, and you can't take any breaks or you'll end up with burned maple syrup. The fire needs to be hot enough to keep the sap boiling constantly, and you need to keep adding more sap when the liquid gets low - even if it means staying up all night. You can hang a coffee can with a handle over the sap pot. Cut a hole in the bottom so the sap trickles out gradually. This way you won't have to be there to monitor its progress at all times. Check the temperature. When you're finished adding sap and the remaining liquid starts to get low, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. It will have rested at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or so during the boiling process, but once most of the water has evaporated, the temperature will rise. Remove the liquid from heat when it reaches 219 degrees Fahrenheit. If you remove the syrup too late, it will thicken or burn, so make sure you monitor it closely. You can finish the syrup inside if you want to be able to control the heat and temperature more closely. Filter the finished syrup. When the sap is boiled it produces niter, or "sugar sand." The niter will settle to the bottom if not filtered. Filtering will remove niter and other substrate that might have gotten into the syrup, like ash from the fire or bugs that flew in. Place a few pieces of cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the syrup in; you may have to do this a few times to get all the niter out. Filter the syrup while it's still quite hot, or else it will stick to the cheesecloth. Special cotton filters made to absorb less syrup are available for sale online. Pour the syrup into sterilized containers. Glass mason jars work well, or you could reuse old maple syrup containers that have been boiled. Put the lids on the syrup jars immediately. Remove taps from trees at the end of the season. Do not plug the holes; they will close by themselves.
Make sure your trees are ready to be tapped. Select trees. Purchase taps. Tap the tree. Attach a collection container. Tap more trees. Collect the sap. Filter the sap. Build a fire to boil the sap. Add sap to the pots. Check the temperature. Filter the finished syrup. Pour the syrup into sterilized containers. Remove taps from trees at the end of the season.
https://www.wikihow.life/Sell-Your-Own-House
How to Sell Your Own House
If you want to sell your house as a "For Sale, by Owner" deal, the first thing you'll want to do is hire an appraiser. They can help you set the right asking price for your home to maximize your chance of getting a bid. List your house in April or May, since people are more likely to buy a home during the warmer months. Make a list of local mortgage brokers and familiarize yourself with the mortgage process, so you can guide them through it when they make a bid.
Clean out your home. As soon as you decide to sell your house, thoroughly clean it from top to bottom. Don't forget rarely-cleaned areas such as baseboards, blinds, roof gutters and window wells. A clean home will help an appraiser see your house in a better light and value it more highly, as well as appealing to buyers. Because of familiarity, you're likely to overlook some aspects of cleaning that scrutinizing potential buyers won't. If you want to make the best possible impression, shell out some extra cash to hire a professional cleaning service, at least for an initial deep clean. Don't underestimate the power of a spotless canvas. Clear up clutter while you clean. Make your home look more spacious by getting rid of any unnecessary junk (hire storage space if you have to). You'll see a big difference in how your closets look, as well as your garage, porch and bathroom. Buyers want to feel like they're purchasing sufficient space, and clearing out more of your stuff helps them see themselves in your home. If you can't bear to part with anything, consider moving the items to a storage unit temporarily. . Have your property evaluated As much as you'd like to set the price of your home as high as possible, you have to be realistic. Many for-sale-by-owner listings fail to sell because owners persist in thinking their home is worth more than the market will offer, or because they have already settled on a set amount of money that they want and refuse to budge. Having a professional, third-party assessment of your home's worth will help you get comfortable with a price range, in addition to providing you with a solid reference point if a buyer or Realtor accuses you of setting the price too high. Don't just rely on the property tax assessment. Many property tax assessments are out of date, and they don't necessarily reflect the current real estate market. Look at comparables. Comparables are what other similar homes in your area are selling for, or better yet how much they have sold for in the last month. Use this method to determine what price range your home will fall in. Always use comparables when arriving at a realistic assessment of your home's value. In a slower market or in a rural area, you may even want to look back about six months to a year to see how other homes sold around that time compared with your home. Hire an appraiser. A certified residential appraiser will come to your house, measure the property, take notes and photos, research information about any land parcels, and assemble a list of comparable sales in your neighborhood to determine the value of your home. Many banks keep a list of reputable appraisers they contact for refinancing or mortgage loans; ask your local branch manager to refer you to an honest, qualified professional. Once you receive your copy of the appraisal, make a second copy and store it in a secure location. Keep the first copy on-hand to go over with serious buyers. Keep in mind that a visit from an appraiser may cost you around $500, while a visit from a Realtor may be free or only around $50 and they may arrive at a similar amount. Have your home inspected. Many standard real estate contracts are going to give the home buyer the right to inspect the property, so be prepared. Have your home inspected before you advertise. Under a general inspection you might be obligated to make major repairs to appliances, plumbing, septic, electrical and heating systems, etc. You can expect your home's roof and foundations to be inspected, as well. Follow the recommendations and make necessary repairs. Additional inspections requested by the buyer are customarily at their expense. As much as possible, get your home in move-in condition before you put it on the market. Buyers of homes are inherently lazy. If they feel like they'll need to do extra landscaping, plumbing, appliance and electrical work before they can enjoy the house, they'll balk when it comes to buy, even if the rest of your house is an absolute steal. So make it easy for them. Hire a handyman or general contractor to get the home as ready to move into as possible. Know your selling points. Before you start marketing your home, write up a list of special selling points you think will attract buyers. Potential items include good school districts, recent renovations, benefits that have been grandfathered into the property, energy-saving windows or insulation and new appliances. Highlight these items in your ads, when you talk to people about your home or while you're showing it. Memorize them so that you don't forget anything. Time it right. Be aware that the real estate sector sees a noticeable uptick in business over the summer — people prefer to move when it's warm, and they're reluctant to have their children change schools in the middle of the school year. Start trying to sell your home in April or May and continue to promote it throughout the summer. If you haven't sold it by late fall, scale back your efforts and begin marketing more intensely when the weather warms up again. Another thing to be aware of is the trend your neighborhood is going through. If your neighborhood is undergoing a mini boom of strong residential sales, those transactions will increase the value of your home. Conversely, if your neighborhood has seen a lot of short sales or foreclosures, your home's value will be decreased. Try to time your listing so that you're not affected by distressed sales. For instance, in robust markets, a comparable sale can only weigh against the value of your home for 90 days after the sale date or even as little as 30 days. It might be worth it to wait a few months to list your home if you can do it at a higher price. However, in slower markets, you may have to go back as much as a year. . Get your property ready for a staging A staging is an especially important part of selling your house. During the staging, potential buyers begin mentally imagining their own items, and their lives, in your home. If they can't make the imaginative leap because the house is too cluttered, dirty, colorful, or quirky, you've probably lost their business. Best to stage the house to be as spacious, clean, bland (yes, bland!), and typical as possible. Try to limit furniture in your house to the absolute essentials. If you haven't used it in three months, store it, sell it, or throw it away. This helps the rooms appear larger. Replace or hire replacement for items that are outdated or don't complement your home. Show items in groups of 1, 3, and 5 items, erring on fewer items when possible. It's not clear why odd groups of items are mentally appealing, but they are. Freshen up rooms with fresh flowers and bowls of fruit. Use scatter cushions and glass vases to liven up the room. Go into each room and paint as needed. Paint the walls white to brighten up your home. Remember, neutral is best when you're selling so potential buyers can customise the property to their tastes. Check the carpets and windows in each room and clean as well. Don't neglect bathrooms and the kitchen. Use fluffy white towels in the bathroom and even put an orchid in there. Don't have too many appliances and or pots and pans visible in the kitchen, a bowl of fruit and 1-2 appliances/pans are more than enough for the kitchen to look homely but not crowded. Remove any personal photos and items - these tend to make buyers uncomfortable. The style of your house should appeal to the demographic of your potential buyers. For example, you will use different property styling if you're selling a bachelor pad or a family home. And remember: if your house is decorated in a very specific style, this might not match the style of your potential buyers. Pay attention to how the outside of your home looks. Clear away any plants that obscure significant parts of the home, weeding and mulching as necessary. Check in on the condition of the paint on the outside of the home; inspect how it looks from both the curb and up-close. Invest in potted plants and place them at the entry or on the balcony/courtyard. Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer! Take professional photos that show the best of each room (and outside area). If you have a room bathed in sunlight, take a picture of that room on a sunny day (early morning or late afternoon), even if the photographer wouldn't approve. In other rooms, turn on all artificial light when taking pictures, even if there is enough light - it creates a special ambiance. Market your home. Staking a "For Sale By Owner" sign in your yard is good if you live in a high-traffic neighborhood, but you can go further. Advertise online. Put an ad for your home on a website like Craigslist. Take out classified ads in your local newspaper and ask if they'll be available on a website as well. If you use social media sites, mention often that you're selling your house. Put up fliers. If local ordinances permit it, place fliers on stoplight poles at prominent intersections. Fish out potential buyers. Call local bank managers, as well as school principals, and let them know that you have a great home for sale if they know a family who's looking. If you know that a nearby company often relocates workers to your area, contact their recruiting or human resources department and tell them you have a home you're ready to sell. Do whatever you can to get the word out. Rely on word of mouth. Alert your friends, family and business associates that you're selling your house. If you need to sell quickly, offer them a carrot — say that if they can find someone who's looking for a house and that buyer makes an offer, you'll buy them an expensive bottle of wine, a nice dinner out, or some other reward. Know how to show your home. When potential buyers or their Realtors contact you and want to see the home, try to be as available and flexible as possible. Be aware that many people will want to see the home in the middle of the day, when you might be working. If you can't be home for appointments, try to arrange for a close friend or family member to be there. Set a peaceful, enticing mood. Before your potential buyers arrive, quickly clean up any clutter. Put away food on the counter, throw dishes into the dishwasher, and gather up laundry. Light a scented candle if you have one, brew fresh coffee or put a few drops of vanilla on a cookie sheet and put it in the oven at around 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 Celsius). Put some light, soft classical music on in the background. If the weather is nice, open a few windows; if not, light a fireplace or turn the heater up a bit. Turn on the lights for mood lighting. These extra little steps will make your home seem inviting and calm. Be a good host. This might seem like obvious advice, but some people are so anxious about selling their home that they forget basic etiquette. When your potential buyers arrive, greet them with a firm handshake and look them in the eye. Introduce yourself, and ask and remember their names. As they step inside your home, ask if you can provide them with a glass of water or light refreshment. Home in on their interests (i.e., do they have kids? Do they like animals?) and talk about the house in those terms. Lead them from room to room without rushing. At the end of the tour, ask if they have any questions or if they'd like to see anything again. Have your contact information ready to give them on a small note or card. Coming off as polite and prepared will make you seem like someone with whom they could enter a real estate transaction with minimal hassle. Keep it positive. Be honest, but do not dwell on the home's flaws or offer apologies like "Sorry it's so messy in here!" If you're selling your house because of a divorce, lost job or other personal tragedy, do not discuss these issues with your buyers, even in jest (i.e., "I could have kept this house if my husband could have kept his pants up!") Make your entire interaction with them as positive as possible. You want them to leave your home feeling happy and excited at the possibilities. Secure your valuables. Lock up everything truly irreplaceable in a safe location before you open your home to strangers. Don't let your buyers walk around unsupervised; if they ask for a moment alone, try to give them some privacy in the yard or the kitchen. Give yourself a timeline to lower the asking price if no serious bids have come through. Many sellers price their homes too high. And then they keep them too high for too long, all while paying for maintenance, upgrades, and property taxes. Before you start in earnest, set a timeline for how you'll lower the price of your home if you're not getting any bids: "If I haven't gotten a bid within two months, I'll lower by $25k; and if I haven't gotten a bid within 6 months, I'll lower by another $75k," for example. Having a pre-determined outline of how you'll lower the price in the absence of bids will help take emotion out of the decision and ultimately help you sell you house more quickly. Put yourself in the buyers' shoes. Take a walk around the neighborhood if you aren't getting any bids. Put yourself in the buyers' shoes and ask yourself, would I want to buy my home or another home given their prices? Remember to be as honest with yourself as possible. If you come to the conclusion that other homes around the neighborhood might be better options, it's time to lower your asking price in order to make your home more appealing. Offer an incentive. Find a way to sweeten the pot a bit. Don't underestimate the power of a small rebate, a security blanket, or simply a kind gesture. Here are some things that you can do to make the deal more attractive: Offer a credit on the closing costs, or offer to pay them entirely. Closing costs can get expensive quickly (upwards of several thousand dollars), so this becomes a great incentive. Give a transferable home warranty to cover home appliance malfunction. These typically only cost $300 to $500, but give the potential buyer peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, they won't have to shell out extra for it. Offer expedited closing on the home. Many buyers who see their dream house want to live in it right away. Be as flexible as possible regarding the buyer's timeline to close and allow them to take possession of the property the day it closes. Navigate financing. Most sellers assume that the buyer has been through the process and knows the stages of buying a home. The fact is, that this is one of the many valuable services that a Realtor would normally provide, but now it is left to you, the seller, to walk them through choosing a mortgage broker to getting to the closing table. By aligning yourself with a local mortgage company first, you are giving the loan officer leads in return for assisting you with the transaction, a virtual win-win. Mortgage brokers often have clients that are approved but have yet to find a home; this is a great way to tap into their client list to find a qualified buyer. The broker should also estimate the closing costs for your home and give you strategic financing tips for marketing (Zero Down, 2-1 Buydown options, Interest only options or community funding & grants available). Financing can sell a home just as quickly as good staging. A lender may also prepare a flyer that lists the monthly payments based on the expected purchase price. A lender may also hold a meet and greet session at your open house. This session will be used to educate potential buyers about the lending opportunities available to them. Be prepared to negotiate. If a buyer says he or she likes your home but is not sure about buying it, again, this is your opportunity to sweeten the deal. Did you notice the buyer looking longingly at your new barbecue? Throw it in. Did they seem dismayed that the patio hadn't been varnished for a while? Say you'll come down $500 to cover the cost of re-varnishing. Giving up an appliance or making a small concession for home improvements could cost you less than continuing to pay a mortgage on a house you don't want. Keep in mind that even if someone makes a low-ball offer, you can negotiate upwards. Do not be discouraged if you get an offer that is lower than what you are willing to accept. Try to close cleanly and quickly. Once the buyer is making offers and negotiating, try to close the transaction as quickly as you can. Make sure you've provided all the necessary disclosure documents required by your state. If you don't like the buyer's offer, don't just say no. Always make a counter offer. Try to accommodate the buyer wherever you can afford to. Also, consider taking the offer to a lawyer for professional evaluation. Once everything is settled, move out as quickly as you reasonably can.
Clean out your home. . Have your home inspected. As much as possible, get your home in move-in condition before you put it on the market. Know your selling points. Time it right. . Market your home. Know how to show your home. Give yourself a timeline to lower the asking price if no serious bids have come through. Put yourself in the buyers' shoes. Offer an incentive. Navigate financing. Be prepared to negotiate. Try to close cleanly and quickly.
https://www.wikihow.com/Behave-Professionally
How to Behave Professionally
Behaving professionally in your job is all about having good relationships with your coworkers and staying on top of your work. Communication is a large part of being professional. Always be polite at work, make eye contact when you're talking to people, and ask questions if you don't understand something. Another part of being professional is being reliable whenever someone needs help or asks you to do something. If you make a mistake, take responsibility for it, apologize, and try to fix it. Your attitude is also a big part of professionalism. Try to arrive at work 5 minutes early and stay a few minutes after the end to make sure you've done everything you need to. Avoid talking about office gossip or personal issues at your job so you can focus on your work.
Arrive five minutes early each day. Don't be that employee who's barely making it in the door at 8:00AM or the one who regularly comes fifteen minutes late. Get up early in the mornings so you can arrive to work early; this will show that you are dedicated to your job. Don't rush out at 5PM, either. Stay a few minutes afterwards to check emails or finish up tasks. Dress well and maintain good hygiene. In addition to punctuality, professional dress is very important. Invest in a few good outfits for work. Iron your clothes the night before so that you aren't rushed and wrinkled in the morning. Shower daily and keep your hair well-kempt and out of your face. Professional dress can include long-sleeved button-up shirts, slacks or skirts, blazers, cardigans, and loafers. Find clothes that fit you well so you look neat - stay away from clothes that are too tight or baggy. Pay attention to how your coworkers dress. Each company has its own definition of professional dress. For example, if everyone is wearing khakis and button-down shirts, don't show up in a suit everyday. Blend into the company's dress culture. Keep organized. Keep your desk, cubicle or office space neat and clean. Put documents in drawers or filing cabinets and organize them based on project type and year. Keep a calendar to keep track of your appointments, meetings, and projects. Stay updated on your emails and voicemails. Be the employee that responds to emails in a timely fashion, with no more than two days in between a response. Respond to emails from your boss or superiors as soon as possible. Reread all emails before sending to check for typos. Respond to emails in a professional manner, even if the sender writes to you casually. Make your voicemail message professional, as well. If you promise to respond to calls in a certain window, be sure to follow through on that promise. Additionally, be sure to check your voicemail regularly. Be an excellent communicator. Stay on topic when delivering information and keep your updates as succinct as possible, avoiding unnecessary information. When in doubt about information or instructions, ask open-ended questions. You can say something like “Just to make sure I understand, can you give me an example?” Maintain good eye contact and stand or sit straight up. Having good posture portrays confidence. Do not use slang. Limit how often you say “like," “um," "uh," and related sounds. Don't participate in office gossip. Keep discussions about your personal life to a minimum while at work. Practice presentations in advance. If you have to present your work to your colleagues or some other audience, be ready. Create a slideshow and have notes on hand to refresh your memory. Practice several times in advance to prepare a polished presentation, calm your nerves, and ensure that you're prepared for questions. Come to meetings with notes prepared. If you have a staff meeting or other meeting coming up, come with notes prepared. You may have to share updates about your projects; have those updates written down so you can share them accurately. Have questions on hand, as well. Follow company policies. Take some time to read your company's manual to make sure that you are following all of the rules. If you think you are in violation of any of these rules, consult with your boss. For instance, perhaps you are in a relationship with a coworker. If this is against company policy, you need to inform your supervisor and end the relationship or else find another job. Keep your private life private. At work, avoid discussing intimate details about your life with your coworkers. Keep discussion of sex and fights with your partner off the table completely. Create friendships at work, but keep your discussions light while in the office. Check in with your coworkers regularly, go out to lunch together, and discuss things like vacations, TV shows, your kids, or your hometown. Be a dependable and reliable employee. If you tell your boss that you will go to a meeting in her place, go. This will help to establish trust between you and others. Keep all of your meetings and appointments unless something serious, like an illness, comes up to change them. Complete all of your projects before they are due and to the best of your ability. Do not over-commit to too many tasks or volunteer to do tasks that you are not qualified to do. Admit when you don't know something or if you don't feel like you can handle it. Apologize when you make a mistake. Even if you are a model employee, you are bound to slip up from time to time. When this happens, don't shift the blame to others but take full responsibility instead. Apologize for the errors you made and put steps in place to avoid them in the future. You might say “I'm so sorry for missing that meeting with the pharmaceutical company. I accidentally double booked myself that day. I have rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow. I'll make sure this doesn't happen again.” Keep out of office gossip. Even when others in the office are badmouthing people, keep out of it. Don't involve yourself in people's pettiness or else you could find yourself in trouble. When gossip comes up, try to change the subject or walk away. Be honest with your coworkers and bosses. Honesty is a very important element of professionalism. Always tell the people you work with the truth about your projects and be comfortable saying “I don't know”, but not with finality/resignation. Be prepared to find what is needed. Let others know when you need help such as a source, instructions, training or immediate help from someone who has a skill or the experience that is needed. For instance, if your boss asks how a project that you're struggling with is going, let your needs be known. Don't deepen the problem by saying things are fine when you could really use a bit of help. Read articles related to your job to stay up to date. Each day, try to find at least one article related to your line of work to read. This will ensure that you are staying updated. You will also have new material to discuss with your coworkers in staff meetings. For instance, if you work at a university, subscribe to online journals like The Chronicle of Higher Education or Inside Higher Ed for daily emails. Attend trainings in your field. Many offices will pay for their employees to go to trainings or conferences related to their work. Look into some of these and put in a proposal with your boss to get funding to attend. These are great experiences for you to expand your knowledge. Take notes in departmental meetings. When in meetings, avoid getting on your phone or drifting off. Instead, stay focused, listen, and take notes. Though they may be boring, there is likely some very important information being discussed that you can use to become a better professional. Consider going back to school. Perhaps you are looking to extend your knowledge beyond a memo or a training. If this is the case, consider going back to school to get another degree in your field. For instance, if you are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you might consider furthering your knowledge of nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). An increase in knowledge often comes with an increase in pay, as well.
Arrive five minutes early each day. Dress well and maintain good hygiene. Keep organized. Stay updated on your emails and voicemails. Be an excellent communicator. Practice presentations in advance. Come to meetings with notes prepared. Follow company policies. Keep your private life private. Be a dependable and reliable employee. Apologize when you make a mistake. Keep out of office gossip. Be honest with your coworkers and bosses. Read articles related to your job to stay up to date. Attend trainings in your field. Take notes in departmental meetings. Consider going back to school.
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Trust-in-a-Relationship
How to Build Trust in a Relationship
One of the most important things you can do to build trust in a relationship is always tell the truth. If you lie or keep things hidden from your partner, eventually the truth will come out and it will ruin any trust you had. In addition to being honest, you should try your best to be reliable by doing the things you say you'll do. For example, if you tell your partner you'll be home at a certain time, be home by then or let them know if you're running late. You should also make an effort to share your feelings with your partner and let them know if you're upset about something since being open with each other will help build trust.
Stay faithful. If a partner is not loyal, a relationship quickly becomes unworkable. People do recover from an affair but usually need professional help to do it. Make a commitment to be faithful and stick to it. If you're not happy in the relationship, get counseling and not a part-time lover. If you're faithful to someone, it means you're faithful on all levels. This means physically but also emotionally. Some people think it's okay to establish intimate bonds even though they may just be spending time with another person and nothing else, but it's really not. It will eventually cause problems in your relationship. Be clear with appropriate boundaries as much as possible. What is appropriate varies from culture to culture, and often with one's age. But it all comes down to understanding what is respectful, clear, and comfortable to ask from a romantic relationship. Dating a person once is not a committed relationship, for instance. If asking a person out on a date, make sure that is clear; it can be awkward if a woman is not entirely sure she is at a restaurant as a friend or as a date. Be clear on if you see your sexual relationship as more casual or more serious. Some people are comfortable with "booty calls" and "friends with benefits" types of relationships. Others see sexual relations as a very deeply emotional act done only with someone committed to a relationship (or after marriage). There are wide varieties of behaviors considered a "committed relationship," from traditional marriage, to "live-in boyfriend or girlfriend", to more radical "open marriages," and polyamory. A person seeking a traditional marriage may be disappointed if the partner is looking for something else. Likewise, someone seeking something else may be disappointed if the partner is looking for a traditional marriage. Give your partner space, and foster kindness. Trust builds in an atmosphere of security and safety. The cycle of hurting each other, either verbally or physically, and then rejecting the other person, creates a lot of fear; which undermines trust. Furthermore, trying to control your partner's every move is another type of mistrust, so make sure you're not possessively clinging on to your partner. That will only push him or her away. If your significant other wants to spend time with their friends, try to be okay with that. You can always talk about what's acceptable behavior and what's not, though. For instance, if your partner says that he or she wants to go to a dance club with friends, and you're not comfortable with it; then it's something that you need to talk about, both in this instance, and for the future, so that it doesn't keep happening again and again. Love your partner without any ulterior motives. Both of you need to feel sure you are loved for yourself, and not for some other reason. Those other reasons could be your family, your money, your looks, or even just the fear of being alone. Make sure you're with your significant other for the right reasons. Make your relationship a top priority. It can be easy to take each other for granted and neglect one another. Try not to give all of your energy and time to other people or activities. Keep your priorities clear. If being in a relationship is important to you, then make sure it stays at the top of your list. Avoid becoming a workaholic because this can get in the way of your relationship. Make time for your relationship; and if you need to reach a goal at a specific time, work with your partner to develop solutions. Stay to the end. Misunderstandings, conflict, and anger are going to occur. Make it safe for disagreements and the careful expression of anger to happen without raising a fear of abandonment. You do this by never using the threat of walking out. Keep your routine. A lot of people believe that mixing things up all the time makes a great relationship. In other words, he or she is always planning something new to surprise the other. Although surprises are nice from time to time, stability and uniformity are far more important in a relationship. Uniformity sounds boring, but you need to be predictable to make things work in the long run. Predictability builds trust. Be reliable. Trust is just another way of saying you can rely on someone. You trust your partner to do certain things no matter what at all times. This trust builds security in a relationship. Make sure your partner can count on you. If you say you're going to be home by 5 p.m., then make sure you are or at least let the other person know if something else comes up. The most important factor here is consistency. If 4 out of 5 times, you never bother calling and just come home as late as you want, then that's a strong indicator that your needs matter more to you than your partner. A happy, successful relationship is when both parties make an effort at keeping up their end of the bargain. Mean what you say. Your partner can read your face better than anyone else. If you are lying or trying to hide some true feeling by not quite saying all that is on your mind, he or she will be able to tell. The person might even think you're cheating. When the person knows he or she can trust whatever comes out of your mouth without hesitation, then you are building an unshakable bond. Tell the truth. Don't keep anything hidden, nothing should be privileged from the other. You have to know that sooner or later all things come to light, and the consequences of not being completely truthful will kill the trust and ruin your relationship. Share how you really feel. Too many people never let their partners know what they need. Don't let your partner wonder, or try to guess what he or she should do for you. It is essential this happens with both partners. If only one partner is being catered to by the other, there is a chance one will feel smothered or the other might feel neglected. Either scenario is not good. Practice vulnerability to allow for more closeness and intimacy in your relationship. Say no sometimes. It's okay to listen to your partner's needs and try to fulfill them, but sometimes it's just as valuable to say no. You can't do everything all the time, and you will actually earn some respect when you refuse to do something once in a while. Taking a stand, and imposing your own will can actually enhance the trust between you. Have faith in your partner's capabilities. In other words, if you believe at all that the person is not competent in some of the things he or she does, your trust will not be solid. If this is the case, you need to be upfront with him or her on the issues in an honest and loving manner. This will allow you to work through this and keep the trust with each other. Trust your partner. How can your partner trust you when you don't trust him or her? Having trust takes two people, and without the other person building trust, too, it's like a fish without water. This is where you have the opportunity to practice vulnerability. Trusting another person often comes down to how you feel on the inside. In other words, if you tend to be insecure about things, then this could fall over into your relationship in a negative way. You have every reason to trust until the person actually does something that shows you cannot. Be open about any insecurities you may have. If you have any past experience with infidelity, let your partner know so they can understand what's going through your head. Give the benefit of the doubt. One indicator of trust issues is the tendency to think of the worst case in every possible situation. Just because someone missed your phone call doesn't mean the person is cheating on you. When you trust your partner, it means you give him or her the benefit of the doubt. Each person deserves a chance to explain her or himself before coming to a conclusion. Only then can it be looked at objectively. Leave your partner’s phone alone. Do either one of you have passwords on your phone? If so, it could be a sign that you have problems with trust. While privacy is important, it doesn't mean your phone should be protected like it's Fort Knox. When there's real trust, the other person will respect your privacy even if he or she has access to your phone. But the bigger issue, however, is if you feel that the person calling your significant other's phone is a threat to your relationship, then there are definite trust issues that need to be dealt with. Allow your partner free reign in life. Often, when there are trust issues, you want to monitor everything the other person does and with whom. It's easy to feel territorial and feel threatened by everyone. However, trust is about having faith and allowing the other person free reign. When you trust someone else, it also means you trust yourself, which fosters healthier relationships in the long run.
Stay faithful. Give your partner space, and foster kindness. Love your partner without any ulterior motives. Make your relationship a top priority. Stay to the end. Keep your routine. Be reliable. Mean what you say. Tell the truth. Share how you really feel. Say no sometimes. Have faith in your partner's capabilities. Trust your partner. Give the benefit of the doubt. Leave your partner’s phone alone. Allow your partner free reign in life.
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Sensory-Overload
How to Reduce Sensory Overload
Sensory overload can be overwhelming at times, but by limiting excessive stimulation or taking a short break, you can start to feel better. If it's too bright indoors, try turning the lights down or putting on sunglasses. For excessive noise, turn down electrical appliances, shut any doors to block outside noise, or put in headphones. If you're at a social event or somewhere else where you can't control the sensory stimuli, try taking a break in a quiet room, restroom, or outside. Take a few deep breaths, and focus on your breathing to help you relax.
Recognize what overload looks like, not just in general but in this person. Overload can show up in different ways for different people. It may look like a panic attack, getting "hyper," shutting down, or having a meltdown (which resembles a tantrum, but is not thrown on purpose). Ask yourself what overload typically looks like for the person. This can help you identify warning signs that the person is overwhelmed. Does the person's mood usually change when overwhelm? How? Notice if any self-calming behaviors tend to happen during overwhelm. What tends to calm this person when things are getting bad? This can help you notice when overload is coming. Are abilities lost or limited during overload? Normal abilities can become harder or impossible to use during overload. If their speech, motor skills, or other skills start worsening before overload, then that's a useful warning sign. If you're thinking of a loved one, try asking them what happens and how they feel when overwhelmed. They may be able to tell you what to look for. Reduce visual stimulation. A person experiencing visual overload may need to wear sunglasses indoors, refuse eye contact, turn away from people who are speaking, cover one's eyes, and bump into people or things. To help with visual stimulation, reduce the items that hang from the ceiling or walls. Keep small items put away in bins or boxes, and organize and label the bins. If lighting is overwhelming, use a lamp instead of fluorescent lighting. You can also use darker bulbs instead of bright bulbs. Use blackout curtains to minimize light. If indoor lights are overwhelming, using sunshades can be helpful. Lower the noise level. Sound-related overwhelm may include not being able to shut off background noises (such as someone having a conversation far away), which can influence concentration. Some noises can be perceived as excruciatingly loud and distracting. To help with noise overstimulation, shut any open doors or windows that may be allowing sound inside. Lower or turn off any music that may be distracting, or go somewhere more quiet. Minimize verbal directions and/or conversations if things get bad. Having earplugs, headphones, and white noise may come in handy when noises seem too overwhelming. Use short yes/no questions if you're talking to someone who's overwhelmed. They can respond with thumbs up/thumbs down. Lessen tactile input. Tactile overload, which refers to the sensation of touch, can include being unable to handle to be touched or hugged. Many people with sensory processing issues are hypersensitive to touch, and being touched or thinking they are about to be touched can worsen the overload. Tactile sensitivity can include a sensitivity to clothing (preferring soft fabrics) or to touching certain textures or temperatures. Recognize what textures are pleasing and which ones are not. Make sure that any new clothing is sensory-friendly. Respect touch boundaries. Don't force it, and pay attention if they pull away or say they don't want to be touched. Don't startle them. Let them see you coming if you're going to touch them (or say you're going to touch them). Come from the front, not from behind. Give them time to lean away or say no if they can't handle it right now. Encourage comfortable clothes. Itchy or painful clothes shouldn't be worn, no matter what the occasion is. Remember that touch sensitivities may be worse on some days than others, so some clothes may be sometimes OK and sometimes not. Limit strong smells. Some fragrances or stenches may be overwhelming, and unlike sight, you cannot shut your nose to disengage the sense. If smells are overwhelming, consider using unscented shampoos, detergents, and cleaning products. Remove as many unpleasant scents as possible from the environment. You could buy unscented products, or you may enjoy getting crafty and making your own unscented toothpaste, soaps, and detergent. Avoid overdoing it, even if it's a "nice" smell. Overpowering smells are unpleasant, even if the smell is sweet in smaller amounts. Pay attention to vestibular input. A person who experiences sensory overload may be sensitive to perceptions of balance or movement. They may be particularly susceptible to motion sickness, easily lose their balance, and have trouble with hand/eye coordination. If the person seems overwhelmed by movement or is inactive, you can try slowing down your own movements or practice moving slowly and carefully to different positions (transitioning from laying down to standing, etc.). Keep a calm home environment. A low-stress, low-input space can help the person feel better regulated and less likely to experience overload. Try keeping things relaxed. Assign noisy or intense chores to someone who doesn't mind doing them. Try having them done when the sensitive person is elsewhere. If someone wants to do something intense, keep it in a limited space. For example, if someone wants to play a loud video game, have them do it in a bedroom instead of in the main area. Try creating a "sensory diet. " A sensory diet is a way to help the person's nervous system feel organized and efficient, providing sensory input in a way that is nourishing and routine. A sensory diet can include sensory input created by interactions with other people, the environment, activities scheduled at certain times of the day, and recreational activities. Think about a sensory diet as you would a healthy, balanced food diet. You want the person to get the necessary nutrients from a variety of sources, but you don't want them to get too much or too little of something, either, as this could impair growth or a healthy, functioning body. With a sensory diet, you want the person to have a balanced experience of different sensory inputs. So, if the person is overstimulated by auditory stimulation (or sound), you may minimize verbal directions and instead use more visuals and spend time in places with minimal background noise or allow them to use earplugs. However, the auditory sense still needs nourishment, so you also give the person time to listen to their favorite music. Minimize unnecessary sensory input by limiting the visual material in the room, allowing the use of headphones or earplugs, finding clothing that is comfortable, using scent-free detergents and soaps, and so on. The hope of the sensory diet is to calm the person and possibly normalize sensory input, teach the person to manage impulses and emotions, and increase productivity. Take a sensory break. You may feel overwhelmed when surrounded by large groups of people or lots of children. Sometimes these situations are unavoidable, like at a family function or a business conference. While you may not be able to fully escape the situation, you can take a break to help you recover from overload. Trying to "tough it out" will only make things worse and make it take even longer to recover. Taking a break can help you recharge and remove you from the situation before it becomes unbearable. Respond to your needs early on, and they will be easier to handle. If you are in public, consider excusing yourself to the bathroom, or say "I need some air" and go outside for a few minutes. If you are in a home, see if there's a place to lie down and briefly rest. Say "I need some alone time" if people are trying to follow you when you can't handle it. Find a balance. It is important for you to learn your limits and set boundaries, but also not to limit yourself too much so that you become bored. Make sure your basic needs are met, as your threshold for stimulation may be affected things like hunger, exhaustion, loneliness, and physical pain. At the same time, make sure you aren't stretching yourself too thin. Meeting these essential needs is important for everyone, but it may be especially important for highly sensitive people or those with SPD. Set your limits. When dealing with situations that may cause sensory overload, set some limits. If noise is bothersome, consider going to restaurants or shopping malls at quieter hours of the day and not during rush. You may want to set limits on how much time you spend watching tv or on a computer, or socializing with friends and family. If a big event is coming up, prepare yourself throughout the day to handle the situation to the best of your ability. You may need to set limits on conversations. If long conversations drain you, politely excuse yourself. If you are a caretaker or parent, monitor the child's activity and find patterns of when too much tv or computer starts to be overloading. Give yourself time to recover. It can take minutes to hours to fully recover from an episode of sensory overload. If the ”fight-flight-or-freeze” mechanisms have been engaged, it's likely you will be very tired afterwards. If you can, try to reduce stress occurring later on as well. Alone time is often the best way to recover. Consider coping techniques to deal with stress. Working on decreasing stress and developing healthy ways to cope with stress and overstimulation can help decrease the arousal of your nervous system. Yoga , meditation , and deep breathing are all ways you can decrease stress, find balance, and even a sense of security over time. Use the coping mechanisms that help you best. You may instinctively know what you need, like rocking or going somewhere silent. Don't worry if it's "weird" or not; focus on what can help you. Try occupational therapy. For adults and children, occupational therapy can help reduce sensory sensitivities and therefore lessen overload over time. Treatment outcome is stronger if started young. As a caretaker, look for a therapist who is experienced in dealing with sensory processing issues. Intervene early. Sometimes, a person may not realize that they are struggling, and may stay longer than they should or try to "tough it out." This only makes things worse. Intervene on their behalf as soon as you notice that they are getting stressed, and help them take some quiet time to calm down. Be compassionate and understanding. Your loved one is feeling overwhelmed and upset, and your support can comfort them and help them calm down. Be loving, empathetic, and responsive to their needs. Remember, they aren't doing this on purpose. Being judgmental will only worsen their stress level. Avoid overreacting if they act out. In some cases, overloaded people become physically or verbally aggressive. As a caretaker, it's hard to not take it personally. This reaction is more about panic and not about you. Physical aggression usually is a response to provocation (such as being grabbed or cornered). Give them space. Back up if they flail or throw things. You can also try placing cushions (either to protect them or to provide something safe they can throw). Provide an exit. The fastest way to stop the overload is often to remove them from the situation. See if you can take them outside or to a quieter place. Gesture for them to follow you or show them the way (such as by opening a door). Holding hands is usually too much during sensory overload, since hands are often warm, hairy, and/or sweaty. If you want them to hold something and follow you, try offering them a sleeve or string. Make the area more hospitable. If you're indoors, lower any bright lights, turn off music, and encourage others to give your loved one some space. If you're outdoors, take them away from busy streets or other sources of noise and toward somewhere peaceful. Shoo away onlookers. Being stared at or pestered with questions can be awful when someone is having a hard time. Ask before touching them. During overload, the person can have trouble understanding what is happening, and if you startle them, they may misinterpret it as an attack. Offer first, and talk about what you're doing before you do it, so they have time to decline. For example, "I'd like to take your hand and lead you out of here," or "Hug?" Sometimes, overloaded people are soothed by a tight hug or a back rub. Other times, being touched makes it worse. Offer it, and don't worry if they say no; it isn't personal. Don't trap them or get in their way. They may panic and lash out, such as pushing you away from the door so that they can leave. Ask simple yes/no questions if you need to know something. Open-ended questions are more difficult to process, and when the person's brain is already struggling to cope, they may not be able to form a meaningful answer. If it's a yes or no question, they can nod their head or give a thumbs up/thumbs down to respond. Don't ask questions unless necessary. Just like how you shouldn't try to get a frozen computer to do more tasks, asking the person to process more spoken words can be too much. Respond to needs. The person might need a drink of water, a break, or to move onto a different activity. Think about what would be most helpful right now, and go do it. As a caretaker, It's easy to respond in your own frustration, but remind yourself that they cannot help their behaviors and they need your support. If you see someone using a harmful coping mechanism, alert someone who knows what to do (e.g. a parent or therapist). Trying to grab them may cause them to panic and lash out, putting both of you at risk for getting hurt. A therapist can help develop a plan to replace the harmful coping mechanism. Encourage self-calming, whatever it means to them. They might find it useful to rock back and forth, cuddle under a weighted blanket, hum, or get a massage from you. It's okay if it looks weird or isn't "age appropriate;" all that matters is that it helps them unwind. If you know of something that usually calms them (e.g. their favorite stuffed animal), bring it to them and set it within arm's reach. If they want it, they can grab it.
Recognize what overload looks like, not just in general but in this person. Reduce visual stimulation. Lower the noise level. Lessen tactile input. Limit strong smells. Pay attention to vestibular input. Keep a calm home environment. Try creating a "sensory diet. Take a sensory break. Find a balance. Set your limits. Give yourself time to recover. Consider coping techniques to deal with stress. Try occupational therapy. Intervene early. Be compassionate and understanding. Avoid overreacting if they act out. Provide an exit. Make the area more hospitable. Ask before touching them. Ask simple yes/no questions if you need to know something. Respond to needs. Encourage self-calming, whatever it means to them.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Organic-Pesticide
How to Make Organic Pesticide
To make organic pesticide, chop up 1/2 cup of hot peppers, like jalapeños or habaneros, and 1/2 cup of onion or garlic. Add these vegetables to your blender or food processor and pulse until you have a thick paste. Once they are blended, add the purée to 2 cups of warm water and let it sit overnight. The next day, strain out any solids and spray the mixture onto your plants. You can also make a natural pesticide by mixing a few teaspoons of mild dish soap with a gallon of warm water.
Mix 1/2 c (113 g) of hot peppers with 1/2 c (113 g) of garlic or onion. You can use any hot peppers you like, such as jalapeno and habanero chili peppers. You can also use a combination of onion and garlic instead of one or the other. Chop up all the vegetables thoroughly. Blend the vegetables together in an electric blender. Transfer the chopped veggies to a blender or food processor. Pulse the mixture until it forms a thick, chunky paste. Add the vegetable paste to 2 c (500 mL) of warm water. Measure out the warm water and pour it directly into the blender. Give the ingredients a stir to thoroughly mix them together. Pour the solution into a glass container and let it sit for 24 hours. You can also use a plastic container, but it will trap an unpleasant odor in the plastic. If possible, keep the container in a sunny location. If not, at least keep the mixture in a warm spot for about 24 hours. Strain the mixture. Pour the solution through a strainer, removing the vegetables and collecting the vegetable-infused water into another container. This water is your pesticide. You can discard the vegetables or put them in your compost. Pour your pesticide into a squirt bottle. Make sure that the spray bottle has first been cleaned with warm water and soap to rid it of any potential contaminants. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into the squirt bottle and replace the nozzle. Spray your plants with the pesticide. Treat the infected plants every 4 to 5 days with the solution. After 3 or 4 treatments, the pests should scatter. If the area is thoroughly covered with the solution, this pesticide should keep bugs away for the rest of the season. Avoid spraying the plants during the sunniest parts of the day since it could burn your plants. Select a mild liquid dish-washing soap. Avoid anti-bacterial, scented, and other specialized soaps, since these may damage your plants. Dawn and castile soap are both great choices. Mix 1 tbsp (15 mL) of mild soap with 1 c (250 mL) cooking oil. Measure out both ingredients and pour them into a large bowl. Use either canola or vegetable cooking oil for best results. Combine 2 1/2 tsp (12 mL) of the mixture with 1 c (250 mL) of water. Stir the ingredients well to mix them thoroughly. Pour this new mixture into a large squirt bottle. Use a funnel to easily transfer the mixture into the spray bottle. Give the mixture another vigorous shake once you get it inside the bottle. Test the mix by spraying it onto a small portion of your plant. If the section of the plant you test the spray on wilts or changes color, try using a different soap for this pesticide or another type of pesticide. Spray the mixture anywhere you have problems. If you tested your solution and it did not cause any harm to your plant, spray it around your entire plant, including the undersides of leaves. Focus on areas where pests lay their eggs, since an oil spray is designed to target eggs and immature bugs. Use the spray during the early morning or late afternoon, since direct sunlight could burn your plants after using oil. Opt for a mild liquid dish-washing soap. The milder your soap is, the less likely it is to have a harmful effect on your plants. Stay away from anti-bacterial, scented, and other specialized soaps. Mild soaps like Dawn and castile soap work perfectly. Mix a few tsp (10 to 15 mL) of soap into 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Combine the soap and water in a large bowl. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix the ingredients together. Pour the solution into a large squirt bottle. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid and then replace the nozzle. You may not be able to fit all of the solution into a bottle! Just use the largest bottle you can find to make use of as much of the solution as possible. Test the mixture on your plants. Spray a small section of the infested plant with the solution and monitor it throughout the course of a day. If it does not wilt or change color, the solution is likely safe. Spray the pests directly with the mixture. Cover the top and undersides of leaves, focusing on the areas that seem the most overcome with pests. The spray works by removing the protective wax on the insect, which causes it to lose a fatal amount of water. Continue to spray your plants every 2-3 days for the next 2 weeks. Since this pesticide is fairly diluted, continued application is the only way to ensure that the infestation ends. Mix 1 c (250 mL) of loose tobacco into 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Combine the 2 ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl or container. Tobacco is useful in targeting caterpillars, aphids, and worms, but it is not safe to use on peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, or any member of the solanaceous plant family. Sit the mixture out in the sun or in another warm location. Put the container somewhere it won't be disturbed. Allow the mixture to rest for 24 hours. Check the color of the mixture. Ideally, the pesticide will look similar to the hue of a light tea. If it is too dark, dilute it with water. If it is too light to see, allow it to sit an additional few hours. Add 3 tbsp (45 mL) of mild liquid dish soap to the solution. Opt for a mild soap like Dawn or castile soap for best results. Pour it directly into the mixture, then stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a large squirt bottle. Use a funnel to transfer to liquid into a squirt bottle and replace the nozzle. Shake the solution inside the bottle once more to combine it further. Spray the infested plants with the solution. Focus on areas that show the most damage, but also cover spots that still seem in good condition. Peel an orange and reserve the rind. Citrus is especially helpful in targeting soft-bodied bugs, including slugs, aphids, fungus gnats , and mealy bugs. When sprayed directly onto the pests, this pesticide also works against ants and roaches. If you do not have a fresh orange, use 1.5 tsp (7.4 g) of dried citrus peels or 1/2 oz (15 mL) of orange oil. Put the peels in a glass container and add 2 c (500 mL) of boiling water. Fill a kettle with 2 c (500 mL) of water and bring it to a boil. Pour the boiling water into the glass container and allow the solution to sit in a warm spot for about 24 hours. Strain the solution and save the citrus-infused water. Pour the mixture into a strainer, removing the peels and saving the water. You can then discard the peels or put them in your compost. Add a few drops of castile soap to the water. Peppermint-scented castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner's, may prove especially effective. Mix the solution thoroughly to combine the ingredients. Pour the pesticide into a large squirt bottle. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into the bottle and replace the nozzle. Spray the entire plant with the solution to ward off most soft-bodied pests. Spray it directly on top of ants and roaches. Combine 1/2 c (113 g) of dried chrysanthemums with 4 c (1 L) of water. Chrysanthemums contain a chemical component called pyrethrum, which is capable of paralyzing many garden insects. Mix the dried petals and water together in a large stockpot. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes. Place the stockpot on your stove over high heat bring it to a boil. Boiling the mixture releases the pyrethrum into the water. Turn off the heat after 20 minutes. Pour the solution through a strainer. Remove the dried flowers and save the infused water. You can discard the dried flowers or place them in your compost. Pour the pesticide solution into a spray bottle and treat plants. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid to the bottle. Focus on spraying the most damaged areas before moving on to less damaged areas. Cover the entire plant with solution, including the undersides of leaves. Store the solution for up to 2 months. Keep the solution in a cool, dark place, like your cupboard. After 2 months, the solution may no longer be effective, so it's best to throw it out and make a new batch. Combine 1/2 oz (15 mL) of neem oil with 1/2 tsp (2 1/2 mL) mild soap. Mix the 2 ingredients together in a bowl. You can get neem oil in most grocery and health food stores, as well as online. Use a mild soap like Dawn or castile soap for the best results. Neem oil , which comes from a bitter tree leaf, is thought to be one of the most effective natural pesticides in existence. Mix the neem and soap into 2 quarts (2 L) of warm water. Fill a large container with the water, then add the oil and soap mixture to it. Stir slowly until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. Pour the pesticide into a spray bottle. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle with a funnel. Spray the pesticide immediately, dousing the entire plant and focusing on spots where you can clearly see pests or signs of pests. Re-apply the pesticide regularly to prevent any infestation.
Mix 1/2 c (113 g) of hot peppers with 1/2 c (113 g) of garlic or onion. Blend the vegetables together in an electric blender. Add the vegetable paste to 2 c (500 mL) of warm water. Pour the solution into a glass container and let it sit for 24 hours. Strain the mixture. Pour your pesticide into a squirt bottle. Spray your plants with the pesticide. Select a mild liquid dish-washing soap. Mix 1 tbsp (15 mL) of mild soap with 1 c (250 mL) cooking oil. Combine 2 1/2 tsp (12 mL) of the mixture with 1 c (250 mL) of water. Pour this new mixture into a large squirt bottle. Test the mix by spraying it onto a small portion of your plant. Spray the mixture anywhere you have problems. Opt for a mild liquid dish-washing soap. Mix a few tsp (10 to 15 mL) of soap into 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Pour the solution into a large squirt bottle. Test the mixture on your plants. Spray the pests directly with the mixture. Continue to spray your plants every 2-3 days for the next 2 weeks. Mix 1 c (250 mL) of loose tobacco into 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Sit the mixture out in the sun or in another warm location. Check the color of the mixture. Add 3 tbsp (45 mL) of mild liquid dish soap to the solution. Pour the mixture into a large squirt bottle. Spray the infested plants with the solution. Peel an orange and reserve the rind. Put the peels in a glass container and add 2 c (500 mL) of boiling water. Strain the solution and save the citrus-infused water. Add a few drops of castile soap to the water. Pour the pesticide into a large squirt bottle. Combine 1/2 c (113 g) of dried chrysanthemums with 4 c (1 L) of water. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes. Pour the solution through a strainer. Pour the pesticide solution into a spray bottle and treat plants. Store the solution for up to 2 months. Combine 1/2 oz (15 mL) of neem oil with 1/2 tsp (2 1/2 mL) mild soap. Mix the neem and soap into 2 quarts (2 L) of warm water. Pour the pesticide into a spray bottle.
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Whether-Two-Variables-Are-Directly-Proportional
How to Determine Whether Two Variables Are Directly Proportional
To tell if 2 variables are directly proportional while looking at their graphs, note if their x- and y- intercept coordinates are changed by the same factor. If they are, they are proportional! If you don't have a graph, you can tell if 2 variables are directly proportional by writing down the equation of the line. If you can use algebra to rewrite the equation to read y=kx, wherein y = the y coordinate, k = the constant, and x = the x coordinate, then the variables are directly proportional.
Understand direct proportion. Two variables are in direct proportion if each variable changes at the same rate. In other words, if x {\displaystyle x} changes by a certain factor or constant ( k {\displaystyle k} ), then y {\displaystyle y} changes by that same constant ( k {\displaystyle k} ). Write down the equation of the line. The equation will have two variables and a constant. If you are not given the equation, you cannot use this method. For example, you might be given the equation y x = 3 2 {\displaystyle {\frac {y}{x}}={\frac {3}{2}}}. Rewrite the equation in the form of direct proportion, or variation. The equation is y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx} , where y {\displaystyle y} equals the y-coordinate of a point on the line, x {\displaystyle x} equals the x-coordinate for that same point, and k {\displaystyle k} is the constant, or slope of the line. Use algebra to rearrange the equation in the form of y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx}. If you can't rewrite the equation in this form, the variables are not directly proportional. If you can, it proves that they are directly proportional. For example, if you multiply both sides of the equation y x = 3 2 {\displaystyle {\frac {y}{x}}={\frac {3}{2}}} by x {\displaystyle x} , the equation becomes y = 3 2 x {\displaystyle y={\frac {3}{2}}x} , which is in the form of y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx} , with 3 2 {\displaystyle {\frac {3}{2}}} being the constant. Identify the x-coordinates of the first two points. You should be given a list of coordinates, or have a graph from which you can determine the coordinates of the points. If you don't have the coordinates of points on the line, you cannot use this method. For example, you might be given the set of points x y 2 1 4 2 6 3 {\displaystyle {\begin{matrix}x&y\\\hline \\2&1\\4&2\\6&3\end{matrix}}} The x-coordinate of the first point is 2, and the x-coordinate of the second point is 4. Determine the factor by which the x{\displaystyle x} variable grows. To do this, determine which factor, or constant, the first x-coordinate is multiplied by to arrive at the second coordinate. For example, if the first x-coordinate is 2, and the second x-coordinate is 4, you need to determine what you multiply 2 by to get 4: 2 k = 4 {\displaystyle 2k=4} 2 k 2 = 4 2 {\displaystyle {\frac {2k}{2}}={\frac {4}{2}}} k = 2 {\displaystyle k=2} So, the x {\displaystyle x} variable grows by the constant 2. Determine the factor by which the y{\displaystyle y} variable grows. Use the same two points you used to determine the growth of x {\displaystyle x}. Use algebra to determine the factor by which the two coordinates vary. For example, if the first y-coordinate is 1, and the second y-coordinate is 2, you need to determine what you multiply 1 by to get 2: 1 k = 2 {\displaystyle 1k=2} 1 k 1 = 2 1 {\displaystyle {\frac {1k}{1}}={\frac {2}{1}}} k = 2 {\displaystyle k=2} So, the variable y {\displaystyle y} grows by the constant 2. Compare the constants of the two variables. If x {\displaystyle x} and y {\displaystyle y} changed at the same rate, or by the same factor, then they are directly proportional. For example, since the x-coordinates changed by a factor of 2 while the y-coordinates also changed by a factor of 2, the two variables are directly proportional. Note whether the line is straight. When two variables are in proportion, the line representing them will be straight. This means that the slope of the line is constant, or follows the equation y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx}. Determine the y-intercept. The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. When two variables are directly proportional, when graphed their line will cross through the origin. The origin is at the point ( 0 , 0 ) {\displaystyle (0,0)} , so the y-intercept of the line should be 0 {\displaystyle 0}. If it isn't, the variables are not directly proportional. The y-axis is the vertical axis. Find the coordinates of two points on the line. Compare the coordinates with each other, and determine whether each coordinate changed by the same factor. That is, determine whether the constant ( k {\displaystyle k} ) is the same for both the x {\displaystyle x} and y {\displaystyle y} values. For example, if the first point is ( 1 , 3 ) {\displaystyle (1,3)} , and the second point is ( 2 , 6 ) {\displaystyle (2,6)} , the x-coordinate changed by a factor of 2, since 1 ( 2 ) = 2 {\displaystyle 1(2)=2}. The y-coordinate also changed by a factor of 2, since 3 ( 2 ) = 6 {\displaystyle 3(2)=6}. Thus, you can confirm that the line represents two variables that are directly proportional. Look at the equation. Determine whether the two variables are directly proportional: x y = 6 {\displaystyle xy=6}. Remember that if the variables are directly proportional, they will follow the pattern y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx}. Use algebra to rewrite the equation. Isolate the y {\displaystyle y} variable by dividing each side by x {\displaystyle x} : x y x = 6 x {\displaystyle {\frac {xy}{x}}={\frac {6}{x}}} y = 6 1 x {\displaystyle y=6{\frac {1}{x}}} Assess whether the rewritten equation follows the pattern y = k x {\displaystyle y=kx}. In this instance, the equation does not, so the variables are not directly proportional. In fact, they are inversely proportional. Consider the following set of points. Are the variables directly proportional? x y 1 3 3 9 9 27 {\displaystyle {\begin{matrix}x&y\\\hline \\1&3\\3&9\\9&27\end{matrix}}} Determine the growth of x {\displaystyle x}. Do this by finding the factor you multiply the first x-coordinate by to reach the second coordinate: 1 k = 3 {\displaystyle 1k=3} 1 k 1 = 3 1 {\displaystyle {\frac {1k}{1}}={\frac {3}{1}}} k = 3 {\displaystyle k=3} So, the x-coordinate grows by factor of 3. Determine the growth of y {\displaystyle y} : 3 k = 9 {\displaystyle 3k=9} 3 k 3 = 9 3 {\displaystyle {\frac {3k}{3}}={\frac {9}{3}}} k = 3 {\displaystyle k=3} So, the y-coordinate grows by factor of 3. Compare the factor, or constant, of the two variables. They both grow by a factor of 3. Therefore, the variables are directly proportional. Consider a graph of the line y=4x+3{\displaystyle y=4x+3}. Does the graph show direct proportion between variables? Note whether the line is straight. Since the equation of the line is in slope-intercept form, it has a constant slope, meaning the line is straight. So potentially, the variables are directly proportional. Determine the y-intercept. If the variables are directly proportional, the line will pass through the point ( 0 , 0 ) {\displaystyle (0,0)}. The y-intercept of this line is the point ( 0 , 3 ) {\displaystyle (0,3)}. So, the variables are not directly proportional.
Understand direct proportion. Write down the equation of the line. Rewrite the equation in the form of direct proportion, or variation. Identify the x-coordinates of the first two points. Determine the factor by which the x{\displaystyle x} variable grows. Determine the factor by which the y{\displaystyle y} variable grows. Compare the constants of the two variables. Note whether the line is straight. Determine the y-intercept. Find the coordinates of two points on the line. Look at the equation. Consider the following set of points. Consider a graph of the line y=4x+3{\displaystyle y=4x+3}.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paper-Fans
How to Make Paper Fans
To make a paper fan, start by cutting a piece of paper into a rectangle and folding the top edge by one third. Next, fold the paper in half vertically and use your finger to crease the edge. Unfold the vertical fold, and fold the left and right edges in toward the crease you just made and continue making vertical folds. Once the paper is folded, unfold everything, rotate the paper 90°, and pinch the creases into you upward “V” shapes.
Pick your paper to determine the size and color of your fan. If you're a beginner at origami, origami-specific paper can be picked up at your local craft store. You can also use thin plain paper and card stock as popular alternatives. Origami can be folded from any type of paper, as long as it is the appropriate thickness. Origami paper, also known as kami, is what is traditionally used in this famed Japanese practice. Kami is advantageous because it is thin, flexible, and often pre-cut into squares. However, kami was invented to be a less expensive option to Western paper, meaning it can be low quality. Plain copy paper is used for many styles of beginner origami. When choosing copy paper, look for a thinner option as it will fold and crease nicely, whereas a thicker version will be lumpy and unsightly after folding. Card-stock, or craft paper is another popular paper choice for folding. The advantage to card stock is that it comes in endless amounts of shapes, and colors; however, sometimes it can be too thick and rigid leading to cracking within your design. The best way to determine if the paper is too thick is to try a few quick folds. If the paper does not have an even, smooth crease or tears under the pressure of your folds, it is likely too thick for origami. Trim your paper size to reflect your desired fan size. When you desire a longer fan, use a rectangular shaped paper. Your fan will be approximately two thirds the length of the longer side of the rectangle. Otherwise, you can stick with a square piece of paper. A square piece will yield a fan approximately two thirds the length of the square's sides. Paper that is 15 cm x 15 cm (6” x 6”) is good for beginners. but you can also use a larger piece if you desire a longer fan. The 15 cm x 15 cm paper choice will allow for a small, handheld fan. If you desire a larger fan, try starting with 20 cm x 20cm (8” x 8”). Cut your square piece of paper into a rectangle. If you are using a rectangular piece of paper, skip this step. With the paper front-side up, fold down a portion of one side and crease. Unfold the crease and use scissors to cut along the crease. Now you have a rectangular piece of paper. If you have access, use a paper cutter. A paper cutter allows for a quick and straight cut by placing the paper on the mount, aligning it up the corners and pulling the blade down in one quick motion. This is effective for cutting several pieces of paper at once. Cut slowly. You want to do your best to cut a straight line in order to have an even fan. If you're struggling to get a straight cut, try using larger cuts to ensure the smoothness. Lay the paper down on its decorative side. It should be back-side up, with the non-decorative or plain side facing you. Fold down the top edge by one third. Think of folding it like a hot dog bun; you want to fold along the longer edge to produce a long, skinny fold. Line up your corners of the top of the sides of the paper to ensure a straight fold, then crease from the center outwards. With the paper folded closed, you can use your fingers to set the crease by pushing directly down it with your fingers. Pick the folded paper up and look at it's profile from the side view, ensuring that the decorative side is downwards. Note the “V” shape in the fold. This is called a “valley fold.” Fold the paper in half, vertically, keeping your initial fold from the previous step. You want to do a second “hamburger fold.” That is, you want it to be short and wide, like a hamburger bun (versus the long and slim, hot dog fold.) Fold the left side of the paper onto the right side, align the corners and crease from the center for an even valley fold, then open the fold again. Now you will have a sharp vertical crease in the center. Fold the left and right edges in towards the center crease. You want to make two vertical flaps meeting at the center, not overlapping. This is called a "gate fold." Think of it as two closing doors meeting in the middle, like a gate. Continue making vertical gate folds. Fold the two vertical edges in twice more, or until you have two inward-folding flaps about 1 cm or 0.5 inch wide. The sides will be folded over themselves, making two slim flaps. Make sure your folds are straight with sharp creases at each step. Unfold all of the previously made vertical folds. Be gentle while unfolding to prevent tearing your hard work. Now you will have several vertical creases. Each crease should be approximately 1 cm in width. Do not unfold the horizontal fold from step two. Rotate the paper 90 degrees. The fold from step two will be running vertically on the left. Now the creases that were previously vertical are horizontal. Depending on which hand is your dominant, it may feel more comfortable to have your thick vertical fold on the right. Try laying your paper with the fold on each side, and see what feels most comfortable for the upcoming steps. Make one valley fold along the bottom crease. Starting from the bottom, fold the horizontal edge upwards. From a side profile, the fold should maintain a “V” shape. Don't forget to keep your edges lined up to create an accurate, tidy fold. Fold the bottom edge outwards along the next crease. Hold your previous fold and crease underneath the paper. There will be decorative paper on decorative paper in this fold. This is called a "mountain fold.” From the side profile, the peak of the mountain will be at the top, opposite to the downwards “V” fold. From the bottom of the paper there should be first a valley fold, and above that will be a mountain fold. Repeat alternating folds with the remaining horizontal creases. Fold a valley, then a mountain, and repeat. This series of folds resembles an accordion. You will immediately start to see a pattern in your folding. If you make a mistake, be patient and keep trying. It may seem overwhelming at first, but the process will seem easy after the first few tries. Cut a piece of string to a length appropriate for your fan. A suitable length is approximately 15 cm which the length of the original paper before folding. When it comes to choosing the string for the handle, you can pick yarn, string, cord, or anything similar. Pick a color to complement your fan but don't let traditional color pallets limit you. Get your creative juices flowing. Hold the fan and tie off a handle with string. When looking at your fan, the handle will be the portion that does not contain the horizontal fold. Choose the length of the handle you want by holding different locations and seeing whats comfortable. While pinching the bottom of the fan, wind the yarn, thread or cord around it several times. Tie a knot and cut away the excess after you have tied the knot off. If you feel your fan is too large, the bottom, unfolded edge can be trimmed off in a straight line. Do this by tying your handle further up than desired, and trimming off the excess bottom piece below the yarn or string. like. When it comes to tying the string, a shoelace bow gives a simple but cute touch. If you're looking for something more hearty, try double knotting it by tying the loops of your knot into each other a second time. You can decorate your handle as well. Tie on beads, charms or feathers to add dimension to simple yarn or cord. Attach your fan to gift wrapping, give it to a doll, use as a place setting, or find another creative use for it. Now that you know how easy it is, you can make several more. If you want to alter your fan, simply unwrap the handle and unfold. After your mountain and valley folds are present you may want to do extra decorating within the folds, such as glitter glue or stickers. When you reassemble your fan, it will fit together easily as the folds have already been creased.
Pick your paper to determine the size and color of your fan. Trim your paper size to reflect your desired fan size. Cut your square piece of paper into a rectangle. Lay the paper down on its decorative side. Fold down the top edge by one third. Fold the paper in half, vertically, keeping your initial fold from the previous step. Fold the left and right edges in towards the center crease. Continue making vertical gate folds. Unfold all of the previously made vertical folds. Rotate the paper 90 degrees. Make one valley fold along the bottom crease. Fold the bottom edge outwards along the next crease. Repeat alternating folds with the remaining horizontal creases. Cut a piece of string to a length appropriate for your fan. Hold the fan and tie off a handle with string. Attach your fan to gift wrapping, give it to a doll, use as a place setting, or find another creative use for it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Strong
How to Be Strong
To be mentally strong, work on having a positive outlook in life, even when things aren't going as you wanted or planned. If someone is trying to bring you down, stay strong and remember that no one can take your positive attitude away from you. Also, even though it's not always easy, always push yourself and try again whenever you fail, since mentally strong people don't give up.
Remember that you are in control. Strength implies having power and being able to change your own life, while weakness implies being powerless and helpless. Whatever your circumstances, there are things you can control, and things you can't. The key is to focus on the things you can control. Make a list of what is troubling you, then make a list of what you can do to make each situation better. Accept the items on the first list (they are what they are) and focus your energy on the second list. In studies of people with a high Adversity Quotient (AQ), it's observed that resilient people not only always find some aspect of a situation that they can control, but also feel responsible for taking action to fix the situation, even if their hardship was caused by someone else. Those with a low AQ, however, ignore opportunities to take action and deflect accountability, presuming that because they didn't create the situation, they should not be the ones to fix it. Choose your attitude. Sometimes, we encounter situations in which we really are helpless to enact change. Even though these times are trying, you can still be in control because no matter what, you can always control your attitude towards life. As Victor Frankl put it: "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Regardless of what is happening, be positive. If somebody is making your life miserable, don't let them crush your spirit. Continue to be proud , have hope , and remember that attitude is something that no one can take away from you. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent," as Eleanor Roosevelt said. Try not to let a crisis or hardship in one area of your life spill over into other areas of your life. If you're facing great difficulty with work, for instance, don't behave irritably towards your significant other when they've done nothing but try to help. Eliminate the side effects of your hardship by controlling your own attitude. Resilient people do not turn every setback into a catastrophe, nor do they let negative events follow a domino effect through their lives. If it helps, remember and recite the Serenity prayer: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." Rediscover your zest for life. Emotionally strong people view each and every day as a gift. They try to structure them so that the gift is taken advantage of fully. Remember when you were a child and could get excited by the simplest wonders of life — playing with leaves in the fall, drawing a make-believe animal, eating a s'more? Find that inner child. Be that inner child. Your ability to be mentally and emotionally strong depends on it. Have faith in yourself. You've made it this far. You can make it through just one more day. And if you take it just one day at a time, or even one moment at a time, you can survive whatever you're going through. It won't be easy, and you're not invincible, so take baby steps. When you feel like you're about to fall apart, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Remember these things in your quest: Don't listen to the naysayers. There will always be people who doubt you, for whatever reason. Your job is to not listen to them and, ultimately, to prove them wrong. Don't let them take hope away from you just because they've lost theirs. The world is practically begging you to transform it. What are you waiting for? Think about the times that you've succeeded. Use them as motivation in your journey. Whether it's that classroom assignment you aced, that person you talked to, or the birth of your child, let it feed your desire to be a stronger, more adjusted person. Like begets like! Try, try, and try again. There will come a time when you doubt yourself because you tried and failed. But failure is part of success, and everyone fails sometimes. Look up famous people who have failed multiple times before accomplishing their goals to help you get inspired. Pick your battles wisely. Does every little thing that exasperates you — a colleague asking a question, a driver cutting you off — need to? Ask yourself why and whether these things matter. Try whittling your life down to a few core values that mean the world to you, and don't worry about anything else. As Sylvia Robinson once said, "Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong — sometimes it's letting go." Reach out to the people who mean the most to you. Spend time with friends and family, along with others who are supportive and positive. If no one is available, make new friends. And if there are no friends to be found, help others who are in greater need than you are. Sometimes when we feel like we can't better our own situations, we can find strength in bettering someone else's, and we can also gain perspective on our own lives. There's no doubting it — humans are very social animals. Studies and science both point to social wellbeing as an important factor in emotional and physical health. If you feel like you're struggling socially, it's worth trying to get some help. Here's a start: Have a great conversation with someone Get over mistakes — don't let them define you! Recover after a breakup Overcome shyness Act like an extrovert Strike a balance between work and play, rest and activity. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? It's sorely overlooked precisely because it's deceptively hard. Either we work too hard and are constantly moving around, or we slack off more than we should and lounge like hippos, idle, on the banks of opportunity. Getting a good balance between work and play, rest and activity, will allow you to appreciate each mode for what it's worth. The grass won't seem greener on the other side because you won't be boxed in just one pasture. Be thankful for what you have. Life is tough, but if you look closely enough, you'll find an infinite number of things to be grateful for in spite of the struggles of existence. Even if the things and people that made you happy in the past are gone, there's so much more to appreciate still. The joy you derive from the world around you is the fuel that'll push you through the hardest of times, so pay attention to what you have and enjoy it for what it's worth. Sure, you might not have that new shirt, or whatever it is you want, but at least you have this computer, with the Internet, equipped with the ability to read. At least you have this article to help you out. Some people can't read, have no computer, and are homeless. They wish they had what you did. Try downloading a gratitude app for your smartphone. This will remind you to write about what you are grateful for every day and help you to develop an attitude of gratitude. Don't take things so seriously. Charlie Chaplin knew something about comedy. He famously said: "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot." It's all too easy to get wrapped up in our own small tragedies that cause us to act and react on a micro level. But take a step back and look at life more philosophically, more mischievously, more romantically. The wonder, the limitless possibilities, the absurdity of it all — it's enough to make you laugh at how strangely lucky you are. Because, let's face it, life is just more fun when it isn't taken too seriously. And while making fun and being happy certainly isn't all life has to offer, it's an important part, right? Remember that nothing is permanent. If you're in the middle of a period of grief or pain that you can't control, stand aside and let the moment happen. If you are going through a prolonged period of difficulty, remind yourself that this, too, shall pass. Accept the good and the bad moments in your life for what they are and don't get too attached to either state. Learn to let go when things get bad, and appreciate life when it is good. This will help to keep you grounded when life gets difficult. Eat healthy. One of the biggest hurdles we face in growing physically stronger is putting nutritious, energizing food in our bodies day in and day out. We've all been there: The fast food drive-through lane beckons to us, even though we told ourselves we'd cook broccoli and fish tonight. What if we told ourselves that our lives truly depended on it? Would we change our eating habits then? Focus primarily on consuming vegetables and fruits. Supplement this part of your diet with lean proteins, such as those found in poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, and beans. Know the difference between complex carbs and simple carbs and prioritize complex carbs, which tend to be absorbed slower and offer more fiber. Prioritize healthy fats over unhealthy ones. Unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, and omega 3 fatty acids, found in salmon and flax seeds, are actually good for you in moderation. Avoid unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fats. Mix it up. Add variety to your diet. You want to get strong, but take pleasure in eating. Food isn't just about bulking up. Enjoying it for what it is will make you a more well-rounded individual and help you stay fitter. Exercise. Getting strong isn't just about pumping iron. It's about working with your entire body to burn fat, build muscle, and develop endurance. There are tons and tons of exercises you can try to get a full body workout , but the important thing to remember here is consistency. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, even if those 30 minutes are walking the dog for 20 and "stretching" for 10! . Start working with weights Building muscle will help you stay strong, but getting there is the tough part. Equal parts grueling and boring (just kidding!), weight-lifting systematically breaks down and then repairs muscle in order to make it even stronger. For more complete strength, focus on your entire body. You don't want to look like the gym-rat who only works on biceps and never makes it for leg day. Build muscle in your chest area Build muscle in your legs and thighs Build muscle in your arms and shoulders Build muscle in your core Get enough sleep. In order to rebuild muscle, reduce stress, and stay balanced emotionally, the human body needs anywhere from 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night for most adults. You're not going to go breaking strength records on 4 hours of sleep. And if you don't sleep well or long enough one night, be prepared to try to sleep even more the next night, as you've built up a sleep deficit. Steer clear of so-called vices like cigarettes, excessive alcohol, and other drugs. Everyone understands that smoking cigarettes, abusing drugs, and drinking excessively is a recipe for poor health. And yet we either seem to justify it to ourselves in some way, or just conveniently forget it when the time comes to control the urge. To help you rationally control any urges, here are some statistics that put nicotine and alcohol into context: Almost 500,000 smokers die in the U.S. each year alone. And smokers die, on average, between 13 and 14 years younger than non-smoking counterparts. That's almost a quarter of your life you're needlessly throwing away. 49% of murders, 52% of rapes, 21% of suicides, 60% of child abuse, and over 50% of fatal road accidents occur at least in part because of alcohol. Connect to a force that is greater than you. Whether that force is one of the religions' or merely the force of the universe, know that spirituality is all and only about you and your beliefs. Know that you don't have to believe in God to believe in a greater spiritual reality. Explore your beliefs, as well as those of others, and settle into a framework which you believe. Ask questions and never stop learning. Becoming spiritually "strong" and spiritually "active" aren't necessarily the same thing. The spiritually active person might adopt a belief or assume a faith and leave it at that, never questioning the faith's usefulness or tenets. The spiritually strong person asks questions about sacred texts, scrutinizes behavior, and is constantly looking for answers both inside and outside the framework of their faith. A spiritually strong Christian, for example, has no problem talking to an atheist and debating the finer points of Biblical orthodoxy. They might view the experience as an opportunity to learn, a refreshing departure from the usual. Their faith is usually strengthened by such an encounter, and if it isn't, that doubt is calmly and judiciously explored. Avoid judging other people for their spiritual beliefs. Imagine if you neighbor or a complete stranger came up to you and told you that your faith was completely misguided and forced you to believe in his spiritual order — all without your consent. How would you feel? Not very good, most likely. Well, that's how other people feel when proselytized or otherwise compelled to believe. Balance your own faith with your duty to your common man in as unobtrusive a way as possible. Identify blessings in your life. Most religions and spiritual orders believe in the idea of a blessing, which is help or approval from God or the universe. What's a blessing in your life? Try this helpful exercise for one week to hone your perception of just how many blessings you have. For seven successive days, identify a blessing that was given to you from the following: Family member Neighbor Friend Work colleague Stranger Child Enemy Help spread love from wherever you are. Spiritual strength ultimately is a form of faith that the universe is a mystery but that love between humans is self-evident. Be an agent of change and a force for good by spreading love. Whether it's a simple gesture of providing food to the homeless, smiling at a stranger, or sacrificing your well-being for the well-being of someone else, spreading love gets us all a little closer to understanding the mystery that ties us all together.
Remember that you are in control. Choose your attitude. Rediscover your zest for life. Have faith in yourself. Pick your battles wisely. Reach out to the people who mean the most to you. Strike a balance between work and play, rest and activity. Be thankful for what you have. Don't take things so seriously. Remember that nothing is permanent. Eat healthy. Exercise. . Get enough sleep. Steer clear of so-called vices like cigarettes, excessive alcohol, and other drugs. Connect to a force that is greater than you. Ask questions and never stop learning. Avoid judging other people for their spiritual beliefs. Identify blessings in your life. Help spread love from wherever you are.
https://www.wikihow.com/Speed-Up-Labor
How to Speed Up Labor
To speed up labor, take a short walk to help the baby get into the ideal birthing position, which will make labor quicker and easier. In order to prompt contractions, stimulate your nipples, which will release the hormone oxytocin and signal your body that it's time for the baby to come. You can also try relaxing by having your partner give you a massage, taking a warm bath, or doing some deep breathing exercises, which will allow your muscles to relax and ease some of your discomfort. If your water hasn't broken yet, you can also try having sex, which can naturally induce labor since sperm will stimulate the cervix.
Spend plenty of time on your feet. Standing upright can help your baby get in the ideal birthing position (the anterior position) so that labor will be quicker and easier. Constantly sitting at a desk or lying down during pregnancy alters the position of your pelvis, which can increase the likelihood that your baby ends up in the posterior position with the back of its head pressed up against your spine. This can cause lower back pain during labor and potentially delay giving birth as you wait your baby to make a 180 degree turn at your pelvis. Try acupuncture. One study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that pregnant women who got acupuncture at 40 weeks were more likely to go into labor naturally than those who didn't. As you near your due date, consider getting acupuncture to help naturally induce labor. Drink enough water. Being dehydrated can cause "false contractions," or contractions that occur before labor has even begun. Staying properly hydrated once labor has started is also important to maintain your strength and stamina. Stimulate your nipples. This releases the hormone oxytocin which can help prompt contractions. You can either have your partner do this for you or use a breast pump. Have sex. If your water has not broken yet, having sex can help naturally induce labor. When the man ejaculates inside the vagina, the prostaglandins contained in his sperm help stimulate the cervix. Make sure that the man ejaculates inside the vagina so that the prostaglandins can do their job. Take a short walk. Many people believe that light physical activity, like walking or cleaning around the house, can help speed up the labor process. Only do as much physical activity as you feel safe and comfortable doing. Relax. Being stressed can cause you to tighten your muscles which is the opposite of what you want to happen during labor. Have your partner give you a massage or try breathing exercises to help relax. You may also find that a warm bath helps you relax and ease some of the discomfort caused by your contractions. Have more than one child. Most women experience significantly longer labors for their first born than with their next kids because the cervix and vaginal walls have not yet been stretched or dilated. Your subsequent labors will likely be much shorter and less painful Know when to medically induce labor. There are a few circumstances that might prompt your healthcare provider to suggest medically inducing labor. They include, among other things: You are two weeks past your due date. Your uterus is infected. You are not having contractions even after your water has broken. You have a preexisting health condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes, that might put your baby at risk. Your placenta is deteriorating. Your baby has stopped growing unexpectedly. There's not enough fluid within the amniotic sac protecting your baby.
Spend plenty of time on your feet. Try acupuncture. Drink enough water. Stimulate your nipples. Have sex. Take a short walk. Relax. Have more than one child. Know when to medically induce labor.
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-First-Home
How to Buy a First Home
To buy a first home, make sure you have a high level of financial and personal security since purchasing a home is a big investment. Also, try to improve your credit score as much as possible since having a good credit score will make the home-buying process easier and cheaper. Generally, you'll need to make a down payment worth 20 percent of a home's value, as well as have 6 months' worth of mortgage payments in the bank, so try to start saving as early as possible.
Assess your financial readiness. Buying a home requires a high level of financial and personal security. You should have a steady income and expect for that income to remain steady in the coming years. In addition, consider whether or not you are planning to stay in the area long-term. If you don't imagine yourself in the same city in five years, you should reconsider purchasing a home. Don't just buy a home because it would be cheaper than rent and interest rates are favorable at the moment. Wait until you know you are truly financially and personally ready. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers housing counselors that can help you plan for your first home purchase. Visit http://www.hud.gov/counseling to find a counselor near you. Improve your credit score. Your credit score will have a strong bearing on your ability to qualify for a loan. Having excellent credit will also reduce the amount of interest you will pay on the loan. Make sure that your credit score is good or excellent (over 700 or 750, respectively) to get the best rates. If you are applying with a partner, spouse, or friend, you will both need high credit scores to get these benefits. One person's poor credit can drag the overall application score down significantly. Check your credit score for free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. You can access this score once per year. Save up for your purchase. In order to qualify for a home loan , you'll usually need a down payment of 20 percent of the value of the home. In many cases, you'll also need at least six months' worth of mortgage payments in the bank. Finally, you'll also need money to cover closing costs, insurance, and taxes. If you don't have this money yet, consider waiting and saving for a few more years. You may be able to purchase a home with little or nothing down. However, this will typically require an additional expense known as Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), that will add a significant amount to your monthly expenses. Closing costs can be anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of the home's selling price. Be sure to factor these into your calculations. Calculate your budget. Start by searching online for a calculator that can tell you how much home you can afford. Input your income and other expenses to see what your budget is. Then, search for homes on real estate listing websites like Trulia and Realtor.com to get an idea of what type of home you can afford. If these results don't meet your expectations, consider waiting to purchase your desired home when you can afford it. Remember that even though may technically be able to afford a certain amount, that doesn't mean that you can comfortably afford it. Remember that there will be unexpected home expenses, maintenance, and potentially unexpected life expenses in the months to come. The point is, don't go broke buying a house. If you can't afford a certain amount comfortably, lower your budget. Check to see if you qualify for government loan assistance. There is a large variety of loans available to first-time home buyers. In addition to standard bank loans, there may also be loans backed by your state that offer lower-than-market interest rates. In addition, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers loans with low down payments to low-income buyers. These loans are also ideal for those with lower credit scores, as approval is easier to obtain. Veterans may also be able to qualify for VA loans, some of which offer favorable terms like 0 percent down. Talk to your agent, mortgage broker, or lender about availability for these programs. For example, the FHA offers first-time buyers the ability to buy a home with as little as 3.5 percent down. Visit http://www.fha.gov/ for more information. Obtain mortgage pre-approval. Visit lenders in your area to get quotes for mortgage loans. Make sure to ask for loans with your desired terms, both in amount and duration. Once you've found one at a favorable rate, get a lender letter of pre-approval stating that you are eligible for a home loan of a specific sum of money. Many real estate agents require this as a prerequisite before taking on a prospective client. Describe your dream home. Determine what qualities you want in a home. Think about your present and futures needs for bedrooms, bathrooms, and common spaces. Think about your needs if you have a home business, hobby, or entertain guests frequently. Consider location as well. If you have children, you will want to be in a very safe area that's close to your desired school district. Make a list of qualities of your "dream home" to bring to your realtor. The HUD provides a printable home "wish list" at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=wishlist-en.pdf. Fill it out to help guide your search. Contact a full-service agent. Locate a good agent through referrals or online reviews. Go to their office and meet in person. Advise the agent of your situation and present your lender letter. Let the agent know what your preferences are. Ask to see available properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) while you are there. Get a print-out of all information and availability along with current photographs for each house. Seek an agent who is honest and moves quickly for you. Otherwise your dream home might slip away. Let the agent take you on a tour of the homes that interest you. Take notes about your first impressions and assess each home according to how well it meets, or fails to meet, your requirements. Ignore things that you can change, like paint colors, decor, and carpet. Imagine the house as it will be, not as it currently is. You can renovate a kitchen, but adding another floor or another bedroom is much more difficult. When evaluating, remember your priorities. Don't settle on a bad location just because you like the layout of the house. Ask to revisit the two or three you like best. Narrow your search down to about three homes that meet your needs most closely. Your realtor can then schedule second visits of these homes so that you can look for any details you may have missed on your first pass. Investigate the neighborhood. Make sure to check out the neighborhood before settling on a home. Talk to the neighbors about the incidence of crime, any noise issues, and the neighborhood community. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day to get a better feel for it yourself. You'll recognize red flags when you see or hear them. Prepare an offer on your favorite. Ask for advice from the agent on the right amount to offer. The classic advice is to come in lower than the asking price. However, particularly desirable homes or those in competitive markets may require an offer at or even above asking. Your realtor will likely have a better handle on where you should make an offer relative to the asking price, so defer to their judgment. However, don't stretch your budget beyond your means, even if your dream house is in high demand. Submit your offer. Let the agent submit your offer-to-purchase as soon as possible. Good properties don't last on the market very long. You will usually have to fill out an offer sheet with the help of your agent. This offer is then submitted to the seller for review. They can either accept or return with a counter-offer. Counter-offers are more common, though they may only make minor changes to the offer terms. Make sure to stay in close contact with your realtor after submitting an offer so that you can quickly review any counter-offers. Ask the agent to explain the closing process. Closing, also called settlement or escrow, involves the cooperation of the buyer and seller, their realtors, lenders, and lawyers to finalize the sale. Generally, most of this process will be handled by your agent. However, there may be some issues that require your attention throughout the process. Talk with your agent to inquire about the closing schedule and your responsibilities during this time. Closing costs are assessed during this time and include a number of fees, ranging from a loan origination fee to a survey fee. You can expect closing costs to total 2 to 5 percent of the total cost of the home. So, for example, a $200,000 home would have closing costs of between $4,000 and $10,000. Closing fees are estimated on your loan estimate when you apply for a loan. However, these fees often change during the closing process. Inspect the house thoroughly. Your offer will stipulate a certain number of days or weeks before closing so that financing can be finalized and the house can be inspected. During this time, the house is checked for any major structural issues, termites, and to ensure that the property boundaries are correct. You should accompany the inspector and your agent during the structural inspection, both to learn more about the house and to ask about any imperfections you might see. Make sure to spend the money to get a truly professional home inspection. Getting a cursory, budget inspection can cost you a lot more in the long run. Close on the house. There will be a meeting on the closing date in which you will required to sign final documents releasing payment to the seller and taking possession of the home. At this point, the home will be yours, and the deeds and other documents will be signed and transferred. You will then receive the keys to your new house. Buy homeowners insurance. Ask your realtor during closing about homeowners insurance. This type of insurance reimburses you in the event that your home is damaged or destroyed. Your specific insurance needs will depend on your geographical location, the value of your home, and the situation surrounding your purchase of the home. For example, you may need flood insurance if you live in a particularly flood-prone area, as most homeowners insurance plans do not cover flooding. You will need to get homeowners insurance when you close on the house.
Assess your financial readiness. Improve your credit score. Save up for your purchase. Calculate your budget. Check to see if you qualify for government loan assistance. Obtain mortgage pre-approval. Describe your dream home. Contact a full-service agent. Let the agent take you on a tour of the homes that interest you. Ask to revisit the two or three you like best. Investigate the neighborhood. Prepare an offer on your favorite. Submit your offer. Ask the agent to explain the closing process. Inspect the house thoroughly. Close on the house. Buy homeowners insurance.
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-a-Toilet-Seat
How to Measure a Toilet Seat
To measure your toilet for a replacement seat, hold one end of a measuring tape to the bolts that secure the back of the seat to the bowl. With the end of the measuring tape in place, draw the tape to the very tip of the bowl and note the seat's length on a piece of paper. For an accurate measurement, hold the tape in line with the center of the bolts. If there are flaps covering the bolts, lift them with your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver to get a more accurate measurement. Then, measure the length between the centers of the mounting bolts and write this number down as well. Finally, measure the width of the seat by measuring across the center of the seat from left to right. With these measurements written down, head to a hardware store to find your brand new toilet seat!
Measure the seat’s length from the bolts to the front. Hold one end of a measuring tape to the bolts at the back of the seat that secure it to the bowl. Draw the other end of the tape to the very tip of the front of the bowl, then note the seat's length. Be sure to take your measurement down the center of the bowl. For an accurate measurement, hold the measuring tape in line with the centers of the bolts. If necessary, snap up the plastic covers so you can see the bolts. If you can't pry up the covers with your fingers, use a flat-head screwdriver. Picture the toilet seat as a clock. Measure the length from the center of each side, or from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock. Find the distance between the bolts at the back of the seat. If flaps cover the bolts and you haven't lifted them, pry them up with your fingers or a flat-head screwdriver. Then measure the bolt spread, or the length between the centers of the mounting bolts. In the U.S., the standard bolt spread is 5 ⁄ 2 in (14 cm), but there are a few models with spreads of 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm). If your toilet's dimensions aren't standard, you may need to order a seat directly from the manufacturer. In Europe, the standard bolt spread is approximately 6 to 6 ⁄ 2 in (15 to 17 cm). Take the seat’s width measurement. Measure the width to find the best-fitting replacement seat. Hold one end of the measuring tape at the center of the seat's left side, then bring the other end to the right side. Keep the tape centered, and measure the length between the outer edges of the seats' sides. Remember to measure from the centers of the sides, or from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock. While sizes are standardized, there may be slight variations among brands. If you're replacing the seat, measuring the width can help you find the closest match. Find the length between the 2 bolt holes. Hold the measuring tape in line with the centers of the bolt holes. Measure the distance between the bolt holes' centers as accurately as possible. The bolt spread is the most important measurement, especially if you're buying a specialty seat. If your bolt spread isn't an American-standard 5 ⁄ 2 in (14 cm) or a European-standard 6 to 6 ⁄ 2 in (15 to 17 cm), you may need to order a specialty seat from the toilet's manufacturer. Measure the bowl’s length and width. Hold one end of the measuring tape in line with the centers of the bolt holes, and bring the other end to the front of the bowl. Note the length between the bolt holes and the tip of the bowl's front edge. Then, as you would with the seat, measure from the outer edges of the bowl's broadest points to find its width. If your toilet's dimensions are standard, the bowl's width isn't quite as important as the length and bolt spread dimensions. However, measuring the width can ensure a proper fit, especially if you're buying a specialty seat or have a non-standard toilet. Determine the distance between the bolt holes and the tank. If you're buying a specialty seat, measure between the centers of the bolt holes and the edge of the tank. Bidet attachments, raised seats, seat warmers, and other specialty seats require a minimum clearance between the bolt holes and the tank. Before investing in a specialty seat, look online to find specifications and minimum clearances for a product you're interested in purchasing. You wouldn't want to shell out lots of money on a product that doesn't fit your toilet. Measure the existing seat if you're buying a snap-on attachment. Types of attachments include accessible raised seats for people with disabilities and potty training seats. Measure your existing seat's length and width, and choose a product with matching dimensions. Even if you can tell your toilet's shape just by looking at it, measure it to ensure the accessible or potty training seat fits snugly. While most products clamp onto the seat, some attachments are hinged-fixed, or secured with the existing seat's mounting bolts. If necessary, measure your toilet's bolt spread in addition to the seat's length and width. Purchase a round seat if your bowl’s length is about 16 1⁄2 in (42 cm). In the U.S., modern seat sizes are standardized. If your seat is between 16 and 17 in (41 and 43 cm), it's round. More likely than not, you can just look for a round seat at the hardware or home improvement store and it'll fit your toilet. You can usually tell the difference between round and elongated seats with the naked eye, but it never hurts to double check. Taking measurements could save you a second trip to the store. Go with an elongated seat if the bowl’s length is around 18 1⁄2 in (47 cm). In the U.S., the standard size for elongated seats is 18 to 19 ⁄ 2  in (46 to 50 cm). Elongated seats are easily recognizable but, as with round seats, it's wise to measure the seat's length, bolt spread, and width just to be safe. Select a seat that matches the bowl shape if you have a European toilet. European bowls are usually rounded, pointed, or D-shaped; these shapes are fairly easy to identify with the naked eye. For each shape, the standard length is about 17 in (43 cm), so choosing a replacement seat comes down to finding the right shape. Find your toilet’s make and model if it’s non-standard. While modern seat sizes are standardized, you might find that your older toilet's dimensions are completely different. You may be able to find older seats online or at specialty plumbing suppliers. Search online for your toilet's make and model, or try entering keywords such as “toilet seat 8 in (20 cm) bolt spread.” A few contemporary models also have non-standard dimensions. For these toilets, search for matching seats online or order one directly from the manufacturer. To find your toilet's make and model, lift the tank lid, flip it over, and look for a brand name and model number. If you can't find the make and model on the tank lid, grab a flashlight and check inside the tank.
Measure the seat’s length from the bolts to the front. Find the distance between the bolts at the back of the seat. Take the seat’s width measurement. Find the length between the 2 bolt holes. Measure the bowl’s length and width. Determine the distance between the bolt holes and the tank. Measure the existing seat if you're buying a snap-on attachment. Purchase a round seat if your bowl’s length is about 16 1⁄2 in (42 cm). Go with an elongated seat if the bowl’s length is around 18 1⁄2 in (47 cm). Select a seat that matches the bowl shape if you have a European toilet. Find your toilet’s make and model if it’s non-standard.
https://www.wikihow.com/Pan-Fry-Fish
How to Pan Fry Fish
To pan fry fish, start by seasoning the fillets with herbs and spices or breading. Then, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat for a couple minutes before adding some oil. Next, add the fillets to the pan, and cook them for 2 minutes on each side or until the outside of the fish is crispy. Finally, transfer the fish to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove any excess grease.
Pat the outside of 2 fish fillets dry using a paper towel. Select fillets that each weigh approximately 5 oz (140 g) and are ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) thick. Place them on a clean plate, then gently pat each side of the fillets with paper towels until the fillets are completely dry. This is especially important if you are breading your fillets, as it will make the breading soggy. If you are using frozen fillets, make sure to defrost them on a plate overnight in the refrigerator. The fillets must be completely defrosted before you can season and pan-fry them. If you are using a fresh or whole fish, make sure to remove all of the pin bones and scales while filleting. Pick a type of fillet that you enjoy eating the most. Red snapper, salmon, sea bass, and tilapia are common types of fillets to pan fry because the meat cooks quickly and the skin—if left on—holds a lot of flavors. Choose fillets with or without the skin, as both work well for pan-frying. Just avoid using types of fish that have tough, chewy skin, like tuna or swordfish. Season unbreaded fillets with herbs and spices before frying them. Mix together some of your favorite seasonings, making sure to include salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle and rub the seasoning mixture onto each side of both fillets. Then, rest the fillets on a clean plate. Keep the seasoning simple by only using a rub of salt and ground black pepper to taste. Coat your fillets in 1 1/2 tsp (3.15 g) of Cajun seasoning for a quick, spicy seasoning. Create tangy seasoning with 1 tsp (2.1 g) of lemon pepper, minced thyme, and lemon zest to taste. Give your fillets a crispy texture by breading them with seasoned flour. Create a breading by mixing together 1/4 cup (32 g) of flour, 1 tsp (2.1 g) of sweet or hot paprika, and salt and pepper to taste on a plate. Coat each side of both fillets with the seasoned flour, and use your fingers to press the fillet into the mixture so it evenly adheres. Then, gently shake off the excess flour on the fillets and rest them on a clean plate. This will help create a thin coating that will brown evenly when fried. Refrain from over-packing the fillets to create a thick crust. Thick crusts will not only fall off while cooking but will also cook unevenly. Transform the flavor of the breading mixture by incorporating additional herbs and spices. For example, consider adding a 1/4 tsp (0.78 g) of onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano for a tangy, earthy flavor, or mix in some cornmeal with the flour to give the coating a grittier texture. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Allow the pan to heat for 1-2 minutes or until you see visible heat waves coming off the pan. Heating the pan before adding the oil will help keep the crust of the fillet from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Use a cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan to cook your fillets. Pour 1 1⁄2 US tbsp (22 mL) of oil into the skillet to heat it. Carefully add your vegetable or canola oil into the hot skillet. Tilt your pan as needed to coat the entire bottom of the skillet. Add an additional ⁄ 2 US tbsp (7.4 mL) of oil if needed to coat the base of the skillet. Cook each side of the fillets for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Use heat-resistant tongs or a heat-resistant spatula to handle the fillets while cooking in the pan. Once the first side has cooked for 2 minutes, flip the fillets over and allow the second side to cook for another 2 minutes. When finished, the outside of the fillets will be crispy, and the breading, if used, will have a golden-brown coloring. Thicker fillet cuts make take more time to cook, usually about 3-4 minutes on each side. If your fillets have skin on them, then place the skin side down to cook first. Avoid coating your kitchen and yourself with pops of hot oil by covering your skillet with a splatter screen. Purchase a splatter screen in the kitchen section of your local department store or online with major retailers. Place the finished fillets onto a heat-resistant plate lined with a paper towel. Use your tongs or spatula to gently rest the fillets onto a plate covered with a paper towel. Gently pat the fillets with an additional paper towel to remove any unwanted grease. Then, discard the greasy paper towels. Refrain from leaving the paper towels underneath the fillets for more than 30-60 seconds, as the moisture trapped within the paper towel will make the crispy fillets soggy. Serve the warm fillets plain or top them with additional garnishes. If needed, allow your fillets to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving, as the fillets may be too hot to eat. Then, enjoy eating your pan-fried fillets as is, or include your favorite garnishes, like lemon juice or minced parsley, to elevate the flavors. Dip your pan-fried fillets into a homemade lemon butter sauce for a tart flavor. Combine 3 tbsp (42.6 g) of salted butter and 1 ⁄ 2  US tbsp (22 mL) of lemon juice in a small saucepan over a medium-low heat. Stir the mixture continuously and allow it to simmer for 3 minutes so it thickens. Remove it from the heat and serve on the side. Whip together a tangy tartar sauce to serve on the side of your fillets. Mix together ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of mayonnaise, 2  tsp (9.9 mL) of lemon juice, 2 tbsp (8.9 g) of minced dill pickles, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Then, serve the sauce on the side and dip pieces of your crispy fillet into it. Serve malt vinegar on the side of your fillets to use as a simple dipping sauce. Pour 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of malt vinegar into a small bowl to accompany your fillets. Dip pieces of your fillet into the vinegar and enjoy! The bitter and bold taste of malt vinegar is a classic, simple dipping sauce for pan-fried fillets. Just know that a little bit of the vinegar goes a long way, so dip your fillets conservatively. Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealable container for about 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the refrigerator will add moisture to any breading on the fillets and make it soggy. Consider eating the pan-fried fillets immediately after frying to avoid this.
Pat the outside of 2 fish fillets dry using a paper towel. Season unbreaded fillets with herbs and spices before frying them. Give your fillets a crispy texture by breading them with seasoned flour. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Pour 1 1⁄2 US tbsp (22 mL) of oil into the skillet to heat it. Cook each side of the fillets for 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Place the finished fillets onto a heat-resistant plate lined with a paper towel. Serve the warm fillets plain or top them with additional garnishes. Dip your pan-fried fillets into a homemade lemon butter sauce for a tart flavor. Whip together a tangy tartar sauce to serve on the side of your fillets. Serve malt vinegar on the side of your fillets to use as a simple dipping sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealable container for about 3-4 days.
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Parole-Status-in-Texas
How to Check Parole Status in Texas
To check parole status in Texas, you can request the information by phone or online. Before you check someone's parole status, you'll need their Texas Department of Criminal Justice State ID number or their full name and exact birthday. If you're checking the parole status of an offender before the board has voted whether or not to release them, call 844-512-0451. If the board has already voted, you should call 512-406-5202. Business hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. To find parole information online, conduct an offender information search on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Gather information about the offender. Before you call to check someone's parole status, you must have his or her Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) or State ID number. If you don't have either of these numbers, you still should be able to check his or her parole status provided you have the offender's exact birth date. If you're using the offender's birth date, you also should make sure you know his or her full legal name so you can correctly identify the person you want in the event more than one name comes up. The telephone status lines are statewide, so you don't need to know the city or county where the offender was last located, or the location of the facility in which he or she was incarcerated. Determine which number you need to call. Texas provides several phone numbers by which members of the public can check someone's parole status, depending on whether the offender has been released from the correctional facility. If you're calling to check the parole status of an offender before the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) has voted on whether to release him or her, you should call 844-512-0461. If you're calling to check the parole status of an offender after the BPP has voted on whether to release him or her, you should call 512-406-5202. If you just need to locate an offender or want general information, you can call the Huntsville BPP office at 936-295-6371. You also can call toll-free to 800-535-0283. Call the number during business hours. The telephone lines are only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. By calling the number, you can check the offender's parole status as well as the city and county where he or she is located. If you are calling to provide a tip regarding a parolee who has stopped reporting to his or her parole officer, you may call the Absconder Tip-Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An operator will take down any information you have, but you may remain anonymous. Conduct an offender information search. If the person is still incarcerated, you can use the TDCJ database to look up information regarding his or her status. You don't need to know the offender's TDCJ or State ID number to look up inmates in the TDCJ database. However, you should enter as much information as you have to find the correct offender most efficiently. Gather the correct identification numbers for the offender. To request information about an offender via email, you must have his or her TDCJ or State ID number. Keep in mind that you also must know the offender's full and correct legal name if you want to check his or her parole status over email. If you don't have the TDCJ or State ID number of the offender, you can use his or her birth date instead, but it must be exact. Determine which email address you need. Texas provides several email addresses you can use to check an offender's parole status, depending on the type of information you need. If you have questions or concerns regarding the location, conduct, or supervision of an offender on parole, you should email [email protected]. If you have more general questions about the parole review process, you can email [email protected]. If you have an open records request, you can write to [email protected]. Draft your email. Include the required information in the subject line and the information you want in the body of your email. Your subject line should include the offender's full name and his or her TDCJ or State ID number. If you don't know either of those numbers, you can include his or her exact birth date instead. If your request is an emergency, you also should include a note to that effect in the subject line of your email. Use the body of your email to briefly describe the information you want or any specific concerns you have about the person you've identified in the subject line. Send your email. Once you've proofread your email to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors, you should be ready to send it to the appropriate agency. Keep in mind that because large numbers of emails are received at these addresses, it can take up to six weeks for TDCJ staff to get back to you.
Gather information about the offender. Determine which number you need to call. Call the number during business hours. Conduct an offender information search. Gather the correct identification numbers for the offender. Determine which email address you need. Draft your email. Send your email.
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Ex-Is-in-Love-with-Someone-Else
How to Know if Your Ex Is in Love with Someone Else
If you're worried that your ex is in love with someone else, there are some common signs you can look out for. If they don't reply to your calls or texts anymore or they've unfriended you on social media, this could be because they're interested in someone else. If they do talk to you, they might use blunt, unemotional language, which can be upsetting, but at least you can start to move on. These could be signs that your ex is with someone else, but they could equally be signs that they want distance from you for other reasons. Try asking your mutual friends if your ex is interested in anyone else at the moment. You can also check their relationship status on social media to see if they've changed it.
Notice if they ignore your phone calls. When you call your ex, notice whether they answer the phone or send you to voicemail. If they are regularly ignoring your phone calls (especially if this is a new behavior), this could be sign they've fallen for someone else. Wait and see if they ignore your calls three or more times in a row. Be sure to spread out each of your phone calls by at least a day, if not more. Acknowledge their failure to answer text messages. If you text your ex and they fail to write back (or wait more than a day to do so), this can mean they love somebody else. They might be out with that person (or even sleeping over) when they receive your text, and that is why they do not respond. As with calls, try and wait for them to drop text messages at least three times before you jump to conclusions. Once again, be sure to spread you text messages out, as not to overwhelm your ex in the process. Check if they fail to initiate conversations. If your ex responds to text messages and phone calls, but never initiates any communication, this can be a sign that they've fallen for somebody else. This can show that they still want to be polite, however, they seem to have no innate desire to speak to you. Try ceasing your attempts to get in touch for a while (say, one week). Notice whether or not the step up to get in touch with you instead. Check to see if they have “unfriended” you on social media. If you try to visit your ex's Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page, only to realize you are no longer among their friends list, this can be a negative sign. They may have deleted you because they don't want you to see a change in their relationship status, or photos of them with their new love. If their social media pages are set to private, it will be immediately clear that they have unfriended you. If they keep their profiles public, you may need to directly check to see if you are listed among their friends. Make sure they haven't changed their phone number. A far more dramatic action for your ex to take (and a much more dramatic sign) is to change their telephone number. If you attempt to contact your ex and realize that they have changed their number without notifying you, there is a good chance they have fallen in love with someone else. Inquire to your friends about the change in number. If there is some kind of good explanation for the phone number change, a mutual friend may be able to clue you in. Gauge whether or not they respond to your flirting. If your ex has always reciprocated your flirty behavior, and now suddenly they don't, this can indicate they are spending their flirtatious energy on their new love. Try flirting with them the way you normally would (don't overdo it) and gauge their reaction. See if this happens more than once before you draw any conclusions. Feel if they are distant. If your ex suddenly grows distant from you, this can be a sign that they've moved on. If they longer share details from their life, no longer reach out to you for support, or no longer allow themselves to be close to you physically, they may be in love with someone. Try to find out if there is something else bothering them that might make them act distant. Note them cancelling plans with you. If you have made plans with your ex a while ago, and suddenly they begin cancelling them, this could be sign that they've fallen for someone. One cancellation might not mean anything, but several in a row could be a bad sign. Pay attention to how much time they make for you. If you used to be able to call on your ex for company, support, or just to catch up, but suddenly they don't seem to have time for you, they may have moved on. If they are spending all of their time with their new love, it makes it difficult for them to spend time with you. Also notice if they occasionally come calling on you for some type of attention or support, but are not there to reciprocate when you need them. This can also mean that they have started a new relationship, but they still come to you in times of loneliness (which reflects poorly on their character). Acknowledge if they have stopped being affectionate with you. If you and ex had remained “friends with benefits” since your official break-up, and suddenly they have ceased this side of your relationship, this is a pretty strong sign that they are having this need filled by someone else. If they have fallen in love with someone else, they likely can't continue being affectionate with you. If they turn down your advances, you may want to simply ask them point blank what has changed. Watch for public displays of affection. If you happen to spot your ex being affectionate with someone else in public, this is pretty solid indicator that your ex is moving on. If your ex is comfortable enough to make public displays of affection, this shows that they may be in love with someone new. PDA is more than just kissing. If you see you ex out with someone, try to notice their body language. Are they touching one another? How close are they sitting? Talk to mutual friends. If you hear rumors that your ex is in love with someone else, take these rumors seriously. You may be tempted to ignore or disbelieve such murmurings, but just remember that rumors are often based on some measure of truth. If you suspect something, ask around. Consider asking your ex's friends directly. Listen to what they tell you. If your ex tells you point blank that they are moving on, you should believe them. If they explain that they've fallen for someone else, you should try to accept this fact and move on yourself. Look for a change in their Facebook status. If you are still Facebook friends with your ex, you may notice if they alter their relationship status. A status of “in a relationship” is a very clear message that they feel strongly about someone. Even a vague relationship status like “it's complicated,” may mean that they have fallen in love with someone new. You might also keep an eye out for romantic-looking images on Facebook. You may also watch out for flirty posts. Ask yourself if it’s time to move on. Rather than pining away for your ex, and playing gumshoe to determine whether or not they are seeing someone, consider having a direct conversation with them. Figure out, honestly, whether or not the two of you have a future together, and if it seems like you do not, set your sights on moving on.
Notice if they ignore your phone calls. Acknowledge their failure to answer text messages. Check if they fail to initiate conversations. Check to see if they have “unfriended” you on social media. Make sure they haven't changed their phone number. Gauge whether or not they respond to your flirting. Feel if they are distant. Note them cancelling plans with you. Pay attention to how much time they make for you. Acknowledge if they have stopped being affectionate with you. Watch for public displays of affection. Talk to mutual friends. Listen to what they tell you. Look for a change in their Facebook status. Ask yourself if it’s time to move on.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Fleas-in-Young-Kittens-and-Nursing-Mothers
How to Treat Fleas in Young Kittens and Nursing Mothers
To treat fleas in young kittens and nursing mothers, start by applying flea prevention medication to the mother, like Frontline Plus. Then, fill a sink with warm water and mild dish soap, and immerse each kitten up to its neck in the water. Next, remove the kitten from the water, gently rub the soap into its skin, then put it in back in the water to rinse it. Afterwards, dry each kitten with a towel and remove any remaining fleas from its head with your fingers. Additionally, wash their toys and bedding regularly with warm, soapy water.
Use flea medication on the mother only. Topical flea medications are poisons that kill fleas when absorbed through your pet's skin. Usually, you would apply a topical medication between a cat's shoulder blades or on the back of the neck. Within a certain time frame, the medication would begin to kill fleas. These medications are usually safe to use on nursing mothers and should not affect your kittens. However, they can be very dangerous to young cats. Only use topical medications to treat fleas on the mother. Make sure to talk to your vet about a safe medication for a nursing mother. While many medications, such as Frontline Plus, are safe to use on nursing mothers, other brands may carry risks. It may be necessary to separate the mother and kittens for a set time after administering the medication. Talk to your vet beforehand. Bathe newborns in dish soap to remove fleas. Harsh chemicals are not safe to use on young kittens, especially newborns. Instead, you can gently bathe newborns using a dish soap. Choose a mild dish soap that does not have antibacterial properties. Fill a sink with warm water and soap. Take your kitten and immerse it to its neck in the water. Use a cloth to gently wet the kitten's face, but make sure to stay away from the eyes. Remove the kitten from the water and massage the soap into its skin. Then, submerge the kitten up to its neck again to rinse it. Make sure to dry your kitten with a warm towel when you're done. You should also keep the kitten in a warm environment until it's completely warm. Remove fleas manually. After a bath, you should strive to remove fleas manually when you see them. Fleas may run to the kitten's head or neck during the bathing process, so remove these fleas with tweezers or your fingers while drying your kitten. Drop the fleas into a cup of hot water to kill them after removing them from your kitten. Ask your vet about safe products for older kittens. Kittens older than four weeks may be able to take oral medications to treat fleas. This can be helpful as such medications can kill fleas in several stages of their lifespan. However, you should never administer medication to a kitten without consulting your vet first. Kittens are more fragile than adult cats and even older kittens may react poorly to medication. Oral medications are usually given once a day to kill fleas and start to work fairly quickly. Some kittens older than six weeks may be able to tolerate topical medications once a month. However, such medications can be very dangerous if your kitten is not healthy enough to tolerate them so talk to your vet before administering such medications. Comb kittens frequently with a flea comb. A flea comb can be an effective tool to treat fleas in young kittens, especially if your kittens are still too young for medication. Comb the the kittens each day with a flea comb. Remove fleas you see with your fingers or tweezers. Set these fleas aside in a bowl of hot water to kill them. Talk to a vet first to make sure you choose a healthy, safe flea comb for your kittens. Wash all bedding in hot water. Fleas do not just exist on your cats and kittens. They can live in the surrounding environment for a long time. In addition to treating your cats with flea combs, medications, and baths, you should wash all the bedding they use in warm water. Wash the bedding regularly as long as an infestation lasts. You should also wash any cloth toys in warm, soapy water. Vacuum frequently. Fleas can live in your furniture and carpet. During an infestation, vacuum frequently to remove flea eggs and larvae from your home. Vacuum the carpet in addition to any upholstered furniture. Consider professional exterminators for extreme cases. If you're still seeing fleas after taking all the proper precautions, consider hiring professional help. Fleas are not just a nuisance. They can carry diseases, such as worms, that can be more dangerous to younger cats. Make sure you know what to do with your pets during the extermination process. You may have to keep your pets outside of your home before and after your home is treated for pests. Keep debris out of your home. You do not want to risk letting fleas back in after an infestation as passed. Fleas can get in from outside if you track in organic materials, such as leaves and dirt. Keeping your home free of such materials can help keep your home free of fleas. Talk to a vet first whenever possible. Young kittens and nursing mothers cannot always tolerate medication as well as other cats. It's always best to talk over treatment options with your vet beforehand, especially if you're considering using chemical treatments. The first thing you should do when you notice a flea infestation is take your cat and kittens to the vets for assessment. Refrain from using topical medications on kittens. In general, topical medications are not safe for kittens, especially kittens under six weeks of age. Young kittens respond better to treatments like baths, combing, and manual removal. Only use topical medications on your kittens if your vet suggests it. Make sure to follow your vet's instructions closely when using such medications. Do not use products intended for dogs on cats. If you're using a topical medication, make sure it is specifically designed for cats. Similar products designed for dogs do not use the same chemicals. They can be very dangerous when administered to cats.
Use flea medication on the mother only. Bathe newborns in dish soap to remove fleas. Remove fleas manually. Ask your vet about safe products for older kittens. Comb kittens frequently with a flea comb. Wash all bedding in hot water. Vacuum frequently. Consider professional exterminators for extreme cases. Keep debris out of your home. Talk to a vet first whenever possible. Refrain from using topical medications on kittens. Do not use products intended for dogs on cats.
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Baby-Name
How to Choose a Baby Name
Choosing your baby's name is a big decision, but there are many ways to find inspiration. You can name your child after someone significant in your life, like an old friend or family member. You might also consider the names of influential people or fictional characters you admire. Or, take inspiration from everyday life. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio's mother was looking at a Leonardo da Vinci painting when he first kicked in her womb. You can also browse baby name books or online databases to see if any names catch your eye. Remember, there's no rush. Some parents even wait until their child is born before naming them.
Make a list of names that have personal meaning. This list might include names passed down from beloved family members, friends, or influential figures in your lives. There are no rules or limits to what your baby's name can be. Don't be afraid to consider significant names from many different sources. Beloved book or movie characters, songs, childhood pets, or even the street you grew up on can be turned into a special and meaningful baby name. Consider names with shared significance to you and your partner. Perhaps, you two were introduced by your mutual friend, Dora, your first conversation was about Charles Dickens, or you shared your first kiss under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you and your partner both have an equally long list of personal name ideas, a good way to compromise might be to decide on a name with mutual significance from your shared past. Try cutting down the options until your both happy with one. Ask your families about naming traditions and naming heritage. Family trees are a great source of inspiration as you're searching for significant baby names. Some families have incorporated common middle names or used specific ethnic origins for generations. Don't feel pressure to conform to your families' naming norms, but it's always a good idea to ask about them so that you keep your options open. Asking your families about naming traditions or trends may also help you and your partner compromise on a meaningful name. For example, you may find out that you both had a great-grandmother named Mary or that you each had an ancestor from Ireland. Wait for meaningful name inspiration during pregnancy. Let inspiration come to you during the special and tender time of pregnancy. The good news is that you have approximately ten months to decide, so you have lots of time. For example, you or your partner might feel the baby's first flutters during a walk by the ocean, which might inspire an ocean-themed name, like Ariel or Kai. Leonardo DiCaprio's mother was in a museum in Italy whilst pregnant, and was looking at a Leonardo da Vinci painting when he first kicked in the womb, and that is how he was named. Vivid dreams and memories are a common symptom of pregnancy, and many expectant mothers claim that the names they choose for their babies came to them during dreams they had while pregnant. Name your baby after a season or significant event. Perhaps your baby will be born right when summer roses are in full bloom or during the very first snowfall of the year, alluding to names like Summer, Eden, Rose, Rosalie, Snow, Elsa, Winter, or December. Wait until you meet your baby. You and your partner might decide on the perfect name once you've met your baby and have a chance to get acquainted. She might surprise your family and be born with red hair, just like your great Aunt Josephine. If you have a boy with serene features, perhaps he'll remind your partner of a poem by your favorite poet, inspiring you to choose a name like Walt or Ernest. Consult a baby book or an online name database. Baby naming books are easy to find in the library, and there are a number of online naming lists and websites. If you have a specific category you want your baby name to come from, such as nature-inspired names, classic boy names, gender-neutral names, or Southern names for girls, be sure to enter that as online search terms. When looking through lists of names, try not to get overwhelmed by the number of choices. Just read and search until one jumps out at you and seems to stick. When you're sure you're happy with the name talk to your partner about it. It just might be the one. Choose from a pre-approved list. Some countries, like Iceland and Denmark, only allow babies to be given nationally approved names. To narrow down your search, consider choosing an ethnic name from a pre-approved list, like those for Iceland. Tune into the media. Skimming baby or parenting magazines, watching entertainment news on TV, and even listening to popular songs on the radio that are specific to your personal preferences might offer inspiration on the latest and greatest names. Beware of name fads that quickly fizzle out in terms of popularity. For example, timeless names, like “Charlotte” and “Poppy” are becoming wildly popular again, but so are very modern names, like “Meadow” and “Story.” Although “Meadow” and “Story” are cute names now, make sure that you and your partner will still find them attractive when their popularity dies out and newer naming trends take their place. Take a vote or conduct an online naming poll. This strategy definitely isn't for everyone, but some parents desire public opinion. At the baby shower, guests can submit names of their choosing for your review or you can host a poll on social media, where your friends vote on your top five preferred names. You aren't obligated to ultimately choose the name that gets the popular vote, but be sure not to make any promises ahead of time. You don't want those who vote to participate with expectations and then have their feelings hurt if you make an alternative choice, so be sure to let your voters know the poll is just for fun. Choose a nickname. Sometimes nicknames can inspire full-length baby names. If you've always dreamed of calling your baby by a fun or informal name that isn't necessarily appropriate as a full-length name, you can work backwards to find one! For example, if “Sunny” or “AJ” are nicknames you adore, “Sonora” or “Amelia Josephine” could serve as formal, full-length names that the baby can switch to when she is older. Double-check the meaning of the name you like. All names have a meaning and some can have less ideal meanings than others! Even if your baby's name doesn't have personal or family-based significance, it's still a good idea to check its formal definition. Sometimes a name can have more than one meaning. When looking and finding the meaning of the name you like talk about it with family. For example, “Portia” sounds like a beautiful and exotic name for a girl, but it's Latin for “pig,” which is a meaning some people may find appalling and others may adore. Sound it out. Make sure the name you choose sounds good out loud. “Julian George,” for example, has a regal ring to it, while “Stella Isabella” sounds more like the name of cartoon character. Avoid name puns. Puns are never a good idea when selecting a name for your baby. School-age children can be especially cruel, so steer clear of puns or plays on popular words and phrases. Candy Kane and Gamble Moore may sound cute and funny in the moment, but remember that your child will have to live with laughter and jests for a lifetime! Avoiding puns or irony for twins is also important. Twin names like “Jennifer and Angelina” or “Harry and Sally” are references to pop culture and won't be lost on the majority of people, even if making a joke wasn't your intention. Choose spelling and pronunciation with care. It can get quite frustrating if your name is constantly mispronounced or you have to repeat your name or its spelling multiple times to a new acquaintance because it's unusual, long, or difficult to say. For example, if you like a rare name like “Meegan” but choose to spell it “Meagan” or “Megan,” people will assume the common pronunciation over the exotic one, which means you and your child will constantly be correcting new acquaintances. "Axel” is a cute, modern boy's name, and though “Acksol,” and “Aksyl” are unique renditions of it, they are not intuitive. Test out the name’s longevity. While some names are perfectly suited for cute babies and small children, they won't always suit an adult. Make sure the name you choose can grow right along with your baby. For example, while “King” is an adorable name for a baby boy, his colleagues may not take him seriously when he's an adult giving a presentation in a corporate office. Take the initials test. Some of the best name combinations can bring forth the worst initial combinations, so be sure to write out the initials of your favorite name before making the decision permanent. For example, the name “Ashley Suzanne Seavey” and “Parker Mitchell Smith” are not ideal initial combinations! Keep you baby’s name a secret until birth. No matter what name you choose, it's going to be impossible to please everyone, and negative feedback may leave you questioning a truly excellent choice. If you wait to announce your baby's name until after the birth, people are far less likely to criticize and far more likely to agree that you've made the perfect choice.
Make a list of names that have personal meaning. Consider names with shared significance to you and your partner. Ask your families about naming traditions and naming heritage. Wait for meaningful name inspiration during pregnancy. Name your baby after a season or significant event. Wait until you meet your baby. Consult a baby book or an online name database. Choose from a pre-approved list. Tune into the media. Take a vote or conduct an online naming poll. Choose a nickname. Double-check the meaning of the name you like. Sound it out. Avoid name puns. Choose spelling and pronunciation with care. Test out the name’s longevity. Take the initials test. Keep you baby’s name a secret until birth.
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Fox
How to Catch a Fox
To catch a fox, set a live trap near where you've seen the fox, and bait it with foods like pork, wet cat food, fish, or chicken. After you set the trap, leave it overnight since foxes tend to be nocturnal predators. Alternatively, make a hole trap by digging a deep, steep-sided hole near a tree or stump. Then, put your bait in the bottom of the hole, cover the top with branches and leaves, and wait for the fox to fall in. If your fox is too smart for the traps, try putting the bait near the trap at first, then slowly moving it closer to the trap until you can bait the fox all the way in.
Set a live trap in a location you expect fox to be. For the vast majority of foxes, standard "boxy" live traps of a suitable size work quite well. These traps resemble a long rectangular box with trap doors at one (or either) end. The fox, lured in by bait, steps on a pedal, which releases the trap door(s) and locks it in. Live traps are available to buy or rent at most hunting goods stores and also online from specialty retailers. For the medium to medium-large traps suitable for catching foxes, prices usually range from about $40-80. Bait the trap. Set your trap in the "open" position and carefully place your bait in the designated space in the center. You have a wide variety of options when it comes to picking your bait — for instance, you may want to use pork, "wet" cat food, fish, chicken, or other meat. If you're a hunter, you may alternatively want to use game meat (bobcat and beaver work especially well). The scent of the bait you use is important. Foxes have strong noses that they use to sniff out food sources, so, if possible, try to use bait with a strong, appealing odor. If you're using cat food, try to use one with a strong fishy scent — foxes love this. Let the trap sit out overnight. Though it's possible to see foxes at almost any time of the day, the animals are usually nocturnal predators. For this reason, once you set a trap, you'll want to be very patient, waiting at least one night for results. Check on your trap in the morning to see if you've caught your troublesome fox. Don't be surprised if you find a raccoon, skunk, rat, possum, or other small mammal in the trap — these animals can also be attracted to the same sorts of baits that foxes like. Don't let the trap sit out for more than a day or so without checking on it. Doing this can cause a trapped fox to suffer from hunger or exposure. Alternatively, try digging a hole trap. If you don't have a live box trap and don't want to bother renting or buying one, this free alternative can also work well. To make a hole trap, dig a deep, steep-sided hole near a tree, a stump, or another natural obstruction so that the fox can only enter the hole from one side. Place your bait in the bottom of the hole and cover the top of the trap with branches and leaves to obscure it. If the hole is steep enough, the fox will fall in while looking for the bait and be unable to climb out until you come back for it. Many sources recommend placing a leg snare trap at the bottom of the hole to ensure that the fox is truly stuck once it falls into the hole. If you're thinking about doing this, be sure to check your local jurisdictions first. Since leg snare traps can potentially injure or maim the animal, they're not always legal. In addition, you may want to consider whether such a trap is compatible with your personal ethics. Try step baiting. Foxes aren't stupid — the wily creatures will sometimes be able to tell when a trap is a trap and will avoid it, even when there's bait in it. To counter this, try the strategy of step-baiting. The first night, put your bait outside the trap, but near it. If you notice the next morning that the bait is gone, the following night, put it just inside the trap, but not near the pedal that springs the trap doors. If the bait vanishes again, try putting the bait in the middle of the trap the third night. Often, this gradual progression will trick a fox into thinking that a source of bait is "safe" until it's greedy enough to fall for the trap. If you're still having trouble, the fox may be smelling your scent on the trap. Try carefully washing the trap with hot or boiling water to remove your scent. You may also want to try sprinkling some fox urine (available at many hunting goods stores) around the trap — foxes can be territorial, so another fox's scent can cause it to investigate the trap closely. Avoid inhumane traps. Even if your end goal is to kill the animal, it's important not to allow the fox to suffer in the process. Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is cruel, immoral, and unfair. For this reason, you'll want to stay away from traps that injure the animal in the act of trapping it. For instance, steel-jawed leg traps can break the fox's leg when they snap closed on it and wire snares can cut off circulation to the animal's limb, causing it to die. In general, traps that work by suddenly gripping or snapping shut on part of the animal shouldn't be used. In addition, to being inhumane, these sorts of traps can also be illegal and carry stiff fines for their use, depending on where you live. Euthanize an injured fox. If, for whatever reason you manage to seriously injure a fox while trying to catch it, you will probably want to euthanize the animal (or call a professional to do it for you). Releasing a maimed animal back into the wild can cause the animal to suffer for days before it eventually starves, dies of disease, or is killed by a predator. Quick, relatively pain-free euthanasia is almost always a better alternative in this case. Humane killing methods are generally those that cause instant (or near-instant) unconsciousness followed by quick death without giving the animal a chance to panic or suffer. Different animal welfare groups will have different definitions of what a humane killing method is, but, in general, methods like shooting the animal in the head, stunning it with electricity and then cutting its throat, and using pain-free gases are considered humane by most authorities. Handle all foxes with extreme caution. Once you've captured a fox, you'll want to be very careful about the way you handle it, even if it appears securely confined to its trap. Carry the trap away from your body, holding it only by a safe handhold that's well out of the fox's reach. Never stick your fingers into the cage, shake the cage, or purposely agitate the animal. Foxes caught in live traps are likely to be scared for their lives, which means that they have the potential to lash out and bite or scratch you, even if they appear docile on the surface. Note that foxes can carry a variety of diseases including rabies, a deadly viral disease for which there is no cure besides receiving a vaccination after being bit. If you are ever bitten or scratched by a fox, contact a doctor right away. Though rabies is rare in foxes, it can lead to a long, painful, and ultimately fatal illness, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. Release it into the wild. One option when you've captured a fox is to take it somewhere far away and let it go free. This method has the benefit of causing no immediate harm to the fox. However, it's important to note that, because foxes are territorial creatures, they will sometimes return to their original location even if they have to travel a long way to get there. In addition, because of competition from other predators and differing habitat conditions, there is always a chance that a fox released into the wild away from its home will eventually die anyway. If you do decide to release your captured fox into the wild, be sure to do so safely. Orient the trap away from you, then carefully open the trap door to release the fox. Don't pursue the fox once it leaves the trap — it will likely be agitated and can potentially react with hostility, though this is rare. Call an animal control service. For many, having a professional deal with a captured fox is much preferable to the prospect of doing it on their own. Nearly all local animal control agencies will be willing to take a wild fox off of your hands, saving you the hassle of deciding what to do yourself. If you don't know how to contact local animal control services, in the U.S., try contacting the ASPCA, or the Humane Society (whose contact info is available on their respective organization websites) for instructions. Understand that, unfortunately, many animal control services will humanely euthanize the fox after you give it to them. This is because, as noted above, foxes are known carriers of rabies and other diseases. If legal in your area, consider humanely killing the fox. If the fox you've just caught has been causing you serious trouble, you may want to kill it to make sure you're rid of it for good. In this case, be sure to consult your local laws before killing the fox to ensure you're not doing something illegal. In the vast majority of cases, killing a fox to protect your property or eliminate a nuisance will not be considered illegal. However, some states and jurisdictions may have rules that can limit your ability to kill foxes, especially if you need to kill many foxes, want to kill them for commercial purposes, or need to kill them during an "off-season" time. For example, in the state of North Carolina, the laws governing foxes vary greatly from county to county. For instance, in Gates County, fox trapping season lasts only during the month of January and you are limited to a maximum "bag" limit of 30 foxes. On the other hand, in Forsyth County, there is no fox trapping season or bag limit. If you do opt to kill a captured fox, always use one of the humane killing methods described above. Know the warning signs of an aggravated fox. No matter what you plan to do with your captured fox, it's important to know the signs of danger so that you can respond to them quickly and decisively, should they occur. Many of the signs that an angry fox will give off are similar to those used by dogs. For instance, if the hair on its back is standing up, its tail is straight, or it is growling, snarling, or baring its teeth, the fox is angry and may react with hostility. In this case, always leave matters to a professional. It's also a very good idea to know the signs of a rabid fox. If the fox is stumbling as if it were drunk, seems partially paralyzed, is hurting itself, or is acting extremely aggressive or unnaturally calm, it may be rabid. In this case, you definitely need to contact a professional — rabies is a very serious disease and should not be treated lightly. Consider taking the fox's fur. Foxes are sometimes trapped or hunted for their soft natural pelt. The fur of a fox can potentially be very valuable — it's not unusual for a real fox fur coat or boot to retail for several thousand dollars or more. If you're an experienced skinner, you may want to consider humanely killing the animal, then skinning it and treating its hide so that you may sell it to a fur vendor. However, note that the act of killing an animal for its fur is usually more tightly-regulated than the act of killing it to rid yourself of a pest, so, as always, consult your local laws before proceeding. Don't try to take a fox's fur if you don't know what you're doing. Knowing how to skin an animal is a difficult skill that can require lots of practice to perfect. Attempting to skin a dead fox when you've never done so before may end up in the fur being ruined, making the fox's death a waste. Carefully wash yourself after handling a fox. Even if you don't come into direct contact with your captured fox, you'll want to carefully give your hands and arms (and, if necessary, your body and clothing) a thorough washing after handling its trap. Like many wild animals, foxes can be quite dirty even if they don't appear so. They may, for instance, have small amounts of blood on them from a recent kill or may have tiny traces of fecal matter in their fur. In addition, they may carry parasites like fleas or ticks (especially cat fleas). Because you have no way of knowing where exactly a fox has been, it's usually best to be safe. You'll also want to wash your trap as well to avoid the possibility of future contamination. Scrub all of its surfaces with hot water and soap, then use a hose to rinse it. Finally, dry it with a towel or rag to prepare it for future use.
Set a live trap in a location you expect fox to be. Bait the trap. Let the trap sit out overnight. Alternatively, try digging a hole trap. Try step baiting. Avoid inhumane traps. Euthanize an injured fox. Handle all foxes with extreme caution. Release it into the wild. Call an animal control service. If legal in your area, consider humanely killing the fox. Know the warning signs of an aggravated fox. Consider taking the fox's fur. Carefully wash yourself after handling a fox.
https://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Formula-Feed-Puppies
How to Safely Formula Feed Puppies
To formula feed your puppy, first make sure that you buy formula made specifically for puppies' nutritional needs. Then, buy a puppy nursing bottle or get an eye dropper or syringe if your puppy is too small to use a bottle. To prepare dry formula, blend the powder with the recommended amount of water completely. Then, warm the bottle by placing it in a bowl of hot water so it will be comfortable for your puppy to drink. Once the formula is warm enough, make sure your puppy is sitting upright on its stomach. Puppies don't usually know when to stop eating, so be sure you don't give your puppy more than its recommended amount.
Buy a puppy formula. When feeding your puppy formula, you need to make sure that you buy the right kind of formula. Puppies have specific nutritional needs, so you need make sure the formula is specifically for puppies. You can get puppy formula from the vet or from a pet store. There are dry or canned varieties. Either type is fine, but dry is more cost-efficient in the long run. Purchase a puppy bottle. To feed your puppy, you should get a puppy nursing bottle. This holds a small amount of formula. You can purchase one of these bottles at a pet store. When you get the bottle, you will need to put a hole in the nipple. Use a flame-heated needed. Put two small holes in the point of the nipple. Make sure the holes are only big enough to let a few drops of milk to come out. Holes that are too large can lead to the puppy getting formula in the lungs. Holes that are too small will lead to too much air. Use an eyedropper or syringe if the puppy is too small. Toy or tiny breeds may be too small to feed from a bottle when they are first born. If this is the case, you should use an eyedropper. If the puppy can't suckle yet, you can gently squeeze the formula into the side of the mouth. You can also use a syringe to squeeze the formula into the mouth. Don't squeeze the milk directly into the back of the puppy's mouth. It could lead to choking. Blend the formula well. When you are preparing dry formula, make sure that you mix it together very well. Get rid of all clumps or pockets of dry formula. It should all be blended and smooth. Wait for the bubbles to get out of the formula before feeding it to the dogs. Get the formula to the right temperature. Before you give the puppy formula, you need to get it to the right temperature. Place the bottle in a mug or bowl of hot water. Don't heat the formula itself in the microwave or in a pot. Put the formula on your wrist to test the temperature. It should be warm, but not hot. Store the formula properly. Make sure to keep your formula stored properly to keep your puppy safe. After mixing or opening formula, you keep it in the refrigerator and use it all day. However, you should throw away the leftover formula at the end of the day. If you use dry formula, you can keep the canister in the freezer. Don't place the cans in the freezer. Give your puppy the correct amount of formula. You should make sure to feed your puppy the correct amount of food each day. This ensures they grow at the right weight and gain weight at the proper rate. These are approximate. Make sure to only feed the puppy until the belly is a gentle round shape. Divide the total for the day by the number of feedings per day. In the first week, feed the puppy around 25 to 35 milliliters (0.8 to 1  fl oz) for every 100 grams (3.5 oz) of body weight. In week two, try 15 to 20 milliliters (0.51 to 0.68  fl oz) for every 100 grams (3.5 oz). Week three and four, give 20 mL for every 100 grams. Feed the puppy regularly. You should give the puppy food every two to three hours. This is around eight to ten meals per day. At three weeks, you can feed the dog around six times each day. At five weeks, the puppy should be eating solid foods, but you can still feed them formula two to three each day. Make sure to burp the puppy after feeding. Hold the puppy with their belly against your shoulder. Gently pat the puppy on the back until it burps. Make sure not to overfeed the puppies. Puppies may not know when to stop eating. This can lead to overfeeding. Overfeeding may lead to health problems, like milk in the lungs, pneumonia, or diarrhea. Feed the puppy many small meals through the day instead of less larger meals. Make sure there are no bubbles of milk coming out of the puppy's nose. This can point to overfeeding. Feed the puppy correctly. Make sure the puppy is on their stomach. Place the nipple in the puppy's mouth and press the bottle enough so that one to two drops of milk come out. This will help the puppy figure out that the milk is in the nipple, and they will start to suck. Don't place the puppy upside down, upright, or on their back to feed them. Clean the materials properly. Between each use, you should clean the materials. This ensures that you don't contaminate the formula and make the puppy sick. Clean the bottles, syringes, eyedroppers, and other material by boiling them for 10 minutes. Do this after every feeding. If you're using syringes, make sure to remove the plungers. Know when to formula feed your puppy. There are a few reasons why you may need to formula feed your puppy. You may need to help if you have a mother dog who is struggling to feed her puppies or who cannot produce milk. Some mother dogs will neglect their puppies. If the mother dog dies, you will have to feed the puppies. You should also formula feed runts, which are the dogs that have body weights that are at least 20 percent less than the rest of the litter. Consult your veterinarian. Though you will be doing the work of feeding your puppies, you should contact your veterinarian. Tell your veterinarian that you are bottle feeding your puppies. The vet can give you advice and help you if you run into any problems. You have probably been in contact with your vet about your puppy, so just let them know during one of your visits you are formula feeding the puppy. Look for any problems. Puppies can fade fast if something goes wrong. Look for symptoms of nutritional problems like diarrhea, decreased saliva, depression, weakness, limpness, and frigid skin. If any of these things occur, you should consult your veterinarian. Pay attention to the puppy's stool. Stools with clumps happen when the formula is too thick and concentrated. Dilute the formula and increase the frequency of feeding. You can put pedialyte in the formula if the puppy has diarrhea.
Buy a puppy formula. Purchase a puppy bottle. Use an eyedropper or syringe if the puppy is too small. Blend the formula well. Get the formula to the right temperature. Store the formula properly. Give your puppy the correct amount of formula. Feed the puppy regularly. Make sure not to overfeed the puppies. Feed the puppy correctly. Clean the materials properly. Know when to formula feed your puppy. Consult your veterinarian. Look for any problems.
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Trash-Talk-an-NFL-Team
How to Trash Talk an NFL Team
If you want to trash talk an NFL team, start by researching their current win-loss record and team statistics from recent history, so you know what points to make. You may also want to talk about non-statistical problems with the team, like if they're known or cheating or if many of their players have criminal charges. To trash talk a specific player on the team, choose a player that has an important role and share their statistics on interceptions, fumbles, and losses. Alternatively, if you want to trash talk fans of the team you dislike, pay attention to the fans' behavior and identify any negative patterns. For example, you could say, "All Giants fans talk about is their 2 Super Bowl wins, as though the team isn't doing terrible right now."
Decide why you want to trash talk a team. Maybe the team is a division rival of your team. A team might be responsible for knocking your team out of the playoffs last year. A big name player might have left your team for another team. Whatever the reason, you need to find a team to talk about. Maybe it's the team that your team is playing this week. Timeliness is a good enough reason to trash talk them. Compare the current state of the chosen team to its recent history. You will need to know facts about that team in order to trash talk them, or else you will just be shouting insults that don't have any factual evidence to back them up. Go to any website that displays team statistics. Find out the current win-loss record of the team. This way you'll be able to see whether or not they're playing well. This information will be useful when deciding whether to trash talk about the team. There's nothing to complain about if they're doing a great job! For example, if a team has a winning record, but they give up the most points per game during the season, that is a weakness that can be trash talked about. Learn about any non-statistical problems with the team. Even if a team is doing well, not everything about them is perfect. Watch sports analysts or read statistics on that team to learn about the things that team is struggling with off the field. An example here would be if a team has been known to have cheating scandals or if many players on the team have criminal charges. This information can be used to generalize the whole team with trash talk. You can also talk about the coach here, and how he behaves or runs their team. An easy way to attack a team is to say the coach doesn't know what he is doing. Phrase an insult backed up with information from the steps above. All of the knowledge you have gathered about this team will now be put to use. In normal conversation about a team, show your dislike towards that team. A fan of that team is surely going to respond to your expression by asking why you feel this way. At this moment, you can state any of the facts you learned about the team to make your case. The simple structure of trash talk should be- Bold statement about them team, followed by fact to support it. For example, if the team your trash talking about is the Dallas Cowboys, you could say "The Cowboys are so bad; they have only one playoff win in the last 20 years! They stink!" Refer to the statistic portion of the team. Another example could be "The Rams are terrible.Their coach doesn't even know how to run the team! They're definitely not going to make the playoffs." Decide what player on the team you want to trash talk. Choosing a player that plays an important role on the team is another good way to trash talk them. You'll be able to do so without having to learn about the whole team. In football, the quarterback is usually the most targeted player when it comes to trash talk. He/she is also a safe person to criticize and closely linked to a team's success. Determine the "bad" statistics of the player. The easiest way to trash talk a player is to pull up their stats. These include the number of interceptions, fumbles, and losses; knowing these will be useful in trash talking that player. If these numbers aren't the best, that's a great opportunity to trash talk. Learn about things about the player that aren't football related. Learning about these things about the player will give you material when you trash talk about them, even when they are currently doing well. This could be their off-the-field issues or the way that they act as a person (not as a player). You could talk about criminal charges, fines, and suspensions. This could even be about the clothes they are wearing off the plane to the game. If there is something wrong with it, it can be used as trash talk material. Phrase an insult to exploit the player. Using all the information you gathered, you can now trash talk about the player, which indirectly trash talks the team as well. For example, you could say, "The Cowboys stink, the running back fumbles the ball every game!" You can over exaggerate some statistics here if you really want to get the other person angry. In a non-statistic version you could say, "The Cowboys running is so bad because of all the fines he has to pay for his post-game interviews and DUIs." Decide what team you want to talk about and observe the behavior of the fans of that team.The fans of a certain team are also susceptible to trash talking. If you observe on various social media sites, you can start to see a pattern of how fans defend their teams, and this predictable behavior can be exploited. Continue to observe fans as the season progresses. If the team is doing well, the fan might feel very confident about talking about their team. However, if the team is doing bad, and the same fan is no longer rooting for that team, you could make easy trash talk, by accusing that fan of being a bandwagon. This step requires you to stay up to date on teams and their fans. A bandwagon fan is someone who only roots for a team when they are doing well, which shows that person is disloyal to the teams they root for. Identify a distinct pattern or tendency. This comes down to experience and many seasons of observation. Deliver an insult that groups all the fans of the team together. Once you have enough knowledge about each team and their fan base, you can generalize all the fans to behave a certain way, thus trash talking that team and that person. For example, to trash talk the New York Giants, you could say "All Giants fan talk about is their two Super Bowl wins, they're doing terrible right now and aren't going to be good anytime soon."
Decide why you want to trash talk a team. Compare the current state of the chosen team to its recent history. Find out the current win-loss record of the team. Learn about any non-statistical problems with the team. Phrase an insult backed up with information from the steps above. Decide what player on the team you want to trash talk. Determine the "bad" statistics of the player. Learn about things about the player that aren't football related. Phrase an insult to exploit the player. Decide what team you want to talk about and observe the behavior of the fans of that team.The fans of a certain team are also susceptible to trash talking. Continue to observe fans as the season progresses. Identify a distinct pattern or tendency. Deliver an insult that groups all the fans of the team together.
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-an-Evening-Wedding
How to Dress for an Evening Wedding
To dress for an evening wedding, stick with dark colors and formal outfits. Wear a black, navy, or dark gray suit with a white dress shirt and make sure your shoes match your belt for a formal look. Wear a nice tie that matches your suit but isn't too flashy. Alternatively, wear a dark evening gown that's at least knee-length. Blue, black, purple, and burgundy are all safe colors for an evening wedding. If the wedding invitation specifies that it's a semi-formal dress code, wear a cocktail dress. Just make sure you don't wear anything too flashy so you don't upstage the bride. If you're in doubt about your outfit, always lean towards the formal side so you don't underdress.
Wear a dark-colored evening gown. While daytime weddings often favor lighter tones for women's dresses, it's the opposite for evening weddings. A darker evening gown will reflect the peaceful air of the night. A good evening gown should be flowing and silky. Browsing examples of typical evening gowns will give you a closer idea of what you should wear to the wedding. Fabrics like silk or satin are well-suited for evening ceremonies. Watch the length of your dress. A mini is too informal and is inappropriate for most weddings, but especially evening weddings. Wear a dress that is knee length or tea length. Accessorize with jewelry. Accessories, such as jewelry and handbags, go a long way towards sprucing up your outfit. If the event is formal, dressing yourself in necklaces, pendants and rings can give your look a more distinct style. While these accessories are best kept in moderation, they'll add uniqueness to the otherwise rigid expectations of a formal event. Moderate your hair and makeup. Most wedding ceremonies favor traditional taste over flash. Although the party afterwards may be more casual, you don't want to overdo your hair and makeup. Rather, keep things within relatively conservative bounds. Keep your hair up, and use nude and natural shades for your cosmetics. Keep the bride in mind. Ultimately, the wedding ceremony is for the bride, not you. For the sake of not upstaging the bride herself, it's important not to go overboard with what you're wearing. Generally speaking, you should opt for something elegant that falls short of being flashy. Sequins are generally considered to be too showy for a night event. It's best to avoid them. Wear a dark suit. For men, wearing black to formal events is almost always appropriate. If you don't wear black, be sure that your pants and jacket match, since this lends an air of formality. Wear a white dress shirt underneath your suit. Choose dress shoes that match the color of your suit and belt. Pick a tie to match your outfit. Most invites will indicate a preference for ties. While the tie preference is generally understood to indicate a broader dress instruction, you should make a specific point of following the tie instruction. Unless specifically stated one way or the other, you will usually have an option between a standard tie or a bow tie. Bow ties work well in a tuxedo context. A regular tie should be fine, so long as it's not particularly flashy. Put on a black dress or cocktail dress. A simple black dress is very versatile and should fit both the semi-formal and evening conditions of the ceremony. Unlike a more formal floor-length gown, you'll also be able to dance in a cocktail dress, meaning you won't have to store a second pair of clothes if you don't want to. Cotton or jersey fabric is perfect for a semi-formal dress. Dress up when in doubt. There's a lot of grey area in what is expected for a semi-formal event. In any case, it's better to overdress for an occasion than to underdress for it. In one instance, you'll look awkward. In the other, you'll look flat-out disrespectful. Wear a dark suit. A dark-colored suit won't go wrong in a semi-formal wedding ceremony. Because it's only semi-formal, you have the option whether to button up your jacket or not. A tailored suit won't be expected for a semi-formal event, but may leave a better lasting impression on the wedding hosts if you decide to go that extra mile. Layer your outfit with a simple dress shirt underneath. It doesn't need to be fancy, so long as it's clean. Wear the tie of your choice. For a semi-formal wedding, there's usually no tie recommendation. Slip on basic leather dress shoes or heels. Leather shoes for men and heels for women are the typical footwear for a semi-formal event. There is a bit more leniency in a semi-formal setting, but you should avoid anything like sneakers. Sandals are an acceptable alternative in lieu of heels if the ceremony is outdoors. Choose an evening gown or cocktail dress. A floor-length evening gown is seen as the most formal form of women's wear for a night event. Aim for a dark-colored fabric to go with the night. Dark blues and blacks are perfect for a night time ceremony. Consider bringing a second set of clothing for the afterparty. Evening weddings often follow shortly after with a dinner and wedding reception. This afterparty tends to be more casual than the proceedings before it. While your reception clothing should remain elegant, you can switch up your dress for a more comfortable set such as a skirt and blouse. If you only have space for one set of clothing, aim for a formal dress that ends around the knee. That way, you'll be free to dance if you so choose. Express yourself at a "creative" black tie event. If the couple getting married want to temper the stuffy formality with a bit of silliness, they may suggest a "creative black tie dress" in the invite. This means you can have a bit of fun with what you're wearing. Patterned ties and colored dress shirts will be deemed acceptable in this case. Use glamorous makeup and a dressy hairstyle. Makeup and hair for women should be more lustrous than it would be for regular events, but you shouldn't take it overboard to the point of looking outlandish. Conservative, elegant makeup tones are best for a wedding ceremony. Exceptions may apply if the couple or ceremony are going to be "alternative" in some shape or form. Waving one's hair is considered glamorous, and works well for white-tie weddings. Curling hair is also a good way to match your look to the situation. Makeup can include bolder colors than you'd normally use on the street, but you shouldn't get overly fancy with it. Wear a tuxedo. A tuxedo is standard fare for men at formal events. If you have the time to plan in advance and funds to spare, get a tuxedo fitted professionally by a tailor. A fitted suit will match your figure much better than a store-bought set, and it will have the added comfort to match. In lieu of a true tuxedo, a black buttoned suit should suffice. Wear leather shoes or heels. Footwear is just as important in a formal setting as the other, more visible parts of your outfit. Dark leather shoes are the expected choice for men, while women may wear dress slippers or heels, depending on their preference and the likelihood of dancing. Whether you're wearing leather soles or heels, it is a good idea to color-coordinate your footwear with the rest of your outfit. For an outdoor night time ceremony, women may wear sandals instead of heels. Black socks are a given if you're wearing dress shoes. Layer your outfit with a white dress shirt. Where with white tie events a pique white vest is the norm, a fine white dress shirt will suffice in black tie wedding situations. Iron it out and put it on underneath your suit. Broadcloth fabric is a good choice for dress shirts. Because you'll be wearing a white shirt, take care not to stain it with food, either before or during the wedding ceremony. Stains are notoriously difficult to get out of white clothing. Sash your waist in a cummerbund. Men may sash their waist in a cummerbund, a silk cloth which typically fits around like a belt. Although it's not always expected at modern weddings, the fancy flair will make it obvious you've put effort into your appearance for the evening. Sport a bowtie. A black bowtie is a perfect centerpiece for a formal "black tie" outfit. Although clip-on versions are available, it may be seen as disrespectful to go the "easy" route. Instead, put in the manual effort for the optimal look. Some black tie weddings may tacitly expect regular business ties. If in doubt however, there are few ceremonies where a bowtie will be frowned upon. Silk, satin and twill are all acceptable fabrics for a black tie event bowtie. Dress in a floor-length evening gown. Because the ceremony will take place at night, it is advised that you choose a darker color for your dress. An evening gown should be made from silk or satin, and touch the ground while you're walking normally. High-class fabrics like satin, silk or velvet are perfect for a formal event. Because of the dressy nature of an evening gown, it's often a good idea to take a second, more comfortable dress along with you. That way, you'll be able to dance more fluidly during the ceremony's afterparty. Opt for glamorous hair and makeup. Although makeup isn't essential for women, there's a tacit understanding that attendees to a white tie wedding ceremony will put extra effort into their appearance. Aim for makeup tones that are glamorous without being outlandish. Go to a hairdresser or makeup stylist prior to the wedding and have it done professionally if you're in doubt. Off the shoulder curls are a perfect choice of hairstyle for an ultra-formal wedding ceremony. Makeup should be glamorous, but not overly showy. Aim for red lipsticks, dark mascaras and eyeshadows. Fancy or playful colors should be avoided. Wear a white-tie specific tuxedo. A "white tie" event is often seen as even more formal than a black tie affair. A black dress tailcoat is expected for a white tie wedding. However, due to the specificity of a white tie event, there may be special instructions listed in the invitation, which may require you to buy a set of white clothing. Because white clothing stains easily and usually needs to be purchased specifically for the event, these events tend to be rare. Put on a white bowtie. Bowties are typically seen as a fancier alternative to regular "business" ties. Proper bowties can be purchased at a proper dress store. According to the name of the dress code itself, your tie should be white, in contrast with your black overcoat. A bowtie may be seen as the male equivalent to jewelry. Although you can buy simple clip-on bowties, it's usually seen as better form to put on one that requires manual effort. Wear matching black trousers. Striped black trousers are the expected form of legwear for men. While a single satin stripe is the norm in the US, two stripes are usually expected in Europe. Your trousers should be made of the same fabric as your coat. Layer your suit with a white pique vest. A truly formal outfit for men will come in several layers. Underneath your overcoat, you should have a white pique vest. These may be purchased usually the same outlet you'll buy your overcoat from. Iron out the vest beforehand to smooth out the creases. Pique is a fancy knit fabric with a honeycomb-shaped look. Underneath the vest, a white undershirt is helpful for catching sweat. Accessorize with gloves. For white tie events, gloves are recommended for both women and men. Gloves should be white, to coincide with the white tie. Gloves tend to be expected in the case of dancing. Fancy jewelry is also a great way to add uniqueness to your look. Recognize the difference between wedding casual and true casual. There is no such thing as true “casual” for a wedding ceremony. After all, weddings are meant to be the event of a lifetime! Although you should ultimately rely on the wedding hosts' definition of the term, it's safer to air on the side of caution with business casual. This includes dress pants and a polo shirt for men, and a skirt and blouse for women. Wear a dress shirt or dress. A plain dress shirt is a good choice for men, with a jacket going overtop. For women, a cocktail dress will fit each stage of the casual wedding ceremony. Graphic fabrics may be worn at casual and semi-casual ceremonies. Include a tie if you want to. You don't need to wear a tie in a casual setting. However, it certainly won't be looked down upon, and can add a sense of class to your look regardless of what else you're wearing. Wear everyday hair and makeup. The "casual" aspect of the wedding ceremony will be emphasized when it comes to makeup and hair. Although you may put in the extra effort if you want to, you shouldn't go too far with sprucing yourself up. If the hosts are stressing a casual event, you won't want to attract too much attention to yourself by going overboard. Avoid logos and branded clothing. While being casual means dressing only a bit nicer than you normally would, you should still avoid any sort of clothes that feature brand names or graphic art. Keep your attire simple but elegant. Keep it as casual as the hosts want. If the wedding is meant to be casual, there is such a thing as being overdressed. Do your best to adhere to whatever dress instructions the wedding invitation lays out for you, and it's unlikely you'll run into problems.
Wear a dark-colored evening gown. Accessorize with jewelry. Moderate your hair and makeup. Keep the bride in mind. Wear a dark suit. Pick a tie to match your outfit. Put on a black dress or cocktail dress. Wear a dark suit. Slip on basic leather dress shoes or heels. Choose an evening gown or cocktail dress. Express yourself at a "creative" black tie event. Use glamorous makeup and a dressy hairstyle. Wear a tuxedo. Wear leather shoes or heels. Layer your outfit with a white dress shirt. Sash your waist in a cummerbund. Sport a bowtie. Dress in a floor-length evening gown. Opt for glamorous hair and makeup. Wear a white-tie specific tuxedo. Put on a white bowtie. Wear matching black trousers. Layer your suit with a white pique vest. Accessorize with gloves. Recognize the difference between wedding casual and true casual. Wear a dress shirt or dress. Include a tie if you want to. Wear everyday hair and makeup. Avoid logos and branded clothing. Keep it as casual as the hosts want.
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Your-Tree-Frog%27s-Illness
How to Diagnose Your Tree Frog's Illness
If you think your tree frog is sick, pay attention to its skin color and general behavior to diagnose its illness. For instance, if the skin near your frog's legs turns a reddish color, your frog may have a disease called Red-Leg. Unfortunately, there's no cure for this disease. If you notice that your frog is lethargic, like not jumping or its jaw hanging open, and it looks swollen, it could be suffering from edema. Try soaking your frog in clean spring water to see if that helps.
Check for discoloration. There are a variety of illnesses that can cause a tree frog to become discolored. Red-Leg, a common disease in pet tree frogs, causes the skin near the frog's legs to turn reddish. Sometimes something as simple as lack of humidity, stress, or a poor diet can cause a frog to have darkened skin. If your frog's skin is dry in addition to being discolored, this can be caused by a combination of stress and dehydration. However, some tree frogs naturally have a bit of red pigment on their legs. Keep track of your frog's coloring so that you can tell when it changes. If your frog is discolored, you should have it seen by a veterinarian. Assess your frog's energy level. Lethargy can be a key symptom of a variety of illnesses that occur in tree frogs. They include Red-Leg, MBD, edema, and others. Look for a lack of activity, the frog's jaw to hang open, and its legs to be sprawled out. Red-Leg is often fatal — there is no known cure for it. MBD is usually curable if it is treated right away. MBD usually makes the frog stop eating and jumping. This is due to improper feeding, which causes a lack of vitamin D and calcium. Edema is when the frog swells up and becomes lethargic because it is so bloated. If your frog is lethargic and not bloated, then it does not have edema. Look for bloating. If your frog has swollen up, it is most likely caused by edema. There are actually two types of edema. One is a bacterial infection and the other is from kidney failure due to vitamin toxicity. If it is the bacterial kind, you should soak your frog in clean spring water for a few hours to clear out the infection. The frog should be alright after that. Unfortunately, if your frog has edema caused by kidney failure, it will most likely die from the condition. Since bacterial edema can be cleared up relatively easily at home and the one caused by kidney failure is always fatal, it is up to you whether to take your frog in to be seen by a vet. To prevent edema, clean your frog's cage weekly and change its water frequently. Dying from kidney failure can be a slow, painful process. If your frog has edema caused by kidney failure, humane euthanasia performed by your vet is an option. Consider trouble with eating. Changes in your frog's appetite can signal a problem with their digestive system or an illness that does not allow them to catch their prey. For example, lack of appetite is a symptom of MBD. This disease weakens the bones of your frog and decreases its energy so much that it can't chase down its prey. MBD is often caused by improper feeding. Trouble with eating could also be the result of a parasite. If you have more than one frog housed in the terrarium, some frogs could be getting more food than others. You should also make sure you are feeding your frogs small crickets, because medium and large ones are too big for a tree frog to swallow. Pay attention to changes in your frog's sleeping habits. Your frog may be ill if it is awake during the day. Lack of sleep can occur when the frog is stressed out, such as right after you bring it home. However, it can also be a symptom of diseases that make the animal uncomfortable, such as edema. Look for sores, cuts, and bruises. Damage on the frog's skin when you first get it is probably due to being banged around while in transit. However, if the injury doesn't heal in a few days the damage could be the result of a bacterial infection. If it doesn't heal over the course of a week or so, the frog needs to be taken care of by a vet. If not treated, these infections and wounds can let harmful bacteria into your frog's body. This can result in death. Sores and bruises, as well as cuts, can cause a frog's skin to look strange. Inspect your frog's eyes. If your frog's eyes are smoky, cloudy, foggy, or blueish, it most likely has a condition known as Cloudy Eye. This occurs when the eye is bashed, poked, or scratched. If your frog's eyes are cloudy, you should get it veterinary care. Monitor your tree frog's weight. If your frog has lost weight, it may have either an internal parasite or Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). A vet can cure both MBD and a parasitic infection, so take your frog to be seen by a vet if it has lost weight. If your frog has gained weight, this is probably due to overfeeding, or it could be a sign of edema. Cut back on the amount of food it gets and make sure its weight stabilizes by weighing it every few days. If your frog is losing weight, it could be that your frog is just naturally thin or that it needs to be fed more. You will need a digital scale to weigh your tree frog. Set a container with a lid on it on your scale and zero it out. Then put the frog in the container and read the screen. If you plan on documenting the frog's weight over time, be sure to write down its weight every time you weigh it. Find a vet that is experienced with treating tree frogs. To find a vet that works with frogs, contact local veterinary schools or look online for lists of veterinarians that work with amphibians. For example, you can look at the website of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. If there are several vets in your area who work with amphibians, make sure the vet you choose is the one that has the most experience with tree frogs. It's a good idea to find a vet before your frog is actually sick. Having an established relationship with a veterinarian that treats tree frogs will make it easier to get your pet quick care when it needs it. Take your frog in for an examination. It is best to have your frog checked out by a veterinarian if you see a symptom of illness. While you may end up bringing your pet in for a problem that is non-existent, it is better to be safe than sorry. Some diseases require quick treatment in order to be eliminated. If you suspect that your tree frog is sick but you are unsure about bringing it in to be seen by a vet, at least call the veterinary office and talk to them. Tell them about your pet's symptoms and ask them if they think your frog needs treatment. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment. If your tree frog is indeed ill, your veterinarian will begin its treatment and will give you instructions on how to continue treatment at home. Follow these directions and be sure to continue treatment for as long as your veterinarian suggests, even if your tree frog seems completely healed. If treatment is not minimizing your frog's symptoms or they are getting worse, contact your vet once again. It may be that your frog needs a different type or amount of treatment.
Check for discoloration. Assess your frog's energy level. Look for bloating. Consider trouble with eating. Pay attention to changes in your frog's sleeping habits. Look for sores, cuts, and bruises. Inspect your frog's eyes. Monitor your tree frog's weight. Find a vet that is experienced with treating tree frogs. Take your frog in for an examination. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for treatment.
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Successful-Teacher
How to Be a Successful Teacher
To be a successful teacher, start by planning lessons well in advance, so that your classroom time is organized and efficient. As you come up with lesson plans, try to vary your teaching tools to accommodate different learning styles, such as field trips, group activities, or discussions. Additionally, treat your students with respect and kindness, while being clear that you are in charge while they're at school. For example, don't be afraid to say "Please raise your hand if you have a question," to a student who interrupts you while you're speaking.
Do your class preparation and lesson planning well in advance. For teachers, few experiences are less enjoyable than staying up late the night before a class, preparing the readings or assignments that your students will complete the next day. Keep your work organized, and plan each lesson ahead of time. It helps to have written lesson plans. At the beginning of each week, write down your lesson plan for each class you will teach. Do your class preparation (writing assignments and quizzes, preparing videos, etc.) at the beginning of the week as well. Monthly calendars are often helpful for a “big picture” approach. Preparing a detailed calendar a month or two in advance will help you schedule the various segments of the course you're teaching. If you're teaching at the high school or college level, consider sharing the calendar with your students (even if the calendar will change slightly as the course develops). Establish a regular schedule for your grading. Many inexperienced teachers find themselves quickly bogged down in grading seemingly endless papers and tests. To avoid this, figure out when during the week you have time to grade, and break the total amount of weekly grading down into manageable pieces. It helps to use a timer when grading. For example, give yourself 15 minutes to grade each essay, and 5 minutes to grade each quiz. Use technology that will be helpful to your students. While you do not need to always use the newest, most trendy teaching technique or teach from your students' favorite website, it will help both you and your students if you use some technology in the classroom. Students quickly become tired of repetitive class structures and lectures. Using technology could mean: Create a Powerpoint or Prezi to convey information. Show your students a short, relevant film or video that will spark classroom discussion. There are even phone-based learning apps that instructors can incorporate into new lessons. Vary your teaching style and strategy. This will allow you to accommodate different learning styles. Although you, as a teacher, may have a favorite way of teaching your students, consider that various students may learn better through other methods, including verbal instruction, reading texts, conversation, and hands-on experience. Experiment with different teaching techniques: Skip the lecture, and instead help your students learn with an active group activity. Bring in tangible objects, related to the lesson, that your students can interact with and learn from. In discussions, provide a mixture of abstract thoughts and practical examples. Take your students on a field trip—even in college! Let teaching inspire your own learning. Part of the pleasure of teaching students is that, along with sparking their curiosity to learn, you can remind yourself of the pleasure of learning as well. You can allow your teaching to maintain your own academic and personal interests in the subject matter of your classes. If you're permitted, make small changes to your teaching materials and assignments each year; this will keep the material fresh for you and make it more enjoyable for your students. Decide on your classroom policies, then follow through. It's important to show your students that there are specific guidelines that they need to follow in your classroom. Clearly state these policies on your syllabus, and expect your students to follow the policies. For example, consider: Will you allow students to use their cell phones while in class? Can students take notes on a laptop computer or tablet? How many times can a student arrive late before they lose points? Although some of these may be school-wide policies that you have no control over, you should still enforce and follow through on them. Maintain your authority over the classroom. While teachers should not be seen as authoritarian, it's important that you do act with authority. Show that you are effectively leading the class by explaining the daily class schedule ahead of time, and keeping the class focused on the lesson. Be clear that when you are speaking, all student conversation needs to stop. Don't hesitate to call out individual students; say something like, “Please don't speak over me, and raise your hand if you have a question.” Politely but firmly insist that students put away their phones, and computers as well, if your students are browsing the internet rather than taking notes. Dress like a professional. The way you dress and act plays a large roll in how you are seen by your students. Both men and women—especially teachers in their 20s—should dress professionally. Wear a jacket, a shirt and tie; wear a dress or skirt to look more professional and, consequently, more authoritative. Plan out how the class will spend its time every period. This should be a standard part of your lesson planning. It's better to plan too many activities for any given class period than too few. If you have an extra activity, save it for a day when you get through your lesson more quickly than anticipated. Aim for each activity to take about 25 minutes. This will give you a rough estimate of how many activities you can plan in a class period. If you have a 50 minute class period, plan on two major activities. Have your students complete a quiz and then participate in a group discussion. Or, for younger students, ask them to complete a hands-on activity in a group, then individually write a summary of what they learned. Don't plan to improvise or change plans in the middle of class. Act confidently, even if you don’t always feel confident. One of the most challenging parts of teaching—especially for new teachers—is showing confidence in front of a classroom full of strangers. Even if you don't feel confident at first, fake it—students usually can't tell the difference, and your classroom successes will turn into genuine confidence soon enough. Use occasional humor in the classroom. Humor can often show confidence; it makes you look like you are in control of a situation if you can inject occasional humor. Show confidence by your physical presence. Don't huddle in a corner of the classroom. During every class period, stand up, move around, gesture with your arms, and write on the whiteboard. These motions will make you appear confident and dynamic. Give your students plentiful and constructive feedback. Students enjoy and expect feedback from their teachers; it shows that you are personally evaluating their work, and that you have firm standards in place. When grading a student's essay, try leaving four or five comments on the body of the essay, and then a three to four sentence paragraph at the end, where you detail the major successes and failures of the essay. Give your students verbal feedback in class. Encourage their comments, and gently push them to develop more complex ideas and solutions. Engage personally with your students during in-class discussions. This will communicate your respect and consideration for the individual student. Your student will, in turn, have a greater respect for you if it's clear that you know his or her name and care about his or her education. Treat students with kindness. Showing your students respect and kindness should be a guiding principle when you engage with your students. This is true in all settings in which you communicate with students: in the classroom, in your office hours, over email, or in any other manner. Listen when they speak and do not speak over a student. Give your students the benefit of the doubt. It can be easy for teachers to forget that their students have a life outside of the class & required homework. However, you need to remember that many students have busy schedules and complicated personal lives. If students claim to have had a health problem or family emergency, evaluate their claim with objectivity. Encourage your students. Many students see their teachers primarily as disciplinarians; they view a teacher as someone who punishes them for doing poorly on an assignment or for speaking out of turn in class. Contrary to this, through your own enthusiasm for the class topic and the materials that you are teaching, you should encourage and inspire your students to learn about the class topic. Praise students individually and collectively for their work. Find aspects of the class work that each student engages with, and encourage the students to develop their own interests within the class. Establish boundaries for you and your students to follow outside of the classroom. Many inexperienced teachers plan to befriend their students, and to treat them like friends outside the classroom. This can lead to encounters that may appear unprofessional, and a lack of a formal relationship between you and your students. Make it clear to students how they can contact you. For example, give them your email address, but avoid handing out your cell phone number. Be clear with your students about how long it will take for you to reply to their emails. Will you try to reply within the same hour, or within a 24-hour period? Avoid meeting with students off campus. If you must, meet at a coffee shop; avoid meeting in places that serve alcohol, as it could send a misleading message.
Do your class preparation and lesson planning well in advance. Establish a regular schedule for your grading. Use technology that will be helpful to your students. Vary your teaching style and strategy. Let teaching inspire your own learning. Decide on your classroom policies, then follow through. Maintain your authority over the classroom. Dress like a professional. Plan out how the class will spend its time every period. Act confidently, even if you don’t always feel confident. Give your students plentiful and constructive feedback. Engage personally with your students during in-class discussions. Treat students with kindness. Give your students the benefit of the doubt. Encourage your students. Establish boundaries for you and your students to follow outside of the classroom.
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-WhatsApp
How to Install WhatsApp
To install WhatsApp on your Android, open the Google Play Store in your app drawer, and then tap ""WhatsApp"" into the search bar. Tap WhatsApp Messenger in the search results, and then tap INSTALL to start the download. Finally, tap the OPEN button to launch WhatsApp and set up your account.To install WhatsApp on your iPhone, tap the App Store icon on your home screen, and then tap the magnifying glass. Type ""WhatsApp"" into the search bar and press the search key. Tap WhatsApp Messenger in the search results, and then tap GET to install it. Once the app is installed, tap the OPEN button and follow the on-screen instructions to get started.
Open your Android's Google Play Store. It's a white app with a multicolored triangle on it. You'll find this app in the App Drawer. Tap the magnifying glass icon. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Type whatsapp into the search bar, then tap Go. This will search the Play Store for WhatsApp; it should be the top result on the next page. Tap the "WhatsApp Messenger" item. Doing so will take you to WhatsApp's app page. Tap INSTALL. This will be in the top-right side of the screen. Tap ACCEPT when prompted. It's at the bottom of the pop-up menu. Doing so will prompt WhatsApp to begin downloading to your Android. Wait for WhatsApp to finish downloading, then tap OPEN. It's on the right side of the screen. Now that WhatsApp is installed on your Android, you can set it up. Tap AGREE AND CONTINUE. It's at the bottom of the screen. Type in your phone number. You'll enter this in the text field in the middle of the page. Tap OK when prompted. WhatsApp will send a text message with a verification code to your provided phone number. Open your phone's messages app. You'll see a new text message here. Tap the new message. It should say "Your WhatsApp code is [six-digit code] but you can simply tap on this link to verify your device" in the body of the text. Type the six-digit code into WhatsApp. As long as you don't mistype, this will confirm your phone's identity and redirect you to the account creation page. Enter your name and a photo. You don't have to add a photo, though it will help identify you to other contacts (especially if you use a different name). If you've downloaded WhatsApp before, you'll first have an option to restore your chat history. You can also tap Use Facebook Info to use your Facebook picture and name. Tap Next. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. WhatsApp is now installed and set up on your Android--you can begin using WhatsApp at your leisure. Open the iPhone's App Store. It's a light-blue app with a white "A" on it. You'll likely see this on the Home Screen. Tap Search. This button, which resembles a magnifying glass, is at the bottom of the screen. Tap the "Search" bar. You'll see this at the top of the screen. Type whatsapp into the search bar, then tap Search. This button is in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Tap GET to the right of WhatsApp. WhatsApp resembles a green app with a white speech bubble encompassing a phone. Tap INSTALL when prompted. This button is in the same place as GET. Enter your Apple ID password if asked. If you've recently logged into your Apple ID in the App Store, you won't have to do this. You can also use your Touch ID if your iPhone supports it. Wait for your download to finish, then tap OPEN. It's to the right of WhatsApp. Doing so will open WhatsApp, allowing you to proceed with setting it up. Tap OK or Don't Allow for any pop-up windows. These windows will ask if you want to allow WhatsApp access to your contacts and whether or not WhatsApp can send notifications to you. Tap Agree & Continue. It's at the bottom of the screen. Type in your phone number, then tap Done. Your phone number goes in the text field that's in the middle of the screen; Done is in the top-right corner. Tap Yes when prompted. WhatsApp will send a confirmation code to your iPhone's Messages. Press the Home button, then open Messages. It's a green app with a white speech bubble. Open the text message from WhatsApp. It will say something like "Your WhatsApp code is [six-digit number]..." in the text's body. Type the six-digit code into WhatsApp. As long as you do so correctly, WhatsApp will allow you to finish customizing your profile. Enter your name. Do so by tapping the "Your name" text field in the middle of the screen and typing in your name. You can also add a profile picture on this page. You may also have the option of tapping Restore in the top-right corner of the screen to restore your chat history. This will only apply if you've used WhatsApp before on this phone. Tap Done. Your iPhone's WhatsApp is now installed and set up, meaning that you're ready to begin using WhatsApp ! Go to the WhatsApp website on a computer. It's at https://www.whatsapp.com/. You can download WhatsApp's desktop version from this site. Click Mac or Windows PC. This option is toward the bottom of the webpage. Click the green DOWNLOAD button. It's on the right side of the page. Clicking this button will prompt the WhatsApp setup file to download, though you may first have to select a download location. Wait for the setup file to finish downloading, then double-click it. It will likely be in your computer's default "Downloads" folder (e.g., the desktop). Wait for WhatsApp to finish installing. Once it's done, you'll see the WhatsApp icon, which is a white phone on a green background, on your desktop. A white window with a green illustration will appear while WhatsApp is installing. Double-click the WhatsApp icon if WhatsApp doesn't open. Doing so will launch WhatsApp's login page, which has a black-and-white checkered box (this is a QR code). Open WhatsApp on your phone. If you don't have WhatsApp on your phone yet, you'll need to install it on your iPhone or Android before continuing. Open the WhatsApp code scanner. Depending on your phone, the path to open the QR scanner will be as follows: iPhone - Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then tap WhatsApp Web/Desktop near the top of the screen. Android - Tap ⋮ , then tap WhatsApp Web at the top of the menu. Point your phone's camera at the QR code. After a brief moment, WhatsApp will scan the code, which will give your computer permission to log into WhatsApp. You should now be able to use WhatsApp on your computer! If the QR code has expired, click the arrow in the middle of it to refresh the code. If the code won't scan, make sure that all of the QR code is displayed on your phone's screen--you may need to increase the distance between your phone and your computer screen.
Open your Android's Google Play Store. Tap the magnifying glass icon. Type whatsapp into the search bar, then tap Go. Tap the "WhatsApp Messenger" item. Tap INSTALL. Tap ACCEPT when prompted. Wait for WhatsApp to finish downloading, then tap OPEN. Tap AGREE AND CONTINUE. Type in your phone number. Tap OK when prompted. Open your phone's messages app. Tap the new message. Type the six-digit code into WhatsApp. Enter your name and a photo. Tap Next. Open the iPhone's App Store. Tap Search. Tap the "Search" bar. Type whatsapp into the search bar, then tap Search. Tap GET to the right of WhatsApp. Tap INSTALL when prompted. Enter your Apple ID password if asked. Wait for your download to finish, then tap OPEN. Tap OK or Don't Allow for any pop-up windows. Tap Agree & Continue. Type in your phone number, then tap Done. Tap Yes when prompted. Press the Home button, then open Messages. Open the text message from WhatsApp. Type the six-digit code into WhatsApp. Enter your name. Tap Done. Go to the WhatsApp website on a computer. Click Mac or Windows PC. Click the green DOWNLOAD button. Wait for the setup file to finish downloading, then double-click it. Wait for WhatsApp to finish installing. Double-click the WhatsApp icon if WhatsApp doesn't open. Open WhatsApp on your phone. Open the WhatsApp code scanner. Point your phone's camera at the QR code.
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-an-Autistic-Person
How to Talk to an Autistic Person
If you're unsure about how to talk to an autistic person, try to focus on what will make them feel comfortable and heard. Most autistic people don't make a lot of eye contact, so try sitting or walking side by side or chatting while doing something else, like drawing, so that they don't feel forced to look at you. If possible, hang out in a quieter place so they can better focus on the conversation and not feel overwhelmed by other sights and sounds. When talking, try to find some common ground, like something you're both passionate about or interested in. You'll also want to be as direct as possible since autistic people can have a difficult time reading subtle social cues, like body language, sarcasm, and facial expressions.
Don't worry about eye contact. Most autistic people don't make eye contact often, and may feel uncomfortable if you try to force them to do so. Autistic people can usually think, listen, and speak better when they don't need to make eye contact. If not making eye contact feels odd to you, try sitting or walking side by side, or chatting while doing something that involves your eyes (like drawing or crochet). They may not always look at you when listening to you. Unlike non-autistic people, autistic people don't always look at the person or thing they are thinking about. Avoid touching them unexpectedly. Some autistic people are highly sensitive to touch, and even a friendly pat on the back can feel alarming or painful. Feel free to ask the autistic person what their likes and boundaries are. For example, some autistic people are distracted by a hand on their shoulder, while others love bear hugs. In general, don't touch an autistic person without their consent, and try not to startle them. Try asking first: "Would you like a hug?" This gives them the chance to decline if they're feeling too overwhelmed. If you're going to touch an autistic person, let them see your hand coming. This keeps from startling them, and gives them time to pull away or say no. Autistic people usually can't handle touch when experiencing sensory overload. Don't assume that a "yes" from yesterday will guarantee a "yes" today. Conversely, they might have been unable to process a hug yesterday, but would love a hug today. Find a peaceful area to hang out. Due to Sensory Processing Disorder , an autistic person might have trouble filtering out ambient noises and sights. Thus, it's a good idea to hang out in a quieter place, so they can better focus on the conversation. Pay attention if they say they can't handle something. If they say it, they mean it. Sometimes autistic people have a hard time understanding when they're overwhelmed. If you notice that they look stressed, take them somewhere less overwhelming. Speak clearly and understandably. While some autistic people have no barriers to typical conversation, others may not understand everything you say. Be respectful, and be willing to repeat yourself if they didn't catch what you said. Here are some difficulties they may face... Trouble with figurative language. Sarcasm and humor may be confusing to autistic people. If they act strange or confused, you may need to clarify that you weren't serious. Speech processing issues. Regardless of their intelligence or vocabulary, it may take them time to translate sounds into meanings in their heads. Allow for pauses in the conversation, to give them time to think and react. Avoid rattling off long lists of things—write it down if you expect them to remember all of it. Use your normal tone of voice. Avoid talking to adults in baby talk. Be aware of challenges with reading social cues. Autistic people may not understand facial expressions, body language, hidden implications, or hints—it depends on the individual. It helps to be clear about your thoughts and feelings. If they do something that's socially tone-deaf, assume ignorance rather than malice. It's unlikely that they mean any harm by it. Since social rules can be harder for autistic people to understand, they may unintentionally say something rude. Assume the best: that they walked away because they didn't know how to end a conversation, instead of that they walked away because they hate you. Check with them. "I noticed that you didn't respond when I said hi to you in the grocery store yesterday. Were you ignoring me, or did you not notice me?" They'll appreciate the clarity. If they hurt your feelings, say so. This gives them the opportunity to realize that you were upset, and apologize to you. Know that you may witness a meltdown or shutdown. Meltdowns occur when an autistic person can no longer suppress their pent-up stress, and releases it in a fit of emotion that may resemble a breakdown or tantrum. Shutdowns look like the opposite: the person "shuts down," becomes passive, and loses the ability to interact. In both cases, it's important to give them patience and compassion. Help them find a quiet, private place so they can calm down. Avoid asking questions, pressuring them to speak, or trying to distract them. Give them time. Reduce sensory input. Never grab them without permission or shout at them. Remember, they can't control it, and they probably feel deeply ashamed about losing control in a public place. Meltdowns feel terrible. Once they feel better, you can ask about what happened, and what could be done next time to better meet their needs (if anything). If they don't want to talk about it, then let it go. Expect them to stim. Stimming is a natural autistic behavior that helps them stay calm, think clearly, feel good, express their feelings, and adapt to a challenging world. When your friend stims, act like there's nothing unusual about it: ignore it and keep talking, or respond to their emotion (e.g. laughing along with them, or asking if they're doing okay because they look distressed). They will appreciate your acceptance. If their stimming is interfering with your needs (e.g. their pacing is making you literally feel dizzy), gently ask for them to switch to a different stim. Never ask them to stop stimming just because it makes you feel embarrassed or awkward. If an autistic person stims around you, consider it a compliment—they trust you enough to be themselves around you. Ask if you aren't sure about their needs. It's okay to ask an autistic person about how you can accommodate their needs. Asking is much better than assuming. People who are labeled as "high functioning" often are expected to adapt to non-autistic standards (however painful or difficult it might be), while "low functioning" people might be treated as if they cannot understand anything, let alone their minds or needs. Being asked about their needs is often a relief. It doesn't have to be a big deal: all you're asking is "What can I do to help?" This will improve the quality of your interactions—a girl who was previously inattentive in a cafeteria might become an active conversation partner in a quiet, non-distracting cafe. It may take them time to respond, and they may revise their responses later. Autism is a complex disability, and it's difficult to think of every important aspect off of the top of their heads. Consider reading about autism. The internet is full of information from autistic-run organizations and autistic writers (like Cynthia Kim and Amy Sequenzia) who offer insights into the ways their minds work. Kim's website has a list of recommended blogs in the sidebar. Beware groups that exclude autistic people, focus on what "burdens" and "disasters" they are, or portray themselves as anti-autism. These groups are not helpful, and not accurate. Listen to real autistic people. Some parents and therapists exist who write compassionate, insightful resources. For example, Ariane Zurcher of Emma's Hope Book and Dr. Jonine Biesman are well-regarded among autistic people. These people can also provide good information. Remember that autism is more than a list of deficits and challenges. It also comes with some significant strengths, that can make autistic people be very good friends. Many autistic people are funny, genuine, loyal, loving, and insightful. Recognize your friend's individual strengths, and appreciate them for the person they are. You can acknowledge a disability while still appreciating the person as a worthwhile, likable human being. Try to be understanding. Every autistic person is different, and their differences may make them seem odd or even rude. It might be because of a disability that they haven't disclosed, a co-occurring condition, or a lack of understanding of social rules. Most likely, they never intended to be rude, and feel upset and apologetic if they learn that they hurt someone's feelings. Don't wait for the autistic person to start a conversation. Many autistic people have trouble starting conversations, and might not pick up on the clues that you want to talk to them. If you want to talk to them, just go and do it! Don't worry if it seems awkward, since most autistic people are used to a little awkwardness anyway. Find some common ground. Most autistic people have a few topics that they're particularly passionate about, and they love to talk about them if they believe you're interested. Keep your questions polite. If you have questions about autism, it's okay to ask, but avoid asking questions such as "Can you fall in love?" or "Do autistic people have bellybuttons too?" since they are demeaning and rude. Don't ask an autistic person anything that you wouldn't feel comfortable asking a non-autistic person. If you aren't sure if a question is appropriate or not, look it up on the internet. That way, you can save your embarrassment for yourself as you realize that of course autistic people have bellybuttons, and you won't make anyone uncomfortable by accident. Set boundaries as needed. Since autistic people may not always pick up on social cues, you might have to be explicit, rather than dropping hints. Here are several things you can say to compassionately and politely set a boundary: "It's been nice talking about cats, but I'm a little tired of the subject right now. Could we talk about school or something else instead, and talk more about cats later?" "I need to go work on a project now, okay? I'll see you at dinner." "Well, I'd better hurry, so I won't be late for my meeting. Catch you later!" "I need some alone time right now." Listen to them. Sometimes, people around an autistic person get caught up in therapies and training, to the point that they forget that the autistic person is a person with thoughts and emotions. Give your friend a chance to be understood. Be direct when you need to finish a conversation (if needed). If you want to leave or do something else, it's best to be polite and clear. Politely get their attention and explain that you have to go. Autistic people may miss subtle signs that you want to leave. If you're talking about something that doesn't interest them, they might not know how to change the subject or let you know that they'd rather go do something else. If they act abrupt or leave unexpectedly, brush it off. They probably didn't mean any harm by it. Appreciate them for who they are. It's too common for organizations and non-autistic people to treat autism like a blight or disease that must be "cured." Most autistic people just want to be loved, autism and all, and treated like equal human beings. Showing unconditional acceptance means the world to them.
Don't worry about eye contact. Avoid touching them unexpectedly. Find a peaceful area to hang out. Speak clearly and understandably. Be aware of challenges with reading social cues. Know that you may witness a meltdown or shutdown. Expect them to stim. Ask if you aren't sure about their needs. Consider reading about autism. Remember that autism is more than a list of deficits and challenges. Try to be understanding. Don't wait for the autistic person to start a conversation. Find some common ground. Keep your questions polite. Set boundaries as needed. Listen to them. Be direct when you need to finish a conversation (if needed). Appreciate them for who they are.
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Silicone-Sealant
How to Remove Silicone Sealant
To remove silicone sealant from bathroom tiles, use a utility knife or razor to slowly cut along one side of the seam to loosen it. Make a shallow cut so you don't damage the wall or tiles. After you've cut along one side of the silicone sealant, use your knife or razor to cut along the opposite side. Once you've cut both sides, peel the caulk up and away from the tiles. If there's any silicone leftover, use a utility or putty knife to carefully dig it out. To remove silicone from glass, carefully use a razor to scrape it off. If there's any left over silicone, aim a hot air gun at the glass for a few seconds and try scraping it again. You can also use rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to remove any residue from the glass.
Clean the shower or bathtub. Remove any personal items and other shower accessories from the bathtub and place them somewhere out of the way. Wash the tiled area with the bathroom tile cleaner. Find a cleaner that will get rid of soap scum without leaving a residue. You can also use a mild dish detergent and hot water to clean the tiles. Select the first caulk seam to remove. Use the utility knife or razor to make an incision on one side of the caulk seam. Hold the knife so it is near the wall at the base of the silicone and slide the knife down the full length of the seam. Slice slowly and be careful not to cut into the wall. Don't cut all the way through the seam. Your goal is just to loosen the edge of the seam. Make a shallow cut by using only the tip of the knife. Repeat the previous step on the other side of the same seam. Slide the knife along the length of the seam close to where the silicone touches the tile, but again without slicing into the wall. Hold one end of the loose silicone sealant. Peel the caulk up and away from the tile. This will remove the silicone that was filling the joint, along with the part you can see. If you encounter any resistance from the sealant, use the putty knife to push it along. Remove the remaining sealant in the joint. Use the utility knife or putty knife to dig out any leftover pieces of silicone carefully. Position the knife at an angle to the tile and take your time to avoid scratching or damaging the tile. Repeat the steps for any other seams that you want to remove. Take your time and continue to work carefully. Scrub the tile to remove any residue. Wet the scouring pad with acetone and wipe it over the bathroom tiles. It may take a little elbow grease to get rid of tougher residue. If you don't have acetone, you can use rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits instead. Use a mixture of a ⅓ cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water to kill any mold or mildew. Wait until it dries completely before adding new sealant. Use the razor to begin scraping the sealant off the glass surface. Position the blade of the razor where the caulk meets the glass. Apply pressure to the razor and begin scraping off the caulk. Be careful when using the razor, so you don't scratch the glass or cut yourself. Apply heat with a hot air gun if the silicone does not come off easily with the razor. Set the hot air gun to a high heat setting and point the nozzle at the trouble area. After a few moments, test the area with the scraper to see if it has softened enough for you to continue. Scrape until the majority of the sealant is gone. If you don't have a hot air gun, a hair dryer on the highest setting will work just as well. Remove any leftover sealant with the rubbing alcohol and sponge. Dip the sponge in the rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits and gently wipe the glass. If there are still large bits of caulk, try applying heat again and go back to scrapping. After all the sealant is removed, dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol to get rid of any cloudiness on the glass. Remove loose pieces by hand. If you're removing the sealant because it is old, there is a good chance there will be unattached bits that are falling away from the wood. Pull off any pieces that can easily be removed by hand. Use a hot air blower to warm up the remaining sealant. This will soften the caulk and make it easier to remove. Don't overheat the area too much as this can damage the finish on the wood. You can use a hair dryer instead of a hot air blower to soften the sealant. Scrape off the rest of the sealant with the razor blade. Position the blade at a low angle, so it doesn't damage the wood surface. The sealant will come off in large pieces. Use your hands or the tweezers to completely remove the chunks. Remove the remaining residue with a silicone caulk remover. Start by reading the directions on the caulk remover bottle. Then, apply the remover to the area you just scraped and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Don't use too much moisture as this can also damage the wood. Before you begin, test the silicone sealant remove on a small section of the wood to ensure it will not damage or discolor it. Tidy up the surface of the wood with a wood cleaner. This keeps the wood clean and free from harm. A clean surface is essential for applying primer, paint, stain, or varnish.
Clean the shower or bathtub. Select the first caulk seam to remove. Hold one end of the loose silicone sealant. Remove the remaining sealant in the joint. Scrub the tile to remove any residue. Use the razor to begin scraping the sealant off the glass surface. Apply heat with a hot air gun if the silicone does not come off easily with the razor. Remove any leftover sealant with the rubbing alcohol and sponge. Remove loose pieces by hand. Use a hot air blower to warm up the remaining sealant. Scrape off the rest of the sealant with the razor blade. Remove the remaining residue with a silicone caulk remover. Tidy up the surface of the wood with a wood cleaner.
https://www.wikihow.life/Paint-New-Terracotta-Pots
How to Paint New Terracotta Pots
To paint new terracotta pots, lay down some newspaper and wash the pot inside and out with warm water, letting it dry completely. Then, gently sand the exterior of the pot with 220-grit sandpaper to make the surface smooth, and then wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust. Once the pot is dry, seal the inside of the pot with an acrylic sealant and let it dry. Next, apply the paint to the exterior of the pot, using painter's tape to block off any parts that you don't want to paint. Be sure to apply 2 coats and let the paint dry completely in between coats.
Choose an adequate work environment. Because you will be working with spray paints, you will need to work in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment. The best place to work is in a paint booth, though you can also work outside. Cover your work surface with newspapers or plastic cloth to protect it. If you're working inside, make sure to keep a window open and take breaks often. Consider turning on a fan and keeping it turns away from you to help steer the fumes away. If you work outside, be wary of dust in the air that might stick to your paint. Always wear a good mask while painting Clean the pot in warm water and let it dry. Brand-new pots are often coated with a thin layer of dust. Some may even have price tags and stickers. All of these can prevent the paint from adhering properly. To fix this, start off by soaking the pot in a container filled with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Use a stiff brush or coarse sponge to loosen any grit or dirt. If the pot has any stubborn price tags that won't come off, leave the pot sitting in the hot water for about an hour, then continue scrubbing it Once clean, set the pot in a sunny spot and let it dry. Smooth the surface down with sandpaper. Once the pot is clean, use a fine, 220-grit sand paper to smooth the surface. Focus on any rough pots and sharp edges. Don't worry about polishing and getting the pot to be perfectly-smooth. Raw, unpainted terracotta will never be smooth as porcelain; it will always have some texture to it. The rough, jagged patches, however, are imperfections and will have to go. Wipe the pot with a damp cotton cloth and let it dry. This will remove all traces of dust and grit. Let the pot dry completely before proceeding. Seal the inside of the terracotta pot and let it dry. Shake a can of clear, acrylic spray sealer until you can hear it rattle, then apply a light, even coat to the inside of the pot. Be sure to cover the bottom and the sides. Terracotta is porous, so it will likely soak up the first coat. This is normal. Simply wait for this coat to dry before applying another coat. You may need between two or three more coats. Allow each coat to dry and lightly sand the coat before applying another. The sealer is important, because it will prevent moisture from leaching through to the outside after the pot is planted. You can use any finish for the acrylic sealer: matte, satin, or glossy. Be sure that the can states that the sealer is waterproof. For a more sophisticated look, paint the inside of the flower pot black first, then seal it. Consider sealing the outside of the pot with an oil based spray-on primer. If you are going to paint the entire pot one, solid color, then you will need to prime it. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the surface of the pot, and apply a light, even coat. You can apply a second coat, if necessary, once the first one dries. Applying some primer will not only help you achieve a smoother finish, but it will also prevent the pot from soaking up any paint. Consider sealing the outside of the pot with matte sealer. If you wish to paint some designs and have the raw terracotta still visible, then coat the pot with some matte, acrylic spray sealer instead. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the pot, and spray on a light, even coat. You may apply a second coat, if necessary, once the first one dries. This will seal the pot and prevent it from absorbing too much paint while giving the paint something to grip onto. The matte finish will blend in with the matte texture of the pot. If you wish to create a weathered-looking pot, then use this technique. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Most primers will dry within 15 minutes, but some may require as much as two to three hours. Refer to the manufacturer's directions on the can for more specific drying times. Decide how much of the pot you want painted. You can paint the entire pot a solid color, or you can leave parts of the pot unpainted. If you wish to leave some areas unpainted, then you will need to cover them with painter's tape. Here are some ideas: Apply paint to just the brim of the pot for a splash of color. You can paint the drain dish a matching color. Paint the body of the pot, but leave the brim unpainted. Paint only half of the pot. You can choose which half: the top half or the bottom half. Create alternating stripes of painted and unpainted areas. You can also use a zigzag pattern. Block off any areas you don't want painted. This will help you achieve a nice, crisp line between the painted areas and the unpainted areas. If you have a steady hand and are using a flat paintbrush or a foam brush, then you do not have to use the painter's tape. If you are using spray paint, then you will need to use painter's tape. Here are some ways you can use painter's tape: If you want to paint just the brim of the pot, place a thick stripe of painter's tape just below the brim. If you are using spray paint, cover the pot with a plastic bag and seal the edges of the bag to the pot using tape, or use painters tape to cover the whole pot. The painter's tape will help you get a nice, straight line, and the bag will prevent any spray paint from accidentally getting on the pot. If you want to paint the pot but leave the brim plain, then cover the brim with painter's tape. If you are painting only half of the pot, then cover the part you don't want colored using painter's tape. Place strips of painter's tape to create lines and zigzags. The areas with the tape will have the unfinished terracotta color when you are done painting. Choose your paint. Paint comes in many different finishes, and the sort of paint you choose will determine what sort of sealer you will be using at the end, if at all. Here are some suggestions: Metallic, pearlescent, and glittery paint will add some sparkle to your pot. These paints will need to be sealed with a glossy finish to preserve their shine and luster. If you choose this type of paint, make sure the paint is made for exterior use. You can create a completely customizable pot with chalkboard paint. If you choose to use chalkboard paint, you won't need to seal it. Sealing a chalkboard finish will prevent it from working like a chalkboard. Solid colored paints can be coated with matte, satin, or glossy sealants for different finishes. Textured spray paint is also available. You can make your terracotta pot look rustic with a coarse, stone-like texture. Prepare your paint. If you are using acrylic paint, squirt some paint onto a dish. To reduce the possibility of brushstrokes, dilute the paint with a few drops of water, until it reaches the consistency of cream. If you are using spray paint, simply shake the can for few moments until you can hear the ball inside rattle. You can use outdoor or craft-grade paint. The pot will be sealed once again when you are done painting. Apply the first coat of paint and let it dry. If you are using acrylic paint, you can use a flat paintbrush or a foam paintbrush. If you are using spray paint, hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the pot's surface and spray on a light, even coat. Let this coat dry before applying another. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. Apply more coats, if necessary. Once the first coat has dried, you can apply a second or third coat. Make sure to let each coat to dry completely before adding another one. You should be able to tell when the paint has fully covered the pot. Paint the inside of the pot for a more finished look. Apply some paint to the top inch (2.54 centimeters) of the inside of the pot. It isn't necessary to paint any more of the inside as the pot will be filled with soil. Consider adding some designs. Painting your terracotta pot can give it some color, but adding designs can make it even more interesting. These section will give you some tips and ideas. Block off areas with painter's tape and add more colors. If you want to create a pot with a striped or zigzag pattern, arrange some painter's tape on it in a pattern you like. Paint the pot again in a different color, then remove the tape. Let the pot dry. You can create more shapes and patterns by adding more painter's tape, painting, and removing the tape. You can also create a polka-dot pattern by sticking circle-shaped stickers or price tags onto the pot. Paint over the pot, and then remove the stickers. If there are any chips in your paint from removing the tape, fill them in using paint and a thin paintbrush. Add designs using stencils. Purchase some adhesive stencils and stick them onto your pot. If you cannot find any adhesive stencils, then you can simply tape them onto the pot using painter's tape, making sure the stencils are completely flat against the pot. Any raised edges might ruin the paint design. Paint over the stencil using acrylic paint or spray paint, then remove the stencil. You can use any color you want, but contrasting colors or metallic colors work best. Here are some ideas: If you painted your pot black, consider using white or gold paint for the designs. If your pot is white, then make some designs using black or gold paint. If your pot is neon green, create some bold designs using pink or orange. You can also use ordinary objects as stencils, such as doilies. Lay the pot on its side, and drape a doily over it. Apply the paint and lift the doily off. Do not drag the doily, or it will smear the paint. Paint delicate designs free-handedly. If you don't like using stencils, you can paint the designs on using oil-based paint pens or a thin paintbrush. Use sandpaper to give a finished pot some rustic charm. Take a piece of fine, 220-grit sandpaper and lightly buff the surface of your pot. You can sand in the same direction, or achieve different effects by sanding left-to-right first, then top-to-bottom. You can even try buffing in circular motions. Keep sanding until the original texture of the terracotta pot starts to show through. Add a label using chalkboard paint. This will allow you to change the names on the pots when the plant inside of them changes. If you make a large label, then you can even write down specific care and watering instructions. You can add a chalkboard label to a solid-colored pot, or to a raw, terracotta pot, sealed with matte acrylic sealer. Here is how you can add a label to your pot: Seal your pot first. To learn how to seal your pot, refer to the section in this article on finishing and sealing the pot. Block off any areas that you do not want painted with painter's tape. You can also use an adhesive stencil, shaped like a square, rectangle, circle, or oval. Apply a thin layer of chalkboard paint using a flat paintbrush or a foam brush. You can also use chalkboard spray paint. Allow the coat to dry 8 hours before applying a second coat. Allow the paint to cure for two to three days. Season the surface by rubbing white chalk over it, then wiping it off with a piece of damp cloth. Your chalkboard label is now ready to use. Prepare your work area. Because you will be working with spray-on sealers, you will need to move to a well-ventilated area. Outdoors is the best. If you cannot work in a well-ventilated area, then make sure to have a window open and take breaks often so that you don't feel lightheaded. Consider switching a fan on and turning it away from you. It will steer the paint fumes away from you. Make sure that your work area is free of any dust or debris, especially if you are planning on working with a glossy sealer. Turn the pot upside down and set it on a tall cup or can. Make sure that the cup or can you are using is thin enough to fit inside the pot, but tall enough so that the pot can rest on top of it without touching your table. You are creating something that looks like a lamp or a giant mushroom. This will allow you to coat the entire surface of the pot, including the bottom. Choose a glossy sealer for a polished look. Several coats of a glossy sealer will give you a glazed-finish. If you painted your pot using metallic, glittery, or pearlescent paint, then you will need a glossy sealer as well. If you blocked off the designs using painter's tape, then leave the tape on until the sealer dries. Once it dries, remove the tape. Choose a matte finish for a natural look. A matte sealer will give you a dull finish, similar to the original texture of the pot. This will work well for designs that you hand-painted onto a bare pot. Choose a satin finish for a neutral, subtle look. A satin finish will have some gloss to it, but it will not be as reflective or shiny as a typical gloss finish. Do not seal chalkboard paint. Instead, let the paint dry for 3 days, then prime it by covering the entire surface with a piece of chalk. Wipe the chalk off with a damp cloth. You can draw designs on the pot, or you can write the name of the herb or plant you are putting inside the pot. Seal the pot with a coat of spar varnish and let it dry. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the surface and apply a light, even coat. The varnish protects the paint from scratches, adds durability and makes the pot easier to keep clean. If necessary, apply a second coat once the first one dries. Be sure to get the bottom of the pot as well. Let the varnish dry completely before proceeding. Take the pot off the cup or can and sand any drips. If you see any drips along the rim, take a fine, 220-grit sand paper and lightly buff the surface until the drips are gone. Be careful not to scratch the paint off. Spray the rim of the pot. Once you are done sanding, wipe the dust off with a damp cloth, and apply a light coat of sealer. Be sure to get the top of the rim, and the inside of the rim. Wait until the sealer has dried before applying a second coat. Set the pot aside to dry for at least 2 to 3 days before planting. If you plant too soon, the paint may not be fully-dried yet. The moisture form the soil may cause the paint to bubble, crack, and peel away.
Choose an adequate work environment. Clean the pot in warm water and let it dry. Smooth the surface down with sandpaper. Wipe the pot with a damp cotton cloth and let it dry. Seal the inside of the terracotta pot and let it dry. Consider sealing the outside of the pot with an oil based spray-on primer. Consider sealing the outside of the pot with matte sealer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Decide how much of the pot you want painted. Block off any areas you don't want painted. Choose your paint. Prepare your paint. Apply the first coat of paint and let it dry. Apply more coats, if necessary. Paint the inside of the pot for a more finished look. Consider adding some designs. Block off areas with painter's tape and add more colors. Add designs using stencils. Paint delicate designs free-handedly. Use sandpaper to give a finished pot some rustic charm. Add a label using chalkboard paint. Prepare your work area. Turn the pot upside down and set it on a tall cup or can. Choose a glossy sealer for a polished look. Choose a matte finish for a natural look. Choose a satin finish for a neutral, subtle look. Do not seal chalkboard paint. Seal the pot with a coat of spar varnish and let it dry. Take the pot off the cup or can and sand any drips. Spray the rim of the pot. Set the pot aside to dry for at least 2 to 3 days before planting.
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Good-Behavior-Without-Harsh-Discipline
How to Teach Good Behavior Without Harsh Discipline
You can teach good behavior without harsh discipline by praising your child whenever they do something well, since positive reinforcement is often more effective than negative reinforcement. For example, if your child put on their pajamas without throwing a fuss, try saying, “I noticed you didn't complain tonight, I appreciate you making bed time easier!” When your child misbehaves, explain to them why what they did was bad so they understand. Then, talk to them about how they can fix the problem. For example, if your child said something mean to a friend, have them apologize, which will demonstrate that their actions have consequences.
Tell the children you want to change your behavior (if applicable). If you feel that you used ineffective strategies before, it may be worth talking about it to the kids. This helps them recognize to expect you to behave differently. Apologizing for past misbehavior also sets a good example. Here are some things you could say if you feel you need to improve your discipline techniques: "I want to stop yelling at you. I think it's a bad habit of mine, and it's not very nice to you. I'm working on expressing my feelings more calmly. I don't ever want to be scary to you, and if I ever am scary, you can tell me and leave the room." "I know I used to spank you before. But I've done some research, and I realize now that hitting does not solve my problems. I do not want to hit you ever again." "In the past, when I've been upset with your behavior, I put you in time out. But I feel like that's not helping at all. I want to figure out a better way to teach you to behave well. Maybe we could talk about things more. What do you think? What would help you learn?" Meet the child's needs when they say something. Unmet needs can lead to misbehavior. Meet the need, and misbehavior may not happen. When a child expresses a need, acknowledge it, either meeting it now (e.g. giving them food) or telling them your plan to meet that need soon (e.g. saying "you can get a snack as soon as we arrive home"). Pay attention when a child says (or hints at) things like: "I'm hungry" "I'm tired" "I'm frustrated" "I'm thirsty" "I'm scared" "I'm bored/lonely" "I want to ____" Keep your expectations reasonable. Some kids, especially younger ones, have limited self-control and attention spans. Kids are going to be annoying sometimes, and they won't always be little angels. They might not be able to do everything you ask of them, no matter how hard they try. If a child doesn't act the way you hoped, ask yourself: Have I been pushing them too hard? Could they need a break? Is it possible that they'll be able to do this after they eat/drink/rest, or would they still probably fail? If a kid consistently fails to do something that you ask of them, then it may mean that they can't do it (even if it looks like they aren't trying). Toddlers, younger children, and kids with disabilities may often struggle to express themselves clearly. Be patient and do your best to listen and help them talk about it. Be clear about your expectations. Kids can't follow the rules if they don't know what they are. Let them know what you expect from them, and give reminders as needed. Kids can forget things easily. If you see a child breaking a rule, give them a reminder. They may correct themselves. You can write a list of the most important rules, and place it somewhere where kids can read it. Be willing to discuss and negotiate calmly. Kids are more eager to behave when they feel like they have a say in what the rules are. Take a more flexible approach. Try asking "Do you think that's fair?" to them. If they think it's unfair, let them tell you what they think the rule should be. Then, talk it out. It's okay to make small concessions, like "you can play one more round before we go" or "okay, you can stay up half an hour later." This can empower the kids to have a role in decisions, and feel heard. Offer praise when the child does something well. Good praise is specific and positive. State what you noticed, and react positively. This helps children feel proud of their good behavior and makes them more likely to do it again. "Thank you for cleaning your room. It looks so nice!" "I noticed that you put away the dishes without being asked. That was so thoughtful of you." "Thank you for playing so quietly while Mommy was working at her desk. Because you were being so quiet, she was able to focus and get more work done, and that made her happy." "You were so helpful to your brother getting ready for school. You are so grown-up and it's really cool to see that." Praise the child when they stop doing something negative. Let them know that you see them behaving better and that you appreciate it. This helps consolidate the gain and encourages the kid to continue behaving better. "I noticed you taking deep breaths instead of screaming at your brother when he was bothering you. That was very mature of you." "You're being so gentle with your baby sister. That's really nice to see." "You didn't complain tonight when I asked you to put on pajamas. That was really nice for me. I appreciate you making bedtime easier." Make sure to spend quality time with the child. Kids need attention, and sometimes they act out if they aren't getting enough of it. Make sure that the child has ways to spend positive time with you. Here are some things you can do: Ask about their day and what's on their mind and listen Read to them Let them show you projects they're working on Draw pictures together Play board games or video games together Go for walks or hikes Play backyard sports Keep practicing your good habits, even if they don't work at first. If you've been in a negative dynamic with a child before, and then you start a new approach, it may take some time for the child to adjust. They may continue, or even escalate, their bad behavior in the hopes of getting your attention. It's important to stay strong and avoid resorting to bad habits like shouting or making threats. Stay away from bad discipline habits. Avoid being too aggressive, oppositional, or scary towards your children. Escalating conflicts usually makes things worse, not better. Work on reducing and eliminating bad discipline habits. Spanking and other forms of corporal punishment do much more harm than good. Children who are spanked tend to become more aggressive, resentful, and difficult to manage. They're also at higher risk of mental illness, cognitive impairments, and other problems later on. Yelling can cause kids to shut down, and may teach them to yell back at you. Too much yelling at home can make kids afraid of you, and harm their self esteem. Try to only yell as a last resort to get attention. If you lose your temper and start screaming, apologize afterwards. Name-calling, including telling a child that they are being "bad," can harm a child's self image and make them believe that misbehavior is in their nature. Instead of calling a child naughty or stupid, talk about their behavior. Try ignoring the small stuff. If a child is whining, causing minor trouble, or being annoying, it's best not to reward them with attention. Instead, wait calmly for them to be done, and reward them with positive attention when they stop being irritating (from a smile to a "thank you for stopping"). Sometimes, it's best to just laugh it off if a child is being silly. Try redirecting a kid who is getting antsy or engaging in minor misbehavior. If you can tell that a kid is likely going to misbehave soon, or is doing something that isn't great, try redirecting them. Sometimes, they just need to refocus or be given a reminder. Try saying things like: "This grocery store is pretty loud, huh? Why don't you and your big sister go outside to the field by the parking lot and hang out there until I'm done?" "Please quiet down. Screaming hurts my ears. If you want to talk about what's wrong in your normal voice, I can listen." "This is frustrating. Let's take a break and come back to it later." "We need to leave soon. Let me know when you're ready to get into the car." "Mumbling under your breath won't help me fix your problem. If you want to talk to me about something, you can tell me about it directly." Seek to understand first, not punish first. If a child is acting out, it's often a sign that something is wrong. If you can figure out what's wrong, you may be able to collaborate with the child on a better way to solve the problem. Whining may mean that a child feels powerless, upset, or lonely. Being bossy might mean that a child feels anxious, or that they worry their needs won't be met. Try to find out what's so important to them. Rebelling may mean that the child needs an opportunity to show you how capable they are. Try giving them more responsibilities so they can prove themselves. Focus on comforting an upset child. If a child is extremely emotional, they probably can't think straight, and discipline may only upset them further. Instead, work on calming them down and showing loving support. Validate their feelings , and offer physical comfort (like a hug or a hand to hold) if they would like. Here are some examples of things you can say to calm an upset child: "I'm here for you. You can cry as much as you need to." "I can see that you're upset." "I'd like to help you, once you're ready to talk to me about it." "It's okay to cry." "I can tell you're really scared about this problem. I want to be here to help you through it." "You're allowed to be angry about this. You're in a really tough situation." "I can see that hitting the floor right now feels good. Go ahead and let out all your feelings. I'm right here and I can hold you if you would like." Ask the child about their side of the story. Let the child tell you about what was going on, and why they did what they did. Listen non-judgmentally, without making threats or assigning punishments yet. The child may say that they already know that it is wrong. If so, you don't need to tell them. Figure out how to meet an unmet need. If the child acted out because they needed something (like food, quiet time, or attention), see if you can meet that need now. This can calm them down and help them start behaving better. Give any needed information. If the child didn't understand why what they did is wrong, they may need to know the reason. Explain why their behavior is bad, and let them know what they can do instead. "We color on paper, not walls. Walls are supposed to stay white and clean. Paper is meant for writing and coloring, so it's the perfect place for your art." "Calling names makes people feel bad. You may see other people calling names sometimes, but they shouldn't do that, and it's a bad idea to copy them. You can tell people you're upset with them, but it's not right to call names." "Looking both ways before you cross the street is really important. If you don't see a car or a bike, and it hits you, you could get really hurt. That's why I got so scared. I need you to look both ways so that you can stay safe." Talk to the child about how to handle the problem next time. You can try asking the child what would be a better idea, and see what they come up with. You can also offer suggestions of your own. Work together to agree on a better solution. "When you need to take a break, please tell me, instead of throwing a tantrum. I promise I will do my best to listen." "We pet dogs gently. Watch how I'm petting Peanut now. See how gentle this is?" "Yes, I agree. Next time you don't know how to fix a problem, you can come to me and we can talk about it." "Hitting your brother is not okay, even if you're really mad at him. The next time he gets into your personal space, you can tell him to stop. If that doesn't work, get an adult, like me, for help." Implement natural consequences, if needed. Have the child fix the problem that they created. This can be a positive experience, and you can help them fix things if it's difficult for them. Making amends is an important skill to learn. If the child upset someone, they can apologize and make amends if needed by doing something nice for them. Ask them what they think would be some ways they could make amends. If they broke something, have them fix it or (help) pay for a replacement. If the child made a mess, they can clean it up (with help if needed). Express your feelings about their behavior if they aren't sorry. Many kids do feel regret over behaving badly, especially if you talk to them. But if a child has no remorse, then you may need to be a little more stern with them. Here are some examples: "I'm not happy with you hitting other people." "We do not yell at other people, no matter how upset we feel. How you treated her was not okay." "Lying is not right. How do you think he felt when you said he made the mess?" "I'm very disappointed with your behavior right now." Consider a discipline as a last resort. If a child knows why their actions were wrong, and knows how to behave better, but still insists on misbehaving, then discipline may be your best answer. Taking away a toy or electronics for a reasonable time period Grounding, or stricter curfew for a time Loss of privileges Stay calm, especially when the child gets emotional. Do your best to be a peaceful influence. When a child sees you are calm, this can help reassure them and encourage them to be calmer too. Waiting in serene silence can be very powerful, especially if a child is acting out. Calmly watch them, and wait for them to calm themselves. If you can't keep your cool, you may need to step out of the room. You can say "I'm having a hard time controlling my temper right now, so I'm going to stand in the corner for a minute and take some deep breaths." Act the way you want your children to act. Kids don't just learn good behavior through talking: they learn it by watching you. If you break a rule, be honest about it, and implement the appropriate consequences for yourself. Talk about your own difficult feelings, and how you intend to handle them. Kids may not understand how to deal with emotions, so hearing you talk it out can help. Let them hear how you feel and what you want to do about it. "I'm really frustrated right now. I can't believe I just dropped grapes all over the floor. I think I need to take some deep breaths, and then clean up." "I'm feeling sad today. My mom is sick, but I can't go see her because she lives far away. Maybe I would feel better if I called her, and then played with the cat." "I'm feeling pretty tired. I think I need some quiet time to relax. I think I'll talk to Daddy about our schedule, to see if I can make time for a nice warm bath. That often helps me feel better." Give yourself time to figure out how to handle things. It can be easy to get frazzled or upset in the stress of the moment. It's okay to pause and breathe. Here are some things you could say to the child: "I need a moment to calm myself down." "I'm going to pause and think about how to handle this." "I don't know what to say. Please give me a minute while I think about this." Apologize if you make a mistake. Adopting a new discipline style can be difficult, and it's possible that you'll sometimes lose your temper or handle things badly. Don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, apologize to the child, and make amends if needed (just like you would like the child to do when they mess up).
Tell the children you want to change your behavior (if applicable). Meet the child's needs when they say something. Keep your expectations reasonable. Be clear about your expectations. Be willing to discuss and negotiate calmly. Offer praise when the child does something well. Praise the child when they stop doing something negative. Make sure to spend quality time with the child. Keep practicing your good habits, even if they don't work at first. Stay away from bad discipline habits. Try ignoring the small stuff. Try redirecting a kid who is getting antsy or engaging in minor misbehavior. Seek to understand first, not punish first. Focus on comforting an upset child. Ask the child about their side of the story. Figure out how to meet an unmet need. Give any needed information. Talk to the child about how to handle the problem next time. Implement natural consequences, if needed. Express your feelings about their behavior if they aren't sorry. Consider a discipline as a last resort. Stay calm, especially when the child gets emotional. Act the way you want your children to act. Talk about your own difficult feelings, and how you intend to handle them. Give yourself time to figure out how to handle things. Apologize if you make a mistake.
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-French-Drain
How to Clean a French Drain
To clean a French drain, start by renting an electric sewer snake with a 2-pronged cutter from a hardware store and feeding the cable down the drain. When the cable meets resistance, retract it just enough to free the clutter, then slowly ease it forward again to allow the cutter to work through the obstruction. If you encounter large clogs, pull out the cable, turn off the machine, and remove the debris from the cutter. Then, repeat the process until the drain is clear, and finish by hosing the drain to flush out any extra debris.
Rent an electric sewer snake. To clean your French drain, rent an electric sewer snake (or auger), a motor-powered spool of cable with a two-pronged cutter at its tip. Call two or three rental locations (e.g. hardware stores, equipment rental stores) to compare prices, which should be around $65 or more for a half day rental. Choose between a 50-foot and 100-foot model (depending on the length of your french drains), and opt for a machine with ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) cable. Prepare for heavy lifting. If you don't drive a truck, van, or SUV, borrow one or ask a friend for a lift with the auger, which is too heavy to be put into a car trunk. Ask a rental store employee to help you lift the machine into the vehicle, and enlist the help of a family member, friend, or neighbor to move it once you get home. If you are moving the snake on your own, use a ramp to ease it out of the vehicle. Most augers have two wheels on their frame, allowing you to move them easily once they are on the ground. Feed the cable into the drain. Uncover the entrance of the French drain. If your french drain is connected to a gutter downspout, detach the downspout to continue. Turn on the auger and slowly feed the cable in. To protect your hands, wear thick gloves while handling the cable. Stop when you feel resistance. When the cable meets resistance (indicating that it has reached a clog, or has come to a turn in the pipe) stop feeding it into the drain and retract it just enough to free the cutter. Slowly ease it forward once again. Either the cable will find its way around a bend, or a blockage will cause it to turn, allowing the cutter end to work through the obstruction. You may need to wiggle the cable and gently move it back and forth to get it around a bend. Remove the cable entirely if you encounter large clogs. If the cable encounters a large clog that it cannot clear, remove it entirely by pulling it gently and using the reverse switch on the snake motor (if necessary). Wipe down the cable with a wet rag as it recoils to remove build up. Once the cable is out entirely, turn off the machine and remove debris (e.g. pieces of tree root, leaves) from the cutter. Repeat the process until the drain is clear. Repeat the process of feeding the cable into the drain until all obstructions are cleared. If large blockages are worked through, you may hear built-up water rush out of the pipe, as well as other debris. Going through the process at least two or three times is normal to be able to adequately unclog and clear a french drain. Hose out the drain. After snaking with the auger, feed a garden hose into the drain and turn it on. Allow the water to flush out extra debris. For added cleaning, insert the hose into the drain at the same time as the auger to clean off the cable while doing 1 last snaking. Run the water for 5 minutes, or until it is clear. If you have a pressure washer, use it to flush out the drain. Call a professional. If you can't clear out a clog in the drain after several attempts, contact a professional drain cleaning service to avoid harming your pipes with the auger. Look up several options for service (online, or in local listings) to compare prices and availability. Note that prices may vary, but standard drain cleanings generally cost upwards of $250 per visit. Clean your French drain regularly. Regular cleaning of your French drain is necessary to prevent a buildup of dirt and debris that could cause a clog. Every week or so, use a garden rake to clear the surface of the drain to remove any debris that could obstruct water flow. In the event of a storm, nearby construction, or another occurrence that may result in excess debris, clear the area as soon as possible to prevent backup. If your drain has louvers, be sure to remove the cover and clean the inside of the drain and each louver slot. Inspect your French drain yearly. While French drains can operate for years without issues, they should be inspected once a year to ensure that there are no blockages present. Choose a time of year when your schedule will accommodate this task and when the weather facilitates it (e.g. during the summer, when you are on vacation and there is no snow or excessive rain). Schedule the inspection before beginning any other projects in the surrounding area (e.g. planting a garden or building a deck) in case you have to conduct repairs. If you have a heavy rain, inspect your drain system to make sure it is still draining fast or if it has built-up. Rent pipe inspection equipment. Call several hardware stores or equipment rental locations to compare rental prices for pipe inspection equipment. These small, cable-mounted video cameras coil into the drain and transmit recorded images to a video monitor, revealing obstructions, collapsed pipes, or other issues. Models range in features, quality, and availability, so costs may vary significantly depending on your location and needs. A less expensive model should be adequate for identifying a simple clog or damage. Get a professional inspection. If your own inspection of your French drain is fruitless, or if you want to be certain about the condition of your drain, call a professional drain specialist. Experts can check your drains quickly and effectively, and tell you definitively if there are any problems that could cause leakage, flooding, or damage. Drain specialists can also handle cleaning or repairs if they are revealed to be necessary.
Rent an electric sewer snake. Prepare for heavy lifting. Feed the cable into the drain. Stop when you feel resistance. Remove the cable entirely if you encounter large clogs. Repeat the process until the drain is clear. Hose out the drain. Call a professional. Clean your French drain regularly. Inspect your French drain yearly. Rent pipe inspection equipment. Get a professional inspection.
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-Bean-Boots
How to Tie Bean Boots
To tie Bean boots with an Eastland knot, make a 1-inch loop in the left lace as close to the eyelet as possible. Next, wrap the end of that lace back around the loop to hold it in place. Keep wrapping until you're almost out of lace, then bring the end of the lace through the loop and tighten. Do the same thing on the right side, and now you can adjust each side by scrunching or loosening the wrapped parts of the knot!
Create a small loop with the lace on the left side of your boot. The base of the loop should be right up against the eyelet the lace is coming out of. Make the loop about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. If it's any longer or shorter, you may not be able to tie the knot later on. Pinch the base of the loop between your index finger and thumb so it stays in place. Wrap the lace around the base of the loop. Grab the end of the lace and bring it over and under the loop until it's back where it started. Part of the lace should now be wrapped around the base of the loop, holding it in place. Keep wrapping the lace around the loop until you’re near the end of the loop. Each wrap around should be right up against the previous one. Stop wrapping the lace around the loop when you're about.25 inches (0.64 cm) away from the end of the loop. When you stop, there should still be a tiny bit of the loop peeking out from the wrapped lace. Push the end of the lace through the end of the loop. Wrap the end of the lace over and under one side of the loop so that the end goes through the center of the loop. Once the end is through the center, pull it tight with your fingers. Once you pull it tight, the knot is finished on that side of the boot. Tie the same knot on the other side of your boot using the other end of the lace. Adjust the knot by scrunching or loosening the wrapped lace. To tighten the knot on your boot, scrunch the lace wrapped around the loop down toward the end of the lace until it's fully compacted. To loosen your boot, pull the wrapped lace up away from the end of the lace so that it's loosely wrapped around the lace coming out of the eyelet. To easily slip your boot on and off, loosen the knots on each side of the boot. Then, once the boot is on your foot, tighten the knots again. Feed the laces through the inside of the holes at the bottom of the boot. Each end of the lace should be going through a different hole. You want them to be going up through the inside of the holes, not down through the outside. Once both ends are through, grab an end in each hand and pull the ends out so there's an equal amount of lace on both sides of the boot. Put the left end of the lace through the next hole up on the right side. Push the lace up through the inside of the hole, not down through the top. Once the end of the lace is through, pull the lace all the way through with your hand. Put the right end of the lace through the next hole up on the left side. Insert the end of the lace through the inside of the hole, just like you did with the other end of the lace. Pull the lace through once the end is through the whole. Now that you've crossed the two ends of the laces, you should see the beginning of a criss-cross pattern on your boot. Continue crossing sides with the laces until you’ve laced up the whole boot. For a looser fitting boot, stop lacing the boot at the second-to-last hole from the top. If you want your boot to be snug, lace all the way to the top, until you've gone through every hole.
Create a small loop with the lace on the left side of your boot. Wrap the lace around the base of the loop. Keep wrapping the lace around the loop until you’re near the end of the loop. Push the end of the lace through the end of the loop. Adjust the knot by scrunching or loosening the wrapped lace. Feed the laces through the inside of the holes at the bottom of the boot. Put the left end of the lace through the next hole up on the right side. Put the right end of the lace through the next hole up on the left side. Continue crossing sides with the laces until you’ve laced up the whole boot.
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-With-Water
How to Lose Weight With Water
To lose weight with water, try drinking a glass of water before each meal, since it will help you feel full quicker. You can also try a detox water diet by drinking 64 ounces of water a day, which can help wash toxins out of your body. Infuse your water with different flavors like strawberries, mint leaves, apples, and pineapple if you get bored with plain water. When you do eat, go for water-rich foods, like watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, and eggplant. However, keep in mind that a detox water diet isn't healthy in the long term and you shouldn't do it for more than a few days.
Drink water throughout the day. Drinking water during the day can help keep you feeling full without consuming high-calorie beverages such as milk, tea with milk, juice and snacks that will make you gain more weight. You may also eat less when you do have a snack, as you should already have the sensation of being full. Consuming fewer calories on a daily basis can help speed weight loss. If you do not enjoy drinking water, try flavored water instead. Buy calorie-free flavor packets for a more tasty water experience. For more suggestions on ways to enjoy water more, check out How to Love the Taste of Water. Set an alarm reminding you to have your water throughout the day. That way, you do not forget. This will also help you get into the habit of drinking water more regularly. Keep water near you. Always having a water bottle around will make it easier on you to drink more water. Buy a refillable bottle and keep it handy when you are home, at work, or out running errands. Drink a glass of water before every meal. The feeling of fullness will help you eat less, thus consuming fewer calories for improved weight loss results. Don't forget to monitor portion size and calorie intake as well. Water doesn't cancel out an unhealthy diet. Drink a full glass of water before, during, and after a meal to aid digestion and speed weight loss from the water. The water will help your body to break down the food and absorb its nutrients. Replace sweetened drinks with water. Instead of drinking soda, alcoholic beverages, smoothies, or other high-calorie drinks, grab a glass or bottle of water. Swapping in a zero-calorie beverage for high-calorie alternatives can spare you hundreds of calories per day, further aiding in weight loss. Match any alcohol consumption with equal amounts of water. This matched fluid intake should not count toward your daily water intake. Any water you drink for this purpose should be in addition to your daily water goal. Drink water and cut salt intake to lose water weight. Reducing the amount of dietary salt you consume can help you lose water weight quickly, particularly when combined with an increase in daily water intake. Try other flavors and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. Fresh herbs or garlic do not have negative health impacts and can be added to up the flavor of many foods. If a brand offers a low-sodium option, opt for that one. That is an easy way to enjoy the foods you love without the unnecessary salt. Sodium content is not always obvious, so check the nutrition label. Canned and frozen vegetables are high in salt, as are most restaurant dishes. Many restaurants now publish nutrition information online, so you can check it before you order. Try a short detox diet focused on drinking water infused with vegetables and fruit. Purchase some vegetables and fruits to infuse in your waters such as cucumbers, melons, strawberries, mint leaves and other herbs, different citrus fruits, apples, and pineapple. Consider buying glasses with lids such as mason jars or tumblers with attached straws. You can make individual waters all at once and store them in your fridge. The vegetables and fruits should be as fresh as possible, as should the water. If the fruits and vegetables begin to age, throw them away and restock. Decide how long you will do the detox diet. Doing a diet such as this for too long will have negative effects, Ask your doctor about possible health issues before you begin this diet. in that your body is not getting all the nutrients it normally does such as fiber and protein. It is best to do it for a week or less. If you have diet limitations, this might not be a good way for you to lose weight. If you find yourself overly fatigued or dizzy, stop this diet and go back to normal eating habits. Your overall health is more important than quick weight loss. Place the cut-up the fruits and vegetables in the water and refrigerate for a few hours. You can make a pitcher of one type of water you enjoy, The fruit and vegetables may rot or ferment after three days. or individual servings of many different combinations. Experiment and find the flavor mixes that you like best. Be sure to not add any sugar or other sweetener, though it may be tempting. If you want to add different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, that is fine. Avoid anything that would promote water retention, such as sodium, or has calories. Cut off the rinds of any citrus fruits to avoid bitter flavors. It is best to store it in the fridge, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to one day. Drink at least the recommended amount of 64 ounces of water a day. Do not drink it all in one sitting, but instead have one cup of water at a time over the course of 9-10 water breaks. This is to replenish the water you lose throughout the day. Drink more water if you can; 64 ounces is the minimum. It might be best to do this over a period of time away from work and other obligations so you can focus on drinking as much water that is as fresh as possible. If you cannot do this, try the diet over a weekend when you are spending a lot of time at home. There will be a lot of bathroom breaks during this time. Stay near a restroom so you will not have to go hunting for one when the need strikes. Eat water rich food throughout the diet. When you do eat, find foods that have a high water content. Fruit and vegetables are great for this. Try watermelon, strawberries, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes, cauliflower, pineapple, eggplant, or broccoli. If you must eat meat, have a lean meat like chicken or turkey instead of red meat or pork. Combine a calorie-restricted diet and a water diet. Drinking 16 ounces of water before each meal and limiting daily calorie intake (1200 for women and 1500 for men) can jumpstart weight loss and help dieters maintain weight loss successfully for up to a year. Remember that this is not a long-term solution. Though this diet may help you to drop weight quickly, if your overall lifestyle does not promote healthy living, you will more than likely gain this weight back. Decide how long you want to fast for. Typically, just a few days is best. If you do not think you can tolerate that long, try just a 24 hour period to start. If at the end of that 24 hours you feel as if you can continue, feel free to do so. Remember that this is a temporary way to try and lose weight quickly. If you cannot follow-through with the entire fast, it is fine to stop and resume normal eating habits. Do the fast intermittently. Do a short fast, and then try it again in a few weeks or a month. Check with your doctor. You do not want to do this fast if you have any dietary or health restrictions that will jeopardize your well-being. It is not worth it. Think of other ways to lose weight if you cannot fast. If you cannot do a full fast, try replacing one or two meals with just water and having a low-calorie dinner as a means to jumpstart weight loss. You can also reduce your portion sizes and spread meals throughout the day to help you lose weight. Never attempt a water fast if you have diabetes, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Be warned that this diet might have some lingering effects due to a lack of protein and fiber during the diet. This could lead to low energy levels and poor bowel health. Consider this before starting your fast. Eat lightly for a few days to prepare your body for the fast. Up your water intake, eat an increased amount of fruits and vegetables, only lean meats, and brown rice. Avoid adding salt to your food, as these help the body to retain water versus passing it, which is what you would want. Do not exercise. Even though you want to lose weight and exercising is great way to aid in this, avoid it during this time. It would be too strenuous on your body for you to exert this energy and lose fluids through sweating. Commence fasting. Drink only water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and throughout the day when you feel hungry. Pay attention to your body during this time. Note any hunger triggers. If you find yourself feeling dizzy, sip some tea or seltzer water to help calm your system and get you back on track. If you start feeling dizzy while you're fasting, eat something light immediately. Fifteen minutes of meditation can also be utilized during this fast. Focus on your emotional well-being and clear your head of any unwanted thoughts and feelings. Check out this link for more tips on meditation https://www.wikihow.com/Meditate. Consider taking herbal supplements or finding a safe water additive to balance electrolytes. Although the water fast does not permit sweeteners or solid food during the fast, it often recommends prune supplements or natural salts to prevent water intoxication. Introduce light foods back into your diet. Try and eat like you did before the fast to build back up your body gradually. Have raw fruits and vegetables, lean meats, brown rice, and keep up your water intake. Gaining a few pounds back after a water fast is normal, due to rebuilding lost muscle mass. Even if you gain back the weight, do not be discouraged and feel as if your fast had no results. Keep up other healthy habits like better dieting and regular exercise to maintain weight loss. Try the green tea diet. This one just requires you to have an 8oz glass or hot or cold green tea four times a day, when you first get up and before every meal. The tea will help boost antioxidants in your system and help you to feel full before meals, thus eating less. Have more tea instead of snacking. The increase in fluids will help with your weight loss as well as not consuming so many calories from eating. Continue to drink water throughout the day. Green tea can actually dehydrate you. To avoid this, have your normal amount of water along with the tea. Try a juicing diet. This is a great, easy way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Find a good juicer or blender that can get the food to smoothie consistency. You may opt to only juice during this time period, or just replace a meal or two with a healthy smoothie, typically breakfast and lunch. Try and keep this diet up for a week. Make sure to not just focus on fruits, but also vegetables. Leafy ones like kale and spinach work well. Add an apple to sweeten your smoothies if you do not want an all vegetable one. Have a healthy dinner of raw veggies and lean meats. It would be counterproductive to binge on unhealthy food during this time. If you find you are hungry have more juice, water, or a snack like almonds or dried fruit to curb your hunger. Incorporate clean eating in your diet. This entails mostly unprocessed eating foods that are free of preservatives and additives. Incorporate fresh vegetables, fruits, and organic foods, and staying away from anything artificial such as sweeteners and dyes. This will ensure that you are eating food in its most natural state, which is the healthiest for you. Always read the label to check for ingredients. If you can't pronounce something, look it up. It might be the technical term for something well-known and not harmful. If the ingredient list is overrun with items that are not recognizable, avoid buying it. Shop at whole food markets or farmer's markets. These are the best places to find food that is closest to its natural state. Grow your own produce. There's nothing more organic than something grown in your own backyard. Try a vegetable and fruit garden as a means to help monitor what is going into your body. Make things yourself. Finding some recipes for things like salad dressing, ice cream, or even baby food will help you to know exactly what your family is eating. Make lifestyle changes that support healthy living. Exercise and healthy eating are the most effective ways of losing weight and keeping it off. Talk to your doctor or see a nutritionist to help you with learning the mistakes you might be making and outlining a health plan you can follow. Avoid crash diets as they only provide temporary results. It is best to learn healthier habits for the long run. Be patient with weight loss. Losing a lot of weight quickly does not mean that you did it in a way that will last. Focus more on having a healthy lifestyle than rapid weight loss.
Drink water throughout the day. Drink a glass of water before every meal. Replace sweetened drinks with water. Match any alcohol consumption with equal amounts of water. Drink water and cut salt intake to lose water weight. Try a short detox diet focused on drinking water infused with vegetables and fruit. Decide how long you will do the detox diet. Place the cut-up the fruits and vegetables in the water and refrigerate for a few hours. Drink at least the recommended amount of 64 ounces of water a day. Eat water rich food throughout the diet. Remember that this is not a long-term solution. Decide how long you want to fast for. Check with your doctor. Eat lightly for a few days to prepare your body for the fast. Do not exercise. Commence fasting. Introduce light foods back into your diet. Try the green tea diet. Try a juicing diet. Incorporate clean eating in your diet. Make lifestyle changes that support healthy living.
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-a-Cavity
How to Know if You Have a Cavity
If you think you might have a cavity, look for visible holes or dark staining on the surface of your teeth, which can be a sign of decay. Also, try to make note of any pain in your tooth when you're eating or drinking since that can be another sign of a cavity. Sensitivity to hot and cold on that tooth can be a sign of cavities, as well. When you notice these symptoms, visit a dentist so they can probe your teeth or take x-rays to check for cavities.
Know that cavities are holes in your teeth. These can be visible, but they may not be. These holes in your teeth are caused by tooth decay. Untreated, they can cause a great deal as pain as well as damage to your teeth, bones, gums, and even make you very ill. If they become infected, you will need to seek medical attention to prevent abscesses and the spread of infection. Remember that a cavity is permanent damage. While there are ways to treat cavities, there is not a way to restore the natural tooth substance. A dentist can drill out the damaged areas and fill them with a safe material. You won't get that part of your tooth back. Manage underlying causes. Poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and bad habits such as smoking can all contribute to tooth decay. By limiting or eliminating these problems, you can help to reduce tooth decay. This will help to prevent cavities, as well as promote good oral health overall. Know that cavities may or may not have clear symptoms. There are not always obvious external signs that someone has a cavity. Because of this, a dentist may be the first person to notice. Because cavities can lead to further damage, it is important to see a dentist regularly to prevent cavities from going unnoticed. Go for a dental check up every six months and allow your dentist to see any changes. Some patients may have a mineralization defect of the enamel which allows cavities to form faster. Note pain. This could be a sign you have a cavity. Toothaches; tooth sensitivity; mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold; pain when you bite down — all these may be a the sign of a cavity. If you are experiencing these things consistently, you should seek an oral health care professional. Look at your teeth. Visible holes or pits in your teeth, brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth can all be indications of a cavity; however, because everyone's mouth is different, it can be difficult to know. A dentist and other oral doctors are the people who are properly qualified to diagnose the problem and identify the stage of cavity development. If you think you see a cavity, you should get it checked out. Find a dentist. Talk to people you trust or go online to find a good dentist. Referrals from friends or families will ensure you can trust your experience. Because you are not likely to be qualified to determine if you indeed have a cavity, you will need a dentist to do this. Make sure you get it checked out so as to avoid more damage to your teeth. Tell your dentist about the problem area. This will help them to focus on those spots. If the cause of your worry or discomfort is not a cavity, the dentist may still be able to help. Try to be as specific as you can be and explain when and how you feel the pain. Let your dentist know if your feel sharp pain while they are examining your teeth. Get your teeth probed. This physical probing of your teeth will enable the dentist to tell if you have a cavity. They will poke and prod in different locations to test the strength and damage at any spot. Make sure your dentist does a thorough examination on any tooth that gives you problems. This may reveal cavities or other issues. Have an x-ray taken. When cavities form between your teeth, it is not always easy to tell they are there. In these situations, a dentist cannot probe with a dental tool. They will not fit between your teeth. In this case, a dentist can take an x-ray to reveal the presence of any cavities. If you feel that you have a cavity, you may wish to have your dentist take an x-ray to find out the extent of the damage.
Know that cavities are holes in your teeth. Remember that a cavity is permanent damage. Manage underlying causes. Know that cavities may or may not have clear symptoms. Note pain. Look at your teeth. Find a dentist. Tell your dentist about the problem area. Get your teeth probed. Have an x-ray taken.
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Rabbit-Without-Bathing-It
How to Clean Your Rabbit Without Bathing It
To clean your rabbit without bathing it, wipe its fur using a baby wipe. Just make sure you use a baby wipe that's fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypo-allergenic so you don't irritate your rabbit's skin. Alternatively, you can give your bunny a dry bath using cornstarch powder. To get started, lay your bunny in your lap with its belly facing up. Then, sprinkle cornstarch on it, and work the cornstarch into its fur before brushing it off with a comb.
Use baby wipes. Baby wipes are the easiest method of cleaning your rabbit without bathing it. Use baby wipes that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and hypo-allergenic for best results. You want a wipe that is strong enough to clean your bunny without tearing, and which is soft so that it won't hurt your bunny's skin. Some wipes come fortified with vitamin E or aloe. These are fine to use on a rabbit. Put your rabbit in a comfortable position. You might find it easiest to do the spot-cleaning by holding the rabbit in your lap, or between your knees as you sit on the floor. You'll want to hold your bunny in a position that allows you to clean his dirty parts, which will usually mean he should be held belly-up. You can use a towel to help you hold the bunny in place. If the area that requires cleaning can be reached by keeping the bunny upright, you can simply place him on a towel on the floor. Wipe the bunny on the soiled area. Using the baby wipes, gently rub away any debris, soil, or residue from the bunny's fur. If needed, clean around the bunny's bottom or privates, which might be stained with urine if your rabbit is having incontinence issues. Try to get the skin as clean as possible, but always be very gentle. The bunny's skin is very delicate. When you've cleaned away the debris, give the rabbit another quick rub with a clean wipe. Purchase baby cornstarch powder. Baby cornstarch powder can be found in the baby supplies section of your grocery store. Only baby-safe cornstarch is safe to use on your rabbit. Never use powder that contains talc, as talc causes respiratory irritation in bunnies. It may even be carcinogenic. Don't use commercial flea powders or pesticides. Put your bunny in bathing position. Keep his belly turned up towards you. You may want to hold him in your lap on a towel for this bathing. Make sure he's well cushioned and comfortable. Stroke your bunny to reassure him that he's safe. You can keep him laying on the floor as long as he's in no danger of running away. You want him to remain still and calm while you bathe him. Apply the cornstarch powder. Focus especially on any areas that are soiled. If your bunny has a messy bottom, you'll want to make sure plenty of cornstarch is sprinkled around this area. Gently work the powder through the thick hairs and down to the skin. Make sure that you're covering any soiled area well. This will likely feel good to your bunny, like petting. Talk to him reassuringly throughout the process. Use a fine-tooth comb if needed. Most of the debris should fall away as you work the cornstarch through the rabbit's fur, but occasionally you'll need to comb the fur to clean it. Be careful to do this very gently. A flea comb will be best for this purpose, as its teeth are very fine. Don't tug at knotted masses or hairs. Instead, work gently from the outside, teasing loose any matted material. Pat the powdered areas when you're finished. Rubbing the bunny well should leave behind all excess cornstarch, soil, and loose fur. The cornstarch bath usually only takes a few minutes, and your bunny will be clean at the end. You might want to have a small hand-held vacuum cleaner nearby so that you can immediately clean up the excess matter. Rabbits don't usually mind a dry bath and will remain quiet through the process. Take a good look at the cage. If you have a stinky rabbit, chances are you need to give the cage a good cleaning. Because rabbits are known for their careful grooming habits, a bad-smelling bunny is often picking up those smells from a poorly kept cage. Bunnies will do their best to keep themselves clean and well-groomed. Your bunny's cage should be washed out once a week, and droppings cleaned out daily. A rabbit's bedding can smell strongly of urine and feces if it hasn't been changed in a while. Throw away the old bedding. You'll want to completely replace the bedding with fresh material. Pellet-shaped bedding will work best for a rabbit, with a newspaper base to prevent the bunny's feet from injury. Never use pine or cedar shavings for bedding, as these shavings will alter a rabbit's ability to respond to medication. Metal or plastic cages are best. Wood can degrade with time. Scrub the cage with a brush. Don't use strong cleaning products, such as Lysol or another disinfectant, as these leave residue that may be toxic to your rabbit. Instead, use a mild vinegar-water mix. For best results, place the cage in the sun to dry. Sunlight will naturally disinfect your rabbit's cage. Every few months, you may want to clean the cage with water in which a very small amount of bleach (1 part bleach to 5 parts water) has been dissolved.
Use baby wipes. Put your rabbit in a comfortable position. Wipe the bunny on the soiled area. Purchase baby cornstarch powder. Put your bunny in bathing position. Apply the cornstarch powder. Use a fine-tooth comb if needed. Pat the powdered areas when you're finished. Take a good look at the cage. Throw away the old bedding. Scrub the cage with a brush.
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Eyebrow-Hair-From-Falling-Out
How to Keep Eyebrow Hair From Falling Out
Many things can lead to your eyebrows falling out, from over-tweezing to nutritional deficiencies or hypothyroidism. If you suspect this may be a symptom of a larger problem, make sure to see your doctor. Otherwise, try eating a healthy diet and adjusting your beauty routine to reverse the effects. Eat plenty of fresh produce, like spinach, carrots, oranges, bananas, and berries to load up on vitamin C and silica, which strengthens hair and is vital for hair growth. Get plenty of protein, too, like lean meats and legumes, to make your hair healthier. In addition to diet, try applying coconut oil to your eyebrows before and after washing your face to keep your skin moisturized, which is helpful for hair loss. Since the dyes and tints in eyebrow makeup can also cause hair loss, consider laying off makeup for a time to see if this helps too.
Eat plenty of fresh produce. Make sure you are getting enough nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E by eating at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Include spinach and other leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Get vitamin C from fruits like oranges, berries, and melons. Silica strengthens hair and is vital for hair growth. Bananas, raisins, oats, and beer are all rich in silica. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and produce collagen. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, and a number of other fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C. Eat more lean meats and legumes. While you don't need to overeat protein, make sure you are getting enough in your diet. A balanced diet, including getting enough protein, can help reduce hair loss. Protein can also strengthen your hair and keep it healthier. Women 19-30 years old should be getting 5 1/2 ounces (or ounce equivalents) a day, while women 31 and older should be getting 5 ounces. Men 19-30 should be getting 6 1/2 ounces (or ounce equivalents) a day, while men 31-50 should be getting 6 ounces and men 51 and older should be getting 5 1/2 ounces. "Ounce equivalents" are servings of other proteins besides meat that the government considers equal to an ounce, such as 1 egg, 1/2 an ounce of nuts, and a 1/4 cup of beans or tofu. Stick with lean sources of protein, like fish, beans, and tofu, since high fat intake can increase testosterone, which has been connected with hair loss. Get enough iron. Iron is one of the leading causes of hair loss, so making sure you get enough is important. Have your doctor check your iron levels, as you may need to take a supplement if you're not getting enough. Animal protein provides a good amount of iron, but so do leafy greens, lentils, and broccoli. The reason iron can cause hair loss is that your body may steal from your hair follicles if it is iron deficient. Eat omega-3 fatty acids. While omega-3 fatty acids won't necessarily prevent hair loss, especially if it's from a medical condition, they do contribute to healthier hair, and they are used by hair cells near the skin. Plus, they're good for your overall health. Eat fatty fish like salmon, trout, and herring. Vegetarians can get omega-3 from walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and avocados. Get plenty of B vitamins. B vitamins include riboflavin, folate, biotin, niacin, and others. These vitamins work together to help sustain healthy hair, which in turn can help prevent hair loss. You can take a supplement, but you can also get many of these vitamins from your diet. Leafy greens, vegetables from the ocean, and whole grains are all good sources of B vitamins. Check your sulfur intake. Sulfur, particularly that found in the amino acid L-Methionine, can increase hair health. Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are high in this amino acid, as well as animal protein, soy beans, and sesame seeds. Vegetables like leafy greens also provide this amino acid. Get enough biotin. Not getting enough biotin in your diet can make your hair straw-like and brittle. When your hair is brittle, it's more likely to break, leading to you losing hair. Increasing biotin in your diet can help with hair loss. Eggs yolks, whole grains, yeast, soy flour, and liver all have high levels of biotin. Drink enough water every day. Being hydrated is necessary for good health, including healthy hair. Make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume 13 cups of water daily and women consume 9 cups of water daily. Try drinking water with fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges in it for added flavor. Consider taking a hair growth supplement. If you are having trouble getting your necessary nutrients from diet alone, you may want to add a supplement that is specifically designed for reducing hair loss and contains all of these important vitamins and minerals. You may also consider taking a supplement with 500 to 1,000 milligrams of L-Lysine daily, which can help improve hair loss. Many eyebrow growth products are currently on the market, including gels and serums. None have been approved by the FDA for treating eyebrow loss. Use any such products with caution and monitor closely for side effects. Maintain a consistent blood sugar. If you're diabetic, having uncontrolled blood sugars over a long period of time can lead to hair loss. Therefore, to decrease this problem, try to keep your blood sugars under control through eating the prescribed diet for diabetics, taking your medications, and monitoring your blood sugars. If your blood sugars are often out of control, talk to your doctor about changing up your medication. Try coconut oil as a moisturizer. Keeping skin moisturized helps keep hair moisturized, as well. Coconut oil, in particular, is helpful for preventing hair loss, as it helps reduce protein loss in your hair. Try applying coconut oil to your eyebrows before and after washing your face. Stop overplucking. Tweezing too much can lead to more permanent hair loss. In other words, not only do you remove the hair, you may prevent it from growing back in the future. If you've noticed hairs are not growing back, try slowing down on the plucking. Over-plucking may also cause ingrown hairs and follicle damage. Always clean tweezers with alcohol before plucking to prevent transferring bacteria that can cause infection. Monitor hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause, and changes in birth control are all changes in the level of estrogen in your body. Estrogen loss can lead to hair loss, so if you suspect you may have hormonal changes, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Reduce stress. When you are stressed, your body starts shutting down processes that aren't necessary for survival. This shutdown can occur with physical stressors, like surgery or an illness, and emotional stress, which often manifests as physical symptoms. Loss may occur up to three months after the stressful event and may take another three to grow again. Start a daily meditation practice. Make time in the morning, after work or school, or before bed to calm your mind and sit quietly. Pick a time that works best with your schedule and spend at least 20 minutes focusing on your breathing. Yoga is a great way to get more exercise and reduce stress at the same time. It is also easier for many people to do than traditional cardio exercises and only requires a mat for practice. Stop smoking. Smoking can lead to hair loss. The chemicals in cigarette smoke and other types of tobacco smoke can break down hair cells, leading to hair loss. If you're concerned about hair loss, think about stopping to slow down the problem. To quit smoking, make sure your friends and family know you want to quit. They can help you avoid triggers and remind you when you forget. Avoid triggers that lead you to smoking, such as going to bars. Use aids to help you, such as patches and support groups. Limit use of eyebrow makeup. Dyes, tints, and even eyebrow pencils may cause hair loss, particularly if you apply too much pressure. If you've noticed that you are losing your eyebrows, especially after starting a new makeup, consider laying off the makeup for a period of time to see if it helps. Monitor any hair loss when starting new medications. Numerous medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss, including chemotherapy, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Nonetheless, many other medications can cause hair loss in isolated cases. If you've noticed hair loss after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about this side effect. See the doctor for sudden hair loss. If you suddenly lose your eyebrows, that could be a sign of a more serious problem, particularly if you only lose your eyebrows or eyelashes and not other hair. Sudden loss of eyebrows can be a symptom of eye conditions, skin conditions, systematic disorders, infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Seeing your doctor can help you narrow down the condition. Often, when you treat the underlying condition causing the hair loss, you're hair will grow back. Check for hypothyroidism. If you also notice unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, feeling depressed, or feeling colder than usual in low temperatures, your thyroid gland may not be producing enough hormones. You may also notice your periods getting heavier or becoming sporadic. Hypothyroidism is most common in women, especially over age 50, and it can be treated with a synthetic hormone. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have this condition. Your doctor will use a physical examination as well as a blood test to diagnose hypothyroidism. See a dermatologist for itchy skin or rashes around your brows. These patches may indicate a skin infection or interaction with a new beauty product or environmental trigger. You could also have inflammation from dermatitis or psoriasis. These conditions don't actually cause hair loss, but they can lead to it if you rub and scratch the affected areas. If you think you have dermatitis, make an appointment with a dermatologist and stop using any skin care products that are not made especially for sensitive skin until you see them. Even products you have used for a long time can suddenly be too harsh due to changes in your skin. See a doctor if you have large bald spots. Having thinning eyebrow hair is not a huge cause for concern, particularly if you're getting older. However, if you have completely bald spots that are splotchy on your eyebrows or other facial hair, you should talk to your doctor. Know it happens with age. It's natural to lose some hair as you get older, including in your eyebrows. Everyone does. In fact, it also affects the rate at which your hair grows, so less grows back in when you lose it. While you may not be able to change this fact, know that everyone else is in the same boat as they age. Hair loss with age comes in two forms. One form involves scarring. If you have that kind, your hair loss is likely not reversible. If you have the other kind, you may be able to reverse it. However, if you suddenly lose your hair and you are younger, you should see a doctor.
Eat plenty of fresh produce. Eat more lean meats and legumes. Get enough iron. Eat omega-3 fatty acids. Get plenty of B vitamins. Check your sulfur intake. Get enough biotin. Drink enough water every day. Consider taking a hair growth supplement. Maintain a consistent blood sugar. Try coconut oil as a moisturizer. Stop overplucking. Monitor hormonal changes. Reduce stress. Stop smoking. Limit use of eyebrow makeup. Monitor any hair loss when starting new medications. See the doctor for sudden hair loss. Check for hypothyroidism. See a dermatologist for itchy skin or rashes around your brows. See a doctor if you have large bald spots. Know it happens with age.
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Backstabbing-Friend
How to Deal With a Backstabbing Friend
It's always difficult to learn a friend may have backstabbed you, but try to stay calm and not make assumptions until you've talked to them privately first. Pull them aside, then explain what you heard and ask for their side of the story. If they are honest about their actions and commit to putting more effort into your friendship, consider repairing the relationship by forgiving them and telling them your needs and expectations, moving forward. If the friendship is too negative to fight for, however, tell the person you don't want to be friends anymore and, if you want to, briefly explain why.
Ask your friend to have a private conversation. Before you make any decisions, it's important that you get to the bottom of the situation. Tell your friend that you'd like to clear some things up, and that you'd appreciate them meeting with you. If you don't see this friend at work or at school, ask them to meet you in a public place such as a cafe. It's best to meet in a public place so that neither of you feel uncomfortable. Always talk to your friend away from other people. You can't have a serious conversation about your relationship issues when other people are around. Speak calmly. Yelling or getting overemotional won't typically help your situation. Talking in a calm voice will help you get your point across and will also help your friend remain calm. We often think much more logically when we are calm, so you'll be able to better explain your thoughts and feelings if you don't let your emotions get the best of you. Stay calm by taking slow, deep breaths – deep breathing is a great tool to keep you relaxed. If you start to become upset, calm yourself down by internally telling yourself to relax, and/or thinking of imagery that keeps you calm – such as a beach or waterfall. Carry a stress ball to squeeze when you get angry. This is a great way to physically get out your anger and tension in an extremely calm way. Tell your friend what you've heard. Avoid mentioning names and simply tell your friend whatever you heard they did or said. Express to them how those actions hurt you. The more straightforward you are, the more straightforward they'll be. Seek the truth before you make your final decision. Most of the time, we find out about backstabbing friends through other people. It's important to get your friend's side of the story before you take another person's word as fact. What you've heard about your friend could be a rumor, or it could be true. Either way, it's important to know the truth. Listen to your friend's side of the story before making assumptions. Tell your friend that honesty is important to you and your friendship, and that you'd like to know the truth. Use open-ended questions to encourage discussion and avoid verbally attacking your friend. If they feel like they have to be defensive, they won't be honest with you. Simply ask what happened and listen attentively. Tell your friend how you feel. Be honest with your feelings and don't beat around the bush. Be straightforward when you're telling your friend why you're upset with them and how their actions have made you feel. Remain as calm as possible. Use this guideline to express your feelings: "It upset me when you _______. Your actions made me feel like _______ because _______." Ask your friend if you did something to bring about their backstabbing. It's important to know whether you have somehow contributed to the issue at hand. Perhaps they feel hurt by you in some way and this is their way of "getting back" at you, or perhaps there has been a misunderstanding. It's important to clarify the possibility that your friend sees things in this light. Avoid interrupting. Let your friend finish talking before you interrupt them or ask additional questions. It's important that your friend feels heard. Don't turn the conversation into an argument. If your friend won't answer your questions or continues evading the issue, gently push them for answers, but do not attack them. If you turn this into an argument, it will only cause your friend to withdraw from the conversation. Your friend may feel embarrassed that you found out about their actions, so they may be hesitant to be honest with you. To avoid arguing, be sure to listen to your friend instead of waiting for your turn to talk. Listening to one another will give you both a better understanding of what happened. Don't raise your voice. This will just get both of you upset. Don't focus on who is right and who is wrong – focus on truth and honesty. If you're trying to prove one another wrong, you won't have a productive conversation. Instead, be honest with one another to figure out how to fix the current situation. Don't be disrespectful or condescending. Even if you're upset, it is not okay to disrespect someone, especially if you're trying to fix a problem. It is important to treat your friend the way you wish to be treated. If things start to get tense, suggest taking a short break from the discussion to allow yourselves to cool down. Get a trusted opinion. Talk to someone else you trust, such as a parent, a spouse, another friend or even a counselor. Discuss what happened with someone neutral who can give you an honest opinion on the situation. Sometimes when we are emotional, we can overlook things that an uninvolved person might notice. It's important to talk with someone who will be honest with you, and not someone who will only tell you want you want to hear. It's also important that you listen to them. Determine if the friendship is worth saving. If your friend is open and honest with you about their actions, there's a strong possibility that your friendship is fixable. If you and your friend can admit to your mistakes and commit to working on a better friendship, put in the effort to fix things. All of our relationships have their ups and downs, so look at this as an opportunity to improve your communication and make your friendship stronger. If your friend is not willing to be honest about their actions, or if this is a recurring issue with this person, it might be best to go your separate ways. Friendship is a two-way street, and you can't be the only person putting in the effort to keep it going. A negative relationship is not worth fighting for, and it will be better for both parties to end your friendship. Improve communication with your friend. In all relationships, communication is key. Many fights and misunderstandings stem from a lack of communication. Going forward, it's important to be 100% honest about your actions and feelings in your friendship. If an issue arises in the future, make it clear that you'd like to resolve those issues by talking with each other instead of talking to other people or doing something that either of you may regret. Bring issues up immediately instead of bottling up your feelings. When we suppress feelings and emotions, we are more likely to boil over and say or do something we regret. If a problem arises, address it right away. Establish expectations for your friendship. It is important to know what you and your friend expect out of a friendship in order for it to work. For example, you may deal with situations differently, or some things may bother you more than others. This is why you must establish expectations. Tell your friend what you need from them in a friendship. Being honest will help your friend to better meet your needs. Explain to your friend what you need from them using the "I-message" formula: "I feel _____ when you _______ and I need for you to _______." Refrain from assigning blame to your friend, though. Ask your friend what they need from you in a friendship. Again, friendship is a two-way street. Therefore, you need to meet your friends needs as well. Ask them to be honest about how you can be a better friend to them. Be ready to meet both needs. Resolution begins when you start understanding each other and the situation. As you hear similar needs from each other, the differences are put aside and you are able to work things through. Be willing to forgive. It's impossible to move forward if you are unable to forgive. Holding onto anger or grudges isn't healthy for you and will ruin any chance you have of a real friendship. It takes a lot of strength to forgive, but it will help you grow as a person and as a friend. Tell your friend that you forgive them – it is an important factor in rebuilding trust for both of you. It will mean a lot to your friend to hear that you forgive them, and saying "I forgive you" will help you move on from the situation. If you cannot forgive this person for their actions, you cannot be friends with him or her. Trying to have a relationship with someone you hold anger towards isn't healthy for you or for them. Life is too short to hold grudges. Remove yourself from the relationship. Although it can be hard, it is sometimes best to end a friendship that has become negative or toxic. If a person continues to hurt you, it's unhealthy to keep them in your life. Once you remove a negative relationship from your life, you'll be able to focus on the true and trustworthy friends that you still have. Tell this person that you no longer wish to be friends with them. Remain calm and keep your "goodbye" conversation simple. You don't owe them any explanation, but it will make you feel better to be honest with them and give yourself closure. If you're unsure of what to say, use this formula: "Because of _______, I no longer wish to be friends with you. Your actions hurt me and made me feel ______." Delete your friend on social media. Technology makes distancing yourself from someone more difficult, so don't leave any window open for them to hurt you even more. Unfriend / unfollow them so that you don't have to see any of their posts, or block them if they're doing things like harassing you. Don't check your ex-friend's social media accounts. You need to give yourself space from them, and checking what they post on social media might upset you. Remain civil when you see each other. If and when you meet accidentally, stay calm and collected. If you have friends in common, it may be difficult to avoid each other. If this is the case, it's not fair to ask your friends to choose between you two. Instead, ask your friends to let you know if the ex-friend will be at a gathering, and avoid going if he or she attends. If you do see your former friend in public, keep your distance and ignore them. Self-reflect. There is something to learn in every situation, and this is no different. Look at this outcome from a positive point of view, as opposed to a negative one. For example, you now know that this person isn't a real friend, so you don't have to let them hurt you anymore. Hopefully you've learned how to better deal with conflict and how to stand up for yourself. Learn from this experience. You should never treat a friend the way this ex-friend treated you. This goes along with the famous saying "Treat others as you wish to be treated."
Ask your friend to have a private conversation. Speak calmly. Tell your friend what you've heard. Listen to your friend's side of the story before making assumptions. Tell your friend how you feel. Ask your friend if you did something to bring about their backstabbing. Don't turn the conversation into an argument. Get a trusted opinion. Determine if the friendship is worth saving. Improve communication with your friend. Establish expectations for your friendship. Be willing to forgive. Remove yourself from the relationship. Delete your friend on social media. Remain civil when you see each other. Self-reflect.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Fishing-Rod
How to Use a Fishing Rod
To use a fishing rod, start by tying some fishing line to the reel using an arbor knot. Then, tie a lure or a fly to the line, which will help attract fish. Alternatively, you can thread live bait, like a worm or a fish, on your line using a hook. Next, cast your line out into the water by pressing down on the casting button with your finger, bringing the rod back, and releasing the button as you throw the line forward. Finally, reel in the line once you feel a fish tugging on the end of it.
Choose your lure. Lures are great for beginners because they are less messy than live bait. They also cover a lot of water and are more efficient when targeting specific types of fish. While lures can get caught on debris and be relatively expensive but should be used depending on the type of fish and water conditions. Choose the type of lure based on these basic principles : Jigs are the most versatile lures. They require the most skill as you must cast it out and wait until it falls to the bottom of the water before retrieve it to induce a strike with its movement. Feeling the strike can be difficult as jigs may get caught on debris or just feel like their moving along with the current. Spinners are also great for beginners because you simply have to cast and retrieve. They are designed to create a spinning action that can vibrate through murky water and entice a bite. Spoons are designed so that they create a side-to-side wobble upon retrieval that mimics injured prey fish. You can vary the speed of the wobble by slowing down your retrieval. Soft plastic baits are meant to mimic live bait. They will resemble critters like worms, crawfish, or frogs. Depending on the type of plastic bait, simply mimic the movement of the critter that it resembles. Flies are exactly as they sound. They are meant to mimic insect hovering at the surface of the water. They require quite a lot of skill to produce a natural movement that fish will be attracted to. Add a lure. Tie your line to your reel using an Arbor knot. Tie your lure, hook, or fly using either a Unit knot, Improved clinch knot, or Palomar knot. You may also try a Surgeon's knot to tie two lines together or a Surgeon's End Loop to add a pre-made snelled hook. Tie an Arbor knot by using the tag end of your line to wrap around the arbor end of your spool. Then take the standing part with the tag end and tie an overhand knot, much like you would when starting to tie a shoelace. Move a couple inches and tie another overhand knot from the tag end. You want the first knot to slide down to the spool as you pull the standing part of the line to butt the second knot against it. Close the tag end by trimming the line. The Uni knot is the easiest tackle knot. Thread your line through your hook and make sure it is parallel to the standing line as you double back. Lay the tag end over the double line to create a loop. Take the tag end around the double line six time and through the loop. Pull the tag end to ensure the turns are snug. Push the knot down towards the eye to finish. The Improved clinch knot is the most popular knot used to fish. Place the line through your hook and create 5 or more turns as you double back around the standing line. Take the end of the line and thread it back through the first loop behind the eye of the hook and thread it through the large loop you just created. Tighten the coils by pulling on the tag end. Push the knot tight against the eye and snip the tag end closed. The Palomar knot is considered to be the strongest knot. Fold 6 inches of line to create double the thickness and thread the loop end through your hook. Tie an overhand knot loosely keeping the hook at the bottom, letting it hang. Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the knot as you pass the loop over your hook. Move the loop so that it is above the eye of the hook. Simultaneously pull both the tag end and the standing line to tighten the knot onto the eye of your hook. Trip the tag end closed. Bait a fishing line. Choosing live bait will depend on the type of fish. The size of your hook will also be determined by the size of the fish that you're to catch. Basically, thread your hook through your bait at 2 points to secure it from falling off or at the thick portion closest to its head. You want to place your hook at the head and through a thick portion of the body. For example, if you are using a worm thread your hook close to the head and tail. If you are using fish as bait, make sure that the hook goes through the head and jaw because that will be the primary strike point of your fish. Choosing a good bait depends on the type of fish and type of water. For example, if you're fishing for freshwater fish in rivers, crawfish and worms may be a good choice for bait. Cast out. Casting can be done depending on the weather conditions and the location. While there are a variety of techniques, it will take practice to get your cast efficient and consistent. Choose these methods based on the distance you're hoping to achieve : An overhead cast is best used when you want a lot of distance. Hold down the button for the casting reel with your thumb as you bring the rod back. In a single motion propel the rod forward and release your thumb. Push the button again to prevent your line from tangling by slowing down your spool. Pitching should be employed when you are trying to cast close at about the 10 yard range. Let out some slack line by holding your rod up and making the lure move down to meet the reel. Using your non-dominant hand, grab the lure. Use your dominant hand to press the button on your reel. Keep your line taut as you bring the lure back and drop the tip of the rod. In a single swooping motion, raise the tip of the rod to pull the lure from your non-dominant hand. Use your thumb to slow down the line to ensure you don't go past your short distance. Reel in your fish. There are a variety of different reels that you can purchase but the 3 basics are the spincaster, baitcaster, and spinning reel. Most people start with the spincaster. It is a push-button reel that is simple enough to let you focus on casting technique. Baitcaster is also a push-button reel but gives you more control as the button locks in place once pushed down. It requires you to use your thumb on the spool to control the speed of the lure. This reel works well when trying to get fish out of thick water. Spinning reels have an open-face and the rod will be parallel to their spools of line. These work well when casting light crankbaits, drop-shot rigs, jerkbaits , and weightless soft plastics. Choose the right length. Ice fishing rods are typically shorter than freshwater or saltwater rods. They vary in length from 24 - 36 inches. You will need to choose the size of your rod based on the thickness of the ice and type of fish that you are fishing for. Decide on the right material. Ice fishing requires a very sensitive rod. Fish are not very active in cold water so you need a rod that is both able to withstand the harsh weather conditions and be flexible and sensitive enough to indicate when you have a bite. Look for graphite or fiberglass rods. The type of fish that you are planning to catch will also determine how sensitive and flexible you want your rod. For example, panfish require a rod that is very light whereas game fish, like Northern pike, need a heavier rod. Match your line with your rod and spool. Choose a spinning reel or a spring tension spool with a line to match your rod. For example, if you are using a lightweight rod, use a lightweight line. You may also use a fly reel instead of a spinning reel. A fly reel has less line to twist relative to the spinning reel. Use tip-ups instead of a rod. A tip-up is a device that dangles bait beneath the ice. It lets you know when a bite happens with a flag set above the ice. The device is similar to a rod in that it uses a reel that is submerged under water. A fish takes the bait and turns the reel which releases the flag to signal that you have a strike. Tip-ups are usually made of wood and some are circular to fit over your hole and prevent it from freezing over. Use a heavy line when using a tip-up with braided line for larger fish like walleye. Use both tip-ups and a spinning rod to increase your chances. Setup two holes at different locations. Make sure the locations are close enough for you to react in case you have two bites but far enough that they give more opportunities for multiple strikes. Use your spinning rod to jig in one hole as your monitor your tip up. Jigging means that use a special device -- a jig -- to produce a jerking up and down motion as it moves through the water. The jerking motion is meant to illicit the strike reflex of certain types of fish. Settle on the correct bait. Both live and artificial baits will work for ice fishing. For artificial baits you may choose banana jigs, and teardrop jigs. For live bait you may try worms, bee mother larva, maggots, fly larvae, mayfly larvae, or minnows. Slowly jig the bait for whichever bait you choose. Choose a rod based on what you’re fishing and the location. Rods vary in width, flexibility, and length. Flexibility is known as action and rods must have enough to absorb the tension of the type of fish that you are catching once it strikes. If you're fishing at a location with a lot of debris than you must choose a rod able to withstand movement through the debris. Fiberglass fishing rods are best paired with crank baits, jerk baits, reaction baits, and treble hooks. Carbon-fiber fishing rods are great if you are a professional level fisherman as they work best with precision casting. To get more fight out of bigger fish or when casting for smaller ones, use an ultra-light fishing rod for more flex. These rods usually range from 4 - 5.5 feet in length and are paired best with casting lures and flies to catch crappie, trout, bass, bluegill, and other panfish. Employ spinning rods for still fishing with live bait or for trolling. Choose spinning rods made from graphite or fiberglass with a cork or PVC foam handle. Choose a length between 5 - 8.5 feet when fishing bass, trout, pike and walleye. Longer spinning rods should be used when casting with two hands for fish including steelhead and salmon. The spinning reel hangs under the rod unlike bait casting or spin casting rods. Work bait-casting and closed-spin casting rods. These rods work best when using fishing reels that are mounted above the handle. Made of graphite or fiberglass with a cork or pvc foam handle, these rods are very similar to spinning rods. They can be anywhere from 5 - 8.5 feet in length. Use longer rods with a longer grip for two-handed casting when fishing steelhead or salmon. Use larger rods when fishing with larger bait and for larger fish. Fish with telescopic fishing rods for larger fish. Designed to either shorten or expand, telescopic rods range anywhere from 20 - 30 feet in length but can be collapsed down to as short as 1.5 feet. Choose telescopic rods made out of graphite, fiberglass, or composite material to ensure both durability and flexibility. Each section is designed to fit into another section while keeping the structural integrity of the rod. Telescopic rods are meant for easy transport. Make sure you follow proper maintenance procedures including using tip covers for each section of the rod when transporting. The sections should close easier if they are shorter in length. More sections translate into better weight and stress distribution that can create a farther cast and less breakage when you are involved with a stronger fish. Consider the length, power and action of your rod. These factors will be based on the type of fish that you want to catch. Short rods provide power for fish that give more fight while longer rods cast further. The power of a rod is how much weight in can lift, from light to extra heavy. Rods can also be chosen based on the weight of the lure or the pound-test line that they are designed to be paired with. Choose a graphite rod if you want a stiff yet sensitive experience and a fiberglass rod for a tough and powerful one. Reels are classified as high or low speed where the latter is used when needing more power to fight large fish. Some reels allow you to push a button to switch between high and low speed. Utilize a spinning rod and reel when casting lighter lures and baits. Spinning rod and reels work well with top-water poppers and high-speed plugs. Use your dominant hand to hold the rod as you use your other hand to crank the handle. Make sure you change the handle of your rod depending on which is your dominant hand. Spool the line by laying the rod on the floor and ensure that the line is going onto the reel at the same direction that the line is leaving the spool. Pinch the line and crank the reel handle a dozen times. With a slack line, drop the tip of the rod to check if the line starts to twist and spin. If it does, you have spooled the line in the wrong direction. Flip the spool over and continue in the right direction as you fill the reel. Employ baitcasting rods and reels. These rods work best when bottom fishing, jigging, long casting, or when using big baits. Use an open-face reel for casing or jigging to let out and retrieve the line quickly. Use a closed face reel when using lighter lures and baits. Make sure to use your thumb to control the speed of the spool and keep it slow. Baitcasting rods easily get tangled because the spool turns faster than the line as it leaves the rod. If the tangle isn't too bad you may be able to untangle it by pulling more line off the reel. However, most baitcasting reel have either a centrifugal, magnetic, or electronic cast control to keep your line from getting tangled. Work a saltwater trolling rod for larger fish. Saltwater trolling rods carry a lot of line and their large bodies allow them to take extreme pressure for fighting large fish. These rods are shorter and stronger than casting rods. They may also come with a notched butt for a fighting belt or chair. Rods that are longer with a short butt are meant for use with a fighting belt or chair. Pair the rod with an appropriate line-test where a 20 pound rod and line combo works for sailfish, dolphin and marlin. Use 130 pound rod and line combo for billfish and bluefin tuna. Use saltwater jigging rods and reels. These rods work best for either hovering over a target or to retrieve your line at high speeds. Use specialized tackle to work your lure at the correct speed, either very quickly or slowly depending on the fish. Use vertical jigging with high-speed rods and metal lures for fast retrieval. In contrast, use rubber jigs to hover over the target or for slow, deliberate retrieval. Create a budget. Fly fishing rods are as good as you pay for so it's important to know how often you will be using your rod and what skill level you are at before purchasing a fly fishing rod. While high-performance rods can help you, it may be helpful to wait until your casting skills have improved in order to reap the full benefits of an expensive rod. Choose a rod based on your experience. Beginners can choose inexpensive rods made of graphite, fiberglass, or bamboo. Price will reflect better materials and high-performance rods are better suited for experienced fisherman or people who plan to fly fish often. High quality rods can make casting easier which is imperative when fly fishing. Fly rods may come in 2, 3, or 4 pieces. Most beginners use a 2 piece while more seasoned fisherman use a 4 piece as it can be broken down and easily carried on airplanes. Learn proper technique. Cast the line to mimic the movement of live prey. The presentation of your lure will depend on the type of fish with the rod and line working seamlessly to create specific movements. Movements can range from mimicking insects to frogs. Select the length of the rod based on your location. Use 6 - 8 foot fly rods for fishing in smaller streams with a lot of brush. Move up to 9 foot rods when fishing in big rivers. The longer the rod, the more control you have over your line. Use a larger line and rod for larger fish. The larger the fly, the heavier it is and the heavier the line you will need in order to deliver it. A larger rod ensures a smooth cast with heavier lures. Beginners should use 1 - 8 weight for trout, 6-10 weight for bass, and 5 weight for panfish. Ensure that the fly fishing line is designed for your rod. Fly rods are designed to only cast a certain weight of line. For example, only use a 6-weight line with a 6-weight rod. Check the rod information that's printed above the cork grip to choose the corresponding weighted line. Different manufacturers will place the weight information on different locations on the rod and may have unique codes. Make sure to consult the manufacturer if you cannot find the pertinent information. Choose the right bait. The bait you choose will depend on the location and type of fish. Find the closest fly shop to the location that you will be fishing at and ask the sales staff what they would recommend.
Choose your lure. Add a lure. Bait a fishing line. Cast out. Reel in your fish. Choose the right length. Decide on the right material. Match your line with your rod and spool. Use tip-ups instead of a rod. Use both tip-ups and a spinning rod to increase your chances. Settle on the correct bait. Choose a rod based on what you’re fishing and the location. Employ spinning rods for still fishing with live bait or for trolling. Work bait-casting and closed-spin casting rods. Fish with telescopic fishing rods for larger fish. Consider the length, power and action of your rod. Utilize a spinning rod and reel when casting lighter lures and baits. Employ baitcasting rods and reels. Work a saltwater trolling rod for larger fish. Use saltwater jigging rods and reels. Create a budget. Choose a rod based on your experience. Learn proper technique. Select the length of the rod based on your location. Use a larger line and rod for larger fish. Ensure that the fly fishing line is designed for your rod. Choose the right bait.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Angle-Grinder
How to Use an Angle Grinder
To use an angle grinder, support the tool with both hands, hit the power button to turn it on, and let the grinder come to full speed. Next, apply the grinder to the surface with light pressure to cut or grind the object. If you're sanding or cleaning the surface, be sure to keep the grinder moving around constantly. Once you're finished with the tool, let it stop spinning completely before putting it down.
Opt for a 4 by 4.5 in (10 by 11 cm) grinder for most projects. You can find much larger grinders for projects, but this size will be fine for a variety of tasks, including most of the jobs you'll do in your home. Also, it's a common size, so look for it in most hardware stores. Plus, a larger tool is more difficult to handle, which can lead to injury if you're not careful. Choose a 5-9 amp motor if you plan on using the grinder a while. If you want to use the grinder for a number of projects, try not to get the cheapest one. If you spend a little more, you can get a better quality machine. Pick a motor that pulls 5-9 amps, which will give you a little extra power and will likely stay in operation longer. Check the RPM on accessories against the RPM on the grinder before buying them. All accessories will have a maximum RPM (rotations per minute). Exceeding that RPM could lead to the attachment breaking apart and sending flying pieces at you. Therefore, the RPM of the accessory needs to match or exceed the max RPM of the grinder. That way, if you turn your grinder to max, you still won't go over the max speed of the accessory. Look for safety features like a wheel brake system. A wheel brake system will stop the grinder quickly if you need it to. Plus, it allows you to bring the grinder to a full stop before you set it down. Opt for a grinder that has this safety feature if you can. A grinding disc with noise reduction and a handle that reduces vibrations can also make your grinder safer. Pick a wire brush attachment for cleaning and paint removal jobs. Clamp down the item you're working on so it doesn't move around. When applying the wire brush to the edge of something, position the angle grinder so the brush spins away from the object you're grinding rather than into it. Try buzzing off dirt that's set on garden tools. It will even work on set-on cement. Pick the cup wire attachment for flat surfaces and the wheel to get into crevices. Opt for a cutting wheel for slicing through metal, tile, or concrete. A cutting wheel works much like a saw. You press it lightly on the object you want to slice through, and it will make short work of things like metal rebar and tile. Make sure to pick the right type of blade for the project you're working on. For metal, a cutoff wheel works well, and it's fairly cheap. For masonry, tile, and concrete, choose a diamond wheel. Read the attachment to know what materials you can use the wheel on. Try a diamond tuckpointing wheel to remove mortar. If you have loose mortar in your brickwork that you need to replace, use this wheel to do the job. Run the wheel between the bricks, making several passes to get it all out. Try not to get closer to the brick with the tool than ⁄ 8 inch (3.2 mm). Pick a tuckpointing wheel that's about the width of your mortar to make the job go faster. Refine edges on metal tools with a grinding wheel. Metal tools get dull from time to time, including things like ice scrapers, lawn mower blades, hoes, and hatchets. Press a grinding wheel up against the edge with the grinder off, positioning it perpendicular to the blade. Adjust the grinding wheel so that it's at the same angle as the edge of the blade and the wheel will turn away from the edge rather than towards it. Lift the wheel off for a moment. Turn the grinder on and make several light passes along the blade, following the correct angle. Don't let the blade get too hot, as it will become very brittle. If it turns black or blue, give it a rest for a moment. Check the wheel for the arrow showing you which direction it will rotate when on. Put on safety gear like goggles, long sleeves, and full-face protection. One of the main dangers of an angle grinder is flying debris, including pieces breaking off of the tool's attachments. Protect yourself with safety gear so you don't catch a piece in your eye. Safety goggles are good, but a full face shield is better. Also, protect your arms and hands with work gloves and long sleeves. Put in ear plugs or cover your ears with noise-canceling earmuffs, as the sound from the machine can get very loud. Wear a dust mask for particularly dusty jobs, like sanding and grinding mortar. Support the tool with both hands. Grasp the handle with 1 hand. If your tool has a dead-man switch, hold onto that with this hand. A deadman's switch is one you must continually hold in place while the tool is on for it to work. Use your other hand to hold the weight of the tool. Grab the handle with whatever hand feels most comfortable. The deadman's switch is a safety feature. If you accidentally drop the grinder, it will go off automatically. Let the grinder come to full speed before applying it to the surface. Hit the power button to turn it on. Whether you're cutting, grinding, or sanding, allow it to come up to speed to help you keep your actions smooth and consistent. For instance, if you're cutting through metal or other materials, you'll get a better cut if the cutting disc is at full speed first. Move the angle grinder around constantly when sanding or cleaning. Don't keep the tool in one place when sanding, as you could end up with gouges. For a smoother finish, move in a rotating motion over the surface. If you're trying to smooth or clean one particular area, don't hold it in place; just move it around and over the area until it's to your satisfaction. Apply the tool with light pressure when cutting or grinding. Let the tool do the work for you. In fact, just hold the grinder on the object, and the rotation will cut or grind for you. If you press down too hard, you could cause the tool to yank on the piece you're working on, which in turn could make the tool kick. When a tool kicks, it could lead to injuries. With sanding, you can apply a bit more pressure. Use the correct angle for the wheel attachment. For sanding, apply the tool at a 5°-10° angle to the work surface. For grinding, try a 15°-30° angle; make sure you're using the flat part of the wheel when using this attachment. With cutting, use the side of the wheel to cut the piece head-on, meaning you should hold the wheel perpendicular to the piece you're cutting. Keep the guard on no matter what you do. The guard may get in the way on some projects, but don't take it off. It provides some protection from flying debris if the wheel or attachment shatters. It's much better for the guard to take the hit then your torso or arms! Check the grinder has stopped spinning completely before putting it down. If the wheel is still spinning at all, it can move around on the surface you set it on. Apply the braking system if yours has one to make sure it's stopped. Otherwise, just wait for it to come to a full stop. It might start cutting things you don't want to cut or even flip back towards you. Unplug the tool when you're not using it. You don't want the tool to come on accidentally, and turning it off is not enough. Unplug it from the wall so there's no chance it could come on and harm you or someone else. Set the grinder wheel-side up on a table when you're not using it.
Opt for a 4 by 4.5 in (10 by 11 cm) grinder for most projects. Choose a 5-9 amp motor if you plan on using the grinder a while. Check the RPM on accessories against the RPM on the grinder before buying them. Look for safety features like a wheel brake system. Pick a wire brush attachment for cleaning and paint removal jobs. Opt for a cutting wheel for slicing through metal, tile, or concrete. Try a diamond tuckpointing wheel to remove mortar. Refine edges on metal tools with a grinding wheel. Put on safety gear like goggles, long sleeves, and full-face protection. Support the tool with both hands. Let the grinder come to full speed before applying it to the surface. Move the angle grinder around constantly when sanding or cleaning. Apply the tool with light pressure when cutting or grinding. Use the correct angle for the wheel attachment. Keep the guard on no matter what you do. Check the grinder has stopped spinning completely before putting it down. Unplug the tool when you're not using it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Roast-Beef
How to Cook Roast Beef
Before cooking roast beef, prepare your roast by bringing it to room temperature and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375 °F and place the roast in a baking tray. Cook the meat for 30 minutes, then turn the heat down to 225 °F and continue cooking it for about 2 hours, or until the center of the roast reaches 140 °F. Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest while you make a gravy from the drippings. Serve the sliced roast and gravy on a platter and enjoy!
Bring your meat to room temperature. Removing your meat from the refrigerator a half hour before you start the roasting process will ensure that the beef cooks evenly and comes out to the right texture. If you place it in the oven while it's still cold, the cooking time will be thrown off, and the meat could come out either undercooked or tough. A note about your meat: make sure you get rump roast, round roast, or sirloin - one of the cheaper cuts. Using the slow roasting method for prime cuts of beef doesn't work as well, since prime cuts are more tender. If you want to cook a prime cut of beef, see How to Cook a Prime Rib Roast. Make sure the beef you get is boneless, and check for a dark pink, springy surface and plenty of marbling. Depending on the cut you get, it might have a cap of fat on top. Truss the meat (optional). If you want your roast to come out in a pretty, symmetrical shape, you can truss it before you roast it. You can either ask your butcher to truss the roast for you or do it yourself using kitchen twine. Simply cut a few lengths of twine and tie them around the beef at intervals down its length. You can skip this step if you don't mind how your beef will look on the serving platter. . Season the meat Rub it all over with olive oil, then sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper on all sides. Use your hands to pat the seasoning into the meat. If you'd like, add other seasonings like garlic powder or ancho chile pepper - however, using this roasting method, the beef will be quite flavorful without these extra spices. Seasoning all sides will ensure even cooking and flavoring in the final product when you roast red meat. Seasoning all over will also help seal in the meat's juices. Prep the vegetables. If you plan to serve roasted vegetables as well, prep them now. Peel the carrots and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Peel the parsnips and do the same. Peel the onion and roughly chop it. You can add other vegetables to your roast, like sweet potatoes, squash, or anything else that's in season. If all you want is the beef, skip this step. Break up the garlic. Break apart the bulb and place the individual cloves on a cutting board. Don't peel the garlic, since that would cause it to cook too quickly. Simply break it up, and at the end of the roasting process you'll have delectable roasted garlic to go with your beef. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Assemble the roasting tray. If you're using vegetables, pile them into your roasting tray, then spread them out to make an even layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Lay out the garlic in an even layer. Place the beef on top of the vegetables. If you're not using vegetables, simply place the beef in the roasting tray and arrange the garlic cloves around it. In place of a roasting tray, you can use a roasting pan with higher sides and a roasting rack inside it when cooking beef roasts. The rack holds the meat away from accumulating juices in the bottom of the pan, allowing it to cook more evenly on all sides, because heat can circulate evenly throughout the pan and around the beef. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 1/2 hour. For the first half hour, the beef will cook at a higher temperature, which will give the outside of the beef a good sear. Make sure you remember to come back to the oven after 1/2 hour. Turn down the temperature to 225°F (107°C) and continue roasting. The beef will finish cooking at this consistent temperature until finished. Depending on the shape and cut of your beef, it could take 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, so be ready to monitor it's progress. Check the beef with a meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer or instant food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roasting beef. Push the thermometer halfway into the center of the roast so its tip is approximately in the middle of the cut of beef, being careful not to let the thermometer touch the hot pan. The roast is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If you like your beef on the slightly rarer side, you can take it out when the temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Let the meat rest. Remove the roast from the oven once it has reached the desired temperature, tent a piece of aluminum foil over it to retain the heat and let the roasted beef rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute themselves in the meat, which will keep them in the meat once you carve it instead of running out onto your cutting board. This will keep the roast flavorful and juicy. Make gravy while it rests. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the drippings in to a small saucepan, and place it on the stove over medium heat. When it's hot, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour, and stir to thicken. You can thin it out with water, red wine, beef stock or beer, or make it richer by adding butter. Keep stirring until it reaches the desired consistency, then pour into a gravy dish. Arrange the roast and vegetables on a platter. Place the roast in the middle of a serving platter and arrange the vegetables and garlic around it. When you're ready to serve, slice the meat against the grain in ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 to 0.6 cm) slices. Serve with gravy.
Bring your meat to room temperature. Truss the meat (optional). . Prep the vegetables. Break up the garlic. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Assemble the roasting tray. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 1/2 hour. Turn down the temperature to 225°F (107°C) and continue roasting. Check the beef with a meat thermometer. Let the meat rest. Make gravy while it rests. Arrange the roast and vegetables on a platter.
https://www.wikihow.com/Boogie-Board
How to Boogie Board
If you want to boogie board, find a calm beach with waves that are less than 2 feet high. Secure the boogie board leash to your wrist or arm and wade into the water until it's about knee-deep. Lie down with your belly on the board, and hold the board on the top corners. Kick and paddle to the point in the water where the waves are breaking. Once you see the wave you want to ride, point the nose of the board towards the beach. Paddle towards the shore until the wave catches you, then place your elbows on the board and ride the wave!
Choose a calm spot for boogie boarding. Go to a swimming beach that has waves less than 2 ft (61 cm) high. Make sure that the beach is free of large rocks, boats, and fishing equipment. Also, make sure that you have permission to boogie board at the location. Select a boogie board suited to your height and weight. When standing on its tail, the board should reach to within 1 in (2.54 cm) of your belly button. As for width, you should be able to hold the board under your arm and against your side without much slack between your armpit and the edge of the board. Choose a bodyboard shorter than 40 in (101.6 cm) if you are shorter than 5 feet (1.5 m) 6 in (167.6 cm) and weigh less than 130 lbs (59 kg). Choose a bodyboard between 40 and 43 in (101.6 and 109.2 cm) if you are between 5 feet (1.5 m) 7 in and 6 feet (1.8 m) 3 in (170.2 and 190.5 cm), and weigh between 130 and 210 lbs (59 and 95.3 kg). Choose a bodyboard taller than 44 in (111.8 cm) if you are taller than 6 feet (1.8 m) 3 in (170.2 cm) and weigh more than 210 lbs (95.3 kg). Wax your board. Adding wax to your board improves its grip. Apply a small amount of surf wax to the top third of the board (called the nose), the bottom third of the board (called the tail), and the rails (the side edges of the boogie board). Wear a rashguard. A rashguard will protect your skin from the sun and also reduce chafing and irritation from the boogie board itself. A rashguard is highly recommended, although you don't need to have one to boogie board. Put on swim fins. Choose fins, such as those used for snorkeling, that attach to your ankle. Though not a requirement, wearing swim fins will help you kick your way out into the surf and catch waves, as well as steer and control the boogie board. Secure the boogie board leash to your wrist or arm. To avoid losing your board in the current, choose a leash for your bicep or wrist, depending on what you find more comfortable. Most boogie boarders use a bicep leash. Secure the leash to your wrist or to your bicep before entering the water. Get into position. Wade into the water until you are knee-deep, then lie down with your belly on the board. Your hips should be in contact with the tail of the board. Your hands should be placed on the top corners of the board. Kick and paddle to where the waves are breaking. Be sure to keep your fins underwater. You can choose to paddle with one hand or with both hands. When a wave is about to break, you will see a bulge form at the highest point, or the crest, of the wave. Choose the wave you want to ride. Not every wave will be strong enough to carry you. Attempt smaller, less powerful waves at first and work your way up to larger ones. The larger the wave is, the farther you'll be able to ride it. Point the nose of the board toward the beach. Turn your boogie board around so that you are facing the beach before the wave starts to break. Arch your back and keep your head up. Paddle and kick toward the beach. You want to be moving in the same direction the wave will break. Getting ahead of the wave will help you catch it. Be sure to keep your legs slightly apart and your fins underwater. Scoop the water with your hands to gain speed. Position yourself in the belly of the wave you are trying to catch; avoid the crest and the tip-top of the wave. Catch the wave. If you have paddled the board at the right speed and in the direction of the wave, you should now feel yourself moving effortlessly toward the beach. You should no longer need to kick or paddle, as the wave will do the work for you. Keep your elbows on the board, rather than in the water, for better control. Lean left to turn left and lean right to turn right. To turn right, apply pressure to the board with your right elbow and grip the left rail with your left hand. To turn left, apply pressure to the board with your left elbow and grip the right rail with your right hand. Make a bottom turn. A good bottom turn is the foundation for all other maneuvers, such as 360s. As the wave catches you, keep your hands over the nose of the board. Lean onto your left elbow to dig the edge of the body board into the wave. LIft the right rail with your right hand. Extend your legs as you turn to prevent your feet from dragging in the water. After you start to turn, center your body weight on the board and lean forward slightly to gain speed. Do a cut back. A cut back is a turn back to the curl of the wave that you can do to regulate your speed or to reposition yourself along the wave. Shift your weight on the outside rail (away from the wave) while applying pressure with your right hand to the middle of your right rail. Lift up the upper left corner of the board with your left hand and lean to your right. Look at the inside of the wave and visualize the spot where you want to stop your turn. When you reach that spot, lean left to get back in the curl of the wave and shift your weight back to the normal position. Try a 360. After you've mastered the bottom turn and the cut back, try a full rotation. This can be done on the flat section of a wave, in the white foam, off the lip of the wave, or even in the air. The technique is the exactly the same wherever you attempt a 360. Make a bottom turn to position yourself in the curl of the wave. Turn slightly to the left to face the wave. Slide forward on your board so that your face is roughly level with the nose of your board. Lift your legs, arch your back, and throw your head to the left. Keep looking in the direction you want to spin and your shoulder will follow. After your 360 is complete, perform a bottom turn to gain speed for the next maneuver and put your feet back in the water.
Choose a calm spot for boogie boarding. Select a boogie board suited to your height and weight. Wax your board. Wear a rashguard. Put on swim fins. Secure the boogie board leash to your wrist or arm. Get into position. Kick and paddle to where the waves are breaking. Choose the wave you want to ride. Point the nose of the board toward the beach. Paddle and kick toward the beach. Catch the wave. Lean left to turn left and lean right to turn right. Make a bottom turn. Do a cut back. Try a 360.
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Blood-Test-Results
How to Read Blood Test Results
To read blood test results, scan the results and look for anything labeled "L," which means it's too low, or "H," which means it's too high. If you have a low red blood cell count, it could mean that you have anemia, whereas a high red blood cell count could indicate bone marrow disease. If you have a low white blood cell count, it could be because of a bone marrow issue or it could be a side effect of medications. A high white blood cell count could mean that your body is fighting an infection.
Know how all blood tests are formatted and presented. All blood tests, including the CBC and other panels and tests, must include certain basic elements including: your name and health ID, date the test was completed and printed, names of the test(s), lab and doctor who ordered the test, actual test results, normal range for results, flagged abnormal results and, of course, lots of abbreviations and units of measurement. For people not in the healthcare field, any blood test can look intimidating and confusing, but take your time and identify all these basic elements and how they're arranged among headings and within vertical columns. Once you're familiar with how blood tests are presented, you can quickly scan the page for the flagged abnormal results (if there are any), which will be labelled as either "L" for too low, or "H" for too high. You don't need to memorize the normal ranges of any measured component because they will always be printed alongside your test results as a handy reference. Distinguish between blood cells and what abnormal results may indicate. As noted above, the main cells of your blood are red and white blood cells. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all the tissues of the body. WBCs are part of the immune system and help to destroy pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. A low RBC count may suggest anemia (resulting in not enough oxygen getting to tissues), although too many RBCs (termed erythrocytosis) may indicate bone marrow disease. A low WBC count (termed leukopenia) may also suggest a bone marrow problem or side effect of taking medications, chemotherapy especially. On the other hand, a high WBC count (termed leukocytosis) usually signifies that your body is fighting an infection. Some drugs, especially steroids, can also increase the WBC count. Normal RBC ranges are different between men and women. Men typically have 20-25% more RBCs because they tend to be larger and have more muscle tissue, which requires more oxygen. Hematocrit (the percentage of your blood made up by RBCs) and mean corpuscular volume (average volume of RBCs) are two ways of measuring RBCs and both values are normally higher in men because of their higher oxygen needs. Realize the functions of other basic elements in the blood. Two other components in the blood mentioned in a CBC are platelets and hemoglobin. As noted above, hemoglobin is an iron-based molecule that grabs onto oxygen as blood circulates through the lungs, whereas platelets are a part of the body's blood clotting system and help prevent excessive bleeding from injuries. Not enough hemoglobin (due to iron deficiency or bone marrow disease) leads to anemia, whereas a low platelet count (termed thrombocytopenia) may be the result of prolonged external or internal bleeding from a traumatic injury or other medical conditions. On the other hand, a high platelet count (termed thrombocytosis) suggests a bone marrow problem or severe inflammation. Levels of both RBCs and hemoglobin are connected because hemoglobin is carried inside RBCs, although it's possible to have malformed RBCs without hemoglobin (termed sickle cell anemia). Many compounds "thin" the blood, which means that they inhibit platelet stickiness and prevent blood clotting. Common blood thinners include: alcohol, many types of drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, heparin), garlic and parsley. A CBC also includes levels of eosinophil (Eos), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Understand what lipid profiles are. Lipid profiles are more specific blood tests that are helpful for determining your risk of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Doctors assess the results of a lipid profile before determining if cholesterol-lowing medications are necessary. A lipid profile typically includes total cholesterol (includes all the lipoproteins in your blood), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the "good" kind), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the "bad" kind) and triglycerides, which are fats usually stored in fat cells. Essentially you want your total cholesterol to be less than 200 mg/dL and a favorable HDL to LDL ratio (approaching 1:2) in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver for recycling. Desirable levels are above 50 mg/dL (ideally above 60 mg/dL). Your HDL level is the only one that you want to be high on this type of blood test. LDL deposits excess cholesterol in blood vessel in response to injury and inflammation, which can trigger atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Desirable levels are less than 130 mg/dL (ideally less than 100 mg/dL). Recognize the implications of a blood sugar test. A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose circulating in your blood, usually after fasting for at least 8 hours. This test is usually ordered if there is suspicion of diabetes (types 1 or 2, or gestational). Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin hormone (which grabs glucose from the blood) and/or the cells of the body don't allow insulin to deposit the glucose normally. As such, people with diabetes have chronically high blood glucose (termed hyperglycemia), which is considered greater than 125 mg/dL. People at serious risk for diabetes (often classified as "prediabetic") typically have blood glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL. Other causes of high blood glucose include: severe stress, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and an inflamed or cancerous pancreas. Not enough blood glucose (less than 70 mg/dL) is called hypoglycemia and characteristic of taking too much insulin medication, alcoholism and organ failure (liver, kidneys, heart). Learn what the CMP is. A CMP is a comprehensive metabolic panel, which measures lots of other constituents in your blood, such as electrolytes (charged elements, typically mineral salts), other minerals, protein, creatinine, liver enzymes and glucose. It's ordered to determine a person's overall health, but also to specifically check the status of their kidneys, liver, pancreas, electrolyte levels (needed for normal nerve conductance and muscle contraction) and acid/base balance. The CMP is typically ordered along with a CBC as part of a blood work-up for a medical exam or annual physical. Sodium is an electrolyte required for regulating fluid levels in the body and allowing nerves and muscles to work properly, but too much can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and increase your risk of heart attack. Normal levels are between 136-144 mEq/L. Other electrolytes, such as potassium, can be included in this section. Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) become elevated in the blood due to liver injury or inflammation — often the result of consuming too much alcohol and/or drugs (prescription, over-the-counter and illicit), or from an infection such as hepatitis. Bilirubin, albumin and total protein can be included in this section. If your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are too high, that likely indicates problems with your kidneys. BUN should be between 7-29 mg/dL, whereas creatinine should be between 0.8-1.4 mg/dL. Other elements in a CMP include albumin, chloride, potassium, calcium, total protein, and bilirubin. Low or high levels of these elements can indicate the presence of disease.
Know how all blood tests are formatted and presented. Distinguish between blood cells and what abnormal results may indicate. Realize the functions of other basic elements in the blood. Understand what lipid profiles are. Recognize the implications of a blood sugar test. Learn what the CMP is.
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Food-Warm-for-a-Party
How to Keep Food Warm for a Party
If you need to keep food warm for a party, place your dish in an oven-safe container and put it in the oven at 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a food thermometer every 15 minutes or so to make sure the dish stays between 140 and 170 degrees. If you need to keep a soup or a sauce warm, simply put it in a covered pot on a warm or low-heat burner. Just make sure to stir it about every 5 minutes so it doesn't burn.
Preheat your oven to 150 °F (66 °C). You don't want to burn your food when you put it in the oven to keep it warm. This temperature will warm up the oven to a nice temperature that won't cook your food as soon as you put it in the oven. Once your food is in the oven, you'll need to up the temperature to make sure it stays warm. If you have a gas oven, turn it on to the 1st gas mark. Then move the dial back so it's about a quarter of the way to the 1st gas mark. This will heat the oven to 150 °F (66 °C) or so. Put your food on a baking sheet and make sure your containers are oven-safe. You can find out if your containers are oven-safe by checking their underside. Oven-proof containers will have writing on their underside saying they're oven-safe or they'll have a picture of an oven. Lay the baking sheet on the inside of your container. Wavy lines with a temperature next to it denotes the maximum temperature that container can withstand in the oven. Put your food in the oven and turn the heat to 200–250 °F (93–121 °C). If you need to, put your food onto a baking tray before you put it in the oven. Open the oven door and use oven gloves to put your food in. Turn the heat up to 200–250 °F (93–121 °C) when you've placed the food in the oven and closed the door. If you have a gas oven, turn the dial to between 1/2 and 1 to reach this temperature. Don't put plates, bowls, or other implements in the oven if you're not sure if they can handle the heat from the oven. If you keep your food in the oven for a long period, you might reduce the quality of the food. Check to make sure the food is above 140 °F (60 °C) every 15 minutes. Use a food thermometer to test the heat of the food. Use oven gloves to remove the food from the oven. Stick the food thermometer into the food to test its temperature. Try to keep the temperature between 140 °F (60 °C) and 170 °F (77 °C). If the temperature is below 140 °F (60 °C), the food isn't staying warm. If this is the case, put the food back in the oven and turn the temperature up on the oven. If the temperature is above 220 °F (104 °C), your food is being cooked instead of being kept warm. Take the food out of the oven when it's time to eat. When all your guests have arrived, and small talk is finished, open the oven and take your food out. If you want, test it with your thermometer to make sure it's warm enough for serving. You can also have a small bite to test it. Serve the food to your party guests while it's warm. Turn the burner on at its lowest setting. After you've finished making your soup, you can keep it warm for a few hours by leaving it in the pot. Move the pot to a different hob on the stove and turn the burner on at the lowest setting. Put a cover on the pot while it's on the burner. By placing a cover on the pot, you'll keep the soup warm. The cover will stop most of the heat from escaping and this will ensure that the soup is heated more evenly throughout. If there's too much steam in the pot, tilt the cover at a slight angle to let it escape from the pot. Steam is also a sign that the burner is too hot. Turn the burner slightly down if you notice steam. Stir the soup at 5-minute intervals. While the stove is keeping the soup warm, it won't make sure that all of the soup is equally warm. By stirring the soup in the pot, you ensure that the soup is kept warm throughout. Take the soup off the burner when you're ready. Use oven gloves to lift the pot off the burner in case it's hot. Turn the burner off once you've removed the pot. Use a ladle to pour the soup into bowls from the pot. The soup is warm enough to serve if you can see steam rising from the surface. Use the microwave to keep your food warm. While most people will associate the microwave with heating up food, and rightly so, you can also use it to keep your food warm. A microwave with a closed door is essentially a box that will trap heat. Place your food in the microwave and close the door to keep it warm. The microwave should only be used to keep food warm for 15 to 20 minutes. After this, the heat will escape, and the food will get cold. Put soups or sauces in a thermos. The thermos was designed for the specific purpose of keeping soup and other liquids warm for long periods of time. When you finish cooking the soup, use a ladle to pour it into your thermos straight away. The thermos will keep it warm for 4 to 5 hours. Place your food in a crock-pot. Crock-pots are also designed to trap heat and keep food warm. If you made potatoes or a stew, put them in the crock-pot and pop the lid on. The crock-pot can keep hot food warm for an hour or so. You can also put the crockpot in your oven to keep the food warm for hours. Heat your oven to 150 °F (66 °C) to keep the food warm. On a gas oven, turn the dial to the first mark. Put food or bread in your toaster oven to keep it warm. You can use your toaster oven as a second oven to keep smaller dishes or bread warm. Heat the oven up to 150 °F (66 °C) and put your food in it to keep it warm. Test the food regularly with a food thermometer to make sure it's above 140 °F (60 °C). If it's not, turn the heat up on the toaster oven. Cover freshly baked dishes with several sheets of foil. Foil is an insulator and if you wrap your food in several sheets of it as soon as it's finished, your food will stay warm for much longer. Wrap the sheets under a bowl or around the rim of a plate to keep the food on the container warm. Several sheets will do a better job than 1 sheet of foil by itself. Don't cover acidic foods with the foil as the aluminum will leech into the item. Put your food in a chafing dish to keep it warm for longer. Chafing dishes are a kind of stove, where fuel heats a pan of water which heats the food above it. If you're hosting a buffet, chafing dishes are the perfect items to display your food while also keeping it warm. Chafing dishes require small, portable, containers of fuel. Chafing dishes are not meant for cooking and should only be used to keep food warm. Store your food in an insulated food carrier if you're transporting it. Insulated food carriers are suitcase-like devices that are designed to keep food warm when it's moving from 1 place to another. Put your food in tupperware containers and place these containers into the bag. The food carrier will keep your food nice and warm while you make the journey with your food. Some bags have bottom and top compartments while others have straps to hold your food in place. The type of bag you need depends on what type of food and how much of it you're transporting.
Preheat your oven to 150 °F (66 °C). Put your food on a baking sheet and make sure your containers are oven-safe. Put your food in the oven and turn the heat to 200–250 °F (93–121 °C). Check to make sure the food is above 140 °F (60 °C) every 15 minutes. Take the food out of the oven when it's time to eat. Turn the burner on at its lowest setting. Put a cover on the pot while it's on the burner. Stir the soup at 5-minute intervals. Take the soup off the burner when you're ready. Use the microwave to keep your food warm. Put soups or sauces in a thermos. Place your food in a crock-pot. Put food or bread in your toaster oven to keep it warm. Cover freshly baked dishes with several sheets of foil. Put your food in a chafing dish to keep it warm for longer. Store your food in an insulated food carrier if you're transporting it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Girl%27s-Softball-Bat
How to Buy a Girl's Softball Bat
Before you buy a girl's softball bat, you'll need to know the player's size and strength to get the best fit. Have the girl extend one arm straight out to the side at shoulder level and place the knob of the bat at the center of her chest. Align the bat along her arm to see if she can touch the end of the bat with her fingertips, which is a good sign that the bat is a good fit for her. Another test is to stand the bat up vertically against her leg while she's standing straight up. The right length bat will come to mid-hip level. When picking the right weight, have the girl hold several bats to see which one she's most comfortable with, or consider her strength and let that guide your choice.
Determine whether you need a fastpitch or slowpitch bat. The two common types of softball – slowpitch and fastpitch – require different types of bats. In general, slowpitch softball requires heavier bats, while fastpitch requires lighter bats. Before you select a bat, make sure you know which type of softball game it will be used for. Find out if your team has special size or material requirements. Some softball teams or leagues require bats that conform to certain size restrictions or are composed of specific materials (e.g. wood vs. metal or composite). For example, the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) requires that a slowpitch softball bat must be no more than 34 inches (86.36 cm) long, 2 and ¼ inches (5.72 cm) in diameter, and 31 oz. (0.88 kg) in weight. They also have requirements regarding the construction of the bat, e.g. that the knob on the end of the bat must be welded on or mechanically attached. Before purchasing a bat, consult the league or team handbook for equipment regulations, or ask the team's coach. Find out about any other requirements or regulations. Some leagues or teams require that bats bear particular markings – for example, graphics indicating that the bat is approved by a particular sports association, or an indication of the BPF (bat performance factor). They may also require that the bat be decorated or colored in a particular way. Your team or league may also have regulations regarding the modification of bats (e.g. adding tape or a grip sleeve to the handle). Consult a softball bat size chart. This will give you a general idea of the size range you are looking for. Most sporting goods stores can provide sizing charts, which can help you determine the right length or weight range for a bat based on your child's height, weight, and age. Determine bat length range by using the girl's age. You can get a good ballpark estimate of how long your bat should be based on your child's age. These estimates are based on the average height and weight of children in a particular age range, and so will only give you a range and not a specific length. For example, in fastpitch softball, a child 5 to 7 years old would use a 24- to 26-inch (61 to 66 cm) bat, 8 to 9 years old would use a 26- to 29-inch (66 to 74 cm), and so on. For each year older, add approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) to the bat length as a general rule. If the girl you are buying a bat for is exceptionally large or small for her age, you may need to select a bat outside of the expected size range for her age group. Narrow down the bat length based on the girl’s height and weight. For example, if she weighs less than 60 lbs. (27.2 kg) and is 36-40 inches tall (91-102 cm), she should probably use a bat that is about 26 inches (66 cm) long. Check the bat length by measuring it against the girl’s body. Once you have selected a bat that you feel is in the right length range, try several measurements to make sure the length is appropriate and comfortable. Have the girl extend one of her arms straight out to the side, at shoulder level. Place knob of the bat at the center of her chest and align the bat along her arm, with the end toward her fingertips. If she can comfortably touch the end of the bat with her fingertips, it is probably about the right length. Place the knob of the bat in the center of her chest and hold the bat so it is extended straight out in front of her. Ask her to reach out and grab the barrel (widest part) of the bat. If she can do so comfortably, the bat is probably about the right length. Stand the bat up vertically against her leg while she is standing up straight. A bat of the right length should come up to about mid-hip level. Determine the appropriate bat drop based on the girl’s age range. Softball bat weight is sometimes described in terms of “drop,” which is the difference between the bat's length (in inches) and weight (in ounces). For example, a bat that is 33 inches (83.82 cm) long and weighs 23 ounces (0.65 kg) has a drop of -10. The smaller the drop number, the higher the bat's weight relative to its length. In general, children under 10 will be most comfortable using bats with a drop of -13.5 to -10, while older children may be comfortable with a drop as small as -8. If the girl is exceptionally small or large for her age, you may need to adjust the bat drop accordingly. Determine the correct bat weight based on the girl’s personal preference. The weight of the bat should ultimately be determined by what is comfortable for the girl and what her playing style is like. Longer, lighter bats will allow for faster hits, while shorter, heavier bats deliver more powerful hits. Ask the girl to hold the bat out in front of her with one hand and swing it back and forth. If she is unable to do so without dropping it, the bat is probably too heavy for her. Consult your coach or a specialist at your sporting goods store if you have any concerns about selecting the right weight. Choose the handle diameter according to the girl's preference. All bats are tapered at the handle, but the diameter can vary. Some children prefer a smaller handle, especially if they have small hands. A smaller handle provides for a quicker wrist rotation when swinging the bat. However, a thicker handle can reduce the vibration or sting that comes from not hitting the ball in the correct area of the bat ("sweet spot"). Make sure the handle's diameter and materials conform to your team's requirements. Consult your coach about the right type of bat to buy. Different bat compositions and materials have different uses and advantages. It's important to know what kind of bat is appropriate for the game the girl will be playing. Buy a wood bat for practice, tournaments, or professional games. Wood bats are generally heavier than other types on the market. They may be most appropriate for slowpitch softball and for professional games and tournaments. Some leagues mandate the use of wood bats for safety reasons, since balls hit with wood bats are less likely to attain speeds that can result in serious injury to defensive players and pitchers. Choose an alloy bat for lightness, durability, and affordability. Alloy bats (made from aluminum or other types of metal) are light and relatively inexpensive. They also have the advantage of being ready to use right away – i.e., they do not have to be broken in. They also tend to last longer than other types of bats. However, they have a smaller “sweet spot” than other types of bats, meaning that there is a more restricted area of the barrel for creating a good hit. Choose a composite or hybrid bat for good balance and high performance. Composite bats are made out of a synthetic, fibrous material. These bats tend to be more well-balanced than other types, and are better at absorbing vibrations from hits. However, they tend to be more expensive than alloy bats, and have to be broken in. Hybrid bats combine features of alloy and composite bats. A hybrid bat offers the comfort of a shock-absorbing composite handle along with the lower cost of an alloy barrel. Be aware of the potential safety risks to other team members posed by composite bats. The higher ball speeds achieved by composite bats have the potential to cause serious injury to pitchers and defensive players. Decide between a one-piece or a two-piece bat. As the names suggest, one-piece bats are made of a single piece of material, while two-piece bats consist of a separate barrel and handle, sometimes made from two different materials, that have been assembled together. Once piece bats tend to be stiffer and better balanced, while two-piece bats are more flexible and better at absorbing shocks and vibrations. You should choose based on the girl's playing style and personal preference. Have the girl test out both types of bat on the field before making a purchase. She may be able to borrow bats from other team members in order to test them out and see which type she likes best. Keep your budget in mind. The price of bats varies depending on materials, method of composition, and a variety of other factors. While you may be able to get a high-quality composite bat for around $100, softball bats may cost as much as $400. Have an idea of how much you are able to spend before you decide to purchase a bat, and speak to store employees about your price expectations.
Determine whether you need a fastpitch or slowpitch bat. Find out if your team has special size or material requirements. Find out about any other requirements or regulations. Consult a softball bat size chart. Determine bat length range by using the girl's age. Narrow down the bat length based on the girl’s height and weight. Check the bat length by measuring it against the girl’s body. Determine the appropriate bat drop based on the girl’s age range. Determine the correct bat weight based on the girl’s personal preference. Choose the handle diameter according to the girl's preference. Consult your coach about the right type of bat to buy. Buy a wood bat for practice, tournaments, or professional games. Choose an alloy bat for lightness, durability, and affordability. Choose a composite or hybrid bat for good balance and high performance. Decide between a one-piece or a two-piece bat. Keep your budget in mind.
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-No-Politely-To-a-Man-Who-Asks-You-Out
How to Say No Politely To a Man Who Asks You Out
It can be awkward to say no to a man who asks you out, but you can do so politely by being direct with him. While it may be tempting to make excuses like, “I'm not ready to date right now” or “I'm seeing someone else,” this may just encourage him to continue pursuing you. Instead, say something straight-forward like, “You seem like a nice guy, but I just don't like you that way. I appreciate that you thought to ask me.” That way, he gets the message loud and clear. If he asks you out over text, respond right away, since you may make the situation worse by not saying anything.
Listen to what he has to say. Especially if the man who is asking you out is an acquaintance or a friend, you don't want to interrupt him while he's speaking to you. Even if you know that he's going to ask you out, and you want to say no, you don't want to cut him off. Cutting him off while he's talking makes you appear overly eager to reject him and rude. Keep a respectful distance from him, and smile slightly. Don't move closer to him, or give him any body language indication that you might be interested. Just say no. The worst thing you can do when you're politely rejecting someone is to string him along. It might hard for him to hear “no” at first, but it will be much nicer in the long run. Don't make excuses. You don't need to lie. Unless it's true, don't tell him that you're in a relationship. Don't give him a line like, “I just got out of a relationship, and I'm not ready to date.” Even if this is true, it might give him false hope that you'll change your mind, and that's not fair to him. Be straight forward, and polite. Say something like, “You seem like a nice guy, but I just don't like you that way. I appreciate that you thought to ask me.” This makes your stance clear but still seems slightly softer than a blatant no. Keep it short. You don't need to give a long-winded rejection just to seem nice. Tell him if you want to be friends. If you genuinely would like to be friends with a guy who asks you out, let him know. This will soften your rejection, and let him know that you value him company, even if you're not interested in him romantically. If you don't actually want to be friends with him, don't say you want to be friends. Simply tell him you're not interested and that you hope he has a nice day, and walk away. If you do tell him you want to be friends, make sure he knows that your feelings about the situation aren't going to change. You don't want to give him any false hope. Say something like, “Sorry, I'm not interested in you in a romantic way, but I know someone else will be. I like talking with you, and I'd love to be friends.” Keep your tone polite. When you have to say no to someone in person, it does matter how you say it. This will affect how the man takes your answer. Don't come across as defensive. You have every right to choose who you date. Being defensive can make you sound more aggressive or disgusted than you mean to sound. Speak with the tone of an apology. You want to sound open and apologetic, even while still being firm in your answer. Try to make eye contact with him at least once when you are speaking. Respond in a timely manner. If someone that you're not interested in asks you out over a text message, email, or instant messaging, it can be tempting to put off responding to him. Also, don't give him the silent treatment, and hope he gets the point. The polite way to handle the situation is to give him a response. Even though you want to respond in a timely manner, within the day that he sends the message, take a little time to think about what you want to Use “I” statements. When you reject someone, using “I” statements can help keep the rejection about you, so the guy you're speaking with doesn't feel insulted or put down. For example, instead of telling him, “Sorry, you aren't really my type,” say something more like, “I'm really sorry. I just don't see you in a romantic way.” Or say: “I've really enjoyed getting to know you, but I don't see this developing into anything further for me.” Use proper text etiquette. If you are too informal when you're telling the man who asked you out that you're not interested, you can come across as rude. Even if you normally text or type in a manner that is very casual, try to be a bit more formal in your rejection. Use complete sentences and words. Instead of typing, “No thx. I'm just not really interested in u like that,” Say, “Thanks for asking, but I just don't see you that way.” Add something polite after your rejection. This can help you end the conversation and also soften the blow. Write something like, “Sorry. Wish you the best, John!” Stay honest. Often, it is easier to lie over text than it is to lie in person. It can be tempting to come up with excuses to let yourself off the hook, but in the long run, it is always better to lead with the truth. Don't leave your answer open-ended. Make sure that he won't think you might be interested in the future. Make your answer final. Even if you do want to be friends, make sure you say, “I don't see myself having romantic feelings for you, but I'd love to be friends!” instead of “Do you mind if we just stay friends right now?” Even though you want to be final and firm when you send your message, also try to find something positive to say. For example, say, “I appreciate that you asked me because I've enjoyed talking to you, but I just don't have romantic feelings for you.” Speak in a friendly way and be straightforward. It is often more difficult to reject someone after a date than it is to reject someone you've never gone out with. Sometimes, however, it takes a date to figure out that you really aren't interested. Say something like, “I'm sorry. I just didn't really feel a connection on our date. Hope you find someone great!” If you aren't attracted to him but want to be friends say, “I had a lot of fun with you, but I didn't really feel a romantic connection. Would you like to be friends with me?” Asking him if he wants to be friends is straightforward and lets him know that even though you don't want to date, you still appreciate interactions with him. Tell him sooner rather than later. Once you know that you're not into a guy, you should let him know. The longer you wait to tell him you don't want to go out again, the more difficult it will become. If you've only been out on a date or two, it's fine to tell him you're not interested in a text message. That way, you can craft a tactful message, and he doesn't have to feel embarrassed in person. However, if you know you're not interested at the end of your first date, go ahead and let him know. Before you part ways, say something like, “Hey. Just so you know I don't think there's really anything here for me, but I'm glad we got the chance to go out.” This will save you from agonizing over when to tell him. Keep your distance. Once you've told him that you're no longer interested, don't keep talking to him. Even if you both want to be friends, it can be good to have a little distance at first. If he continually texts you after you've rejected him, it's okay to ignore the messages. If you do talk to him, be careful to avoid flirting or confusing him.
Listen to what he has to say. Just say no. Tell him if you want to be friends. Keep your tone polite. Respond in a timely manner. Use “I” statements. Use proper text etiquette. Stay honest. Speak in a friendly way and be straightforward. Tell him sooner rather than later. Keep your distance.
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Storm-Door
How to Install a Storm Door
To install a storm door, start by drilling the drip cap onto the top of the storm door frame, which will prevent water from dripping behind the storm door. Then, install the hinge-side z-bar by drilling the hinges of the z-bar onto the storm door's frame. Next, cut the hinge-side z-bar to length and fit the storm door to the opening. Once the storm door is attached to the opening, measure and cut the latch-side z-bar and attach it to the latch side of the storm door.
Decide what type of storm door you want to install. The first step in installing a storm door is deciding what kind of storm door you want. This comes down to your personal preferences and functionality requirements. Do you want the storm door for additional security? For ventilation or energy efficiency? Or do you simply want to create a certain look? You can purchase storm doors made from metal, wood or vinyl/plastic, depending on the look you're trying to achieve. Decide whether you want a full view, ventilating or rollscreen storm door. Full view has a single pane of glass or a screen, ventilating has two glass panels which slide up or down to expose a screen, and rollscreen has a roll-up screen on a tensioned dowel which gives you the benefit of both full view and ventilating. You will also need to consider your budget. Standard-sized storm doors can cost anywhere from $100-$300 (vinyl or plastic doors tend to be cheaper than hardwood or metal) while custom doors can cost as much as $500. Get measurements for your storm door. Before you purchase a storm door, you will need to measure the height and width of your current door opening. This will allow you to choose the right sized storm door from a range of standard sizes, or if your door opening has unusually tall or wide openings, you can use your measurements to order a custom storm door. To get your measurements, measure the width of the door opening from inside trim to inside trim, and measure the height of the door opening from the threshold to the underside of the header. Do this in three separate spots for both the width and height and take note of the smallest measurement for each, as this is the one you will be using. For more detailed instructions on how to measure for a storm door, see this article. Gather your tools and materials. Once you have purchased an appropriate storm door and are ready to install, it's time to gather your tools and materials. You will need: Materials: Storm door unit, #8 x 1" screws. Tools: Power drill, hammer, hacksaw, level, screwdriver, sawhorses, spirit level, measuring tape. Open up the box containing the storm door unit and find the instruction manual. Cross-reference the list of parts on the instructions with the contents of the box to ensure nothing is missing. As storm door installation varies slightly depending on make and model, check the instructions to see if any additional tools or materials are required. Determine the hinge side of the storm door. Before you begin, you will need to determine which side of the storm door is the hinge side. Most storm doors will hinge on the same side as the entry door, however in some cases, you will need to hinge the door on the opposite side. This may be necessary if there is an obstruction which would prevent the storm door from swinging open on one side, such as a mailbox or porch pillar. Use a piece of duct tape to mark the hinge side of the storm door. This will save you some confusion later on. Install the drip cap. The drip cap (also known as a rain cap) is the top part of the storm door frame. One side is lined with fuzzy fabric strip which prevents water from leaking in behind the storm door. Center the drip cap along the top of the door opening, pressing it tightly against the brick mold. Use a pencil to mark where the screws will go, then set the drip cap down and use your power drill to pre-drill the holes. Reposition the drip cap, then insert a single screw on the hinge side of the door. Leave the other holes un-screwed for now -- you can secure the drip cap fully once the storm door is installed. Note: The manufacturers of some storm door models only recommend installing the drip cap after the storm door is in place. If this is the case, you should hold off on installing the drip cap for now -- always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the hinge-side z-bar to the door frame. The hinge-side z-bar is an aluminum component which attaches to the hinge-side of the storm door. To attach it, lay the door frame on its side, with the hinge-side facing up. Take the hinge-side z-bar and line it up along the side of the door. Allow ⁄ 8 inch (0.3 cm) of the z-bar to extend above the top of the door -- this ensures that the top of the door clears the drip cap upon closing. Use your drill to screw the hinges of the z-bar into the frame of the storm door. Cut the hinge-side z-bar to length. Once attached, the hinge-side z-bar will usually extend beyond the bottom of the door frame. This excess will need to be removed to ensure that the door frame fits into the opening. Take your measuring tape and measure the height of the door opening from the threshold to the bottom of the drip cap. Use this measurement to mark the appropriate point on the hinge-side z-bar with a pencil, then use your hacksaw to cut the bar to length. Fit the storm door to the opening. Pick up the storm door and set in into the door opening, making sure that the top of the hinge-side z-bar is flush with the drip cap. If you like, you can use a spirit level to make sure the door is plumb. Use your drill to secure the top-most hinge with a screw. Ensure that the door is sitting squarely in the opening, then open and close it a couple of times to make sure it swings freely. Once you are happy with the door's position, secure the remaining hinges using the drill and screws. Measure and cut the latch-side z-bar. Take the latch-side z-bar and hold it up against the latch-side brick mold. If the fuzzy-looking weather stripping is facing the exterior, the z-bar is right-side up. If it's facing the interior, the z-bar is upside down and you will need to flip it around. Use a piece of duct tape to mark the top end of the bar. Set the z-bar aside for a moment and use your tape to measure the length of the door opening from the threshold to the underside of the drip cap. Use this measurement to mark and cut the bottom of the z-bar to size using a hacksaw. Attach the latch-side z-bar. Press the latch-side z-bar against the latch-side of the door opening, making sure the top of the bar is pushed against the underside of the drip cap. Close the storm door and use your measuring tape to ensure that you have a consistent 3/16" gap between the latch-side z-bar and the storm door. Keeping the door closed, drill a pilot hole in the top of the latch-side z-bar and secure with a screw. Repeat at the bottom and in the middle of the z-bar. At this point you can also finish securing the drip cap. Attach the handle set. How you attach the handle to your storm door will vary according to the type of handle provided by the manufacturer. As a result, you will need to refer to the manufacturer's guide for specific instructions on how to install it. On a more general note, make sure that the handle of the storm door will not hit against the handle of the entry door when the door is closed. If it does, you will need to reposition the handle. Install the expander sweep. The expander sweep is used to close up the gap between the threshold and the bottom of the storm door. If it's not already attached, slide the black strip of rubber (weather stripping) onto the track, then cut off any excess. Use your pliers to pinch the ends into place. Slide the expander sweep onto the bottom of the storm door, then get inside and close the door behind you. Adjust the sweep until it closes as much of the gap beneath the door as possible --this will provide a tighter seal, keeping rainwater out. Pre-drill two holes, then secure the expander sweep with a screw on either side. Install the closing mechanism. Attach the closer mechanism to the inside of the storm door, following the manufacturer's instructions. Some storm door kits will provide two closer mechanisms -- one for the bottom and one for the top of the door. To adjust the speed of the closing mechanism, you can loosen or tighten a specific screw at the top of the closers. Test the speed by opening the door and allowing it to close on its own. Attach the striker plate. The last step is to install the striker plate. A good tip for getting the alignment just right is to open the storm door and twist the lock. Now carefully close the door until the protruding lock hits the frame. Use a pencil to mark the points where the top and bottom of the lock hit the frame. Open the door, and use your pencil to extend these pencil marks into straight, horizontal lines which wrap around the frame. Take your striker plate and use these pencil lines to position it correctly. Secure the striker plate in place with a number of screws, then close the storm door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Decide what type of storm door you want to install. Get measurements for your storm door. Gather your tools and materials. Determine the hinge side of the storm door. Install the drip cap. Attach the hinge-side z-bar to the door frame. Cut the hinge-side z-bar to length. Fit the storm door to the opening. Measure and cut the latch-side z-bar. Attach the latch-side z-bar. Attach the handle set. Install the expander sweep. Install the closing mechanism. Attach the striker plate.
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Laundry-Wrinkles
How to Reduce Laundry Wrinkles
To reduce laundry wrinkles, wash your laundry in smaller loads, since clothes will get less wrinkled if they're able to move about in the washer. You should also wash your clothes in warm, 60-degree water, as this will help smooth out wrinkles during the wash. Additionally, you can pour a cup of white vinegar into the washer before starting the cycle to reduce wrinkles. Then, select the gentle or delicate wash setting, since clothes can get wrinkled if they're tossed about too much by a heavy wash. Once the wash is finished, remove your clothes and untangle each item.
Put in a smaller load of clothes. Your clothes need room to move around. Stuffing too many clothes into the washer is bad for your clothes for a few reasons. If your clothes don't have room to move around, they are more likely to come out crumpled and wrinkled. Make sure to separate colors from whites and separate fabric types to reduce the size of your laundry load. They are also more likely to come out less clean than desired. Select a steam cycle on your washing machine. This cycle is best for preventing wrinkles in your clothing. The steam cycle provides a deeper clean and can smooth out wrinkles and creases. Not every washer, however, has a steam cycle. You can create something like a steam cycle during the drying process. Clothes can shrink during this cycle. Make sure you don't put in fabric that is likely to shrink during a steam wash. Wash your clothes in warmer water. It is best to wash your clothes in water that is 60 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Laundry detergents are typically formulated to work in water that is 60 degrees or warmer. Water that is colder than that can decrease stain removal, and increase pilling and wrinkling. Wash your clothes in warm water to reduce and remove wrinkles. Wash your clothes in cold water if the instructions specify to do so. Put a cup of vinegar into your washing machine. Use one cup of white, distilled vinegar into your washing machine to reduce wrinkles. Pour the cup directly into the laundry before staring the washing cycle. Before doing this, you should read your washing machine's instruction manual to see if anything is said about the use of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can also be used. Add fabric softener into the laundry load. Fabric softeners make your clothes softer, smell better, and they help reduce wrinkles. Add the specified amount of fabric softener to your load before you start the washer. Fabric softeners can be bought at most super markets. If you don't want to add too many different products to your laundry, you can buy a detergent that has fabric softener in it. You can also make your own fabric softener out of ingredients like, essential oils, vinegar, salt, and hair conditioner. Use the mildest washing setting. A heavy washing cycle can be too tough on clothes, especially cotton and delicate fabrics. Clothes that have been tossed around in the washer too much can can come out wrinkled and tangles. Instead, opt for the gentle cycle, or a cycle that is specifically for cottons or delicates. Separate your denims and heavier fabrics from your lighter fabrics. Wash your lighter fabrics on a gentler cycle. Untangle the clothes. Tangled and crumpled clothing can lead to wrinkles. First, remove the clothes from the washing machine. Then, untangle each piece of clothing. It doesn't have to be smoothed out yet. Each piece of clothing should be able to lie flat. Shake each piece of clothing. The untangled article of clothing may have some wrinkles and creases. Hold each piece of clothing from the shoulders and shake it out. Shake it until the piece of clothing appears smoother than it did before. Fluff the clothes. The clothing may still be wet, so wring out any excess water. After you shake and wring out the article of clothing, fluff it using your hands. Then, you can put the clothing into the dryer. You can fluff your clothing by holding the shoulders of the article or clothing and shaking it a few times in an up and down motion. Dry a small load of clothes. If you use a dryer, make sure not to load the dryer with too many clothes. Clothes need their space in the dryer. Stuffing in too many clothes can wrinkle and tangle them. You should wash a small load of laundry beforehand, but if the load was large, divide the load into two drying sessions. Many dryers, especially newer models, have a wrinkle-free and permanent press setting made specifically to reduce wrinkles. Choose one of those settings when drying if it is available to you. Hang the clothes that are waiting to go in for the second load of drying. Iron while the clothes are still damp. This step should be done with clothes that were put on a line or hung up to dry. Check the clothes when they have been drying for a while. Take them down when they are still damp. Ironing them while they are still damp will make your clothes appear nicely pressed. Fold your clothes as soon as they are done drying. Throwing your clothes into a pile after drying can lead to wrinkling. Fold each piece of clothing as soon as you remove them from the dryer. Put them away into their usual places to avoid the pile of folded clothing being knocked over and undone. Put the item back in the dryer with a damp washcloth. If the article of clothing is not quite as smooth as you'd hoped, throw it back into the dryer with a damp washcloth. Doing this creates a steam cycle that many models of dryers do not have. Use the steam setting on the dryer if it is available to you. Do not put clothes in the dryer that aren't meant to be dried. Spritz your clothes with water. If you can't or don't have time to put the clothing into the dryer, spritz the clothes with water. Spritz the clothing lightly with a water bottle. Then, smooth it out with your hands until the wrinkles are gone. You can also purchase wrinkle reducing sprays to use on your clothing instead of water. You can buy wrinkle releasing sprays from big brands, like Downy, or make your own from a cup of distilled water and a cup of vinegar.
Put in a smaller load of clothes. Select a steam cycle on your washing machine. Wash your clothes in warmer water. Put a cup of vinegar into your washing machine. Add fabric softener into the laundry load. Use the mildest washing setting. Untangle the clothes. Shake each piece of clothing. Fluff the clothes. Dry a small load of clothes. Iron while the clothes are still damp. Fold your clothes as soon as they are done drying. Put the item back in the dryer with a damp washcloth. Spritz your clothes with water.
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-Express-Entry-in-Canada
How to Apply for Express Entry in Canada
If you're planning to immigrate to Canada, the Express Entry tool can help you gain permanent residency in just a few months. To meet the criteria for Express Entry, you'll need to take an English and French language skills test and score above a certain threshold. While a job offer in Canada isn't required, it can increase your chances of getting through the screening process. Having completed a post-secondary education can also increase your chances of gaining permanent residency. You'll also need to collect all of the necessary documents, like proof of residency and work experience from the past 10 years or since the age of 18. When you're ready to apply for residency, visit the Government of Canada website to log in or create a profile. Then, select “Express Entry” and follow the guidelines to help you create and submit your online profile. After you finish your profile, wait to see if you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency, at which point you'll have 60 days to upload all of your documentation.
Take a CELPIP, IELTS or TEF language test within 2 years of your application. The CELPIP-General test or the IELTS tests will determine your English language skills, while the TEF tests your French language proficiency. Be sure to prepare for the tests in advance by taking free practice tests online. You must score above a certain threshold on each category of the test to receive points for your language skills. For a full breakdown of the score requirements see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements/language-testing.html Check that your language test results are valid for at least 12 months after you apply for Express Entry. The results are valid for up to two years, at which point you'll have to retake the tests. If you have a physical or mental disability, you can use the Comprehensive Ranking System Language calculator tool to find your average score based on the sections you were able to complete. Apply for a job in Canada. Although having a job offer in Canada is not required, coming into the application process with a written job offer from a Canadian employer will greatly increase your chances of making it through the screening process and will help to increase your CRS score later on. Start the process of applying for a job in Canada a few months before you apply for Express Entry to make sure you have enough time to complete the interview process. Use Canada's job classification system to find your skill type. Both the screening and the official Express Entry profile questions will ask about your work experience and any future job that you intend to take in Canada. Search through Canada's official job classification system on the Government of Canada website to determine the codes for your work experience. The screening might ask about particular job categories that the government is looking to fill. Look to the table of NOC information to find your job title, code, and skill type. Navigate to the Come to Canada online tool to check your eligibility. Open the 'Express Entry immigration' page on the Government of Canada website and click the “Check your eligibility” button to begin the screening test. Answer each question as best you can. The entire test should take only about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to complete the entire eligibility check. If you meet all of the basic criteria, you should reach a page at the end telling you that you are eligible to apply using Express Entry. This page should also display a unique personal reference code which you'll use to apply. If you are not eligible, double check that you have completed one of the required language tests within the last 2 years, and have achieved high enough scores on those tests. Record your personal reference code from the top of the eligibility page. If you pass the screening you will arrive at a page that confirms your eligibility to apply to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, and provides you with a personal reference code and additional steps. Write down the your reference code on paper, and copy or print the confirmation page to ensure you have a record of your completion of this first step in the process. You will use your reference code to create an Express Entry profile later on. Gather proof of residency from the last 10 years or since the age of 18. Although you won't need to upload these documents unless you are invited to apply for permanent residency, you will need to list the information from these documents on your Express Entry profile. The more detailed the information, the better. Remember that you'll have to match this information to what you input on your application for permanent residency if you are invited to apply. Collect proof of work experience from the last 10 years or since the age of 18. You will use information from these documents to fill out your online profile. Try to find a document, like an offer letter or contract, that states the date that you began work at each job. As well as having a record of your official work experience, think about the skills you use at your job everyday. Sometimes your job title doesn't describe everything that you do, so try to think of relevant skills to list on your profile. Record your passport information. Have your passport or a copy of your passport or other travel documentation at hand for when you fill out your online profile. You will need this later, too, if your application for permanent residency is accepted and you are able to immigrate to Canada. Always keep your passport in a safe place. If it gets lost or stolen, be sure to apply for a replacement passport immediately. Request a copy of your written job offer from your hiring manager. Having a job offer lined up in Canada before you apply will make a big difference in your CRS score. You will want to include the information from the offer on your profile, and you'll need to upload the offer letter if you are later invited to apply for permanent residency. Most job offers are sent and signed electronically now, so save a pdf file of the offer letter. Get an educational credential assessment for your post-secondary education outside of Canada. Verifying your education can improve the score assigned to your Express Entry profile, which determines if you are invited to apply for permanent residency or not. Be sure to have any post secondary education that you have completed officially assessed by an approved organization to have it count towards your CRS score. For a list of approved organizations to assess your education, check the 'Documents for Express Entry' page on the Government of Canada website. Note that different organizations will charge different rates. Pay attention to both the cost and the expected processing time for each organization to ensure you get the proper documents in time to create your Express Entry profile. Include your spouse's language test scores if you are married. Although it may be beneficial to apply as an individual, if you are including your spouse in your application, be sure to list their language test scores and academic credentials if they have any. This can help to improve your own CRS score. Consider having your spouse apply as the primary candidate instead of you. Assess both of your credentials and try to estimate which partner would receive the higher CRS score. Apply for a provincial nomination. Each province or territory will have its own requirements for provincial nominee applicants. Contact the local government in the province you wish to be nominated by to begin the application process. Getting a sponsorship will earn you 600 additional points, with the maximum CRS score reaching 1200 points. You can only apply for a provincial nomination in the province or territory where you intend to live. Along with meeting the requirements for the specific provincial nomination that you apply for, you will also have to qualify for one of the federal immigration programs that Express Entry supports. Earn a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree. Although it can be costly and time consuming, the more education you receive, the more points you'll earn through the CRS. Consider going to school in Canada to familiarize yourself with the country and to avoid the need to get an education credential assessment. Although having any level of education is useful, more advanced degrees will earn you more points. Some colleges allow students to begin earning a Masters degree at the same time as they pursue their Bachelors degree. Plan ahead by applying for this program early if your school offers it. Increase your job experience. The more time you spend at one job, the more points you will earn. Focus on getting promoted to an advanced position at your current job to further boost your CRS score. Consider getting a job in Canada to increase your score by even more points. Remember to record any job or career changes on your Express Entry profile. Become fluent in both French and English. If you can learn both French and English, you should take a second language test to earn you a higher CRS score. Remember that you have to reach a certain threshold for your test scores to count towards your overall profile score. If you can, plan ahead by studying French or English in school to become fluent by the time you hope to apply for Express Entry. Create your Express Entry profile using your personal reference code. Visit the 'create an account' page under the immigration section of the Government of Canada website to login or create a profile. Begin by creating an electronic key that you can use to sign into your account. Select “Express Entry” once you have logged into your account, at which point you will be prompted to enter your personal reference code from the screening. Follow the guided steps to help you create and submit your online profile. Receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. If your CRS score is high enough, you'll be notified that you have received an invitation to apply to become a permanent resident of Canada. Note that the score cut-off depends on the distribution of scores in your applicant pool, but is generally in the mid-400s. If you do receive an invitation to apply but choose not to accept it, you will still be considered in future rounds of Express Entry applicants unless you withdraw your profile. Your invitation will tell you which specific program you've been invited to apply for, and what the specific criteria are for that program. If you don't receive an invitation to apply within 12 months, your Express Entry profile will automatically expire at which point you can create and submit a new one. Upload documentation within 60 days of your invitation to apply. Check your email for a message explaining the next steps in the permanent resident application process. You'll need to upload the documents you used to fill out your Express Entry profile to verify that all your information is correct. If your application is accepted you'll need to move to Canada, complete an in-person interview, turn in a few extra forms, and get settled in! Read through any instructions that are sent to you via email to find the specific forms you will need to bring with you. Typically, you will need your passport, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and resident visa if you have one, and proof of funds to ensure that you can support yourself once you immigrate. You'll need to talk with an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency to confirm that all of your documents are correct and up to date. The officer will also conduct a final in person interview before you're ready to immigrate.
Take a CELPIP, IELTS or TEF language test within 2 years of your application. Apply for a job in Canada. Use Canada's job classification system to find your skill type. Navigate to the Come to Canada online tool to check your eligibility. Record your personal reference code from the top of the eligibility page. Gather proof of residency from the last 10 years or since the age of 18. Collect proof of work experience from the last 10 years or since the age of 18. Record your passport information. Request a copy of your written job offer from your hiring manager. Get an educational credential assessment for your post-secondary education outside of Canada. Include your spouse's language test scores if you are married. Apply for a provincial nomination. Earn a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree. Increase your job experience. Become fluent in both French and English. Create your Express Entry profile using your personal reference code. Receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Upload documentation within 60 days of your invitation to apply.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chicken-Pizza
How to Make Chicken Pizza
To make barbeque chicken pizza, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, then roll out some pizza dough into a flat circle. Next, brush your chicken with barbeque sauce and a bit of olive oil before baking it for 20 minutes. Once the chicken has cooled, add barbeque sauce to the dough before adding the cooked chicken, smoked gouda, mozzarella, and a sliced red onion. Finally, bake the pizza for 20 to 25 minutes, and add fresh cilantro as a garnish as it cools!
Preheat the oven and place a pizza stone on the top rack. Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and allow it to preheat for at least half an hour. Make sure the oven racks are positioned in the upper third and middle of the oven, and set a pizza stone on the top rack. If you don't have a pizza stone, use an inverted, round baking sheet instead and place it on the top rack. Roll the dough into a circle. Take your prepared pizza dough, and place it on a piece of parchment paper that's been brushed with olive oil. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 10-inch (25-cm) round, using your hands to stretch if necessary, and set aside. Once you've shaped the dough, you may want to brush the top of it with olive oil to add some flavor to it. Mix some of the barbecue sauce with some olive oil, and brush the chicken. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons (44 ml) of barbecue sauce with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil. Use a pastry brush to brush the mixture onto 1 8-ounce (240 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast and place in a baking dish. Before applying the barbecue sauce, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. If you're short on time, you can use an already-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.Shred or chop the chicken and toss it with the barbecue sauce mixture instead. Bake the chicken and cut into cubes when cool. Place the chicken in the oven on the middle rack. Allow it to bake until cooked through, which should take approximately 20 minutes. Let the chicken cool for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it's comfortable enough to handle, and then cut into ½-inch (1.27 cm) cubes. Don't turn the oven off after the chicken is done baking. You want to make sure that the pizza stone remains heated when it's time to put the pizza on it. Spread the rest of the barbecue sauce on the dough, and add the chicken, cheeses, and red onion. Cover the pizza dough with the remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) of barbecue sauce, making sure to leave a ¾-inch (1.9 cm) border around the edges. Layer the cooked chicken, ⅔ cup (67 g) of grated smoked gouda cheese, ⅔ cup (67 g) of grated mozzarella cheese, and ½ of a small red onion that's been thinly sliced over the sauce. Feel free to add whatever other toppings you might like to your pizza. Consider chopped red peppers or caramelized onions. Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake until the cheese melts. When you're finished preparing the pizza, use a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet to carefully slide it onto to pizza stone. Allow the pizza to bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden. The pizza stone will be extremely hot when you slide the pizza onto it, so take care not to burn yourself. When the pizza is finished baking and still hot, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top for garnish. Unroll the pizza dough onto a baking sheet and bake briefly. Take the pizza dough out of the tube, and unroll it onto a 15x10x1-inch (38x25x2.5-cm) baking pan that's been lightly greased with olive oil or cooking spray. Place it in the oven and allow it to bake for 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). When you roll the dough onto the baking sheet, use your fingers to flatten it out and build up the edges slightly to form a crust. Apply some of the Buffalo wing sauce and the cheeses over the crust. When the dough is out of the oven, spread 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the Buffalo wing sauce over it. Combine 1 ½ cups (150 g) of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 ½ cups (150 g) of shredded mozzarella cheese in a medium size bowl, and sprinkle ⅓ of the mixture over the crust. Set aside. Cook the chicken, garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder in a skillet. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium high heat. Add 2 pounds (960 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that's been cut into cubes, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic salt, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) pepper, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) chili powder. Allow the chicken to cook until it is no longer pink, which should take approximately 8 minutes. You can add any seasonings that you like and think will complement the wing sauce to the chicken. Cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes are some options to consider. Add the wing sauce to the skillet and cook for several minutes. When the chicken is cooked, mix the remaining Buffalo wing sauce into the skillet. Lower the heat to medium, and allow the chicken and sauce to cook for another 5 minutes. Make sure to stir the chicken and sauce to ensure that the mixture cooks evenly. Top the pizza with the chicken mixture, oregano, and remaining cheese. After the chicken and sauce have cooked, spread the chicken mixture over the previous cheese layer. Next, sprinkle the rest of the cheese and ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of dried oregano over the top. Bake the pizza until the cheese melts and the crust browns. Place the baking sheet with the pizza on it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for approximately 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust becomes a golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. To mimic the way Buffalo chicken wings are served, add a side of blue cheese dressing and some celery sticks to the pizza when you bring it to the table. Preheat the oven. To ensure that the oven is hot enough when the pizza is ready, it's important to preheat the oven. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), and allow it to fully heat. Make sure that you know how your oven indicates that it's preheated. It may beep or flash an indicator light to alert you. Spread ⅓ cup (80 ml) of the dressing over the pizza crust. Take ⅓ cup (80 ml) of the ranch dressing, and spread it over the pizza crust. Make sure not to spread it all the way to the edge of the crust, though. Leave a ¾-inch (1.9 cm) border around the edges. You can use store bought ranch dressing or make your own if you prefer. Mix the chicken and the rest of the ranch dressing. In a medium size bowl, combine 2 cups (300 g) of cooked chicken that's been torn or cut into bite-sized pieces with the remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) of ranch dressing. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is well coated with the dressing You can grill or saute chicken breasts specifically for the pizza, use leftover chicken, or purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Spread the chicken mixture over the crust, and top with bacon, onion, and cheese. When the chicken and ranch dressing are well mixed, spread it over the prepared pizza crust. Next, sprinkle 2 cups (200 g) of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (100 g) of shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup (40 g) of sliced green onion over the pizza. You can omit the onion or add extra toppings, such as diced tomatoes, if you prefer. Bake the pizza until the crust browns and the cheese melts. Place the baking sheet with the pizza on it in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for approximately 14 minutes or until the cheese melts and the crust is golden brown.
Preheat the oven and place a pizza stone on the top rack. Roll the dough into a circle. Mix some of the barbecue sauce with some olive oil, and brush the chicken. Bake the chicken and cut into cubes when cool. Spread the rest of the barbecue sauce on the dough, and add the chicken, cheeses, and red onion. Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake until the cheese melts. Unroll the pizza dough onto a baking sheet and bake briefly. Apply some of the Buffalo wing sauce and the cheeses over the crust. Cook the chicken, garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder in a skillet. Add the wing sauce to the skillet and cook for several minutes. Top the pizza with the chicken mixture, oregano, and remaining cheese. Bake the pizza until the cheese melts and the crust browns. Preheat the oven. Spread ⅓ cup (80 ml) of the dressing over the pizza crust. Mix the chicken and the rest of the ranch dressing. Spread the chicken mixture over the crust, and top with bacon, onion, and cheese. Bake the pizza until the crust browns and the cheese melts.
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Capricorn-Man
How to Date a Capricorn Man
To date a Capricorn man, invite him to a quiet, candlelit dinner or a scenic picnic, since Capricorns prefer calmer atmospheres over loud parties. Wear something classy and neutral-colored, which Capricorns prefer to vibrant, showy outfits. When you get talking, bring up some intellectual topics, like art, psychology, and philosophy, as they love to have deep conversations. In general, try to be honest and upfront about your feelings, since the last thing Capricorns want is mind games. If your relationship seems to be moving slowly, be patient, since Capricorns like to take their time and be sure before they fully commit themselves.
Attend some career-oriented functions. The first thing you should know about a Capricorn guy is that he is bound to be very driven. The best places to meet your perfect Capricorn guy include work functions, charity events, or career-boosting functions. Capricorn guys are dedicated to getting to the top of their industries, so putting on your game face and excelling at a career function is sure to help you capture your Capricorn's eye. Tone down your flashy fashion. Capricorn men are pretty reserved. Because of this, they tend to be attractive towards partners who dress in a sophisticated but more conservative manner. Breaking out your flashing stilettos and cut-out dress is probably not the best way to attract your man. Go for a classy look with a touch of femininity. Show off your intellect. Capricorn guys are attracted to intellect above anything else. Regardless of the gorgeous outfit you're wearing or your ridiculously gorgeous face, if you come across as ditzy or rather air-headed, your Capricorn may lose interest. Instead, show off your beautiful brain by engaging him in some stellar conversation. However, keep your cool and remain composed--don't guffaw if he makes a joke. Don't be afraid to show off that witty humor either--Capricorns can often have a humorous streak that runs on the sarcastic side. Gain his trust. Capricorns have a hard time opening up to others. Before he lets you in, he will have to know that he can trust you. Be honest and open with him but expect that it will take him a bit longer to share his inner workings with you. Your Capricorn guy will take his time, but with help from you--showing you are supportive, displaying ways you are trustworthy--he will eventually let you into his heart. Be cautious that you do not betray your Capricorn's trust, even if unintentionally. Once a Capricorn guy feels betrayed, he generally is very slow to let you back in--if he does at all. Don’t play mind games. One thing a Capricorn guy will not participate in is a relationship mind game. If you are into him, make it clear and then wait for him to meet you halfway. Do not try to make him jealous by parading another guy around in front of him, acting passive aggressively, or playing 'hard to get'. With a Capricorn guy, this will have the opposite of the desired effect--he will move on speedily and without a glance back. Invite him to a quiet evening in. The best way to get to know your Capricorn guy, and show him that you're the real deal, is by taking the first leap. Invite him over for dinner, on a picnic, or to do something else just the two of you. Inviting him to a big party will generally make him uneasy, while inviting him for dinner will most likely make him open up. This is also your time to shine--bring up topics that you are passionate about and allow him to relaxing into a stimulating conversation. Remain patient. Capricorn men are known to become friends with a woman before actually considering dating her. Because of this, your patience will probably be tried. While courting the Capricorn, don't rush him or push him into anything. He will come to his own conclusions as you spend more and more time with him. Keep his attention on you by showing him you support his endeavors. Attending a fundraiser he puts on, reading an article he has written, or giving him a sincere compliment will show him that you can be a supportive partner. Trust your man. Capricorn men are known to take their love lives--like their jobs--very seriously. As such, your Capricorn will probably not be the cheating type. Once he has fallen for you, he will work hard to keep your relationship going. Though it takes Capricorn guys a while to open up, once he has made his decision about you, know that you have a very devoted guy by your side. Know that he will spend some late nights at the office. Capricorn is known as the workaholic of the zodiac signs. He takes his job very seriously and will be working overtime on occasion. Be prepared for this and know that it is not a sign of him losing interest in your relationship. He really does just take his job seriously and wants to do the best work he can. Keep dramatics to a minimum. Capricorns seek stability--they want someone who is devoted and serious about the relationship. Hysterics or mind games will turn a Capricorn off a relationship. If he upsets you, tell him what he has done and why it upsets you. Your Capricorn wants to make you happy and when you tell him directly what you need or what you dislike, he will do everything in his power to make sure he does not upset you in that way again. Be supportive while also working on achieving your own goal. A Capricorn's idea of a perfect relationship is one that empowers both individuals. Support him in his endeavors just as he will support you in yours. Because he is bound to be driven, you should have your own independent goals and ideas that you are working on. The best relationship with a Capricorn man comes out of being both supportive and independent. Play up the passion in the bedroom. While a Capricorn man might be reserved in his day to day life, he can be a surprisingly passionate lover in the bedroom. Capricorns have an excellent attention to detail that also makes them great lovers. Meet his passion with your own. However, keep in mind that Capricorns are rather traditional - he will most likely not be into role playing, or other things on the kinkier side of the bedroom spectrum. Know that your Capricorn isn't a fan of big parties. This means throwing him a surprise birthday party is probably not the best idea. As you learned when trying to capture his attention, Capricorns only up to a select group of close friends and family. They take their time before letting others into their circle of trust. Because of this, a night out at his favorite bar with a group of his close friends, or a night at home spent with you, is more his speed than dancing at a crowded club or going to a party where he doesn't know many people. Your Capricorn guy will be really appreciative if you can take the lead in social settings that make him uncomfortable. Having an ability to be sociable is a great asset to a Capricorn. Buy him simplistic, practical gifts. Capricorn guys enjoy functional things that aren't particularly flashy. Rather than getting him that $2,000 watch with all those rhinestones, think along the lines of a Swiss Army knife or a grill for those backyard barbecues he loves so much. Keep the PDA to a minimum. PDA (public displays of affection) are not really the Capricorn's cup of tea. While holding hands is probably fine (he might even prefer holding hands because of his protective nature) making out in the middle of a busy street will probably make him feel a bit uneasy. Capricorns don't really like having their private lives become public knowledge, so you may want to think twice before grabbing him by the suit lapels and giving him a smooch in public. This also applies to gossiping about your Capricorns. These guys are really private. If word gets back to him that you have been exposing the secrets of your relationship to everyone who will listen, he might feel betrayed or lose trust in you. Only discuss your love life with the friends you know you can trust.
Attend some career-oriented functions. Tone down your flashy fashion. Show off your intellect. Gain his trust. Don’t play mind games. Invite him to a quiet evening in. Remain patient. Trust your man. Know that he will spend some late nights at the office. Keep dramatics to a minimum. Be supportive while also working on achieving your own goal. Play up the passion in the bedroom. Know that your Capricorn isn't a fan of big parties. Buy him simplistic, practical gifts. Keep the PDA to a minimum.
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Snaps
How to Play Snaps
To play the game Snaps, you need at least 2 players. One player is the snapper, and the other players are the receivers. If you're the snapper, choose the name of a famous person or character. Your job as the snapper is to spell out the name you choose using statements and snaps. For consonants, say a statement where the first letter of the first word is the same as the letter you're trying to spell out. For example, if the secret name you've chosen is George Washington and you're trying to spell out “G”, you could say “Get ready.” For vowels, snap your fingers. “A” is one snap, “E” is two snaps, “I” is three snaps, “O” is four snaps, and “U” is five snaps. So, for George Washington, after you spell out “G,” you would snap twice for “E,” then snap four times for “O.” If you're the receiver, your goal is to listen to the snapper's statements and snaps in order to figure out what letters they're spelling. Once you think you know the secret name they chose, guess out loud. Keep playing until the receivers guess the name or the snapper finishes spelling it out.
Know the basic rules of Snaps. The game of Snaps is a fairly simply concept that requires nothing other than at least two people, the ability to snap your fingers, and some creative thinking. The basic idea of Snaps is to spell out individual letters of a word using either a statement or a snap of your fingers. There are at least two players in Snaps. The snapper is the person who chooses a word and then snaps out the answer. The receiver is the person who listens to the snapper and guesses the word. For consonants, you'll say a sentence or statement in which the first word starts with the same letter that you are trying to spell out. For example, if you choose “George Washington,” your first letter is a “G.” You'll clue the receiver into the name by starting with a sentence like “Get ready.” This lets the receiver know that the first name of the person or the clue is “G.” For vowels, you snap your fingers- hence the name of the game. Each vowel corresponds to a specific number of snaps. "A" is one snap, "E" is two snaps, "I" is three snaps, "O" is four snaps, and "U" is five snaps. Thus, for the second letter of “George Washington,” you would give two clear snaps for an “E.” There is no cue for a space in between words. Choose the name of a person that you want the receiver to guess. Since the idea of Snaps is to guess the name of someone, choose one that everyone can easily guess, such as a politician or celebrity. For example, you can use “Hillary Clinton” or “Britney Spears.” Try to avoid difficult names or names that start with difficult letters. For example, the name Xavier would be difficult to use because of the “x.” There are no words with which you could put together a cue sentence. Decide if you want to give the receiver the exact name or the clue to the name. You don't necessarily have to give your receiver the person's exact name. To make it a bit more difficult, you can snap your receiver a clue to the person's name. For example, if you want the receiver to guess “George Washington” you could snap out the clue “first President.” For “Marlon Brando” you could use “the Godfather.” Figure out good consonant statements and a clear clue to the name, if necessary. Once you know the name that you want to play, figure out how to spell it properly first and then look at the consonants. If you've decided to use a clue instead of the direct name, you'll need to devise a clear clue for the receiver. For example, for the name “George Washington,” you'll need to have brief statements to clue your reader into each consonant in the name or in the clue. You could use “Read the newspaper” for “R.” If you decide to use “first President” as your clue, you could use “Party on” as your statement for the letter “P.” Clue your receiver about the word to be snapped. Before you start spelling out your letter with statements and snaps, clue your receiver about the nature of the word with a simple sentence. If you're using the direct name of a person, say "Snaps IS the name of the game." This lets your receiver know that you're spelling out the name of a person. If you're giving the receiver a clue about the person, such as “Rocky” for Sylvester Stallone or “the Godfather” for Marlon Brando, say "Snaps ISN'T the name of the game." This clues your receiver that you're spelling out a clue to the name. Give the first letter to the receiver. After you've clued in your receiver that you're giving her a name or a clue, give her the first letter of the word with either a statement or snaps. Most names will begin with a consonant, so you will likely begin with a statement. Thus, for “Sylvester Stallone,” you could start with the statement “Super duper” to let your receiver know the first letter is a “s.” Give the second letter. When the receiver has figured out the first letter, move on to the second letter of your name or clue. Only do this once they're ready to go and you've either figured out a next statement or vowel, depending on the second letter. Second letters are often vowels, so your next clue will probably be a series of snaps. For “Al Pacino” you will want to snap clearly once to indicate to your receiver that “a” is the next letter. Remember to snap clearly so that your receiver can hear each individual snap. Follow the same pattern for the rest of the letters. Use the same pattern of snaps and statements until you've finished spelling out either the name or the clue. If there are any parts that the receiver didn't get, go back and give the statements or snap series again. Guess the person’s name or clue. Have your receiver guess the person once you've finished spelling out the name or clue. If he doesn't get it, you can either help him or play another round of snaps to solve the name. If you decided to use a clue to a person's name, have your receiver guess the clue first and then the name. Pay attention to the snapper’s first line. Make sure to pay close attention to what the snapper says before he begins using snaps or statements. This will help you know if he is using a name or a clue about a name. If the snapper is using the direct name of a person, he will say "Snaps IS the name of the game." If the snapper says "Snaps ISN'T the name of the game," then you know that he is spelling out a clue about a person. Listen closely to the first statement or series of snaps. The snapper will either give you a clue or snap for the first letter of the name or clue. Make sure to pay close attention to this so you get the game off to a good start. For example, if the snapper chose “Benjamin Netanyahu” as the name, he would first say a statement like “Be prepared” to let you know that the first letter of the name or clue is “B.” If he chose the name Iggy Pop, on the other hand, he would first snap three times to let you know that the first letter is “I.” Follow this pattern until the snapper finishes the name or the clue. Listen to the snapper's statements and snaps until he says that he is finished so that you can successfully solve the name or clue. If it makes it easier to remember each letter, write them down on a piece of paper. Guess the name or the clue to the name. Once the snapper has finished spelling out the name or the clue, guess what it is. If you can't get it, either ask the snapper to clarify something or play another round of snaps to solve the name. If the snapper decided to use a clue to a person's name, guess the clue first and then the name.
Know the basic rules of Snaps. Choose the name of a person that you want the receiver to guess. Decide if you want to give the receiver the exact name or the clue to the name. Figure out good consonant statements and a clear clue to the name, if necessary. Clue your receiver about the word to be snapped. Give the first letter to the receiver. Give the second letter. Follow the same pattern for the rest of the letters. Guess the person’s name or clue. Pay attention to the snapper’s first line. Listen closely to the first statement or series of snaps. Follow this pattern until the snapper finishes the name or the clue. Guess the name or the clue to the name.
https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-200M-Dash
How to Run a 200M Dash
To run a 200 meter dash, explode out of your blocks the moment the starter gun goes off. Stay low for the first 10 meters as you accelerate. Then, as you near the 20 meter mark, bring your body upright as you build your speed. By 30 meters you should be running at maximum speed and breathing every 10-15 meters to avoid cramping. Finally, lean forward into your finish as many races are won by a fraction of a second.
Set your blocks. Find your assigned lane and use the length of your feet to gauge where to place the blocks. The tip of the unit should measure about a foot length from the starting line.The front pedal should be 2 to 2 1/4 foot lengths from the starting line. The back pedal should be 3 to 3 1/4 foot lengths from the line. Your lead foot is your stronger foot. Go with whichever foot you'd use to kick a soccer ball. Since the standard track lap is 400m, a 200m dash is half a lap, so you'll be starting on a curve. Runners set themselves on diagonally staggered start lines to compensate for the differences in distance between the first and last lanes. For beginners, or if you're just running a dash in gym class, it's not necessary to use starting blocks. However, if you plan on running sprints competitively, you should get used to using them. Do your ritual. Generally, the four commands are stand in your lanes, runners to your marks, set, and then the gun. Before hearing the signals to get set and go, you'll be told to get in your lane. Now's your chance to stretch, do your pre-race ritual, and get your mind set for a good race. Even the best get nervous just before the race, so now's the time to get those jitters out. Try bending over and touching your toes to stretch the back of your legs. Stretch your quads by lifting each leg backward from the knee while standing straight and reaching back to hold your foot. Shake out your arms and legs to get blood flowing. Breathe deeply, counting to four, holding for a four count, then exhaling as you count to four. You don't want to relax too much or make yourself sleepy, but should get your mind locked on the race itself as you fill your body with oxygen. Focus your vision by staring at the track, and get the crowd, other racers, and any other distractions out of your field of vision. Concentrate only on the race, and imagine how you'll burst from your starting blocks, speed down the track, and make a great time. Get in your first position. When you're told to get to your mark, get in your blocks, clear your mind, and prepare to listen for the gun. Comfortably put yourself in a crouching position with your back knee on the ground and your weight resting on your fingertips. Hold your fingertips just inside your starting line and position your body so your shoulders are directly above your hands. If you're using blocks, make sure your lead toe is off the ground and completely in the blocks. If you're not using starting blocks, you can still use a crouching start. Position your front toe so it's a foot length back from the starting line. Get yourself in the same coiled position with your fingers flanking the line. Listen for the set command. When you hear the set command, raise your hips and rear end. Put your body in a loaded position, ready to spring from the blocks. Your legs should be ready to fire as soon as you hear the gun, or go command. Keep your back and your waist aligned in a straight line in order to get the best take-off. Slowly inhale and fill your lung capacity during your set. Consider using a standing start. Although many meetings require blocks for dashes, you could skip the blocks and use a standing start if you're not racing competitively or if blocks are not required. Position your lead foot one length back from the starting line, and line up your rear foot's toes with your lead heel. Feet should be shoulder length apart, and you should be slightly crouched so your weight rests on the balls of your feet. Your knees should be slightly bent. When you hear the start command, swing the arm opposite your lead leg forward as you lift your rear foot. Propel yourself forward using your lead leg. Lean forward into long, powerful strides to accelerate into a sprint. Listen for the “B” of the “Bang. ” This runner's mantra warns against starting too late into the bang of the gun. Explode from the blocks as soon as you hear the bang. Reaction time is vital to any race, and is especially important to sprints, which are often decided by mere milliseconds. You might hear a second shot from the gun. This signals someone has false started, so runners must return to their starting spots. Breathe every 10 to 15 meters. Try to take deep breaths at regular intervals to avoid cramping and to maintain a good rhythm. If you feel like to need to take a breath, then take one. The most important breath you take is the one during your set position: it'll oxygenate your body and help you focus. Although it's certainly not advisable, for some short-distance races, some of the greats barely even breathed at all. Stay low. Fire out low from the blocks and stay low for the first 10 meters: you should not be running upright, but leaning slightly forward. Keep your eyes trained toward the ground. Pump your legs hard and use your arms to power your acceleration. Bring your body upright. As you approach the 20-meter mark, begin to come into an upright position. You should be completely upright at 20 meters as you shift from accelerating to full speed running. By the time you reach 30 meters, you should be running at your maximum speed. Nail the turn. Since you're starting on a curve, you've got to hug the inside of your lane to maximize acceleration. Aggressively lean into the inside of your lane in order to take advantage of your centripetal force. Once you come out of the curve and into the straightaway, get your upper body back into its straight and upright form. Different lanes have different curve angles. Lane one has one of the tightest turns, while lanes seven and eight have very wide turns. Many runners will try to get to the center lanes, where turns are most manageable, but taller runners tend to do well on the outside lanes, where the turn radius is widest. Relax your run. After accelerating powerfully and getting to full speed around 30 meters, keep tall and relax your sprint as you approach the finish. Relaxing your sprint doesn't mean slow down: you'll still be all-out sprinting. You do, however, want to maintain full speed by concentrating on good running form to waste the least amount of energy: Be sure to keep pumping your arms. Your hands should reach up to your eye level. Try to run on the balls of your feet. Lean forward into your finish. Leaning can mean the difference between 1st and 2nd place in a short-distance race. Most 200 meter dashes are won or lost by a small fraction of a second. As you approach the finish line, speed up and lean slightly forward, making sure you run through the line by imagining your finishing point is beyond the line itself. Take on a conditioning regimen. If you're in a gym class or on the track team, your coach will make sure you're conditioning yourself properly. However, if you're working on your speed and endurance on your own, you'll have to design your own drills to get yourself into the best shape. There are plenty of resources available through an internet search, but some basic drills include: Warm up with 2 to 5 minutes of light jogging and a core exercise like crunches, run six to eight 200 meter dashes at 75% effort, cool down with a 2 to 5 minute light jog and leg stretches. Good stretches include sitting with your legs in front of you while reaching for your toes, and holding the soles of your feet together with your knees bent in a butterfly stretch. Sprint drills: warm up with 10 minutes of jogging, then alternate 100 meters each of sprint, walk, jog. Rest for 3 minutes, then repeat this 100 meter sprint-walk-jog. Practice by running longer distances. A 200 meter sprint is a speed endurance challenge, so you've got to build your aerobic endurance level if you're going to succeed. If you're running a 200 meter, practice by running 300 and 400 meter distances. Running longer distances will make shorter distances that much easier. Keep your eye on the track. When you're training, work on keeping your eyes on the track and finish line. Research shows that if you look around elsewhere for just a second, you slow down. Make your focus and concentration priorities during practice.
Set your blocks. Do your ritual. Get in your first position. Listen for the set command. Consider using a standing start. Listen for the “B” of the “Bang. Breathe every 10 to 15 meters. Stay low. Bring your body upright. Nail the turn. Relax your run. Lean forward into your finish. Take on a conditioning regimen. Practice by running longer distances. Keep your eye on the track.
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Chassis-and-Engine-Number
How to Find the Chassis and Engine Number
If you want to find the chassis and engine number for a vehicle, you can either check the paperwork or the vehicle itself. The chassis number is the last 6 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. To find the VIN, look at the car's title, registration card, or owner's manual, or look through the windshield on the driver's side. To find the 6-digit engine number, either check the vehicle's owner's manual or look for a sticker when you pop the hood of the vehicle. If you see a 9-digit number, the engine number will be the last 6 digits.
Check your paperwork. If you do not have access to your vehicle or if you do not want to go looking around the vehicle for the VIN, there are several different pieces of paperwork that should include the VIN. Some of the documents that you can check include: title registration card owner's manual insurance documents body shop repair records police reports vehicle history reports Look at your dashboard. The easiest place to find the VIN on your vehicle is right on the lower left corner of your dashboard. You should be able to read the number by looking through your windshield on the driver's side of your car. Check the driver’s side door. The VIN might also be located in the driver's side doorjamb or on the doorpost. Open your driver's side door and look around the edges of the doorjamb for a little white sticker. If your VIN is on the doorjamb, then it should be on the area of the doorjamb just below the level of the rearview mirror. The VIN number may also be on the opposite side of the driver's side doorjamb, near where the driver's side seatbelt latches. Pop the hood. If you haven't found it anywhere else, then you can pop your hood and look at the front of the engine block. The VIN number may be written on the front of the engine block. Inspect the frame. Sometimes the VIN is written on the front of the vehicle's frame, somewhere near the windshield washer fluid container. Go to the front of the car, pop your hood, locate your window washer fluid container, close the hood, and then inspect the vehicle's frame near this area of your vehicle for the VIN. Lift up your spare tire. If you have a spare tire in the back of your trunk and you haven't found the VIN anywhere else, it might be back there. Pop your trunk, remove the spare tire, and look in the space where the spare is usually kept. The VIN may be written in this area. Peek under the wheel well. Another place you can check is under your rear wheel well. Go to the back of your vehicle, get down on the ground, and look up at your wheel well. Check both sides to see if the VIN is recorded here. You will probably need a flashlight to see the VIN if it is written here. Write it down somewhere! After you have found your VIN, make sure that you write it down and keep it in a file for easy access the next time that you need it. Keep the VIN number in a physical file, save it to a file on your computer, or email it to yourself. Identify the chassis number. Remember that the chassis number is made up of the last six digits of the VIN. Look at the VIN that you have written down and circle the last six digits of the number to identify your vehicle's chassis number. Look for the VIN at the steering neck. The steering neck is the most common place to find a VIN on a motorcycle. You can locate the VIN by turning the handles to one side and looking at the steering neck, which is a metal cylinder that runs down from the handles. The VIN should be etched into the metal. You may have to check both sides of the steering neck to find the VIN. Check the motor. Sometimes the VIN is located on the motor for motorcycles. If you could not find the VIN on the steering neck, then check the motor. The VIN should be near the bottom of the motor's cylinders. Inspect the front frame. For ATVs and some motorcycles, the VIN may be on the frame, but it is not always easy to find. You may need to look around a bit and use a flashlight to locate a VIN that is printed on the inner frame of a bike. Check the outside of the frame first. The VIN may be located just below your bike's shifter on the left side of your bike. If you can't find it on the outside of the bike, start looking on the inside of the frame. Some manufacturers stamp the VIN on specific areas of the frame. For example, Honda stamps the VIN on the right side of the steering head as well as on the area of the frame just above the motor on the left side of the bike. Check with your manufacturer to see if there are specific areas where you should look first. Remember to circle the last six digits. The last six digits of your motorcycle's VIN number make up your motorcycle's chassis number. Circle the last six digits to identify the chassis number. Check the engine. Your vehicle's engine number should be stamped right onto the engine of your vehicle. Pop the hood of your vehicle or look at your motorcycle's engine from the side. You should see a sticker that clearly indicates the engine number. Look at your owner’s manual. If you cannot find a sticker on your engine that lists your engine number, then check your owner's manual for this information. It should be located within the first few pages of the booklet. Your owner's manual may also include a picture of where to find the engine number on the engine block. Identify the engine number. The engine number is a six digit number that follows a three digit engine code. You may notice that the engine number includes three digits followed by six more digits. The first three digits are your vehicle's engine code and the last six digits are your vehicle's engine number.
Check your paperwork. Look at your dashboard. Check the driver’s side door. Pop the hood. Inspect the frame. Lift up your spare tire. Peek under the wheel well. Write it down somewhere! Identify the chassis number. Look for the VIN at the steering neck. Check the motor. Inspect the front frame. Remember to circle the last six digits. Check the engine. Look at your owner’s manual. Identify the engine number.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Insomnia
How to Treat Insomnia
To treat insomnia, try taking a hot shower or bath before bed, which can help you feel relaxed and sleepy. You can also try drinking a cup of chamomile tea to calm yourself down before bed. Alternatively, consider massaging lavender oil onto your skin to help reduce stress and make you feel calmer. Additionally, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, like coffee and soda, for a few hours before bed time, which can make it hard to fall asleep.
Find the cause or source of your insomnia. Try to find what is preventing you from falling asleep and, if possible, eliminate it. You may need to fix other problems and issues first in order to treat your insomnia. For example: If anxiety or depression are keeping you awake at night, find what is making you feel anxious or depressed and try to manage that. This might involve speaking with your doctor and taking medication for anxiety or depression. Your roommate might like to read or work late into the night, and the light he or she uses is keeping you awake. If your roommate is unable or refuses to work in another room, purchase a sleeping mask instead. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of things, like your diet, caffeine intake, or even nasal congestion. Establish a nightly routine. Try to perform the same activities every night before your bedtime. This means going to bed at the same time every evening and waking up at the same time every morning. You can also incorporate some relaxing activities into your bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to soft music. In this way, your mind will start associating such activities with bedtime and sleep. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable before going to sleep. This means that the temperature is to your liking, and that the lighting is dark enough for you to fall asleep. If your room is too warm, try to cool it down by opening a window, using fewer blankets, or turning a fan or air conditioning. If your room is too cold, try to wear warmer clothing to sleep or using more blankets. If you live in an area that is very bright at night, even if you turn off the lights, invest in a sleeping mask that covers your eyes. Keep your bedroom as your bedroom and nothing else. Use your bedroom only for sleeping and rest. This might involve removing distractions, such as computers and televisions, to ensure that you do not use them instead of sleeping. It might also mean that you have to complete your homework (or other work) in another room. If you live in a studio apartment where everything is in a single room, or if it is not possible to work elsewhere, then do all of your work at your desk, in a library, or some other location. Do not work in your bed, as your subconscious will begin to associate your bed with working instead of sleeping. Take a hot bath or shower before going to sleep. Not only will this help you feel clean and refreshed, but it may also help you to relax. As your body begins to cool back down after the hot bath or shower, you may find that you are starting to feel sleepy. Drink some herbal tea. If you must drink something warm before going to bed, try an herbal tea instead. Some teas, such as chamomile tea , are reputed to help induce sleep, although there is no definite scientific evidence to prove this. If you have not tried herbal teas before, use caution. Some people are allergic to certain herbs, including chamomile. Try aromatherapy. Although there is no scientific research to back this, many people find that some herbs, such as lavender, reduce stress and induce calmness. You can try aromatherapy by massaging lavender oil into your skin, or by using it in a hot bath or diffuser. When massaging any oils into your skin, avoid the sensitive areas around the eye, nose, and mouth. Use caution with any aromatherapy if you have asthma. Perform a relaxing exercise or breathing exercise. If you cannot fall asleep, perform some sleep-inducing activities such as breathing exercises , yoga , or meditation. It's not always easy, but try your best to not get stressed out about not sleeping. If you stress out about your insomnia, that can actually end up making it worse, and it becomes a vicious cycle. See your healthcare provider. If you find that you experience insomnia regularly, you may have an underlying illness or condition that requires professional treatment. Speak with your doctor. He or she may prescribe medication for your insomnia, or diagnose you with an underlying condition that causes insomnia and assign treatment for that. Take an over-the-counter pill. There are numerous over-the-counter medications available for helping alleviate insomnia, such as antihistamines and melatonin. Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before purchasing one to ensure that you are selecting the right pill for you. Do not rely on over-the-counter pills. Avoid taking them more than once a week. Not only does the body become immune to them after a certain amount of time, but they may also have negative side-effects. Over-the-counter medications are intended to help you sleep, but not resolve your insomnia. If you are already taking prescribed medication for some other condition or ailment, consult your doctor or pharmacist first to ensure that the sleeping aid does not react negatively with your current prescription. Take a prescribed pill. When you see your doctor regarding your insomnia, he or she may prescribe you some medication. Take your prescription according to the directions your doctor or pharmacist give you. Don't drink caffeinated beverages in the evening. Try to avoid drinking anything with caffeine, such as coffee, black tea, or soda, at least 6 hours before going to bed. Caffeine is a stimulant, so it will make falling asleep difficult. If you must drink something hot before going to bed, opt for an herbal tea, such as chamomile, instead of a black tea. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime. Eating meals that are too heavy or spicy before bedtime may cause some discomforts in your stomach, which might prevent you from falling asleep. Eating a light meal or snack, such as crackers, before going to bed is fine and will not disrupt your sleep. Avoid exercising before bedtime. While exercise is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, try not to exercise before going to bed. Plan your exercise or workout routine 3 to 4 hours before your bedtime. Try not to sleep or take naps during the day. Instead, reserve sleep for the evening. If you feel sleepy during the day, distract yourself by talking to a friend, doing some exercise, reading, or performing some other activity. Persistent napping during the day will detract from the amount and quality of sleep you get during the night.
Find the cause or source of your insomnia. Establish a nightly routine. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable before going to sleep. Keep your bedroom as your bedroom and nothing else. Take a hot bath or shower before going to sleep. Drink some herbal tea. Try aromatherapy. Perform a relaxing exercise or breathing exercise. See your healthcare provider. Take an over-the-counter pill. Take a prescribed pill. Don't drink caffeinated beverages in the evening. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime. Avoid exercising before bedtime. Try not to sleep or take naps during the day.
https://www.wikihow.com/Confront-a-Cheating-Husband
How to Confront a Cheating Husband
It can be really painful to find out your husband is cheating, but once you confront him, it should be easier to move forward and heal. Before you confront him, talk to someone for support since going through this alone can be scary. When you talk to your husband, try to remain calm and tell him your concerns. For example, you could say, “You've been acting strange lately, and it seems like you're having an affair. I'd like to talk about it." If he tries to turn the blame on you, remind him that the conversation is about whether or not he cheated. Although it may be hard, ask him why he cheated as well, which will help you work out whether or not you want to repair the relationship.
Hide your suspicion until you're sure. Don't confront your husband until you are sure that he really is cheating. There are a couple of reasons for this: If you are wrong, and throw out an accusation like this, it could damage your relationship. If you are right, but don't know it yet for sure, it'll be your word against his should he decide to lie about having an affair. Another approach is to talk to your husband about the issue without accusing him. If you feel like there's something wrong in your relationship, you should trust your gut. Even if he's not cheating, some open communication could help strengthen the relationship. Try saying something like, "I'm having some fears about you going outside the relationship. Can we talk about that in an open and honest way?" Gather evidence. Before you confront your husband, you need to be sure he is cheating. Do what you can to obtain evidence without infringing too much on his privacy. Keep an eye out for ways to gather information. For example, if he is checking his phone right in front of you, peer over and see if you notice him texting with a woman. See if the texts seem flirty or inappropriate. Try to see whether he smells of different kinds of perfume after he comes home. See if he openly communicates around you or whether he slinks off to the corner of the house to make phone calls or send text messages. Keep track of his stories and look for inconsistencies. It takes him effort to keep track of lies and he may make mistakes upon repeating a story about his whereabouts. Write down what he says so you're sure you aren't fooling yourself if you think he is changing his story. Assess your evidence. Before you confront your husband, review your evidence and make sure that it is enough so that he cannot lie his way out of having an affair. Based on the evidence you have, think about what he might try to say to convince you he is not actually cheating. For example, if you find some emails that are about him getting a drink with a co-worker and it seems flirty but it is somewhat ambiguous as to whether he cheated, ask yourself whether this combined with what else you know about the situation is convincing enough or whether you should wait to find out more. Get social support. Even suspecting your husband is cheating on you can be a very emotionally disturbing experience. Mitigate some of these negative feelings by letting in a trusted friend in on your suspicions before you confront your husband. Your friend can offer you moral support to buffer against the stress and, possibly, guidance. Know what you want should he be cheating. Before you confront your husband, have in mind a sense of what your game plan is should be confess. This will help you to remain focused and will set the tone for proceeding with conversation despite it being highly emotional. Ask yourself if you want : The relationship to end? The relationship to heal? Avoid alcohol or other drugs. Although it may seem like a good time for some 'liquid courage', you want to be in a clear mental state when you confront your husband. If you confront him while you are intoxicated, you may become violent or not be able to remember the details of the conversation later on. Alcohol and other drugs have been implicated in many cases of domestic violence. Try to remain calm. Although this is certainly easier said than done, do your best to not let things get escalated. Neither of you will be thinking straight and this may give him the opportunity to slam the door and run away. If you give him the opportunity to escape the conversation, he may be able to get the time he needs to concoct a convincing lie. Instead, bring the conversation up in a calm and collected way. For example, you might say, "I wouldn't throw this out there lightly, but I'm really worried that you've been showing behaviors that suggest to me that you may be having an affair and I want to talk about that with you." If you find yourself getting worked up, try taking a few deep breaths in and out. Try to remind yourself that although the pain may be near unbearable now, all emotional pain heals over time. Avoid letting him make it about you. If he tries to turn the conversation to you, such as that you are crazy or invaded his private space, calmly state that his behavior gave you serious concerns and that the conversation you are having is about whether or not he cheated on you. Remember that it was your husband's decision to cheat, not yours. Try to be as rational and logical as possible and re-affirm that his behavior led you to become concerned and that you felt it was warranted to poke around given how serious cheating is. Ask him why he cheated. Try to get a sense of why he had an affair; there will generally be a reason behind it. This will help you to decide whether you want to try to repair the relationship or whether it is time to let it go. Try to gauge whether he seems sincere; go with your gut instinct here. If it seems like he is just telling you what you want to hear, be wary. Re-assess what you want. Although you should go into the conversation with some sense of whether you want to end the relationship should he confess to cheating or try to repair it, re-assess this based on the conversation. For example, if he admits to having a sex addiction and has convincing evidence that he in fact does and he genuinely wants to repair the relationship, you might decide to change your mind and attempt a repair. If applicable, keep your children in mind. If you have children, be sure to confront your husband when they are away. This could be an emotionally damaging experience for your children to witness. If it is difficult to have the conversation away from them, go out for dinner with your husband. Instead of actually going to dinner though, find a quiet bench where you can sit and talk and have the conversation. Seek out a couples counselor. If you are having trouble talking about the infidelity with your husband, or if repairing the relationship is something you are considering, you may want to see a marriage counselor to help you work through your problems. To find a couples or marriage counselor try searching the internet with the terms "couples + counselor" in the search box.
Hide your suspicion until you're sure. Gather evidence. Assess your evidence. Get social support. Know what you want should he be cheating. Avoid alcohol or other drugs. Try to remain calm. Avoid letting him make it about you. Ask him why he cheated. Re-assess what you want. If applicable, keep your children in mind. Seek out a couples counselor.
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Belly-Fat-by-Drinking-Water
How to Lose Belly Fat by Drinking Water
To lose belly fat by drinking water, drink between 9 and 13 cups of water a day, which will help you feel fuller throughout the day so you don't eat as much. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes to see if it goes away. Drink coffee or tea rather than high-calorie energy drinks in the morning to reduce your overall calorie intake. If you're missing a bit of flavor in your drink, slice up some fruit, like lemons or strawberries, and add them to your water for a low-calorie option. When you're eating, take regular sips of water, which will help you digest food. Remember to drink water before and during exercise to increase your metabolic rate, which will help you burn calories faster.
Drink enough water every day to fill yourself up. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adult women drink 9 cups of water per day, and men 13 cups per day. Not only does this keep your body hydrated and healthy — it also prevents your body from confusing thirst with hunger. If you drink enough water to fill up your stomach, you can trick your body the other way, into thinking it's full of food when it's really full of zero-calorie water. Remember that these amounts are general guidelines and the amount of water required will vary based on your weight and activity level. Keep a water bottle with you so you can sip on water throughout the day. Know how many ounces of water your bottle holds, and make sure you refill it enough times in a day to reach your water goals. If you're feeling hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes. If you're still feeling hungry, eat a light snack. You'll often find, though, that a glass of water can stave off snack cravings. Replace caloric drinks with water. One of the easiest ways to cut large amounts of calories from your diet is to stop drinking your calories. The energy drink you use to get your day started, the soda you drink with lunch, and the beers you grab with friends at the end of the workday — those are all empty calories added on top of the actual food you eat. A couple alcoholic drinks with friends might be an important part of your social life. Just make sure you don't drink to excess. Have water while you're drinking, both to keep your body hydrated and to keep you from drinking too many alcoholic calories. Aim for a one-to-one ratio of alcoholic drinks to glasses of water. Embrace coffee and tea. If you're one of the many people who has trouble getting started in the morning, don't worry! Experts count coffee and tea as part of your daily water intake. If you've relied on energy drinks in the past, these unadorned caffeinated drinks are a much better way to wake yourself up. Don't add calories to these drinks with unnecessary additions. A caramel latte or Frappuccino will be full of added sugar and calories from milk, whipped cream, and flavoring syrups. A plain cup of coffee, on the other hand, has only 2 calories and no fat! Be aware that your body must still metabolize the caffeine, which requires water. Make sure you drink enough water to allow your metabolism to do so. Flavor your water with fruits. If you find yourself missing the flavored drinks you once used to tide you over, you can make your own flavored drinks without the sugar and calories. Slice up your favorite fruits — strawberries, lemons, cucumbers — and soak them in a pitcher of water in your refrigerator. After a few hours, the water will take on the fruit's flavor, and you'll have a delicious, low-calorie drink. Take sips of water between bites during meals. Water helps you digest meals by ensuring proper kidney function. But taking sips of water in between bites can also stop you from overeating. It can take 12-20 minutes for your body to realize that its hunger has been satisfied, so if you're eating too fast, you may eat far more than you need to. Fast eaters often find that they feel overly full and sluggish after meals. By sipping on water between every bite, you lengthen the meal and give your brain time to process how full your stomach is. Drink water before and during exercise. Research shows that drinking water can raise your metabolic rate, allowing your body to burn calories at a slightly higher rate than normal. While the metabolic increase isn't staggering, it is significant, and it's easy! Researchers estimate that if you increase your daily water intake by about 6 cups per day, you could lose an extra 5 pounds over the course of a year. Make sure you are drinking enough water to replenish what you sweat out during exercise. Failure to to do so may cause dehydration, which leads to a multitude of health risks. Understand that water fasting does not yield permanent results. A water fast is when a person does not eat or drink anything but water for a set period of time. This obviously results in rapid weight loss because your body is not taking in any calories through food. However, the weight you lose through fasting will come back when you start eating again. In fact, because your metabolism slows down to deal with the lack of energy coming in through food, you may gain back more weight than you lost in the first place when you start eating again. If you're trying to lose permanent weight, you should drink plenty of water in concert with balanced meals and regular exercise. However, if you need to drop a few pounds for an event, a water fast might be a quick solution for you. Consider the health limitations of water fasting. The human body is incredibly resilient, and can last a long time without food — so long as it's not dehydrated. Fasting for a few days is not harmful to most people as long as they drink plenty of water — which you'll want to do anyway to trick your stomach into thinking you've eaten something. However, people with some medical conditions should not fast under any circumstances. Diabetics, for example, need to regulate their blood sugar with food throughout the day. Consult your doctor before beginning a fast. Children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with chronic illness should not fast. Even otherwise healthy people will feel negative side effects while fasting. When you stop eating, your body doesn't have an energy source; as a result, you will feel fatigue and dizziness. You may also feel nausea or suffer from constipation, and, obviously, you will feel very hungry. You may want to consider a clean eating cleanse instead. Focus on eating lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts (i.e. almonds and cashews), and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa, for at least 48 hours. Fast only for a few days. You may see recommendations for 21 or 30-day fasts online, but these are extremely dangerous if not under direct medical supervision. If you choose to fast, do so only for the three or four days before the event for which you're preparing. Beyond that, you will be so fatigued and dizzy that you may hurt yourself or others just going about your daily life. Fast during a stress-free stretch of days. If you have a big deadline coming up at work, or you're going to be taking a road trip, you shouldn't fast. The side effects will impede your ability to concentrate, and you'll end up doing a bad job or being dangerous behind the wheel of a car. Don't try to exercise while fasting, either, as you have no excess calories to burn off. It will only make you feel terrible! Ideally, you should have a stress-free, low-energy stretch of days during which you can lay about. Break your fast before the event you’re preparing for. You want to look great on that day, not nauseous, tired, and dizzy! Don't rush back into fatty foods immediately, as they can cause digestive problems after a fast. Instead, eat healthy, low-fat foods like fruits and vegetables to get you back on track for your big day.
Drink enough water every day to fill yourself up. Replace caloric drinks with water. Embrace coffee and tea. Flavor your water with fruits. Take sips of water between bites during meals. Drink water before and during exercise. Understand that water fasting does not yield permanent results. Consider the health limitations of water fasting. Fast only for a few days. Fast during a stress-free stretch of days. Break your fast before the event you’re preparing for.
https://www.wikihow.com/Self-Reflect
How to Self Reflect
If you want to self-reflect, try seeking out a quiet place with no distractions, like your bedroom or office. Once you've found some personal space, go ahead and talk out loud to yourself. Just say what's on your mind in that moment. Then, pour out the emotions you're feeling, and cry if you have to. When you're done, be sure to write down these emotions afterwards so you can understand yourself better. Once you get it all out, make sure you take some time to just breathe for as long as you need.
Know why you are self-reflecting. Ask yourself why are you self-reflecting. Did you do something wrong or things are always going wrong for you? What is it? Know the subject on your self-reflection moments. What is about? Is it about your life in general or you being hurt by someone. Spend this time alone somewhere where no one can possibly hear you. Possibly, have a pen and paper to map out your thoughts. Talk to yourself. No one is judging you. It's just that you are thinking aloud. This is very important as you are engaging your senses. Do a breathing exercise. Inhale and exhale as many times as as you want. For every breathing, say something out, i.e, I've done well I need to do this.. Thank yourself for even realizing that you need to self-reflect. Pour out your emotions. Cry if you need to. The point is to reach the goal of solving a problem and understanding your self better. Write them down. Read. We all need to read at one point of time to see and feel how much luckier you may be than the millions whose lives are in danger every single day, without a choice. Read widely to find out how people live elsewhere and what they do to survive against the odds. Some more suggestions are provided in Tips, below. Focus on the past. Try to remember a time in your past. It could be a year ago, ten years, five minutes, however far back you'd like to reflect. Focus on events that happened around that time in your past. How did you feel about them? How did you react and why? Learn to understand all perspectives of the situation. Maybe you were irrational at first; maybe you were completely right in your actions. Let go of any negative feelings or grudges you still hold. Wallowing in your misery or anger won't help you grow as a person. Many people believe that everything happens for a reason. If your past had been altered, you wouldn't be who you are today. Everything in life is a lesson if you look at it the right way. Return to the present. With everything you've learned from your past, you'll hopefully have a wiser perspective of your present and future life. Count your blessings. Are you having a first world problem? Do you know there's also something known as a third world problem? Say these out based on your subject matters: I can do it I feel sorry now for that person maybe I can help I will take care of myself from now on Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I need to change my ways to be a better person etc. Plan to pay it forward. Donate, help others out and ask yourself, why are you donating.
Know why you are self-reflecting. Know the subject on your self-reflection moments. Spend this time alone somewhere where no one can possibly hear you. Talk to yourself. Do a breathing exercise. Pour out your emotions. Read. Focus on the past. Count your blessings. Say these out based on your subject matters: Plan to pay it forward.
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-the-Perfect-Smile
How to Have the Perfect Smile
If you want to have the perfect smile, brush your teeth with a small amount of baking soda once a week to keep your teeth shiny and white. In addition to keeping your teeth clean, practice smiling in front a mirror by thinking of something that makes you happy. While you're practicing, try widening your eyes and raising your eyebrows to find a smile you're happy with. When you smile at people, think about how it will make them happy, which will make your smile more genuine and warm. You can also keep your lips smooth by using a lip scrub and applying lip balm when they get dry so you look your best whenever you smile.
Boost your confidence. The perfect smile doesn't need Hollywood teeth or a certain shape of lips. Smile in order to make other feel happy, open, and comfortable. People will care more about the reason behind your smile than its appearance. The advice below will help you adjust how your smile looks, but that's icing on the cake. Find a mirror and relax. Look in the mirror and relax your facial muscles and shoulders. If you're tense, gently rub your cheeks and forehead. Clench and relax your jaw a couple times. Think of something happy. A genuine smile is the best smile. Think of a fun memory or recent event, your friends, or your crush. Even an embarrassing story from your childhood can make you smile. Adjust your eyes. One of the key differences between a real smile and a fake one is a change in the muscles around your eyes. Any of these can work: Try crinkling your eyes or squinting a little. This might already happen if you have a wide smile. Try widening your eyes a little, and raising your eyebrows. Even a small tilt of your head can make a smile look better. Practice a formal smile. Start by practicing a formal smile, for a work or school photograph. Keep your teeth closed together. You can keep your lips closed or flash a lot of teeth, whichever you prefer. Try putting your tongue behind your upper front teeth. This makes your bottom lip look fuller and gaps in your teeth less noticeable. This is typically a feminine look but anyone can give it a try. Make a friendly smile. This is a subtle, small smile you'd use at a social gathering, to catch someone's attention. Press your lips together and pull them wide. Hold the smile for just a second, long enough for the other person to notice. Here are a few variations on this: Curve your lips by keeping the center steady as the outer corners move up. Try the curve again, but keep stretching the corners until you flash a moment of teeth. Smirk by raising one side of your mouth higher than the other and arching a brow. This can come across as saucy or sarcastic, so be cautious. Show off a giant smile. Open your mouth so your teeth aren't touching, and give a giant, wide smile. Raise your eyebrows as you do this. This smile says "I'm having a great time!" Floss every day. Floss once or twice a day, just before you brush your teeth. This removes plaque from between your teeth, preventing a build up of yellow or off-white plaque. If you have braces, ask your orthodontist for "threaders: you can use to floss in between the wires. Brush your teeth twice daily. For clean, healthy teeth, brush twice a day for at least two or three minutes. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride for best results. Brush gently, especially around the gum line. Rough brushing won't make your teeth cleaner, and may even damage your gums. Whitening toothpastes are abrasive, so long-term use may damage your teeth enamel. Consider using one every other day, or only until obvious surface stains are removed. Try home whitening treatments. If a simple flossing and brushing regimen isn't enough to whiten your teeth, you may want to try a whitening treatment. These home remedies are a good first step, since they are much cheaper than drugstore options. Add a small amount of baking soda to your toothpaste and brush for two minutes. Do this only once a week, since overuse can damage your teeth. Swish a small spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes, then spit it into the trash. Dentists are divided on whether this "oil pulling" works, but it shouldn't cause any harm and has plenty of fans. Do not use home remedies involving strawberries, vinegar, or other acidic foods. While these can remove some stains, they can rapidly eat into your tooth enamel. Be careful with professional whitening treatments. All of the following can be very painful for people with cavities or sensitive gums, or anyone who overuses them. That said, they can be very effective at hiding stains on teeth. Here are a few options: Dental whitening strips: Available at drugstores, these can help with surface and deeper stains, but may have limited effect on darker stains. They may cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Dental whitening trays: These use a more powerful whitening gel than the strips. For best results, ask your dentist for a tray custom-fit to your teeth. Dental whitening procedure: Your dentist can provide ultra-strong whitening, and protect your gums while she does so. This is usually not paid for by insurance. Reduce exposure to staining substances. Coffee, black tea, and wine can all stain your teeth. Try drinking these through a straw or reducing the amount you take. Smoking can also stain your teeth, so consider quitting the habit or switching to an e cigarette or vaporizer. These don't cause staining due to a lack of smoke, but their long term effects are unknown. Keep your lips smooth. Don't forget that your smile features your lips as well. Take care of your lips using these techniques: Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub or toothbrush. If your lips are severely cracked, do this only after a shower. Apply lip balm after exfoliating, or whenever your lips feel dry. Use a lip balm with sun protection before going outside in the morning or afternoon. Stay hydrated with water. If your lips feel dry, drink water and dry them with a cloth. Avoid licking them. Consider having dental work done. In most cases, the shape of your teeth is not an obstacle to a great smile. Crooked teeth or gaps in your teeth can even look adorable. If you can't stand your teeth, however, your dentist or orthodontist has many tools to reshape them. If you do get braces, a retainer, or other treatment, ask your orthodontist how to keep them clean. A dirty retainer can sabotage your smile and breath. If you want a radical change, ask about dental veneers, implants, bridges, or dentures. These add false teeth or the appearance of teeth to your mouth to completely change your smile.
Boost your confidence. Find a mirror and relax. Think of something happy. Adjust your eyes. Practice a formal smile. Make a friendly smile. Show off a giant smile. Floss every day. Brush your teeth twice daily. Try home whitening treatments. Be careful with professional whitening treatments. Reduce exposure to staining substances. Keep your lips smooth. Consider having dental work done.
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Work
How to Enjoy Work
To enjoy work, try taking regular, short breaks throughout the day instead of one long break, which will help break up your work day and make you feel more productive. Also, try to get to know your coworkers by chatting with them on lunch or organizing after-work hangouts since being friends with your coworkers can make work more fun. If your current job is a stepping stone on your career path, remind yourself every day what you're working toward so your job feels more purposeful.
Take regular breaks. Studies show that workers who take short breaks more regularly are happier and more productive than workers who take one long break during a shift. If you have any control over the way you take breaks, it's better to give yourself 5-10 minutes every hour or two, instead of an hour off in the middle of the day. It's also important to take time off and stay away from work for a while, as well. Taking some time off helps to energize workers and allow them to come back to work more productive. If you have vacation time, use it. If you don't, allow yourself the occasional "mental health" day if you can afford it. Call in sick. It's necessary to help keep yourself happy and productive. Get to know your coworkers. If you work with a bunch of strangers, your job will be a lot less enjoyable. Try to get to know a few people at work that you can talk to. This gives you something to look forward to when you clock in for the day. Try to organize after-work drinks, or birthday celebrations whenever possible. Giving yourself a time to socialize about non-work-related stuff will help you to bring everyone closer together and make your work relationship stronger as well. Avoid coworkers who regularly complain about work, or who try to slack off while you're at work. Hanging with this crowd will always have you feeling bummed to be at work, instead of energized about the day. Try to hang out with the more positive crowd at your job. Find little ways to improve your work skills. One way to entertain yourself at work is to give yourself little challenges to improve. This will not only keep you in good standing with the management, but will also give you a little challenge in addition. If you're the competitive sort, this can be a great way to motivate you to improve. Give yourself a work-related challenge in the short term. If you work at a restaurant, aim to get all the prep work done as early in the day as possible. Keep track of your record times. If you're in an office, see how many different spreadsheets you can complete before the day is out. Stay focused on quality over quantity while you're at work. If you've just started a job making sandwiches, make it your first challenge to make every sandwich perfectly. Then make them without consulting your cheat sheet. Then make them quickly. Decide to learn something while you work. Work doesn't have to be a forced march. Use it as an opportunity to learn something and improve your life, or as a chance to learn something about a particular hobby you have. Decide to figure out how to do work-related things better. If you don't know how to do something on the computer, decide to learn on your own and then surprise your bosses with your initiative. Take on new responsibilities that will require you to pick up new abilities on the fly. Challenge yourself. If you can work with headphones and stay focused and productive, try listening to informative podcasts while you work, or audiobooks. Learn something about science from RadioLab or listen to This American Life for some human stories. Work under a different manager. Many people who are unhappy with work are really just unhappy with their bosses. Bad management can affect morale considerably. If you like your job in a general way, but feel like you just don't connect with your manager, ask about transferring or switching your jobs to work under a different superior. This can be tricky if your manager does the scheduling. Talk to someone in the HR department if you work at an office, to avoid awkwardness. Or just say you're "looking for a new challenge." Sometimes, it might just be a matter of switching shifts. If you can't stand the day manager at the restaurant where you work, switch it up so you're only working in the evenings. Remind yourself what you're working towards. Work isn't always the most fun thing in the world, which is why you get paid to do it. But keeping steady employment allows you to do things you want to do, or live a certain lifestyle that you enjoy. It gives you independence. Remind yourself of this regularly and make a point of celebrating it. If you're working at the entry-level for a while, Try to keep in mind that every day you work at that level is another rung closer to the top. Keep climbing the ladder at the company where you work. Keep succeeding and doing the best work you can. If you're unhappy at your job, but are paid well, just Try to remind yourself what you're saving up for, or how you're using that money to help support yourself and your family. Keep things focused on them. Leave your work at work. If you bring your work home with you, it's like you never leave. Make a point of finishing up your work for the day before you leave, then leaving everything behind. Don't take little things to do with you at your house. Just leave them at home. Keep separate computers, if at all possible. If you have a work computer, keep your work stuff there. Only use your personal computer for fun things. Don't cross-contaminate them with stuff. If you work from home, consider creating a separate "office" space where you can work, to separate your work and home life. Or head out to a coffee shop or library to do your work separate from where you eat and sleep. Talk to a career counselor. Career counselors can be excellent resources if you're unsatisfied with your current job. You can find out about openings in your field, as well as ways that you can translate the work skills you have into other fields. Whatever you do, talking to a career counselor can be a great way of switching jobs. Career counselors and coaches are available in almost every city. Call one close to you and make an appointment. Before you visit with a career counselor, it's important to give some thought to what you actually want. What kind of work would make you more happy? What do you think you're equipped for? Find a job that connects with people more. If you've been used to working at a computer, locked up in an office, you may be craving work with more human interaction. Try to think about switching to jobs that will allow you more face-time with other people, giving you the chance to socialize. Think about any of the following fields: Sales Customer service Hotel management Public relations Event planning Restaurant management Find a job that allows you to make a difference. If you've been stuck doing something that you think doesn't matter in the grand scheme, you may be craving a job that's part of a higher calling. If you want to make a difference in your world, consider researching jobs in any of the following fields: Medicine Education Social work Human resources Law enforcement Find a job that sounds fun. If you find a job doing something that you're passionate about, work will automatically be a lot more enjoyable. How would you spend your work day, ideally? What skills do you have that might translate into a more fun career? These might not be achievable for everybody, but if you've got the right talents and a little luck, here are some fun career options: Disney World character Stunt person Flower arranger Voice over artist Video game tester Wine buyer Consider going back to school, to give yourself more options. An advanced degree gives you more options. If you have a high school degree, you'll typically qualify for entry level jobs only. Any kind of upper management will require either lots of experience or a degree, but mostly likely you'll need both. Keep working and consider heading back to school to give yourself a chance to move up, or get other kinds of jobs. Some jobs will require upper-level degrees as a part of advancement, but will pay for your schooling for you. Clerical jobs, manufacturing, and university administration departments will often do this for employees with the right attitude and experience. Consider going into a trade. While it sounds nice to say that work needs to be "your passion" and that you should "follow your dreams," there's also a good argument for treating it like what it is. A paycheck. There are lots of good jobs available that don't require advanced degrees and lots of networking. Manufacturing, skills-based apprenticeships, and manual labor jobs offer solid paychecks and the ability to be your own boss. Consider finding a laborer to apprentice to, or get on-the-job training as a laborer in any of the following fields: Bricklayer or mason Plumber Carpentry HVAC Electrician Construction worker Automotive technician Switch jobs regularly. Where previous generations had life-long careers, people today often must do things a little differently. Having a single job for 40 years and then retiring is a thing of the past in a lot of ways. Consider switching up your employment regularly, instead of staying put. Work somewhere for a couple years, then go elsewhere. Treat it like a hustle. Don't make work your life. Work is a thing you have to do if you weren't born with a trust fund. For most of us, it's not a lot of fun. But does it need to be? Work doesn't have to be your life. Spend your time at work working, and spend your free time living your life and enjoying yourself. It doesn't need to be a big part of your identity. "What do you do?" is a common conversation question among lots of people, but in some cultures it's seen as a rude question. Your work is your business. It doesn't need to define you as a person. Get involved in your community in other ways. Join social groups that allow you to meet with all kinds of different people from different social classes and groups. Join a church, or a community organization that will cross cultures and make you feel like you're a part of something bigger and more important than you might feel at work. Volunteer when you have free time to connect with other people. Volunteer at soup kitchens, animal shelters, and hospitals. Find time to give back and find fulfillment in ways outside of work. Spend plenty of time with your friends and family. Your free time should be your own, and should be spent in the presence of loved ones. When you leave work, make a point of spending time with your peers and your family. Have fun. Sometimes, it's tempting to want to relax with a couple drinks and some television, but Try to make a point of getting active after work too. Spending too much time alone can make it difficult to stay happy. Don't complain about work too much with your friends and family. It's a common theme, but it can sometimes only serve to keep you focused on how you don't like your job, instead of focusing on things you enjoy doing together. Develop some rewarding hobbies. If work doesn't leave you feeling fulfilled, use your paychecks to fund your real passions. Don't identify with your job, identify as a record collector, or an aspiring singer, or as a comic-book artist. Work on old guitars in your free time, or sell antiques on eBay. Find hobbies that fulfill you and keep you busy. Maybe you spend your days working in restaurants, but spend your weekends devoted to your band, or to your novel-in-progress. You don't have to introduce yourself as a cook. You're a musician, or a writer, or an artist. Consider moving. When you imagine the perfect working life, it's important to imagine the other intangibles as well. Who do you work with? Where do you work? What do you see out of your office window? In some cases, if you're unhappy at your job, it may be that a change of scenery might be in order. Working at a restaurant in Tulsa might be dragging you down, but what if you were working at a restaurant in Houston? Or New Orleans? Consider moving to a culinary capital.
Take regular breaks. Get to know your coworkers. Find little ways to improve your work skills. Decide to learn something while you work. Work under a different manager. Remind yourself what you're working towards. Leave your work at work. Talk to a career counselor. Find a job that connects with people more. Find a job that allows you to make a difference. Find a job that sounds fun. Consider going back to school, to give yourself more options. Consider going into a trade. Switch jobs regularly. Don't make work your life. Get involved in your community in other ways. Spend plenty of time with your friends and family. Develop some rewarding hobbies. Consider moving.
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Persian-Cats
How to Care for Persian Cats
To care for Persian cats, brush it once a day using a metal comb with narrow teeth on 1 end and wide-spaced teeth on the other to detangle your cat's long fur. Additionally, wipe its nose once a day with a warm, wet cloth since Persians are prone to blockages in their nose. You should also wipe around your cat's eyes at least once a day, as well as any time you notice any wetness under the eyes, since their tear ducts don't drain well.
Start brushing your cat’s fur at an young age. To make sure that your Persian accepts being brushed a lot, you will have to start brushing her at an early age. From day one, make a point of brushing your kitten so that she gets used to this experience. If you don't start brushing her at an early age, she may develop a dislike for being brushed that can ultimately make it much harder to maintain her coat. One way to help your cat accept being brushed is to brush her right before a mealtime. That way, your cat will associate getting brushed with getting food (which is something that she enjoys). Get a great comb that works well on Persian fur. You will need a metal comb that has narrow teeth on one end and wide-spaced teeth on the other end to properly detangle your cat's long fur. A metal slicker-type brush can also be good for removing excess fur that has a tendency to become tangled. Learn the proper way to brush your Persian’s fur. One common mistake owners is brushing over the outer surface of the coat without getting down to the hair roots. Think of brushing your cat in terms of combing your own hair: you need to part the fur and comb knots out from the roots, working tangles free on your way to the hair tip. This mentality can also be applied to your cat. As with your own hair, it is most effective (and comfortable for the cat!) if you brush in the direction that the fur grows. The proper combing process involves: Parting your hair and using the wide-spaced teeth on the comb to brush out any loose knots. This step also helps to get the fur lying in one direction, making it easier to detangle. Using the slicker brush, work in sections and progress from head to tail. This will help to brush out loose hairs. Once you have cleared the coat of shed fur, go over it again with the wide-toothed comb, working from the root to the tip of the hair, and then finish by combing your cat's whole body with the narrow-toothed part of the comb. Brush your cat’s fur every day so that she stays healthy. While it might not seem like brushing fur is that big of a deal, a Persian's luxuriously long fur can become a problem really quickly. When your cat's fur gets tangled, it becomes matted. These tangled up clumps of fur can tug at your cat's skin—which can feel very unpleasant—and may tangle to such an extent that it creates a hard shell of fur on certain areas of her body. Having tangled fur can also increase your cat's chances of developing skin infections. When the fur is matted, it is much harder for your cat to clean the skin under the fur. When cat's skin goes uncleaned, they often develop infections. See a professional groomer. You cat's fur might become matted for a variety of reasons. It might be from a lack of brushing. If cats get overweight or older and less healthy, they can also become less efficient in self-grooming and less able to take care of themselves. This can lead to tangled and matted fur. Consider seeking out a professional groomer if you aren't able to deal with your cat's matted fur. A groomer can try to remove the matted areas; in a worst case, he or she may have to shave down the cat's coat to avoid possible skin problems. Understand the term brachycephalic. Persians are brachycephalic, which is a term that means their nose and nasal chambers are fore-shortened when compared to normal cats. It is part of the breed description of pedigree Persians that in profile the nose 'button' does not protrude past the level of the eyes. Sadly, this means the cat has sacrificed a system of mucous membrane lined scrolls within the nasal chamber that filter and warm air. This predisposes Persians to sneezes and sniffles, because they lack the normal filter that is the first line of defense against infection. Keep your cat’s nose clean. The best way to help your cat fight off respiratory infections is by keeping her nose clean. Making sure your cat's nose is clean is very important because your Persian's shortened nose can become blocked easily, making it difficult for your cat to breathe. You can use a warm, wet cloth to wipe your cat's nose and make sure that it is cleaned out. Wipe your cat's nose at least once a day, and always wipe it if it looks slightly blocked. Get your cat vaccinated regularly. Persians are prone to respiratory infections because they do not have as much protection against pathogens due to their stubby noses. Cat's normally have an extra defensive layer in their noses that help keep bacteria and other pathogens out, but Persians lack this extra defense. Because of this, it is important to take your cat to the vet to get regular booster vaccinations against respiratory infections. If you notice your cat having a hard time breathing or sneezing uncontrollably, you should take her to the vet. Persians can have a lot of potential health issues. For this reason, you should think very carefully before breeding a cat with respiratory or other issues that could be passed on. Be aware that Persian’s can have eye problems because of how their faces are structured. Part of the appeal of Persians is their round, flat faces and large eyes. Sadly, the features that make them so attractive can also cause problems. All cats produce tear fluid that serves to keep the surface of the eye moist and their corneas healthy. This fluid should drain away via paired tear ducts in each eye. Sadly, your Persian's truncated nose means these ducts are kinked and can no longer drain effectively. Think of it like a hosepipe that you bend or step on to stop the water from flowing. This is what happens because of your cat's shortened nose. Wipe away your cat’s excess tears. The best way to help you cat is to simply wipe away the excess tears that have a tendency to stain Persian fur and irritate their faces. If you notice that your cat has excess eye fluid on her face, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe up the excess fluid. Wipe around your cat's eyes at least once a day. You should really try to wipe it anytime you notice that it looks wet under her eyes. Do not wipe the eye itself, however, as this could lead to corneal scratches or ulcers. Understand why Persian cat eye fluid turns brown. You may be wondering why the fluid that leaks out of your cat's eyes turn brown. The reason is that chemicals called porphyrins are found in the tear fluid and when the chemicals are exposed to the air, these porphyrins oxidize and turn a brown-rust color. This is the same process that causes a cut apple to turn brown. You should be able to keep these tears from creating stains on the cat's fur. Basic eye care, mentioned above, is one way. You can also wipe around the eye with a small amount of liquid boric acid, which is safe as an eye wash, on a cotton square. Wipe the area below and around the eye with cotton balls soaked in water warm twice a day after removing the staining. Be alert for any signs of illness. While Persians have been bred for their unique looks, this same breeding has also led them to become predisposed to certain diseases. While there is nothing you can do to prevent your cat from getting the disease is she is genetically prone, you can watch for signs of these diseases and have your cat treated as soon as she develops the condition. Watch out for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This genetic fault affects one in three Persian cats and results in the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts within the kidney that can lead to renal disease. Once the problem i identified your pet's lifespan can be extended by prescription renal diets and medications such as ACE inhibitors which can aid the filtering capacity of the kidneys. Symptoms include: Drinking more than normal. Reduced appetite. Lethargy. Weight loss. Vomiting. If you recognize these signs in your pet then take her to a veterinarian. Look for symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (heart disease). This disease causes the heart wall to become thickened which then impairs the heart's ability to pump blood around the body. Luckily, there are drugs such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors that can decrease the workload on the heart and increase longevity. Signs that your pet has heart disease are vague and non-specific. However, you can look out for things like: Exercise intolerance. Sleeping more than normal. Lack of interest in food or grooming herself. Shallow breathing and breathing through an open mouth. Pay attention to signs of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is a genetically programmed thinning of the retina that eventually leads to blindness. Whilst it sounds distressing, cats are actually very good at compensating for blindness. They are adept at using their whiskers, sense of smell, and hearing to move around. If your cat does go blind, it is generally best to keep her indoors and avoid rearranging the furniture, as she could become disoriented. Signs of blindness include: Bumping into objects left in her path that are not normally there. Pupils that cease forming slits in bright light, and will remain large and black.
Start brushing your cat’s fur at an young age. Get a great comb that works well on Persian fur. Learn the proper way to brush your Persian’s fur. Brush your cat’s fur every day so that she stays healthy. See a professional groomer. Understand the term brachycephalic. Keep your cat’s nose clean. Get your cat vaccinated regularly. Be aware that Persian’s can have eye problems because of how their faces are structured. Wipe away your cat’s excess tears. Understand why Persian cat eye fluid turns brown. Be alert for any signs of illness. Watch out for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Look for symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (heart disease). Pay attention to signs of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
https://www.wikihow.com/Travel-Long-Distance-With-a-Cat
How to Travel Long Distance With a Cat
If you need to travel a long distance in a car with your cat, choose a sturdy, hard-shell crate that you can secure with a seatbelt in the back seat. Practice taking short trips around town with your cat so it gets used to traveling. The day of the big trip, don't feed your cat for at least 2-3 hours before you get in the car so it doesn't get an upset stomach. Put a soft blanket in the crate so the cat will be comfortable, but don't put any food or water in the crate, or it could spill. Instead, offer your cat a small amount of water each time you stop for a break during the trip.
Keep health records on hand. You should always travel with your cat's health records whenever crossing a border, whether it's a state or national border. Your veterinarian may be able to tell you what documents to travel with. For instance, you may need a health certificate and current, proper vaccination documentation. Give yourself as much time as you can, preferably several months, to prepare. This way you can find out airline regulations, get your cat vaccinated, and make any other important arrangements. When crossing state lines, you might only need a current Rabies vaccination with a tag and certificate. When crossing into other countries, the requirements vary depending on the country and region. Have proper identification for your cat. Regardless of how you're traveling, get a flat, customized collar that has your contact information sewn into the collar material. This way, you can avoid attaching dangling tags to your cat's collar which might get stuck in crate doors or crevices during travel. Or, you could ask your veterinarian to implant a microchip under your cat's skin. The microchip will contain all of your contact information in case your cat escapes and loses her collar. You can order a customized collar at your local pet store or on the internet. Calm your cat with supplements or pheromones. If you know your cat dislikes travel and becomes stressed or anxious, ask your vet to recommend calming products for travel. Your cat may respond well to simple herbal supplements or calming pheromones. These pheromones are artificial versions of the pheromones your cat naturally releases when she feels safe and secure in an environment. When your cat is in a stressful situation, she may rapidly lose vitamins and nutrients. Herbal supplements can help replenish these, calming your cat. Practice giving your cat sedatives. If your cat doesn't respond to more natural calming methods, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a sedative. This will let your cat sleep during travel. No matter which sedative your vet recommends, you should do a few trial runs with your cat before your big trip. Trial runs will let you know how your cat responds to the sedative and whether you need to adjust the timing or dosage, before the trip. Leave the crate out. Since you'll most likely be transporting your cat in a crate, leave it out and open in your house. Do this for as long as possible before your trip. This way your cat can explore the crate itself and become accustomed to seeing it or being in it without any fear. The more comfortable your cat is with its crate, the more comfortable they will feel in it while they are traveling. Get a hard-shell crate. Choose a sturdy, hard-shell crate to transport your cat. This style crate will be much easier to safely secure with a seatbelt in the backseat. A secure crate will also move less during the trip, making it less stressful for your cat. This can also reduce the risk of injury or harm to your cat if an accident were to happen. Keeping your cat in a crate will also prevent your cat from escaping through a window or door when the car is stopped. It will also keep your cat out of areas in the car where she could get stuck, like under one of the vehicle's seats. Before your big trip, try taking short rides around town with your cat to help get used to traveling in the crate. Avoid feeding your cat right before the trip. Don't feed your cat for 2 to 3 hours before starting your trip. This can prevent potential stomach upset for your cat during the car ride. You can offer a little water before the drive. While you're in the car, don't put any food or water in your cat's crate. If the water or food spills during transport, it can get very messy which can be uncomfortable for you and your cat. Each time you stop for a break during your trip, offer your cat a small amount of water. Bring along familiar items from home. You can put your cat at ease during a long car trip by bringing along a few familiar items for your cat to ride with. For example, if she typically loves to be around you or a family member, bring along a shirt or sweater belonging to you or the other person. You can place it in the crate for your cat to snuggle during the ride. You can also bring her favorite toys. Don't forget to pad the bottom of the crate with a towel or blanket to make your cat more comfortable during the trip. A small litter box can be added to the crate so that your cat can use the restroom as needed during travel. You might want to put pet pads down on the bottom of the crate, so if your cat misses the litter box, you don't have a mess. Your cat may enjoy privacy when using her litterbox, so keep the privacy flaps of the crate or carrier down. Prevent your cat from getting out of the car. It's important to keep your cat inside the car when traveling, since you'll be passing through unfamiliar areas. If your cat escapes your car during the trip, it's unlikely that she'll be safely returned. You should also avoid opening any windows or doors if your cat is not restrained. Watch to make sure your cat doesn't get out when the car is moving or parked. If you find your cat won't use the litter box in her crate, try putting her on a harness with a leash. Let her get out of the car in order to eliminate. Never leave your cat alone in the car. If it's hot outside, your cat is likely to overheat, even with the windows cracked or open. If it's cold outside, your cat could become hypothermic while she waits for you to return. Research airline regulations. When booking your flight, be sure to check on all the different aspects of flying with your cat. Ask if the airline allows your cat to travel in the cabin with you or if she'll have to fly below deck in the cargo hold. Some airlines don't allow animals to fly on their airplanes at all. You and your cat may have to take different flights depending on your situation. Flying in the cargo hold can be extremely dangerous for some breeds of cat. For example, it's not recommended for cats with brachycephalic facial structures, or "smushed faces", like Persians. Their narrow nasal passages make it difficult to breathe in that area of the airplane. Choose a direct flight and check your ticket information. Try to get a direct flight in order to reduce the length of travel, since transferring and connect flights can take longer. You'll probably also appreciate the faster route. Before takeoff, double check your cat's ticket information to your own. Make sure that every tag attached to your cat's carrier is clearly and correctly marked with both your flight and contact information. You should also attach a 24-hour feeding schedule to your cat's carrier. This way, you cat can be taken care of if she's delayed in her travels. Consider using a soft-shell carrier. Check with the airline about whether you can carry your cat in a carrier and if it needs to be hard or soft shell. The airline may specify a specific type if your cat has to fly in the cargo hold. In some cases, your cat may be able to fly in the cabin with you. If so, a soft-shell carrier will be easier to stow under the seat for take-off and landing. A hard-shell carrier is preferred if your cat is traveling in the cargo hold area. Consider the environment of the cargo hold. If your cat will have to fly in the cargo hold, take her comfort into account. Think about the expected temperature of the area, season, and time of day you are flying. During the warm, summer months, flying early in the morning or overnight is best to beat the heat in the cargo hold. During cold, winter months, flying in the afternoon usually allows for a more comfortable trip. If the temperatures are going to be extreme, many airlines won't allow your cat to fly in the cargo hold. This is another reason why it's important to check with the airline before you fly.
Keep health records on hand. Have proper identification for your cat. Calm your cat with supplements or pheromones. Practice giving your cat sedatives. Leave the crate out. Get a hard-shell crate. Avoid feeding your cat right before the trip. Bring along familiar items from home. Prevent your cat from getting out of the car. Research airline regulations. Choose a direct flight and check your ticket information. Consider using a soft-shell carrier. Consider the environment of the cargo hold.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Edible-Cookie-Dough
How to Make Edible Cookie Dough
When making edible cookie dough, you'll need to subtract the eggs in order to prevent health problems such as salmonella. As a result, you'll have to alter the recipe to get the flavor and texture of cookie dough without the eggs. To make edible sugar cookie dough, for example, start by creaming together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Then, add flour and salt, and stir until the mixture is thick and sturdy. Alternatively, add cocoa powder and chocolate chips along with the flour and salt to make chocolate chip cookie dough.
Place the butter in a large cooking bowl and add the sugar. Cream together with a fork until you get a smooth texture. Add vanilla. Sieve the flour and pinch of salt into the mix and stir again until the mix is as thick and sturdy as possible. Eat the cookie dough as it is. Enjoy! Or keep going and make them into cookies. Follow Steps 1 and 2 for standard dough above. When sieving in the flour, add the cocoa powder. Mix in the chocolate chips for taste. Finished. Mix the butter, sugar, and milk together. If you want very dry and crackly dough, do not add milk. For results that look like dough or thick paste, add milk. Roll into a ball. When done, take another bowl and mix the vanilla and flour into a big ball. Mash the two balls together until it forms one big ball. Keep rolling and mashing until it becomes a very thick paste. It is now ready to eat. To make into a cookie, add 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of sugar, chocolate chips and sprinkles (optional) and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of milk. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Finished.
Place the butter in a large cooking bowl and add the sugar. Sieve the flour and pinch of salt into the mix and stir again until the mix is as thick and sturdy as possible. Eat the cookie dough as it is. Follow Steps 1 and 2 for standard dough above. When sieving in the flour, add the cocoa powder. Mix in the chocolate chips for taste. Finished. Mix the butter, sugar, and milk together. Roll into a ball. When done, take another bowl and mix the vanilla and flour into a big ball. Mash the two balls together until it forms one big ball. Keep rolling and mashing until it becomes a very thick paste. To make into a cookie, add 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of sugar, chocolate chips and sprinkles (optional) and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of milk. Finished.
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Professional-Mailing-Address-on-an-Envelope
How to Write a Professional Mailing Address on an Envelope
To write a professional mailing address on an envelope, start with the person's name or department. If you use a name, include honorifics, like “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.” On the next line, place the individual or professional title of the person, like “Certified Public Accountant.” Include the person's title within the company on the third line, such as “Head Accountant.” For letters that need to go to a specific department, include it in the address under the person's titles. On the next line down, place the company's name. Finally, write the street address, city, state, and zip code.
Use a person's name. No matter where the letter is going, it's best to address it to a person, if possible. Figure out who would be the most appropriate person for the letter to find. If you can't find a person's name, consider using a department, such as the HR department. Do your research to find out who you should send it to. For example, if you are sending in a resume, look around online to figure out the appropriate person. If you can't find a person, it's acceptable to call the company and ask who the letter should be addressed to. Use honorifics with the person's name. Honorifics are things like "Mr." and "Mrs." that go before a person's name. However, always pick a professional designation or title over MR, MS, MISS, or MRS. For example, if you're writing someone with a doctorate, you'd use "DR" before their name. Use the individual title and functional title, as needed. On the next line, place the individual or professional title of the person, such as "CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT." On the next line, use the person's title within the company, such as "HEAD ACCOUNTANT." If you can only find one, use that one. Add the division or department. If the letter needs to go to a specific department once it reaches the business, you need to include that department in your address. It should have its own line underneath the person's titles, such as "ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT." Place the company name next. The name of the company or main recipient goes next, if applicable. Like the other elements, it receives its own line, below the division or department the letter is being mailed to. Make sure to get the name of the company completely correct, such as "ARIEL'S ACCOUNTING FIRM." Write the street address. Now, you're down to the street address, the place the business is actually located. The street number goes first, followed by a directional abbreviation (if applicable), such as "NW" or "S." Next, place the street name, as well as any suffixes to the street name, such as "ST." You may also need to at a suite number, such as STE 118. Add the city, state, and zip code. Next, write the city and state. You don't need a comma between the two, and make sure to use the state code abbreviation. After that, use the 5-digit zip code, as well as the 4-digit extension with a hyphen in between. If you don't know the 4-digit extension, you can look it up using the other information you have on the USPS website. Make the font big enough. The font should be large enough so that's easy for a post office employee to read it. The standard is the font should be readable when held at arm's length. If your font is too small to read at this distance, switch to a bigger one. USPS recommends at least an 8-point, legible font. Skip punctuation. The USPS prefers that you don't use punctuation when writing out the address. That is, don't use commas or periods, even to divide the state from the city. Also, don't use periods after abbreviations such as "ST" or "NW." However, you can use hyphens if the street number calls for it. You can also use a hyphen between the 5-digit zip code and the 4-digit extension. Use uppercase letters. The USPS doesn't require that addresses use all uppercase letters. However, it is the preferred method for writing an address. Therefore, make sure to capitalize the whole address, not just the beginning of each word. Find the standard abbreviations. The USPS has standard abbreviations for things like directional words, street suffixes, and states. Find the correct abbreviations for the words you're using on the USPS website, to make sure your letter gets to where you need it to go. Place the addresses in the correct places. Remember, you also need to include your return address. Both addresses should be on the same side. Your address should be in the upper left-hand corner, while the main address should be over towards the right, but more centered vertically. Type the addresses. The best option is type the addresses. You can either use labels that you print on or print directly on the envelope. You can also just print on a plain piece of paper, cut the label out, and glue it on, though that can end up being messier. Your word processing software should have templates for printing on both labels and envelopes. Pick the template that matches the labels you bought, then type out the address for both the sending address and return address. Alternatively, pick the template that matches your envelope, then type in the addresses and print it. Consider using a full-sized envelope. When mailing a letter such as a resume, think about using a 12 by 9 envelope. That way, you don't have to fold your letter to fit in the envelope. When the recipient gets it, it will look more professional. Keep in mind, though, that larger envelopes cost more to mail. Keeping it uncreased also allows the employer to make copies more easily. Avoid using paperclips or staples. Paperclips and staples can make the resume look less professional. A better option is to use neither, and just make sure you have your last name and a page number on each page, so if one gets mixed up with other papers, it can be placed back in order. Skip mailing services for resumes. Some people use mailing services to send out large numbers of their resumes to potential employers. However, many of these companies use the same fonts and styles for all their resumes, and employers will reject them without even looking at them. Stick to doing it yourself.
Use a person's name. Use honorifics with the person's name. Use the individual title and functional title, as needed. Add the division or department. Place the company name next. Write the street address. Add the city, state, and zip code. Make the font big enough. Skip punctuation. Use uppercase letters. Find the standard abbreviations. Place the addresses in the correct places. Type the addresses. Consider using a full-sized envelope. Avoid using paperclips or staples. Skip mailing services for resumes.
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Sex-of-an-Angelfish
How to Tell the Sex of an Angelfish
To tell the sex of an angelfish, start by seeing if it has a large, crowned head, which means that it's likely a male. Alternatively, if the fish has a small, rounded shape with a large belly, it's likely a female. For a mature angelfish, try finding the small tube on the underside of its belly. On a male angelfish, this tube will be pointy and narrow like the tip of a sharp pencil. With a female angelfish, the tube will be rounder with a cylindrical shape.
Wait until the angelfish are mature. In order for angelfish to become mature and be able to mate, they need to be properly cared for and given adequate space. If they are cared for and given the right amount of space, they may reach maturity as early as 5 to 7 months of age. At this time, they will be mature enough to breed and spawn. Adequate space would be about 7-10 gallons of water per angelfish. Sometimes, though, even with the best care and the right amount of space, certain strains of angelfish might take longer to mature. Observe the tubes that come down from their undersides. Once the angelfish are mature, you will notice that small tube-like appendages have emerged on their bellies. These tubes will be just behind the “feeler” fins on their bellies. You might notice them more if other fish in the tank are breeding. These tubes are very small, so you will need to look closely to notice them. Catching the fish in a net or putting them in a smaller tank temporarily for observation purposes might help you get a better look, just make sure you handle the fish carefully. Determine the sex based on the shape of the tubes. Once you've located the tube and can examine it adequately, look at the shape of the tube. On male angelfish, the tube will be pointy and narrow. It might look something like the tip of a sharpened pencil. With female angelfish, the tube will be rounder and have a cylindrical shape. If you happen to have another breeding pair, you can put the angelfish you want to sex in with them. This might encourage them to drop their tubes for you to be able to tell their sex. Look for a large crowned head on male angelfish. On a male, the front of their heads will have a high, noticeable crown. It will likely look much more prominent and a bit larger than the female angelfish. This feature might be more prominent at maturity, but you may be able to notice it earlier on in the lifespan, as well. This isn't a sure-fire way to tell the difference between the sexes. In some strains of angelfish, this physical difference might not always be present. Check for a smaller, more rounded shape on female angelfish. Female angelfish might have more rounded bodies than males. Female angelfish are also generally a little smaller than male angelfish. If you want to buy pairs to breed, try buying a few smaller angelfish and a few larger angelfish. Once they're mature, you'll more than likely find out you have a few males and a few females. On female angelfish, the line from their dorsal fin to their eyes also tends to be a bit straighter than that of the male's. Watch them as they swim towards you. Sometimes with female angelfish, you might be able to notice a difference when they swim towards you. The shape of their bellies might be a bit bigger or wider than male angelfish. Try looking into the tank and waiting for each of the fish to swim towards the glass. Observe the shape of their bellies from that angle. Put a group of about 4-6 angelfish together. When purchasing your first set of angelfish, consider buying 4-6 different juvenile fish and putting them together in a tank. Make sure the tank has adequate space for all the fish. When selecting your fish, consider picking a few fish that are on the smaller side, and a few that are a little larger. This might increase your chances of them being different sexes and eventually pairing to spawn. Watch their spawning habits. Once the fish are mature—usually once they are between 6 and 12 months old—they will pair off to spawn. At this time, start keeping a close eye on them to see their behaviors. Not only will you be more likely to see their spawning tubes at that point, but you will be able to see which fish pair off to spawn together. Observe these behaviors carefully, though—sometimes fish of the same sex will try to spawn, unsuccessfully of course. Sometimes spawning pairs of angelfish will “kiss” or lock lips. Sometimes this lip locking can be quick and cute, or even a little aggressive, with the fish chasing one another around the tank. Determine which angelfish are male and female based on pairings. Once your fish have paired to spawn, you should be able to determine which fish are female and which are male based on their pairings. This might not be the most efficient way to tell the sex of an angelfish, but since the sexing of angelfish is an imprecise process, it's one of the most accurate. You may actually observe a female angelfish laying her eggs with careful observation. Keep in mind, though, that even some of the most experienced angelfish breeders and keepers have trouble distinguishing between the sexes.
Wait until the angelfish are mature. Observe the tubes that come down from their undersides. Determine the sex based on the shape of the tubes. Look for a large crowned head on male angelfish. Check for a smaller, more rounded shape on female angelfish. Watch them as they swim towards you. Put a group of about 4-6 angelfish together. Watch their spawning habits. Determine which angelfish are male and female based on pairings.
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Flies-Outside
How to Get Rid of Flies Outside
To get rid of pesky flies outside, set up an oscillating fan near where you'll be hanging out. The strong breeze will blow away any flies that buzz by. You can also light a citronella candle, which flies hate the smell of. To make your own fly trap, mix ¼ cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a jar. Roll a piece of paper into a cone, cut off the tip, and tape the cone inside the jar so the tip is just above the sugar water. Flies will go through the funnel to get the sugar water, and then they won't be able to get out. Another thing you can do is cut up thin strips of cloth, then dip them in essential oils that repel flies, like lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemongrass oil. Hang the strips up outside on branches or railings. To prevent flies from coming back, keep your yard free of food scraps, dog droppings, and open garbage cans. Also make sure there isn't any standing water in your yard so flies don't gather there to drink.
Keep your yard clean and get rid of trash or food. Flies are attracted to any strong smell, which often comes from trash or food left outside. Flies have very short lifespans (only about two weeks), so if you eliminate anything that causes odors outside your house, the flies will leave or die within that period. Pick up dog feces. Make sure you put it in sealable bags before you put it in the trash can. Keep garbage can lids tightly closed. If you are having a party, make sure the trash can be used for paper goods disposable has a tight-fitting lid, and ask the guests to replace the lid after they dispose of their trash. Generally, flies are pretty much attracted to anything that we consider a horrible smell, and find practically no scent repelling. Cut your lawn often. Flies love tall grass and piles of brush, so keep your shrubs trimmed and don't leave piles of cut grass, leaves or brush in your yard. Mind your compost bin. A compost bin is filled with decaying matter; which is like a smorgasbord to a fly. Don't keep your compost pile too moist. Keep the compost pile as far from your house as possible. Maintain your compost pile properly. Keep it “cooking” so that it is too warm to support fly larvae. Guard against stagnant water. Flies are attracted to moisture and standing water; keep the water in birdbaths fresh and don't allow buckets or other containers to fill up with rainwater. You should discard old tires or any debris in your yard that can collect rainwater. Keep fruit and fruit peelings out of your bird feeders. If you want to give your backyard birds fruit treats, be sure to locate the fruit or peelings as far from your house as possible. Make fly traps. Mix molasses and cornmeal and place it in a shallow dish or saucer. Put the saucer far from your patio—the flies can congregate there while you enjoy your meal in peace. Buy predatory bugs that eat fly larvae or otherwise interrupt the life cycle. Try nasonia vitripennis and muscidifurax zaraptor in conjunction with each other. Place fly light traps out at night. A fly light trap is an electrically charged light that attracts flies and zaps them. Try hanging them around a recreational area - well above where someone could run into them. Be careful setting these up. Light traps could never seriously injure anyone, but it's still quite painful to be zapped by them. Alternatively, try a UV light trap. Flies have compound eyes, and thus find the spectrum of UV light attractive. The UV light attracts the flies, and when they go to investigate the light they get stuck to the glue board built into the light. Hang vodka bags. Flies avoid the smell of vodka. So, try hanging bags of vodka around your porch or any other recreational outdoor area. Quarter gallon freezer bags, tied with string to a gutter, work well. Any cheap vodka will work. You can also try putting small amounts of vodka on your skin, although beware of the pungent smell and your skin drying. Landscape with carnivorous plants. While some plants simply repel flies, others actually eat flies: Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, etc. Landscape with fly-repelling plants. Flies are deterred by the scents of some plants, so keep potted plants on your patio or near your doors that repel flies: Basil, Elderberry, Lavender, Mint, and False Indigo. Don’t destroy all the spider webs outdoors. Spiders eat flies, but if you destroy their webs, the flies lose a natural predator. Set up outdoor fans. Flies don't like a breeze. It may seem silly to put a fan outdoors, but if you are entertaining, a small house fan on your deck or patio may deter flies. Avoid leaving meat out. Flies are strongly attracted to the smell of meat and will swarm your barbecue grill the minute you bring meat outside to cook it. Keep all meat covered tightly when it is not on the grill. Keep the barbecue grill lid closed while the meat is cooking. Protect your grilling tongs and utensils—flies will smell the meat and land on them. (If you see flies have landed on your grilling utensils, take them inside and wash them before you pierce or turn the meat with them.) Place cloves around an outdoor dining area. The smell of cloves repels flies. Decoratively placing cloves on an outdoor dinning table can deter flies from landing on food.
Keep your yard clean and get rid of trash or food. Cut your lawn often. Mind your compost bin. Guard against stagnant water. Keep fruit and fruit peelings out of your bird feeders. Make fly traps. Buy predatory bugs that eat fly larvae or otherwise interrupt the life cycle. Place fly light traps out at night. Hang vodka bags. Landscape with carnivorous plants. Landscape with fly-repelling plants. Don’t destroy all the spider webs outdoors. Set up outdoor fans. Avoid leaving meat out. Place cloves around an outdoor dining area.
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Foam
How to Paint Foam
To paint foam, you'll need a primer and a water-based acrylic paint or spray paint. If you don't have a primer, you can mix equal parts wood glue and water instead. Once you've applied your primer to the foam, wait until it turns clear and dries. Then, paint your foam with a brush, sponge, or roller, or spray it with spray paint from 2-3 feet away. Leave the first coat to dry for 15 minutes, then apply another 2 or 3 coats. You'll know it's well-covered when the paint doesn't sink into your foam anymore. Leave your painted foam to dry for 1 hour if it's acrylic or 24 hours if it's spray paint. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area with the windows open to protect you from the paint fumes.
Find a well-ventilated space. You don't want the chemicals from your paint to get into your lungs, so make sure the air in your painting area is circulating well. Try opening 2 windows across from each other to create a vacuum effect. Cover your working area with newspaper. So you don't make a mess, lay down a few layers of newspaper where you're going to work. If you don't have any newspaper, you can use plastic sheeting or painter's drop cloth instead. You could also work outdoors. Put on safety glasses. When working with strong chemicals like wood glue and paint, make sure that your eyes are covered. Getting paint or glue in your eyes can cause severe damage. Make a priming paste of 1:1 wood glue and water. In a bowl, combine 1 part water to 1 part wood glue with a disposable stirring stick (like a wooden chopstick or disposable cutlery) until it's thick and not watery. The priming paste should have a jelly-like consistency. Apply the paste with a paint brush, then let it dry until it turns clear. Use a paint brush to apply the paste to the foam, covering the surface of the foam. Use long, even strokes to completely cover the surface. All the strokes should be in the same direction to create an even base for the paint to adhere to. Then, allow the paste to dry until it turns clear. The size of the paint brush will depend on the size of your foam project. If you have a very large project, use a 4.5 in (11 cm) brush, while if your project is small and intricate, you'll be better off with a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) brush. If the paste creates unsightly marks on the foam, wet your finger with water and brush them out before the paste dries. Depending on the temperature, drying could take up to 24 hours. Make sure that the paste has turned completely clear before you start painting. Get an artist paint brush for small decorations. If you're doing small, intricate designs on your foam, use a paint brush. Small artist paint brushes are great if you need control when decorating your foam project. These paint brushes are around 5–10 in (13–25 cm) long, and you can get them from an art store or general store for around $2 (£1.42). Many general stores also sell sets of them for around $5 (£3.55). For detailed work and thin lines, choose a “round” tip brush. For thick, heavy color and short strokes, use a “bright” tip brush. For filling wide spaces, try a “flat” brush. For filling corners, an “angular flat” brush is best. Put water-based acrylic paint in a flat palette. Choose the colors you'd like and squeeze them onto a flat palette. Keep them separate for now, but leave a small area in the middle of the palette for mixing colors. Water-based acrylic paint will dry faster than other methods, making it easier for you to apply multiple layers of paint on your foam. Use a dry brush to paint your foam project. Dip your dry paint brush into the paint and paint the foam. Don't be worried if the paint seeps into the foam, leaving white space; you'll follow up with another coat later. Dip your brush into a cup of water and swirl it around before switching colors. Dry it off with a paper towel before choosing a new color. Let the paint dry for at least 15 minutes. Let it dry for at least 15 minutes, though an hour will ensure that it gets perfectly dry. If you don't let your foam dry before applying another coat, your paint brush may just move the old paint around instead of applying the new paint. Apply 2-3 coats of paint until the paint no longer sinks into the foam. Reapply paint in the same manner as before until you can't see white spots through the paint. Applying multiple coats will help the paint penetrate the porous surface of the foam. Allow your foam project to dry for at least an hour. Acrylics dry quickly, but you should still give your project at least an hour before handling it with bare hands. Turning up the heat in your working area will help the drying process go faster. Dunk your brush in soapy water and wipe off the paint with your fingers. Fill a disposable cup with warm, soapy water and dunk your brush in when finished. Swirl the brush around and wipe the paint away with your fingers. Set your brush out to dry in a well-ventilated space. Always wash your hands after handling acrylic paint. Use natural sponges for an artsy, granite-like effect. Use a natural sea sponge (sponges harvested from the sea) for an interesting, multi-layered effect, similar to the look of granite (but with any color you choose). You can find natural sponges for around $10 (£7.10) at a hardware store. Natural sea sponges often come in sizes of 5–6 in (13–15 cm). You can use a kitchen sponge, but it won't look quite the same. Put acrylic, water-based paints in separate disposable bowls. Choose the colors that you want to paint with and pour them into separate disposable bowls. You can use foam bowls, paper bowls, or regular bowls that you've set aside for craft use (just remember they'll be dirty afterwards). Dampen a sponge with water and wring it out. Run water over the sponge enough to get it damp, then crush it with your hands until the water no longer runs out. If you don't wring the sponge out, your paint may come out too watery and not adhere to the foam well. Dip the sponge into the paint, then blot some onto the newspaper. Choosing the paint you want to use, dip the sponge into it, blotting a little bit of paint off the sponge onto the newspaper so that you don't make drips on your foam. Try practicing your sponge painting on the newspaper before moving to the foam; this will give you a better idea of what you want to do on your project. Paint by applying the sponge softly to the foam’s surface. Touch the sponge to the foam gently, letting it rest on the foam for a few seconds before pulling it away. Repeat until the entire project is covered in paint. Try rotating the sponge while painting to get different effects. Dampen the sponge with clean water and wring it out before choosing another color. Wait at least 15 minutes for the paint to dry. It's important to let the paint dry before adding another coat, or it may end up looking uneven. You can wait up to 60 minutes to ensure the paint dries fully. Apply another coat of paint. Use the same technique to paint another coat. Focus on spots where the paint has seeped in and left white spots. Aim to create an even layer so that all the foam is covered. Let your project dry for an hour and wash your sponge. Give your foam project at least an hour to dry before picking it up. Wash your sponge in clean water and wring it out thoroughly, then let it dry in a ventilated area. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling paints. Paint with a paint roller for large, flat projects. If your foam project is large and flat, you'll be better off with a paint roller of around 9 in (23 cm), which can cover a high amount of space in a short time. A paint roller that's 9 in (23 cm) will cost around $7 (£4.95) at a hardware store. You'll also need a foam cover, which will cost around $5 (£3.55), and a paint tray, which will cost around $2 (£1.42). Pour latex paint into the tray and fill the small basin at the bottom. Pour the paint slowly into the tray and fill up the small basin, making sure you've left the screen (the ridged, tilted area inside the tray) free of paint. You'll be using this screen to scrape excess paint off of your roller, so make sure you haven't filled it with paint. Latex paint will be the easiest to apply with a roller, and you can get 1 US gal (3.8 l) of it for about $20 (£14.12) at a hardware store. Slide the cover onto the paint roller and spin it. Slide the foam cover onto the paint roller and spin it several times to make sure that it will roll upon the surface you're painting. If your roller doesn't spin, you may need to return it to the store. Alternatively, try using some WD-40 on the spinning barrel. Dip the roller into the paint, then scrape it against the screen. Dip your paint roller about ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) into the paint, then roll it back and forth 2-3 times against the screen. Scraping your roller against the screen will help even out the paint on the roller, which will reduce the likelihood of lumps on the foam. Paint the foam's outside edges first, then sweep up and down its length. Roll your paint around the edges of your project, ensuring that you've painted every corner. Once that's done, roll the roller up and down the length of the project until the paint is smooth and covers the foam. When your paint begins to thin out, reload the paint by dipping your roller into the tray and scraping it on the screen again. Wait 1-2 hours for the paint to dry. Latex paint should be allowed to dry for at least an hour. If you don't give the paint an hour, your roller will just roll the old paint around, instead of layering new paint on top. Apply a second coat of paint. Apply a second coat the same way you applied the first, being sure to scrape excess paint off of the roller. If, after the second coat, you feel your project needs a third or fourth coat, apply them in the same way, waiting at least an hour between coats. Wait up to 30 days for the latex paint to cure. Latex paint needs days to cure (reach its full hardness). Leave the foam project in a warm room to dry for up to 30 days before handling it. If 30 days is too long, you can handle the project within 24 hours; just know that some paint might move around if you do so. Buy spray paint to cover your project with one color. If you need to cover your foam with one color of paint, a can of spray paint will suit your purposes well. It's cheap and, as long as a wood-glue finish is applied, it won't hurt your foam. Spray paint costs around $5 (£3.55). Shake the can for a full minute before getting started. Shake the can up and down then side to side to ensure that the paint mixes fully. Do this for at least a minute before you start to paint. If you forget to shake the can, the product may come out unmixed. Spray the paint onto your project from at least 3 ft (0.91 m) away. Keep the nozzle of your spray paint at least 3 ft (0.91 m) away from your project when painting it. Any closer and the density of the paint could break through the primer and destroy the foam. Paint in long, sweeping strokes to prevent drips and runs. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying another coat. Give the paint some time to dry before you spray another layer of paint onto your foam project. Continue to keep the can 3 ft (0.91 m) away from the foam. Spraying too close when you apply the second coat will cause your paint to wrinkle. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. The spray paint should dry fully within a day. Touch the paint after 24 hours to see if it is dry. If the spray paint comes off onto your fingers, give it a few more hours to dry. Turning up the heat in your working area will also help to decrease drying time.
Find a well-ventilated space. Cover your working area with newspaper. Put on safety glasses. Make a priming paste of 1:1 wood glue and water. Apply the paste with a paint brush, then let it dry until it turns clear. Get an artist paint brush for small decorations. Put water-based acrylic paint in a flat palette. Use a dry brush to paint your foam project. Let the paint dry for at least 15 minutes. Apply 2-3 coats of paint until the paint no longer sinks into the foam. Allow your foam project to dry for at least an hour. Dunk your brush in soapy water and wipe off the paint with your fingers. Use natural sponges for an artsy, granite-like effect. Put acrylic, water-based paints in separate disposable bowls. Dampen a sponge with water and wring it out. Dip the sponge into the paint, then blot some onto the newspaper. Paint by applying the sponge softly to the foam’s surface. Wait at least 15 minutes for the paint to dry. Apply another coat of paint. Let your project dry for an hour and wash your sponge. Paint with a paint roller for large, flat projects. Pour latex paint into the tray and fill the small basin at the bottom. Slide the cover onto the paint roller and spin it. Dip the roller into the paint, then scrape it against the screen. Paint the foam's outside edges first, then sweep up and down its length. Wait 1-2 hours for the paint to dry. Apply a second coat of paint. Wait up to 30 days for the latex paint to cure. Buy spray paint to cover your project with one color. Shake the can for a full minute before getting started. Spray the paint onto your project from at least 3 ft (0.91 m) away. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying another coat. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-the-Ancient-Game-of-Pai-Sho
How to Play the Ancient Game of Pai Sho
To play Pai Sho, start by selecting two players and give each one six tiles from categories like white flowers and red flowers to play with. Next, score points by pairing tiles next to each other to create harmonies, or kill your opponents tiles by forming disharmonies. The game ends when a player has only 3 harmonious tiles left, forms a chain of harmonious tiles around the center point, or if a player forfeits.
Find another person to play with. Because of the way the board is designed, Pai Sho can only be played by 2 players. If you know someone who enjoys strategy-based board games, invite them to join you in a couple rounds. To get other players in on the action, consider holding a Pai Sho tournament or playing a series of games with a “winner stays” format. If you're playing an online version of the game, such as the popular Skud Pai Sho, you have the option of either starting a game with a friend or squaring off against the computer. You can play Skud Pai Sho for free online by visiting http://skudpaisho.com. Pai Sho is a fun, intelligent, challenging game that anyone can enjoy, not just fans of Avatar or Korra. Understand the object of the game. In a game of Pai Sho, players take turns arranging various tile pieces to form “harmonies.” A harmony is formed when a player places 2 harmonious flower tiles in an uninterrupted line along any of the board's intersecting lines. The first player to successfully create a predetermined number of harmonies on the board is the winner. While it is possible to capture your opponent's tiles in Pai Sho, the idea behind doing so is to keep them from forming harmonies rather than to collect the pieces themselves. In Skud Pai Sho, the object is to create an unbroken “harmony ring” that encircles the center of the board. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the board. Pai Sho is played on a large, circular board containing 256 individual square spaces, which make up 12 different sections of various sizes. At the center of the board is a diamond-shaped section divided into 4 quadrants, 2 white and 2 red, arranged opposite one another. Physical fan-made replicas of the game are also available for purchase online. These typically range in price from $30-200, depending on the size and quality of the materials used. Sit down at the board facing one of the 4 small red triangles. These triangles are known as “gates.” There are a total of 4 gates on the board, one for each of the primary directions. The gate closest to you is your “home” gate, while the gate closest your opponent is the “foreign” gate. When you and your opponent are positioning properly, you should each have an open gate to your right and left. Every time you add a new piece to the board during gameplay, you must start it inside one of the 4 gates. Learn how the basic flower tiles move on the board. Pai Sho is played using a total of 108 circular tiles (54 for each player), which are inscribed with symbols that indicate their class and what routes they can take. The basic flower tiles serve as the game's primary movement pieces. They are broken up into 2 groups: white (Jasmine, White Lily, White Jade) and red (Rose, Chrysanthemum, Rhododendron). Jasmine tiles can move up to 3 spaces at a time in a single direction. This tile will always start within your home gate. White Lily tiles move 2 spaces vertically and 2 spaces horizontally to form an “L” shape. You can start this tile in either of the open gates on the left or right edges of the board. White Jade tiles can move up to 5 spaces at a time in a single direction. This tile can either be started at your home gate or inside the “mid gate” (the centerpoint of the board), depending on how you prefer to play. Rose tiles can move up to 3 spaces at a time in a single direction. When added to the board, they'll always start inside the foreign gate (your opponent's home gate). Chrysanthemum tiles move 2 spaces vertically and 2 spaces horizontally to form an “L” shape. You can start this tile in either of the open gates on the left or right edges of the board. Rhododendron tiles can move up to 5 spaces at a time in a single direction. This tile can either be started at your home gate or inside the mid gate. Understand the role of the accent and special tiles. The remaining 18 tiles include 12 “accent” tiles (Rock, Wheel, Knotweed, Boat) and 6 special tiles (White Lotus, White Dragon), all of which have their own signature abilities and strategic uses. You can only play one of these tiles during a harmony bonus, which you'll be rewarded with anytime you successfully form a new harmony. The Rock tile cancels harmonies along any lines its placed on. You can place this tile at any open point on the board. Once a Rock tile has been planted, it can't be captured or moved, even by a Wheel. The Wheel tile rotates all adjacent tiles 1 space, unless doing so would move them off the board or into a gate. You can place this tile at any open point on the board. The Knotweed tile cancels harmonies in surrounding adjacent spaces by “choking” the flower tiles. If you're playing on a physical board, flip the affected tiles over to show that they've been neutralized. You can place this tile at any open point on the board. The Boat tile can either move a flower tile to any other point on the board (taking that tile's place in the process) or remove an opponent's accent tile (disappearing from the board along with it). You can only play this tile on other tiles. The White Dragon tile removes active tiles from the board if it lands directly on them. You can place this tile at any open point on the board and move it in either 1 or 6 spaces in any direction on each turn. The White Lotus tile can turn harmonies into disharmonies and disharmonies into harmonies. You can place this tile at any open point on the board and move it up to 2 spaces in any direction on each turn. Make sure you’re clear about what moves you can and can’t make. For example, you're only permitted to move your main flower tiles into a garden of the opposite color. The “gardens” are the colored quadrants in the diamond at the center of the board. A white tile can only pass through a red garden, and a red tile can only pass through a white garden. One of your tiles can't occupy the same space as one of your opponent's tiles. The only exception to this rule is in the case of the Boat and White Dragon tiles, which take the place of another tile. Additionally, you're not allowed to move any tile through or over any of the gates on the board once it has left its gate of origin. These sections are effectively off-limits except to new pieces. Deal out 54 tiles of the correct suit to each player. At the beginning of the game, each player will receive 54 tiles. These will include 36 basic flower tiles—6 Jasmine, 6 White Lily, 6 White Jade, 6 Rose, 6 Chrysanthemum, and 6 Rhododendron. In addition to the basic flower tiles, each player will also get 18 accent tiles—3 Rock, 3 Wheel, 3 Knotweed, 3 Boat, 3 White Dragon, and 3 White Lotus. Count your tiles carefully as you deal to make sure that both players end up with the same number of each. Otherwise, the game won't proceed fairly. Specify a number of tiles for both players to keep in their hand at all times. Place your remaining tiles into a bag or similar blind container and keep it close by. As you play, you'll draw new tiles from the bag at random to replenish your hand. Every time you put a new tile into play on the board, you'll grab a fresh tile from your reserve stock. No player is to ever have more than the designated number of tiles in their hand at any point during the game. Decide on a target number of harmonies to play for. The first player to reach your agreed-upon number of harmonies wins the game. 10 harmonies is a standard goal for newer players. However, you could choose any number you like, provided there are enough tiles to actually form the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that the greater your target number of harmonies, the longer it will take to finish the game. Pai Sho can be time-consuming, so setting too high a number could cause your game to feel never-ending. Flip a coin to determine which player gets to make the first action. The winner of the coin toss is the starting player, who receives the title of “guest.” The guest opens play by placing any flower tile of their choosing inside their home gate. The other player must then follow suit and set up an identical piece within their own home gate, so that the two starting pieces mirror one another across the board. If you want to up the stakes a little, the guest can win an early advantage by both planting the first tile and taking the first turn. In some versions of the game, the guest gets the privilege of placing a tile on the mid gate at the board's center. Use your first few turns to add new pieces to the board. Once you've determined your play order, you'll begin alternating turns, similar to a game of chess or checkers. During a turn, you have the option of either planting or arranging. “Planting” is when you put a new tile into play by placing it in an open gate. From this point on, anytime you add a tile to the board, you must start it inside an open gate. Different tiles originate in different gates. Arrange the tiles you have on the board to try to form harmonies. When you're satisfied with the number of tiles you have in play, you can begin focusing on “arranging” them into harmonies, or moving them into place alongside one another on the board's intersecting lines. 2 tiles form a harmony when they're of harmonious classes (i.e. White Lily and Jasmine) and there aren't any clashing tiles or gates between them. A single flower tile can be used to form 2 separate harmonies, as long as they're on different parallels. In Pai Sho, the pieces are played at the points where 2 board lines meet rather than inside the spaces themselves. Harmonies can't be formed diagonally, or along any of the board's key mid-lines, which run through the center of the board in an imaginary cross shape. If you're playing Pai Sho online, your harmonies will be highlighted on the screen to help you keep track of them. Play an accent or special tile each time you form a new harmony. For each harmony you put together, you'll have the chance to add an accent tile to the board without waiting for your next turn. If you don't have any accent tiles remaining, you can plant one of your basic flower tiles instead. Harmony bonuses will help you thwart your opponent and bring you that much closer to your next harmony. You only have half the number of accent tiles in your bag that you do basic flower tiles, so use them wisely. Disrupt your opponent’s harmonies to prevent them from winning. If your opponent has just formed a harmony, or you see that they're about to, try to arrange your tiles in a way that blocks them or breaks them up. This can be accomplished by moving a clashing tile in between the 2 harmonious tiles to create a disharmony, or by making use of your accent tiles' special abilities during harmony bonuses. It's possible to form a harmony of your own with a tile that's being used to disrupt one of your opponent's harmonies. The configuration of the board will change constantly, so don't get discouraged if you're trailing your opponent in harmonies. By the same token, don't allow yourself to get too relaxed if you happen to be in the lead. Continue playing until one player reaches the target number of harmonies. Be sure to call out when you think you've won so you and your opponent can stop and survey the board together. If you're playing Skud Pai Sho, don't forget that you must create a “harmony ring” that crosses each of the board's midlines in order to gain victory. It can be tough to keep track of how many unbroken harmonies you have on the board when you're focused on your next move. It may be helpful to pause periodically to look over the board and make sure you or your opponent haven't missed anything. In a common variation of Ancient Pai Sho, the player who's behind has 1 turn to disrupt their opponent's harmony ring once it's been completed. If they fail to do so, they lose the game.
Find another person to play with. Understand the object of the game. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the board. Sit down at the board facing one of the 4 small red triangles. Learn how the basic flower tiles move on the board. Understand the role of the accent and special tiles. Make sure you’re clear about what moves you can and can’t make. Deal out 54 tiles of the correct suit to each player. Specify a number of tiles for both players to keep in their hand at all times. Decide on a target number of harmonies to play for. Flip a coin to determine which player gets to make the first action. Use your first few turns to add new pieces to the board. Arrange the tiles you have on the board to try to form harmonies. Play an accent or special tile each time you form a new harmony. Disrupt your opponent’s harmonies to prevent them from winning. Continue playing until one player reaches the target number of harmonies.
https://www.wikihow.com/House-a-Quaker-Parrot
How to House a Quaker Parrot
To house a Quaker parrot, start by choosing a stainless steel or powder-coated steel cage that's at least 18 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Make sure the cage bars are close enough together so the bird can't get its head stuck in between them. Next, line the bottom of the cage with walnut shells or newspaper and add multiple food and water dishes. Then, install several perches and place a variety of toys, like ropes, bells, and mirrors, inside the cage. Finally, replace the soiled lining daily and scrub the entire cage every week with warm water and soap.
Buy a correctly-sized cage. Your Quaker parrot deserves to have enough space to live in happily. It will need enough space to spread its wings and to have separate spaces to nest, eat, and play. However, Quaker parrots are relatively small birds, so one bird typically needs a cage that is at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches (45.7 cm) deep. If you can afford to buy your bird a bigger cage, then you should do that. It is better to have a bigger cage but not totally necessary. Avoid getting a cage that is tall and narrow, as this may not provide enough space for your parrot. Pick a cage that is safe for your parrot. In order to keep your Quaker safe in its home, you need to buy a cage that provides as few hazards as possible. With this in mind, get a cage that has doors that open sideways or down, instead of snapping shut. These can injure your bird. Also, make sure that the cage bars are close enough together so that your bird cannot get its head stuck in between them. Buy a cage made of non-toxic materials. You should make sure to get a cage that is made of materials that will not be toxic to the bird if it chews on the bars. Your bird will likely nibble on its cage and you don't want it swallowing paint and rust while it nibbles. The best cages for Quaker parrots are made of stainless steel or powder-coated steel. However, these are also typically the most expensive. Above all, you want to avoid cages that are coated in lead paint or cheap materials that the bird will easily chip off and then ingest. Talk to your local store associate to figure out the right product for you. Purchase food and water dishes. Your Quaker parrot will need several food dishes and one designated water dish. There are a wide variety of dishes available for bird cages, so just make sure that the ones you choose are sturdy. The dishes should not be made of a material that your Quaker could easily break off, such as thin plastic. You have several options when it comes to water dishes. You could buy a typical dish, which the bird could also use for bathing but which will get dirty quickly. You could also get a water bottle for the bird's cage, which will keep the water clean for longer but cannot be used for bathing like the dish can. Buy cage accessories. In addition to a cage, your Quaker will need some accessories in its cage, specifically a variety of perches and toys. Buy an assortment of perches, some can even be natural branches, ladders, or swings. You should also buy a variety of toys, including ropes, bells, and mirrors. Focus on giving your Quaker a variety of textures, sounds, and colors when picking out toys. If you get your bird a water bottle for its cage, you will also need to get it a small dish for the bottom of its cage where it can bathe. Consider buying cage lining material. There are a wide variety of cage lining materials that can be put at the bottom of your Quaker's cage. You can use cob, walnut shells, or newspaper on the bottom of your bird's cage. If you want to use cob or walnut shells, you will need to purchase them. If you want to use newspaper, you can likely get your hands on some for free. As such, many Quaker owners choose to use newspaper. Cob or walnut shells for the bottom of your bird's cage can typically be found at most pet stores but you may need to order them from an online retailer if none is available at your local shop. Replace food and water daily. In order to keep your Quaker healthy and happy, you should provide it with fresh drinking water and food every day. This will help ensure that your bird gets all the nutrition it needs and that bacteria in spoiled food or dirty water does not make your bird sick. When switching your bird's food and water you should also clean the food and water containers. Scrub them out with soap and hot water daily so that they don't harbor bacteria and disease. Clean the cage regularly. In addition to cleaning out your bird's food and water dishes, you should clean the bottom of your bird's cage daily and the whole cage weekly. Pull out soiled cage lining every day, clean the lining pan with soap and water, and put new lining material at the bottom of the cage. Scrubbing the entire cage clean weekly will eliminate any bacteria and disease that may be developing, and will help keep your bird healthy. When cleaning your bird's cage, use a mixture of soap and hot water. Make sure that the cage is completely dry before replacing items back into the cage. Remove your bird from its cage before doing a thorough cleaning. Place it in a temporary cage while you are cleaning its permanent cage. Make sure the cage is securing locked at all times. Quaker parrots are known to be intelligent birds that can figure out how to get out of cages that are not well secured. In order to avoid this, make sure that your bird's cage is well secured every time you close it. While figuring out how to open its cage probably stimulate its mind, a Quaker that gets out of its cage can get injured during the escape or by a hazard in your home, such as another pet. Switch out toys regularly. In order to keep your parrot stimulated and happy, you should switch out its toys on a regular basis. Giving your bird new puzzles and toys will help the bird avoid boredom, which can cause a bird to get depressed and unhealthy. Make sure that there are several toys in your bird's cage at all times, so your bird can choose which one it wants to play with. Quaker parrots are very smart birds, so it's a good idea to give them puzzle toys that they can work on figuring out. Consider getting toys that are advertised as suitable for cockatiels, conures, or parrots.
Buy a correctly-sized cage. Pick a cage that is safe for your parrot. Buy a cage made of non-toxic materials. Purchase food and water dishes. Buy cage accessories. Consider buying cage lining material. Replace food and water daily. Clean the cage regularly. Make sure the cage is securing locked at all times. Switch out toys regularly.
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-a-Simple-and-Peaceful-Life
How to Live a Simple and Peaceful Life
To live a simple and peaceful life, work on reducing your commitments by saying "no" to others more often. Additionally, try to focus on one thing at a time instead of multi-tasking. You should also schedule regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's only for 5 minutes. During your breaks, try a relaxing activity like meditation, which can help you feel more peaceful and rejuvenated. Then, on your days off, consider organizing your home and donating or throwing out things you no longer use to create a simple and peaceful living environment.
Slow down. There are times when you are so used to doing everything in a hurry that you don't notice how fast-paced your life has become. Simply reading the words, “Slow down,” will allow you to pause for a moment and notice. This step is mentioned first so you will carry the thought with you throughout this article and beyond. Avoid multi-tasking. It has become popular, if not clichéd, to multi-task. Research indicates, however, that there is a point where the quality of what you are doing declines when you try to focus on too many tasks at once. Just because everyone is doing it doesn't mean you have to. Find your threshold of diminishing return on the number of tasks you can work on. Your goal is to do things well so you can feel good about your accomplishments. Do nothing as if it were something. There is an art to doing nothing. Many people struggle with taking time to pause and regroup. Even if it is taking a five-minute break to do nothing , do it. Reduce your commitments. If you have current commitments to do something, then follow through until the tasks or events are complete. However, from this point forward, take on fewer commitments. You may struggle at first, but focus your intent on simplifying your life, and this will bring about greater peace within you. Allow your end goal to motivate you and to quiet your feelings of guilt. Limit the number of times you say, “Yes” by keeping a tally on your calendar. First, determine your “comfort level” for how many events you can peacefully manage. Second, stick to that number. Do not always be the good guy who says, “Yes.” Instead, pick your spots. When you are asked to participate in an event, try not to quickly answer. Instead, pause for a moment to work out if the event will truly enrich your life. If it won't, it is probably best to say, “Thank you for inviting me, but I need to pass.” Develop an ability to say, “no” by communicating your intent. There are times when some people will not take “no” for an answer. This is your cue to share a bit more information with the person and set your boundary. Consider reinforcing your "no" with something like, “You are so kind to think of me, but I'm making some changes in my life that are really important to me, my family, and my health, so I am going to have to decline.” The person will likely support your decision. Eliminate extras. Conspicuous consumption may describe your life, or at least you might practice excessive consumption. Conspicuous consumption entails lavish or wasteful spending in an attempt to show others your level of social prestige while excessive consumption is using more than is absolutely needed. Simplifying your life will drastically cut into the amount of “extras” you have grown accustomed to. The goal is to reduce the extra expenses so you won't be so tied down by financial obligations. Question if you really need that second iPad or newest electronic gadget, or that twice-a-day trip through the coffee retailer. Just say “no” to your overindulgence and “yes” to your desire to live a simpler, more peaceful, and satisfying life. Each time you are faced with a decision, try, consciously, to make a decision that will align with the long-term self-interests that you have worked out. Find fulfillment in the simple things in life– spending time with friends, in nature, or creating something with your own hands. You will find that intrinsic rewards will improve your motivation and overall satisfaction with your life. Declutter your living area. People create their world around them and fill it with items. If you want to simplify your life, survey your surroundings and get organized. A well-organized home is a healthy home. Eliminating surplus items that you no longer use will help declutter your home, your emotions, and your thoughts. When your external world is free of clutter, so will be your internal world. Take a minimum of 10 minutes a day to organize your surroundings. Use the weekend or your days off to take on bigger projects like cleaning closets, drawers and garages. Sort your items into three categories: Keep; donate; and throw away. Giving away lightly used items to charitable organizations gives others an opportunity to enjoy the items and provides jobs for the workers who process the donations. With each donation you make you are helping the community, which enhances your self-esteem. Identify your values. Think about the things that are important to you that influence the way you act and ultimately the person you are. These are values. They are a guiding force in decision making. Identifying your values can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. To identify your values, think about the times in your life when you were the happiest, most proud, most fulfilled and satisfied. Make a list and determine what you valued about those situations. Perhaps you value the creativity, adventure, loyalty and hard work each of these situations provided. Maybe you realize that you value your family the most. These will be a driving force in everything you do. If you want to live a simple peaceful life, then you might value serenity, resourcefulness, stability, and health. One of your values can be living a more peaceful life. You can connect this value with other values, like being close with family and friends or having more independence. Align your activities with your values. Participate in activities that are congruent with your values and desire to simplify your life. You will know if your activities are in line with your values by the way you feel. You will feel satisfied and content. When it comes to activities that conflict with your values, the opposite is true. You will have a strong feeling that something is wrong and you are unhappy. Decline offers to events that conflict with your intent to live peacefully. Make a decision to live a value-driven life. It will take discipline and focus, which can be enhanced by things such as a yoga and physical exercise. Formulate a plan and commit to it. Following a problem solving model will give you structure for creating change. You have identified your desire to live a simple and peaceful life and now you must determine clear objectives, implement them, make adjustments as needed and monitor your progress. Determine clear objectives. One objective may be that you set a schedule and keep a log of your decluttering efforts. Self-monitoring leads to real change. Pick a start date for your plan and start. Don't delay the inevitable. Start as soon as possible. Recognize your growth and reward yourself. If you successfully meet your daily, weekly or monthly objectives, celebrate your accomplishments. Perhaps you could go to a movie, attend a sporting event or plant a tree in honor of someone you admire. Positive reinforcement will motivate you to continue with your plan. If a strategy isn't working for you, then stop using it. Find an alternative and plug it into your plan. Don't look at it as a failure; instead look at it as a correction in the course toward your goal. Your new behaviors will build over time and become second nature to you. As your behavior becomes more natural, you can lessen your strict adherence to your plan and still maintain positive outcomes. Practice living in the present moment. Don't occupy your thoughts with too much about the past or too much about the future. A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Simplifying your thoughts involves quieting your mind, and staying focused on what you are doing at that moment. Use visualization exercises to imagine yourself in a simple, peaceful stress-free environment. This will help quiet your mind. Engage in conversation or exercise. These are two of the most effective ways to stay in the present moment. Write in a gratitude journal. The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal include improved sleep, improved health and increased happiness – all factors that create peace in your life. There are things to consider to obtain the highest level of benefit: Start by deciding to become happier and more grateful. Provide the details about the things you are grateful for rather than stating simple phrases. Gear your gratitude toward people rather than things. Consider how your life would be different by removing something you care about. This will inspire you to think of additional aspects of your gratitude. Remember to include unexpected surprises. Don't lose your gumption to write by forcing yourself to write every day. Perhaps once or twice a week would be comfortable routine. Practice empathy and compassion to create peace. The ability to appreciate someone else's struggle is an important skill to develop. It comes easy to some people, and not to others. You know how you would like to be treated, so use that as a guide when trying to forgive someone. If you want to practice empathy and compassion start by reaching out to a family member or friend and offer to help her in some way. Perhaps you could run an errand for her, or do something simple like unload groceries, or water her plants. The point of this exercise is to provide to others the feelings and actions you appreciate when someone does the same for you. Switch from resentful to grateful to improve relationships. Much of a person's internal and external unrest stems from conflicts with others. As they say, holding resentment toward someone is like drinking poison expecting the other person to be harmed. Thoughts of gratitude will help improve your mood and thus, lessen feelings of resentment. When you feel resentful stop yourself and ask the following questions: Do I feel good when I think about this person? Are my negative feelings helping me or hurting me? Do my thoughts aimed at retribution toward this person have any actual impact on the other person? The obvious answers to the questions are no, no and no. Next, respond with gratitude-filled statements: I feel good that I am letting go of my resentment for this person; My focus on moving forward is helping me feel better; I am focused on improving my life rather than destroying someone else's. Move your residence. If you are living in a high-density populated area it may be causing you undue stress. A change of scenery to a calm and peaceful location will enhance your efforts to live a simple life. Your home is your sanctuary. If you must stay close to where you currently live, then research prospective properties to rent or buy. Using a property manager can be very helpful. If you are interested in making a big leap, then research areas farther away that offer what you desire. You might feel better and more positive about living near the ocean, in the mountains, or on the top floor of a beautiful skyscraper. Consider buying a "tiny house." This small scale version of a house has everything you could want. Designed for the minimalist who enjoys all the comforts of home in an extremely small space. The house can be placed on a piece of property, hooked up to water and sewer and you call it home. You can forego a large mortgage in exchange for a creatively designed little, peaceful, environmentally conscious home. Simplify your transportation. There are plenty of people who own a high-line car with a payment that is equivalent to a house payment. This is another instance where the extra income it requires to pay for this item could be re-purposed to free yourself from financial obligations. Small eco-friendly cars will get you where you want to go and decrease your carbon footprint. Less pollution means a simpler, cleaner existence. Get a bike and ride it to work. It is great exercise and you will always have a great parking spot. Change careers. There is nothing worse than going to a job every day that you hate. If all your attempts to make it more enjoyable have been unsuccessful, you would benefit from changing jobs and/or careers. If you are spending 80 hours a week cranking out sales quotas that leave you depleted and stressed, it is time for a change toward the simpler life. As you follow your plan you may find that you don't have to make as much money to support your new lifestyle. This will allow you the freedom to explore options that may be more in line with your goals, values and interests. Contact a career counselor at the local college, or in private practice to explore your options and discover what you would really like to do for work. Adopt a practice for well-being. Making yourself and your health a priority is essential to living a simple and peaceful life. Develop a lifestyle for yourself to follow. Use schedules and routines to maintain a healthy balance of work, play and rejuvenation. This includes a healthy eating plan that will fuel your body and provide you with energy to maintain an exercise regime. You may need to change perspectives about exercise, but you will benefit immensely. Meditate and rejuvenate and you will enjoy life that much more. Be responsible for your own happiness. Be self-reliant. Happiness is an inside job and you are responsible to create it. You know what makes you happy, so participate in activities that will build a reservoir of positive feelings. It is easier to face difficult situations if you are filled with good vibes. A happier you will always make any situation and relationship better.
Slow down. Reduce your commitments. Eliminate extras. Declutter your living area. Identify your values. Align your activities with your values. Formulate a plan and commit to it. Practice living in the present moment. Write in a gratitude journal. Practice empathy and compassion to create peace. Switch from resentful to grateful to improve relationships. Move your residence. Simplify your transportation. Change careers. Adopt a practice for well-being. Be responsible for your own happiness.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Animated-Short-Film
How to Make an Animated Short Film
As with any type of film, animation takes time, patience, and a lot of planning, but anyone with a good imagination can make an animated short film. Start by writing out a script that has well-developed characters, a theme, and a beginning, middle, and end. Before starting to animate, sketch your characters in a variety of poses, costumes, and expressions to get a sense of what they look like. You can now storyboard your script by drawing out the principal action of each shot. Import your storyboard into a filmmaking program so you can use them to make a timed slideshow or animatic, which is a rough cut of animation. Add dialogue and sound effects to the animatic to make a complete story. Once this process is finished, you can animate your film by first picking a medium, like stop-motion or rotoscoping. Then, draw out your backgrounds and sketch, model, or design the key poses for your characters. Add your in-between frames to string your movie together.
Write out a script. This is often easier said than done, but you need to write down your ideas clearly and give them structure before you start working. Unlike in live action, it is almost impossible to "improvise" an animated film, as it simply takes too long animate everything. You can use a simple Word document or script writing software like Celtx, Writer Duets, or Final Draft. Your script doesn't need dialog, but it does need: A theme. What is the "point" of the short film? This doesn't need to be grand, profound, or complicated. It can be anything from "the loss of childhood innocence," or "boredom is a state of mind," to "I want to make people laugh with this joke." Think of it as a guiding principle for your film. Characters. What will hold the attention of your audience? This can be anything from a person or an animal to a squiggly line, like the Oscar-winning short "The Dot and the Line: A Romance." Visuals. Where does the short take place? What's the mood, or atmosphere? A screenplay needs to tell the story of the short in full so it can be used as a blueprint for future work. A beginning, middle, and end. This sounds obvious, but that's the point -- almost all stories are told in three specific, delineated parts, or acts. This doesn't mean you must have a three-act story, or even "characters." You do, however, need to think out the "action" of the short film before moving forward. Act 1 introduces the characters and a problem (they're hungry, the world is ending, boy has a crush on someone, etc.) Act 2 complicates the story/problem (All the stores are closed, the bad guy might win, the person has a boyfriend already, etc.). Act 3 provides resolution to the problem (they find a sandwich shop, they save the world, the boy meets another person, etc.) Sketch character models. Before starting to animate, you need to know what your characters are going to look like. Sketch them in a variety of poses, costumes, and expressions to get a feel for what they will look like. Remember that a character can be anything in an animated film, from a bear to a pair of salt & pepper shakers. Still, you want to develop your characters ahead of time so that they look consistent when you animate them. Draw up a storyboard. Storyboards are individual drawings for every bit of action in the script and are used in the production of almost every film -- animated or otherwise. They are both simple and comprehensive, as you need one for every change you want in the film. They do not, however, need background detail or color, unless it is essential to the story. You can find and print a variety of free storyboard templates online, or draw your own. Each frame of the storyboard has two parts: The Image: In a rectangular box, draw the principal action of the shot, ignoring background images for now. You can also draw notes or arrows to indicate movement. The Dialogue. Underneath the shot, write down what needs to be said in the shot, the proposed length of the shot, and any effects (zoom in, shaky camera, etc.) Import your storyboard into a filmmaking program, saving each frame individually. Once you have your shots planned out, import them into your computer. Make sure to name them appropriately (Act1.Scene1.Shot1.jpg, for example). When you're done, import them all into your film editing software (iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, Final Cut Pro, Adobe AfterEffects, etc.) and put them in the correct order. Adobe AfterEffects or Premier are considered the industry standards, but you can use whatever program you are most comfortable with. Use your storyboard to make a timed slideshow, or animatic. Animatics are the rough cuts of animation -- they get the pace and rhythm of the short together and allow you to to get the timing right for your final short. This sounds complicated, however, they are really just slideshows with proper timing. Put the images of the storyboard in order on your editing software and extend, cut, and play with them until you have a "rough" cut of the final film. You can find examples of animatics online, like the animatic for the music video "Feel Good Inc." as well as some Pixar animatics. Almost all animated movies are made into animatics first. Otherwise you risk spending hours fully animating a scene that needs to change, get longer or shorter, or get deleted. Add the dialog and sound effects and adjust the timing of the animatic as needed. Once you have your rough timing down, it's time to pre-record the dialog. This doesn't have to be perfect, and you can even fake the sound effects with your mouth and hands if you want. What matters is the timing. Do you have enough time in the "shot" to get all the words out? Extend or shorten the length of your slides as necessary. The closer you can get the dialog to perfect, the better, as most good voice acting requires proper timing. That said, now is not the time to worry about the finer details of voice acting. You need to get your animatic together before moving on to full production. Review your animatic as if it were the final film. The final animatic should tell the full story of your film, minus the trappings of color, backgrounds, and details. If you are knowledgeable of video editing , you can add pans, zooms, and transitions right now to test them before your final editing. Consider purchasing a tablet. Tablets are small computer pads that come with an electronic pen, allowing you to "draw" straight into your computer. Drawing well with a mouse is nearly impossible, and unless you plan on small projects or stop-motion work, you will almost definitely need a tablet. Determine your animating medium. This usually depends on your expertise and hardware. For example, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a beginner with an older computer to make 3D animations like Pixar. There are many, many animating software and styles, and all of them have intricacies and techniques unique to the software. 2D Animation: This is the classic cartoon, hand-drawn look. The characters are flat line drawings. Originally, they were drawn frame by frame, but now there is a variety of software that makes the process much faster, such as Synfig, Pencil2D, ToonBoom, or even Adobe Photoshop. Traditionally, you use 12-24 drawings per second of film. 3D Animation: Similar to the models used in video games and movies like Toy Story and Shrek, 3D animation is much harder to master. You make models of the characters and code movement into them, making 3D animation a sort of artistic/coding hybrid. You also need to add lighting and textures. 3D software can used, yet it takes a long time and requires software like AutoDesk, Poser Pro, Aladdin, or Sketchup. Most 3D animation is the result of large teams working together. Stop-Motion: So simple anyone can do it, stop-motion is when you use real-life figures or drawings and take a picture after every small movement. When the pictures are played back to back at high speeds, it looks like movement. It is incredibly time-consuming, however, as you often need upwards of 12 photos per-second of footage to make it look smooth. You can use cut-outs, clay models, individual drawings, or real people to make it. Rotoscoping: A niche form of animation found in films like A Scanner Darkly, rotoscoping is animating on top of conventionally shot films. You will need a tablet, and you go through the footage frame by frame, using the live video as a guide for drawing the characters. The result is a realistic, but still animated, look. Draw out your backgrounds. Start with your settings, as the characters are superimposed on them. The background should be everything that the characters do not interact with, as anything that moves needs to be animated. The background should be a big drawing and scanned in at high resolution. This allows you to "zoom in" on certain sections without distortion. For example, if you have two characters talking in a cafe, you want to draw the whole cafe behind them. But you may want the "camera" to focus in on each character as they talk individually. Instead of redrawing the background behind him, you can copy and paste a smaller section of your detailed background for "close ups." Sketch, model, or design your "key poses. " What are the essential poses of your characters, or defining actions each one makes, in the scene? Think of these as the "destinations" for each piece of movement. Take, for example, a character winding up for a punch. You could break this down into three "key poses," each of which needs to be drawn and saved separately. Key Pose 1 = Resting. It could be a face of surprise, anger, or determination, or simply the character with its hands at its sides. Key Pose 2 = Winding Up. How does the character cock their arm back? Don't worry yet about the movement to get to this position, just draw out them with their arm back and ready to release. Key Pose 3 = The Follow Through. Where does the character end up right after the punch? Their arm will be exposed and their body likely follows through. Again, you want the final pose, not the frames as the hand goes through. The more key poses you draw, the more complex the movement will be. For example, you can add keyframe sof the character looking shocked, balling into a fist, dropping their elbow, swinging their arm, punching, then spinning around on the follow through. Draw out the "in-between" frames. Take the punch for example -- how do you get from key to key? There is some advanced software that will do this for you -- once you've made character models, the software will "render" the movement in between for you. However, if you are just starting out, you'll likely need to draw your own frames by hand. The more frames you draw, the smoother the action will look. It can help to put your keyframes on the screen as guides. This helps you see where you need to get the characters, and where they started. If something doesn't move, don't bother re-drawing. Copy and paste the keyframe, erase the part that needs to move, and keep everything else where it was. Composite the footage. Composting is just a fancy way to describe stringing the movie together. This can be as simple as ordering all the frames for stop-motion or as complicated as rendering a 3D model with accurate lighting. Again, your method of animation will determine how you composite something: For 2D animators, compositing is about making the motion looks smooth. Software like ToonBoom will do this for you, and may be called "rendering." For 3D animators, know that this takes a long time. Lighting effects and textures are difficult to program, and even the fastest computers may take hours to composite a video. For stop-motion animators, you should play with frame length, adjusting the shots by a tenth or hundredth of a second to get smooth, fluid motion. Record any dialog for the final movie. Now that you have the nearly-finished animation, it's time to get the vocals just right. Your voice actors can see the final scene, their characters' expressions, and the timing you want in your final shot. This allows them (or you) to deliver the best vocal performance. Note that, at this point, any changes to the animation might be very time-consuming to make. This is why careful pre-production is essential to an animated film of any length. Add in sound-effects where appropriate. Sound effects should come after the voice actors, and tuned to the appropriate volume where they don't overpower the dialog. There are some exceptions to this rule, of course. For example, if there is an explosion the characters need to react to, it may be best to put it in first, before recording dialog. This helps the actors out with reactions. Sound mixing is an important, and subtle, art form. Invest in a good pair of headphones and/or speakers to fine tune all the volumes correctly. Cut the film into your final vision. Now that you've got the whole movie together, how does it hold up? The chances are that some of the transitions feel clunky and a scene or two goes longer than it should. Just like you would edit any live-action film, you need to turn a critical eye to your animated piece and polish it until it sparkles. While there is no "correct" way to edit a film, there are a couple of principles to keep in mind: Do any scenes feel quick and essential? Do you feel engaged the whole time? Does a specific line or shot help move the story or theme along? If the answer to any of these questions is no, start trimming. Oftentimes the first and last lines of dialog are inessential, as jumping straight into/out of a scene is usually more engaging. Every frame counts when editing. Watch the film with someone who is distant from the project. Were there parts the got bored? Did anything confuse them or need more time? How can you cut and trim your story to make it as gripping as possible? How do the scene flow together? Sometimes 2-3 seconds of background footage helps the viewer catch their breath and dive into the next scene before dialog starts. Add your polishing touches, like effects, transitions, and color correction. For example, if you want an old-time, sepia tint to your movie, add it last. These sorts of small changes are unnecessary while you are trimming, cutting, and building your movie. Moreover, they will be useless if you cut the scene or change the color scheme. All these minute touches need to come last, once you're sure the "meat" of the movie is done. Add wipes, dissolves, or fade-ins to the scene transitions. Add any filters or effects over the finished footage. Add titles and credits to the beginning and end as necessary, at the very end.
Write out a script. Sketch character models. Draw up a storyboard. Import your storyboard into a filmmaking program, saving each frame individually. Use your storyboard to make a timed slideshow, or animatic. Add the dialog and sound effects and adjust the timing of the animatic as needed. Review your animatic as if it were the final film. Consider purchasing a tablet. Determine your animating medium. Draw out your backgrounds. Sketch, model, or design your "key poses. Draw out the "in-between" frames. Composite the footage. Record any dialog for the final movie. Add in sound-effects where appropriate. Cut the film into your final vision. Add your polishing touches, like effects, transitions, and color correction.
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Bird
How to Catch a Bird
If your bird has escaped from its cage, encourage it to return by putting a treat in the cage and making sure there are toys for it to play with. As you look for the bird, speak softly to avoid scaring it as birds get anxious if you appear anxious. If you can't find the bird inside, call its name outside in a calm but loud voice. Look up and down as you try to locate the bird. When you catch sight of it, try to keep the bird's flight path in your line of vision, then go to where you last saw it. When catching the bird, hold it gently to prevent harm and throw a pillow case over it if it resists.
Look both up and down. Birds can be hard to find because they're small enough to hide under a lot of household items, but they can also fly up out of your line of vision. Finding them could require that you do some extensive searching. Start by verifying that they are not any place dangerous. Dangerous hideouts include water glasses, bathrooms, doorways, window, stoves, and sofas. Hard to find hideouts include curtain rods, plants, lamps, mantels, ceiling fans, picture frames, and underneath furniture. They can also hide inside objects like laundry baskets, boxes, and drawers. Stay cool. Birds understand body language so screaming or frantic movement will cause them to be as anxious as you are. To ease their nerves you should speak softly and move at a normal pace. Make the cage inviting. Your bird will be more likely to fly back to its cage if it likes being there. The cage should be someplace near where people congregate, so that it stays interested, but should also be away from windows, which birds believe leave them susceptible to danger. Have a variety of toys in the cage to make it interesting. Finally, give your bird a special treat whenever it goes into the cage. Do not give the bird the same treat on any occasion other than returning to the cage, else it might find going back to the cage less special. Never use time in the cage as punishment; this will create negative associations with the cage. Don’t make the outside too inviting. It is a bad idea to give your bird food outside of the cage, because this encourages it to believe that it will never need to go back to the cage for anything. Similarly, reserve the bird's favorite toys for inside the cage. Finally, don't build up the expectation that your bird can be outside all the time. Instead of letting it out all day once a week, try to establish a consistent amount of daily time out of the cage to manage expectations. While you don't want to make the outside too inviting, you should make sure that your bird gets a good amount of exercise out of the cage. It's good for its health and a tired bird will be easier to put back in the cage. It can also help to time your birds outside time up with a regular sleeping schedule. That means, put it back in the cage every night before returning to bed. As the lights begin to go off it will understand that it is time to rest. Call to your bird as he is flying away. If you are there when your bird flies away, call after him using a calm but loud voice. If he realizes he is suddenly in the wild and doesn't want to be, he will be able to immediately make his way home following the sound of your voice. Seeing his cage might inspire your bird to fly down to you right away, as this is a familiar object in a very unfamiliar world. Keep your eyes on your bird. Chances are your bird will not fly terribly far away, as birds that spend most of their times in their cages tend to not be such strong flyers. Keep your eyes on it until it is out of sight. Pay attention to how low it was flying and how tired it looked; these indicate that it may have landed just out of your line of vision. Go to where you last saw it in the air. Ask some friends or family members to go with you, as a group of people searching for a bird will be more effective. When you get to the area where you last saw your bird, spread out and circle around the area. Bring another pet bird with you. If you have another pet bird that your escaped bird gets along with, bring this bird with you in her cage. Place the cage where you can see it. The bird in the cage will most likely start calling out to you which in turn might inspire your lost bird to start calling. Listen for your escaped bird's call. Call out for your bird. If you don't have another pet bird, you should try to call to your escaped bird with your voice. Use words and tones that your bird knows or mimics to let him know that it is you. He might call back to you if he is in the area. Keep your search to a one-mile radius at first. Pet birds will generally not go far once they have escaped your home. Look in trees, on lawns, and in bushes. Note that during your search, your bird might see you before you see him. Sometimes, birds will get quiet when their owner is near because they feel more comfortable. Bring your bird’s cage to the area where you found him. Once you have located your bird, you should coax it to you. Do not try to grab your bird, no matter how excited you are to see him. You must remain calm or else you could startle your bird into flying again. Bring your bird’s favorite toys with you. To lure your bird into the cage, you should bring its favorite toys and treats. If the bird is particularly fond of one person, try to have them present as well. All of these items can be used to lure your bird back to you. Call your bird. If you have trained your bird to step up on to your index finger, call out “up.” If well trained, it should come to you on its own. Capture it. If a hose is readily available, spray the bird with large amounts of water in a short period of time. This will make it heavy so that it cannot fly off. Grab it in a way that will secure it in your hands, without applying too much pressure; birds are delicate. If you or your friends lack experience holding a bird, try throwing a pillow case around it instead. It is important not to be too gentle with the hose. If you don't get the bird sufficiently wet quick enough, it will only be frightened off. Have friends scattered around to watch what direction the bird flies if it escapes. If they can find a high perch for a good view, even better. Nighttime can be a good time to catch a bird. They often are tired. Furthermore, if you shine a high powered flashlight in their face, they might be blinded long enough for another person to grab them. Hold the bird gently to prevent harm. If the bird resists capture begin by throwing a towel or a pillow case over it to prevent it from flying off. Once the bird is in your hands, you will want to secure its heads, feet, and head without pushing them into awkward positions or slowing the bird's breathing. A towel can help you secure the bird without applying too much pressure. Covering its face will also reduce the threat that the bird will see something that causes stress. However, you should be sure that it is a breathable cloth towel that does not obstruct the flow of oxygen to the bird. Leave your other birds in their cages by an open window. Birds that don't spend much time outside probably will not recognize their home. However, your bird may be drawn back home by the sound of their bird calls. You can also try leaving your bird's cage along with lots of your bird's favorite food on your front lawn or doorstep. Your bird will be drawn to the familiar cage (and his favorite food). Place a trap. If you can purchase a trap at a pet store and place it outside with food. This will draw them in. Otherwise, you can try placing an extra cage on your roof with some food and watch for signs of your bird. Either way, it should be placed as high as possible, because birds prefer to be in the air. Check frequently, because your bird will likely panic when captured. You will want to use what is called a "live trap," which traps the bird without causing physical harm to it. Typically, this will be a cage trap, which, like it sounds, is a cage that will trap any bird that steps inside. Visit a veterinarian after recapture. It is extremely probable that a domesticated bird left in the wild for an extended period of time will contract some sort of illness or suffer from malnutrition. Take your bird to a vet as soon as possible to check for any problems. Don't be disheartened if your bird doesn't reappear immediately though. Some birds can live for years in the wild. Keep calm. It is important to remember that while you are probably upset that there is a bird in your house, that bird is most likely terrified. The worst thing you could do would be to start screaming and throwing things at the bird--this will only cause it to panic and flutter around your house in a frenzy. Stay calm and remember that the bird is much more scared than you are. Corral your pets away from the bird. If a bird does get into your house, you should put your pets in a room and shut the door so that the bird cannot get in (and your pets can't get out). In particular, cats love to chase birds. Close all doors to other rooms. You want to contain the movement of the bird by forcing it to stay in one room. To do this, you should shut all of the doors leading to other rooms so that the bird has no choice but to stay in the room it is in. If the doorways leading into the room don't have doors, you can hang towels or blankets in them so that they are blocked. Use push pins to hold the towel or blanket up. Lower your blinds and turn off lights. Closing blinds will reduce the likelihood that the bird will accidentally fly into a closed window thinking that it is an exit. Moreover, if you shut off all light sources, aside from one open window, the bird will be drawn to the window and ultimately should try to fly out. Open one window. If you leave one open window and eliminate all other light sources, the bird should generally be drawn to it. Stay calm or else you will attract the bird's attention. Give the bird approximately thirty minutes before trying a new course of action. Use a sheet to encourage the bird to fly out. Take a large sheet and hold it with your hands extended as far upward and outward as possible, so as to cover your person. Walk toward the bird shaking the sheet, to scare it in the direction of the window. Be careful not to touch the bird roughly. Birds are gentle and susceptible to damage from even relatively light contact. Call a professional. Ultimately, some birds are going to want to stay in your house despite all encouragement and certain large predatory birds are too dangerous to engage with. If you are having trouble, research local wildlife removal online and call a professional for assistance. Contact local wildlife authorities. Regulations strictly limit what you can do in response to a nuisance bird. However, there are steps that can be taken if birds are destroying your property, their droppings are becoming a health hazard, or they are obstructing the use of gutters. Wildlife authorities might be able to give you a special permit to trap the bird, or provide suggestions about how to drive them off. Remember, migratory birds will only be around temporarily; it might be best to wait them out. Install bird repellents. There are a number or devices that can legally be used to drive off birds. These sound emitting devices that scare birds off when they approach an area. Products like the Prowler Owl are designed to trick birds into believing that predators are around. Chemical Polybutylene repellents can also be applied to surfaces that birds are attracted to. Before installing any of these, you should clean bird droppings from the surface. Ultrasonic emitters have not been found to be effective. Devices intended to scare birds with loud sounds and bright visuals are also less effective in urban areas, where birds have often acclimated to such distractions. Construct physical obstructions. If you know where the birds like to nest, you can build obstructions that will prevent them from settling there. Install a block of wood on ledges at a 45 degree angle so that they can't settle there. Net meshes can be constructed over exterior surfaces. Train your bird. You should train your bird to step up on your index finger. Place your index finger in front of it, say “up,” and give it a treat every time it steps up. Practice this even when you aren't putting it back in the cage, so it doesn't assume that step up practice will translate into going back into the cage. In fact, sometimes you should put it in the cage and let it come back out, so that it does not know for sure that returning to the cage translates into a prolonged period of enclosure. You can try practicing with things other than your finger, includes sticks. Ladders can be particularly useful because birds naturally like to walk up them. Training your bird to do this can be an easy way to get them back into the cage. Because birds like to move upward, your bird will often grow fonder of this trick if you begin to lift your finger slowly after it steps up. Some people recommend that you perform this procedure every time you return your bird to its cage. The idea is that, if you allow it to fly back on its own volition it might come to believe that it sets its own schedule for outside time. Hold your bird so that it can’t fly off. Once you have it on your index finger, you need to secure your bird so that it can't fly off, but also so that it is still comfortable. One way to do this is to press your thumb lightly against your index finger, securing the birds feet to your finger. Alternatively, you can hold your other hand over its back gently, so that it will not be able to extend its wings out. You should practice these positions during regular training, so that your bird becomes accustomed to them and does not anticipate that it means a return to the cage. Also, if it becomes second nature, you will be less likely to forget to secure it and allow it to fly off when it is someplace foreign or dangerous. Ask your veterinarian about trimming your bird’s wings. If you are having trouble controlling your bird, you can have its wings trimmed, permitting it to fly only a little or not at all, depending on how short they are clipped. This can, however, be counterproductive, because your bird will not tire itself outside of the cage and might be less willing to return.
Look both up and down. Stay cool. Make the cage inviting. Don’t make the outside too inviting. Call to your bird as he is flying away. Keep your eyes on your bird. Go to where you last saw it in the air. Bring another pet bird with you. Call out for your bird. Keep your search to a one-mile radius at first. Bring your bird’s cage to the area where you found him. Bring your bird’s favorite toys with you. Call your bird. Capture it. Hold the bird gently to prevent harm. Leave your other birds in their cages by an open window. Place a trap. Visit a veterinarian after recapture. Keep calm. Corral your pets away from the bird. Close all doors to other rooms. Lower your blinds and turn off lights. Open one window. Use a sheet to encourage the bird to fly out. Call a professional. Contact local wildlife authorities. Install bird repellents. Construct physical obstructions. Train your bird. Hold your bird so that it can’t fly off. Ask your veterinarian about trimming your bird’s wings.
https://www.wikihow.com/Refine-Gold
How to Refine Gold
If you want to make some extra money, you can refine your own gold at home. You'll need a crucible made out of graphite that you can put your gold jewelry, gold powder, or gold nugget into. To handle the crucible once the gold has been melted down, you'll also need a pair of tongs. Once you melt the gold down, you'll need to soak it in nitric acid and hydrochloric acid as well as urea and precipitant to help break it down further. Before you can reheat the gold, you'll need to clean it. Then, you can pour it into a mold and reconstitute it.
Place your gold jewelry, gold powder or nugget inside of a crucible. Most crucibles are made of graphite, which enables them to withstand the melting of the material inside. Place the crucible on a fireproof surface. Aim an acetylene torch at the gold. Aim the flame at the gold until the gold is completely melted. Pick up the crucible using crucible tongs. Separate the gold into small pieces and allow them to harden. This is called “making shot.” If you are refining small pieces of jewelry like rings, then you can simply melt the piece without making shot particles. Choose the appropriate container. For every ounce of gold that you want to refine, you will need 300 milliliters in container capacity. Use containers large heavy-gauge plastic buckets or Pyrex Vision Ware pots. Wear protective gear. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from the acid. Wear the gloves as you handle any of the chemicals mentioned in this article. Wear a rubber apron to protect your clothing. Wear goggles to protect your eyes. Consider wearing a face mask to prevent the inhalation of noxious fumes. Place the container outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The acid reactions in the aqua regia process produce strong and noxious fumes that are extremely dangerous. Pour 30 milliliters of nitric acid for every ounce of gold into your container. Allow the acid to react with the gold for 30 minutes. Add 120 milliliters of hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid for every ounce of gold in the container. Allow the solution to sit overnight until all of the acid fumes have been dispelled. Pour the acid into another larger container. Make sure that none of the particles are poured out with the acid as they will contaminate the gold. The acid should have a clear emerald green color. If the color is murky, then you should probably pour it through a Buchner filter funnel. Heat 1 quart of water and add 1 pound of urea to the water. Continue heating the mixture until it boils. Gradually add the water/urea mixture to the acid. The acid mixture will bubble as you add the water and urea. Add the mixture slowly so that it doesn't cause the acid to bubble out of its container. The water/urea mixture neutralizes the nitric acid but not hydrochloric acid in your solution. Add a selective gold precipitant to 1 quart of boiling water following the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, you will add 1 ounce of precipitant per ounce of gold that you are refining. Avoid putting your face near the container's opening. The smell is very strong and pungent. Add the water/precipitant solution slowly to the acid. The acid will turn a muddy brown color, which is actually caused by the separation of the gold particles. Wait 30 minutes to allow the precipitant solution to work on the gold particles. Immerse a stirring stick into the acid solution. Place a drop of the solution onto the end of a paper towel. Place a drop of precious metal detection liquid on the spot of acid. If the spot turns purplish, then you need to give the precipitant more time to work before discarding the acid. Pour the acid into a clean container as soon as the acid is clear of dissolved gold particles. The acid should be amber with what looks like mud collected at the bottom of the container. Do not pour the mud off with the acid. The mud is pure gold. Add tap water to the mud remaining in your container. Stir the water and allow the mud to settle. Pour the water into the container into which you poured the acid. Rinse the gold mud again 3 to 4 times with water and pour off the excess water. Rinse the gold with aqua ammonia. You will see white vapors come off of the gold mud. Make sure to protect your eyes and to avoid inhaling the fumes. Rinse the ammonia from the mud with distilled water. Pour the mud into a large beaker. Pour off all of the distilled water so that only mud remains. Place your beaker onto a hot plate. Turn the hot plate on and let the beaker heat up gradually so that the thermal shock doesn't cause it to shatter. Continue heating the mud until it develops a powder-like consistency. Pour the mud onto multiple layers of paper towels. Wrap the mud in the towels and soak the mud in alcohol. Place the mud into a graphite crucible and melt it. The mud will take on the appearance of metal and will be 99 percent pure if you performed the process correctly. Pour the gold into an ingot mold. You can then take it to a jeweler or to a precious metals dealer to exchange it for cash if you desire.
Place your gold jewelry, gold powder or nugget inside of a crucible. Place the crucible on a fireproof surface. Aim an acetylene torch at the gold. Pick up the crucible using crucible tongs. Separate the gold into small pieces and allow them to harden. Choose the appropriate container. Wear protective gear. Place the container outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Pour 30 milliliters of nitric acid for every ounce of gold into your container. Add 120 milliliters of hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid for every ounce of gold in the container. Pour the acid into another larger container. Heat 1 quart of water and add 1 pound of urea to the water. Gradually add the water/urea mixture to the acid. Add a selective gold precipitant to 1 quart of boiling water following the manufacturer’s instructions. Add the water/precipitant solution slowly to the acid. Immerse a stirring stick into the acid solution. Place a drop of the solution onto the end of a paper towel. Place a drop of precious metal detection liquid on the spot of acid. Pour the acid into a clean container as soon as the acid is clear of dissolved gold particles. Add tap water to the mud remaining in your container. Pour the water into the container into which you poured the acid. Rinse the gold mud again 3 to 4 times with water and pour off the excess water. Rinse the gold with aqua ammonia. Rinse the ammonia from the mud with distilled water. Pour the mud into a large beaker. Place your beaker onto a hot plate. Continue heating the mud until it develops a powder-like consistency. Pour the mud onto multiple layers of paper towels. Place the mud into a graphite crucible and melt it. Pour the gold into an ingot mold.
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring
How to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring
To choose the thickness of your new vinyl plank flooring, consider the amount of traffic the area will receive. If you're installing your floor in a low traffic area, choose a thickness of 2 to 3 mm. For most areas in your home, including the family room or kitchen, opt for vinyl planks between 3.2 to 4 mm. If you want the most luxurious flooring, choose a thickness of 5 mm or more.
Opt for a thickness of 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) for low-traffic areas. If you're covering a small area with low traffic, you can choose planks in a thickness of 2 mm (0.079 in), 2.5 mm (0.098 in), or 3 mm (0.12 in). Thinner vinyl planks are usually more budget-friendly, making this an inexpensive way to freshen up the look of a smaller room! Thin vinyl can't hide imperfections in your subfloor, so you'll need to have an even concrete subfloor. Select planks between 3.2–4.0 mm (0.13–0.16 in) for high-traffic areas. Most of the common areas in your home, including the living room and the kitchen, will be best suited by a high-quality plank that is either 3.2 mm (0.13 in) or 4 mm (0.16 in) thick. This thickness is a good balance of durability and affordability. In addition, it will have a somewhat soft feel beneath your feet, providing additional comfort in living areas. Choose a thickness of 5 mm (0.20 in) or more for the highest quality. The thickest vinyl planks can be anywhere from 5 mm (0.20 in) to over 8 mm (0.31 in) thick. These planks cost the most, but they are also the most durable and usually look the most like real wood. Thicker vinyl is a good option if you have a thin or uneven hardwood subfloor, since it will smooth out imperfections. Select a vinyl no-wax top coat for the most affordable wear layer. The top layer of your vinyl flooring, or the wear layer, is what determines how durable the flooring is. A no-wax coating is made from urethane or vinyl. It's the most affordable option, but it is the least durable. You will need to apply a new protective coating every 2-3 years as it wears off over time. These coatings come in a variety of thicknesses and budget options. Pick an enhanced urethane coating for the most durability. These coatings are made from advanced materials such as aluminum oxide, and they will provide the greatest protection against everyday wear. Enhanced urethane coatings will cost more, but they will prolong the life of your flooring. Choose a wear layer of 10 mil (0.01 in) or more for most family areas. You can find vinyl planks with wear layers starting at as little as 2 mil (0.002 in), but these will wear out quickly. Planks with a wear layer of 10 mil (0.01 in) are considered to be appropriately durable for use in moderate-to-high traffic areas of your home. Opt for a 20 mil wear layer for commercial spaces. If you are going to be installing your vinyl plank flooring in an area with high foot traffic, such as a restaurant or retail space, choose flooring with a wear layer of at least 20 mil (0.02 in). This will ensure that your flooring is sufficiently durable to last for several years. Choose printed vinyl for the most affordable color patterns. Printed vinyl is more affordable because the color or pattern is printed directly onto the vinyl, then covered with a clear coat. This type of flooring shows scratches more easily, and it looks the least like real wood, but since it's economical, it's a good choice if you're covering large areas. Select inlaid vinyl to get the look of real wood. Inlaid vinyl is made so that the color penetrates the entire floor, which means it won't dull or scratch as easily as printed vinyl. Inlaid vinyl costs slightly more, but it will retain its new look longer than printed vinyl. Pick glued planks if you want a permanent installation option. Glued vinyl planks are adhered directly to the subfloor. This is the best option for high traffic areas, as it will be resistant to peeling or slipping. Because it's difficult to remove glued flooring once it's installed, you may want to have a professional install these floors. Opt for floating planks for an easy DIY installation. Floating planks snap together similar to tongue-and-groove wood planks. These are a popular option for people who want to install their new flooring themselves. Floating planks are not adhered to the floor, so they can be easily removed with a crowbar if you decide you want to change things up in a few years. Avoid wide planks unless your subfloor is perfectly even. Most vinyl planks are about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide, but you can find options up to 11 inches (28 cm) wide. However, wide planks will not sit correctly unless your subfloor is completely level. If you have a hardwood subfloor, you should opt for standard-width planks.
Opt for a thickness of 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) for low-traffic areas. Select planks between 3.2–4.0 mm (0.13–0.16 in) for high-traffic areas. Choose a thickness of 5 mm (0.20 in) or more for the highest quality. Select a vinyl no-wax top coat for the most affordable wear layer. Pick an enhanced urethane coating for the most durability. Choose a wear layer of 10 mil (0.01 in) or more for most family areas. Opt for a 20 mil wear layer for commercial spaces. Choose printed vinyl for the most affordable color patterns. Select inlaid vinyl to get the look of real wood. Pick glued planks if you want a permanent installation option. Opt for floating planks for an easy DIY installation. Avoid wide planks unless your subfloor is perfectly even.
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Living-Will
How to Write a Living Will
To write a living will, try performing an online search for "living will forms" for the right form for your state. Then appoint someone you trust as your agent and collect their full name, address and phone number for the form. Start your living will by recording the dates the will should begin and end, then add a clear description of your agent's power. Complete the form by signing it and having it notarized.
Know the purpose. A Living Will is intended to convey your instructions for life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of a terminal illness or serious accident. It names someone to serve as your agent. This person, often a spouse or family member, consults the information provided in the documents and makes decisions about your care. Learn the risks not having a Living Will. Without a Living Will, you risk having decisions about your medical treatment made without consultation. This includes starting, maintaining, and ending life support systems, even if the person in control knows that the decision is against your wishes. Without a Living Will, your family members and loved ones may disagree about the right course of action in an emergency. Often, it is easier for people to make life and death decisions when they are guided by your wishes in a Living Will. It also reduces the stress on loved ones at an already stressful time. Additionally, your wishes are more likely to be followed and respected by your loved ones if they have guidance in writing. Understand the limitations. A Living Will is not the same as a Last Will and Testament. The Living Will does not provide instructions for any disposition of your property after your death, with the exception of organ donation. Living Wills also do not cover every situation. For example, you may need treatment that is not contemplated by your Living Will. In this situation, you will need an agent appointed by a Medical Power of Attorney to make medical decisions for you when you are incapacitated. Create a Medical Power of Attorney. In addition to a Living Will, you should also create a Medical Power of Attorney (also called a “Healthcare Power of Attorney”). With this legal document, you will appoint someone to make medical decisions for you should you become incapacitated. Whereas a Living Will only applies if you are in a terminal condition, a Medical Power of Attorney will apply so long as you are incapacitated. In the Medical Power of Attorney, you appoint an agent who can consent, refuse, or withdraw consent for any type of medical care or procedure. For more information on medical power of attorney, consult wikiHow's How to Write a Medical Power of Attorney. Create Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). POLST programs are designed to assure that the medical treatment wishes you express are honored by health care professionals as you move from one health care setting to another. They are available in about a dozen states. POLST programs are helpful if the health care workers do not have access to your Living Will, or if your Living Will is not specific enough to envision the different treatments that you may or may not want. POLST can substitute for a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. With a DNR, you can state that you do not want CPR. However, a POLST is much broader and also states your wishes with respect to intubation, antibiotic use, and feeding tubes. Doctors sometimes will also ignore a Living Will. For this reason you should create a POLST, if one is available in your state. To make sure that your wishes are carried out, you will need a Living Will, a Medical Power of Attorney, and a POLST. All are necessary, especially if you are facing an imminent end-of-life situation. Talk to your doctor. Before writing a Living Will, make sure that you speak with your doctor and clearly understand what your choices would mean. You do not want to make these decisions lightly. Some of the terms used in a Living Will can be confusing, and you need to ask your doctor to explain each of them so you can make the best decisions for you. For example, make sure you understand the difference between resuscitation and life support. Resuscitation is the act of bringing a person back to life after the heart has stopped. Life support is a system, such as using a ventilator or feeding tube, that will keep you alive when you cannot do so on your own. Discuss your decisions with your family. You should discuss your wishes with your family and loved ones. This will help you get an idea of whether they would be comfortable carrying out your instructions. When you make your Living Will, you want to make sure your family will not interfere with your wishes when you cannot defend your choices. Consult with a lawyer. You should talk to an experienced trusts and estates attorney to discuss not only the Living Will but other directives, such as a Medical Power of Attorney. An attorney can answer any questions you have. You can find an experienced trusts and estates attorney by visiting your state's bar association website, which should run a referral program. Look for certification. Many states certify attorneys in Estate Planning and Trust law. Ohio, for example, has a specialization in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. To qualify, attorneys must prove that they have devoted a significant percentage of their practice to the field, receive recommendations from other attorneys or judges, take continuing legal education courses in the field, and pass a written examination. Other states have similar programs and standards. You may also look for someone certified in Elder Law. Elder law attorneys routinely handle end-of-life issues for clients. Appoint an agent. When you make a Living Will, you need to appoint an agent. This is the person who will carry out the stipulations in your Living Will. Since your agent is not monitored, make sure that who you consider appointing is not opposed or uncomfortable with your choices. You want to make sure your agent will follow your instructions and not waver based on personal feelings. Typically, people choose a spouse or an adult child as agent. When considering who to appoint as your agent, decide whether your spouse is likely to be emotionally overwhelmed by your medical crisis. If so, you may want to choose another relative in order to spare your spouse the agony of following your wishes. This is also true for any other family member, such as a child or sibling, who you might consider as an agent. You do not want to cause your loved one too much emotional strain in the situation. Whoever you choose, make sure that they share your ethical and religious values. Make sure you tell the individual you choose as your agent. You do not want it to be a surprise if she needs to undertake the responsibilities of the position. Whoever you choose needs to be willing to enforce your Living Will. It is not unusual for doctors and hospitals to ignore provisions contained within a Living Will. Your agent will need to clear and forceful with medical professionals while advocating on your behalf. Define the authority of your agent. In your Living Will, you can define the amount of authority that you would like your agent to have. Generally, giving the agent broad authority is best, because then the agent is more likely to be able to carry out your wishes in an unforeseen situation. You can also appoint alternate agents in case your first choice of agent is not available. However, you should only appoint an alternate if you fully trust him to carry out your wishes. Disqualify individuals as an agent. You can also explicitly disqualify people from serving as your agent. You may want to do this if you are very concerned that someone will try to override or not follow your wishes due to a disagreement with your views. Make sure that you consider any state restrictions on who can be named as your agent. For example, in most states, there are certain people that cannot be your agent in a Living Will, such as your doctor, staff of health care facilities or nursing home facilities that provide your care, employees of government agencies, or any person who is already an agent for someone else. Change your mind. You can change or cancel your Living Will at any time and for any reason. If you do decide to cancel, you should immediately notify anyone who has a copy of the Living Will, including your agent and your doctor. If possible, destroy all copies and make a new one, if you decide to do so. Get the appropriate form. Many states provide Living Will forms. You can use one of these forms, but you are not required to do so. If the form does not properly fit within your circumstances, you may consider not using the form and drafting your own Living Will. To look for forms in your state, perform an online search for “living will forms in [the state where you live].” Illinois has a sample form here. Prepare your own document. If you choose to complete your own Living Will document, you will need to follow a certain formula. This will ensure that it has all of the necessary information and it will be legally binding. There are 8 sections that need to be included in your Living Will, each covering a specific stipulation for your care. Write sections 1 and 2. Section 1 discusses the health care agent. This section includes your name as the creator of the Living Will, and the full name, address, and telephone number of the person who you appoint as your agent. Section 2 names your alternate agent. Make sure to include any alternate agents that you want to name. State the effective date and durability. In section 3 of your Living Will, you need to state the date from which your Living Will will be effective. Typically, statements such as “if and when the writer cannot make health care decisions” are used to describe the date when the Will goes into effect. In this case, a doctor will determine when this happens unless you state otherwise. You can have an alternative start date for your Living Will if you desire. You can also state that the agent's power will end at some later date or after an event other than your death. For example, one doctor might make the determination of incapacity, but you can specify in the Living Will that you would like two doctors to make this decision for you. Define the agent’s powers. In section 4, you need to define what specific powers you want to grant to your agent. The grant of power to your agent in a Living Will should be as broad as possible. If you set specific limits, your agent will not have the authority to make any decision that you could make to continue or stop any type of health care. However, even under this broad grant of power, the agent still must follow your wishes and directions that are set out in sections 5 and 6. Describe the instructions for end-of-life treatment. In section 5, you need to describe the specific guideline for how you want your medical treatment to be handled. You can give general or specific instructions about your wishes for end of life care. You should include particular instructions about issues such as blood transfusions, electroconvulsive therapy, amputation, certain types of surgery, and resuscitation. For example, you may instruct your agent to refuse any specific types of treatment that are against your religious beliefs, such as a blood transfusion or life support, or anything that is unacceptable to you for any other reason. Explain limitations or additional instructions. In section 6, you need to explain any other health care instructions that do not deal specifically with end-of-life matters that might arise while you are unable to help yourself. You also need to discuss any limitations on the agent's power. For example, you may want to include your wishes about medical treatments that might be suggested but that are not required to keep you live. You can also explain if you want your agent to agree to your admission to a nursing home. Input protections for third parties. In section 7, you should lay out any protection given to third parties who follow your agent's decisions. In most states, health care providers cannot be forced to follow the instructions of your agent if they object to them for any reason. However, most states also require providers to transfer you to another provider who is willing to honor the Living Will. You should include this section to encourage doctor compliance with the Living Will without the fear of being held liable civilly. For example, if you state in your Living Will that “no person who relies in good faith on any representations by my Agent shall be liable to me, my estate, or my heirs for recognizing the Agent's authority,” the doctor might feel more comfortable following whatever wishes you state in section 5 and 6. Specify organ donation options. In section 8, you need to specify if you want to donate your organs at the time of your death. If you would like to donate your organs, you should put this in your Living Will. If you are already an organ donor, you do not have to specify this unless you want to make sure your wishes get followed. Sign your Living Will. Once you have a completed your Living Will document, you must sign and date the document for it to go into effect. You should also get the document signed in the presence of a notary to prevent any future problems. Some states also require you to have the document witnessed, so check your state to ensure your Will will be legally sound. If you are required to have witnesses, choose people who know you personally and who will be able to declare that you appear to be competent and are not acting because of undue influence.
Know the purpose. Learn the risks not having a Living Will. Understand the limitations. Create a Medical Power of Attorney. Create Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). Talk to your doctor. Discuss your decisions with your family. Consult with a lawyer. Appoint an agent. Define the authority of your agent. Disqualify individuals as an agent. Change your mind. Get the appropriate form. Prepare your own document. Write sections 1 and 2. State the effective date and durability. Define the agent’s powers. Describe the instructions for end-of-life treatment. Explain limitations or additional instructions. Input protections for third parties. Specify organ donation options. Sign your Living Will.
https://www.wikihow.com/Sing-Opera
How to Sing Opera
Before you sing opera, do a vocal exercise to warm up your voice. For example, make an "ah" sound while trying to go from the lowest to the highest note you can sing. Next, take a deep, slow breath to fill your lungs with air, then begin singing. When you start singing, make sure your diaphragm remains expanded to support your voice. If you feel you need more singing experience to develop your skills, try contacting a local church choir or singing group at school. You could also take singing lessons with an opera instructor to learn different voice patterns.
Warm up your voice. Try an exercise called elevator slides as a great way to warm up your voice and reduce vocal cord injury. Make a noise that sounds like a long, slow siren while making an “ah” sound. Start out as low as you can go, ascend to as high as you can, and go back down. Repeat this several times, experimenting with different vowel sounds, such as “ee” and “ooh.” Keep your throat relaxed, especially as you get to the high notes, to help the notes not catch in your throat. If your voice still sounds stiff, consider that outside factors like being nervous about singing in front of a new teacher might be impacting your sound rather than technique itself. In that case, try to resolve the emotional stories interfering with your voice. Take a slow, deep breath in. Fill your lungs with air just like you normally would, except keep going to allow your lungs to really expand. Try to inhale through your nose, and take your time to get a good solid breath. Try not to make any sound when breathing in. Inhaling slowly will help you avoid making a sound. If you can hear yourself taking your breath in, there is tension in your breath. This tension will be audible in your out-breath while you're singing. Keep your diaphragm expanded to support your voice throughout each note. To find out where your diaphragm is, put your hands firmly around your waist and cough. The muscle that pushed your hands out is your diaphragm. When you take a deep breath, your diaphragm expands; it should stay expanded throughout the duration of the phrase you're singing until it's time to draw a new breath in. Try keeping your hands around your waist when you're starting out, to be sure that you're supporting your voice with your diaphragm. Sing from middle C and up two octaves to see if you have a soprano voice. Soprano is the highest range of the female voice. To see if you fall into this range, play a middle C on a piano or keyboard and match the note with your voice. Do the same thing for all notes up to the C two octaves above middle C. Coloratura sopranos, a subset of the soprano category, are actually able to sing the third F above middle C and sometimes higher. If you are unable to strongly hit the highest C, you may be a mezzo-soprano. Try the G below middle C and up two octaves to A for a mezzo-soprano voice. Mezzo-soprano is the mid-range female voice. They are often supporting or villainous roles in operas, though some French operas have lead role mezzos. Use a piano or keyboard to try and match the mezzo notes to determine if this is your voice range. Sing the F below middle C to the F one octave above it for contralto and countertenor voices. Contralto is the lowest female voice range, and countertenor is the highest male range; these ranges consist of almost the exact same notes. The only difference is that countertenors generally cannot hit the lowest F, so that range actually starts from the G below middle C and goes up an octave to F. True contralto voices are so rare that contralto roles are often given to mezzo sopranos. Countertenors often use a falsetto, or head voice, technique to reach their high notes. If you're a female with a low voice, or a male with a high voice, you may fall into these voice ranges. Use a piano or keyboard and try to match the notes to find out. To increase the lower end of your vocal range, think about relaxing your voice rather than moving towards vocal fry as an alternative to that deeper sound. Try the C below middle C to the C above it to see if you have a tenor voice. Tenors usually have the male lead roles in opera. Like the other voice ranges, there are subset categories within the tenor range that are more particular for different types of roles. Lyric tenors are able to easily hit the highest notes in the range, and generally get roles of charming young men, whereas dramatic tenors generally are most comfortable in the middle of the range and get robust, muscular characters for roles. Sing the second G below middle C to the G above it if you have a baritone voice. This is the mid-range male voice. Play the notes on a piano or keyboard and try to sing along with them to see if this is your range. Baritone roles are often comic or villainous in nature. Try the E above middle C to the E two octaves below if you have a bass voice. Bass voices, the lowest of the male range, often get older, comic, or supporting roles in operas. If you're a male and have a pretty low singing voice, try to match the low notes on a piano or keyboard to find out if this is your range. Learn to read sheet music. To know what notes you should be singing in an opera role, you'll need to be able to read music. You can teach yourself how to read music using books or online tutorials, or take lessons through a vocal instructor. Search "how to read music" to find online resources and instructors near you. Or, check out books on reading music from your local library. Learn the basics by studying the Staff, and then learn the notes on the Treble and Bass Clefs. Get used to the different types of notes and what they mean, and then move onto learning about more complex features like meter, time, and melody. Familiarize yourself with Italian, German, or French. It is helpful to understand the meaning of what you're singing in opera, because operas are essentially dramas that are sung. You'll also want to be sure that you're pronouncing words correctly. Try using a language-learning app or checking out books at the library to become familiar with the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language of your favorite opera. Watch videos of operas while reading the words. Browse videos and audio clips online and check your local library for recordings of operas. As you listen to these recordings, follow along with the written script. Observe the movement and facial expressions of the opera singers to help you become familiar with operatic acting techniques. If you can, find operas that provide English translations to help you better understand the story. Train with a professional instructor. An instructor can help you learn different voice patterns, modulation, and voice throwing techniques that are commonly used in opera. Look up “opera instructors near me” on the web to find a teacher in your area. Many larger cities have opera organizations that offer group voice classes or private lessons for a monthly fee. In addition to an achievement-oriented approach to practicing singing, don't forget to allow yourself to have fun with sound too. Think about how you can support your voice with curiosity, love, and playfulness rather than simply focusing on technique and discipline. Join a local singing group. Reach out to your local church choir, singing club at school, or other community singing group. Any opportunity to sing will improve your confidence and your singing skills. A few useful websites to search local singing opportunities include Choralnet at https://www.choralnet.org/ and the Contemporary A Capella Society of America at http://www.casa.org/. These websites allow you to search your zip code to find singing opportunities in your area. Attend live opera performances. To get the full opera experience, you should go to live shows in addition to watching videos and listening to recordings of opera. Being in an opera house during a performance will give you an idea of just how skilled a professional opera singer is. Look up “operas near me” to find live operas in your area. Keep in mind that opera singers usually do not use microphones. So, when you are seeing a performer, they are making their voice carry throughout the theater themselves. Audition for local operas to perform live. When you feel ready to sing opera professionally, put yourself out there by auditioning. Websites like YAP Tracker and Playbill.com have audition sections for upcoming live operas. You can also search "opera casting calls near me" on the Internet to find auditions for local live operas. Visit https://www.yaptracker.com/ to access opera audition postings or http://www.playbill.com/job/listing to see multiple Broadway job postings and auditions.
Warm up your voice. Take a slow, deep breath in. Keep your diaphragm expanded to support your voice throughout each note. Sing from middle C and up two octaves to see if you have a soprano voice. Try the G below middle C and up two octaves to A for a mezzo-soprano voice. Sing the F below middle C to the F one octave above it for contralto and countertenor voices. Try the C below middle C to the C above it to see if you have a tenor voice. Sing the second G below middle C to the G above it if you have a baritone voice. Try the E above middle C to the E two octaves below if you have a bass voice. Learn to read sheet music. Familiarize yourself with Italian, German, or French. Watch videos of operas while reading the words. Train with a professional instructor. Join a local singing group. Attend live opera performances. Audition for local operas to perform live.
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Backbend
How to Do a Backbend
To do a backbend, start by planting your feet shoulder-width apart and placing your palms against the tops of your buttocks so that they push your hips forward. Next, stretch your arms above your head and tilt your head far enough back so that you can see behind you. Then, slowly lower yourself down, keeping your pelvis lifted and your arms bent behind you to help you balance.
Warm up your muscles by jogging, jumping rope or doing jumping jacks. Get your blood flowing and your muscles warm to start stretching out. Lay out a mat, or find some soft ground. Use a yoga or gymnastics mat or a mattress, or clear an area on a soft carpet or rug. Make sure your area is clear of any tripping hazards, such as small objects. Stretch your ankles. Flex your foot as far back as you can, so the toes are pointing up in the air. Then point your foot down, so the toes are parallel to the floor or, if you're more flexible, angled slightly towards it. Repeat 10-20 times, then switch feet. Roll out your ankles by sitting and holding an ankle in one hand. Roll your foot in circles several times, then switch feet. Do a wrist extensor stretch. Extend your arm with your palm facing upwards and elbow straight. Pull your hand down with your other hand. Hold for ten seconds, then repeat with your other wrist. Your wrists will be bending and bearing a lot of your weight in a backbend, so make sure you stretch them well. Do a wrist flexor stretch. Extend one wrist in front of you with your palm facing away and your fingertips up. Pull your fingers back with your other hand until you feel a nice stretch. Hold for ten seconds and repeat with the other hand. Do a cat cow pose. This simple yoga pose will open up your chest and back and get you ready for more intense stretches. Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly below your shoulders. Inhale and drop your belly towards the mat, arching your spine. Exhale and draw your belly into your spine, rounding your back. Repeat 10-15 times. Try some deeper yoga poses. Get into cobra position by lying with your belly on the floor, placing your hands under your armpits and pushing up, arching your spine and stretching your chest. Try a camel pose by kneeling, placing your hands on your lower back and arching your spine back. If you're more flexible, give the bow pose a try. Lie on your back and bend your legs up. Place your feet close together on the floor and bend your legs so that your knees are sticking straight up off the ground. Place your hands by your head. Your fingertips should be pointing towards your shoulders and your palms pushed flat against the floor with your elbows pointing up in the air. Push through your shoulders and lift your body. Straighten your arms as much as you can. Focus on keeping your core, legs and butt muscles tight. It's okay if you can't lift far off the ground yet, or if you need to keep your arms bent. Practice your bridges a couple times a day and you'll feel yourself grow stronger. Lift only your hips off the ground if you can’t push all the way up. From your position laying on the floor, place your arms down at your sides. Squeeze your butt and core to lift your hips off the ground. Hold the pose for a few seconds, then lower yourself down. Bend your arms and slowly lower your body until you're lying flat on the ground. Give yourself a short rest, then repeat 2-3 more times. Take one to two steps away from a blank wall. Place your feet about shoulder-width apart from each other. Place your palms against your buttocks and push your hips forward. Lift and elongate your spine and rib cage. This will allow your spine to stretch out and arch more cleanly. Stretch your arms straight up above your head and tilt your head back. Reach back far enough with your neck and back so that you can look at the wall. Bend your back and place your palms against the wall. Keep your elbows straight, your head tipped back and your neck long. Press your hands against the wall. Remember to keep breathing! Walk down as far as you can. Continue to keep your elbows straight and breathe evenly. Walk your arms back up the wall and straighten from your hips. Inhale as you come back to standing. Take your time and lift your head slowly. Fall forward gently and touch your toes to stretch out. Exhale and bend smoothly from your hips, allowing your back to relax. Take a couple of deep breaths. Step farther from the wall and repeat. Placing more room between you and the wall will force you to bend back a little further each time without the wall to support you, getting you closer to a full backbend. Challenge yourself to walk down a little further each time, keeping your elbows straight and breathing evenly. Do a backbend with a spotter supporting your back. Ask a friend or parents to place one hand on your lower back and one hand on your stomach. Using the same technique as your wall backbend (minus the wall!), slowly lower into a backbend with your spotter supporting you. Have your spotter lift you back up. Ask them to move both hands to your lower back and slowly raise you back to standing. Try a full backbend without a spotter. Once you feel comfortable doing a backbend with a spotter, try it on your own. Lift your pelvis and ribs and keep your arms bent and strong behind your head. Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart. As you lower down, look through your arms to spot the floor. Breathe evenly and listen to your body. If you can't go down all the way today, take a break and try again later. Take your time and remember the technique you perfected using the wall. If you're nervous about trying your backbend the first time, place some pillows under your back so you know you have something soft to land on if you fall. Rock back and forth to introduce the movement. Push from your hands and roll forward into your toes, then back onto your heels while keeping your head and neck relaxed. As you get more comfortable, peel your hands just slightly off the floor as you rock, which will introduce the lifting motion to your body. Tuck your chin against your chest. Focus your weight and power in your lower body and core. Thrust up with your chest as you rock forward into your feet. Let your hands lift from the ground and slowly push yourself up into a standing position. Focus on using your core and quads to stabilize your body.
Warm up your muscles by jogging, jumping rope or doing jumping jacks. Lay out a mat, or find some soft ground. Stretch your ankles. Do a wrist extensor stretch. Do a wrist flexor stretch. Do a cat cow pose. Try some deeper yoga poses. Lie on your back and bend your legs up. Place your hands by your head. Push through your shoulders and lift your body. Lift only your hips off the ground if you can’t push all the way up. Hold the pose for a few seconds, then lower yourself down. Take one to two steps away from a blank wall. Place your palms against your buttocks and push your hips forward. Stretch your arms straight up above your head and tilt your head back. Bend your back and place your palms against the wall. Walk down as far as you can. Walk your arms back up the wall and straighten from your hips. Fall forward gently and touch your toes to stretch out. Step farther from the wall and repeat. Do a backbend with a spotter supporting your back. Have your spotter lift you back up. Try a full backbend without a spotter. Breathe evenly and listen to your body. Rock back and forth to introduce the movement. Tuck your chin against your chest. Thrust up with your chest as you rock forward into your feet.
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-a-Marriage-License-in-Kentucky
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Kentucky
To get a marriage license in Kentucky, you and your bride or groom to be must visit your local county clerk's office. There, you will both need to present your social security cards, or another form of ID, and complete a marriage license application. Next, you'll have to pay a fee of $35, usually in cash or by check. You can then legally tie the knot, although make sure you do it within 30 days of receiving your application; otherwise you'll have to go through this process again!
Visit the county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license. You can apply to any county clerk's office, unless the bride-to-be is under 18 years old. In that case, you must apply at the clerk's office in the county where she resides. Both parties must be present to obtain a license. Some counties have more than one office. For example, Jefferson County has seven different branch locations you could use. Check your county's website for specific locations. Present your identification. You will need to present a Social Security card or some other government-issued form of identification in order to complete the application for a marriage license. Until July 15, 2016, the county clerk is required to report the Social Security numbers of all marriage license applicants to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to verify that there are no outstanding child support issues. After July 15, 2016, the Social Security number will be requested as a form of identification, but the number will not be recorded or shared with any other agency. At least one county clerk's website says that a Social Security card is not required, but some other identification is acceptable (driver's license, passport). You may wish to check with the specific clerk you intend to use. Complete the marriage license application. The application will ask you to provide certain information, along with signing a statement that all the information is true, to the best of your knowledge. The information that you must provide, for each person, is: name date of birth place of birth race gender current marital “situation” (single, divorced, widowed) number of previous marriages occupation current residence (you must provide your residence, but you are not required to be a Kentucky resident) relationship to each other (in Kentucky, nobody who is related any closer than second cousin may get married) full names of parents date of marriage Pay the fee for the marriage license. In any county in Kentucky, the fee for obtaining a marriage license is $35. The clerk's office is able to accept cash, certified checks, cashier's checks or money orders. In some cases, credit cards are acceptable as well. You should check the county's website or call the clerk's office to verify. Complete the marriage ceremony within 30 days of receiving your license. If the 30-day time frame lapses, both applicants must repeat the whole process, which includes re-paying the $35 fee. Apply in the county where the bride lives. This is a requirement if the bride-to-be is under 18 years old. Otherwise, you can apply in any county in Kentucky, if the bride-to-be is 18 years old or older. There is no similar requirement based on the age of the male. Get your parents’ consent. If either of the people getting married is under 18, but over 16, then that person's parent must consent to the marriage, in writing. If both the bride and groom are under 18, then the parents of each must consent. Your parents will need to complete a Consent to Marriage Form, which is available from the clerk's office. This applies to people who are under 18, but over 16, years old. This includes people who have had their 16th or 17th birthday. If your parents are divorced or separated and there has been an order issuing them joint custody, then they both must sign the application. If your parents are divorced or separated but there has not been an order of joint custody, then the parent who has legal custody must be the one to give consent. If a court has ordered a legal guardian for the person under 18, then that guardian must give consent. Get an order from a judge under special circumstances. If the female getting married is pregnant, and is under 16 years of age, then you must apply for an order from a District Judge to get a marriage license. This is the only circumstance that allows someone under 16 years old to get married. There is an additional $5 fee for a District Judge consent order. Be prepared for the consequences if you don’t have consent. If someone under 18 gets married in Kentucky without the proper consent, the court will issue a “receiver.” This is someone, appointed by the court, who will take legal possession and control of your property until you turn 18. During that time, the receiver will pay your bills and expenses, and is entitled to take a fee for his services out of your property as well. Complete the marriage license application. After you have the appropriate consent, you will both need to visit the county clerk and complete the marriage license application. You will need proper identification, in the form of a social security card, passport or driver's license, and a $35 fee. To complete the application, you will need to provide: name date of birth place of birth race gender current marital “situation” (single, divorced, widowed) number of previous marriages occupation current residence (you must provide your residence, but you are not required to be a Kentucky resident) relationship to each other (in Kentucky, nobody who is related any closer than second cousin may get married) full names of parents date of marriage
Visit the county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license. Present your identification. Complete the marriage license application. Pay the fee for the marriage license. Complete the marriage ceremony within 30 days of receiving your license. Apply in the county where the bride lives. Get your parents’ consent. Get an order from a judge under special circumstances. Be prepared for the consequences if you don’t have consent. Complete the marriage license application.
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Baby-Clothes
How to Wash Baby Clothes
To wash baby clothes, separate the clothes into smaller loads of white, light, and dark colors. Next, add baby-friendly detergent to your washing machine. Then, choose a normal cycle and warm water setting unless the care tags on the clothes state otherwise. Finally, scatter the first load into the machine to distribute the items equally and run the cycle. When the cycle ends, set the machine for an additional rinse cycle to get rid of any residual detergent in the clothing fibers.
Read the instructions. The fabric of your baby clothing might require special treatment for best washing, or may be washable with your normal laundry. Check the tag on each article of baby clothing and note washing temperatures, drying procedures, recommended detergents, and so on. Pajamas and sleepwear are sometimes made of fire retardant material. This material usually requires special cleaning to preserve its flame retardant properties, so be extra careful to check tags on sleepwear. Sort your baby clothing. Divide all articles of clothing into smaller loads of white, light, and dark colors. Keep any flame retardant garments separate to ensure you do not wash these with the regular laundry, as this can ruin the fire-resistant properties of those clothes. If there are any differences in the temperatures at which you should wash the clothing, sort like temperature clothes into a separate pile. You should always wash cloth diapers in a separate load, though you might consider washing these with towels to help balance the washing drum of your washer. Set your washing machine. Now that you've checked the tags on your baby clothing and know the recommended settings you should use, set both the temperature and washer cycle. Then turn your washer on and allow it to fill with water. If garments don't have labels, wash these in warm water except for: Cloth diapers, which should be washed in hot water to improve sanitation. Flame retardant garments, which should be washed in cold or warm water to preserve their flame retardant features. Add detergent to the water. Babies have very sensitive skin, so be sure you use a detergent formulated for infants. Strongly scented detergent, too, should be avoided, as these can be overpowering to very young children. Measure the correct amount of detergent based on the size of the load according to tag and label directions. Baby-friendly detergents are made by most major brands, and are usually clearly labeled as being recommended for babies' sensitive skin. Make your own detergent. You can make your own baby-friendly detergent by combining 1 cup of castile soap flakes, 1/2 cup washing soda, and 1/2 cup borax. Add 1 cup of the mixture to your washer and you're ready to launder! It is not recommended that you use homemade detergent on flame retardant garments. The oils used to formulate castile soap can break down the flame retardant fibers. Load your washing machine. Scatter the load of clothes you are washing into your washer. Submerge each garment into the water and make sure weight of the clothing is distributed equally throughout the washer. Be careful to not overfill your washer. Await the end of the cycle. After you close the washer you will have to allow your baby clothes to run through the normal cycle. This will take some time, usually somewhere around 30 - 45 minutes. During this time, you might want to sort more laundry to prepare for the next load, read a book, or tackle some other chores around the house. Rinse your baby clothes again. Any remaining soap in the fibers of your baby clothing can irritate your child's skin. To be extra sure this does not happen to your child, you should set your washer to run the clothes through a second rinse cycle. If you are using homemade detergent, castile soap tends to leave more residue behind than store-bought detergent. Add 1 tbsp. of white vinegar to the cycle to help with this. If you are concerned your dryer might be too indelicate for your baby's clothing, you may want to consider allowing your clothes to hang dry on a clothesline. Identify proteins stains. Some might think "meat" when thinking of protein, but for a baby, this category includes breast milk, most kinds of formula, spit-up, blood, and most kinds of baby food. Protein can bind with the fibers of the clothing, making these stains difficult to remove. If the stain is fresh, wipe away the excess protein that has gotten onto your baby clothes and soak it right away in cold water. This is best way to prevent the stain from setting into the fabric. Remove any dry residue. If your stain has already dried and left a film, crust, or excess matter, you should try to remove as much of this as possible before proceeding. This will prevent the spread of a stain and lead to the best results when cleaning. Pre-soak your protein stained garments. Heat or chemicals can cause a protein stain to react in such a way that it binds to the fabric you're trying to wash, which can leave a permanent stain. Soak these stains in cold water to help loosen the proteins from your fabric, agitating the soaked garments for best results. Pre-treat the stain. Now that the clothes have soaked in cold water and the protein stain loosened from the fabric, apply a dab of baby-safe detergent to the afflicted area. Allow the detergent to set for a while, and then you are ready to wash. Check tags and set your washing machine. You should check and make sure the clothes that you are washing are safe for a cold machine wash. You should use cold water to keep the protein from binding with fibers while the cleaning agents in your detergent lift the stain. Wash your baby clothes according to the label. After finishing your pre-soak and pre-treatment, you can add baby-safe detergent to your washing machine and run the laundry through a cycle. While waiting for the load to finish, you might prepare the next load of laundry, accomplish other chores around the house, or take a short break. Allow another rinse. To ensure that all potentially skin irritating detergent is removed from your baby's clothing, you should allow the load of laundry to go through one more rinse cycle. Once this cycle is finished, you can remove the clothing and dry according to the garment tag instructions. If you are concerned your dryer might be too indelicate for your baby's clothing, you may want to consider allowing your clothes to hang dry on a clothesline. Remove excess excrement. Cleaning dirty cloth diapers can be highly unpleasant, but these are an economical solution to expensive disposable diapers. Before doing anything, you should wipe or scrape all excess from the soiled spots on your diaper for best results. Utilize a dry pail. You won't be able to wash every diaper the moment it's soiled, so you'll need a container to hold dirty nappies while awaiting laundry day. A plastic pail with a lid is excellent for this purpose, though you may want to prop the lid open slightly to prevent the buildup of potent ammonia smells. Soiled diapers should be washed every two days, three days at maximum. Pre-soak your nappies with white vinegar. You should fill a basin or soaking container with cold water and add a few tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to it. White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is effective at brightening whites and erasing odors, making it a solid choice for cleaning cloth diapers. Dab detergent to pre-treat bad stains. Remove your cloth diapers from the cold water and dab the remaining stained areas with your child safe washing detergent. Allow this solution to set in the fabric for about five minutes before putting these in the washing machine. Urine stains can be more efficiently treated with an ammonia/cold water solution. Dilute one tablespoon of ammonia in a cup of cold water and saturate your stain with it, allowing it to set for five minutes before attempting to wash. Set your washing machine and insert your clothing. Most cloth diapers are suitable for washing on the hot setting of your washing machine, but if you are uncertain about this you should consult garment tags. Add your baby safe detergent to the water and then put your baby's dirty nappies in as well. Some modern manufacturers of cloth diapers use synthetic fibers or water resistant fibers that require special washing procedure. If you have bought modern cloth diapers, consult its packaging or tags before washing. Rinse and dry your diapers. To prevent any negative reactions from residual detergent, you'll want to run the diapers through a warm rinse cycle one more time. Then you can put the clothing into your dryer as normal, or follow the manufacturer's drying instructions.
Read the instructions. Sort your baby clothing. Set your washing machine. Add detergent to the water. Make your own detergent. Load your washing machine. Await the end of the cycle. Rinse your baby clothes again. Identify proteins stains. Remove any dry residue. Pre-soak your protein stained garments. Pre-treat the stain. Check tags and set your washing machine. Wash your baby clothes according to the label. Allow another rinse. Remove excess excrement. Utilize a dry pail. Pre-soak your nappies with white vinegar. Dab detergent to pre-treat bad stains. Set your washing machine and insert your clothing. Rinse and dry your diapers.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-3D-Letters
How to Make 3D Letters
You can make your own 3D letter using foam board. First, draw the letter you want to make on a piece of foam board using a pencil. Then, use a utility knife to cut out the letter. Place the cut-out letter on another piece of foam board and trace it onto the board. Cut out the second letter as well. Next, cut out strips of foam board for each side of your letter. The wider you make the strips, the wider your 3D letter will be. Place one of the letters you cut out on a flat surface and hot glue the side strips along the side of the letter. Finally, hot glue the second letter you cut out onto the top of the side strips to finish your 3D letter.
Find a paper model alphabet online. There are a variety of websites for making printable paper models. These range from plain block letters to intricate sculptures. Pick the type that both fits your project and matches your skill level. Use an image editor to decorate. After downloading your template, you may choose to customize it with image editing software of your choice. This can be adding pictures, patterns, or colors to each letter. Be careful not to erase any solid or dotted lines from the original template, as you will need these for proper assembly. As an alternative, you may always print out plain white letters and decorate them by hand before folding. However, using an image editor will guarantee uniformity between your letters and make them look more professional. Print your letters. Use your home printer to transfer your templates onto paper. You may use normal printer paper. However, sculptures made from cardstock are much sturdier. Check to see if your printer can accept cardstock into its feed. Cut out your letters. You can use scissors or hobby knife. For most papercraft templates, the lines you must cut will be solid and black. The unfolded printout will likely not resemble your letter, yet. When using a hobby knife, be sure to work on a protective mat to keep from ruining your table. Make the creases. For most papercraft templates, dotted lines represent those that need to be scored. Use a bone folder to carefully score along these lines without ripping the paper. If you don't have a bone folder handy, you can also use the bottom edge of a ballpoint pen instead. Fold the paper. Decide which side of the paper will be visible and place your paper with that side facing down. Fold the lines you scored inward. Once you've made these folds, your letter should be easily recognizable. Glue the tabs. Your template will likely indicate where glue should be placed to hold together the final sculpture. If not, simple papercraft tends to be intuitive. Your template's glue tabs will likely be plain white strips around the perimeter of the cutout. Apply a light dab of paste or go over each tab with a glue stick before placing it under the visible portion of your model. Gather your materials. You will need a ruler, a hobby knife, markers or pens, and a sheet of paper or cardstock. You may also use other types of paper. Just make sure that the paper is thick enough to hold a shape (unlike tissue paper) and easily folded (unlike thick cardboard). Fold the paper into long quarters. Start by folding the paper in half widthwise. Then, make two additional creases by folding each half the same way but towards the opposite direction of the original crease. For example, if you folded the first crease down, you would fold both of the new creases up. The folded paper should look similar to two steps on a staircase. Write your chosen letters or word on the second quarter from the bottom. The letters can be any style you choose, as long as they are thick. Additionally, make sure that each letter's top and bottom edge lines up with the creases. If they are letters that don't typically have straight top and bottom edges, like C or O, cut them off slightly. Decorate the letters with markers or pens. Draw straight lines upward from the top edges of each letter. Use a ruler to make the lines go completely across the quarter page above them. Try to make these lines thin using a pencil or a pen instead of a marker. You don't need them to be visible on the final letters. Cut out your pop ups. Use the hobby knife to make the cuts. Cut the entire outline for each letter, starting with the straight lines above and work your way around the sides of the letter. Make sure not to cut the bottom or top edges of the letters. You may cut out the center white space of certain letters (like R) or leave them in. Fold and secure your sheet to show off your pop up letters. Fold the sheet into a box with the letters as the front side, the strips above them as the top, the quarter you originally drew them on as the bottom, and the quarter the strips were cut from as the back. The top and bottom quarters can be folded under the box and secured with either tape or glue. Gather your materials. You will need drawing paper, disposable paper cups, chipboard or cardboard, glue, a hobby knife, and adhesive paper tape cut into long strips. You will also need a method of dampening the paper tape without soaking it, such as a new clean kitchen sponge. Decorative materials, such as acrylic paint, are optional. Keep in mind that the size of the cups that you choose will partially determine the size of your letters. How tall your cups are will roughly correspond with how thick your letters will be. Likewise, you will need to make each portion of your letter at least as wide as the mouth of your cups. Draw your letter on paper and cut it out. Use the drawing paper to sketch out your ideas. Draw a letter that is at least the width of your cups' mouth in all areas. Don't worry about erasing mistakes or making it neat; this paper will not be incorporated into your finished letter. Once you're happy with your letter's design and size, cut it out using either your hobby knife or a pair of scissors. Trace your letter cutout onto either cardboard or chipboard. Cut your letter out using a hobby knife. Do this twice so that you have two identical copies of the cardboard letter. Make sure that the two letters line up perfectly. Glue paper cups to the cardboard letters. Stagger the cups right side up and upside-down to pack them in as tight as possible. The more cups you use, the more structurally sound your final letter will be. Do not allow any part of the cups to go over the edge of the letter. Glue the second letter onto the opposite ends of the cups. Wait for the glue on the first letter to dry. Make sure to line up your second letter perfectly when gluing. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on. Cover the letter with paper tape. Take a paper strip and moisten its adhesive. Wrap it tightly around your letter so that it sticks to both the top and bottom cardboard faces. Repeat with more paper strips, one by one. Continue until your letter has been completely wrapped in at least two layers of adhesive tape. Decorate your letter as desired before display. You may choose to apply acrylic gesso to give you a white surface to work on and to seal the tape edges completely. You can paint or draw over this layer using most types of media. If you are making multiple letters, try to decorate them similarly to create a theme.
Find a paper model alphabet online. Use an image editor to decorate. Print your letters. Cut out your letters. Make the creases. Fold the paper. Glue the tabs. Gather your materials. Fold the paper into long quarters. Write your chosen letters or word on the second quarter from the bottom. Draw straight lines upward from the top edges of each letter. Cut out your pop ups. Fold and secure your sheet to show off your pop up letters. Gather your materials. Draw your letter on paper and cut it out. Trace your letter cutout onto either cardboard or chipboard. Glue paper cups to the cardboard letters. Glue the second letter onto the opposite ends of the cups. Cover the letter with paper tape. Decorate your letter as desired before display.
https://www.wikihow.com/Cross-Multiply
How to Cross Multiply
To cross multiply, start by multiplying the numerator of the left-hand fraction by the denominator of the right-hand fraction. Then, multiply the numerator of the right-hand fraction by the denominator of the left-hand fraction. Next, set the 2 products equal to each other. Finally, solve for the variable.
Multiply the numerator of the left-hand fraction by the denominator of the right-hand fraction. Let's say you're working with the equation 2/x = 10/13. Now, multiply 2 * 13. 2 * 13 = 26. Multiply the numerator of the right-hand fraction by the denominator of the left-hand fraction. Now multiply x by 10. x * 10 = 10x. You can cross multiply in this direction first; it really doesn't matter as long as you multiply both numerators by the denominators diagonal from them. Set the two products equal to each other. Just set 26 equal to 10x. 26 = 10x. It doesn't matter which number you list first; since they're equal, you can swap them from one side of the equation to the other with impunity, as long as you treat each term as a whole. So, if you're trying to solve 2/x = 10/13 for x, you'd have 2 * 13 = x * 10, or 26 = 10x. Solve for the variable. Now that you're working with 26 = 10x, you can start by finding a common denominator and dividing both 26 and 10 by a number that divides evenly into both numbers. Since they are both even, you can divide them by 2; 26/2 = 13 and 10/2 = 5. You're left with 13 = 5x. Now, to isolate x, divide both sides of the equation by 5. So, 13/5 = 5/5, or 13/5 = x. If you'd like the answer in decimal form, you can start by dividing both sides of the equation by 10 to get 26/10 = 10/10, or 2.6 = x. Multiply the numerator of the left-hand fraction by the denominator of the right-hand fraction. Let's say you're working with the following equation: (x + 3)/2 = (x + 1)/4. Multiply (x + 3) by 4 to get 4(x +3). Distribute the 4 to get 4x + 12. Multiply the numerator of the right-hand fraction by the denominator of the left-hand fraction. Repeat the process on the other side. (x +1) x 2 = 2(x +1). Distribute the 2 and you get 2x + 2. Set the two products equal to each other and combine the like terms. Now, you'll have 4x + 12 = 2x + 2. Combine the x terms and the constant terms on opposite sides of the equation. So, combine 4x and 2x by subtracting 2x from both sides. Subtracting 2x from 2x on the right side will leave you with 0. On the left side, 4x - 2x = 2x, so you have 2x remaining. Now, combine 12 and 2 by subtracting 12 from both sides of the equation. Subtract 12 from 12 on the left and you'll have 0, and subtract 12 from 2 on the right side to get 2-12 = -10. You're left with 2x = -10. Solve. All you have to do is divide both sides of the equation by 2. 2x/2 = -10/2 = x = -5. After cross multiplying, you have found that x = -5. You can go back and check your work by plugging in -5 for x to make sure that both sides of the equation are equal. They are. If you plug -5 back into the original equation, you'll get -1 = -1.
Multiply the numerator of the left-hand fraction by the denominator of the right-hand fraction. Multiply the numerator of the right-hand fraction by the denominator of the left-hand fraction. Set the two products equal to each other. Solve for the variable. Multiply the numerator of the left-hand fraction by the denominator of the right-hand fraction. Multiply the numerator of the right-hand fraction by the denominator of the left-hand fraction. Set the two products equal to each other and combine the like terms. Solve.
https://www.wikihow.com/Revive-an-Orchid-Plant
How to Revive an Orchid Plant
You can revive an orchid plant by repotting it in some fresh growing medium. First, cut back any dead stalks, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Then, water the orchid lightly, and lift it out of its current pot. Replant the orchid in a new pot with fresh growing medium to give it a nutrient boost. Use 2 parts orchid bark mixed with 1 part peat moss. Avoid regular potting soil since it's too dense for orchid roots. If your orchid's roots were dry and shriveled when you repotted it, that means it's not getting enough water. If the roots were mushy, that means it's getting too much water. Try to water your orchid once a week in the winter and twice a week in the spring, summer, and fall. Place your orchid in a spot that gets lots of indirect sunlight so it thrives.
Cut back the stalk when the flowers fall off. Use a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears or a razor to trim the stalk when the plant has stopped blooming. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the stalk, or spike, so that it can regrow. Move the orchid to a new pot once the roots start poking out of the bottom. Water the orchid, then gently tug the plant out of its pot. Use your hands to loosen the roots a bit and dust off any growing media stuck to them. Then, carefully place the orchid into the new pot. If possible, pick a pot designed for orchids. If you can't find one, opt for a pot with lots of drainage holes to allow air to flow in and water to drain out. Put a saucer underneath the pot to catch excess water. If the roots of your orchid begin growing out through the holes in the bottom of the pot, that's an indication that the pot is too small and you should move it to a larger one. Add fresh growing medium to give your orchid a nutrient boost. To promote the reblooming of orchids, mix 2 parts bark formulated specifically for orchids with 1 part peat moss to create the growing medium. Fill the space around the roots with the medium and add a light layer on top, but be sure you don't cover the leaves. Orchids need well-draining media with lots of air pockets in order to flourish. Avoid using regular potting soil in orchid pots. Water less often if you notice mushy roots. Most orchid issues are caused by overwatering. Your orchid might be getting too much water if it has soggy roots or rotting, limp, or discolored leaves. Just decrease how much, and how frequently, you water your orchid to get it to look its best. If the roots are rotted, trim off the worst of the damage and repot the plant to provide it with additional nutrients. Be sure to dump out any water that collects in the saucer underneath the pot after you water. Increase how much you’re watering if the roots are dry and shriveled. Alternatively, some orchids don't get enough water and fail to thrive as a result. If the roots look dry and shriveled instead of lush and plump, your plant is dehydrated. Another sign of underwatering is shriveled or discolored leaves. Water your orchid more frequently to correct this problem. Use room-temperature water to water your orchid. Rainwater is ideal, but tap water that has sat out for 24 hours will also work, as this gives the chlorine time to evaporate. Provide more light if the leaves are dark green. Orchids thrive in sunny environments. If yours has very dark green leaves, it might not be getting enough sunlight. Try moving it in front of a window or into a sunnier outdoor spot. If your orchid is outside , leaves or other foliage from surrounding plants or trees might be providing too much shade. Reduce the amount of light your orchid gets if it’s sunburned. Orchids that receive too much light may first show yellow leaves. As time goes on, the leaves will turn white, then brown. Additionally, if the leaves feel hot to the touch, it's getting too much sun. If you notice these symptoms, move your orchid to an area with less direct sunlight. You can move the plant further away from a window or provide more shade by situating it near taller plants or trees. Raise the temperature if your orchid is discolored or has pitting or lesions. Keeping your orchid at the wrong temperature can cause all sorts of problems. If your orchid is in a spot with temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C), it's likely not thriving. Try moving your orchid to a warmer location if your orchid is discolored or has pits, lesions, or sunken areas. Move your orchid to a cooler spot if it has wilted, leathery, or yellowing leaves. Just as a too-cold environment can impact your orchid, so can one that's too hot. Move your orchid to a cooler location or provide some shade for it if the temperature is above 80 °F (27 °C). Signs of heat stress include yellowing, withered, or leathery leaves or brown roots or leaf tips.
Cut back the stalk when the flowers fall off. Move the orchid to a new pot once the roots start poking out of the bottom. Add fresh growing medium to give your orchid a nutrient boost. Water less often if you notice mushy roots. Increase how much you’re watering if the roots are dry and shriveled. Provide more light if the leaves are dark green. Reduce the amount of light your orchid gets if it’s sunburned. Raise the temperature if your orchid is discolored or has pitting or lesions. Move your orchid to a cooler spot if it has wilted, leathery, or yellowing leaves.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fajitas
How to Make Fajitas
To make steak fajitas, marinate your steak for about 2 hours in a blend of olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, herbs, and spices. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry, then cook it for 6-10 minutes on medium-high heat in a large skillet. Remove the steak and let it rest for 3-5 minutes, then slice it into 1/2-inch strips, cutting against the grain. Next, saute thinly sliced onion, bell pepper, and poblano pepper for 7-8 minutes. Serve the steak and peppers wrapped in a tortilla, and add your favorite toppings!
Mix the oil, juices, garlic, seasoning, cilantro, and steak. Pour ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of olive oil into a large bowl along with ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of orange juice and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lime juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon (8 g) of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons (5 g) of cumin, 2 teaspoons (5 g) of chili powder, 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of oregano, 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of smoked paprika, ¼ cup (5 g) of chopped cilantro, and 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of flank or skirt steak. Cover and refrigerate the meat for at least 2 hours. Ensure that the steak is coated with the marinade and then cover the bowl. Refrigerate the steak for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. The meat will become tender and flavorful as it marinates. Remove and pat the meat dry with paper towels. When you're ready to cook the steak, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Remove the meat and set it on a cutting board. Pat both sides of the steak dry using paper towels. Then sprinkle both sides of the meat with coarse sea salt and black pepper. The salt will also make the meat more tender. Cook the steak for 6 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay the steak in the skillet. Cook the meat for 6 to 10 minutes and turn it half way through the cooking time. Cook the steak until it reaches at least 145 °F (63 °C) with an instant-read meat thermometer. Remove and rest the steak for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the burner and move the steak to a clean cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let the steak rest for 3 to 5 minutes. The steak will continue to cook as it rests. Slice the steak into 1/2 in (1.3 cm) strips. Uncover the steak and use a sharp knife to slice the steak. Cut against the grain to get the most tender steak and make your slices thin. Mix the salt, cornstarch, pepper, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Get out a small bowl and put in ½ tablespoon (8.5 g) of salt. Stir in 1 tablespoon (8 g) of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of (0.5 g) of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 g) of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of ancho chili powder. Cook the chicken strips over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil into a skillet and turn the burner to medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, place 1 pound (450 g) of sliced chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook the chicken until it's browned and reaches 160 °F (71 °C) with an instant-read meat thermometer. Stir the chicken frequently as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stir in the seasoning, water, and lime juice. Add the seasoning mixture to the chicken and pour in ⁄ 4 cup (180 ml) of water and the juice of 1 lime. Stir until the chicken is coated with the seasoning. Simmer the chicken for 3 minutes. Turn the burner down to low so the liquid begins to bubble gently. Simmer the chicken for 3 minutes and stir it occasionally. Some of the liquid will evaporate as the chicken cooks. Thread 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.3 kg) of shrimp onto short skewers. Get out a package of skewers that are about 6 in (15 cm) long. Thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer. If you prefer, leave the shrimp separate and just cook them loose in the pan. The skewers make it easier to remove the shrimp from the marinade. Put the shrimp, sauce, seasoning, garlic, cilantro, and juice into a bag. Open a large sealable freezer bag and put ⁄ 4 cup (180 ml) of red enchilada sauce into it. Add 2 tablespoons (5 g) of taco seasoning mix, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 handful of snipped fresh cilantro, and the juice of 1 lemon. Put the shrimp skewers in the bag and seal it shut. If you don't have a sealable plastic bag, mix the marinade in a long dish and lay the skewers in it. Refrigerate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes. Ensure that the shrimp are coated in both sides with the marinade. Put the bag in the refrigerator and chill it for 15 to 30 minutes. The shrimp will absorb the flavors as it marinates. Cook the shrimp over medium heat for 6 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into a large skillet or griddle pan and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil shimmers, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator and take the skewers out of the bag. Lay the shrimp in the skillet and cook them for 3 minutes. Use tongs to turn the shrimp and cook them for 3 more minutes. The shrimp will become opaque and white once it's finished cooking. Avoid overcooking the shrimp or the texture will become rubbery. Slice 2 onions, 1 poblano, and 3 bell peppers. Rinse the produce and use a large knife to slice the 2 onions into 1/2 in (1.3 cm) strips. Push them to the side of your cutting board and then trim the stems off of 3 bell peppers and 1 poblano. Rinse away the seeds and slice the peppers into 1/2 in (1.3 cm) strips. Use any color of bell pepper you like or use a mix of colors. Heat the oil and add the vegetable strips to the skillet. Pour 1 ⁄ 2 tablespoons (22 ml) of vegetable oil into a skillet and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil heats and begins to shimmer, put the sliced onions, poblano, and bell peppers in the skillet. Add salt and cook the vegetables for 7 to 8 minutes. Add 1 generous pinch of salt and stir the vegetables occasionally as they cook. Cook the vegetables until the onions become clear and the peppers soften. Stirring frequently will prevent the vegetables from sticking to the skillet. Place your choice of meat across the center of a tortilla. Get out flour or corn tortillas and place several pieces of shrimp, steak, or chicken in a line down the center of a tortilla. If you like, you can even combine the meats. If you like, warm the tortillas before filling them. For a low-carb fajita, substitute large lettuce leaves for the tortillas and fill them with the meat of your choice. Cover the meat with peppers and onions. Spread enough cooked peppers and onions over the meat to cover it. If you prefer, place even more meat on top of the peppers and onions. Serve the fajita with your favorite toppings. Offer your guests a variety of seasonings and sauces to eat with the fajitas. For example, set out: Guacamole Sour cream Chopped cilantro Salsa Store the leftover fajita components for up to 3 to 5 days. Put the leftover onions, peppers, and meat or shrimp in an airtight container. It's fine to put them all in the same container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator and use them within 3 to 5 days. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storing leftover tortillas. Some might call for storing them at room temperature while other brands recommend refrigerating them.
Mix the oil, juices, garlic, seasoning, cilantro, and steak. Cover and refrigerate the meat for at least 2 hours. Remove and pat the meat dry with paper towels. Cook the steak for 6 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Remove and rest the steak for 3 to 5 minutes. Slice the steak into 1/2 in (1.3 cm) strips. Mix the salt, cornstarch, pepper, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook the chicken strips over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the seasoning, water, and lime juice. Simmer the chicken for 3 minutes. Thread 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.3 kg) of shrimp onto short skewers. Put the shrimp, sauce, seasoning, garlic, cilantro, and juice into a bag. Refrigerate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes. Cook the shrimp over medium heat for 6 minutes. Slice 2 onions, 1 poblano, and 3 bell peppers. Heat the oil and add the vegetable strips to the skillet. Add salt and cook the vegetables for 7 to 8 minutes. Place your choice of meat across the center of a tortilla. Cover the meat with peppers and onions. Serve the fajita with your favorite toppings. Store the leftover fajita components for up to 3 to 5 days.
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Interesting
How to Be Interesting
To be interesting, try learning a new skill, such as painting, crocheting, or cooking, to broaden your horizons and give you something to talk about with other people. You can also travel to new places, even if it's just the next neighborhood over, to step out of your comfort zone and have some different experiences. Alternatively, seek out cultural events in your own town, like a community market or music festival, which will help you meet new people and introduce you to new ideas.
Learn a new skill. Focus on a skill you have always wanted to try or been curious about, such as painting, drawing, crocheting, or dance. Then, teach yourself the skill or take a class on the skill. Having a new skill will help to broaden your experiences and give you something to talk about with others. For example, you may take a hip hop dance class if you've always been curious about the genre and want to learn something new. Or you may take a still life painting class to get better at painting figures. Taking up a new skill can also allow you to meet new people and expand your social network. This can help you learn more about different people and be more interesting. Develop expertise in topics that interest you. Think of a topic or subject that you have always been curious about and focus on learning more. Pick a new interest at random and learn all you can about it. Broaden your existing interests to include things you may know nothing about or have a burning desire to learn about. For example, if you are interested in music, you may get involved in online music forums and attend music shows to deepen your interest. Or if you are interested in painting, you may join a painting group to explore your interest in a deeper way. If you like to keep up with the news, you may go deeper by reading the texts behind different political theories, such as capitalism, socialism, and anarcha-feminism. Travel to new places. Take a trip to a different country or continent. Go on a solo tour through a foreign area or travel with friends to a new city. Travelling to new places can help you gain new experiences and broaden your understanding of the world. You may decide to go on a trip around the world to really expand your horizons. Or you may choose just one new area to visit for a few days. Traveling is a great time to step outside of your comfort zone. You may encounter new and interesting experiences that you wouldn't have if you did what was familiar. Get out of your neighborhood and explore. If you can't afford to travel too far, you may decide to explore a different neighborhood or space close to where you live. Perhaps you could take a day trip to a nearby historical site or to a community space. You can also do a short overnight trip to an outdoor area close by, like a mountain lodge or a cabin in the woods. Enlist some friends to go with you on a day adventure to see something new close to where you live. Try to make it a habit to try new things and explore new areas with friends or family. Once again, stepping outside of your comfort zone can give you unique experiences and stories to share! Volunteer. Look up local organizations or charities in your area. Offer to volunteer for an upcoming event or project they are doing. Donate your time once a week to a cause you care about. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and meet new people. It can also expose you to different experiences and expand your worldview. For example, you may volunteer at a local arts center to get involved in the arts community and meet artists in your area. Or you may volunteer at a local soup kitchen to interact with people from different walks of life and give back to others. Go to cultural events where you live. Look up events in your local bookstore, community theater, or art gallery. Go to events so you stay up to date with what is currently going on in your area. Try to attend events that you may not usually go to or know much about so you can expose yourself to new things. For example, you may go to a community market to try new foods and look at interesting crafts. Or you may attend a local music festival so you can hear new music and meet new people. Take a class on a new topic or concept. Pick a topic or concept that you have always been curious about or feel you could know more about. Look at your local university or college for a class on the topic. Search for an online class or tutorial on the topic so you can learn more about it. For example, you may take a class on advertising and media if you have an interest in that topic. Or you may take a creative writing class to improve your fiction and poetry skills. You can also look up online tutorials for things like how to curl your hair with braids or how to paint in oils. Read books about different subjects. Get books from the library or buy books from your local book store. Focus on a topic that you have a strong interest in and do a deep dive into books on the subject. Or pick a topic you know nothing about and read books about it to learn more. For example, if you have a strong interest in fiction books, you may try reading all the award winning novels that came out this year. Or if you have a curiosity about war history, you may look for books on different wars and conflicts at your local library or online. Join a discussion group on a topic you are curious about. Look for a discussion group at your local community center or online through forums and chatrooms. Start a discussion group with friends or family where you choose a topic and talk about it together. Find friends or acquaintances who you disagree with or share an opposing point of view and propose that you meet to discuss your ideas regularly. For example, you may start a discussion group on local politics with friends or family. Or you may find a discussion group that focuses on sports. Finding others who have differing opinions or ideas than you can help you to broaden your experience. Discussing your thoughts with them, and listening to what they have to say, can make you a more well-rounded person. Watch films and listen to podcasts about different topics. Expose yourself to media like film, television, radio, and podcasts so you can find out what people are talking and discussing. Try watching and listening to media that focuses on things you know about as well as topics that are new to you. For example, you may watch documentaries on topics that you do not know much about, such as transgender rights or globalization. Or you can listen to podcasts on topics you are familiar with, such as comedy or true crime. Tell good stories about your experiences. Be interesting by relying stories in an entertaining way when you talk to people in your friend circle or at parties. Choose a memorable experience from a recent trip or discuss a funny experience at the grocery store. Use a personal story to connect with others and be social. Include only the important parts of the story, or the highlights, so your listeners are entertained. Use your body and your voice when telling the story so it is engaging. Talk with your hands, maintain eye contact, and create a character with your voice. Show pictures of your unique experiences too! Keep these on your phone for easy access when you need them. Be a good listener. Being an interesting person does not mean you always need to be the one talking in a conversation. Instead, you can show others that you are interested in them by being a good listener. Maintain eye contact and nod to show you are listening. Give the person your full attention and do not interrupt them when they are speaking. Try being a good listener to close friends and to people you just met at a party or gathering. You can often learn new things and become a more interesting person by listening to others speak. Connect with others about common interests. When talking to others, try to find out what you have in common. Talking about shared interests will engage the other person and make them more interested in getting to know you. When meeting someone, ask questions like "what are your hobbies?" or "what do you enjoy doing?" Remember that the more you try new things and experiences, the easier it will be to find similar interests with other people. Ask engaging questions in conversations. Pose questions that are thoughtful and relate to what the person is talking about. Ask follow up questions about something you do not understand or are more curious about. This will show others that you are paying attention to what they have to say and interested in the conversation. For example, you may ask questions like, “What was it like working the night shift?” or “How did you adjust to moving to Canada at a young age?” Be open to meeting new people. Try not to close yourself to meeting new people and engaging them in conversation. Instead, put yourself in situations where you have the opportunity to meet others, such as parties, meetups, or events. Be open to exposing yourself to new people and interesting discussions so you can be well-rounded and in touch with what is going on. For example, you may challenge yourself to go to social events in your area at least once a week to meet new people. Or you may try talking to strangers in public places to try to meet someone new. To meet new people, try going to social events in your area, signing up for a class, or using a website like Meetup.com.
Learn a new skill. Develop expertise in topics that interest you. Travel to new places. Get out of your neighborhood and explore. Volunteer. Go to cultural events where you live. Take a class on a new topic or concept. Read books about different subjects. Join a discussion group on a topic you are curious about. Watch films and listen to podcasts about different topics. Tell good stories about your experiences. Be a good listener. Connect with others about common interests. Ask engaging questions in conversations. Be open to meeting new people.
https://www.wikihow.com/Swim-on-Your-Period-Without-a-Tampon
How to Swim on Your Period Without a Tampon
To swim on your period without a tampon, try inserting a menstrual cup and leaving it in until you're finished swimming. You can get reusable silicone or rubber cups or disposable ones, which are a little easier to insert. Alternatively, consider a sea sponge, which will work in the same way as a tampon but without any unnatural chemicals. If you have a light flow, you can also wear waterproof underwear, which contains a hidden, leak-proof lining to help absorb menstrual blood. However, keep in mind that it will not absorb a moderate or heavy flow.
Try a reusable menstrual cup. Silicone or rubber menstrual cups are reusable, flexible, bell-shaped devices that collect your menstrual flow. The cup should not leak if inserted properly and is one of the best alternatives to a tampon if you want to go swimming. Insert the cup before swimming, and leave it in until you can change out of your swimsuit into your regular clothing and switch to another method of period protection. Consider a disposable menstrual cup. While they can be expensive compared to tampons or reusable cups, disposable menstrual cups are flexible, easy to insert, and work well for protection while swimming. Just as you would with a reusable cup, insert the cup before swimming, and leave it in until you can change out of your swimsuit into your regular clothing and switch to another method of period protection. Like reusable cups, disposable cups can be messy to insert and remove and require a learning curve to master placing them correctly in the vagina. Check out this helpful wikiHow page to learn the process of inserting and removing a disposable menstrual cup. Consider a sea sponge. If you avoid tampons because you are concerned about the chemicals used in their production, a natural sea sponge might be a good solution for you. Sea sponge tampons are harvested from the ocean and contain no chemicals, and they are also reusable. Ask your doctor about a diaphragm. A diaphragm is a dome-shaped rubber cup placed high in the vagina. It is a birth control device, designed to block sperm from entering the cervix. It is not meant as a menstrual device. However, if you have a light flow you can use it while swimming as an alternative to a tampon. A diaphragm can be left in the vagina for up to 24 hours. If you have sex, you must leave your diaphragm in for at least 6 hours following intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Diaphragms do not protect against STDs. Diaphragms can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. You should not use a diaphragm if you have a latex allergy. Cramping or pelvic pain can result from the wrong sized diaphragm, so be sure to replace your diaphragm in the event of weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more. To wash your diaphragm, remove it and wash it with mild soap, then rinse and dry. Do not use products like baby powder or face powder, as these can damage the diaphragm. Once again, using a diaphragm for regular menstrual protection is not recommended. If you're having a light flow and want an alternative to a tampon to swim, you can try inserting a diaphragm. You may want to test it out beforehand, however, to see how well it blocks blood flow. If you have sex after swimming, be sure to leave the diaphragm in place for six hours before removing it. Try a cervical cap. Much like a diaphragm, a cervical cap is primarily used as a contraceptive device. However, it does block menstrual flow so you can try using it when swimming if you want an alternative to your tampon. Refrain from full body swimming. If you're unable to find a tampon alternative that works for you, you can find a way to get involved in water activities without fully submerging. Sunbathing, wading, relaxing under a beach umbrella, and letting your feet hang in the water are all good options, and you can wear a menstrual pad while you do these things. Remember that menstruation is a completely normal part of your life, and while it can be embarrassing to tell your friends you are on your period and don't want to swim, you should feel confident that your friends will understand. If you're uncomfortable telling them that you're on your period, you can simply tell them that you aren't feeling well or don't feel like swimming. Wear waterproof underwear. Waterproof underwear can be a safe, comfortable alternative to your period when swimming or doing other activities. Waterproof underwear looks much like regular underwear or bikini bottoms but has a hidden, leak-proof lining that helps absorb menstrual blood. If you plan on swimming in waterproof underwear, know that they will not absorb a heavy or moderate flow. They will only work towards the end of your cycle or on months when you're having a light flow. Wait until your flow lightens. As it can be difficult to find tampon alternatives that are effective and easy to conceal under a bathing suit; if you have a heavy period you may have to simply wait until your flow lightens to swim. Hormonal birth control pills, when used correctly, can result in a lighter period. Hormonal IUDs may also result in less bleeding during your menstrual cycle. If you're an avid swimmer and dislike tampons, you could look into these options to shorten your cycle overall. You might also consider Seasonale or other birth control pills that result in less frequent periods. Seasonale is designed so that you take "active" hormonal pills every day for three months before taking a week of "inactive" placebo pills, which activates your period. Although some women have light, breakthrough bleeding during their active pills, this method can help you predict when you will have your period so you can plan your swimming times around it. Try establishing a vigorous exercise routine. Regular, rigorous physical activities of any kind can reduce the length of your period and make it lighter. If you're an avid swimmer, you may find your cycle changes during warmer months when you swim frequently. However, if your period becomes abnormally light or stops altogether talk to your doctor to rule out underlying medical concerns or pregnancy.
Try a reusable menstrual cup. Consider a disposable menstrual cup. Consider a sea sponge. Ask your doctor about a diaphragm. Try a cervical cap. Refrain from full body swimming. Wear waterproof underwear. Wait until your flow lightens.
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Cashews
How to Roast Cashews
To roast cashews, first preheat your oven to 350 °F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, spread the cashews out evenly across the sheet and sprinkle 1 to 2 tsp of oil over them. Next, stir the cashews and roast them in 3- to 5-minute intervals, stirring them each time to prevent sticking. You'll know there done when they give off a strong, pleasant odor. Let them cool before serving.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Grab a large baking tray for your cashews, but do not add any grease to the tray. If you're concerned about the nuts sticking, however, you can line the tray with parchment paper. If roasting a small amount of cashews, consider using a cake pan instead, which you can shake frequently during cooking to toss the oils. Cashews can be oil roasted or dry roasted. If you dry roast the cashews and wish to add salt without adding any oil, try coating or spraying your cashews with brine or salt-water solution, then letting them dry, before roasting them. This helps the salt adhere to the nuts. Spread the cashews evenly across the baking tray. Try to keep the cashews in a single, even layer to promote even roasting. If working with large batches, it would be preferable to use multiple trays rather than piling the cashews into one. Consider adding oil. Roasting cashews with a little oil is recommended, but not strictly necessary. Drizzle between 1 and 2 tsp (5 and 10 mL) of oil over the cashews. Stir and toss the cashews gently on the baking tray to coat evenly with oil. Roasting the nuts in oil will enhance the flavor and texture, but it will increase the overall oiliness of the finished product. If you're using them for baking purposes (e.g., adding them to cookies or brownies), omit the oil and skip this step. If you're eating them on their own or using them as a garnish, however, roast the cashews in oil. Less is more in this step. You can add more oil later, as needed, after your cashews have started roasting. You can use a nut oil, like almond oil or walnut oil, or opt for another healthy oil, like grapeseed oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Roast the cashews in the oven on the middle rack for five minutes. After five minutes, remove them from the oven and stir using a spoon or spatula. This helps apply a new layer of oil to the cashews and reduces the risk of burning. Return to the oven and roast, stirring frequently, until done. Return the cashews to the oven and continue roasting them in three to five minute intervals, stirring well after each interval concludes. Cashews should only need between 8 and 15 minutes of total roasting time before being ready. When ready, the nuts should release a strong yet pleasing odor and look several shades darker. You may even hear some crackling if you cooked them in oil. Cashews can burn quickly, so it's important that you check and stir frequently to minimize this risk. Drizzle additional oil and add salt. Remove the cashews from the oven. If desired, drizzle another 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) of oil over the cashews, then sprinkle them with about 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of salt, adding more or less depending on personal taste. If adding the roasted cashews to baked goods, you may wish to skip the oil and salt. You could also use other seasonings as desired during this step. Examples of seasonings that complement the flavor of cashews include cinnamon, sugar, paprika, cayenne, cloves, and nutmeg. If you soaked the nuts in brine or salt water before roasting them, do not add any additional seasoning here. The initial salt in the solution should be enough. Cool before serving. Transfer the cashews onto a plate and let them cool for 15 minutes before serving. Transferring them prevents the hot baking tray or cake pan from scorching the nuts. Once cooled, you can serve or use the cashews immediately. You may also store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, line a large baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Since the honey coating is so sticky, honey-roasted cashews are likely to stick to the baking tray if you leave it unlined. Nonstick foil or parchment paper is strongly recommended. Combine the glaze ingredients. Combine the honey, maple syrup, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl, then stir in the salt, vanilla, and cinnamon until all glaze ingredients are well-combined. For an even simpler version, you can stick with only honey, butter, and cinnamon. The maple syrup, salt, and vanilla all enhance the flavor of the cashews, but are not strictly necessary. Toss the cashews in the honey glaze. Add the cashews to the bowl of honey glaze. Toss and stir the cashew and honey mixture using a large spoon or spatula to coat the nuts as evenly as possible. When thoroughly coated, spread the cashews evenly on the baking tray to form one layer. Bake the cashews for six minutes. Remove them from the oven and toss again. This coats your cashews evenly with the honey mixture and promotes even cooking. Roast the cashews for another six minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure the cashews do not burn during this time. If the cashews seem ready before the full six minutes are up, pull them out early. The cashews should smell notably nutty and look deeper in color, but they should not appear dark brown or charred. Toss the cashews with sugar and salt. Pour the finished cashews into another large, clean bowl. Toss and stir sugar and salt into the cashew mixture, coating the nuts as evenly as possible. If you'd like the nuts to be strictly sweet without any saltiness, you can skip the salt altogether and toss the cashews with sugar only. After tossing the cashews with salt and sugar, let them cool for about 15 minutes. Enjoy. You can serve the cashews immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Get a large, rimmed baking sheet out for the cashews. You do not need to line or coat the baking sheet in this method; however, if you're concerned about the cashews sticking, you can line it with parchment paper or nonstick aluminum foil. Avoid using oil or nonstick cooking spray since these may impact the cooking process and final flavor. Spread the cashews evenly on the baking tray to form one layer. A single, even layer will promote even cooking. Try to avoid piling the cashews in multiple layers since they may roast unevenly. Roast the cashews in the oven for five minutes. Remove them from the oven, then stir to distribute the heat evenly. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can either stop here or continue roasting the cashews for another 8 to 10 minutes, stopping to stir after four minute intervals. Roasting the cashews for only five minutes will warm them up without impacting the taste and texture much; roasting them for a total of 12 to 15 minutes will give the nuts a more traditional roasted flavor and crunch. Meanwhile, combine the seasonings. While the cashews roast, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt, and butter in a large bowl. Set the bowl aside for now. You may skip the cayenne if you'd prefer roasted nuts without a kick of heat. Pour the finished cashews into the seasoning mixture. Once the cashews are roasted to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven. Toss them in the rosemary-butter mixture until all nuts are evenly coated. Cool before serving. Allow the nuts to cool slightly, for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally to redistribute the seasoned butter. Serve them immediately once cooled or store them in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to two weeks. Note that if you only heated the cashews for five minutes instead of the full 12 to 15, you can serve them immediately while warm instead of waiting for them to cool. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (162 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking tray with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper. Combine the honey and cayenne pepper. Combine the two ingredients in a large bowl, stirring thoroughly to blend them into a cohesive glaze. If the honey is too thick, you may wish to microwave the mixture for five seconds or so to help liquify it. Doing so should make it easier to combine the two ingredients. If you'd like to add more dimension to this recipe, you could try adding both honey and maple syrup; stick with a total of 1/4 cup (60 ml), but vary the proportions according to your own sense of taste. Stir in the cashews. Pour the cashews into the mixing bowl. Stir and toss the cashews in the honey and cayenne mixture to coat them evenly, then transfer the coated cashews to your prepared baking tray. Make sure to spread the cashews evenly across the baking tray to form one layer. Otherwise, your cashews will not roast evenly; some may burn while others remain too raw. Roast the cashews in the oven for five minutes. Remove the cashews after this time and stir using a large spoon or spatula. This coats your cashews evenly with the sweet and spicy mixture, and promotes even cooking. Roast the cashews for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until done. The nuts should smell pleasantly strong and look slightly darkened when finished. Make sure that you stir the cashews every three to five minutes as they finish cooking. If you cook them without stirring, they'll be more likely to burn or cook unevenly. Sprinkle the cashews with sugar and salt. Remove the cashews and let cool for five minutes, then sprinkle the warm nuts with the sugar and salt. Toss gently to coat. It may help to combine the sugar and salt in a small, clean bowl prior to sprinkling the ingredients over the cashews. Mixing them beforehand will make it easier to distribute an even amount of both over the nuts. Cool fully before enjoying. Let the nuts cool fully before serving, or transfer them to an airtight storage container for later enjoyment. These cashews should stay good for about one week when kept at room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Spread the cashews evenly across the baking tray. Consider adding oil. Roast the cashews in the oven on the middle rack for five minutes. Return to the oven and roast, stirring frequently, until done. Drizzle additional oil and add salt. Cool before serving. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Combine the glaze ingredients. Toss the cashews in the honey glaze. Bake the cashews for six minutes. Roast the cashews for another six minutes. Toss the cashews with sugar and salt. Enjoy. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Spread the cashews evenly on the baking tray to form one layer. Roast the cashews in the oven for five minutes. Meanwhile, combine the seasonings. Pour the finished cashews into the seasoning mixture. Cool before serving. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (162 degrees Celsius). Combine the honey and cayenne pepper. Stir in the cashews. Roast the cashews in the oven for five minutes. Roast the cashews for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until done. Sprinkle the cashews with sugar and salt. Cool fully before enjoying.
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Wet-Tail
How to Treat Wet Tail
To treat wet tail in your hamster, start by removing fruits and vegetables from its diet to minimize diarrhea, which is a common symptom of wet tail. Additionally, put your hamster in a cage by itself since hamsters generally prefer being alone when they're sick. You should also get your hamster to the vet's as soon as possible, so the vet can rehydrate your hamster if necessary and prescribe an antibiotic. Then, follow the vet's directions to administer the medication to your hamster at home.
Check for the signs of wet tail. The hallmark of this condition is wetness around the hamster's tail — hence the name "wet tail". However, this is a description rather than a diagnosis in its own right. What we call "wet tail" can actually have several different causes, but the result is the same: diarrhea and fluid loss. The following signs indicate wet tail in a hamster: Tail end and sometimes abdomen are wet, matted The wet area is soiled and smells bad from excessive watery diarrhea Failure to groom, dull, ruffled coat Dull, sunken eyes Abdominal discomfort, which can show itself as grumpiness or aggression Lethargy, hiding away and being reclusive Irritability, discomfort, and hunched posture Protruding rectum caused by straining Weight loss Loss of appetite and low energy levels. Remove fruits and vegetables from the diet. Before seeing the vet, do not remove all food, but remove fruits and vegetables. Your vet will provide further advice on diet once he's examined the animal. Dry food "binds" the bowels better than fruit and vegetables. More watery foods can encourage diarrhea, so removing fruits and vegetables from the diet can help prevent it. Isolate the sick hamster. Wet tail can be contagious, so it's best to be on the side of caution. Separate your sick hamster from any others you may have to prevent the illness from spreading. The sick hamster may prefer to be left alone anyway, so isolation can reduce its stress levels. Consider asking a trusted friend to care for your healthy hamsters during the recovery period. This will allow you to concentrate on the sick ones. It also reduces stress for yourself and for your hamster. Take your little friend to the vet. The vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics as well as medication to cure diarrhea. Avoid adding antibiotics to food and water. Your hamster probably isn't eating drinking anyway, so this would be an ineffective way to medicate him. If he is drinking, you don't want to discourage this by putting something that tastes strange in the water. If the hamster is very unwell, the vet may give antibiotics by injection to ensure he gets the correct dose. Because hamsters are so small, it's hard to run diagnostic tests (bloods and imaging) on them. This makes it difficult for the vet to reach a definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause of the illness. Ask the vet to hydrate the hamster if necessary. If the hamster is very dehydrated, ask if the vet recommends giving him an injection of saline under the skin. You can check for extreme hydration by pinching the skin on the back of the neck. Healthy, hydrated skin will snap back immediately. If it takes longer than 2 seconds to return to normal, you should raise concerns of dangerous dehydration. A saline injection does not always make as much difference as hoped because absorption can be slow when the animal is unwell. Allow the vet to hospitalize your pet if recommended. If the vet is concerned about the hamster's health, defer to his opinion. He may ask you to leave your pet at the clinic so the staff can administer fluids regularly and give additional antibiotics by injection. Give the hamster its medication at home. If the vet doesn't recommend hospitalization, you need to be attentive to your pet's medical care at home. Your vet may prescribe an antibiotic called Baytril to be taken by mouth. This is a very concentrated antibiotic, and the dose is usually one drop per day. The vet may also suggest dripping a balanced electrolyte solution (Lectade or Pedialyte) into the hamster's mouth to keep it hydrated. This needs to be done with great care to avoid flooding the hamster's lungs. The best way is to give the electrolyte solution is with an eyedropper. Squeeze a single drop of the solution from the dropper and touch it to the hamster's lips. The surface tension of the solution will cause the drop to soak the hamster's mouth, which it will then lick dry. This should be done every half-hour to hour, if possible. Keep the hamster warm. Small mammals like hamsters have a large ratio of surface area to volume. As a result, they can get dangerously cold very easily when they are sick. A hamster's ideal environment should be between 70-80F. Reduce stress. Experts believe wet tail to be a stress-related disease, so that's the last thing your buddy needs. Remove any source of distraction or stress from the room where the hamster is resting. This includes other hamsters, barking dogs, inquisitive cats, bright lights, and anything noisy. Other than removing wet foods from its diet, do not change the usual food unless your vet advises you to. This can cause more stress. Try not to move the hamster around more than necessary, beyond vet visits and initial isolation. Transportation is a source of stress. Practice good hygiene at all times during the care period. This is especially important when you have more than one hamster, as sloppiness might spread the infection. Always wash your hands before and after handling the hamster. Keep everything clean, including the cage, drink bottle, food dish, and toys. Clean the cage every 2 or 3 days. Trying to clean it any more often can result in additional stress, which is not good for the hamster's recovery. Be prepared to make a difficult decision. Unfortunately, hamsters often don't respond well to therapy. so if your hamster develops signs, be prepared for the worst and that they might not get better. The success rate for treating wet tail is low, and if the hamster does not rally within 24 - 48 hours then the chances are it won't. If, despite all your efforts, the hamster continues to deteriorate, it may kinder to consider putting your pet to sleep. Look for dehydration (lifting his scruff and watching it fall back down), lack of activity, lack of response when touched or handled, continued diarrhea, and a foul smell which is getting worse. If you start treatment and the hamster's condition worsens, at least you gave him a chance. But it may now be kinder to relieve him of his pain and let him go. Consider the hamster’s breed. Dwarf hamsters can get severe diarrhea, but they do not get wet tail. Long-haired teddy hamsters, on the other hand, seem to be the most prone to wet tail. Ask your breeder or veterinarian about your breed's risk of wet tail when purchasing hamsters, so you know your pet's risks. Keep an eye on young hamsters. Very young hamsters between 3 - 8 weeks of age seem especially vulnerable to infection. This is likely because their immune systems are still developing, and aren't very good at fighting off bugs yet. Research suggests that most the bacteria most likely to cause wet tail is the Desulfovibrio species. Don’t over-handle newly weaned hamsters. The most easily affected hamsters seem to be weaned baby hamsters up to the age of 8 weeks. Always give new hamsters time to adjust to their new surroundings before handling them too much. Otherwise, you might stress them out too much and contribute to wet tail conditions. Give new hamsters about a week to settle in before handling them often. It is also a good idea to isolate them during this time, as wet tail can be incubating for 7 days before the symptoms appear. Be aware of gastrointestinal disturbances. Adult hamsters tend to develop the symptoms if the balance of microorganisms in their guts is disturbed. This lets a bacterium called clostridium overwhelm the gut, causing diarrhea and wet tail symptoms. Factors which can trigger the initial gastrointestinal disturbance include: Stress (for example, from an overcrowded cage or from fear of a predator like a house cat) Change of diet Certain antibiotics given by mouth for other illnesses Take the hamster’s other conditions into consideration. It may well be that the gastrointestinal problems arise not from disturbances like stress or diet, but from an underlying medical condition. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or bowel cancer can be contributing factors to wet tail.
Check for the signs of wet tail. Remove fruits and vegetables from the diet. Isolate the sick hamster. Take your little friend to the vet. Ask the vet to hydrate the hamster if necessary. Allow the vet to hospitalize your pet if recommended. Give the hamster its medication at home. Keep the hamster warm. Reduce stress. Practice good hygiene at all times during the care period. Be prepared to make a difficult decision. Consider the hamster’s breed. Keep an eye on young hamsters. Don’t over-handle newly weaned hamsters. Be aware of gastrointestinal disturbances. Take the hamster’s other conditions into consideration.
https://www.wikihow.com/Incorporate-a-Business
How to Incorporate a Business
To incorporate a business, go online to your state's Secretary of State website and get the appropriate articles of incorporation. Request forms for an S corporation if your business will have fewer than 100 shareholders. Otherwise, get forms for a C corporation. You can complete the forms on your own, but you may want to hire a corporate attorney since there are a lot of forms and they can be complicated. Remember to pay all the applicable fees when you file. Then, register your new business with the IRS by filing IRS Form 1120 or Form 1120S.
Decide if your business will benefit from incorporation. Incorporating gives you the benefit of limiting your personal liability and making your business easier to transfer to others. Limiting your personal assets will protect your home and other belongings from being seized as collateral. Depending on the type of company you've started and your long-term goals for it, incorporating might be right for you, or it may be superfluous. Being incorporated enables you to: Legitimize the business. Limit your personal liability. Take your company public. Issue stock options to employees. Transfer ownership or shares among members of the corporation. Have your corporation outlive you. Raise investment capital. Appoint a board of directors. A board of directors (or BOD) is selected by a company's shareholders. Often, a company's initial founder or CEO will begin on the board and appoint more members after the business is established. The directors' names and contact information should be designated on your incorporation paperwork, so it's important that you assign the roles before you file the papers. If you change the board throughout the life history of the company, this information is usually communicated to the state by filing a statement of information. Directors are legally obligated to act with the best interest of the company in mind, protect the investments of shareholders and appoint the company's officers, whom they may fire and hire as they see fit. Assemble the shareholders. The major stockholders in your company are generally called upon to elect the board and financially back the company in exchange for holdings in the company. In general, their return for this investment is a say in the election of the board. When you file for incorporation, the stockholders should be consulted and should agree to the incorporation decisions. Decide between filing as a C corporation and an S corporation. The standard is usually to file as a C corporation if you have a sizable operation. An S corporation is more appropriate if you intend on having fewer than 100 shareholders. C corporations are individually taxable, file a corporate tax return and pay taxes at the corporate level. Double taxation is a possibility for C corporations if the company's income is distributed as income, resulting in taxation at different levels based on the number of shareholders. C corporations can also have multiple classes of stock, such as preferred and common. S corporations are available to companies that intend on having fewer than 100 shareholders. S corporations file an informational federal return, but do not pay tax at the corporate level. Profits and losses are reported on the business owners' individual tax returns. An S corporation has pass-through taxation (which means that you can pass business losses to your personal taxes) and is only eligible for one class of stock. Hire a corporate lawyer. It is best to hire an attorney to deal with the articles of incorporation. The paperwork and the laws are quite complicated and, without careful consultation, you risk making mistakes that can cause you serious financial trouble down the road. Don't risk your stake in your company by filing wrong; consult an unbiased attorney who has no stake in your company. An attorney can help you make the best entity choice for your business and draft the appropriate paperwork for the filing. Contact the Secretary of State's office in your state. Generally, the Secretary of State's office will handle all matters related to incorporation. In some cases, other offices, such as the Business Bureau, may need to be consulted. The Secretary of State's office should be able to direct you more specifically in that case and direct you to the proper forms (which are usually available on the state government website). Acquire the articles of incorporation. For any given state, a group of several separate documents (sometimes as many as 10 or 15) make up the articles of incorporation, each with its own particular fee and required information. Since every state differs slightly in the breakdown of paperwork, you need to contact the Secretary of State's office to request the documents. Then, go over the documents with a lawyer and fill them out with the necessary information. All of the necessary paperwork should be available on the Secretary of State's website for self-filing. A corporate lawyer will provide the forms as part the service that he provides. Pay the incorporation fees. Some forms will have fees attached to them, generally in the neighborhood of $80 to $100 each. Not every form with have an attached fee, but you'll generally pay these at the time of filing with the Secretary of State's office. Incorporation fees vary from state to state. If you need to rush your paperwork, you can usually do so for an increased fee. File a Statement of Information form. You'll also need to file a Statement of Information form in some states. This document must be filed a few months after the initial filing of the articles. Some states require that a Statement of Information form be filed each year following the incorporation. Check the Secretary of State's website to see whether the form is required in your state. This form can usually be submitted online and includes fairly basic information about the corporation; think of it as a company census you must complete every year. It usually includes: Names and addresses of corporate directors. Members of the board. Vacancies or changes in leadership. Mailing and street address of the corporation If no changes occurred in the corporation's structuring and staff, you won't need to file a new information statement. Register your corporation with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After you register with the state, you also need to register your corporation with the IRS, according to your new tax status. In general, C corporations will file IRS Form 1120, and S corporations will file Form 1120S. If you're incorporating as an S corporation, you also need to complete IRS Form 2553. Found here , the Form 2553 involves the legality of corporate elections and is somewhat tough to understand. Be sure to consult your attorney when completing this form. Designate a registered agent if you live elsewhere. If you want to hold an incorporated business in a U.S. state but you live in a foreign state, you will need to designate a local registered agent to accept official paperwork on behalf of your business. A registered agent is typically found by a lawyer's recommendation. Many lawyers work with a registered agent on a normal basis since they incorporate companies regularly. Otherwise, an internet search will help you find qualified registered agents. You will likely have to pay an annual registered agent fee to keep your business incorporated in the state.
Decide if your business will benefit from incorporation. Appoint a board of directors. Assemble the shareholders. Decide between filing as a C corporation and an S corporation. Hire a corporate lawyer. Contact the Secretary of State's office in your state. Acquire the articles of incorporation. Pay the incorporation fees. File a Statement of Information form. Register your corporation with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Designate a registered agent if you live elsewhere.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Strawberry-Ice-Cream
How to Make Strawberry Ice Cream
To make no-churn strawberry ice cream, start by pureeing strawberries in a blender or food processor. Next, beat heavy whipping cream for about 1 minute until it's thick and fluffy. Fold in condensed milk and keep beating for another 30 seconds. Then, stir in the pureed strawberries, and add a few drops of red food coloring if you want a pinker ice cream. Finally, pour the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze it for 6 to 8 hours.
Rinse, dry, and slice the strawberries. Rinse the strawberries under cool water first, then pat them dry. Chop the stems off, then cut the strawberries into thin slices. The strawberries must be dry. If you let too much water get into your ice cream, you'll get ice crystals in your ice cream. Combine 2 cups (400 grams) of the strawberries with ⅓ cup (75 grams) of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Put everything into a bowl, and stir it together with a rubber spatula. Set the remaining ½ cup (100 grams) of strawberries aside for later. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then leave it the fridge for at least 1 hour. This will allow all the flavors to blend together. While this is happening, you can continue preparing the rest of your ice cream. Again, do not add the ½ cup (100 grams) of strawberries into the bowl. Cook the milk and ¾ cups (170 grams) of sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the milk and sugar with a whisk to help the sugar dissolve. Keep heating it until it is just short of boiling. Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks. If you have not already done so, crack open the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Discard the whites (or save them for another recipe), and beat the yolks until they turn light and creamy. Slowly pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the milk mixture into the eggs while whisking it. This is known as "tempering," and it will prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and forming clumps. Pour the egg mixture back into the milk mixture. Be sure to pour the egg mixture slowly, and to stir the milk mixture as you pour. Cook the milk mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes. The mixture is ready when it reaches 160°F (72°C), and becomes thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Pour the milk mixture through a strainer into a bowl, then chill it. The best way to do this would be to fill a sink with ice, and set a bowl into the ice. Place a fine, mesh strainer over the bowl, then pour the milk mixture through it. Discard anything caught in the strainer, and let the milk mixture come to room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for 2 hours. Make sure that the bowl is big enough to hold your heavy whipping cream and strawberries as well. Purée the chilled strawberries. Just as the milk mixture is almost done chilling, take the strawberries out of the fridge, and pour them into a blender or food processor. Purée them until you get your desired consistency. The longer you purée them for, the smoother your ice cream will be. Try not to leave behind any big chunks, however; that's what your remaining ½ cup (100 grams) of strawberries is for! Fold the strawberries into the milk mixture, along with the heavy cream. Take the milk mixture out of the fridge, and fold in the puréed strawberries and heavy cream. Keep folding and stirring until the color is even, and you can't see any streaks or swirls. For a more complex flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Freeze the ice cream. Fill the canister of your ice cream maker two-thirds of the way with the ice cream mixture. Freeze the ice cream according to the manufacturer's instructions; store the remaining ice cream base in the fridge while as freezes. As you finish each batch of ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store it in the freezer. If you don't own an ice cream maker: pour the ice cream into a large, metal loaf pan, and freeze it for 45 minutes. Give it a stir, making sure to break up any ice crystals, then freeze it for another 2 to 4 hours. Stir the ice cream every 30 minutes, and keep it covered with plastic wrap. Dice the remaining ½ cup (100 grams) of strawberries, then fold them into the ice cream. This will give you that nice, chunky texture that store bought strawberry ice cream has! Let the ice cream finish freezing, preferably overnight. Once the ice cream comes out of the ice cream maker and you fold in the remaining strawberries, it is technically ready to serve. It will be very soft, however, just like soft-serve ice cream. If you want firmer ice cream, left it "ripen" in the freezer for several hours. It would be best if you let it ripen for 6 to 8 hours, however. Rinse, dry, and chop up the strawberries. Rinse the strawberries under cool water first, then pat them dry. Chop off the stems, then slice them. Set the strawberries aside while you prepare the ice cream base. You can use frozen strawberries as well, but you will have to let them thaw slightly first. Purée the strawberries in a blender or food processor. The longer you purée them for, the smoother your ice cream will be. If you want, you can leave some chunks to mimic store-bought strawberry ice cream. Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. You can do this in an electric, stand mixer, or in a food processor fitted with whisks. You can also use a handheld beater. Keep beating the heavy cream until it becomes thick and fluffy. This will take about 1 minute. Fold in the condensed milk. Keep beating it until it is just mixed in. This will take about 30 seconds. Stir in the puréed strawberries using a rubber spatula. Keep stirring until they are mixed in, and no streaks or swirls remain. If you want a pinker ice cream, like the kind you buy in a store, stir in a few drops of red food coloring. Pour the mixture into a large loaf pan, and freeze it for 6 to 8 hours. The larger the loaf pan is, the faster your ice cream will freeze. Keep the ice cream covered with plastic wrap as it freezes. If you want a soft-serve type of ice cream, freeze it for 3 to 4 hours. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, if desired. Once the ice cream is done freezing, you can leave it in the loaf pan, or you can transfer it into something more convenient, such as a plastic, freezer-safe container instead. Slice and freeze the strawberries and bananas the night before. Peel the banana, cut it into thin slices, and put it into a plastic bag. Chop the stems off of the strawberries, then cut them into slices, and put them into a bag as well. Freeze the fruit overnight. Purée the strawberries and bananas in a blender or food processor until they turn smooth. From time to time, you may have to pause the blender/food processor, and scrape any unmixed fruit down towards the bottom. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. If you can't find any heavy cream, or if you can't have dairy, here are some other options for you: almond milk, coconut milk, or cow's milk. Blend the ingredients again until everything is smooth. Every so often, pause the blender/food processor, and use a rubber spatula to scrape any lumps or clumps down towards the bottom. Scoop the mixture into a freezer-safe container, and freeze it for at least 3 hours. The longer you freeze it for, the firmer it will become. You can also serve it straight out of the blender or food processor as a soft-serve type of ice cream.
Rinse, dry, and slice the strawberries. Combine 2 cups (400 grams) of the strawberries with ⅓ cup (75 grams) of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then leave it the fridge for at least 1 hour. Cook the milk and ¾ cups (170 grams) of sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Pour the egg mixture back into the milk mixture. Cook the milk mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour the milk mixture through a strainer into a bowl, then chill it. Purée the chilled strawberries. Fold the strawberries into the milk mixture, along with the heavy cream. Freeze the ice cream. Dice the remaining ½ cup (100 grams) of strawberries, then fold them into the ice cream. Let the ice cream finish freezing, preferably overnight. Rinse, dry, and chop up the strawberries. Purée the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the condensed milk. Stir in the puréed strawberries using a rubber spatula. Pour the mixture into a large loaf pan, and freeze it for 6 to 8 hours. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, if desired. Slice and freeze the strawberries and bananas the night before. Purée the strawberries and bananas in a blender or food processor until they turn smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Blend the ingredients again until everything is smooth. Scoop the mixture into a freezer-safe container, and freeze it for at least 3 hours.
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Sunburn
How to Prevent a Sunburn
The best way to prevent a sunburn is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that's at least SPF 15. However, if you're going to be in the sun and you don't have sunscreen, you can still protect yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Also, wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants to shield your skin from the sun. Try to find a shady spot to hang out, like under a tree or umbrella. If possible, avoid spending a lot of time outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. since that's when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen. The sun produces 3 types of ultraviolet (UV) rays -- UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVB rays can burn your skin, while UVA rays cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. Both UVA and UVB rays can increase your chances of skin cancer. For the best protection, you should use a sunscreen that protects against both types of rays, so check the label to ensure that it provides full- or broad-spectrum protection. Select an appropriate SPF. A sunscreen's SPF measures how well it protects your skin from UVB rays compared to not wearing it. For example, if it normally takes 20 minutes for your skin to turn red, a product with SPF 15 will typically prevent sunburn for 15 times longer. You should use a product that has an SPF of at least 15. If you're only going to be spending a few minutes here and there in the sun, using a face moisturizer or aftershave with SPF 15 is usually sufficient to protect your skin from burning. If you're extremely active and plan to spend most of the day outside, a water-resistant sunscreen with a higher SPF, such as SPF 30, is a better option. For pale, sensitive skin that burns easily, it's best to use a sunscreen with an SPF 50. Check the expiration date. Sunscreens become less effective as they age, so it's important to use one that's still able to protect your skin. A date is usually printed somewhere on the bottle that indicates when the sunscreen should be used by, so always check to ensure that it's still good to use. Most sunscreens are good for approximately three years after you purchase it. Because you need to reapply regularly, you'll probably use up a tube or bottle long before it expires. Apply generously. If you don't apply enough sunscreen, you won't get the full benefits, and may wind up burning. For the best protection, you need 1 ounce, or a shot glass full, of sunscreen to cover your entire body, including your face, ears, and scalp. Make sure to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you plan to go outside, so the ingredients have enough time to absorb into your skin. Some sunscreens may recommend a specific amount to apply. Always consult the label to ensure that you're applying enough. Reapply regularly. If you are going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, your sunscreen is going to wear off, putting you at risk for sunburn. To keep your skin protected, you must reapply every two hours when you're in the sun. If you're swimming or sweating a lot, towel off and immediately reapply. Because you need to reapply on a regular basis, you can expect to use ¼ to ½ of an 8 ounce bottle of sunscreen if you spend a long day at the beach. Always be sure to have enough sunscreen on hand for reapplication. Spray sunscreens are often easier to reapply, so they're a better option when you're on the go. If you wear makeup, powder sunscreens are usually most convenient for reapplication because they won't disturb your foundation, concealer, or other face products the way that a lotion or cream sunscreen does. Stay out of the sun during peak hours. The sun's UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so that's when you're at the greatest risk of getting a sunburn. If you stay inside during midday, you can avoid these dangerous rays and protect your skin. Schedule your outdoor activities, such as walking the dog or mowing the lawn, before 10 or after 4 whenever possible. If you aren't sure how strong the sun's UV rays are, pay attention to your shadow. When it's longer than you are, UV exposure is low. However, when your shadow is shorter than you are, UV exposure is high, so you should try to stay indoors. If you have to go outside when the sun is at its strongest, try to limit the time you spend outdoors. The less exposure you have to the sun, the less chance you'll have of getting a sunburn. Wear the right clothes. Sometimes, you have to go outside even during the sun's peak hours, so the key to preventing sunburn is covering yourself with appropriate clothing. Long-sleeve shirts and pants cover more of your skin than tank tops and shorts, so they can help block the sun. The more skin that your clothing covers, the more protected you'll be. Loose-fitting clothing made of tightly woven, synthetic fabric, such as lycra, nylon, and acrylic, offers the best protection from the sun. Dark clothing can block more sunlight than lighter colored items. Some clothing is made of fabric that has built-in sun protection. The label will indicate the item's UV protection factor (UPF), so you know how effective it is at blocking the sun's rays. Choose clothing with a UPF rating of at least 30 for the most effective protection. Use accessories to protect your head and eyes. The right hat is not only stylish, but can protect your scalp from a possible sunburn. Make sure to throw on a pair of sunglasses before you head out the door as well because it can be difficult to apply sunscreen around the eye area. While a baseball cap or visor offers some sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat with at least a 4-inch brim is the best choice because it will shield your scalp, eyes, ears, and neck. Choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, so your eyes are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunglasses fit well and don't slip down your nose, exposing the eye area to the sun. Stay in the shade. When you have to go outdoors, choose areas where the sun doesn't reach, such as beneath a large, leafy tree. If you go to a spot where there isn't much natural shade, such as the beach, bring an umbrella, portable canopy, or tent that can shield you from the sun. Being in the shade doesn't provide complete protection from the sun because you can still receive indirect sunlight that reflects off nearby surfaces, so you should still wear protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Don’t try for a base tan. Some people assume that if their skin is tan, it won't burn when exposed to the sun, so they lay out to establish a “base” to protect them. However, a tan doesn't offer any real protection from the sun -- and tanning on a regular basis, whether in the sun or a tanning bed, can do long-term damage to your skin, so it should be avoided. If you want some color, the only safe tans are those that are the result of spray on or self-tanning products. However, keep in mind that an artificial tan doesn't provide any sun protection, so you must still protect your skin with sunscreen and other sun safety measures.
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen. Select an appropriate SPF. Check the expiration date. Apply generously. Reapply regularly. Stay out of the sun during peak hours. Wear the right clothes. Use accessories to protect your head and eyes. Stay in the shade. Don’t try for a base tan.
https://www.wikihow.com/Vacuum-a-Car
How to Vacuum a Car
When you want to vacuum a car, open all of the vehicle's doors, and clear out any large items, like papers, cups, and bottles before removing the floor mats. Use your vacuum's brush attachment to clean the floorboards thoroughly, scrubbing at any caked-on dirt or debris with the brush to loosen it. Then, run the vacuum over the upholstery to pick up crumbs and other small items that can get lodged in cracks in crevices. Be sure to shake the mats and run the vacuum on them before placing them back into the car!
Choose the best type of vacuum for the job. A standard household vacuum cleaner may not have the reach or flexibility you need to get down into narrow crevices of your car's interior. Your best bet is to use a high powered wet/dry vacuum with an extendable hose. One of these vacuums will give you all the suction you need while also being more maneuverable. Consider purchasing a dedicated car vacuum, which is designed to fit easily into hard-to-reach spots inside automobiles. An extension cord may come in handy for helping you reach your vehicle with the vacuum if there's not an outlet nearby. Open all of the vehicle's doors. Leaving the doors open while you vacuum will provide convenient access to every part of the car's interior. Otherwise, you'll have no choice but to repeatedly open and close various doors to be able to get to different areas of the car. With the doors open, you'll be able to pull the vacuum straight through rather than being forced to circle around the car. Opening the doors also creates ventilation, which will help air out stale, musty odors. Clear out trash and other large items in advance. Take a few extra moments to get rid of any disposable materials you happen to find before you begin vacuuming. It will make the whole process go faster since there won't be anything to get in the way of the vacuum. Your vehicle will also be left looking much tidier when you're finished. Grab a large garbage bag so that you'll have something to throw waste items into as you go. This is a good opportunity to toss out or find a better place for belongings that you no longer need to carry around in your car. Remove the floor mats. Since they're directly underfoot, most vehicles' floor mats receive the brunt of the abuse on a regular basis. It will, therefore, be easiest to deal with them separately later on. Go ahead and lift the floor mats out of the front and back seats of your car and set them aside in a clean, dry area. Make sure to work the floor mats free from any snaps, hooks or eyelets that may be securing them in place. Don't forget about other mats and covers, such as removable trunk liners. Use your vacuum's brush attachment. Suction alone isn't always enough to lift tiny particles out of plush textile surfaces. The bristles of the brush will stir up dust and debris from deep within your car's carpet so it can be sucked up by the vacuum with little difficulty. The result will be a much deeper and more thorough clean. A circular brush head will be able to access a wider variety of spaces, but a wide brush should also get the job done. If you don't happen to have a brush attachment, try using a separate stiff-bristled brush. Go over the carpet and upholstery with one hand before following up with the vacuum. Vacuum the floorboards thoroughly. For best results, suction the carpet in all directions, working from the console side to the outer edge of the seats. Make multiple passes until the floorboards are completely free of dirt, then repeat in the back of the car. Slide the driver and passenger's side seats back as far as they'll go so you'll have more room to work. Concentrate on areas where debris has a tendency to collect, like the seat track rails and underneath the pedals. Go over the upholstery. Run the vacuum along the seats and seat backs to eliminate trapped dust, hair, and other debris. It will help to use your brush or brush attachment here. Sweep the bristles down deep into cracks and crevices and let the vacuum's powerful suction take care of the rest. Recline the front seats all the way to expose more of the section between the seat and seat back. Clean the floor mats. Take the floor mats you removed earlier and shake them out or bang them against a wall or another hard surface to loosen stuck-on messes. You can then vacuum the tops of the mats to fluff up the fibers. Double-check that there's no leaves, rocks or other debris clinging to the underside of the mats before reinstalling them. Treat spills and discoloration on your floor mats with a stain remover, then hang them up outside to air dry. All-weather floor mats made from leather or synthetic materials can simply be hosed off or wiped down by hand. Use compressed air to dislodge difficult debris. When you come across nooks and crannies that are too tight for the vacuum, a gust of compressed air can send dirt and dust particles airborne, where they can then be suctioned up. Make sure you release the air in short bursts—if you hold down the nozzle for too long, it will just blow the dust around the inside of the cabin. You can find canisters of compressed air at most supermarkets, drug stores, and auto parts retailers. Another alternative is to hook the hose of the vacuum up the outlet port and use it to gently blow the debris out of its hiding spot. Touch up your dashboard and displays. These surfaces are often neglected while vacuuming, but they can sometimes hold more than their fair share of dust. Brush the area lightly using short, sweeping strokes and hold the vacuum close to catch the dust it releases. Break down stuck-on residue with a damp rag or detailing wipe. Be careful not to be too rough when going over the display covers. These are typically made from soft transparent plastic, and it's possible to leave scratches if you make contact with the vacuum hose itself. If you're in a hurry, you can also dust a dash or display by hand with a soft, dry cloth and a spritz of dusting spray. Don't forget about the trunk. While you're at it, pop the trunk and take a quick peek inside to see what kind of shape it's in. The trunk is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of most cars, so it's likely that it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Do away with trash and miscellaneous clutter, then give the entire compartment a good vacuuming from top to bottom. When you're done vacuuming, be sure to dust, suction, spray off or wipe down removable trunk mats and liners. Your trunk can get dirtier at a faster rate than the rest of your vehicle if you routinely lug around tools, dirty shoes, camping gear or sports equipment.
Choose the best type of vacuum for the job. Open all of the vehicle's doors. Clear out trash and other large items in advance. Remove the floor mats. Use your vacuum's brush attachment. Vacuum the floorboards thoroughly. Go over the upholstery. Clean the floor mats. Use compressed air to dislodge difficult debris. Touch up your dashboard and displays. Don't forget about the trunk.
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-when-Your-Boyfriend-Keeps-Paying-for-Everything
How to Act when Your Boyfriend Keeps Paying for Everything
If your boyfriend keeps paying for everything in your relationship, it's probably because he wants to treat you and show that he can take care of you. However, if you'd be more comfortable paying your way some of the time, offer to pay the bill. For example, say something like, “You always pay for dinner. Let me get it this time.” Tell him that he shouldn't have to feel like he always has to pay for you. If he still insists on paying, talk to him later and let him know that you appreciate him paying for you, but it's important to you that he lets you pay for yourself when you want to. You can also come to a compromise, like splitting the bill or paying for alternate dates.
Evaluate how you feel. Take some time and check in with yourself about how you feel when he pays for everything. There is a chance that if you're reading this article, you might be uncomfortable with it for one reason or another. Know that there is no right or wrong way, only how you feel about it. Ask yourself why you are okay with it or why you are not. Do you like feeling pampered or spoiled by him? Are you concerned that he's paying for everything when he doesn't have the money to do so? Do you worry he feels obliged or obligated for some reason? Does it bother you when he refuses to let you pay for something, or even split the cost in half? Does he offer to pay because he thinks that you cannot afford to pay? Do feel obligated to him or like you have to acquiesce to his requests because he pays? This can include any impacts to your physical relationship or the control of the relationship. Do you think he pays to show off? Consider where your relationship is. Think about where you are in the relationship and why he might be doing this. Have you just started dating? Or are you just “seeing each other” and haven't made it exclusive yet? If so, he may be paying for everything to impress you or because everything is new. Maybe you two just have different attitudes towards money. If you have been dating for awhile and he's always paid, maybe he feels like he has to keep paying or maybe it's time to revisit how you manage finances as a couple. Talk to him to find out why he always pays. The one real way you can truly understand why he might be paying for everything and how he feels about it, is to ask him. It may be something that is really important to him or he may feel like he has to, to impress you. Money can be a sensitive topic so make sure it's a conversation you have carefully and calmly. Open the topic. ”Hey, I've noticed when we go out, you always pay. Don't get me wrong, I love being spoiled by you! I was just wondering if that's something you like doing or something you feel like you have to do.” If you are afraid you are missing out on certain dates or trips because he doesn't have enough money to pay for both of you, and doesn't want you to pay anything, let him know. “I just don't want us to miss out on things because you feel like you have to pay all the time. I can pay sometimes too.” Remind him he does not have to pay for everything just to impress you. Maybe you have just started out dating each other, or maybe he set up an expectation he feels like he needs to uphold. He may feel like he has to pay for everything to impress you or continue to impress you. Let him know that is not the case, or remind him of it periodically. “You know I care about you, whether you take me out or whether we are just at home. "Just so you know, I'm impressed by you not your money.” Tell him other things that impress you about him that do not include him paying for things. Tell him if you don't like it. If your boyfriend paying for everything bothers you, let him know. It is important to keep open and honest communication in your relationship. Try and pick a time where you are both calm to talk about it. Avoid attacking him or appearing to blame him, but rather explain your side of things. Use "I" or "me" statements to keep the focus on how you are feeling, and have the goal be finding a solution. “I feel like maybe you think I can't take care of myself, or take care of you.” "I'd really like to pay for myself once and awhile. It's important to me." "It makes me feel like things are not equal between you and me. How can we fix that?" Thank him when he pays. If you have decided that you are okay with him paying, then the first step is to thank him when he does. Appreciate the fact that you have a loving boyfriend who wants to treat you. Be specific and make sure you are thanking him for whatever experience he gave you. Try saying something like the following: ”Thank you for dinner. That was the most delicious lasagna I've ever had!” ”Tonight was great. Thank you. I'm so glad you were there; that movie was scary!” ”I can't believe I got to see my favorite band! I'm going to remember this forever. Thank you!” Tell him he doesn't have to. Even if you have talked about it and you have decided that you are okay with him paying for everything, make sure he knows he doesn't have to. Every once and awhile tell him he doesn't always have to pay. This way, as you go forward in your relationship he'll know it's okay if he has to cut back or stop at some point due to financial difficulties. He'll know that it is something he can talk to you about and not feel embarrassed. Reciprocate. If he likes taking you out to treat you, find your own ways to treat him or make him feel special. If you are good at cooking or baking, make a meal or dessert for him on special occasions. If you are artistic, you can create something especially for him. You can also do an activity with him you don't normally do, like watching a sports match or game. Just spend a little extra time and effort making sure he feels valued, as well. You should not feel obligated to do anything in return for your boyfriend taking you out. Whatever you do, make sure you are comfortable with it and that it comes from a place of wanting to do it, not feeling like you have to. Revisit the conversation about it to avoid arguments. As a way to keep up on the maintenance of your relationship make sure you talk about the money issue from time to time. If you notice that there are little arguments popping up about who pays for what, or if you notice he is getting stressed out about paying for things, it's probably time to talk. Open up the topic. ”Hey, is everything okay? You seem stressed.” Change plans for the evening. “We don't have to go out tonight. How about we stay home and I'll whip something up?” Remind him that you are in this together. “You know you can talk to me about anything. I know we just want each other to be happy.” Offer to pay. If you have decided that you are not okay with him paying, and you have talked about it, then the first step is to start changing the behavior. The next time you are out, offer to pay the bill. He may be paying all the time because you haven't offered to pay. Since you two have talked about it and how you feel about it, there shouldn't be any arguments. Try being lighthearted about it, keeping your tone bright and cheery. ”Nope! My turn!” ”Hey, you've covered like the last 10 meals. I'm paying tonight.” If he takes out his wallet, ”Uh-uh, put it away mister. Tonight is on me.” Split the bill down the middle. Another way to change it up is to offer to split the bill in half or to “go dutch” (each person paying for what they ordered) with the bill. It doesn't need to be a big deal; just let him know that you'd like to pay for yourself once in a while, starting with this bill. An alternate way is to split the bill by items. Instead of splitting in half or for what you have ordered make an agreement to split up by parts. For example, if he pays for dinner then you pay for drinks and dessert. If you are going to the movies, he can pay for the tickets and you pay for drinks and popcorn. Pay for alternate dates. You can also take turns with who pays for what dates. This works well with friends, too. If he pays for dinner one night, the next time you go out, you pay. Then the next date you have he pays, and so on, back and forth. This is a good way to evenly split the responsibility of paying without having to do check math every time the bill comes. Go on inexpensive or free dates. If you are uncomfortable with him paying for everything, but you can't come to an agreement about it, then just plan for dates that are very inexpensive or free. There are tons of fun, low key things you can do that are cost effective. This way, you still get to date and have fun, without the stress of figuring out who is going to pay or worrying about getting into an argument about it. For example, you and your boyfriend could go hiking or biking at a local park, take a trip to the beach, go to a free outdoor concert in your community, or stay in for a movie night.
Evaluate how you feel. Consider where your relationship is. Talk to him to find out why he always pays. Remind him he does not have to pay for everything just to impress you. Tell him if you don't like it. Thank him when he pays. Tell him he doesn't have to. Reciprocate. Revisit the conversation about it to avoid arguments. Offer to pay. Split the bill down the middle. Pay for alternate dates. Go on inexpensive or free dates.