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https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bad-Cat-Breath | How to Get Rid of Bad Cat Breath | To get rid of bad cat breath, start by checking its teeth to see if your cat's oral hygiene is causing it. If the teeth are coated in yellow tarter, especially near the gum line, get your cat checked by a vet and schedule a dental cleaning with a professional. Many vets will perform a dental descale and polish under general anesthetic to clean a cat's teeth. You can also give your cat chew toys or special treats to help with oral health. | Look in your cat's mouth. You want to determine if your cat's oral hygiene is at fault for the bad breath. Place the cat on a table so that you work at a comfortable height. Make sure the lighting is good so that you can see well. Gently lift the cat's upper lip until you can see the teeth. Look inside the mouth. Healthy teeth should be white and not coated in tartar. Tarter has the appearance of yellow deposits on the surface of the teeth, often near the gum line. The gums should be pink with no angry red line of inflammation where the teeth meets the gums. Clean teeth and pink gums make dental disease less likely. However, dirty teeth and inflamed or bleeding gums are indicative of dental disease. If you see you cat has dental issues, get it checked by a vet. This is because inflamed gums and bad breath are a sign of bacterial infection and the cat may require medical treatment, such as antibiotics, to settle things down. It helps to have a friend who can hold the cat by the shoulders, which leaves both of your hands free to lift the cat's lips. Give your cat chew toys or treats that will help its oral health. Why not help your cat's health while you make it happy? If your cat likes to chew, give it toys that will massage the gums, floss the teeth, and remove tarter buildup while the cat chews. You can also give your cat treats that are designed to help its dental health. Improve oral hygiene by using a cat-friendly mouthwash. There are various products available, but Hexarinse is recommended. This contains chlorhexidine in a formulation that helps disinfect the mouth for around 12 hours. It helps kill bacteria and stop them from sticking to teeth, thereby reducing the incidence of bacterial infection causing bad breath. To use Hexarinse, soak a cotton bud in the solution and wipe it over the outer crown surface of the teeth. Do this morning and evening for optimal preventative dental care. Brush your cat's teeth. It helps to get the cat used to the tooth brush first, by leaving the brush near their food bowl. For the first few attempts just use water on the brush. Once the cat is accepting the brush in their mouth, use toothpastes designed for use in cats. Do not use human toothpaste as the fluoride level can be damaging when the cat swallows the toothpaste. Brush the teeth morning and evening. Use a soft child's toothbrush, a pet toothbrush, or a finger-brush designed for the purpose. Have your cat's teeth cleaned by a veterinarian. The gold standard is to have your veterinarian perform a dental descale and polish under general anesthetic. This cleans the teeth, gets rid of deposits harboring bacteria, and encourages healthy gums. Once the pet has recovered from the procedure you can start brushing its teeth to keep the mouth clean. Start the cat on a dental diet designed to reduce the formation of tartar. If the tartar is only mild and the gums are not sore, consider switching your cat onto a dental diet. Look for foods approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and have their stamp of approval on the bag. Approved food usually works by giving a brushing action while it's chewed. Fiber inside each kibble lightly sweep over the cat's teeth when it bites down. Assess whether your cat might have a medical condition that is affecting its breath. Several medical conditions can result in bad breath. For example, diabetes is associated with a sickly sweet breath odor, while kidney disease is linked to an ammonia or bleach-like smell. Watch your cat for signs of ill health. If your cat has bad breath, monitor it closely for tell-tale signs of a problem. Clues that your cat has a health issue include excessive thirst, poor appetite, increased appetite, lethargy, weight loss, weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, an unkempt coat, or changed behavior. Get your cat checked by a veterinarian. If you are in the least suspicious that your cat is unwell get it checked by a veterinarian. Key to remedying the bad breath is to correct the underlying health issue. For diabetes it is likely the vet will either put the cat on a prescription diet or prescribe regular insulin injections. For kidney disease the vet will likely put the cat on a prescription diet and on medication to improve renal function. Consider that the food you are feeding your cat could be causing the problem. If you've checked everything else out and your cat seems fine otherwise, then consider what you're feeding them. For example, offensive fishy breath might just be related to fish in the cat's diet. Smell your cat's breath at various times of day. You want to figure out if what you are smelling is simply the residue of your cat's last meal. Try smelling your cat's breath right before it eats and then a few minutes after, so that you can compare the smells. Try changing the cat's diet. Try feeding the cat chicken for a few days and see if the bad breath goes away. If its breath improves on the chicken then reintroduce other foods or flavors of food one at a time. If the cat gets bad breath again don't feed it the last food you reintroduced to its diet anymore. Remember that chicken is not a balanced diet in the long term. You need to reintroduce other foods in order to give your cat the nutrition is needs. | Look in your cat's mouth. Give your cat chew toys or treats that will help its oral health. Improve oral hygiene by using a cat-friendly mouthwash. Brush your cat's teeth. Have your cat's teeth cleaned by a veterinarian. Start the cat on a dental diet designed to reduce the formation of tartar. Assess whether your cat might have a medical condition that is affecting its breath. Watch your cat for signs of ill health. Get your cat checked by a veterinarian. Consider that the food you are feeding your cat could be causing the problem. Smell your cat's breath at various times of day. Try changing the cat's diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decide-What-to-Do-With-Your-Life | How to Decide What to Do With Your Life | To decide what to do with your life, start by brainstorming your interests and dreams. Consider your skills, values, and financial standing to get an idea of what choices you might have open to you. Also, consider what your priorities are. For example, you might think about whether you want to live in a city or small town. Then, make a list of the first 5-10 things you can imagine doing with your life. Eliminate choices that are unrealistic, then choose a couple ideas to explore further. Research any jobs or lifestyles that strike you as legitimate possibilities, and consider visiting workplaces to shadow people or try an internship related to the choices you like. Stay open to exploring your options too! By taking classes, talking to people living interesting lives, and even volunteering, you can expose yourself to new possibilities. Lastly, remember that you can always change course. | Brainstorm your interests and dreams. Start by taking some time to think about your biggest hopes and dreams. Take a few days to consider where you want to be going. Ask yourself what your ideal life would look like. Write down any answers you come up with. Some responses will be more realistic than others, but they can still help you figure out your life's calling. Remember that it's alright to not have everything figured out. Maybe you have a dream lifestyle but not a dream job. That's great! You're just brainstorming, so don't worry too much if you don't have everything planned. Try using online tools to figure out your personality type and see what you're most suited for. Take a good look at your life. Consider the choices that you have in front of you. There are many paths through life, but not all of them are realistic or convenient--and not all of them are fulfilling. Think about what you can and can't do. Consider your values. What is important to you? What standards do you want to live your life by, no matter where you end up or what you find yourself doing? Consider your skills, and what you're willing to learn. Are you great at talking to people? Do you have a mathematical mind? Are you good at putting things together, or good at figuring things out? Are you willing and able to go to school in order to get onto a certain career track? Consider your financial standing. Do you have money saved up? Are your parents paying for everything? Can you afford to take classes, or live on your own, or travel? Many of the good things in life may be free, but money can be an invaluable tool for getting where you want to go. Consider your mobility. Are you willing and able to move across the planet for a job or an adventure, or are you tied to one specific place? Do you have the money to uproot yourself? Do you have obligations--taking care of family or pets, or staying with a significant other--that you don't feel comfortable leaving behind? Think about what's important to you. Do you want to live in a city, or in a small town? Do you want to have kids? Do you want to be famous? Do you want to dedicate your life to a cause, or do you just want to be happy? Figure out what's important to you, and let this purpose guide you--but be prepared for your priorities to change as you move through life, learn, and grow older. Make a list. Write down 5-10 things that you can imagine doing with your life--anything that comes into your head. Pilot, firefighter, teacher, author, park ranger, carpenter, neuroscientist, anything. Read over your list and see which choices leap out at you. Separate the realistic options from the fantasies, and choose two or three ideas to explore further: say, firefighter and park ranger. Move down your list and consider how realistic each option is. Be honest with yourself, and scratch off things that you know you'll never actually do. If you like the sound of being a neuroscientist, but you know that you don't have the patience to work through a Ph.D program, then you probably aren't going to become a full-fledged neuroscientist. This does not mean, of course, that you can't read about neuroscience, volunteer for cognitive research studies, or think about neuroscience in your spare time. If you like the sound of being a firefighter, and you can actually see yourself being a firefighter--you're strong and quick, you can stay calm under pressure, you're willing to brush with danger--then do some research and further investigate the job. Run a web search for " how to become a firefighter ". Read online forums about what it's like to be a firefighter. Speak to firefighters in real life and ask them about their job. Don't choose just one thing. You can be a doctor and a poet; a mechanic and a dancer; a teacher and a writer. Try to imagine a combination that sounds exciting. If you're going to live in human society (i.e., if you aren't going to travel the country as a penniless vagabond, or get yourself interred in a prison or mental institution, or live off the land in a national forest) you will need to support yourself with money. However, this doesn't mean that money must be your sole purpose--just that you will need it to support yourself while you do other things. Talk to people. Draw inspiration from people who are living lives that seem interesting--people who seem happy and present. Talk to friends, family, teachers, strangers; people you meet on the bus or in the street; people that you meet on the internet. If you hear about a job or lifestyle that sounds interesting and worthwhile, consider trying it out. Ask your friends and family what they can see you doing. They may not be able to give you all the answers, but they may have suggestions that point you in the right direction. You may be surprised at what they tell you. Imagine yourself in someone else's shoes. If you think you might want to be, say, a teacher, think about what it means to be a teacher: you'll spend much of your time around kids and other teachers; you might not be a millionaire, but you'll get summers off; you'll need to spend evenings and weekends grading assignments and preparing lessons; you'll have a powerful hand in shaping the minds of tomorrow. Consider whether these are realities that you're willing to live with. Test the waters. If something seems interesting, take a closer look. Research any jobs and lifestyles that strike you as legitimate possibilities. Remember: you don't have to commit to doing anything forever. Think of choosing a vocation as a process of asking questions and answering them. If you want to know more about something, explore it further. If you discover that you don't like it, then you can use that knowledge to move forward and try something different. Visit workplaces and ask to shadow people. If you think you might be interested in working as a police officer, visit or email your local police department and ask to ride along with an officer for a day. If you think you might want to be an elementary school teacher, contact your local school board and ask to shadow a teacher--and consider registering as a substitute teacher to get classroom experience. If you can afford it, consider taking unpaid internships or asking companies if you can work for them for free. Immerse yourself in a company culture and a way of thinking, and see how you like it. Jump into something. You can spend all day staring out at the horizon, but you won't get anywhere until you start swimming. Find a new job, set out on an adventure, start taking classes, or try out a new lifestyle. Throw all of your energy into something, and work at it until you find something else that's more appealing. Remember: you can always, at any moment, change directions and try something new. It can be paralyzing to stare at a huge list of possibilities. Until you try things out, for better or worse, and make them real, everything will only ever be an abstract possibility. It may feel safe to live in a world where everything is theoretically possible, but eventually you will need to choose something--or choose nothing. You don't have to stick with this job, journey, or lifestyle for the rest of your life. The point of getting started is to figure out what you can and can't do with your life. Choose something that you enjoy; something that feels real; something that leads somewhere else, and makes you grow as a person. You may find that the very act of working toward something--even if it isn't your be-all-end-all "life goal"--gives you perspective on what you want to do with your life. At worst, you'll know what you don't want to do with your life, and you can scratch something else off the list. Focus on the next few years, not the rest of your life. Forget about when you're 80: where do you see yourself in a year? In five years? The rest of your life will happen, whether you like it or not, but you can only ever act in the here-and-now. It can be paralyzing to try to plan everything out 30, 40, 60 years down the line--so try to stay grounded in the present. Your life will unfold as you live it. Try volunteering or joining a service organization. Consider Americorps, the Peace Corps, WWOOFing, volunteering at a nonprofit, or getting certified to teach English as a second language. These are great programs if you don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but you want to work and grow and feel productive in the present. Your experience might run anywhere from one week to two years, it will look great on a resume, and it will help you learn about your place in the world. Apply for AmeriCorps. You can sign up to work for anywhere from two months to a year; you must be 18-24 years old. Projects range from trail-building in state parks to working with disadvantaged inner-city children in urban elementary schools. Volunteers receive a small living stipend, usually several hundred dollars, each month, and alumni can receive scholarships for higher education. Join the Peace Corps. You will spend two years helping to stabilize an at-risk or underdeveloped community. Openings range all over the globe; you could serve in Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, or Ukraine. You can work to teach English as a second language, or help small businesses grow in an underdeveloped economy, or help boost food security in a rural village. You will work with a community, use your time to make the world a better place, and maybe figure out how you want to spend the rest of your life. Volunteer on an organic farm with WWOOF: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. You work on an organic farm for anywhere from a week to forever; in return, the farmers feed you, give you a place to sleep, and teach you about farming. For a small registration fee, you can access a network of thousands of organic farmers who are looking for help--some are looking for seasonal workers to come and go, and some are looking for long-term commitments. You can contact a farm that sounds interesting and be volunteering there within a week. Remember that you can always change course. The choices that you make now will lead directly to the choices that you make in a month, a year, a decade--but that doesn't mean that you have to settle for a job or lifestyle that you hate. "Stuck" is a mindset. At any point, in any situation, you can either stay the course or break the course. The important thing is that you start swimming. | Brainstorm your interests and dreams. Take a good look at your life. Think about what's important to you. Make a list. Don't choose just one thing. Talk to people. Test the waters. Jump into something. Focus on the next few years, not the rest of your life. Try volunteering or joining a service organization. Remember that you can always change course. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shoot-a-Basketball | How to Shoot a Basketball | To shoot a basketball, start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your hips and shoulders aligned to the basket. Bend your knees a little for better balance. Then hold the ball in your dominant hand so that your elbow is directly underneath it and use your other hand to stabilize and guide the ball. When you're ready to make the shot, straighten your knees and jump, pushing the ball with your dominant hand. Make sure you bring your wrist forward as you release the ball for better accuracy. | Keep your feet no further than shoulder width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered. You should put your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm – if you're right handed, it will be your right foot. Your feet should be turned 10 to 45 degrees towards your off hand side, and your shoulder, hip, and elbow should be aligned with the basket. Flex your knees slightly. Locking your knees makes it easy for you to get knocked off balance. Flex your knees comfortably so you're in position to jump as soon as you have the ball. Keep your stance in mind as you learn the art of shooting and begin to practice. Once you find the stance that suits you best, use it every single time. The goal is to get so used to the stance that you don't have to think about it before your feet take the right position to let a great shot fly. Turn more in the air and jump forward, keeping your shoulders back, if you need to shoot a longer shot. Your power mostly comes from your turn and your shoulders being relaxed. Your shot will be much less accurate and fluid if you try to fling the ball forward using power in your chest and arms. Practice jumping from 0 to 90 degrees without the ball to practice your turn. Make sure you are jumping forward and that your shoulders are back and relaxed. Dip the ball down to your waist or thigh. The ball and your shooting eye should form a straight line to the basket. Position your elbow so it's inline with your shoulder, not directly under the ball. Learn to position the ball in this same place every single time you get ready to take a shot. When someone passes you the ball, dip it to your waist or thigh. If you catch a bounce pass or another low pass, or are shooting off the dribble, you don't need to dip, as you are already in a dipping motion. Also, if you are right-handed, keep your left hand on the side on the line and your right hand holding the back of the ball firmly in place. Use your hand that you write with to shoot with. Your other hand is just for the guide. If you are left-handed, do the opposite. Grip the ball correctly. Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball. This hand is responsible for launching the ball. Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to act as a guide for the shot. Your palm may or may not be touching the ball while you're preparing to shoot - you may have control of the ball with your fingers and thumb. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball, so the ball will be able to roll off your fingertips with ease. The ball should sit on your finger pads. Spread your fingers wide so you have greater control over the ball. Locate the target. If you want the ball to go into the net, then you need to look at the net. If you're planning to bank the ball in off the backboard, then look at the spot on the backboard you want to hit. Your eyes are an incredibly important part of a good shot in basketball. Once you release, you may either follow the flight of the ball (which is common among great NBA shooters) or continue to look at the rim. Straighten your knees and jump. Use your legs to help propel the ball by jumping upward while your shooting hand launches the ball and your shoulders lean back. Move your legs, torso, and arms together in a coordinated fashion to take the shot. Jump slightly forward when you shoot, making sure your shoulders lean back and are relaxed. Your feet shouldn't land in the same position where they started because it will cause a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders. Jumping forward will also give your ball more arc. Don't lean forward as you jump. If your body is balanced, you should jump in a natural motion, it will cause your shot to be balanced and relieve tension. Push the ball upward with your shooting hand. As your hips rise up and you start your jumping motion, move the ball in a smooth motion from your dip to eye level. It should all be one smooth motion. Your hips rise as your elbow rises with the ball, and you should turn anywhere from 20-90 degrees towards your off hand. Don't let the ball go behind your head or off to the side. Shoot it in a fluid, forward motion. Your non-shooting hand serves only to guide the ball and to keep it steady while your shooting hand exerts force. Release the ball. Just before you reach the height of your jump, release the ball, with your shooting hand aimed at the basket. Straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches, rather than moving toward the basket in a straight line. As you release the ball, your guiding hand should move to lightly touch your shooting arm just below the wrist. Roll the ball off your fingertips toward the basket. You can tell whether you shot it properly by looking at the backspin; if the lines of the basketball spin symmetrically, you positioned the ball properly. Follow through. This is a hugely important part of shooting a basketball. If you shoot from your wrist without following through the shot won't be nearly as accurate. When the shot is complete, your shooting hand will resemble the shape of a swan; your arm is arched elegantly toward the basket, with your hand loosely cocked downward and your fingers pointed toward the hoop. This is called follow through. Develop muscle memory. Basketball is a fast-paced game, and you won't have time to think about the mechanics of shooting while the clock is running down and your opponents are trying to steal the ball from you. It's important to practice shooting as much as you can, so that taking a shot - from the stance and grip to the jump and release - feels natural. Practice from many angles. Shoot from all sides of the basket and from a variety of distances, using the same form every single time, whether you're shooting from the 3-point line or closer to the basket. However, you should turn more and jump farther forward for a longer shot than a shorter one. Practice free throws. Free throws, or foul shots, are taken from the free throw line, located 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. It's a good distance to practice from, and since it's located in front of the backboard behind the basket, the ball will usually bounce back to you and you won't have to chase after it as frequently. Start to use the backboard. The backboard can be a useful tool, especially for shots you take close to the basket. Depending on where you are on the court you'll need to bank the ball off the backboard in different ways. Generally, if you are on the right side of the court you'll aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard. If you are on the left side of the court you'll aim for the top left corner of the square. Use the backboard when you shoot layups , which are taken off the dribble rather than from a standing position. Practice in a game setting. After you're comfortable shooting on your own, get some friends together to have a basketball scrimmage, or join a league so you can play some games. Shooting during the pressure of a game is a little harder than doing it by yourself in your backyard, since you have to catch passes, dodge steals and be aware of the strategy your coach and the other players expect you to employ. However, if you practice the right form and develop good muscle memory, you'll be racking up the points in no time. | Keep your feet no further than shoulder width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered. Flex your knees slightly. Turn more in the air and jump forward, keeping your shoulders back, if you need to shoot a longer shot. Dip the ball down to your waist or thigh. Position your elbow so it's inline with your shoulder, not directly under the ball. Grip the ball correctly. Locate the target. Straighten your knees and jump. Jump slightly forward when you shoot, making sure your shoulders lean back and are relaxed. Push the ball upward with your shooting hand. Release the ball. Follow through. Develop muscle memory. Practice free throws. Start to use the backboard. Practice in a game setting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Loose-Wood-Screw-Hole-for-a-Hinge | How to Repair a Loose Wood Screw Hole for a Hinge | You can repair a loose wood screw hole for a hinge by inserting a dowel to reinstall the screw or by relocating the hinge so it holds stronger. To remove the loose wood screw, drill out the stripped hole and glue in a dowel the same diameter as your drill bit. Then, glue and cut the dowel so it's flush with the edge of the door or hinge. You can then drive the screw into the dowel to secure it. To relocate the hinge, remove the screws from the hinge and slide it up or down a few inches. You may need to re-chisel a pock in the frame so the hinge sits flush. Then, you can drive the screws into the screw holes on the hinge to secure it. | Remove the loose screws and the hinge plate with a drill or screwdriver. Use a screwdriver or electric drill to unscrew the loose screws all the way. Set the screws aside and swing the hinge plate away so it's not covering the loose holes. If you are fixing just a few loose screw holes for something that has multiple hinges, like a door, you can put a wedge underneath it to support it while you unscrew the loose hinge and fix the stripped holes. If all the hinges have loose screws, it will be easier to just completely remove the door. If there is paint over the hinge, you can slice around it carefully with a utility knife or box cutter to free it so you can swing the plate away. Drill out the loose holes with a 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit. Attach a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit to an electric drill. Drill straight into each of the stripped holes, going at least 1 in (2.5 cm) deep, to bore them out. This will make all the stripped holes a uniform size that you can fit a piece of wooden dowel into perfectly. Saw a 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) diameter wooden dowel into 1 in (2.5 cm) long pieces. Measure and mark 1 in (2.5 cm) long sections along an entire piece of dowel. Use a hand saw or any type of power saw you have available to cut the pieces. You will need a 1 in (2.5 cm) long piece of dowel for each loose hole you need to fix. If you use a handheld saw, clamp the wooden dowel to a workbench or put it in a vise to hold it steady while you cut the pieces. A wooden dowel is a round piece of wood that comes in rods of varying diameters and lengths. It is available at home improvement centers, woodworking supply and craft shops, or online. If you don't have the tools to cut the dowel yourself, you can purchase pre-cut wooden dowels. Coat a 1 in (2.5 cm) long, 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) diameter dowel in carpenter’s glue. Squeeze a drop of carpenter's glue out onto the side of the piece of wooden dowel. Use your fingers or a scrap piece of dowel to spread the carpenter's glue up and down the sides. The carpenter's glue will hold the dowel in place inside a stripped hole. You could also dip the dowel about halfway into a bottle of carpenter's glue, then spread out the glue along the sides. Tap the wooden dowel into 1 of the holes gently using a hammer. Push 1 end of the piece of wooden dowel into 1 of the stripped holes. Carefully tap it in with a hammer until it is flush with the surrounding wood. The wooden dowel will plug the stripped hole, essentially giving you a fresh surface to reattach the hinge to. Repeat the process for the rest of the stripped holes. Coat 1-inch-long, 3/8-inch-diameter pieces of wooden dowel in carpenter's glue, 1 at a time, for each stripped hole. Use your hammer to tap each wooden dowel into each loose hole. Make sure you get all the dowels flush with the surrounding wood, so the surface is totally flat. Wait for 1 hour to let the glue dry. Let the wooden dowels dry in the holes for at least 1 hour. This will ensure they are securely held in place when you reattach the hinge. If there is any excess glue that oozed out of the holes, wipe it away with a rag so it doesn't dry and make the surface uneven. Drill a 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) pilot hole into each wooden dowel using an electric drill. Attach a ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm) drill bit to your electric drill. Drill straight into each wooden dowel that you plugged a loose hole with to create pilot holes for the hinge's screws. This will make it easier to reattach the hinge and get the screws in perfectly straight. Reattach the hinge using its screws. Position the hinge plate back over the reinforced holes. Put the screws back in through the holes in the hinge into the pilot holes in the dowel. Plug holes with golf tees if the holes are big enough. Remove the loose screws and the hinge. Dip the tip of a golf tee into carpenter's glue, tap it into a loose hole using a hammer, then snap off the excess wood sticking out of the hole. Reattach the hinge by driving screws through its holes into the golf tees after the glue is dry. The golf tees will provide extra wood inside the stripped holes for the screws to grab onto. This method is a quick alternative to using wooden dowels that doesn't require you to bore the holes out. Fill holes with toothpicks or matches to provide added grip for screws. Unscrew the loose screws and remove the hinge from on top of the stripped holes. Squeeze a drop of carpenter's glue into each loose hole, then push about 3 wooden matches or toothpicks into the hole, or enough to fill it, and snap the excess wood off. Screw the hinge back into place after the glue is dry. The extra wood from the matches or toothpicks helps the screws fit tightly into the stripped holes. You can use multiple matches or toothpicks in each hole if you need to fill the hole more. Make sure to snap off the match heads if you use wooden matches. This method works well for smaller holes that you don't want to drill out to fill and risk damaging the wood. For example, you could use this to fix stripped holes on thin cabinet doors. Put wood anchors into stripped holes so the screws fit tightly. Buy some plastic, cone-shaped wood anchors that match the diameter of the hinge screws. Remove the hinge from on top of the loose holes. Screw a wood anchor into each loose hole until it won't go any further, then bend it to snap it. Reattach the hinge by driving the original screws into the wood anchors and other holes. Plastic, cone-shaped wood anchors work best because they fit into stripped holes of any diameter with no drilling required. There are also metal, cylindrical wood anchors available, but you would have to bore out each loose hole to the diameter of the anchors in order to use them. Fill loose holes with cyanoacrylate glue and reinsert the screws for a quick fix. Remove the screws and hinge, then squeeze enough cyanoacrylate glue into each loose hole to fill it. Let the glue cure for about 2 minutes, then screw the hinge back into place. Cyanoacrylate glue is a fast-drying, ultra-strong glue that basically turns into a polymer resin when it is cured. It will hold the screws securely in place in the stripped holes. Super glue is a common name that different brands give to cyanoacrylate glue. Use longer screws to secure a hinge to loose holes. Remove any loose screws from the hinge using a screwdriver or drill. Replace them with a longer screw of the same diameter. This works best for holes that are just starting to get stripped to prevent them from getting worse. The longer screw will bite into the deeper, unstrapped wood to hold the hinge more securely in place. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to find a longer screw that matches the original screws and the finish of the hinge. If this is important to you, you might be better off using a different method that allows you to keep the original screws. | Remove the loose screws and the hinge plate with a drill or screwdriver. Drill out the loose holes with a 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit. Saw a 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) diameter wooden dowel into 1 in (2.5 cm) long pieces. Coat a 1 in (2.5 cm) long, 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) diameter dowel in carpenter’s glue. Tap the wooden dowel into 1 of the holes gently using a hammer. Repeat the process for the rest of the stripped holes. Wait for 1 hour to let the glue dry. Drill a 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) pilot hole into each wooden dowel using an electric drill. Reattach the hinge using its screws. Plug holes with golf tees if the holes are big enough. Fill holes with toothpicks or matches to provide added grip for screws. Put wood anchors into stripped holes so the screws fit tightly. Fill loose holes with cyanoacrylate glue and reinsert the screws for a quick fix. Use longer screws to secure a hinge to loose holes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Trichomoniasis-Symptoms-(Women) | How to Recognize Trichomoniasis Symptoms (Women) | One of the most obvious symptoms of Trichomoniasis is an abdominal discharge that has a strong odor or is greenish-yellow and frothy. Pay attention to abnormal conditions like redness, burning, and itching in the genitals, and talk to a doctor if irritation within the vaginal canal or vulva persists for more than a few days. If genital soreness and inflammation cause discomfort during sex, seek out a physician for STI testing and avoid all forms of sexual intercourse, including anal and oral sex, until you've been cleared. | Monitor your vaginal discharge. For most women, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and can range from being clear to milky white. Abnormal discharge will look greenish-yellow and frothy. A strong odour is also a sign of abnormal discharge. Trichomoniasis is spread through contact with vaginal discharge which happens most often during vaginal intercourse. However, non-sexual transmission can sometimes occur from penetration from other items like douche nozzles. Fortunately, the parasite can only last up to 24 hours outside of the body. Recognize abnormal genital symptoms. Trichomoniasis can cause redness, burning, and itching sensations at the genitals in some infected individuals. These symptoms may indicate a possible trichomoniasis infection or that of another STI. Trichomoniasis causes irritation within the vaginal canal or vulva. Vaginal irritation can be normal if the irritation only lasts for a few days or gets better after treatment. However, if irritation persists or gets worse, it's best to talk to your doctor about it and get it properly diagnosed and treated. Do not ignore painful or unpleasant sexual intercourse or urination. Trichomoniasis can cause inflammation and soreness in the genitals that can make intercourse uncomfortable. See a physician if you experience these symptoms, and do not participate in intercourse until you have been tested for STIs or STDs. Avoid all forms of sexual intercourse including anal and oral sex until you've been tested and cleared. You should also inform your sexual partner or partners if you suspect you have an STI/STD and encourage them to also get tested and treated. Some clinics will help you inform your partners anonymously by giving them a contact slip that lets them know they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. It won't have your name on it and it won't necessarily tell them what the infection is. Recognize when you are at risk of getting STI/STDs. With any sexual activity, there is always a risk of being infected by an STI. In some circumstances, you are more likely to receive an STI and knowing about these situations can help you and your health care professional decide if you need to get tested. You will probably need to be tested if: You have had unprotected sex with a new partner. You or your partner has had unprotected sex with others. Your partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted disease. You are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Your doctor or nurse notices abnormal vaginal discharge or your cervix is red and inflamed. Allow your doctor to collect cell samples from your vagina to test for trichomoniasis. Your doctor or health care provider will ask to collect vaginal cell tissue or discharge from your vagina by using a cotton swab. Sometimes the swab may look like a plastic loop rather than a cotton tip. The tool is wiped over parts of the body that could be infected such as inside your vagina or around it. This is often painless with only a bit of discomfort. Your doctor might be able to immediately examine the sample under a microscope and let you know your results right away. Or you may have to wait 7-10 days for your results. During this waiting period, be sure to avoid any sexual activity so you don't spread an infection if you have one. Blood tests and cervical screening tests don't test for trichomoniasis. Be sure to ask specifically for a trichomoniasis or STI test. Take antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor if you do have trichomoniasis. If your test comes back positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis. At times, your doctor might even prescribe medication to you before your tests come in just in case. Your doctor will most likely prescribe you an oral antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl) which stops the growth of bacteria and protozoa (trichomoniasis is a protozoan parasite). Side effects include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, changes in taste, and dry mouth. It can also cause your urine to come out darker in colour. Be sure to notify your doctor if you are or may be pregnant. Metronidazole is safe for pregnant women. Do not drink alcohol while taking these antibiotics. Contact your doctor if your side effects persist or worsen to a point where it disrupts your day to day life. Tell your doctor immediately or go to an emergency clinic if you experience seizures, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, or mood or mental changes. Many women who have trichomoniasis also have bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, the antibiotics used to treat trichomoniasis also treat bacterial vaginosis. Schedule routine checkups to ensure your sexual health. It is always important to get routine check-ups from your doctor or health care professional, even if you don't think you have any STIs. Remember, only 15-30% of trichomoniasis infected individuals show signs of infection. The other 70-85% never display any symptoms. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase your chances of getting HIV or increase the likelihood of transmitting HIV to your sexual partners. Trichomoniasis in pregnant women can cause premature ruptures of membranes that protect the baby and cause early delivery. Practice safe sex. If you are not involved in a mutually monogamous relationship with an individual free of STDs, always use a latex condom (male and female) to help avoid contracting sexually transmitted conditions. Some more methods of protection include: Using condoms when engaging in oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Avoiding sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover then with a new condom anytime anyone new uses it. Alert any sexual partners to your infection. Notify sexual partners with whom you have had unprotected intercourse or direct genital contact so that they can be tested and treated if necessary. Some clinics will help you inform your partners anonymously by giving them a contact slip that lets them know they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. It won't have your name on it and it won't necessarily tell them what the infection is but will urge them to get tested. | Monitor your vaginal discharge. Recognize abnormal genital symptoms. Do not ignore painful or unpleasant sexual intercourse or urination. Recognize when you are at risk of getting STI/STDs. Allow your doctor to collect cell samples from your vagina to test for trichomoniasis. Take antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor if you do have trichomoniasis. Schedule routine checkups to ensure your sexual health. Practice safe sex. Alert any sexual partners to your infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Jury-Duty-As-a-Student | How to Get Out of Jury Duty As a Student | While being a student won't automatically excuse you from serving jury duty, you can use your status as a full-time student to get your jury duty rescheduled. If your state allows students to reschedule jury duty, gather your student ID and any other proof that you're a full-time student and call the court office to request a deferral. For federal court juries, you still need to finish the juror questionnaire and send it in before the deadline. Since the clerk will likely ask to reschedule your jury duty when you request it, have your school schedule handy so you can tell them when your summer or winter breaks are. If you're able to get a deferral, wait for your new summons to arrive by mail. | Read the instructions on your summons. If you're called for jury duty, you'll receive a summons in the mail that includes instructions for when you should appear in court and what you should do if you are unable to appear on the scheduled date. Jury duty rules vary greatly among states, and even among different courts within a state. Federal courts also have their own rules which may differ significantly from state courts. Your summons includes the name of the court where you've been called to serve and the type of jury for which you've been called. It also provides the date you are scheduled to appear and deadlines for contacting the jury office if you want to request to have your service postponed or permanently excused. Find out how jurors are chosen. Jurors typically are chosen at random from voter registration rolls, driver's licenses issued in the state, or both. If you no longer have a valid license in that state, or if you are registered to vote somewhere else, you may be able to get out of jury duty that way. Generally, jurors must be residents of the jurisdiction over which the court presides. If you're no longer a resident of that area, you are ineligible to serve on a jury there. For example, if you are a full-time student in another state, your name may have been chosen because your "permanent address" is your parents' address. However, if you rent an apartment, have a job, and have a new driver's license in the state where your school is located, you may not be considered a continuing resident at your parents' address. Whether you're eligible to serve on a jury may depend on how names of potential jurors are gathered. For example, even if you have a driver's license in another state, you may still be considered eligible for jury duty in your home state if you are still registered to vote there. Some states pool the names of potential jurors from several different sources, including state tax returns. Typically, you must be able to show that you no longer have that connection to the state. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. State and federal law establish basic eligibility requirements for jurors. If you don't meet these requirements, you are ineligible to serve as a juror, and the judge or court clerk has no discretion over the matter. Eligibility requirements generally include your age and place of residence. This is where how names of potential jurors are collected comes into play. If you can prove you aren't a resident of the jurisdiction, you can get out of jury duty. However, you must be able to establish that you no longer have residential ties to that place. Typically students who go to school out-of-state are considered residents of the state where they lived before going to school – not residents of the state where there school is located. This is different in some jurisdictions. For example, you are considered a resident of Massachusetts (and therefore eligible for jury duty) if you live there 50 percent of the time, which would be the case if you were going to school at Boston University, even if your parents lived in Connecticut and their address was considered your permanent address. Keep in mind that ineligibility differs from an excuse for an important reason – the clerk or judge has no discretion over whether to require you to serve. In other words, if you are ineligible to serve because you aren't a resident of that jurisdiction, you don't meet the basic criteria for being a juror. The residency requirement is the same as if you were summoned to jury duty when you were 17 (because only residents 18 and over can be jurors). Evaluate excuses allowed in your state. Even if you're technically eligible to serve as a juror, each state has specific excuses that you can raise as to why it would be unfair to require you to serve as a juror. Keep in mind that jury duty is seldom convenient, nor is it something that most people want to do. For this reason, the jury office probably has heard every excuse in the book. Review the information that accompanies your summons, or check the court's website to find out what excuses are specifically required by the law, and what you must show to prove the excuse applies to you. The jury office also has varying degrees of discretion regarding whether an excuse should be accepted, but in most cases no excuse will automatically get you out of jury duty. Some states have certain categories of people who are considered "exempt" from jury duty. This means that although they are technically eligible to serve, they have some condition which means it's in the broader interest of justice to allow them to get out of jury duty. For this reason, they are exempt from being compelled to serve. However, if you qualify for an exemption but want to serve anyway, you typically are allowed to do so. For example, although there is no upper age limit on jury service, many jurisdictions state that people over the age of 70 are exempt. This means if you are over 70 in one of these jurisdictions and you don't want to serve on a jury, all you have to do is let them know. Follow the instructions on your summons. Your summons typically will include information about the process you should follow if you want to be excused from jury duty, including the dates by which your request must be submitted. Check your summons for the deadline by which you must notify the jury office that you have an excuse, and where you must send that notice. In most cases, staff in the jury office can't accept a jury duty excuse over the phone – it must be in writing. Particularly in federal court, your summons may include a questionnaire that you must fill out and return before a certain date. This questionnaire covers many of the excuses that may apply to your situation. Submit a written request. If you want to be excused from jury duty, you must make your request in writing to the clerk or judge responsible for jury service in that court. Your request should explain the reason you believe you should be excused and include any documentation that supports your reasoning. There may be a form included with your summons. If so, you should use that. Otherwise, you'll have to write a letter. Keep your letter brief and state the reason you believe you should be excused from jury duty. Provide specific facts to back up your excuse. If you have documents that prove anything you've said in support of your argument, you should attach them to your letter or form. Make a copy of everything you send to the jury office before you mail it, and make sure you send it in enough time to get there before any deadline stated on your summons. Keep in mind that the jury office may be more open to deferring your service than excusing it outright. You may want to include alternate dates when you would be available to serve. Doing this means you may get a deferral even if the jury office doesn't excuse you entirely. Wait for a decision. After your written request is received, the judge or clerk will review the information you've provided and decide whether to grant or deny your request. You typically will receive a letter or postcard in the mail notifying you of their decision. Even if you don't receive written notice of the decision, it still is your responsibility to keep up with the status of your request so you know whether you need to appear for jury duty. Your summons typically will include a number for you to call to check the status of your correspondence with the jury office. If the date on your summons is approaching and you still haven't heard anything, call that number and find out if you're still expected to appear. Keep in mind that if your excuse is denied, you still will be expected to appear on the date specified on your summons, or you may be considered in contempt of court. Review your summons and instructions. If your state allows students to reschedule jury duty that would take them out of classes, your summons will explain what you need to do to get your service rescheduled. Gather any documents you might need. Some courts may want a copy of your student ID or other proof that you are a full-time student. While several states have laws that allow students to defer jury duty, it's important to keep in mind that asking for your jury duty to be postponed is no guarantee that it will be. Typically, these deferrals are only allowed for full-time students, not part-time students. Contact the appropriate office. While you typically must mail a written request to be completely excused from jury duty, you may have the option to simply call the office in charge of jurors if you need to have your dates rescheduled. Some courts, including federal courts, still require you to send your request in writing. You still must complete the juror questionnaire for federal court juries and send it in before the deadline listed on your original summons, even if you are requesting a deferral. If you're allowed to request a deferral over the phone, make sure you have your summons with you so you can provide your juror number or any other information listed on your summons as confirmation. Provide the dates of your school terms. You need to have your school schedule handy so you can let the clerk know when school is not in session. Your jury service will be rescheduled to take place over one of those breaks. Keep in mind the jury office typically won't defer your jury duty more than six months out – so if it's September, you may be in jury duty over fall or winter break, rather than being able to wait until the end of the school year. Even if you live in a state that doesn't allow jury service to be rescheduled during a school break, you still may be able to have the date rescheduled if it conflicts with an important exam or presentation. Receive a summons with new dates. After your jury service is rescheduled, the jury office typically will issue you a new summons that includes information similar to your original notice, but which is applicable to the new dates that reflect your school term. Keep in mind that some courts will not notify you by mail if your request for a deferral has been granted. Look at the information provided by the jury office, and keep in mind that it is your responsibility to find out if your service was deferred or if you still are required to appear on the dates on your original summons. If deferral is not granted, you still must appear on the date that you're scheduled, even if this means you have to miss class. Let your professors know in advance the reason for your absence and make arrangements to make up any tests or assignments that you miss. | Read the instructions on your summons. Find out how jurors are chosen. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Evaluate excuses allowed in your state. Follow the instructions on your summons. Submit a written request. Wait for a decision. Review your summons and instructions. Contact the appropriate office. Provide the dates of your school terms. Receive a summons with new dates. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Verb-to-a-Noun | How to Change a Verb to a Noun | To change a verb to a noun, first locate the verb, or action word, in the sentence. Then, add a determiner like “the” or “a” before the verb to make it into a noun. Next, rewrite or rearrange the sentence so that it makes sense. If adding a determiner won't work, you can simply add a suffix like “-ance” or “-ence” to the verb to make it into a noun. However, if you do, check the dictionary to make sure the word you've come up with is correct. | Add "-ance" or "-ence" to verbs. A wide variety of verbs can be changed to nouns with the addition of the suffixes "-ance" or "-ence." For example, the verb "appear" can become "appearance." The verb "resist" can become "resistance." For example, look at the sentence, "He appeared on many talk shows while promoting his book." If you wanted to change the verb to a noun, you could say, "He made many talk show appearances while promoting his book." Add "-ment" to verbs. Other verbs require the suffix "-ment" to be converted to nouns. For example, "appoint,", "assign," and "enjoy" can become "appointment," "assignment", and "enjoyment." For example, look at the sentence, "The man enjoyed his lunch." If you wanted to change the verb to a noun, you could say, "The man's lunch brought him enjoyment." Add "-tion" or "-sion. ". The suffixes "-tion" and "-sion" are found at the end of many nouns. A wide variety of verbs turn into nouns with these suffixes. For example, "inform", "decide", and "describe" can become "information," "decision," and "description." For example, look at the sentence, "He decided to decline the job offer." If you wanted to use a noun, you could say, "He made the decision to decline the job offer." Locate the verb. A verb is an action word. It describes the act of doing something in a sentence. If you want to adjust a sentence to change a verb to a noun, locate the verb and see if it can double as a noun. For example, look at the sentence, "The film impacted the students." The verb here is "impacted." As another example, consider the sentence, “The athlete prepared to run.” The verb in question is “run” (although “prepared” is also a verb). Add an appropriate determiner before the word. A determiner is a word like "the" or "a", which usually signifies the following word will be a noun. To change a verb to a noun in a sentence, add a determiner before the noun. If you're changing "impacted" to a noun, you would need the determiner "an" or the determiner “the.” To change “run” to a noun, you would need the determiner “the” or the determiner “a.” Rewrite the sentence. Once you've added a determiner, you may need to tweak the sentence further. The verb may need to be tweaked slightly to become a noun and the sentence may need minor rearranging. For example, "The film impacted the students," can be changed to, "The film had an impact on the students." For instance, “The athlete prepared to run,” can be changed to, “The athlete prepared for a run.” Consult a dictionary to double check your suffixes. If English is your second language, which suffix to use when converting verbs can get confusing. As there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to which suffix to use, don't be embarrassed to consult a dictionary after changing a verb to a noun. It can never hurt to double check. Avoid conversations that sound like jargon. Many people consider changing verbs to nouns a form of poor writing. This is because it often sounds jargon heavy. Terms used in business, computing, or sports can sound like meaningless jargon if you use the noun form over the verb form. For example, take the sentence, "The boss conducted an investigation about the allegations." It's a little wordy, and it's easier to simply write, "The boss investigated the allegations." For instance, while you could say, “The team did a review of the tape,” it doesn't flow well. Instead, go with, “The team reviewed the tape.” Use conversions only if it better conveys your tone. Using nouns as verbs can be helpful if you're trying to sound less emotional and more objective. If dealing with sensitive information, for example, it can be beneficial to sound a little technical. Be aware of when you're using conversions and whether they convey the proper tone. For example, take the sentence, "He retaliated by filing a lawsuit." As this is a sensitive situation, you may want to phrase it in gentler terms. You can use the noun form to write the more played down sentence, "The lawsuit may have been a form of retaliation." | Add "-ance" or "-ence" to verbs. Add "-ment" to verbs. Add "-tion" or "-sion. Locate the verb. Add an appropriate determiner before the word. Rewrite the sentence. Consult a dictionary to double check your suffixes. Avoid conversations that sound like jargon. Use conversions only if it better conveys your tone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Bell-Peppers | How to Cook Bell Peppers | Before you cook your bell peppers, start by slicing them and removing the seeds. Depending on your recipe or preference, slice them into strips, dice them into little pieces, or just cut off the top if you want to stuff them. Then, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange your peppers on a greased baking sheet. Once your oven is heated, put the baking sheet in and roast your peppers for around 10 minutes. | Use bell peppers when in season. They are at their best when in season locally. Outside of season they have to be imported or grown in greenhouses, which makes them more expensive and they are often not as fresh as during the summer months. Green peppers tend to be available first in the season, followed by the other colors later. In the Northern Hemisphere, the peak season for bell peppers is August to September, with main availability being from July to October. If you live in a warmer climate, the season will last much longer. In the Southern Hemisphere, the peak season for bell peppers is December to March. If you live in a warmer climate, the season will last much longer. Choose a color. Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, mainly reds, greens, yellows, oranges and purples. While red and green are the most popular, all types are good for eating. The color is mainly a preference, although there are slight flavor differences between the different colors, depending on the type of pepper and its source. Red peppers have been allowed to fully ripen before being picked. Choose firm and glossy bell peppers when shopping for them. The bell pepper should be hard and crisp, not soft and mushy. If buying green bell peppers, the green should be dark; if it's too light, the pepper may be unripe. Reject peppers that are shriveled and soft or that have damp, soft patches; these have passed their best-by date. If the stem has any mildew or decay, avoid it. Black spots indicate rain damage. If the shriveled ones are a bargain, it is possible to salvage them for sauces and chutneys, or for placing inside dishes where their flavor is desired but their appearance doesn't matter. Choose a good, widely-shaped pepper for stuffing. If you are stuffing peppers, choose ones that are of a decent size for adding in the stuffing. If possible, test to see if they can stand upright already on their own, as this can be helpful but not essential. Store bell peppers properly. Before using the bell peppers, keep them in the refrigerator in the crisper. They do not need to be washed until use. Wash and dry before use. A gentle rinse and wipe will usually be sufficient to clean the bell pepper. Prepare according to the needs of the recipe. The preparation of a bell pepper depends on how you intend to use it. The main ways to prepare a bell pepper are as follows: Diced or cut into small pieces to add to pasta sauces, stews, casseroles, baked meals, ratatouille, etc. Sliced into strips or quartered for stir-fries, barbecue mixes and stews. Slice in halves for stuffed peppers. Remove the stem after slicing it into halves. Remove just the top part where the stem sits to keep whole for a stuffed pepper. Simply slice off the top of the bell pepper and cut away the pith and core. Many recipes include the cut end as a "lid" when making a whole pepper. Remove the seeds. The seeds should be removed from the bell pepper by either shaking them out or pulling them out using your fingers. You will need to remove the seeds for any of the above ways of using the pepper. Peel the bell pepper if the recipe requires the skin or peel removed from the outside. Cut the pepper into quarters lengthwise. Place the pieces on a grill, skin facing upward. Grill the pepper quarters. The skin must char and blister evenly across the pieces. Remove from the heat when ready. Once blistered, remove from the heat using tongs or a fork and transfer immediately into a strong plastic bag. Close the top of the bag. Let the pieces steam in the bag for a few minutes. Then remove the tie from the bag and remove the pepper pieces. Place them onto a plate or surface ready for peeling. Peel. You will find that the skin comes away with great ease. The skin can be discarded and the peeled pieces can be added to you recipe or dish as needed. Blanch to retain the bright colors of the bell pepper. Blanching is a process that retains color in the vegetable. It is a very quick cook followed by an ice bath. Since blanching kills bacteria, this process is also helpful for cleaning the bell peppers prior to pickling or freezing. Wash the bell peppers. Either blanch whole or in halves. Fill a bowl with ice cubes and pour a little water over the ice. Place to one side of your workspace. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Arrange paper towel on the workspace, where the blanched peppers will be left to dry. The pan needs to be large enough for the amount of bell peppers being blanched. Place the bell peppers in the boiling water. They may need to be pushed down using a wooden spoon or tongs. Allow to cook for three (3) minutes, then remove. If blanching rings, only boil for 2 minutes. Remove the peppers quickly and carefully with tongs. Place the boiled peppers straight into the prepared ice bath. Chill the blanched peppers for three (3) minutes (or two (2) minutes if they were rings). Arrange the chilled blanched peppers on the paper towel. Leave until dry. Once dried, they can be used as needed or frozen/pickled. Wash the bell pepper. Cut the top off and pull out the seeds, pith and core. For cleaning, it is okay to run cold water through it as if you were rinsing a dish. Cut the bell pepper into slices or chunks. Size wise, cut to preferably two finger widths if making slices. Choose your preferred method for roasting. Now that you have the pepper cleaned and cut, there are several ways to "roast" the vegetable, choose one of the three following ways. Choose this method if you want to do a traditional kind of roast. Put the peppers on a rack that has been placed on top of a cookie pan. Then set the oven for 350ºF (180CºC). Put the pepper pieces in for 10 to 15 minutes; it may take longer, keep an eye on the pieces. Remove when roasted sufficiently for your needs. Serve either as they are or add them to a recipe. Choose this method if you are looking for something that holds the flavor and will keep the peppers moist.T ake a pan and fill it with vegetable oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan). Then get the oil to a nice simmer and place the peppers into the pan. Place a lid on. When the oil starts to pop shake the pan, in the manner of sautéeing the pieces. Do this for about 10 minutes, then turn the heat off. Drain the oil and place the peppers on whatever dish you are going to serve it on. Get even more flavor from roasting the bell pepper. Grill the peppers as if you were grilling meat. It gives it a delicious flavor and is the easiest ways to roast bell pepper. Pair bell peppers with the flavors that match them best. Bell peppers go well with tomatoes, eggplants, onions, olives and chili peppers. Decide whether to feature the bell pepper or to just have its color and/or flavor as an integral part of the dish. This will depend on the quality and size of the bell pepper, the meal type you'd like to have and even the color of the bell pepper. Some ideas for enjoying the bell pepper include: Stuffed whole or stuffed halves. Stuffings can include rice, couscous, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, small pasta pieces, etc. Always flavor well; it's a good idea to follow recipes until you're familiar with which flavor combinations work well. Add to ratatouille ; bell peppers are a classic foundation for this dish. Add slices or small pieces to pasta sauces. Fried with onion, garlic and zucchini, a delicious basic sauce can be created. Sprinkle rounds or slices over pizza, salads, sandwiches and bruschetta. Add to tabouli. | Use bell peppers when in season. Choose a color. Choose firm and glossy bell peppers when shopping for them. Choose a good, widely-shaped pepper for stuffing. Store bell peppers properly. Wash and dry before use. Prepare according to the needs of the recipe. Remove the seeds. Peel the bell pepper if the recipe requires the skin or peel removed from the outside. Cut the pepper into quarters lengthwise. Grill the pepper quarters. Remove from the heat when ready. Let the pieces steam in the bag for a few minutes. Peel. Blanch to retain the bright colors of the bell pepper. Wash the bell peppers. Place the bell peppers in the boiling water. Remove the peppers quickly and carefully with tongs. Arrange the chilled blanched peppers on the paper towel. Wash the bell pepper. Cut the bell pepper into slices or chunks. Choose your preferred method for roasting. Choose this method if you want to do a traditional kind of roast. Put the peppers on a rack that has been placed on top of a cookie pan. Put the pepper pieces in for 10 to 15 minutes; it may take longer, keep an eye on the pieces. Choose this method if you are looking for something that holds the flavor and will keep the peppers moist.T ake a pan and fill it with vegetable oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan). Place a lid on. Get even more flavor from roasting the bell pepper. Pair bell peppers with the flavors that match them best. Decide whether to feature the bell pepper or to just have its color and/or flavor as an integral part of the dish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Loyal | How to Be Loyal | To be loyal, avoid gossiping or talking about people behind their back. Also, if you promise someone you'll do something, make sure you follow through on your commitment. If your friends are ever being picked on or talked down to, stand up for them to show your loyalty. And if they're ever going through a hard time, try to be there for them with words of support and some positive solutions. | Express how you really feel. Try not to sugar coat your true feelings when you speak to friends, family, or a significant other. Being loyal means not being afraid to be honest and straightforward. Lying can make others distrust you and not see you as loyal. For example, you may say to friends, “I have to be honest with you about how I feel” or you may say to a family member, “Honestly, I am not sure if that is a good idea…” You can (and should) give your honest opinion without being judgmental. Instead of saying "that's a bad idea" or "I wouldn't do that," try something like "It's your decision to make, but if it were me I'd...". Don't engage in gossip. Talking behind someone's back is considered dishonest and disloyal. Do not believe in gossip or engage in gossip about those close to you. If you have questions or concerns, speak to the person directly rather than engaging in gossip or rumors. If you hear others gossiping around you, encourage them to stop. You may say, “Let's not gossip or indulge in rumors” or “I'd prefer to talk to my friend or partner rather than believe gossip.” Follow through on your commitments. Show up for friends when you promise you will. Follow through on commitments to family members. Be present for your significant other when you say you will. Following through on what you promise others will show them they can count on you and trust you to be there for them. Avoid being flaky and try not to cancel plans last minute, as this can show others you are not trustworthy. You can quickly build a negative reputation for flaking if you're not careful with your actions. Show up on time and be present for others when you say you will. Use your actions to prove that when you say you will be there, you mean it. Stand up for others when needed. Be a cheerleader for friends, family, and partners. Stand up for them and have their back when they need it. Show them that you can be loyal and there for them when it matters the most. For example, you may stand up for a friend when someone tries to slander them or bring them down. Or you may stand up for your partner when they need support during a difficult discussion or argument. Support the goals, ambitions, and dreams of others. Try to show genuine interest in the goals and dreams of your friends and family. Ask questions about their ambitions and goals. If they ask for help to reach a goal, support them as much as you can. For example, you may support a friend's dream to be a musician by going to their shows and promoting their music on social media. Or you may support a family member's career goal by offering to help them study for an exam or test. Be a good listener. Demonstrate your loyalty to others by taking the time to listen to what they have to say. Maintain eye contact and nod when you listen to family or a friend. Avoid interrupting others when they speak or talking over them. Instead, focus on them and pay attention when they confide in you. You can also assure friends, family, and your partner that you are open to listening to their thoughts any time. You may say, “Just know that I am here for you if you need someone to talk to” or “I'm always willing to listen to you and hear you out.” Offer positive solutions and ideas. You can also be supportive and generous to others by focusing on the positives in a situation or conflict. Try to come up with solutions and ideas that make others feel optimistic and productive. For example, you may support a friend dealing with a break up by reminding them of all the positive things they have going on in their life. Or you may support a family member with an illness by acting friendly, positive, and energetic around them to keep their spirits up. Resist judging others for their choices or actions. Practice empathy for others so you can be there for them, rather than judge them. Replace feelings of judgement with feelings of support. For example, instead of judging a friend who is struggling with addiction, support their efforts to get help. And don't let a family member's different lifestyle choices blind you to all the reasons why you care about them. Try not to be scared by ideas and lifestyles that are different from yours but instead, embrace them. It can be most difficult to be empathetic to those most different from ourselves. Choose to give your loyalty to others. Your loyalty should be something you give to others because you want to, not because you feel you have to. Don't feel obligated to be loyal to friends or family who demand it and expect it. Instead, choose to be loyal to those you trust and believe in. Keep in mind being loyal does not mean blindly following what others want or expect. Instead, you should feel like you want to be loyal to others based on their character and actions. Do not let others take advantage of your loyalty. Be aware of any friends, family members, or partners who start to use your loyalty to their advantage. The relationships in your life should feel balanced and fair, where you get as much as you give. This can prevent others from taking advantage of your loyal and supportive nature. If you notice others are taking advantage of you, sit them down and explain how you are feeling. Address the issue, rather than ignoring it. Be honest and forthcoming about your feelings. It is then up to the person to change their behavior and respond positively to your concerns. Maintain your independence. Give yourself the chance to "do your own thing" here and there. Spend lots of time with friends and family, but also carve out time on your own. Avoid being too dependent on others, as this can start to burn you out and make you feel less self-confident. For example, you may pick one day in the week where you do something on your own, without your significant other. Or you may break up your week so you have time to socialize with friends and time to yourself. Allow time for self-care. Maintain healthy boundaries with others by giving yourself time to focus on your needs. Have at least 1 hour of self-care a week where you do something you enjoy, such as painting, reading, or working out. You can also do a calming activity like taking a bath, getting a massage, or doing yoga. Giving yourself time for self-care can help prevent you from burning out on being loyal and supportive for friends, family, and partners all the time. Guard this self-care time so you can always meet your emotional needs. Avoid readily giving it away. | Express how you really feel. Don't engage in gossip. Follow through on your commitments. Stand up for others when needed. Support the goals, ambitions, and dreams of others. Be a good listener. Offer positive solutions and ideas. Resist judging others for their choices or actions. Choose to give your loyalty to others. Do not let others take advantage of your loyalty. Maintain your independence. Allow time for self-care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-When-to-Say-No | How to Know When to Say No | If you'd like to know when to say no and stop feeling guilty, try to reflect honestly about whether or not you have the skills, abilities, and time to do what is being asked of you. Sit down and make a list on paper, your computer, or on your cell phone of the reasons to say yes and the reasons to say no to the opportunity before you. Use this list to help you make a good decision because you'll be able to see whether the “great” opportunity you initially felt you couldn't pass up is really as wonderful as it seems. If saying “yes” will help you get to where you'd like to go, that's great but if it won't, then your answer must be “no”, since this is both honest and realistic. | Reflect on your personal boundaries. A boundary is the line between what is OK and what is not OK. Consider your physical, emotional, and mental boundaries. Physical boundaries involve privacy, space, and your body. This may be dictated both by your personal preferences and philosophies, your culture, and things such as your faith. For example, what kinds of activities you are willing to engage in on a first date. One person may be only comfortable with a kiss, while another is eager for more. (One is not better or worse than another, just different.) Boundaries can change. Time, circumstances, and so on can change what a person's boundaries are one way or another. Emotional boundaries are where you set the line between your responsibility for your own feelings versus others' feelings. Mental boundaries involve your thoughts, values, and opinions. You might find it helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings about your personal boundaries. Then you can return to the list in the future to help you make difficult decisions. Reflect on any times where you have said "yes" but regretted it. Take time to write down or otherwise reflect upon any times in the past that you have gone beyond what makes you feel comfortable. Ask yourself about the people involved and the situations where these things happened. Examining past events this way can help you to make better choices next time. Listen to your feelings. Your feelings have a great deal to tell you about where you should set your limits. Anything that makes you feel resentment or discomfort should raise a red flag for you. Sometimes anger, too, can be the result of going beyond your personal limits. If a situation or personal interaction makes you feel resentful or a level of discomfort that is not reasonable, then ask yourself what is causing that feeling. Do you feel taken advantage of or not appreciated? Are you responding that way because of someone else's expectations about you? Feelings of resentment and discomfort can both be signals that you are not setting limits where you should. Give yourself permission to stay within your self-defined limits. Many people who are learning about their own limits so they can know when to say no find that they experience feelings like self-doubt, fear, and guilt. Remember that it is not selfish to say no, and that saying no can be a way to take care of your health and well-being. Try a "boundary building" exercise. These exercises can help you see what having "strong but flexible" boundaries – what experts say are the best kind – feels like. Psychologists have developed exercises you can use to help visualize your boundaries are so that you will know the right times to say no. Choose a type of boundary you are interested in exploring – mental, physical, or emotional. Focus on this type of boundary while you do this exercise. Close your eyes and imagine you are in the middle of a circle you have drawn around yourself. Make the circle as big or small as you want – give yourself the amount of space that feels best for you. Imagine your circle turning into a wall. Make your imaginary wall out of anything you like – thick glass, grey cement, bricks and mortar – just make sure that your wall is strong. Now imagine yourself having the power to be in control of the wall. You can melt a temporary hole to let something in or out, you can open a tiny window, or you can pull a brick out of the wall to make an opening. Think about being in control of your wall, and about being safe and powerful inside the circle you have built. Stay inside the wall for one minute. Repeat the exercise once a day. Practice saying no. Knowing when to say no takes time and practice, and over time you can learn to hone your skills so that you are better able to recognize the situations where you can and should say no. Practice saying no clearly so that the person you are speaking to isn't confused and thinks you will say yes later. Give a brief but clear reason for saying no, and be honest rather than using an excuse. Be respectful when you say no – you can let the person or organization know that you value them and what they are doing but that you are not able to do what they ask. Identify your priorities. In order to make a good decision about when to say no, you will want to identify what your own personal priorities are in life. To do this, take some time to reflect on the top 10 things that you feel make your life worth living. Don't worry about choosing things you "should" choose - this list is about what makes you happy. After completing the list, put it away. A few days later, write another list (without looking at your first list). Put that list away. Repeat again a few days later. Look at all three lists and combine them into one. Note where ideas repeat, and combine items that seem similar to you. Rank your priorities. Use the final list as a resource to help you make decisions by asking yourself how different decisions might effect your priorities. Say no when you already have too much to do. If you are feeling overloaded already, saying yes to one more thing can have very negative consequences for the work you are doing, for your physical and mental wellbeing, and for your relationships. Small things in your work might start to slip, you might get sick or have a breakdown, or your relationships with friends and family might suffer. Remember that your health and well-being is ultimately more important than taking on another task. Be realistic about your own capacities. Business experts say that people are often too optimistic about how quickly and well they will be able to accomplish something. Take the time to reflect honestly about whether or not you have the skills, abilities, and time to do what is being asked. Don't say yes thinking that you can "change the rules" later on. Be clear and honest from the start with yourself and others so that you know when to say no – and know when the perfect time to say yes comes along. Take the time you need to make the right decision. If you are not sure about whether saying yes is a good idea, honestly tell the person asking that you are not sure. Then take some time – even a few days – to reflect, research, and seek advice. Make a pro and con list keeping your long-term goals in mind. Sit down and make a list – on paper, on your computer, or even on your mobile phone – of the reasons to say yes and the reasons to say no to the opportunity before you. Doing this can help you make a good decision because you will be able to see if the "great" opportunity you initially feel you can't pass up is as great as it really seems. When you look at your list, think about where you want to go in the future. If you say yes now, will that decision help you get where you want to go? Calculate the "opportunity cost" of saying no. If the opportunity is business-related or involves financial decisions – anything from whether to take on a new babysitting client to whether to get your groceries delivered instead of going to the store yourself – you will want to calculate the "opportunity cost." Start by calculating how much one hour of your time is worth when you spend that hour doing paid work. For each opportunity that presents itself, calculate how much the opportunity will cost as part of your decision about whether or not to say no. For example. You are normally paid $15 per hour for your work. Having your groceries delivered costs $10, but going to the grocery store takes two hours. If you are choosing between picking up an extra two hours at work or doing the shopping yourself, you would probably choose the work hours ($30) and pay the $10 delivery charge. Remember that opportunity cost should be only one part of your decision making process. It can help you to understand the financial aspects of a dilemma, but there are usually other issues to consider when making a complicated decision. Decide whether you have the skills and abilities needed to say yes. If someone asks you to take on a task or a project you aren't ready for, then you might not be able to do a good job. You might find it very stressful to complete the task or project, and the person who asked you might not be happy with the result. If you say no now and keep working on preparing yourself, then next time you will be able to confidently say yes – knowing that you will do a great job. Or maybe the task or project is just not a good fit for you. Don't set yourself up to fail. Assess whether saying yes will jeopardize commitments you have already made. If you are already very busy, think about whether or not you have the time to do an adequate job of whatever is being asked of you. For example, if you are a busy student with many commitments already, then taking on a new part-time job or volunteer position might not be the best idea if it is going to compromise your ability to complete school assignments. The same principle goes for people who are running their own business: if taking on a new client will mean compromising on the work you are doing for existing clients, then you will want to carefully consider your next step. Is it worth risking losing both clients because of shoddy work? Ask yourself if the request is a realistic one. Sometimes people ask for a favour or seek out someone to do a job for them without really knowing what they need or without thinking through a reasonable way to make the request. If you are not sure the request is realistic – something that can be done – then do some research to find out. Don't say yes unless you are certain that the job really can be done the way the person is asking. Don't be afraid to say "maybe" or to negotiate a realistic way of accomplishing the goal. Ask for advice. If you are not sure about whether to say no, ask a trusted advisor. If you are a student, that might be a teacher or professor. It could be a parent, or a friend or other family member. These people will help you to see "the big picture" and can often give you a fresh perspective on your dilemma. | Reflect on your personal boundaries. Reflect on any times where you have said "yes" but regretted it. Listen to your feelings. Give yourself permission to stay within your self-defined limits. Try a "boundary building" exercise. Practice saying no. Identify your priorities. Say no when you already have too much to do. Be realistic about your own capacities. Take the time you need to make the right decision. Make a pro and con list keeping your long-term goals in mind. Calculate the "opportunity cost" of saying no. Decide whether you have the skills and abilities needed to say yes. Assess whether saying yes will jeopardize commitments you have already made. Ask yourself if the request is a realistic one. Ask for advice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chorizo | How to Make Chorizo | To make chorizo, start by combining fine salt, smoked paprika, crushed fennel seeds, and crushed black pepper in a small bowl. Next, add 3 crushed cloves or garlic to your seasoning, and sprinkle it over minced pork shoulder and diced pork fat. Then, add Spanish red wine to your mixture and knead it for several minutes. Afterwards, place a sausage skin below the nozzle on a sausage mincer, load the seasoned meat, and fill the casing. Finally, cure your chorizo for 1 to 3 months. | Buy a sausage making/filling machine. This will aid in the filling of the sausage linings. A manual mincer and filler can cost anywhere between $25 and $75. It should be stainless steel for easy cleaning. A small mincer will clamp to your kitchen counter or another surface and you will turn a crank to insert the sausage stuffing into a casing. Clean and disinfect the area you plan to use to make sausage. Place used dishes in the dishwasher immediately, in order to reduce the possibility of contamination. Wash anything that came into contact with raw meat. Procure your pork. Buy 1 2.2lbs. (1kg) of minced pork shoulder. You can also buy the pork shoulder and grind it yourself if you own a meat grinder. Buy 7 oz. (200g) of pork back fat. You can dice some back fat at home, but you may need to buy it from a butcher. Using back fat in addition to the pork shoulder will increase the fat content of the meat, making it juicier and more like traditional Spanish chorizo. You can leave out this ingredient if you would prefer a leaner product. Mix 1.5 tbsp. (25g) of fine salt, 1.5 tbsp. (10.35g) of smoked paprika, 1.5 tbsp. (9g) of crushed fennel seeds and 1.5 tbsp. (9.5g) of crushed black pepper into a small bowl. Stir the spices together with a fork or a whisk. Crush 3 cloves of garlic. Wait to add them when you incorporate the rest of the ingredients. Place the minced pork shoulder and diced fat in a large bowl. Sprinkle the minced meat with the spices and 3 crushed garlic cloves. Add 1/4 cup (59ml) of Spanish red wine. Put on some plastic food service gloves. Knead the meat, spices and wine together for several minutes. You want to mix the spices into the meat uniformly; however, you do not want to mix the sausage for too long. After prolonged kneading, the fat can start to break down, which will change the flavor of the meat. Mix only to the point of uniformity. Set up your sausage mincer machine. If you have not done so already, buy natural sausage casings from your butcher or Internet food specialty store. Place your first sausage skin below the nozzle on the sausage mincer. Load the meat mixture into the top of the mincer. Turn the crank or manually press the meat mixture downward until it feeds into the sausage casing. Twist the sausage skin several times every 12 inches (30cm) starting from the bottom up. This will allow you to form individual sausages. Continue to fill up the sausage skin and the mincer by hand. Prick each sausage casing lightly with a toothpick to remove air pockets. Tie a knot in the casing of the last sausage when you have used all of your mince. Identify a place in your house where it is cool, dry and sanitary. Choose somewhere well-ventilated. Hang your chorizo from the ceiling for 1 to 3 months. Cook on a grill, in an oven or in a frying pan after it has cured. You can separate the sausages and use them individually. Finished. | Buy a sausage making/filling machine. Clean and disinfect the area you plan to use to make sausage. Procure your pork. Buy 7 oz. Mix 1.5 tbsp. Stir the spices together with a fork or a whisk. Crush 3 cloves of garlic. Place the minced pork shoulder and diced fat in a large bowl. Sprinkle the minced meat with the spices and 3 crushed garlic cloves. Add 1/4 cup (59ml) of Spanish red wine. Put on some plastic food service gloves. Knead the meat, spices and wine together for several minutes. Set up your sausage mincer machine. Place your first sausage skin below the nozzle on the sausage mincer. Load the meat mixture into the top of the mincer. Turn the crank or manually press the meat mixture downward until it feeds into the sausage casing. Twist the sausage skin several times every 12 inches (30cm) starting from the bottom up. Continue to fill up the sausage skin and the mincer by hand. Prick each sausage casing lightly with a toothpick to remove air pockets. Tie a knot in the casing of the last sausage when you have used all of your mince. Identify a place in your house where it is cool, dry and sanitary. Hang your chorizo from the ceiling for 1 to 3 months. Cook on a grill, in an oven or in a frying pan after it has cured. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Hip-Flask | How to Clean a Hip Flask | You can easily clean your hip flask with a little dish soap and warm water. Before you start, dump any old alcohol out and make sure your flask is empty. Fill the flask ¾ of the way with water, then add 2-3 drops of dish soap. Screw the cap on tightly and shake your flask for 20-30 seconds to clean the inside. If you want to thoroughly clean your flask, dump a little of the water out and insert a bottle brush with soft bristles into the flask. When you're done, pour out the soapy water and rinse the inside of the flask with warm water. Then, leave it uncapped and let it dry completely overnight. | Avoid letting alcohol or other liquids sit in your flask for more than 1-2 days. Try to avoid letting alcohol or other liquids besides water sit in your flask for several days. Even if you can't get around to thoroughly washing it immediately, rinse the flask out with clean water to make the cleaning process easier. Fill the flask ¾ of the way up with soap and water. Uncap the flask and pour water into it, adding 2-3 drops of a dish soap. Be careful not to fill it all the way up, leaving roughly ¼ of the flask empty so that the liquid has room to move around. If you're not sure when the flask is filled up ¾ of the way, fill it all the way to the top and then pour a little bit of liquid out. You can use other liquids besides soap and water, including vinegar or boiling water. Avoid using chlorine bleach to clean the flask as this may damage it. Attach the cap securely and shake the flask for 20-30 seconds. Screw the cap onto the flask tightly enough so that liquid won't seep through, and then vigorously shake the flask for at least 20 seconds. This helps ensure the interior is being thoroughly cleaned. Use a soft bottle brush to clean the inside, if desired. If you want your flask to be super clean, use a bottle brush with soft bristles to clean the inside of the flask. You may need to pour out a bit of your cleaning liquid to make the process easier. A bottle brush with soft bristles is important so that the brush doesn't scratch the flask. Baby bottle brushes are a good option for this. Rinse the inside of the flask with warm water. Uncap the flask and pour out all of the liquid cleaner that was inside. Fill the flask up with clean warm water to rinse out the cleaning liquid. You may want to rinse it out several times to ensure it's completely clean and the cleaning liquid isn't lingering. A good way to know that all of the cleaning liquid is out is to put the open flask under running water and let it fill up. Once the flask starts overflowing, it's likely that it's clean. Flip the flask over to let it dry. Leave the flask uncapped and place it on a clean towel. Leave it upside down overnight to let it dry completely. You can also twist a paper towel and stick it in the flask overnight, as the paper towel will absorb the moisture. Fill the flask with boiling water to sterilize it. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and use a funnel to carefully pour the water into the flask. Use a towel or oven mitt to hold the flask so that you don't burn your hands while handling the water. The boiling water will help rinse the flask of any other liquids or dirt. Add a few drops of mild detergent to warm water for a quick fix. Fill the flask ¾ of the way with warm water, and then add 2-3 drops of a mild dish detergent. These two liquids will mix together and clean the flask once it's capped and shaken. Make sure you wash out all of the soap when rinsing the flask. Rinse the flask out with vinegar and water to get rid of any smells. Vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution, and it also eliminates any lingering odors. Create a solution with 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar, mixing it together before pouring it into the flask. If you want a stronger solution, alter the proportions so there's more vinegar than water. Create cleaning friction by using salt, rice, or baking soda. Choose one of these ingredients and mix it with water. Once you pour the mixture into the flask and shake it, it will act as a mild abrasive and clean the interior of the flask well. There isn't a right or wrong proportion to use, but consider using ¾ water and ¼ of the abrasive. For example, pour a couple spoonfuls of rice into a flask halfway full of water and shake it up once capped. Opt for an alcoholic sterilizer by using vodka. Either add some water to the vodka before shaking, or go with straight vodka for a more pure clean. If you do opt for straight vodka, there's no need to fill the flask ¾ of the way full--⅓ of the way full will work. Make sure you rinse the vodka out immediately, otherwise your flask will keep the strong smell. Use polish to clean a flask made of silver or pewter. Make sure you purchase a silver polish for silver flasks and a pewter polish for pewter flasks. Follow the instructions on the polish, often only using a small dab placed on a clean towel, to rub the flask clean. These polishes can be purchased at a home improvement store, big box store, or online. Purchase a special polishing cloth to clean up surfaces easily. These cloths don't require any water and can clean markings on flasks made of silver, gold, pewter, and other metals. Rub the exterior of the flask using the cloth; the darker the cloth gets, the better it's working. Purchase a polishing cloth from a home improvement store, big box store, or even online. Clean a stainless steel flask using soap and water. Stainless steel is designed to be very durable and easy to clean, so any dirt or markings should come off with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft sponge to clean the surface, if desired. Be careful not to use abrasive cleaners or brushes, as they may scratch the flask. Avoid getting leather flasks excessively wet. The water will damage the leather or cause spots to appear. If your leather flask gets dirty, look into purchasing a leather cleaner or try to spot clean the leather using a damp paper towel. Avoid rinsing the leather under running water. | Avoid letting alcohol or other liquids sit in your flask for more than 1-2 days. Fill the flask ¾ of the way up with soap and water. Attach the cap securely and shake the flask for 20-30 seconds. Use a soft bottle brush to clean the inside, if desired. Rinse the inside of the flask with warm water. Flip the flask over to let it dry. Fill the flask with boiling water to sterilize it. Add a few drops of mild detergent to warm water for a quick fix. Rinse the flask out with vinegar and water to get rid of any smells. Create cleaning friction by using salt, rice, or baking soda. Opt for an alcoholic sterilizer by using vodka. Use polish to clean a flask made of silver or pewter. Purchase a special polishing cloth to clean up surfaces easily. Clean a stainless steel flask using soap and water. Avoid getting leather flasks excessively wet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Cat-by-the-Scruff | How to Hold a Cat by the Scruff | To safely hold a cat by the scruff, wait until the cat is relaxed and comfortable with you petting it. Place the cat on a sturdy, even surface, then rest your hand at the back of the cat's neck and gently grasp the loose skin in this area with your entire hand, grasping as close to the ears as possible. The cat should lay its ears back, but its body should be relaxed unless the cat is very aggressive. If you're lifting the cat, support it under the hindquarters while you're holding it by the scruff. | Remove any scents from your body that may be offensive to your cat. Strong-smelling perfumes or colognes may be bothersome to him. The scent of a dog may be especially unsettling. Allow your cat to become comfortable with you before you try to scruff him. Calmly petting him and allowing him to rub up against your hand will relax him. You may need to spend extra time on this step, depending on if your cat has a calm or skittish temperament. Remove your cat's collar, if he has one. A cat can be held by the scruff with a collar on, but this is not recommended unless you are experienced with handling cats in this way. Although the scruff is flexible, the collar is not, and you might tighten the collar around his neck by accident. Place your cat on a supportive surface. Having your cat on a sturdy and even surface, such as a table or counter top, will allow you to scruff him more easily. You could also use the floor as a supportive surface, if your cat seems to be more comfortable on the floor. Scruff your cat when he is relaxed and awake. Rest your hand at the back of your cat's neck and gently grasp the loose skin in this area with your entire hand. Grasp as close to the ears as possible to lessen the chances that your cat will struggle or attempt to bite you. Your cat's ears should go back slightly when you grasp the skin right behind the ears. This will let you know that you are grasping in the right place. When you tighten your grasp, the skin should still feel relatively loose in your hand. If it feels tight, you may have grasped too much skin; loosen your grip slightly. Your cat will probably let you know if you are holding the skin too tightly. Do not grab too little scruff. This could cause you to pinch your cat's skin. Re-adjust your grip to pick up more skin. Unless your cat is very aggressive, you should notice that he doesn't mind the grasping at all; he might even become very still. Sometimes this alone is enough to stop your cat from doing something you don't want him to do, or to calm him while you clip his nails or give him medication. Lift your cat by the scruff. Before attempting to lift your cat by his scruff, remember that cats, especially older ones, typically do not need to be held this way. Unless it's a mother cat carrying her young from one place to another, cats usually do not need to picked up by the scruff. If you need to lift your cat after scruffing him, keep in mind that this will be easier with kittens because of their light weight. Use extreme care in picking up your cat by the scruff if he is heavy. Lifting a heavy cat by his scruff could place extra tension on his neck muscles and skin, which would be uncomfortable and painful for him. To avoid this tension, providing extra support for his weight will be needed. After grasping the scruff of a heavy cat, fully support his back end with your other hand. Depending on the size of your cat, you may need to wrap part of your other arm around his hindquarters. Pick him up only when you are securely supporting his back end. Scruff your cat only for only as long as necessary. Although scruffing is not painful for your cat when done properly, it can become uncomfortable if done for too long. Also, keep in mind that even the most patient cats will get tired of being held this way and may try to swing around to loosen your grip, or kick you with their back paws. It is important to remember that your cat is essentially trusting you in a very vulnerable position. If he senses that you are being too rough or are anxious, he may not want to cooperate with being scruffed. Unless your cat feels like he's being attacked, he should just hang there and look at you, waiting for you to put him down. Some cats will vocalize softly, as if to say "Hey, I'm not the biggest fan of this, so let's get this over with soon." Release the scruff. If you have lifted your cat, release the scruff after gently putting him back down gently on a supportive surface. Provide positive reinforcement afterwards to reward him for having good behavior when being scruffed. Examples of positive reinforcement include petting, talking, and treats. Do not release your cat's scruff by dropping him. While a healthy cat won't get injured in this way, he will learn that you are too rough and he might not be as cooperative the next time you pick him up by the scruff. Understand why cats are more easily controlled when held by the scruff. Mother cats carry and control their kittens by firmly grabbing the scruff with their mouth. If you've ever seen a kitten get handled this way by its mother, you'll see that the kitten instinctively becomes still and draws his limbs close to his body. Many cats will continue to do this as adults when they are grabbed by the scruff. Become familiar with situations in which you should not scruff a cat. Avoid scruffing your cat in situations that would agitate the cat or increase the risk of injury for you or your cat. When your cat is sleeping−just like how you would not want to be grabbed when you are sleeping, scruffing your cat when he is sleeping would startle him. When your cat is eating–let him finish eating first before doing something that may require him to be scruffed. When he is agitated or excited−he may be particularly difficult to calm down or handle while he is worked up, which could increase the likelihood of you being scratched or bitten. If your cat has arthritis or is obese–scruffing can strain the neck muscles, which could be especially painful in a cat with arthritis or who is extremely overweight. If your cat does not have much scruff–some cats simply don't have much of a scruff. You should be able to sense this when you grab the scruff. Don't attempt to hold your cat if he has a meager scruff. If your cat is old−adult cats may feel humiliated or embarrassed when being scruffed. Scruff your cat when you are trimming his nails. Although your cat may not be a fan of getting his nails trimmed, keeping him as still as possible will help you clip his nails more quickly and keep you from getting scratched or bitten. Trim his nails when he is calm and relaxed, rather than he when is stressed or worked up from vigorous play. Your cat should be laying down on a supportive surface (eg, table, counter top) when you scruff him to trim his nails. This will be more comfortable for both you and the cat. This step may require 2 people (1 person scruffing, 1 person trimming the nails). If you are trimming your cat's nails or administering medication to him, you will not need to lift him in the air after scruffing him. In these instances, you would gently push his head toward the supportive surface and use your other hand or arm to gently restrain his back end. Scruff your cat to comb out matted (clumped) fur. Combing out mats in your cat's fur is not the most comfortable experience for your cat; it may even be painful for him. Since he may want to move around when having the mats combed out, keeping him still will be important. Just like with trimming your cat's nails, place him on a supportive surface prior to scruffing him to comb out the mats. Use a wide-toothed comb. With your free hand, hold the mat as close to the skin as possible and comb it out from the bottom to the top–just as you would do if you were combing out a knot in person's hair. Scruff your cat when giving him medications. Cats can be particularly difficult when someone tries to give them medications. Keeping your cat still will increase your chances that you will be able to give him his treatment. Scruff him on a supportive surface. If you are trying to give him a pill, tilt his head up slightly while you are scruffing him to put the pill in his mouth. For injectable medications, it may be safer to have your veterinarian or veterinary technician will scruff the cat and administer the medication, rather than trying to do this at home. Scruff your cat to discipline him. This should be done sparingly, since scruffing him may actually make the situation worse. If you must scruff him to discipline him, say the word 'no' while you are doing it so that he knows that he has misbehaved. Also, scruff him gently to discipline him. Scruffing your cat roughly when he is in trouble will likely agitate him. | Remove any scents from your body that may be offensive to your cat. Allow your cat to become comfortable with you before you try to scruff him. Remove your cat's collar, if he has one. Place your cat on a supportive surface. Scruff your cat when he is relaxed and awake. Lift your cat by the scruff. Use extreme care in picking up your cat by the scruff if he is heavy. Scruff your cat only for only as long as necessary. Release the scruff. Understand why cats are more easily controlled when held by the scruff. Become familiar with situations in which you should not scruff a cat. Scruff your cat when you are trimming his nails. Scruff your cat to comb out matted (clumped) fur. Scruff your cat when giving him medications. Scruff your cat to discipline him. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Cat-Has-FIV | How to Tell if Your Cat Has FIV | If you're worried that your cat has FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus, keep in mind that symptoms often don't show up for several months. Cats often get infected during fights with other cats, so try and remember if yours had unexplained scratches or punctures in the last few months. When symptoms do appear, expect to find fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and appetite loss. Although these symptoms will disappear on their own after a couple of weeks, your cat will still have a weakened immune system, so look for symptoms of secondary infection, such as an inflamed mouth, sore gums, diarrhea, and various skin infections. If you think your cat has FIV or another infection, you should take it to your vet as soon as possible. | Be aware that the symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) may not present themselves for several months after infection occurs. FIV is a slow worker - once your cat acquires the infection (usually through fighting), the presence of the virus is not made evident until 2 to 6 months after the initial infection. At the time of the fight, the cat may have punctures, scratches, and possibly an abscess from bacterial infection, but the FIV will not make him ill at this early stage. Look for transient symptoms of infection. It will only be 2 to 6 months after contracting the virus that the cat will begin to show transient symptoms such as fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and appetite loss. These symptoms will pass after a week or two. This phase coincides with the virus multiplying in the blood stream, which is known as the viraemic phase. Once this phase subsides, the cat will return to full health and can remain apparently healthy for months, or even years, before the FIV makes him ill again. Understand that the secondary phase of infection has its own symptoms. In the secondary phase of infection, illness is caused by the virus gradually attacking the white cells used to fight off infection. As a result, the cat's immune system is weakened and simple infections may run out of control. This is known as the secondary phase of FIV. It can be identified by the list of symptoms described below. Look for signs of stomatitis and gingivitis. Even in full health, a cat's mouth is full of bacteria. However, without a healthy immune system to hold them in check, the bacteria start to multiply, resulting in an inflamed mouth (stomatitis) and/or sore gums (gingivitis). Monitor your cat for signs of rhinitis. Rhinitis refers to the infection of the nasal passages. The nose acts as a filter for bacteria in the air. When the immune system is weak, it allows opportunistic bacterial invaders to set up infection in the nasal chambers. Chest infections can also occur during this secondary phase of infection. This occurs as part of a similar process to rhinitis, where inhaled bacteria grow out of control. Check your cat for fungal infections. Fungi are all around us in the environment. This is not usually a problem because the immune system polices the skin and stops fungal infections from taking hold. However, a compromised immune system means conditions like ringworm and fungal infections can more easily get a grip. Poor skin immunity also allows the normal bacteria on the skin's surface to grow out of control and set up bacterial infections. Pay attention if your cat develops diarrhea. During the secondary phase of FIV infection, the bacterial balance within the cat's gut is not kept in check. This causes bacterial overgrowth which can lead to diarrhea. Look for signs that your cat has developed other medical conditions. When a cat has been infected with FIV, viruses which don't normally cause a problem may take advantage of their weakened immune system, causing secondary infections, such as cowpox. Cowpox causes inflamed, ulcerated sores on the skin. Call your vet to set up an in-house ELISA test for your sick cat. If your cat is ill and the vet suspects FIV, the first test will be an in-house ELISA test. The vet will draw about 1 milliliter (0.03 fl oz) of blood from the cat, then send if off to the lab for testing. The results are usually back within 15 minutes. If the test is negative but the cat has a history suggestive of FIV exposure, a second test should be run 6 weeks later. Only if this second test is also negative can the vet definitely say the cat does not have FIV. Ask your vet to send your cat's blood for a PCR test. If the ELISA test comes back positive, then you can ask your cat's vet to send your cat's blood for a PCR test. This test is done at an external laboratory and can take up to a week to get the results back. PCR tests detect tiny amounts of viral DNA in the cat's blood. A positive test means the cat has the FIV virus in his blood stream. Due to the risk of false positives from the ELISA test, a positive result from this test should be confirmed via another type of test as a fail-safe. Most vets send the blood sample to a commercial laboratory for a PCR test, which looks for fragments of viral DNA. If this is positive, then sadly the cat has FIV. If the PCR test is negative, it is possible your cat is fighting off the infection. In this circumstance a repeat ELISA test in 6-weeks' time should come back negative, meaning your cat was exposed to the FIV but his immune system fought it and won. Understand the diagnosis process. Diagnosing FIV is a complex process, but in summary the following combination of test results indicate that a cat is actively infected with FIV and may become ill as a result in the future. Any one of the following indicates active infection: A single ELISA test positive result, followed by a PCR positive result Two ELISA positive results, confirmed by a PCR positive result. A positive PCR result. Realize that a healthy cat with FIV may remain healthy for years. A cat that is well at the time of diagnosis may stay in good health for years and years. Even if your cat is healthy, however, it's important to keep in mind that FIV weakens the body's immune system. This means your cat will be more vulnerable to developing complications with routine infections. However, prompt treatment with antibiotics at the first sign of sickness is usually sufficient to prevent this. More and more FIV positive cats are living into old age, and frequently FIV cats do not die from their infection but from other causes - including old age! Talk to your vet about the chances of recovery. You took to your cat to the vet because he was ill and the vet saw symptoms of FIV. If he is not responding as expected to treatment, then your cat's future is less certain. If he already has complications, such a pneumonia, then these secondary infections could easily overwhelm his immune system. Talk to your vet about his chances of recovery. You cat may have a chance with supportive care (intravenous fluids and antibiotics), but if he has developed serious issues (such a complete depletion of his white cell reserves) then he may already have permanent damage and not be able to win this fight. | Be aware that the symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) may not present themselves for several months after infection occurs. Look for transient symptoms of infection. Understand that the secondary phase of infection has its own symptoms. Look for signs of stomatitis and gingivitis. Monitor your cat for signs of rhinitis. Check your cat for fungal infections. Pay attention if your cat develops diarrhea. Look for signs that your cat has developed other medical conditions. Call your vet to set up an in-house ELISA test for your sick cat. Ask your vet to send your cat's blood for a PCR test. Understand the diagnosis process. Realize that a healthy cat with FIV may remain healthy for years. Talk to your vet about the chances of recovery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Charades | How to Play Charades | To play charades, start by splitting into 2 teams. Then, have everyone write phrases or words out on small slips of paper and drop them into a container so no one can see them. When you're ready, have one player from the first team draw a slip of paper and act out whatever it says. When it's your turn to act out a word or phrase, remember not to speak and to only use gestures and body movements. If your team guesses correctly within 2 minutes, you score a point! If not, let the other team take a turn. | Divide players into even teams. Technically, you don't need even teams to play, but every extra person on the other team is one more person who might guess the answer. Once teams are decided, have each team head to a separate room, or at least opposite sides of the same room. Alternatively, you could play a less competitive version of this game where players act out a word or phrase and anyone can answer. The person who gets it right first is usually the next to act things out. If you aren't playing with teams, you can have the player act out a phrase they have picked out on their own. This can simplify the game by eliminating the need for slips of paper. Write phrases or words on slips of paper. Now that teams are in different rooms (or at least on opposite sides), write out common words or phrases on slips of paper with a pen or pencil. Keep these secret! These phrases will be given to the opposite team to draw at random when it's their turn. There are six common categories in traditional charades: book titles, movies, TV shows, song titles, plays, and well-known quotes or phrases. Generally, long phrases and foreign phrases are not allowed. When in doubt, poll your teammates. If half have heard it before, it should be fine. Avoid writing down a single proper name on the slip. Without context, if a player doesn't know who the person is, they'll have a difficult time. Fold slips in half and put them in a container. You're almost ready to get started. Fold each of the slips of paper in half so the word or phrase is hidden. Put these slips in a container and rejoin the other team in the room you'll play the game. Exchange containers, but don't look at the slips of paper! Baskets or hats are commonly used as containers for the slips, but in a pinch, you can get creative. Pull an empty drawer from a coffee table or use a pillowcase. Select the starting team with a coin toss and set a time limit. Flip a coin to determine which team goes first (or something similar). Each round usually has a set amount of time, but you can adjust this depending on the age group and skill level of players. Two minutes might be a good starting time limit. If you don't mind rounds going on for a long time, you don't have to use a time limit. In this situation, teams would try to guess until they gave up. At this point, you might want to agree upon a penalty for anyone who speaks when they should only be gesturing. For example, you might deduct a half point or forfeit the round. Have the starting player draw a slip. The team that won the coin toss starts things off. They should choose a single player to act out a slip first. All players on a team must act out a slip at least once before anyone can go for a second turn. If you have difficulty deciding who goes first, have the winner of a quick rock, paper, scissors tournament select a strip and get the game started. Convey general info to help your team narrow down their guesses. Things like the category and the number of words in the phrase will give your teammates a better idea of where to focus their guesses. You can come up with gestures all your own, but usually: Holding up a number of fingers at the start of a turn indicates the total number of words. Following this with another number of fingers indicates the word you'll first act out. Laying a number of fingers on your arm indicates the number of syllables for the word. Sweeping your arms broadly through the air indicates “the entire concept.” Act things out until your team gets it right or you run out of time. Some gestures you think will work out great turn out to be a dud. Don't be afraid to switch to a new gesture. The more hints you give your team with gestures, the more likely they'll be to figure it out. When your team guesses the answer, the round ends and your team gets a point. Then the other team repeats this process. If your team doesn't guess the answer and time runs out, your team passes the turn without getting a point, then the other team tries. Play until you run out of slips or there is a clear winner. If you and your friends are having fun, you don't have to stop when you run out! Split up and write up some new slips. In some cases, there might be a few really good players on one team, making things imbalanced. Reshuffle teams to make things more fair. Discuss common gestures with all players. Common gestures allow you to bypass concepts you'll have to express each turn, like categories, so you can get to the good stuff. But it would be unfair if a few players didn't know these, so run through common gestures with all players before starting. Express categories with standard gestures. Because every word or phrase will fall into a category, it helps to have standard gestures for these. This way you don't have to waste time thinking up a unique gesture on the spot and can instead focus on gestures useful for the words on the slip. Indicate book titles by unfolding your hands, as though opening a book. Gesture as though you are cranking old fashioned camera for movies. Draw a square or rectangle in front of you to signify TV shows. Pretend to sing (without actually singing) for song titles. Pull on a rope to raise a theatre curtain to indicate plays. Make air quotes with your fingers when your slip has a quote or phrase. Encourage guesses on the right track. When a teammate is close, allow excitement to show on your face. Use the distance between your fingers or hands to indicate closeness. To discourage teammates on the wrong track, point at them and shake your head “No” or form an X with your arms. If a teammate is on a roll and they seem like they might say the right word, use a beckoning “come here” gesture or roll your hands in a circle. Moving your hands farther apart usually means “more,” but in some cases, this can also mean the word is “bigger,” like when it has a prefix or suffix. Guide teammates to the right tense or form of words. In some situations, your teammates might have the right word, but it might not be in the right tense, or it may need to be plural when they've said it in the singular. When a teammate is close, point to them and then: Link your little fingers together to indicate a word is plural. Wave your hand behind you in a “way back” gesture for past tense. Do the opposite of this for future tense. Use similar sounding words to your advantage. By cupping your hand to an ear, you'll signal to your team that you're only acting out a word that sounds like the one you're working on. After that gesture, if you pointed to your eye, it would be obvious the word you're working on is “I.” Improve your game with practice and speed. The faster you clearly gesture, the more quickly your team will be able to guess your phrase. Practice by playing Charades often so gestures come to you naturally, without wasting time thinking. If you have difficulty clearly expressing yourself through gestures and you really want to get good, take an improv class or a mime class. | Divide players into even teams. Write phrases or words on slips of paper. Fold slips in half and put them in a container. Select the starting team with a coin toss and set a time limit. Have the starting player draw a slip. Convey general info to help your team narrow down their guesses. Act things out until your team gets it right or you run out of time. Play until you run out of slips or there is a clear winner. Discuss common gestures with all players. Express categories with standard gestures. Encourage guesses on the right track. Guide teammates to the right tense or form of words. Use similar sounding words to your advantage. Improve your game with practice and speed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Counterfeit-US-Money | How to Detect Counterfeit US Money | To detect counterfeit US money, feel the texture of the money to see if it's oddly soft, papery, or smooth, which could be a sign that it's counterfeit. When you run your finger over the bill, see if you can feel the texture of the ink on it. If you can't, it's probably not real. Also, notice if the money feels abnormally thick. Since real US money is printed using thousands of pounds of pressure, it's usually much thinner than counterfeit money. | Feel the texture of the paper. Counterfeit money will often feel distinctly different from authentic money. Authentic money is made from cotton and linen fibers. This differs significantly from normal paper, which is made from trees. Real money is made to be more durable and should feel crisp despite its age; normal paper becomes torn and soft when worn. The paper that banknotes are printed on is not sold commercially. Also, the chemical composition of the paper and ink is confidential. Even if you do not have much experience in spotting a counterfeit, you should notice a clear difference in texture. Genuine currency has slightly raised ink that is produced in the intaglio printing process. You should be able to feel the texture of this ink, especially if you are holding a new dollar bill. Run your fingernail over the portrait's vest of the bill. You should feel distinctive ridges. Counterfeiters cannot reproduce this. Notice the thinness of the bill. Genuine money is often thinner than counterfeit money. The process for making money involves applying thousands of pounds of pressure during the printing process. As a result, real money should feel thinner and crisper than regular paper. The only option available to most counterfeiters is to use thin rag paper, which can be purchased at most office supply stores. Still, this paper should feel thicker than authentic money. Compare the bill with another of the same denomination and series. Different denominations will look different, so get a note of the same amount. If you are still suspicious about the quality of a bill, holding it next to a bill you know is authentic may help you feel a difference. All denominations, except the $1 and $2, have been redesigned at least once since 1990, so it is best to compare the suspect bill to one in the same series, or date. While the look of money has changed over the years, the distinctive feel has been left largely unchanged. The feel of a bill made 50 years ago should feel similar to a brand new dollar bill. Inspect the printing quality. Fake bills tend to have a relative flatness and lack of detail. Because making real currency involves printing methods that are unknown and therefore extremely hard to replicate, counterfeiters are often forced to improvise. Real U.S. bills are printed using techniques that regular offset printing and digital printing (the most popular tools for common counterfeiters) cannot replicate. Look for blurry areas, especially in fine details such as around the borders. Look for colored fibers in the paper. All U.S. bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper. Counterfeiters sometimes try to reproduce these by printing or drawing these fibers onto the paper. As a result, the blue and red fibers will appear to be printed on the paper instead of being part of the paper itself. Look at the borders. The outside border of real money should be "clear and unbroken," according to Secret Service officials. On Federal Reserve and Treasury seals, the saw-tooth points of the borders should be sharp and well-defined on genuine bills. Seals on a counterfeit bill often have uneven, blunt, or broken saw-tooth points. Look for bleeding ink. Because of the difference in printing methods between real and fake bills, the border ink can sometimes bleed on a fake. Observe the portrait. Look at the picture of the person on the bill. There are specific discrepancies that will tell you if the bill is fake. Portraits in fake bills may appear dull, blurred, and flat, while in real currency, the portraits are sharp and contain very fine detailing. On a real bill, the portrait tends to stand out from the background. On counterfeit bills, the portrait's coloring tends to blend too much with the bill. Use a magnifying glass to closely observe the rim of the portrait. There should be the phrase "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" repeated along the sides of the portrait. This will look like a solid line to the naked eye. This feature is especially hard to replicate using office machine copiers or printers due to its size and detail. Examine the serial numbers. There should be two serial numbers located on the face of the bill on either side of the portrait. Look at the bill carefully and make sure that the serial numbers match. Look at the color of the serial numbers on the bill and compare it to the color of the Treasury Seal. If they do not match, the bill is likely a fake. Fake bills may have serial numbers that are not evenly spaced or that are not perfectly aligned in a row. If you receive multiple suspicious bills, see if the serial numbers are the same on across all bills. Counterfeiters often neglect to change serial numbers on fake bills. If they are the same, then they are counterfeit notes. Hold the bill up to the light. For all bills except $1 and $2 dollar bills, there should be a security thread (plastic strip) running from top to bottom. The thread is embedded in (not printed on) the paper and runs vertically through the clear field to the left of the Federal Reserve Seal. On authentic bills, this should be easily visible against a light source. The printing should say "USA" followed by the denomination of the bill, which is spelled out for $10 and $20 bills but presented in numerals on the $5, $50 and $100 bills. These threads are placed in different places on each denomination to prevent lower-denomination bills being bleached and reprinted as higher denominations. You should be able to read the inscriptions from both the front or back of the note. Also, it should only be visible against a light source. Use an ultraviolet (black) light to look at security threads. Plastic strips in high-denomination bills should glow a specific color. The $5 dollar bill should glow blue; the $10 bill should glow orange; the $20 bill should glow green; the $50 bill should glow yellow; the $100 bill should glow pink. If your bill remains white under a black light, it is likely a counterfeit. Check for watermarks. Use natural light to see if your bill bears an image of the person whose portrait is on the bill. Hold the bill up to a light to check for a watermark. A watermark bearing the image of the person whose portrait is on the bill can be found on all $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills series 1996 and later, and on $5 bills series 1999 and later. The watermark is embedded in the paper to the right of the portrait and should be visible from both sides of the bill. Tilt the bill to examine the color-shifting ink. Color shifting ink is ink that appears to change color when the bill is tilted. Color-shifting ink can be found on $100, $50 and $20 dollar bills series 1996 and later, and on $10 dollar bills series 1999 and later. $5 and lower bills do not yet have this feature. The color originally appeared to change from green to black, but it goes from copper to green in recent redesigns of the bills. Examine the micro-printing. This includes small words or numbers that are hardly visible to the naked eye and cannot be read without a magnifying glass. Beginning in 1990, very tiny printing was added to certain places (which have periodically been changed since then) on $5 and higher denomination bills. Don't worry about a specific location. Since micro-printing is hard to duplicate, counterfeits usually tend not to have any. Counterfeits with micro-printing tend to have blurred letters or numbers. On a genuine bill, the micro-printing will be crisp and clear. Do not create counterfeit money. It is illegal to possess, produce, or use counterfeit money; if a prosecutor can prove that you have intent to defraud, federal law can punish you with a fine and maximum 20 years in prison. If it is passed to you, do not pass the counterfeit currency on to anyone other by following these instructions. Inspect bills the moment you are suspicious. Remember who gave you which bills. If you acquire a counterfeit banknote, you must turn it into the Secret Service. Not reporting counterfeit banknotes makes you vulnerable to someone else turning you in for counterfeit banknotes. Remember the passer. If possible, delay whoever passed you the counterfeit money to remember as much about that person's appearance as possible. Take note of any accomplices or companions. Write down their license plate number if applicable. The person who gives you counterfeit money might not be the original counterfeiter. They too might be an innocent civilian duped into using fake money. It might be impossible to match each passer to each specific bill, so many people inspect bills the moment they are handed to them. For example, many cashiers at general stores will inspect large denomination bills before accepting them as payment. This way, the cashier in the moment can link any potential passer to any potentially counterfeit bill. Contact the authorities. Find your local police department or United States Secret Service field office. These numbers can be found on the inside front page of your local telephone directory or through online search. Avoid handling the banknote. Carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope or sandwich bag. This is so that authorities can glean as much information as possible from the banknote: fingerprints, compounds and chemicals, how it was printed, and so on. This is also so that you cannot forget which banknote was forged, and others are not mistaken. Write down your information. Write your initials and the date in the white border areas of the suspect banknote, or on the envelope/bag. The date identifies when the counterfeit was noticed, and your initials identify who noticed the counterfeit. Fill out the Secret Service counterfeit report. When you hand in a counterfeit note, you must fill out the Department of Homeland Security's Counterfeit Note Report. Find the form here. The URL is http://www.secretservice.gov/forms/ssf1604.pdf. Once a note is handed in with this form, it is considered counterfeit unless proven otherwise. Fill out 1 form for each suspected banknote. This form is geared towards banks who catch counterfeit money, but individuals should use it as well. If you found the counterfeit bill at a bank and you are an employee of the bank, contact your manager and fill out this form regarding your employer. Give the banknote to authorities. Surrender the note or coin only to a properly identified police officer or a U.S. Secret Service special agent. When asked, relay as much information as possible about the passer, accomplices, or any other information you remember about receiving the counterfeit money. You will not be financially reimbursed for handing in counterfeit money. This is to prevent individuals from receiving money for free, just because they counterfeited money. | Feel the texture of the paper. Notice the thinness of the bill. Compare the bill with another of the same denomination and series. Inspect the printing quality. Look at the borders. Observe the portrait. Examine the serial numbers. Hold the bill up to the light. Use an ultraviolet (black) light to look at security threads. Check for watermarks. Tilt the bill to examine the color-shifting ink. Examine the micro-printing. Do not create counterfeit money. Remember the passer. Contact the authorities. Avoid handling the banknote. Write down your information. Fill out the Secret Service counterfeit report. Give the banknote to authorities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-More-Feminine | How to Dress More Feminine | Dressing more feminine is all about choosing the right clothes and accessories. Look for blouses with flounces, bows, or buttons at the neck for a subtle feminine detail. Pair these with skinny jeans and heels for a business casual look, or add a blazer to make it more formal. You can also wear pullover sweaters with patterns like polka dots or stripes so you can look girly and be comfy at the same time. Look for clothes in bright colors or with sparkly accents. To accessorize your outfit, add a statement necklace or earrings. You can't go wrong with heels, headbands, or a feminine purse either. | Wear a blouse with ruffles or other details. Flounces, bows, or buttons at the neck provide some interesting detail. These shirts can be paired with skinny jeans or worn tucked into a skirt. For example, you might wear a pink ruffled blouse with a pair of skinny jeans and heels. Wear a nice blouse under a blazer to give your work clothes a little extra style. For a business style, wear a blouse under a blazer. For a casual night out, slip a cardigan on top. Pull on a patterned sweater when you are cold. Try pullover sweaters with polka dots or stripes. You might choose one decked out in sequins or bows. Wear these by themselves or over another shirt. Sweaters go well with a warm pair of jeans and boots. Sweaters come in pastels, jewel tones, and other bright colors to add an extra feminine quality to it. Instead of pullover sweaters, you might also wear cardigans. A well-fitted cardigan, either made out of wool or cashmere, can keep you warm and stylish. Step into a sheath dress. Sheath dresses are structured dresses with a slight emphasis on the waistline. They are typically fitted to the body. Look for sheath dresses in a variety of patterns and colors. They are ideal for work, formal events, or dates. Try wearing a bold statement necklace with a sheath dress. The simple style of the dress will make the jewelry pop. Sheath dresses go well with cardigans and ballet flats.Wear heels to dress up the style for a more formal occasion. If it's cold out, try wearing a pair of colorful tights underneath your dress. Keep a black outfit for special occasions. A black dress or suit is functional and versatile. Dress it up or down based on which accessories you choose. It can also be worn to a variety of events, such as meetings, parties, and dates. Wear black heels or pair it with gold pumps. If you want a more streetwise look, try white sneakers or a pair of oxfords. Gold jewelry or a bright statement necklace can make any black outfit fit for a formal occasion. Choose a long coat with a cinched waist. A stylish coat is essential in winter, but some coats may appear to be too bulky or shapeless to have a feminine feel. To get around this, buy a coat with a belt to tie around your waist. You may also want to get a long coat for a sleek silhouette. Wear long coats over jeans or dresses. It is best to get a coat that is slightly large on you so that you can wear it over layers. Don't be afraid to get a coat that makes a statement. A bold leopard print, bright yellow color, or polka dot design can make you stand out in cold weather. Wear a statement necklace or ring. Statement jewelry is often large and clunky to draw the eye towards it. It is best worn with simple clothing and straight silhouettes. A statement piece is a great way to appear feminine while also being bold and vibrant. You might wear a dazzling rhinestone necklace under a blazer or with a sheath dress. A statement ring or cuff adds extra flair for formal events or nights out. If you're wearing a suit, try bright jeweled cufflinks. Long dangly earrings can provide a bit of flair to a casual outfit or sporty style. Get a few pairs of feminine shoes for different occasions. Shoes are all it takes to transform an outfit into a feminine look. Heels and ballet flats are both versatile and flattering. You may also want a good pair of boots for colder weather. Try to have about 3 or 4 different pairs to match with your outfits. Heels are the ultimate feminine shoe, and can be worn casually with jeans when you want to femme up an ordinary outfit. If you like comfortable shoes or are a sneaker fanatic, get some pretty sneakers! Look for streamlined designs with exciting colors, such as pastel or jewel tones, sparkles, or patterns. By keeping the sneakers clean, you can make them part of a feminine outfit. Leather boots, whether high or low, heeled or no heels, go great with skinny jeans or leggings in the winter. Strappy sandals are feminine and fun. Look for a pair with flowers, bright colors, or straps that lace up your leg. Stick a headband into your hair. Choose a brightly colored or patterned headband, such as orange stripes or floral. You might also choose a headband with a statement piece, like a rhinestone bow or a flower. Headbands go well with just about any style of hair. Wear one with your hair down or up in a bun or ponytail. Try tying a ribbon or scarf around your hair for a dainty touch. Carry a bag with you. A purse, satchel, bag, or briefcase can make a big statement about your personality. Choose a purse that suits your lifestyle, but make sure that it carries a little pizzazz to it. You might get a bag in a bright color or a structured leather satchel. A large bag can carry more, but a smaller purse is easier to take with you. A pastel pink purse is a traditionally feminine option while a bold red or white purse has modern flair. Brown or black options appear professional. If you have an edgier vibe to your style, you might choose a leather purse with studs. If you have a quirkier style, try a purse with bold stripes or patterns. Look for bright colors or sparkly accents for a younger style. Colors like purple, pink, and bright blue are considered traditionally feminine, but any bright color can add a youthful and energetic feel to your look. Shiny or sparkly fabrics can also add a little pop to your wardrobe. Incorporate small elements of this look into other styles. For example, you might just wear a salmon-colored sweatshirt or just wear sparkly sneakers. Look for colored jeans to dress up a t-shirt. Find interesting fabrics with bold design elements to stand out. Rhinestones, ruffles, and bows draw the eye towards your outfit. You might go for prints as well, such as floral, paisley, or geometric designs. These designs can be found in any style or clothing type for both men and women. For example, you might wear a V-neck shirt with ruffled sleeves and jeans. A striped sweater over a fitted button-up is professional and comfortable. A sweater with a long tulle skirt is fun but also practical for colder weather. Choose a vintage style for old-school glamor. You might choose to follow a specific decade's style (such as the 1940s or 60s). Or you might go for a general retro look with big skirts, a-line silhouettes, and funky prints. Try an a-line skirt with a button-up shirt tucked in. Wear Mary Jane heels to match. Pearls and large sunglasses are great accessories to go with this look. You might try high-waisted printed pants for a quirky but still graceful look. Find sleek silhouettes and neutral colors for a sophisticated or elegant look. Instead of focusing on prints, you might wear black, navy, or white dresses cut into form-fitting shapes. Tailored blazers, statement jewelry, and gold accessories can create a powerful appearance. You might wear an a-line blue dress with a bright red belt and white jacket. A black dress or suit will be your best friend. Dress it up with heels and a gold necklace, or wear it plain with stylish sneakers. Choose clothes that fit you well. No matter what your shape or body type is like, well-fitting clothes will always make you seem put-together and stylish. Don't wear clothing that is too big or too small. Watch out especially around the rear, waist, and bust. Too large of a size will cover your figure and too small of a size will distort these areas. If you're buying clothing online, take your measurements and compare them to the size chart on the website. Read magazines to find the latest trends. Staying up to date will give you fashion inspiration. Fashion magazines will show you the latest styles and where you can buy them. Most style websites and blogs will even contain links to sites where you can buy the clothing online. Dress appropriately for the occasion. Jeans and a t-shirt is a great outfit for doing groceries, but it may not be the right choice for work or a party. Feminine styles tend to emphasize wearing the right clothing to the right event. If you're going to a wedding, look to see if it is formal or semi-formal. A sheath dress or pantsuit with heels may be good for semi-formal occasions while a cocktail dress is appropriate for a formal event. In a business context, try wearing a loose blouse with slacks. For casual wear, look for practical and comfortable clothing that is also stylish. Graphic shirts, printed shorts, or jean skirts are all good options. | Wear a blouse with ruffles or other details. Pull on a patterned sweater when you are cold. Step into a sheath dress. Keep a black outfit for special occasions. Choose a long coat with a cinched waist. Wear a statement necklace or ring. Get a few pairs of feminine shoes for different occasions. Stick a headband into your hair. Carry a bag with you. Look for bright colors or sparkly accents for a younger style. Find interesting fabrics with bold design elements to stand out. Choose a vintage style for old-school glamor. Find sleek silhouettes and neutral colors for a sophisticated or elegant look. Choose clothes that fit you well. Read magazines to find the latest trends. Dress appropriately for the occasion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Publicist | How to Become a Publicist | If you dream of becoming a publicist, start by pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as English, communications, or advertising. While you're in school, take a variety of classes where you can learn about different aspects of the business, like marketing and public relations. Additionally, look for internships in public relations that can give you some real-world experience. You should also keep any press releases, newspaper features, or other relevant work you do in class or at an internship, so you can create a portfolio for potential employers. | Research schools offering degrees in related fields. Typically, new hires in public relations firms are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a field generally relating to the work performed by press agents; some of the most common degrees earned by those seeking employment as publicists are public relations, marketing, advertising, communications, rhetoric and English. All of these specializations impart the skills needed to fulfill the functions of public image management. Employers will look for potential hires that have are organized, can process large amounts of important information, are able to think critically and can write and communicate effectively; a large percentage of a publicist's work involves writing detailed press releases, employing problem-solving to think up new campaign strategies and speaking publicly in support of the client. A few of the colleges with the highest rated public relations and image management programs include Georgetown University, the University of Southern California, the University of Florida and Boston University. These school are rated based on test scores and project success, the sophistication of their curriculum and the satisfaction of former students seeking employment within the field. Take a variety of courses. Whatever major you choose, sign up for many different classes within the same basic focus that will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the business and how to succeed in it. For instance, classes like principles of marketing, public relations and advertising copywriting will all translate to the type of work you will be doing as an official press agent. Some colleges with large public relations programs feature courses that deal directly with explaining the duties of professional publicists. Search for internship opportunities. While you're working your way through school, be on the lookout for internships in public relations or a related field. This will provide you with valuable real-world experience and will also give you something to add to a resume when you begin looking for jobs. Many degree programs require internship participation and will help you find one that suits you and begin the formative stages of business networking. Even if an internship isn't a requirement to graduate, it is advisable to try to secure one as an undergraduate student. Those with the practical experience offered by an internship will have a leg up on those without it. Build a portfolio of your early work. Keep any press releases, newspaper features or other files you generate during your college coursework and internship and compile them in a portfolio you can show off to potential employers. This will show the employer that you already possess the know-how required for the position and have experience beyond simply studying in the classroom. Always carry your portfolio with you to job interviews to have physical documentation of the types of projects you've worked on at hand to give to employers. Start looking for public relations work. Once you've completed your degree, begin searching for jobs in the public relations or communications field. Websites like journalismjobs.com and prsa.org are great places to share your resume or search through job listings, but many area businesses will also advertise openings in your local newspaper. Contain your search to positions specified as "entry level" or "assistant" if you don't have any professional experience; employers understand that the applicants for these positions are often straight out of college or just breaking into the career field. Relate any major projects, rewards or achievements you garnered for yourself through your education or internship to prospective employers during the interview process. Develop your own professional image. After all, your intended career is based around promoting a positive public image. Whether it's your first interview or your first day of work, be sure that you're dressed appropriately and professionally, you're ready to meet and share ideas with new people and you have everything you need to get to work. Publicists often speak for their client in front of the cameras as well as in print, so many employers demand a personable attitude, friendly demeanor and professional bearing. How you carry yourself reflects on your capabilities as a public relations expert every bit as much as the image you manage to construct for your clients. You are your own first PR project! Publicity can be an excellent career choice if you consider yourself a “people person,” as the type of work it entails is centered around establishing and maintaining positive relationships and interactions between a single person or group and the public at large. Work your way to the top. Attaining one of the more coveted and high-earning publicist positions, like public relations director, can take many years of taxing work. Be prepared to spend your first few years writing press releases and taking care of basic administrative tasks before you make it into the big leagues being trusted with high-profile projects. Stay focused and put your best ideas out. If you work hard enough for long enough, you're bound to be noticed and rewarded for your efforts. Don't be discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. Publicity is a complex and evolving profession that can often be very competitive, and as you gain experience, you're sure to move ahead in the runnings for bigger opportunities, more important assignments, and higher wages. Consider going back to school. Returning to school to pursue a master's level degree or higher can help keep you marketable and make you a sought-after commodity after a few years in the industry. Many publicists who represent important entertainment and business luminaries got there by furthering their education and gradually taking on bigger, more important assignments as their expertise grew. Should you ever wish to teach public relations courses at a university level or operate your own PR firm, having a graduate degree may give you just the advantage you need. In general, the higher the level of education you've achieved, the more qualified you will seem to employers heading the field. Constantly improve your skills. Don't be content with simply landing a job in the publicity field—avail yourself of every resource available to you to hone your craft and continue advancing. Accept challenging projects graciously, form beneficial connections with as many industry heavy-hitters as you can and always look for new ways to make your work stand out. Where you end up depends entirely on how willing you are to keep learning new things. Periodically attending workshops and seminars can give you fresh ideas and motivation to stay at the top of your game. Become adept at rhetorical arguments. When engaged in public relations work, you need to know how to present compelling addresses and written materials that frame your client in the best possible light. This falls under the heading of rhetoric (the art of being convincing through language) and it is arguably the most essential skill any publicist or marketing specialist should possess. Even when you're not actively trying to convince the public of any one particular fact, every strategy should be formulated as though you were making a logically-supported, directed appeal. Your credibility as a public relations expert will be assured with an understanding of the central tenets of rhetorical discourse. Use the “rhetorical triangle” model to structure your statements and press releases: understand the relationship between yourself (the presenter), the audience and the context of an argument. This will help ensure that argument takes hold in the minds of your audience. Always have a clear goal in mind whenever you begin a project, no matter how minor or routine. The language of your press materials should be centered around this goal. Practice creative exercises. A good deal of public relations work involves taking negative or confusing circumstances and recasting them in a positive light. This requires you to be able to call upon your creative faculties and make them a well-worn tool in your arsenal. Study the habits of creative people, take notice of even the smallest details and learn to improvise. The better you are at thinking up ways to elevate your client in the public eye, the more status you'll gain in your profession. Try incorporating brief creative mental exercises into your daily routine, such as concocting fictional histories for people and places you've never seen before, or highlighting one word per line in a newspaper column to tell a short story. The term “spin” deals with changing the appearance of circumstantial details to preserve one's reputation, not fabricating those details. You should never lie or alter the facts in order to make your client look better. Have the best interest of the client in mind. As a publicist, you haven't done your job unless you've enhanced the visibility, demand and public approval of your client. For this reason, how well you yourself do is primarily a matter of what you're able to accomplish for the people you serve. Though you may sometimes be called upon to speak on behalf of your client or act as a mouthpiece for a publicity campaign, much of your work will be done behind the scenes and will help inform the actions of your clientele. Every evolving situation, good or bad, should be viewed as an opportunity to improve your client's standing. Work closely with the client or their manager or agent to devise guided and effective PR strategies. | Research schools offering degrees in related fields. Take a variety of courses. Search for internship opportunities. Build a portfolio of your early work. Start looking for public relations work. Develop your own professional image. Work your way to the top. Consider going back to school. Constantly improve your skills. Become adept at rhetorical arguments. Practice creative exercises. Have the best interest of the client in mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Daylilies | How to Plant Daylilies | To plant daylilies, start in the early spring by choosing a site with well-draining soil that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Additionally, make sure the soil has a pH between 6 and 7 by using a soil testing kit from your local nursery. Then, till the soil, mix in well-rotted manure, and dig a 12 foot by 12 foot hole in the soil. Place the roots in the hole, then water the plant gently so the soil around it isn't disturbed. Afterwards, water your daylilies twice a week and fertilize them in the late spring to see your flowers bloom during May or June. | Purchase nursery-grown starter plants or obtain root divisions. Daylilies are difficult to start at home. Visit your local nursery and buy a few starter plants. If you know another gardener in the process of dividing daylilies, ask if they'd be willing to share some of their root divisions with you. Root divisions are created when multi-stemmed plants are pulled apart to form single stems. Daylilies are vigorous growers and often used as ground cover. They will spread and form a dense mat after a few seasons. Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Daylilies prefer full sun, although they will tolerate partial shade. To get the most blooms, choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, daylilies can easily handle 8 to 12 hours of full sun daily. Daylilies planted in the shade will bloom less frequently. Select an area with soil that drains well. Daylilies are hardy and can withstand almost any kind of soil, but they thrive in well-drained soil. To test your soil's drainage, dig a hole that is 1 ft (30 cm) wide and 1 ft (30 cm) deep. Fill the hole with water. If the water drains in 10 minutes or less, you have well-draining soil. If it takes an hour or more, your soil drainage is poor. To amend soil that drains poorly, add some organic matter like well-rotted manure, wood chips, pea gravel, or peat moss. Mix it into the existing soil thoroughly. Test the soil for a pH between 6 and 7. Daylilies like slightly acidic soil. Purchase a soil testing kit from your local nursery and perform a reading by following the included instructions. Anything under 7 is considered acidic. Anything above 7 is considered alkaline. To reduce acidity in your soil, add garden limestone. To reduce alkalinity, amend the soil with sulfur, gypsum, or sphagnum peat moss. Plant daylilies in early spring or early fall. The best time to transplant or divide daylilies is early spring and early fall. If you transplant or divide in early spring, the lilies may not bloom until the following summer. If you transplant in early fall, do so right after summer blooming, at least 1 month before the first hard frost. Daylilies are perennials, which means they go dormant during winter and then come back each spring. Till the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure. Use a till or shovel to turn the soil to a depth of about 18 in (46 cm). Remove any rocks and debris you find in the soil. Add a few shovels of compost to the soil and work it in using your till or shovel. The organic matter in compost and manure encourages copious blooming and helps the soil retain moisture. Dig a 12 ft (370 cm) by 12 ft (370 cm) hole in the tilled soil. The hole needs to easily accommodate the roots of the division or transplant without bending or crowding them. A 12 ft (370 cm) by 12 ft (370 cm) will usually do the trick, but adjust as needed. Use a shovel to dig the hole and deposit the upturned soil on the ground right next to the hole. Situate the roots in the hole. Hold the root division by the crown and place it in the hole. Fan the roots out in the hole. Make sure the crown is 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the ground line. The crown is where the stem and roots meet. The soil level above the roots should be about even with the soil in the new location. If the hole needs to be adjusted for the crown, pull out the division and amend the hole as needed. Each root division will have 2 to 3 stems. Add soil around the roots to refill the hole. Continue to hold the division by the crown as you add soil to the hole. Do not tamp down the dirt around the roots. You want the soil to be loose and not compacted at all. Gently push the soil down around the roots with your free hand so that the crown stands up straight. Packing down the soil may reduce soil drainage around the plant. Plant the root divisions 2 ft (61 cm) to 3 ft (91 cm) apart. Daylilies are vigorous growers and they don't like competition, so give them plenty of space. Even when they're spaced this far apart, daylilies will naturally fill in the empty space around themselves as they grow. Each plant will eventually expand up to 3 ft (91 cm) in diameter. If you plan to divide your plants during the next season, planting them 2 ft (61 cm) apart is fine. If you don't want to divide them, give them about 3 ft (91 cm) of space. Water each planted root division thoroughly. Root divisions will be thirsty after they've been planted. Give each plant a thorough watering. Water your new transplants gently so that the soil around them isn't disturbed. You may want to use a watering can for this first watering. Give daylilies 1 in (2.5 cm) of water each week. Daylilies are drought-resistant, but they bloom best when they have moist soil. Water them in the morning or evening once each week. If your daylilies are planted in sandy soil, you may want to water them twice a week to ensure their soil stays moist. Over-watering can cause crown rot, so be careful. Avoid watering daylilies during the midday heat. Fertilize daylilies in the late spring. Fertilizing lightly each spring after the initial planting will boost their growth for summer blooming. Use an extended release fertilizer for best results. Other than that, you can use any kind of fertilizer you want as long as it's relatively low in nitrogen. Mulch your daylily plants in the summer. Daylilies don't require winter mulch, but they will appreciate an organic mulch during the summer. They aren't very particular about the type of mulch you use, so feel free to experiment. Take care not to cover the crown of the plant with mulch. Straw, grass clippings, and leaves are all good choices for mulch. Summer mulching helps the soil retain water and lowers the soil temperature during the hot summer days. Mulch also helps crowd out weeds. Watch out for spider mites during the summer. Daylilies are quite resistant to most pests, but spider mites can sometimes be a problem during the hot and dry summer months. If you see any spider mites on your plants, simply rinse them away with a forceful spray of water. Check the plants frequently and repeat the rinsing, if needed. If the mites are particularly tenacious, you can also use an insecticide. Divide daylily plants every 3 to 5 years after initially planting them. Dividing the plants will rejuvenate them and improve blooming. Since daylilies grow so vigorously, they will likely need the additional space to stay healthy, as well. Divide daylilies after they have bloomed, but prior to the first frost. Raise the whole daylily plant clump from the earth. Slice it into 6 to 8 sections (root divisions). Each root division should have several stems on the roots. Lop the foliage back 6 inches and remove any stems that look stunted or unhealthy. Only choose your healthiest daylilies for division. Cutting back the foliage helps the roots establish themselves more easily when replanted. Replant the root divisions 24 in (61 cm) to 36 in (91 cm) apart. Dig a 12 ft (370 cm) by 12 ft (370 cm) hole for each division. Put 1 division in each hole and refill the hole with soil. Make sure the crown is 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) below the ground line. Water the new transplants thoroughly. Make sure that the crown isn't too deep. Replanting that way can cause the crown to rot. The daylilies will grow and fill in the new space around them. | Purchase nursery-grown starter plants or obtain root divisions. Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Select an area with soil that drains well. Test the soil for a pH between 6 and 7. Plant daylilies in early spring or early fall. Till the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure. Dig a 12 ft (370 cm) by 12 ft (370 cm) hole in the tilled soil. Situate the roots in the hole. Add soil around the roots to refill the hole. Plant the root divisions 2 ft (61 cm) to 3 ft (91 cm) apart. Water each planted root division thoroughly. Give daylilies 1 in (2.5 cm) of water each week. Fertilize daylilies in the late spring. Mulch your daylily plants in the summer. Watch out for spider mites during the summer. Divide daylily plants every 3 to 5 years after initially planting them. Raise the whole daylily plant clump from the earth. Replant the root divisions 24 in (61 cm) to 36 in (91 cm) apart. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Ukulele-Tabs | How to Read Ukulele Tabs | To read ukulele tabs, note that the tab chart has 4 horizontal lines that correspond to the 4 strings on your instrument. When you hold your ukelele up to your body, the “G” string will be the closest to your head, and the “A” string will be closest to your waist, but on your tab chart, “A” is at the top and “G” is at the bottom. The numbers on the chart match the fret number of the string that the number is on, so count the frets starting from the headstock and work down to the body of the ukulele. Put the pad of 1 of your fingers on the string and press it down into the fret. | Compare the strings of the ukulele to the tab chart. The tab chart has 4 horizontal lines that correspond to the 4 strings on the ukulele. On the chart, they're labeled from top to bottom as “A, E, C, G.” Place the ukulele flat on a table with the headstock to the left to visualize how the tab corresponds with the ukulele strings. When you hold the ukulele up to your body to play, the G string will be the closest to your head, and the A string will be the closest to your waist. Place your finger on the fret number of the identified string. The numbers on the chart correspond to the fret number of the string that the number is on. Count the frets starting from the headstock and working down to the body of the ukulele. Then, put the pad of one of your fingers on the string and press the string down into the fret. Try not to touch any other strings with your fingers, as this can cause them to make sounds while you're playing. Keep in mind that the numbers don't correspond with which finger you're supposed to use. You can use whichever finger feels natural to you to press the string into the fret. Pluck the string once to play the note. Using your fingers, your thumb, or a pick, make the string vibrate by tapping it and then letting go. Make sure you only hit the string one time if the fret is only labeled once on the tab. Then, set up your fingers to play the next note or chord. If you don't get a good sound out of the string the first time you pluck it, try adjusting the pressure on the fret. Make your grip slightly tighter or looser, and pluck the string again to see how the sound quality changes. Play the string without holding any frets if the number on the tab is “0. ” A “0” marking tells you to pluck the string without holding your fingers on any frets. Simply use your playing hand or a pick to make the string vibrate. Be sure to keep your fingers away from the frets on that string if it has a “0” on the tab. If your finger touches the string, it can cause the string to stop vibrating and the sound will stop. Read from left to right on the tab to play notes in sequence. Once you've plucked your first string, look to the right at the next column of numbers and re-adjust your fingers to play the next note that's on the tab. Keep reading from left to right until you reach a symbol or chord that you don't know. Don't move on in the tab to the next note until you feel like you've mastered the first one. Take your time as you work through the song for the first few times. When you're first learning ukulele, don't worry about working through the songs quickly or playing them exactly right. It's best to take your time and learn where to position your fingers. Once you've learned where your fingers go, you can practice more frequently to get faster and play the songs up to tempo. It may be helpful to focus on learning only one song at a time so you can begin to memorize the song as you play it. Place your fingers on 2 or more frets when the numbers align vertically. As you're looking at the columns on the tab, you might notice there are 2 or more numbers in the same column. Press your fingers into the noted frets for each string with a number, and check to make sure your fingers aren't bumping other strings. When you're first learning a chord, your fingers might feel a bit awkward. Don't be afraid to try different hand positions, as long as you're still touching the right frets and strings. For instance, the C chord is one of the easiest chords to play and the first one many learners are able to master. It looks like this: A |--3--| E |--0--| C |--0--| G |--0--| Strum the strings with a fret number to play the chord. Once you have your fingers in position on the frets, use your other hand to play only the strings that are noted on the tab. Use a strumming motion by running your finger or a pick across the strings, or pluck multiple notes at the same time. If one of the strings doesn't have a number on it on the tab, don't touch that string while you play the chord. Move your fingers to the next set of frets and strum to play the chord. After you've played the chord on the tab, move 1 column to the left and re-adjust your fingers for the next note or chord. Play the pitch and re-adjust your fingers again to play another pitch. Take your time as you're figuring out the chords for a song. Practice switching from the fingering for one chord to the next one without playing any notes. This will help your fingers get used to the motions of playing the song. Learn “hammer-on” notes to play a higher secondary pitch. Hammer-on notes are marked by a number, the letter “h,” and another number. Play them by putting your finger on the first numbered fret, plucking the string, and then quickly putting your finger on the second numbered fret and lifting the first finger you put down. For instance, a hammer-on labeled for the A string might be “2h3.” In that case, you'd place your finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, pluck the string, and then quickly place a different finger on the 3rd fret of the A string as you lift up the finger on the 2nd fret. Sometimes, hammer-ons are also noted with a “^” symbol. Identify “pull-off” notes to play a lower secondary pitch. Pull-off notes are marked with a number, the letter “p,” and another number. Place your finger on the fret of the first and second numbers, and pluck the string. Then, pull the finger off of the first numbered fret. For example, a pull-off labeled for the E string might be “3p2.” You would place your fingers on the 2nd and 3rd frets of the E string, pluck the string, and then lift up the finger on the 3rd fret to make the pitch lower. Like hammer-ons, pull-offs are sometimes labeled with a “^” symbol, especially when you're going to switch between hammer-ons and pull-offs. Look at the time signature at the beginning of the tab if there’s one available. The time signature looks like a fraction without a line at the beginning of the tab. Most time signatures are a number, like 2, 3, or 4, over 4, meaning that 1 beat will be represented by a quarter note. The top number signifies how many beats there are in a measure. For example, in a 4/4 time signature, there are 4 beats in a measure and 1 beat is represented by a quarter note. If there is a number other than 4 on the bottom of the time signature, like a 2, then a different note will represent 1 beat. For instance, in a 3/2 time signature, a half note is used to represent 1 beat. Keep in mind that not all tabs will have a time signature, and some may use use lines to signify how long you should hold the pitches for. Play a quarter note if there is a long line on the bottom of the tab. A quarter note is 1 beat of a standard 4-beat or 3-beat measure. When there's a longer line under the column, play the note or chord and count “1” in your head. Some tabs also have measures above the tabs with standard notation. If this is the case, be sure to look at the far left of the measure for the time signature. If it isn't two 4s on top of each other, the measures aren't 4 beats. No matter how many beats there are in the measure, a quarter note will always be held for 1 beat of the measure. Hold a half note if there’s a short line on the bottom of the tab. A half note always has half as many beats as the whole note, which is normally 4 beats. In a standard 4-beat measure, hold a half note for 2 of the 4 beats. In some rare cases, such as 2/3 time, you would hold the half note for 1.5 beats, since the bottom of the time signature denotes how many beats the whole note receives. Pluck a whole note when there’s no line under the tab. If there isn't any notation underneath the note, let the pitch continue for the entire measure. In a standard 4-beat measure, hold a whole note for all 4 beats in the measure. When you're first learning how to play, your pitches might not last for all 4 beats. Just remember to count for 4 beats in your head before you move onto the next pitch. Listen to a recording of the song to get a feel for the rhythm and tempo. If you've never heard the song before, it might be difficult to understand how the pitches flow together using only the time signature and beats. Search for the song online played on any instrument, and listen to it closely. Then, try to hum the song as you read and play the tabs. This will help you understand what the melody is supposed to sound like when played at the right pace and rhythm. If you're having trouble understanding the rhythm, beats, or tempo, consider using a metronome. The metronome is a device that produces beats based on the desired tempo for the song. You can set the tempo to be fast or slow, or you can match it to a specific song. | Compare the strings of the ukulele to the tab chart. Place your finger on the fret number of the identified string. Pluck the string once to play the note. Play the string without holding any frets if the number on the tab is “0. Read from left to right on the tab to play notes in sequence. Take your time as you work through the song for the first few times. Place your fingers on 2 or more frets when the numbers align vertically. Strum the strings with a fret number to play the chord. Move your fingers to the next set of frets and strum to play the chord. Learn “hammer-on” notes to play a higher secondary pitch. Identify “pull-off” notes to play a lower secondary pitch. Look at the time signature at the beginning of the tab if there’s one available. Play a quarter note if there is a long line on the bottom of the tab. Hold a half note if there’s a short line on the bottom of the tab. Pluck a whole note when there’s no line under the tab. Listen to a recording of the song to get a feel for the rhythm and tempo. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Skin-After-Using-a-Tanning-Bed | How to Take Care of Your Skin After Using a Tanning Bed | To take care of your skin after using a tanning bed, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your skin to protect it from water loss. You can use any moisturizer, but one with liposomes containing vitamin A are best for the health of your skin. In addition to moisturizer, apply a cream that contains hyaluronic acid to help bind and retain water molecules at the skin. Avoid showering if you can, but if you do shower, use cold or lukewarm water, and avoid using soap, which can dry out your skin. In order to keep your skin hydrated, you need to keep your body hydrated. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. | Consider skipping a shower. It's not because you need to worry about “washing away” your tan. The melanin production stimulated by UVA light won't be stopped by a shower. Rather, studies show that showering and then applying moisturizer does not hydrate your skin as well as applying moisturizer alone. If you do shower, be sure to: Take a cold or warm shower, not a hot one. Limit your shower time. Showering too long will remove oils from your skin. Avoid soap, or only apply it to the "smelly" places, such as your groin, armpits, and feet. Soap will strip the oil from your skin. Pat dry so that some moisture remains on your skin. Use a product with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally produced chemical that helps to bind and retain water molecules at the skin. Cosmetics containing hyaluronic acid have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity. Rub a cream with the compound into your skin before applying moisturizer. If you shower, apply the cream immediately afterwards. Apply moisturizer. Moisturizers help to replace the thin layer of lipids that protects your skin from water loss. Any moisturizer will do, but consider using one with liposomes containing vitamin A for skin health. If you do shower, apply moisturizer immediately afterward. Use a non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer if you are prone to breakouts. Hydrate. Skin is made up of cells, and all cells need water. If your skin doesn't get enough, it will be dry, tight, and flaky. Indeed, one of the main reasons skin ages is that it loses its ability to retain moisture. Drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day typically ensures that your skin is getting enough water, but because tanning can dehydrate you, you'll want to drink even more water on days when you tan. Eat dark chocolate. Cocoa both hydrates your skin and contains flavonols, a powerful type of antioxidant. Antioxidants limit the damage from free radicals that form when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Consume fruits high in polyphenols. Grapes, apples, pears, cherries, and berries all contain high levels of polyphenols, which have both antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties that help them protect your skin from the UV radiation of tanning beds. Drink pomegranate juice or eat a pomegranate. Pomegranates contain flavonoids that have been shown to have a wide variety of health effects, including acting as an antioxidant that protects skin and helping to prevent cancer. Cook pasta with tomato sauce or order pizza. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a chemical that has been shown to help protect skin from ultraviolet radiation damage. Tomato paste contains the most, meaning tomato sauces or even pizza can be a rich source. Munch on sunflower seeds. They are packed with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by UV light. Brew some green tea. It contains polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, thus helping to protect your skin from the damage caused by UV light. Know that you can burn from tanning too long. Tanning beds emit UVA radiation, just like the sun, and if you stay in them too long you can get burned. The fairer your skin, the less time it will take to burn. Treat the burn as soon as you notice it. The faster you start treatment, the less damage the burn will do. If your skin feels tingly or itchy, or if it is pink or reddish, you should start treating it right away. Drink lots of water. Burns draw water to your skin, dehydrating the rest of you. You'll always want to drink extra water after tanning, but if you have burned, you'll want to drink as much water as you can stomach to promote healing and keep you hydrated. Put a cold damp towel on your skin or take a cold shower or bath. Do this for 10 or 15 minutes several times a day to take the heat out of your skin and offer relief. If taking a bath or shower, pat yourself dry and leave some water on your skin. Apply moisturizer immediately. Use moisturizer frequently. Moisturizers with aloe vera are particularly soothing for burned skin, and you may also want to consider products with Vitamin C and E, which may help to limit the damage to your skin. Do not use moisturizers that contain petroleum, which will trap the heat in your skin. Also avoid benzocaine and lidocaine, which can irritate your skin. Do not apply moisturizers to blistering skin. Apply hydrocortisone cream to particularly uncomfortable areas. You can buy hydrocortisone over-the-counter, and it will help to ease painful burning or itching. Do not apply hydrocortisone to blistering skin. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) will both reduce pain and swelling, helping to prevent long-term damage to the skin. Adults may also use aspirin, but never give it to children, as it can cause sudden acute brain and liver damage. Leave blisters alone or cover them with dry bandages. Blisters indicate that you have a second degree burn. Do not put moisturizer on them or pop them, as this will make your sunburn worse. Leave them alone until they heal, or consider covering them with a dry bandage to prevent chafing against your clothing. Protect yourself when you go outside. The last thing you want to do is to expose your burned skin to more sun. Keep your time outside to a minimum, and when you do go out, cover all burned areas with clothes made of tightly-woven fabric (when you hold them up to a bright light, no light should shine through). If you have a burn on your face, apply a moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen. Know the causes of tanning bed rash. Your skin may become itchy or develop bumps after using a tanning bed for a variety of reasons: Your skin has become overheated from the tanning bed. You are suffering from polymorphous light eruption, which causes red bumps to appear on the skin after exposure to UV light. You are having a reaction to the products used to clean the tanning bed. You may be sensitive to the “tan-accelerating” lotion you use while tanning. You may be taking a medication (such as birth control, acne medication, or even Advil) that makes your skin more sensitive to UV light. You may have a skin infection from a poorly cleaned bed. See a doctor if your rash is warm and tender or accompanied by a fever. Poorly cleaned tanning beds can contain bacteria and viruses that lead to infections requiring medical treatment. Consult with your doctor about any medications you are taking. You will want to be sure that the drugs you are taking are not making your skin more sensitive to light before returning to the tanning salon. Stop tanning and see if the rash goes away. If it does not, you should see a doctor. If it does, you can return to the tanning salon and try to determine and eliminate the cause of the rash. Apply a small, diluted amount of the cleaner used by the tanning salon to a tiny patch of your skin to see if a rash forms. Next, try tanning without the tan-accelerating lotion to see if it was the cause. Finally, try tanning for shorter amounts of time, which should eliminate the possibility of heat rash. Consider other tanning methods if the rash persists. If you continue to develop rashes after tanning, you may be experiencing polymorphous light eruption or might even have developed a UV allergy. Talk to your doctor, and be sure to wear sunscreen when outdoors. Discontinue the use of tanning beds and consider using tanning lotions instead if you want a bronzed look. | Consider skipping a shower. Use a product with hyaluronic acid. Apply moisturizer. Hydrate. Eat dark chocolate. Consume fruits high in polyphenols. Drink pomegranate juice or eat a pomegranate. Cook pasta with tomato sauce or order pizza. Munch on sunflower seeds. Brew some green tea. Know that you can burn from tanning too long. Treat the burn as soon as you notice it. Drink lots of water. Put a cold damp towel on your skin or take a cold shower or bath. Use moisturizer frequently. Apply hydrocortisone cream to particularly uncomfortable areas. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. Leave blisters alone or cover them with dry bandages. Protect yourself when you go outside. Know the causes of tanning bed rash. See a doctor if your rash is warm and tender or accompanied by a fever. Consult with your doctor about any medications you are taking. Stop tanning and see if the rash goes away. Consider other tanning methods if the rash persists. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Leadership-Style | How to Find Your Leadership Style | To find your leadership style, take online personality tests to determine your dominant personality traits. Then, use this information to come up with a leadership style that suits you. For example, if you're empathetic, open to input, and team-oriented, you may prefer a collaborative leadership style. However, be prepared to change your leadership style to suit the job you're doing, even if it goes against your natural preference. You can also try asking colleagues for their opinion if you find this process difficult. | Assess your personal strengths. Whether you tend to be more collaborative or more independent when taking on a leadership role, there are a whole slew of characteristics that go into your personality – and accordingly, to your personal leadership style. Take online personality and leadership style tests to help further establish the dominant characteristics of your personality and the potential style of leadership that may work best for you. Ask your colleagues – both above you and below you in the hierarchy of the professional world – what strengths they believe you have, as well as those areas you should look into strengthening further. Figure out what leadership style best fits your strengths. There are established styles of leadership that will allow you to capitalize on the strengths you already actively demonstrate. Knowing what these strengths are can you choose the style that may be the most effective for you. Consider the following lists of characteristics and consider whether you identify especially strongly with one particular set. Are you empathetic, team-oriented, emotionally approachable, open to input, and inspiration-driven? Leaders of this variety are seen as collaborators or energizers, and can use their positive energy and ability to inspire to lead and motivate others. Are you action oriented, confident in the methodology you use, loyal, quality-driven, execution-focused, and stable? Leaders who identify with these characteristics can be seen as providers or harmonizers, and are often able to keep a team working together smoothly. Are you cautious in making decisions, task-focused, results-oriented, traditional, decisive, and self-reliant? Leaders of this sort, considered producers or composers, are often especially able to lead their team to achieve specific goals. Default to the style that you believe will work. Your search for a particular leadership style should reflect attention to what will generate results in the context within which you are expected to lead. While your default personality makes using certain leadership styles easier – this doesn't necessarily mean that the style of leadership you may naturally be inclined towards is the right one for the job. Recognize that the leadership style you choose to employ is a choice, and a temporary choice at that. Think about how different styles of leadership will allow you to do different things, and consider leaning towards the style you think will be the most effective. Draw on multiple styles of leadership. Be ready and willing to adapt your leadership approach when different situations call for it. For example, be willing to utilize more directive, pace-setting styles of leadership at certain times - even if you usually take a more collaborative, creative, and participatory approach. Your go-to leadership style will simply not work in every situation you face. This is perhaps especially true in unexpected moments, when effective leadership is most necessary. Prepare for situations in which you may need to utilize a style of leadership you're not used to. This includes the role of enforcer. If your leadership role usually doesn't require you to be forceful, don't allow this to lead to hesitation or uncertainty when a situation that calls for a stern approach arises. Avoid emulating leadership styles that don’t fit your personality. Do not allow yourself to resort to leadership styles that do not accurately reflect who you are as an individual. More than likely, straying too far from how you usually behave and interact with those around you will come across as disingenuous. Maintain authenticity by behaving in a manner that you can be genuinely proud of. If you're feeling awkward when trying out a new leadership style, don't stick to something you don't see developing further. Keep experimenting with leadership styles until you find the one that allows you to be comfortable and confident. Be ready and willing to follow. Recognize and appreciate the strengths of your colleagues and the value of their contributions to maximize your collective effectiveness. It's impossible to be perfectly well-rounded, let alone have a mastery of all the skill sets needed to complete most multi-faceted projects. A well-led team, however, can be both well-rounded and masterfully multi-talented. Reflect on who you work with, and who on your team has strengths that compliment your own. Allow others to take the reins while executing certain aspects of your shared responsibilities. Not only may they be especially capable, your demonstration of trust in them will facilitate their appreciation for you as a leader. Articulate your expectations and make sure benchmarks are achieved. Ensure those you lead are on board with your view of the way forward to ensure the wind keeps blowing in the right direction. Set specific dates that your expect certain tasks to be completed and check in with those responsible when those dates arrive. Cultivate the belief in others that you're approaching your collective goals by emphasizing the positive steps taken along the way. Maintain this confidence by communicating consistently with everyone around you. Keep the communication channels flowing. Remind yourself that nobody can read your mind, and that your ability to articulate your vision of an idea or solution is initially the most important factor in the realization of that idea. In simplest terms: get the word out and keep everybody – including yourself – up-to-date. Value your own and others' time by planning exactly how you want to convey certain concepts to those you lead. Understand that you may have to explain a certain idea in several different ways to ensure it is fully understood by everyone involved. Learn from those you lead. You will get nowhere if you're not aware of the needs and feelings of those around you. In fact, your ability to lead is in large part dependent on being able to recognize the value of other peoples' contributions. After ensuring that you're on the same page with everyone, trust those around you to make innovative decisions about different ways of doing things. Stay out of the way when good things are happening. Believing in those around you and giving them the freedom to rise to the occasion will inspire confidence and productivity. Ask those you lead what more you can offer to help them accomplish the tasks they are assigned. Ask yourself how you can better bring out the best in those you lead to fine tune your leadership approach with each specific colleague. Learn from other leaders, too. It's no secret that the world turns just as quickly outside your realm of awareness, let alone your sphere of influence. Keep an active external network with other leaders in your industry and read widely about the technological and socio-political developments that will affect whatever you're involved in. Share your convictions with confidence. Even if you don't have a formal leadership role, present your ideas and opinions clearly and assertively. Always be professional, but don't withhold the charisma. Particularly when you're advocating for something you truly believe, use both your physical and verbal language to convey your excitement. Stop just short of not giving a damn about what other people think. After important conversations, reflect on whether you could have played a more active role. Every evening, make a list of the things you did to become a better leader that day and think about how to incorporate what worked well into the following day. Demonstrate integrity at all times. Your ability to positively affect those around you is a reflection of your personal integrity. The degree to which those around you are willing to follow you – more directly, the degree to which others trust you – depends foremost on whether people believe you to be a person of integrity. While this all may sound melodramatic, it's immensely important. It's also rather straightforward. Treat everyone with respect. Don't participate in something you would be upset to learn that someone else had done. Be honest, especially in regards to your failures. Practice patience. For one thing, you will diminish your own and other's productivity if you easily become frustrated with minor mistakes or temporary setbacks. If you find yourself frequently getting frustrated with those you lead, take a step back and reflect on your perspective of those around you. Treat your colleagues as your equals. Impatience with others is an indication that you view them primarily as something to be used to accomplish a certain task. The next time a mistake is made, take the opportunity to address the issue calmly and with your mind towards prevention and education. Take care to do so without being patronizing. Be kind to everyone around you. It's been proven time and time again that positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment or other reactionary protocols. Not only do people simply respond well to kindness, a leader that is friendly is more often admired. If someone isn't meeting your expectations, approach them with the intention of understanding why they are struggling, and be ready to propose a path that they might take to get back on track. Let people know when they're doing well, too. This will increase confidence, moral, and comradery. Delegate challenging tasks to capable employees. One of your primary roles as a leader in almost any context is to help those you lead learn to take on new responsibilities. Give them the necessary opportunities to practice doing so by delegating appropriately challenging tasks. Delegating tasks that others can accomplish also allows you to focus on the responsibilities that are unique to your leadership position. Avoid the classic pitfall of taking on too much by trusting your team to handle the responsibilities you assign them. Remember that taking on too much is a surefire way to lose control, not contain it. Articulate your belief that those you lead can accomplish particularly challenging tasks, as this will motivate them to put their full effort into the task at hand. Clarify your expectations. The more clarity you provide about what needs to be accomplished, the more likely those around you will be able to help make it happen. | Assess your personal strengths. Figure out what leadership style best fits your strengths. Default to the style that you believe will work. Draw on multiple styles of leadership. Avoid emulating leadership styles that don’t fit your personality. Be ready and willing to follow. Articulate your expectations and make sure benchmarks are achieved. Keep the communication channels flowing. Learn from those you lead. Learn from other leaders, too. Share your convictions with confidence. Demonstrate integrity at all times. Practice patience. Be kind to everyone around you. Delegate challenging tasks to capable employees. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Spy | How to Spy | Before you spy on someone, make sure you have a mission or something to learn, like where your sibling hid your stuff. While you're spying, make sure you act calm by standing normally without fidgeting or touching your face a lot. You should also consider disguising yourself with a hat and sunglasses so people are less likely to recognize you. In addition, try to dress similar to everyone else so you don't draw attention to yourself. | Have a goal. This is called an “objective.” It's easy to get lost in the huge amount of information you're about to uncover. Make sure you're trying to figure out a clear question like “Where did my sister hide my stuffed animal?” “Is my boyfriend cheating on me?” or “Why is my friend always in a hurry after gym class?” Get to know your surroundings. The more familiar with the area you will be spying at, the more it can help you. Knowing where you will be spying will make you more comfortable when it comes time to spy. The bigger the location where you'll be spying, the bigger the possibility that you may lose track of your target.Try to spy where there aren't many places you can lose your target. It could take more time to scout larger locations like malls, so stick with small locations. If you're spying on someone you know, you may already know a lot about where the person lives or hangs out. Notice exits, entrances, and hallways just in case of an emergency. Figure out things you can hide behind, like large trash cans, houses, or cars. Keep a journal. Write down your goal and whatever you already know about your target. Include where you'll be spying and your observations about the location. Write down what you think the outcome of spying will be; when your mission is complete, you can see if you were right. Write down dates and times of events, too. The more organized you are, the easier it is to draw conclusions. Know your target. Figure out what the person's schedule is and where the target will be at certain times. This will help you figure out where and when to complete your mission. Find out the target's name, occupation, and what area the person lives in. Be sure you know what the target looks like. This will make following someone from a distance easier. If you're spying on someone you already know, find out even more personal details. Gather your tools. There are endless spy gadgets on the market: a simple Google search reveals thousands! Making yourself a budget before you start looking at gadgets will mean you don't bankrupt yourself to spy. Only get what's useful. For example, if you're going to be far away from the target, binoculars could help. If you need to talk to someone on the phone, consider a voice changer. Expensive gear usually isn't necessary. Simpler is better. Tons of gear can get confusing, and carrying around a bunch of gadgets looks suspicious. Dress normally. Usually, people like to stand out by wearing clothes that are unique. When you're spying, however, the trick is to blend in so no one notices you. A bad spy hides; a good spy blends. Dress for the occasion. If you'll be spying at the beach, don't show up wearing cameo pants and boots. Dress the way everyone else would. If the people around you are wearing a suit and tie, you do the same. Wear neutral colors. This includes grays, blacks, and browns. Stay away from wearing distracting colors like red, orange, and yellow. Act calm. Keep a relaxed posture and don't fidget too much when you're spying. Touching your face a lot, rubbing your legs in an anxious way, or even avoiding eye contact are all examples of nervous body language. Use accessories. If you are spying on someone you know personally, that means your cover can be easily blown. There are many affordable and simple ways to change the way you look. Fake facial hair and wigs can be found at any joke shop or even in discount stores. These may look suspicious, however, if you aren't old enough to grow facial hair, so try them on beforehand. Sunglasses are an easy way to hide your face. Hats hide also your face. If you have long hair, try hiding your hair in the hat, too. Wigs are another good option. If you talk to someone, use a fake accent, but make sure that it actually sounds similar to the real one; some fake accents sound completely fake and could get your cover blown. Age yourself. We all have lines that form when we smile, and you can make these lines more permanent by using an eyebrow pencil to fill in the lines. Use a soft eyebrow pencil that is darker than your skin tone. Follow your laugh and smile lines gently with the pencil, then smooth the lines out with your finger. Do the same with the lines that run from your nostrils to the corners of your mouth, and add some wrinkles on your forehead. Don't make the lines too dark. Gain weight. Adding a cushion under your clothes will give you a bigger belly. A towel rolled up under your jacket will make to look broader. No one is likely to recognize you if your body looks completely different. Change your walk. We can all recognize people we know from far away by their movements. If you know your target, changing the way you walk will prevent your target from recognizing you at a distance. Use the internet. Scour the target's social media accounts, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Often, people make personal posts on these sites that will allow you to learn a lot of information. Making a fake social media account to follow or friend the target can be a good idea. Take your time. Since people often make more than one post a day, going through someone's social media accounts can be time consuming. Write down any posts that are relevant to your objective. Take pictures. Camera lenses can zoom in on a subject, so you can take pictures from far away. This can help you more easily remember what you observed while following someone. Be sneaky because someone can easily see you taking a picture. Interview the target’s friends. This can be difficult, and it may get your cover blown, so be casual. If you have a question you need answered, people who are good friends with the target could have important clues. Don't try this unless you really believe the target's friends could have clues that help your objective. Never ask the target's friends directly about your mission. Bring your question up in a natural way. The closer you already are to the target's friends, the easier this will be. Trying to interview a stranger isn't a good idea, and it could be dangerous. Take what you need. If there is an item you need to obtain in order to gain information, take it, but leave as little a trace as possible. If you see that the target leaves the room or office, slip in casually and shut the door behind before taking anything. Make sure no one sees you do take anything. Be sure not to move anything around. Leave everything as it was when you stepped in. Make a mental note of what it looked like before you touch anything. Remember that stealing is illegal. If you need to get an item from someone, put it back once you look at it. Observe the target closely. Keep your objective in mind the entire time you're spying. A clue is anything that could answer your objective. Try to read lips and understand conversation without hearing it being spoken. Have more than one back up plan, just in case you need to leave a situation with short notice. Don't wear yourself out. If you've been spying for hours, take a break. The more tired you are, the less observant you will be. | Have a goal. Get to know your surroundings. Keep a journal. Know your target. Gather your tools. Dress normally. Dress for the occasion. Wear neutral colors. Act calm. Use accessories. Age yourself. Gain weight. Change your walk. Use the internet. Take pictures. Interview the target’s friends. Take what you need. Observe the target closely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Video-Chat-a-First-Date | How to Video Chat a First Date | To have a good video chat first date, dress up the same as you would for an in-person date to boost your confidence. Take a moment to find flattering lighting and camera angles before your date so you look your best. You should also plan something for you and your date to do, like watch the same movie together, order food delivery for each of you, introduce your pets to each other, or go on a virtual walk. If you run out of conversation topics, just ask your date open-ended questions, like what they like to do for fun or what places they've traveled to. | Chat with them over text before your video date. Before you “meet” your potential date, take a little time to get to know them. Exchange emails, texts, or instant messages to help you get a sense of whether you're a good match. This will help your first face-to-face conversation feel less awkward. Talking to your date over text first can also help you get ideas for a good first video date. For example, if they tell you that they love Star Trek, you could suggest a Picard watch party! Remind yourself that you’ll be in the comfort of your own home. If you're feeling the first date jitters or are afraid that a video date will be awkward, try to put yourself at ease by remembering that there are actually a lot of advantages to video dating! For example, keep in mind that: You don't have to worry about who's paying for dinner. There's no need to be concerned about how you'll get home afterward. There are fewer safety concerns (although it's still a good idea to be careful of what you share online). If things get super awkward or uncomfortable, you can always just hit “End Call”! Plan what you’d like to do together before you call. If you go into your date with a game plan, it will likely feel less awkward. Chat with your date about their expectations and suggest a couple of ideas. And of course, set a time you can both agree on so you don't catch them by surprise when you call! In addition to being courteous to your date and helping you feel less nervous, making a specific plan can give you something positive to look forward to when you're stuck at home and feeling stressed or bored. Make sure to get your date's input about what you'll do during your virtual meeting, whether it's sharing a drink, watching a movie, or eating a meal. You can also set a time limit to help prevent things from dragging on and getting awkward. For instance, you could agree to hang out online from 5 pm to 6 pm. You can always cut it short or even agree to hang out longer if you're both into it. Dress up like you would for an in-person date. You don't have to dress to the nines, but making a little bit of an effort can boost your confidence and put you in the right mindset. Put on a nice top, style your hair, and put on a little makeup if you'd normally wear it. You could even spritz on your favorite perfume or cologne if it helps you get into the first date zone! Resist the urge to skip the pants. You never know when you might have to stand up to get something, and it's probably best not to traumatize your date with your favorite pair of stay-at-home undies right off the bat. Set up flattering lighting and camera angles. One advantage of video dating is that you get to show yourself in your best light, literally! Turn on your webcam or the front-facing camera on your phone or tablet and fiddle around to find the most flattering angle. Pick a well-lit place to set up, or dim your lights if you want to create a more romantic atmosphere. For example, avoid positioning your camera so that it's pointing up at you from below. Otherwise, your date will get an eyeful of your nostrils. Position your camera at eye level and look at the camera while you speak so that you appear to be making eye contact with your date. If you want, you can make a quick video call to a friend and ask them how you look before your date. Clean up any part of your living space that will be in the frame. Video dating will allow your partner to get a little glimpse into your home, so create a good first impression by tidying it up. Pick up any clutter that's lying around and sweep or vacuum away obvious crumbs, dirt, or pet hair. You can also make the date more romantic by lighting some candles and having low lighting. You could even put some interesting décor or objects in the background. Choose something that shows off your personality or that might make an interesting conversation starter, like a favorite poster or a musical instrument. Plan to co-watch a movie for a low-key first date. Even if you can't snuggle on the couch watching Netflix or sit in a movie theater together, you and your date can still share a movie-watching experience! Open up your favorite streaming service and watch something at the same time while you chat, whether it's a rom-com, a TV episode, or a cool documentary. You can use apps or extensions like Kast, Netflix Party, or Metastream to make it easier to watch together. That way, you don't have to worry about making sure you both hit play at the same time. You could also both tune in to a concert or other live entertainment event online. Play a game online together for a more interactive experience. Meeting in a virtual world can be a fun alternative to hanging out in person! Whether it's an MMORPG or a low-key game like Words with Friends, try setting up a relaxing gaming session with your new date. You can either have a video chat window open on another device or use an app like Bunch or Houseparty so you can see each other while you play. Have a karaoke party if you enjoy singing. If you and your date both like to sing, make it a virtual karaoke date. Put together a special YouTube playlist or tune in to a website like Karaoke.Camp where you can sing along with other people who are stuck at home. If one or both of you plays a musical instrument, you could also turn it into a virtual jam session. For example, you could play the guitar while your date sings or rocks out on the drums. If you don't like to sing, try having an online dance party, instead. Try looking for fun online meetups, happy hours, or hangouts the two of you can join to try a fun, social date. Meet each other’s pets if you’re both animal lovers. If your cat likes to photobomb you during video conferences, turn it to your advantage by inviting Mittens to crash your date. If your date is like most people, they'll be happy to fuss over a cute critter while also getting to know a cool new human. If you both have pets, you can bond over your furry, feathery, or scaly companions together! Talking about pets is a great way to break the ice on a first date, so you could even start off the call with your pal already sitting in your lap or on your shoulder. Work on a creative project together to embrace your artistic side. Turn on an episode of The Joy of Painting, open a bottle of wine, and try to paint along with Bob Ross together. Or, you could both try out a new recipe and then share a virtual meal together. Even if your project is a total disaster, you can both share a laugh over your mutual “nailed it” moment. If there's something you're especially good at, you could even walk your date through an online tutorial. Then, have them teach you a cool skill that they know. Order food delivery for each other for a classic dinner date. Just because you can't treat your date in person doesn't mean you can't buy them dinner! If they're comfortable with sharing their address, you can have a GrubHub order sent directly to them. Otherwise, just offer to Venmo them the cost of the meal. You could also try preparing your meal together if you both like to cook. Once you each get your food, you can enjoy a virtual dinner date together. You can even light candles and put out some nice table settings to create the mood of a romantic restaurant! Take a virtual walk together if you can go outside. Depending on where you live, there's a good chance you can still go outside even if you're sheltering in place. If your reception is good enough, you could combine your virtual date with a little fresh air. Plan to walk to your favorite outdoor locations and show each other the scenery over your phone or tablet camera. If your virtual walk goes well enough, you could even plan to meet up for an in-person outdoor date! If there are still social distancing orders in place, you'll just have to stay at least 6 feet (1.8 m) apart during your walk. Ask your date lots of questions to get to know them. Showing a real interest in your date is important whether you're meeting in person or online. Keep the conversation going and let them know you care by asking open-ended questions about who they are, what's important to them, and what they like to do. For example, you might ask things like, “What do you like to do for fun?” or “What's your favorite place in the world?” Give them your full attention while you’re chatting. You may be sitting on your couch at home, but you're still on a date! Don't get distracted by social media or whatever is on TV just because your date isn't actually sitting across from you. If you're chatting over your computer or tablet, don't keep glancing at your phone while you talk. If you choose to watch something together, be ready to chat with your date while you watch. Consider choosing something you've both seen a few times so you won't be absolutely riveted to the screen during your date. Look for common ground to talk about if things get quiet. Awkward silences are totally normal on any first date, but they can kill the mood fast. If you and your date end up sitting there uncomfortably with nothing to say, try to quickly come up with something that the two of you might have in common to talk about. For instance, you could mention a shared interest or ask about a mutual friend. Try saying something like, “So, you went to State U., right? Do you know Charles Biffen?” If you can't think of anything that the two of you might have in common, you could look for something in your date's environment to talk about. For example, “That's a really cool poster back there, could you tell me about it?” Avoid talking about hot button topics. Few things can sour a first date faster than getting into a heated argument. Keep the conversation light and fun for now, and stay away from really upsetting or controversial subjects unless you already know your date feels the same way as you. For instance, you might want to steer clear of topics like politics or religion until you have a bit of a better sense of what your date is like. Be careful about getting intimate too quickly. While there's nothing wrong with getting a little cyber action if you're both into it, jumping straight into anything sexual could scare off your date or send the wrong message. There's also a chance you could put yourself at risk by showing or sharing too much with someone you don't know. Trust your judgment and talk to your date beforehand about what they're comfortable with. For example, don't ask your date to show off any part of their body unless you've already discussed it ahead of time and you know they're okay with it. There's also a chance the other person could get screenshots or even record videos of your chat and share them without your permission, so make sure you trust them before showing or doing anything you wouldn't want other people to see. Wrap up your call politely if you’re not feeling it. One advantage of a virtual date is that you don't need to stick it out or come up with an elaborate escape plan if things go south. If you're uncomfortable with how your date is going or just not enjoying yourself, say something like, “This has been fun and I'm glad we had a chance to chat, but I just don't feel like it's working out. I'm going to sign off.” If your date is being really inappropriate or rude, you can also simply hang up the call. | Chat with them over text before your video date. Remind yourself that you’ll be in the comfort of your own home. Plan what you’d like to do together before you call. Dress up like you would for an in-person date. Set up flattering lighting and camera angles. Clean up any part of your living space that will be in the frame. Plan to co-watch a movie for a low-key first date. Play a game online together for a more interactive experience. Have a karaoke party if you enjoy singing. Meet each other’s pets if you’re both animal lovers. Work on a creative project together to embrace your artistic side. Order food delivery for each other for a classic dinner date. Take a virtual walk together if you can go outside. Ask your date lots of questions to get to know them. Give them your full attention while you’re chatting. Look for common ground to talk about if things get quiet. Avoid talking about hot button topics. Be careful about getting intimate too quickly. Wrap up your call politely if you’re not feeling it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Acne-Scars | How to Prevent Acne Scars | To prevent acne scarring, treat acne as soon as it arises, using a spot treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur on any pimples that you feel forming. In addition, keep your face clean by washing it twice a day and refraining from touching it throughout the day, since the oil from your hands can irritate your skin. If you have cystic acne, which causes painful, pus-filled cysts under your skin, visit a dermatologist since it's hard to treat this kind of acne on your own. | Treat acne early to avoid scarring. If you have acne, the first step to preventing scarring is to get your acne under control with the appropriate treatment. This may seem obvious, but it's true. The earlier you begin safe and effective treatment, the less chance of any skin damage or scarring. Take the time to go into your doctor or dermatologist to discuss your skin and the proper course of action. There are different types of acne, including: Mild acne — Mild acne is characterized by the whiteheads and blackheads common to most of us. Moderate acne — This type is characterized by those red, angry-looking pimples called papules and those red pimples with white centers called pustules. Severe acne — Severe acne, also known as cystic acne, causes nodules (painful, pus-filled cysts) under the skin. This type of acne causes causes the most scarring. Use an on-the-spot treatment for other pimples. As soon as you feel a pimple forming, use a spot treatment because this when such treatments are the most effective. There are different types of spot treatments, but most of them contain one of three main acne-fighting ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur. Keep in mind that spot treatments will work on most blemishes, but won't have much effect if you're trying to treat a cystic pimple. Visit your dermatologist when a cystic acne breakout occurs. If you have cystic pimples (pimples that stay under the skin and never develop a white head), consider getting a cortisone injection from your dermatologist. Cortisone, which is a steroid medication, will reduce inflammation drastically and will greatly reduce the chance of scarring. In addition, it will keep you from attempting to pop the pimple yourself, which increases the likelihood of scarring. Cortisone injections work fast; they can reduce inflammation and the size of the pimple within 24–48 hours. For an at-home treatment for a cystic pimple, you could try René Rouleau's Anti-Cyst Treatment, which uses lactic acid and ethyl lactate to penetrate the skin and dissolve the cells clogging your pores as well as decrease bacteria and inflammation. However, this may not work for many people with cysts. Refrain from picking, pricking or squeezing pimples. Primarily made out of collagen, scars are one way in which the body repairs and heals itself. Scars usually feel a bit indented on the skin due to a loss of collagen after intense inflammation. Picking or squeezing only causes more inflammation and injury to the area, in addition to pushing pus and other bacteria deeper into the skin and resulting in more collagen damage. Don't make the mistake of thinking pimples are "ready" to be popped. Even this can cause scarring unless done by a trained dermatologist. Wash your face regularly. Keep your face clean and bacteria-free by washing it at least twice per day and after heavy sweating. Use a gentle cleanser that is ideal for your skin type (whether that be dry, oily, or combination). Talk to your doctor about cleansers for acne-prone skin with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Wash your face from the hairline to below the jawline. Avoid harsh or abrasive scrubbing, but do be sure to really massage your facial skin with the cleaner in a circular motion. Most people don't spend enough time washing their face and leave dirt and debris behind. Always wash your face at the end of the day to remove any makeup, sunscreen, or other remnants of the day. Use an oil-free makeup remover before washing to make sure that all makeup comes off and you're not just moving it around your face when you wash. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. To prevent long-term skin damage, avoid staying out in the sun for too long without sunscreen. You need sunlight to synthesize Vitamin D, but too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. Moreover, exposing acne spots and scars to the sun causes them to darken and derails the healing process. Additionally, if you are using anti-acne cream therapies, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, or taking certain oral medications such as doxycycline or isotretinoin (Accutane), your skin is more vulnerable to damage caused by UV light. Before heading outside, put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Note that there are a range of facial sunscreens on the market designed for acne-prone skin. Many of these are oil-free and contain salicylic acid. Try to stay out of the sun during its peak times, between 10a.m. and 2p.m. Avoid using vitamin E on scars. For a long time, it was believed that vitamin E helped scars heal faster. But recent research suggests this is not the case. In fact, applying vitamin E directly onto a scar can hinder the healing process. In one study from the University of Miami, vitamin E had either no effect or worsened the scars for 90% of patients. Stop smoking. Smoking narrows blood vessels and depletes oxygen from the skin, thus slowing down the healing process. To avoid bad scarring, allow your body to heal naturally and to its fullest capability. It's important to quit smoking in order to minimize adverse interference in the healing process. As added incentive to quit smoking, be aware that smoking also accelerates the aging process in the skin! Keep yourself hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps to detoxify the body and shed dead skin cells. Staying hydrated is a simple, healthy, and natural way to detox your body and may even alleviate future acne and scarring. For an added boost, add slices of lemon to your glasses of water. Rich in citric acid, lemons help to keep your body and skin healthy. The vitamin C in lemons also has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the formation of collagen in the skin, and can thus help prevent acne and scarring. Lemon juice is also a natural lightening agent, so may also improve the appearance of any existing scars if applied to the scars (sparingly). Make dietary changes. It was long-held belief that diet had nothing to do with acne and that acne was a function of genetics, hormones, and stress. However, the American Academy of Dermatology is now taking a second look at what they had once considered a “myth": the link between acne and certain types of carbohydrates or dairy products. However, the Academy is very clear to note that this link is weak at best and that there is not yet conclusive evidence of how diet may impact acne development and scarring. That said, however, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet full of mineral- and nutrient-rich foods is a good idea to keep your skin and body healthy. In particular, try to incorporate foods high in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) because these promote healthy and fresh skin and prevent skin damage. Anti-oxidant-rich foods include carrots, butternut squash, mangoes, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. Be patient. This is hard to do, but the biggest key to preventing and reducing acne scars is to wait. A few weeks after you have a breakout and scarring occurs, new blood vessels move into the scarred area and rejuvenate and nourish the skin. You'll know this is happening because the scar will look pink. Eventually, collagen will also start form and fill in the scarred area. If you suffer from cystic acne, scars can take a whole year to fade. It may be difficult to wait, but try to be patient. Make sure you are getting essential nutrients through food or supplements. Certain nutrients are absolutely essential to the health of your skin. These nutrients will allow your skin to heal effectively following an acne outbreak and will prevent the development of scars. Some of these nutrients include: Omega-3 fatty acids — Prevents acne by enhancing the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that helps produce healthy cells and prevents inflammation. Foods rich in Omega-3 include salmon, sardines and flax seeds. Zinc — There are many benefits of zinc for skin health. Zinc can reduce inflammation and scarring, as well as play a part in healing acne outbreaks. Soy, legumes, beans and high protein foods like fish, red and poultry meats are rich sources of zinc. Vitamin A — This essential vitamin contains antioxidants, a vital component of healthy cell growth. Plant sources are the best option to get vitamin A in your diet, because they don't contain saturated fats. Vegetables and fruits like carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, and apricots are high in vitamin A. You can also get vitamin A derivatives (known as retinoids) in the form of topical creams and lotions (see Method 4). Try lemon juice. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can reduce the appearance of scars as well as hydrate and detoxify the skin. The acid in lemon juice works to remove dead skin cells as part of skin healing and also lightens blemishes and hyperpigmentation. You can use lemon juice in homemade scrubs or masks: Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Honey Scrub : Mix together two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and one and 1/2 tablespoons of sugar. Then apply you to your face. Be gentle, since scrubbing could aggravate or irritate your skin. Then rinse. Lemon Juice, Yogurt, and Turmeric Powder Face Mask : Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to one tablespoon of yogurt. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture to form a paste. Apply this paste to your face and neck. Leave on for 15–20 minutes before rinsing with a warm washcloth. Use honey. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can halt bacteria and fungus from exacerbating acne scars. It also helps the pimple dry up faster and may serve as a barrier to moisture. Honey contains many beneficial nutrients and healing properties. Honey-Cinnamon paste : Mix three tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon (which has astringent and anti-viral properties). The result should be a paste that you then apply to problem areas on the skin. Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Research has suggested that doing this for a period of two weeks can lead to a reduction in mild to moderate acne. Make sure you use old towels over your pillowcase, as this will likely get messy. Make a turmeric paste. Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Pakistani and Indian curries. Turmeric's main known component is curcumin, a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent. Turmeric also helps heal and rebuild damaged tissues. Try applying a topical turmeric paste: Take one teaspoon of turmeric and make a thick paste with a few drops of water. Apply on the spots. Leave it on for as long as you can, but for at least thirty minutes. Wash off with normal water. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area. Research suggests that tea tree oil applied nightly to freshly cleansed face has similar antibacterial properties to benzoyl peroxide. Make sure to use 100% pure tea tree oil and not the products that contain tea tree oil. Using a cotton pad or tissue, spill a few drops of tea tree oil into it. Then apply onto the acne spots gently. Leave it for a few hours or overnight to reduce redness and swelling. Repeat nightly to see improvements in your skin. Stop using tea tree oil if you experience redness, swelling, or irritation of your skin, which may occur in people with acne. Use aloe vera. This plant gel has been shown to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe is gentle, so you won't have to worry about it causing additional damage or irritation to your skin. In addition, aloe is a natural moisturizer and will improve the softness of skin as well. Aloe vera gel can be found in any drugstore or pharmacy. You should apply this gel twice daily. However, fresh aloe vera right from the plant is best. Should you choose to use fresh aloe, break off a small piece of a leaf and peel away the outer leaf to expose the gel. Then, massage the gel into your skin. Leave the gel on for at least 30 minutes so it can soak into your skin. Speak with a dermatologist for management and treatment. There are a number of medicated treatments and dermatological procedures available to you, but in order to know which is appropriate for you and your skin, you should consult an expert. Inappropriate use of any products or procedures could cause permanent skin damage and scarring. Talk to your doctor about oral medications if your acne is moderate to severe. These can include oral antibiotics, oral contraceptive pills for women, and isotretinoin (Accutane). These medications are used only under a doctor's supervision. Use a retinoid cream. Retinoid skin creams brighten and heal the skin and can be purchased both over-the-counter and with prescription. Retinoids remove dead skin cells and help cells turn over more rapidly and avoid clogging in the process. They also promote collagen growth, which improves skin tone and elasticity. Results include improved smoothness of the skin and reduced discoloration and blotchiness. Retinoid creams are also excellent in treating and preventing blackheads. For an over-the-counter cream, try RoC Retinol Correxion Instant Facial Smoother. Creams requiring prescription include Differin, Tazorac or Retin-A Micro. Retinoid creams are usually applied at night after the face is washed and dried. Within a few weeks of consistent use, you should be able to see a significant reduction in acne lesions as well as an improvement in the overall health of the skin. Try a cortisone cream. If your scar or acne lesions are red or swollen, cortisone creams can help calm your skin and reduce inflammation as they are absorbed by the skin cells. Cortisone is a corticosteroid hormone that reduces our body's natural defensive responses and symptoms such as swelling, itchiness, and allergic reactions. These creams can be purchased without a prescription at most drug stores and pharmacies. You should only apply cortisone creams to your skin for a few days at a time, not long-term. Use a fade cream or skin lightener. Scars often darken the skin, so you may want to lighten these areas. Look for creams with ingredients such as Kojic acid (a natural skin lightener that comes from mushroom extract), arbutin (also known as bearberry extract), and vitamin C. Hydroquinone use to be a popular ingredient in fading creams but is recommended less frequently now. It can also cause grey pigmentation in the skin. Try a chemical peel. In a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in. Within one to two weeks, the skin peels off. The goal is to cause a controlled injury to the skin in order to simulate the growth of new skin, which in turn improves your skin's surface and appearance. For example, areas that were discolored or darkened by acne will likely even out and brighten. The mildest type of peel is a glycolic acid peel that works to lighten up dark spots. It can be applied to all skin types. There are many other peel options that can be tailored to your skin needs. Other common ingredients include salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and kojic acid. Though you can purchase chemical peels over the counter, this is not advisable. There is too much room for error and serious injury to your skin if the procedure is not done by a professional. Consult your doctor to decide whether a peel is appropriate for your skin type and condition. Get laser and/or filler treatments. If your scars don't fade away on their own, you may one to consider laser or filler treatments. In one to three separate sessions, laser skin resurfacing can even out the surface of the skin and help increase the formation of new collagen, which is key to filling in acne scars. Research has suggested that laser technology can help reduce redness and the size of scars. Alternatively, filler injections can help fill in acne scars. These injections generally require treatments every six to 12 months, but there are newer fillers that may even provide permanent results. To get these treatments, you will need to consult your dermatologist since they will need to be performed in a dermatologist's office. Try microdermabrasion. This procedure is a recent cosmetic innovation, used as an efficient alternative to invasive treatments (such as chemical peeling and laser resurfacing) to improve skin health and reduce scarring. Generally, it is a machine-assisted exfoliating treatment that utilizes tiny rough grains or crystal scrubs, such as sodium chloride and aluminum oxide, to remove the top few layers of skin and dead skin cells. Because it produces only a superficial depth of skin removal, it is best used to treat skin with minor or superficial scars. You may need multiple or regular treatments for the best results. Results can be temporary, since your skin regenerates quickly, or they can be long lasting and cumulative. | Treat acne early to avoid scarring. Use an on-the-spot treatment for other pimples. Visit your dermatologist when a cystic acne breakout occurs. Refrain from picking, pricking or squeezing pimples. Wash your face regularly. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Avoid using vitamin E on scars. Stop smoking. Keep yourself hydrated. Make dietary changes. Be patient. Make sure you are getting essential nutrients through food or supplements. Try lemon juice. Use honey. Make a turmeric paste. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area. Use aloe vera. Speak with a dermatologist for management and treatment. Use a retinoid cream. Try a cortisone cream. Use a fade cream or skin lightener. Try a chemical peel. Get laser and/or filler treatments. Try microdermabrasion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prove-You%27re-Innocent-when-You%27ve-Been-Accused-of-a-Crime | How to Prove You're Innocent when You've Been Accused of a Crime | To prove you're innocent of a crime, hire a lawyer as soon as possible, so they can support you through the process. Although you might be eager to clear your name, avoid talking to the police until you meet with your lawyer, since they might try to extract a false confession out of you. Working with your lawyer, trace your movements to find an alibi, like an eye witness, store receipts from the time of the crime, or video surveillance proving your location. When you've found evidence of your innocence, present it to the police with your lawyer if you're still under investigation. If it goes to court, you'll need to present evidence to a judge and jury. This can be scary, but remember that you're innocent and stay calm, since the truth will come out. | Think about false identifications. False identifications occur when an eyewitness wrongly identifies a person as being the one that committed a crime. Eyewitness testimony can be incredibly persuasive to a judge or jury but DNA has proven time and again that their identifications and testimony are often inaccurate. If you think you have been wrongly identified as a suspect, you should try any of the following: Ask for a blind administration of your lineup. This ensures that the officer conducting your lineup does not know who the possible suspect is. It prevents the officer from making suggestive statements to the eyewitness that could lead to that eyewitness wrongly identifying someone as the suspect. Request a better lineup composition. When your lineup is conducted, try to make sure all of the other people in the lineup look like the eyewitness's description of the suspect. Ask that your identification procedure be recorded. Having your lineup videotaped can be a great way to make sure there is no misconduct. The videotape can act as evidence if you feel something went wrong. Recognize the possibility of government misconduct. Oftentimes, law enforcement officials and prosecutors have motives that lead them to be dishonest in the execution of their duties. When this happens, they can use their power to convict someone of a crime they didn't commit. If you think this has happened to you, you should try the following: Raise the issue at trial. Talk to your attorney or the judge and convey your thoughts. Tell them why you think there has been misconduct and who you think is responsible. Understand false confessions or admissions. A lot of innocent people admit to doing something they didn't in fact do because they believe their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecutors will be better than trying to maintain their innocence. If you are being falsely accused of a crime you did not commit, do not fall into this trap and do not admit to anything you didn't do. If you feel threatened by police or attorney questioning at any time, stop talking and request a criminal defense attorney. Consider improper forensic science. In the present criminal investigatory climate, law enforcement is relying more and more on the use of forensic science, which is the application of science to legal problems. However, a lot of scientific methods being used have not been subjected to sufficient evaluation and this has led to a lot of errors. If you think you are being accused of a crime you did not commit because of faulty science, raise this issue at trial and consider hiring a forensics expert. Know the role of informants. Informants are people that give law enforcement officials information about crimes and misconduct. These informants often have incentives to work with law enforcement, and these incentives can lead to false statements. For example, informants are often past criminals themselves, and they could be lying to law enforcement in order to cover for themselves or for friends. If you think an informant has falsely identified you as the suspect, you need to bring this issue up at trial. Consider inadequate defenses. Sometimes your criminal defense lawyer can inadequately represent you and make mistakes at trial. When a defense attorney incompetently represents a criminal defendant, it can often lead to that defendant being wrongfully convicted. If you think your legal defense was inadequate, you will have to appeal your conviction and raise this issue there. Stay calm. You probably won't know that you've been accused of a crime until the police show up at the door. Undoubtedly, you will be shocked and confused. Nevertheless, you must remain calm so that you do not make mistakes. Decline to talk to police. You do not have to talk to police. Even if they arrest you, you may remain silent. Police may initially contact you simply as part of their investigation. However, if they begin asking you where you were on a specific date, then you should assume that you are a suspect. Police may tell you that it is okay to talk because you are not under arrest. That is meaningless. Anything you say at any time can be used against you in court, whether you have been arrested or not. If police take you into custody or formally arrest you, then you should tell them that you want to talk to a lawyer. You must say this explicitly. It is not enough to simply remain silent. If you remain silent, police can continue to lob questions at you in the hopes that you will eventually start talking. If you request a lawyer, the police are required to halt all questioning. However, if you re-initiate discussions with the police, then they can interrogate you. For this reason, you should limit your discussions to requests for food or trips to the bathroom. Do not engage in small talk, chit chat, or say anything at all about the charges brought against you. Do not even ask questions about the case. Hire a lawyer immediately. If you are arrested, then you can request that a public defender be provided. But even if you are not arrested, you should speak to a lawyer once you have found out that you have been accused of a crime. A lawyer can help assess your case, e.g., the likelihood that the state has enough evidence to charge you. He might also help you find evidence that supports your innocence. You cannot get a public defender until you are arrested, so you will have to pay for the assistance of a lawyer before then. Put together your alibi. Your attorney should be able to find out the crime you have been accused of, as well as when it happened and where. Then come up with a list of anyone who saw you at the time the crime was committed. Your attorney will get sworn written statements from them. Also, your attorney should try to videotape the interview. If the witness disappears before trial, then you may be able to introduce the statements at trial. Also look for documentary evidence that you were at a location. ATM receipts or purchases by credit card are a great way of showing that you were not at the crime scene. Try to identify if you were at a business that had video surveillance, such as a bank or a convenience store. That evidence can be used to show that you were not at the crime scene. Identify witnesses to the crime. If you are in prison, then you should hire a private investigator to find who may have witnessed the crime. If you cannot afford a private investigator, then friends or family could investigate. Have the investigator go to the location of the crime and ask anyone they see living nearby if they remember the night in question. They may be witnesses themselves. The investigator will track down leads. The investigator may also try to talk to your accuser. If the government decides to prosecute you, then they will have to release a list of witnesses to you. But they do not necessarily need to do this during the investigation stage. Save every email and record every phone call in your search for evidence. You may notice a pattern of obstruction. This is useful both in getting that person to stop obstructing you (the ideal scenario) or in proving obstruction in court. If the person you are trying to get evidence from has an attorney, you should only work through the attorney. Present the police with your evidence. After you have consulted with your lawyer, and after you have gathered evidence, then you may want to formally meet with the police and talk with them. Your attorney should be present during the entire interview. This is your chance to present your side of the case. Bring the exculpatory evidence with you, including the names and addresses of alibi witnesses. The police may choose to arrest you at any point. Be prepared to be arrested. If the state has already charged you with a crime, then presenting evidence to them will do little good. They are already confident of their case against you. Nevertheless, all the evidence you have gathered—your alibi evidence, witnesses, etc.—will be useful at trial. Refuse a polygraph. Some police departments use polygraph exams as part of their investigation. They may tell you that the polygraph exam is a way to clear your name. Instead, the polygraph exam is often used as a tool to extract a confession. After you take the exam, you may be told that you failed and that you should confess. You can avoid this scenario by declining to take a polygraph. Be discreet. If you are out of jail awaiting trial, then several opportunities will present themselves to talk to family and friends about the case. You shouldn't. Anything you say can be admitted against you at trial, even if you don't testify. Often, as a story is repeated, the original story is altered. The media or even the prosecutors could get wind of a wrong version of events. Avoid the press. If your case is high profile, members of the media may contact you for comments. You really gain nothing by talking to them. Even publicly professing your innocence is unlikely to sway prospective jurors. The press can take things out of context. Ultimately, reporters are more interested in ratings and newspaper sales than in helping you prove your innocence. If reporters harass you, refer them to your lawyer. Maintain your calm when around the press. Photographers may try to get a reaction just so they can sell a photo of you exploding in rage. They may call you or your family names in order to upset you. Block them out. Meet with your lawyer. Your lawyer should meet with you at least once before trial begins. She should explain the evidence that the state is presenting against you and her strategy for creating reasonable doubt. If you have trial strategies, suggest them to your lawyer. You may have seen something that your lawyer didn't. Even if your lawyer doesn't meet with you, you can always write letters to your lawyer or call. Stay up to date. No one has more to lose than you. Decide whether you want to testify. You have a constitutional right not to testify. Nevertheless, it could be helpful. Talk it over with your lawyer. Some factors you should consider include: How strong is the prosecution's evidence? Do they have a witness (other than the victim) who will testify that you committed the crime? Also how credible are their witnesses? Do you have strong alibi witnesses? If credible people can place you somewhere other than the crime scene then you may not want to testify. Do you have a prior conviction? Evidence of a felony conviction may be used to cast doubt on your credibility. If you decide to testify, the prosecutor can introduce evidence of prior felonies. Although you should trust your lawyer's advice, the ultimate decision whether to testify or not is always up to you. Stay centered and focused. Most people will decide whether or not you committed the crime based on what they already know of your character, for good or ill. You will find it frustrating that perhaps many might believe you are guilty. However, losing some friends is not as important as losing your liberty or your reputation if convicted. Prepare for court. You should understand everything that will happen in the trial: who the state will present as witnesses (they will give your lawyer a list), an idea of what the witnesses will say, and the witnesses your lawyer will present. Ideally, you should present some form of evidence that rebuts every major piece of evidence offered by the prosecutor. For example, for every witness that the state presents who testifies that he saw you commit the crime, you should have a witness who did not see you commit the crime. Also, you should try to impeach the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses. Come up with theories of why they are lying and gather evidence to support your theory. For example, if someone is biased against you because you took their job, then you should at a minimum raise this issue during the witness's examination. Dress professionally. Appearances matter to juries. When you go to court, dress professionally. Choose a clean, pressed, and well-cut outfit to wear. Have a haircut and shave (if relevant). Tone down the makeup (if relevant) and don't overdo jewelry or flashy rings. If you have facial tattoos, then cover them with makeup. You will be sitting far enough away from the jury so they will not be able to detect that you are wearing makeup. Be confident. You may be terrified, but you must project an air of calm confidence. Do not smile or make jokes, but nevertheless sit up straight and look at the jury. Take notes during the trial. This will give you something to do and also force you to pay attention to the evidence presented. If you have an idea, pass a note along to your lawyer. Practice being examined. If you plan to testify, you must rehearse constantly. You need to be able to speak clearly and succinctly. Prosecutors encourage their witnesses to tell the truth and speak in their own words. The same advice applies to you. Maintain eye contact and speak respectfully. Do not exaggerate or do anything that feels unnatural just for an effect. You do not need to cry to make yourself sympathetic. Understand when you need to appeal. If you have been convicted of a crime you did not commit, you need to appeal your trial conviction soon after it happens. In some states, you are required to file a notice of appeal within ten days of your conviction. Know what can be appealed. If you are appealing a criminal conviction, the appellate court will only hear legal issues, which means you will not be able to appeal the facts surrounding your case or the decisions of the jury. In California, there are only two ways you can appeal a criminal conviction. First, you can appeal and say there was not enough evidence to justify the guilty verdict. Second, you can claim there were mistakes of law that hurt your case (i.e., bad procedures, inadequate assistance of counsel, or wrongful application of a law). File your written brief. Once you have chosen to appeal and you know that your concern is appealable, you will need to file a written brief with the court that convicted you. Your written brief will contain a description of your claim, the facts supporting your claims, and the legal authority that backs up your claims. Take great care when writing your brief and consider hiring an experienced appellate attorney to help you. Your legal brief will be the the most important document during the appellate process so you need to make sure it is well crafted. Attend a court hearing if necessary. If you said there was not enough evidence to convict you, the appellate court will look at your brief and the trial record and make a decision based solely on those documents. However, if you claimed there was a mistake of law that led to your conviction, the appellate court will hold a hearing and listen to both parties. They will then decide if there is a legitimate reason to overturn your conviction. Obtain and fill out a petition for a certificate of innocence. If you were wrongly convicted of a crime and your conviction has been overturned, you may want to petition a court for a certificate of innocence. A certificate of innocence is a court order conclusively stating that you did not commit the crime for which you were convicted. To start this process, you should either obtain or write a petition to the court asking for a certificate of innocence. When you fill out a petition, you will need to tell the court: (1) you were convicted of a crime; (2) your conviction was reversed; and (3) you did not bring about the conviction on your own. The petition should also include any evidence and documentation you have supporting your statements. This will usually include trial orders evidencing your conviction and appellate orders overturning that conviction. File your petition in the correct court. Once you have written your petition, you will need to file it in the trial court of the county where you were convicted. Receive a court order granting your petition. Once you have filed your petition, you will be required to go to a court hearing and prove your innocence. If you can do this, the court will likely grant your petition and you will receive a court order conclusively stating your innocence. | Think about false identifications. Recognize the possibility of government misconduct. Understand false confessions or admissions. Consider improper forensic science. Know the role of informants. Consider inadequate defenses. Stay calm. Decline to talk to police. Hire a lawyer immediately. Put together your alibi. Identify witnesses to the crime. Save every email and record every phone call in your search for evidence. Present the police with your evidence. Refuse a polygraph. Be discreet. Avoid the press. Meet with your lawyer. Decide whether you want to testify. Stay centered and focused. Prepare for court. Dress professionally. Be confident. Practice being examined. Understand when you need to appeal. Know what can be appealed. File your written brief. Attend a court hearing if necessary. Obtain and fill out a petition for a certificate of innocence. File your petition in the correct court. Receive a court order granting your petition. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Proof-Yeast | How to Proof Yeast | To proof yeast, fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup of water that is between 110 and 115 °F. Add either flour or sugar to the water, stirring until it is completely dissolved. Stir the yeast into the water, then cover the bowl and leave the yeast to proof for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. If the surface of the water has bubbled after this time, the yeast is good and will work in your baking. However, if there is no sign of activity after 10-15 minutes, the yeast is no longer viable and should be discarded. | Remove one sachet of the yeast from the package. If your yeast is in a jar, measure one teaspoon (5 ml) of loose yeast. Set the yeast aside. Pour 1/4 cup (59 ml) of lukewarm water into a small bowl. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature of the water. The target temperature is between 110 and 115 degrees F (43-46 degrees C). Add the activator. Fresh yeast will react with the either granulated sugar or flour. For sugar, measure 1 teaspoon (5 ml). If you choose flour, use 2 teaspoons (10 ml). Stir or whisk the mixture until the sugar or flour dissolves. Add the yeast. Most experts recommend stirring the yeast into the sugar water. However, you can also sprinkle it over the surface of the water. Cover the bowl. If the bowl does not have its own cover, you can use a towel or aluminum foil. Leave the yeast to proof for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. Check the yeast mixture. Live yeast will cause the surface to bubble to the 1 cup (250 ml) mark. This means the yeast is good and will work in your baking. On the other hand, if there is no sign of activity after 10 to 15 minutes, the yeast is no longer viable and should be discarded. Protect dried yeast from the elements. Sealed sachets or unopened jars protect dried yeast from heat, light, and moisture. However, once exposed to oxygen, it must be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. Dried yeast may be stored in a cabinet, pantry, or freezer. Store fresh yeast in the fridge. Refrigerators provide the necessary cool, dry, and dark environment to preserve yeast temporarily. However, because fresh yeast contains moisture, it must be used within two weeks. Organize your storage space. Note the use-by dates on all products in your cabinet or pantry. Place the items with earlier dates, such as yeast, in the front and those with later dates in the back. This way, items that expire within short time frames catch your attention easily. | Remove one sachet of the yeast from the package. Pour 1/4 cup (59 ml) of lukewarm water into a small bowl. Add the activator. Add the yeast. Cover the bowl. Check the yeast mixture. Protect dried yeast from the elements. Store fresh yeast in the fridge. Organize your storage space. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-an-Iron-on-Transfer-From-Clothes | How to Remove an Iron on Transfer From Clothes | If you want to remove an iron-on transfer from your clothes, purchase a special solvent for removing the print, or use household items, like nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. When you're ready to start the process, put the garment in the dryer on high heat for 5-10 minutes to loosen the adhesive. Then, remove the item from the dryer and turn it inside out. Spray the back of the iron-on with the remover until the fabric is completely saturated, and then stretch the fabric to help the remover soak into the adhesive. Turn the item right-side out again, and begin peeling iron-on off with a plastic card or a butter knife. | Purchase a chemical solvent made for removing lettering. There are solvents made for this specific purpose, but you could try household solvents such as nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone. Place your garment in the dryer. Putting the item in the dryer on high heat for a few minutes will heat the adhesive and possibly loosen it a little. Turn your garment inside-out. The transfer should be on the inside. You should locate the area of the transfer and place your garment so that the inside of the shirt with the transfer behind it is facing up (so that if you could see through the shirt, you would see the back side of the transfer). Test an area of the garment. Before applying solvent all over the garment, test a discreet area to be sure that the chemical does not damage the garment. Saturate the garment with the solvent. Apply the solvent liberally to the areas of the garment that have the transfer on the other side. The idea is that the solvent will soak through the fabric and loosen the adhesive between the fabric and the transfer. Stretch the fabric. Stretching and wiggling the fabric will help the solvent soak through the fabric and penetrate the adhesive. After stretching, you may want to apply more solvent. Peel the transfer away. If the solvent has worked, you should be able to peel the transfer off of the garment. You may need to encourage the transfer to peel off by using a knife to scrape it up or by applying additional heat with a hair dryer. Remove any glue residue. After the transfer has been removed, you may find some adhesive left over. You can try removing it with rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone. Be sure to check a discreet corner of the material for reaction before using any chemical on the fabric. Wash the garment by itself. Wash the garment alone, either by hand or in the washing machine. Washing it with other garments may cause the solvent to damage other items of clothing. Be sure to wash the garment well, using extra detergent, before wearing to avoid skin contact with the solvent. Place the garment on a flat surface. An ironing board or tabletop covered with a towel would work. Be sure the surface that you are using is not sensitive to heat. Put a towel inside the shirt. Placing a small towel or rag inside the shirt may help prevent any damage to the other side of your garment. If the towel is making your work surface difficult because it is too soft, try a piece of cardboard or very thin plywood instead. Check the garment care instructions. Heating the garment beyond recommended settings may cause damage to the material. Some materials, such as polyester, may actually melt if overheated. Use a hairdryer to heat the transfer. A hairdryer on its hottest setting, held very close to the letters, may heat the adhesive on the back of the transfer enough for it to become malleable and be removed. Use steam to heat the transfer. Alternately, you can use steam to treat the transfer. Place a wet towel over the transfer and put a very hot iron on top of it. The steam may heat the adhesive on the back of the transfer enough for it to become malleable and be removed. Use a sharp knife to peel up the transfer. Once the transfer has loosened with the heat, scrape a sharp knife along the edge to pry up the iron-on transfer. Once part of the transfer has been pried up, it should be easier to continue pulling up the transfer a little at a time. Continue heating areas of the transfer and removing the transfer. You may need to do one very small area of the transfer at a time to keep it very hot in order to keep scraping it away. Be patient. This method may take a long time. Put on some of your favorite music and challenge yourself to stick with it until it is all finished. Remove any glue residue. After the transfer has been removed, you may find some adhesive left over. You can try removing it with rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone. Be sure to check a discreet corner of the material for reaction before using any chemical on the fabric. Wash the garment as usual. After you have removed the transfer and residue, launder the garment as you normally do. Be sure to do this if you used any kind of chemical to remove leftover residue, as chemicals may irritate or harm your skin. Place the garment on an ironing board. Be sure that the transfer is facing up, and lay the garment out completely flat. If you do not have an ironing board, you can lay a towel across a hard surface such as a table, counter, washing machine, or dryer. Put a towel inside the shirt. Placing a small towel or rag inside the shirt may help prevent any damage to the other side of your garment. If the towel is making your work surface difficult because it is too soft, try a piece of cardboard or very thin plywood instead. Check the garment care instructions. Heating the garment beyond recommended settings may cause damage to the material. Some materials, such as polyester, may actually melt if overheated. This method involves direct heat and runs a higher risk of damaging the garment than other methods. Heat your iron. The iron should be as hot as possible. This may mean that the iron will be hotter than the care instructions for the garment allow. If you are worried about damaging the garment, you may want to try a different method. You could try starting with a medium heat and slowly turning the iron hotter to find the right temperature that will remove the transfer but not damage the garment. Lay wax paper over vinyl letters. If the transfer is made of vinyl, place wax paper over the letters and iron directly on the wax paper. The vinyl transfer will essentially melt and stick to the wax paper, and you can peel the letters away from the shirt by removing the wax paper. This only works with vinyl transfers. Apply the iron to a corner of the transfer. The heat from the iron should essentially melt the transfer away. Start with a corner and work your way across the transfer. Use quick strokes of the iron to remove the transfer. Once a corner has come off, make quick movements with your iron in the direction of the transfer. It should continue to peel up and possibly burn off as you go. Continue until the transfer is gone. Repeat the strokes of the iron directly on the transfer until it has been completely removed. If you garment appears to be getting damaged, you may want to turn down the heat a bit. Remove any glue residue. After the transfer has been removed, you may find some adhesive left over. You can try removing it with rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone. Be sure to check a discreet corner of the material for reaction before using any chemical on the fabric. Wash the garment as usual. After you have removed the transfer and residue, launder the garment as you normally do. Be sure to do this if you used any kind of chemical to remove leftover residue, as chemicals may irritate or harm your skin. | Purchase a chemical solvent made for removing lettering. Place your garment in the dryer. Turn your garment inside-out. Test an area of the garment. Saturate the garment with the solvent. Stretch the fabric. Peel the transfer away. Remove any glue residue. Wash the garment by itself. Place the garment on a flat surface. Put a towel inside the shirt. Check the garment care instructions. Use a hairdryer to heat the transfer. Use steam to heat the transfer. Use a sharp knife to peel up the transfer. Continue heating areas of the transfer and removing the transfer. Be patient. Remove any glue residue. Wash the garment as usual. Place the garment on an ironing board. Put a towel inside the shirt. Check the garment care instructions. Heat your iron. Lay wax paper over vinyl letters. Apply the iron to a corner of the transfer. Use quick strokes of the iron to remove the transfer. Continue until the transfer is gone. Remove any glue residue. Wash the garment as usual. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Fake-Pregnancy-Belly | How to Create a Fake Pregnancy Belly | If you want to create a fake pregnancy belly using household objects, start by finding 2 blankets that are of medium thickness and size. Avoid using throw blankets with fringe, as this might give your fake belly an unnatural texture. Once you have your blankets, create the outer layer of your fake belly by folding 1 blanket into a diamond with the 4 corners in the center. Then, take the second blanket and roll it into a wide ball with one flat side, which will rest on your real belly. To combine the blankets, fold the diamond-shaped one around the ball and tape the edges. Attach the blankets to your torso with an elastic athletic bandage and put a shirt over your belly to complete the look. | Choose a helmet that will serve as your baby bump. Don't use any helmets that have a facemask that will make your belly look bumpy and strange. A bicycle helmet will probably work best for this. They come in many different shapes, any of which should work just fine as a fake belly — but try out a few different shapes, if you have options, to see which one makes the most convincing baby bump in your opinion. Apply masking tape over the top of your helmet to hide the ridges. You don't want your belly to look bumpy, so make sure to apply as many layers of tape as necessary to render the helmet completely smooth. By the time you're finished, there should be no evidence of ridges left. Secure or remove any hanging straps on the helmet. If you're not planning on using the helmet for anything else, you can just cut the straps off carefully with a pair of sharp scissors. That might be a waste of a good helmet, though! You can also just tuck the straps inside the helmet, then use a little bit of the masking tape to tape it to the dome, making sure they stay put and don't hang out the bottom of fake belly, or you could keep the straps on and use them to secure the belly to your torso. Attach the helmet to your torso. There are a few different ways you can try to keep your helmet in place, and you might even try a combination of a couple of these ideas. You don't want your belly sliding around or falling off! Tightly wrap an elastic athletic bandage (like an Ace bandage) several times around the helmet and your back. Use as many layers as you need to secure the helmet and make the bump look smooth when a shirt is pulled down over it. Secure the helmet with some of the masking tape from step 2. Layer a few tight bandeaus over the helmet to keep it in place. Wear a shirt that complements your fake pregnancy belly. If your shirt is too tight, it might be obvious that the belly is shaped a little strangely. It's better to choose a looser, flowier shirt. Choose two blankets that are medium thickness and size. They should be about the size and weight of a throw blanket — not as large as a bed sheet, not as thin as a bed sheet, and not as thick as a comforter or quilt. These two blankets will make up the bulk of your baby belly. Avoid throw blankets that have a long fringe on them, as it might make your belly look weird. Fold Blanket 1 into a diamond. This will be the outer layer of your belly, and you'll use it to smooth out and add dimension. Lay the blanket flat on the ground or on a wide surface like a bed or tabletop. Carefully fold each of the four corners toward the center of the blanket until all four corners touch. Remember making origami fortune tellers as a child? Imagine you're doing the first folding step with this blanket. The result should be an uneven diamond or a square, depending on what shape your original blanket was. Don't worry if it's not a perfect square — that doesn't matter. Ball up Blanket 2 to create the bulk of your fake belly. It shouldn't be a perfect circle, but a little wide, to better imitate the shape of a pregnancy. When you ball it up, make sure one side remains flat and sooth while the other side hides all the edges. You'll want to face the smooth side out so people can't tell your belly is really blankets! Fold Blanket 1 around Blanket 2. By combining both blankets, you're adding dimension to your belly, but you want to make sure it's believable. Do this step carefully so that your belly won't start coming undone after a few minutes of wearing it. Place Blanket 2 in the center of Blanket 1. Take the four external corners of Blanket 1 (not the four that are already touching in the center) and fold them over the bulk of Blanket 2, creating a little cover around it. Secure the ends together with masking tape, using enough tape to guarantee that the ends won't come loose. Attach the blankets to your torso. You can follow the same basic procedure as attaching the helmet to your torso in the previous method. Tightly wrap an elastic athletic bandage (like an Ace bandage) several times around the blankets and your back, using as many layers as you need to secure the belly and make it look smooth. Secure the blankets with some of the masking tape. Layer a few tight bandeaus over the blankets to keep them in place. Put a shirt on over the fake belly, and you're done. Although the blanket won't have the hard ridge that a helmet might, it might still look a little lumpy if you weren't able to get it as smooth as you would have liked, so it's probably still best to wear a looser shirt. Choose a beach ball that’s appropriately sized. These balls come in all sizes, so you want to choose one that's not too small or too enormous. The “standard” beach ball size will likely work best for this project. Inflate the beach ball about half-way. Blow into the air spigot, making sure not to let any air escape, until the ball is about half to three-quarters of the way inflated. You can adjust this to how big you want your belly to be. If you want a huge belly, then go ahead and inflate the ball all the way. It will look cartoonishly large for a pregnancy, but that might be what you're going for with your costume. Secure the beach ball to your torso. Again, you can use ace bandages, bandeaus, or tank tops to do this. Because a beach ball doesn't have nearly as much weight as a helmet or two blankets, you won't have to work so hard to keep it in place — a single tight bandeau or tank top should do the trick. Make sure to point the air nozzle down toward the ground. If it points out or up, it will be noticeable through your shirt, and if it points back toward you, it will irritate your skin and start hurting after a little while. Wear a loose-fitting shirt over top the beach ball, and you’re ready to go. With this method, you might even be able to get away with a tighter shirt! Try out a few different shirts and see which one goes best with your fake belly. | Choose a helmet that will serve as your baby bump. Apply masking tape over the top of your helmet to hide the ridges. Secure or remove any hanging straps on the helmet. Attach the helmet to your torso. Wear a shirt that complements your fake pregnancy belly. Choose two blankets that are medium thickness and size. Fold Blanket 1 into a diamond. Ball up Blanket 2 to create the bulk of your fake belly. Fold Blanket 1 around Blanket 2. Attach the blankets to your torso. Put a shirt on over the fake belly, and you're done. Choose a beach ball that’s appropriately sized. Inflate the beach ball about half-way. Secure the beach ball to your torso. Wear a loose-fitting shirt over top the beach ball, and you’re ready to go. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Dr.-Atkins%27-Diet-as-a-Vegetarian-or-Vegan | How to Use Dr. Atkins' Diet as a Vegetarian or Vegan | To go on the Atkins diet as a vegetarian, skip phase 1 of the diet and go straight to the second phase, which allows 30 grams of carbs per day. Since vegetarians get most of their protein from foods that have carbs in them, it's not healthy to cut carbs out completely. As a vegetarian on the Atkins diet, you can get enough protein every day by eating eggs, tofu, and dairy. You should also eat low-carb vegetables, like salad greens, broccoli, and asparagus. If you're vegan, you should start at phase 2 as well, but you can eat up to 50 grams of carbs per day. Vegans are even more limited than vegetarians when it comes to where they get their protein, so you'll need to eat more carbs every day to stay healthy. To make sure you're getting enough protein, eat plenty of soy products, like edamame, silken tofu, and tempeh. | Start at Phase 2 of Atkins 20. Atkins 20 is the name now used for the traditional Atkins plan. This is known as the “balancing” phase, where you start to reintroduce certain carbs and foods slowly to determine the proper balance for your body. Following the standard schedule, you would follow Phase 1 until you are within 15 pounds of your weight-loss goal (or for at least two weeks), then move into Phase 2 until within 10 pounds of you goal. However, because of the limitations in low-carb protein options for vegetarians, it is recommended by Atkins to start at Phase 2 because it permits more carbs. Atkins, in any phase, focuses on “Net Carbs,” which it determines as total carbohydrates minus fiber, measured in grams. Climb the “carb ladder. ” The plan for Phase 2, for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, is to add food groups and higher carb foods individually to gauge their impact and determine your ideal balance. Phase 2 typically starts at 25 g. of Net Carbs daily, which is increased in 5 g. increments (weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your goals/preferences). Vegetarians, however, can start at 30 g. and build up from there. Atkins also recommends that vegetarians introduce seeds before berries, to facilitate protein and fat intake. Pack in the protein. Without meat available as an easy low carb protein source, vegetarians on Atkins need to rely on options like eggs, cheese, and soy. All through the Atkins diet, you'll see that protein is essential. Find sources that are appropriate to your dietary restrictions and focus on a variety of ways to get these into your diet to hit your protein goal. Atkins calls eggs “one of nature's most nutritious creations,” so if you are a vegetarian who includes them, they will be a backbone of your diet plan. Eggs can be a daily breakfast staple, and in any form — boiled, fried, deviled, chopped, etc. — can be included in meals and snacks throughout the day. No one can live on eggs alone, however, and especially if you are a vegetarian that eschews them, move your focus onto things such as cheese and other dairy like cottage cheese and yogurt, and especially soy. From edamame to tofu to meat substitute products, soybeans are an incredibly versatile source of protein for vegetarians. Soybeans provide the most complete vegetable protein, and supply only about 3-6 Net Carbs per serving as edamame, tofu, or tempeh. Consider also gluten-based meat substitutes, such as seitan, or Quorn, a meat substitute made from fungi. Focus on “Foundation Vegetables. ” In Atkins terminology, Foundation Vegetables are key low-carb veggies that are meant to add up to 12-15 Net Carbs daily. Salad greens are heavily represented as Foundation Vegetables because of their low Net Carb counts. You will consume less than one Net Carb gram per half-cup of alfalfa sprouts, endive, arugula, radishes, spinach, lettuce, and turnip greens, among others. Other low Net Carb veggies include mushrooms, cucumbers, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans. Starchy vegetables like potatoes don't make the cut, nor do corn or carrots because of their sugar content. So, if you aren't already a salad-lover as a vegetarian, you may want to become one before trying Atkins, though there should be enough vegetable variety to keep you happy. Consider Atkins 40 as well. Atkins 40 is a newer version of the diet plan that is meant to provide a bit more flexibility, as well as a bit more leeway on carbs. With it, you start with 40 g. Net Carbs daily, (10 per meal times three, 5 per shack times two), and add 10 g. weekly after getting within 10 pounds of your weight goal. Foundation Vegetables should make up 15 g. of your daily Net Carbs (around 6-8 servings), with other carb foods making up the remaining 25 g. This, then, provides you a little more room for including nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains into your meals from the start, which might make life much easier for a vegetarian. Make further adjustments to Atkins 20 Phase 2. As with vegetarians, it is recommended that vegans using Atkins 20 (the traditional plan) start with Phase 2. This “balancing” phase permits more carbs, but also requires some additional adjustments for vegans. Vegans are recommended to start with 50 g. Net Carbs per day, as opposed to the 25 g. for standard Phase 2 or 30 g. for vegetarians who consume eggs and dairy. Vegans will still follow the guide of adding 5 g. per day in increments made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly (based on preference), up to 80 g. Net Carbs. Vegans are also advised to make allowances for seeds, nuts, and legumes from the start, instead of introducing them over time. Basically, even Atkins itself is admitting that vegans, due to the limited protein sources available to them to begin with, cannot consume enough calories per day on Atkins without making some changes. But with adaptation, it is possible to succeed. Be precise with the rest of the plan. Since vegans have to make some alterations to important elements of the Atkins 20 plan, it becomes even more imperative for them to adhere closely to the remaining parts of it. Eat frequently, with no more than 3-4 hours between meals or snacks. Feeling hungry all the time is more likely to trigger carb cravings. Make sure you are spreading out your Net Carbs during these frequent meals. Using 40 of your 50 allotted Net Carbs at one meal — for instance, pairing ½ cup of chickpeas (22 Net Carbs) with a cup of soy milk (17 Net Carbs) will leave vegans in particular with very few dining options for the rest of the day. Also, consuming too many carbs at one time can cause a spike in insulin, which helps convert carbohydrates into fat, and which the Atkins diet is constructed to avoid. Drink eight glasses of water daily, as is recommended for all Atkins dieters. Hydration is important for everyone, and water can be surprisingly effective at curbing hunger temporarily. Choose lower-carb whole grains as needed, such as long grain brown rice and whole grain pasta (of which Atkins sells branded versions, if you're interested). Vegans won't have a problem with getting their daily vegetables in, but stick primarily to the Foundation Vegetables with lower Net Carbs. Learn to love soy even more. Soybeans are important for vegetarians on Atkins, but are critical for vegans as a protein source. In the form of edamame (6.2 g. Net Carbs, 11.1 g. protein), silken tofu (3.1 g. Net Carbs, 5.4 g. protein), and tempeh (3.3 g. Net Carbs, 15.4 g. protein), or in foods ranging from (miso) soup to (soy) nuts, soybeans need to play a central role in the diet of any vegan on Atkins. This wikiHow article offers some ideas on vegan cooking with soy and other proteins and is a gateway to various wikiHow vegan recipes. Remember, though, that recipes need to be vegan and low-carb to suit Atkins. Check out Atkins 40 as well. As mentioned in the vegetarian section, Atkins 40 is a newer plan with a little more flexibility and allowance for carbs. The starting point for everyone on the plan is 40 g. Net Carbs daily, adding 10 g. per week once within 10 pounds of your weight goal. You could also consider starting at 50 g. Net Carbs, as with Atkins 20 for vegans. With less focus on restrictions of food types, especially in the beginning, vegans can consume “sufficient protein from seeds, nuts, soy products, soy and rice cheeses, seitan, legumes and high protein grains like quinoa.” Define the details and benefits of the “Eco-Atkins” diet. This diet is not, strictly speaking, an Atkins diet, though Atkins does tout is as an option for vegetarians and vegans on its website. The concept of this diet derives mainly from a study detailed in the Archives of Internal Medicine (2009), which found that participants placed on a vegan low-carb, high-protein diet saw a markedly better drop in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels as compared to those on a standard low-fat vegetarian diet, while both groups lost weight roughly equally. The vegan diet in the study was 31% protein (mainly gluten, soy, and nuts), 43% fats (mainly nuts, vegetable oils, soy products, and avocado), and 26% carbs (from fruits, veggies, and some cereal products). Out-carb Atkins, but smartly. The 26% of calories derived from carbs in Eco-Atkins equates to roughly 130 g. per day, which is low by traditional nutrition standards (around 225-350 g. daily) but quite high for typical Atkins plans (which tend to max out at around 80 g. Net Carbs). Atkins, not surprisingly, states “Imagine how much better this group would have done if they followed Atkins protocols for carb consumption?”, but let's presume that you intend to stick to the diet as described in the study. The greater leeway on carbs on Eco-Atkins is not an invitation to consume white breads, rice, potatoes, or baked goods, however. You need to spend these extra carbs on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, oats, and the beans, legumes, etc. from which you are deriving much of your protein. Fill up on fiber. One important reason to focus your carbs on vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains is the higher fiber content in these foods. When dieting in general, and especially when on a vegetarian/vegan low carb diet, fiber is definitely your friend. High-fiber foods take longer to digest, providing a greater feeling of satiety (that is, fullness), which can combat cravings and help keep your diet on track. A high-fiber diet helps promote bowel health, can lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure and inflammation, and helps control blood sugar levels. The value of fiber is why it is deducted from carb counts in Atkins' Net Carbs. | Start at Phase 2 of Atkins 20. Climb the “carb ladder. Pack in the protein. Focus on “Foundation Vegetables. Consider Atkins 40 as well. Make further adjustments to Atkins 20 Phase 2. Be precise with the rest of the plan. Learn to love soy even more. Check out Atkins 40 as well. Define the details and benefits of the “Eco-Atkins” diet. Out-carb Atkins, but smartly. Fill up on fiber. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Palm-Trees | How to Identify Palm Trees | To identify different species of palm trees, start by examining the size and shape of the fronds and check to see if the tree has any fruit. Next, carefully inspect the trunk's appearance and height. After noting these specific features, you can enter the information into an online palm identifier or use a plant identification mobile app to determine exactly what species you're looking at. For example, if the tree has a tall, slender trunk, coconuts, and feather-shaped fronds, it's likely a coconut palm. If the palm has fan-shaped fronds, spiny frond bases, and hairy fibers on its trunk, it's probably a Mediterranean fan palm. | Look for feather-shaped pinnate leaves. The first step in identifying palm trees is to check the shape of the fronds. The most common frond shape looks like a feather; the leaves extend out from a long stem that grows from the tree's crown. If your palm's fronds are feather-shaped, or pinnate, you can narrow down its subfamily and look up types of pinnate palms in your area. Pinnate, or feather-like, fronds are found on some of the most common palm varieties, including the areca palm, coconut palm, queen palm, and date palm. See if the fronds are fan-shaped if they don’t look like feathers. If the fronds aren't feather-shaped, they're most likely fan-like palmate leaves. Fan fronds have leaves that grow from a single point. The leaves are usually attached for a portion of their length. In some species, the entire structure can grow at least 8 feet (2.4 m) wide! As with pinnate leaves, if your palm has fan-shaped palmate leaves, you can narrow down its subfamily and look up palmate varieties that grow in your area. Examples of palmate species include the Bismarck palm, Mexican fan palm, and windmill palm. Keep an eye out for unusual frond shapes. Sabal palms, which are native to the United States and Caribbean islands, have costapalmate fronds. The leaves grow from an extended structure called a costa instead of from a single point. They still look like fans, but they're kind of like a cross between feather-like pinnate fronds and fan-shaped palmate fronds. While uncommon, one family of palms have fishtail-shaped bipinnate leaves. In bipinnate fronds, leafy, feather-shaped secondary stems grow from a main stem. Palms in this family grow in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Note which direction the leaves fold. Individual palm leaves fold down the middle to form a V-shape. Check your palm's leaves and see if they form a right-side up V or an upside down V. Leaves that form an upright V are called induplicate; leaves that fold in an upside down V are called reduplicate. The leaf folds can help you further narrow down your palm's subfamily. For instance, if your palm has feather-shaped pinnate fronds and upright V-shaped induplicate leaf folds, it's probably a type of date palm. Note if there are multiple trunks. Number is the first feature of palm trunks to check. Most mature palm trees have a single trunk. If your palm is clustered, or has multiple trunks, you can most likely rule out species that grow fronds from a single main trunk. For example, if your palm is clustered, has palmate fronds, and has leaf folds that form upside down V-shapes, you can be certain it's a member of the Guihaia family. It isn't easy to tell if young palms are clustered or grow single trunks. Single-trunked species may cluster as seedlings, then one stem elongates and grows into the main trunk. Check the trunk and frond stems for spines, fibers, or prickles. Look for folds, spikes, fibers, and any other coverings along the length of the trunk. Additionally, if the tree isn't too tall, check for small spines or teeth where the fronds emerge from the crown at the top of the trunk. Some species have really sharp spines, so be careful not to accidentally cut yourself! In many species, leaf scars from old growth form along the trunk. They may look like horizontal lines, rough knobs, or folded spikes. Trunk coverings can help you distinguish one species from another. For instance, if your palm that has fan-shaped fronds, spiny frond bases, and hairy fibers on its trunk, it's probably a Mediterranean fan palm. Estimate the palm’s height. Palms grow to varying sizes; along with its frond and trunk features, your tree's height can help you determine its species. Suppose you've looked up frond and trunk features and found 2 possible varieties. If one of those species grows really tall but your palm is shrub-like, you can rule out the taller variety. Miniature palms commonly kept as house and landscape plants include pygmy date palms, bottle palms, sago palms, and parlor palms. These plants typically max out under 12 feet (3.7 m). From coconut palms to wax palms, hundreds of species can grow to massive proportions. For instance, the Quindio palm can grow at least 200 feet (61 m) tall! Look for fruit at the top of the trunk. If your palm happens to be fruiting, check the crown at the top of the trunk to see what it's producing. Some species grow small, clustered fruits, such as dates, açai berries, and betel nuts. Others produce coconuts (or fruit that resembles coconuts) of various sizes. The color of the fruit can also help you narrow down the specific species. For instance, some date palm species produce bright orange fruit, while others yield deep purple dates. Standard and pygmy date palms are commonly kept as house and landscape plants. Coconut palms are plentiful along tropical beaches and are also common landscaping features in warm climates. Nearly all palm fruits are edible and many, like the açai berry, are super healthy. However, some palm fruits are poisonous, so don't eat fruit from a palm unless you're certain it's safe. Search online for common palm species in your area. Once you've taken note of your palm's frond and trunk features, look up palm species that share those traits. If the palm is growing outdoors, search for palms that are native to your region and climate. Suppose you live on the U.S. Gulf Coast, there are 9 palm families that grow in your area, and you're curious about a palm with costapalmate (elongated fan-shaped) fronds, smooth frond bases, and hairy fibers growing between the leaves. Given those features, you can be sure your palm is a Sabal palmetto. Enter your palm’s features into an online palm identifier. You can find helpful interactive plant identification tools online. Check out the Palm ID Key, a collaborative project by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies, at https://idtools.org/id/palms/palmid/key.php. To use the tool, select your palm's traits in the Leaf, Stem, Inflorescence (flowers' shape, color, and growth), and Fruit fields. Each time you check a box on a feature, such as pinnate fronds or clustering trunks, the tool eliminates palm families that don't share that trait. Try using a plant identification mobile app. Download an identification app and snap a photo of the palm you're trying to identify. Popular photo-based plant ID apps include Leafsnap and PlantNet. Palm ID Key is also available as a mobile app but, like the website, it's based on selecting features rather than uploading pictures. | Look for feather-shaped pinnate leaves. See if the fronds are fan-shaped if they don’t look like feathers. Keep an eye out for unusual frond shapes. Note which direction the leaves fold. Note if there are multiple trunks. Check the trunk and frond stems for spines, fibers, or prickles. Estimate the palm’s height. Look for fruit at the top of the trunk. Search online for common palm species in your area. Enter your palm’s features into an online palm identifier. Try using a plant identification mobile app. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Looking-at-Pornography | How to Stop Looking at Pornography | If you're trying to stop looking at pornography and you're having a hard time, delete any racy pictures or videos from your computer and install anti-porn software to block your access to adult sites. Try exercising or participating in a new hobby with your friends to keep yourself distracted while you're breaking the habit. If you have family or friends who you can really trust, talk to them about what you're going through and ask them to help hold you accountable as you work on quitting. | Make yourself accountable. Even before you start clearing your hard drive, approach your spouse, friend, or respected community member and announce your intention to cut pornography out of your life. Finding someone who will support you through the high points and low during this effort will make quitting much easier. There are even online support communities that can help you to abstain from porn and other activities as well, such as masturbation and/or sex. This also helps with the practical task of installing anti-porn software, without you yourself knowing the password. Destroy your pornography collection. As long as this material is around, falling back into the habit will be easy. Delete pornographic files on your computer and mobile devices. Throw away pornographic magazines, discs, and all other pornographic material. It's best to put the physical pornographic images in a document shredder, if you have one, and throw the shredded pieces of the pornographic image in a trash can outside your home, like in the dumpster. If you own a fireplace, maybe burn the physical pornographic images in it. For the DVDs, scratch them as best as you can or break them in half. Install anti-porn software on your computer and mobile devices. There are many programs available, but in most cases you will need a friend to create the password for you in secret, so you are not able to bypass the block. Here are a few good options: Qustodio has an extensive array of options, and works on just about any computer and mobile device, except for Linux. Free and premium versions are available. On a Windows computer, you can use Microsoft Family Safety for free. Norton Family Online is a free option for Windows, Android, and iOS. Try additional features with a 30-day free trial of the premium version. Covenant Eyes , a Christian company, offers a service for $10/month for computers and mobile devices, and can prevent even the account owner from bypassing the protection. Disable your internet access whenever possible. If you're likely to spend your time trying to circumvent your site-blocking software, stop the attempt in advance by turning off the WiFi or unplugging your Ethernet cable from your computer or mobile device whenever you aren't using the internet for other purposes. If no one else is using the network, unplug or turn off your router or modem as well. The more steps it takes to get back online, the less likely you are to give in during a moment of weakness. Fill your time with other activities. Frequent boredom may contribute to pornography addiction. If you spend your free time bored and alone, the temptation to seek out porn will be more difficult to resist. Find something else to occupy yourself. Start a daily exercise routine. Because exercise releases endorphins and other "feel good" chemicals, many people use it to compensate when quitting an addiction. Take a vacation or a weekend trip to begin your effort. Habits are often easier to change when accompanied by a change in environment or circumstances. Ask a friend to introduce you to his hobby. Social activities automatically introduce you to a person or group encouraging you to stick with the change, even if she doesn't know your reasons for picking up the hobby. Understand signs of negative behavior. Pornography and sex are charged subjects, and there is no consensus among psychologists or medical experts on the effects of porn or whether a porn habit should be described as an addiction. People who develop a pornography habit may do so to reduce stress, cure boredom, feel good, cope with negative feelings or sensations, or avoid to withdrawal symptoms. That said, the following warning signs should tip you off that your pornography habit is something to take seriously: You find it difficult to cut back on your pornography viewing. You lie about the amount of pornography you watch. Your relationships, job, or studies have taken a backseat to pornography. You prefer watching pornography to sex. Identify your triggers. Keep a notebook to write in any time you crave pornography or watch it. Write down a description of the scene directly before the craving started, including your mood, what you were doing, and how you were feeling that day. Stress, lack of sleep, friends who engage in or talk about porn, or easy access to pornography are all possible triggers. Strategically plan to thwart your triggers. When possible, avoid triggers altogether. If seeing semi-erotic TV ads is a trigger, avoid watching programs that may have that kind of content. If it's your commute past the local college campus, drive another way. If you cannot reasonably avoid a trigger, plan in advance how you will thwart the trigger's effect on you. If the trigger is unavoidable, make a mental plan in advance for what you will do in that situation. Picture yourself ignoring the trigger, thinking of what to make for dinner instead, or leaving the computer and taking a walk outside. Do something to take your mind off the trigger, such as reading a book, listening to music, or doing something else that will occupy your mind. Carry around distracting items such as an exciting book or a puzzle collection. Find healthy alternatives. If you are sexually or romantically frustrated, try seeking a relationship or a more casual sexual relationship. If you are trying to stop watching porn because of its unrealistic depictions of sex and bodies, or how it teaches you to treat sexual partners, consider watching non-mainstream porn that tries to address these issues, such as the videos awarded a Feminist Porn Award. Join a support group. There are porn and sex addiction support groups in just about every city around the country. They are often called Sex Love Addicts Anonymous or Sex Anonymous, and they follow a 12-step recovery program. Joining one of these groups is a good way to find support and realize that you're not alone in your struggle with porn. Seek professional help. If attempting to quit pornography on your own is too difficult or causing too much stress in your life, seek advice from a professional therapist or a 12-step program. For example, you may consider joining Sexaholics Anonymous for support. Also, keep in mind that therapy is especially important if you have experienced sexual or physical abuse in the past, or suffered from depression or anxiety. If you have an unsatisfying sexual relationship with a partner, consider attending sexual satisfaction counseling together. One study shows that even ordinary relationship counseling can improve a sexual relationship. | Make yourself accountable. Destroy your pornography collection. Install anti-porn software on your computer and mobile devices. Disable your internet access whenever possible. Fill your time with other activities. Understand signs of negative behavior. Identify your triggers. Strategically plan to thwart your triggers. Find healthy alternatives. Join a support group. Seek professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Ginger-Paste | How to Make Ginger Paste | Fresh ginger paste makes a delicious addition to all sorts of dishes. To make it, wash a fresh ginger root and peel off the skin with a vegetable peeler. Next, chop the peeled ginger into small pieces with a sharp knife. Measure out 1 cup of the chopped pieces and add them to a blender or food processor with about a quarter of a cup of water. If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or a teaspoon of citric acid to help the paste last longer. Blend the ginger on the puree setting until it forms a smooth paste, adding small amounts of water as needed to get the consistency you want. | Pick hands of ginger that are firm and have smooth skin. You'll find ginger at the market in oddly-shaped pieces called “hands” (the protruding sections are called “fingers”). Avoid hands that feel light for their size, have wrinkly skin, and are soft to the touch—those ones have lost too much of their water content. Instead, look for hands that have smooth, brown skin, and that feel both heavy for their size and firm to the touch. Most people call ginger a root, but it's actually a rhizome. Store the ginger in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Wrap the ginger loosely in plastic wrap and place a rubber band over it, or put it in a zip-close bag with the zipper kept partly open. Stash it in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator for up to 1 week before using it. The ginger will go bad more quickly if you seal it up tight. Even if the ginger hasn't gotten moldy or mushy after a week, it will start to lose the brightness of its flavor quickly. Wash and peel the ginger. If you're not using the whole hand, cut or snap off a finger or two of the ginger. Rinse it under running water and rub off any dirt, then dry it with paper towels. Peel off the skin with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Work carefully with the peeler or paring knife—they're sharp! If the ginger has thin, smooth skin, you don't necessarily have to peel it. However, peeling it may make your ginger paste come out a little bit smoother. Chop the ginger coarsely and measure out 1 c (225 g). Use a sharp knife to cut up the ginger. The pieces don't have to be uniform in size, but try to make them no more than 0.25 in (6.4 mm) thick. Keep chopping until you have your desired amount. If you've cleaned and peeled too much ginger, simply double the recipe to 2 c (450 g)! Add 0.25 c (59 mL) of water to a blender or food processor. Use room temperature or cold water. You may need up to 0.5 c (120 mL) to make a paste out of 1 c (225 g) of chopped ginger, so be ready to add more water as needed while you work. Adding the water first makes the pureeing go a little faster. Add the ginger and, if desired, oil or citric acid as a preservative. If you want to ensure the full flavor profile of the ginger, don't use anything but it and water to make your paste. However, the paste will last longer in the fridge or freezer if you add either 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil or 1 tsp (5 g) of citric acid. You'll find citric acid in powdered form at health stores and many grocery stores. These preservatives will extend the storage time in the fridge from about 1 week to 1 month, and in the freezer from 1 month to 3 months. You can add both vegetable oil and citric acid, but this won't further extend the storage time. Puree the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Depending on your blender or food processor, you may need to occasionally scrape down the inside of the container with a silicone spatula to help fully incorporate the chunks of ginger. You can also add up to 0.25 c (59 mL) of additional water as needed to help break down the ginger pieces. Stop pureeing when the entire mixture has a consistent, slightly lumpy texture. In regards to consistency, the mixture should look more like grits than oatmeal. Keep the puree in a tightly sealed container in the fridge or freezer. Immediately transfer your puree to one or more containers with tight-fitting lids, then stash it in the refrigerator or freezer. Without any added preservatives, the paste will keep in the fridge for 1 week and in the freezer for 1 month. If you added vegetable oil or citric acid to the paste, it should keep for up to 1 month in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Use ice cube trays to freeze mini-doses of paste instead. If you consistently use the same amount of ginger paste in your go-to recipes, you can freeze pre-measured amounts by using ice cube trays. Spoon your preferred amount—up to 1 US tbsp (15 mL)—into each cup in an ice cube tray, then freeze the paste solid. After that, pop out the ginger paste cubes and store them in a labeled zip-close freezer bag. This way, you can grab just the amount you need while you're cooking without having to measure! Use the paste chilled, frozen, or slightly thawed. Refrigerated ginger paste can be added as-is to any recipe. You can also add frozen cubes straight to a skillet. However, if you're using frozen cubes for baking, thaw them for 5-10 minutes on the counter first—by then, they should be softened enough to incorporate into your batter or mix. You can substitute ginger paste for fresh grated ginger at an equal ratio. If your recipe calls for a length of ginger—for instance, a “1-inch finger”—use 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of paste per 1 inch. | Pick hands of ginger that are firm and have smooth skin. Store the ginger in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Wash and peel the ginger. Chop the ginger coarsely and measure out 1 c (225 g). Add 0.25 c (59 mL) of water to a blender or food processor. Add the ginger and, if desired, oil or citric acid as a preservative. Puree the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Keep the puree in a tightly sealed container in the fridge or freezer. Use ice cube trays to freeze mini-doses of paste instead. Use the paste chilled, frozen, or slightly thawed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Child-to-Ride-a-Bike | How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike | To teach a child to ride a bike, start by having them push off with both feet in order to move forward. As they move forward, walk behind them with your hands lightly placed on their shoulders, back, or neck so you can catch them if they start to fall. Once your child is able to maintain their balance while gliding forward, teach them how to work the pedals by placing their feet in the 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions. Then, help them practice pushing down on the pedals to build momentum and move forward on their own. | Start training when your child is physically and emotionally ready. Some kids have the balance and physical skills to ride a bike by age 4, and most do by age 6. But each child is different, so wait until your kid seems physically agile enough to handle balancing on a bike. Some kids may take a bit longer to be emotionally ready to teeter along on a bike, and that's okay as well. Don't rush or force them; encourage them instead, and start training when the time is right. Use a bicycle that lets them place their feet on the ground. For most kids around age 5, a bike with 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) wheels is ideal. When they straddle the seat, their feet should be flat on the ground with their legs straight. Training on a bike that's too big or too small will only delay the process. Remove the pedals from the bicycle. This may sound a bit strange at first, but taking off the pedals lets kids focus first on balancing on the bike during forward movement. They'll just push off and stop by using their feet on the ground. You'll typically just need a wrench to take the pedals off, but follow the instructions that come with your bike. You can also buy “coasting” or “balance” bikes that come without pedals, but this is typically an unnecessary expense. Work with training wheels sparingly if at all. When you add training wheels, kids learn the components that tend to be easier for them first — pedaling, steering, and braking. But this leaves the hard part — balancing — for them to learn all of a sudden right at the end. If you work on balancing first, the other elements will seem like a piece of cake later on. If you really prefer to use training wheels, however, try not to use them for more than a week or two. Otherwise, the child will learn riding habits that they'll have to unlearn to ride without training wheels. Choose a flat, open, paved training area. Sidewalks and streets offer too many distractions and potential dangers to make ideal training grounds. Instead, look for an empty parking lot on flat ground. A level grass field may seem tempting because it will cushion falls, but grass is usually too difficult for smaller kids to get moving in — either by foot or pedal power. The ground is also much bumpier than a typical parking lot. Use a properly-fitted helmet and other safety gear. Choose a helmet that is designed for biking and for a child's head. It should fit snugly, and there should be no more than 2 finger widths' distance from the child's eyebrows to the front brim of the helmet. Also use knee pads and elbow pads designed for kids. Bicycling gloves can help prevent scrapes from falls as well. Lower the seat a little so your kid can push off the ground. For typical riding, you want the seat high enough that their legs are straight when their feet are flat on the ground. For pedal-less training, though, their knees should be slightly bent when their feet are flat. You'll usually use a wrench to loosen the seat for adjusting, but your bike may come with a quick-release seat latch instead. Support them, not the bike, without holding too tight. Lay your hand(s) on their shoulders, back, or neck without gripping tightly. If they need a bit more support, place your hands beneath their armpits. Your goal is to steady them, not hold them upright or push them forward. Support them instead of holding onto the bike's handlebars or seat. Let them push off and glide with your gentle assistance. Instruct them to use both feet to propel themselves forward. They'll probably be very wobbly at first, so guide their body in a balanced position. Let them manage the handlebars so they can get used to controlling them while moving. Catch them and guide them down whenever they start to fall, instead of holding them upright. Otherwise, you are simply replacing what training wheels do. Once they get the hang of coasting, tell them to use their feet to stop when they begin to slow down. Instruct them to look ahead, not down. Their instinct will probably be to look down at their handlebars or front wheel, and possibly even the pedals later on. Practice having them look out ahead as they coast forward. If you have a second person available, have them stand several feet/meters in front of the bike and back up as the kid coasts forward. Tell the child to watch that person. Return the pedals and seat to their proper positions. Once the child is able to coast in a balanced position for as far as their foot-on-ground power will propel them, they're ready for pedaling. Put the pedals back on as per the bike's instructions, and raise the seat so that they are flat-footed and straight-legged when straddling it. Teach them the “ready position” for starting. Spin the pedals so that one is slightly above and forward of the other. Looking from the side with the front wheel to your left, the pedals should be roughly in the 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions. If they're right-handed, the right pedal should be forward, and vice versa. Let them build their own forward momentum. While supporting them but not gripping tight, have them put their dominant foot on the forward pedal. Tell them to push on it as they lift their other foot onto its pedal. Remind them to control the handlebars and look ahead as they do so. Don't push on them or the bike to “get them started.” Practice with them until they can build up their own forward momentum. Loosen your contact but remain alongside them. Your kid's first attempts at pedaling forward will likely be short-lived. Eventually though, they'll be able to sustain forward motion. As they improve, reduce your contact with them steadily while walking or jogging beside and slightly behind them. As before, catch them and guide them down during a fall instead of holding them up. Make sure they know how to steer and stop. Practice making slight balance corrections and gentle turns with the handlebars both before and while they're in motion. If they turn too sharply and begin to fall, guide them down and try again. Likewise, practice how to use the brakes — whether they're pedal or hand brakes — both before and while the child is in motion. Stay close by until they are confident riding solo. Some kids will want to take off and leave you in the dust, while others will feel better with you right beside them even after they've mastered pedaling forward. Act as a source of confidence, not as a crutch that holds them up and keeps them pointed straight. Accept that they’ll fall a few times. Even when they're ready to ride without you by their side, they will almost certainly “wipe out” here and there. If they're on a flat surface, going at a low speed, and — most importantly — wearing the proper safety equipment, their chances of serious injury are minimal. Check that they're okay, but don't go overboard with coddling or consoling them. Say something like “Whoops! Are you okay? Everything seems alright, so let's get back on the bike and give it another try — you're doing great!” Learning that you can fall and get back up is a valuable biking lesson and life lesson! End a training session when it stops being fun. Some kids will master biking in an hour, but it will take several sessions for others. If they're losing confidence or interest during a training session, call it quits for now and try again later in the day or the next day. Some kids may be eager to practice for hours on end until they get the hang of it, but most often you should plan for single sessions to last for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Don’t set artificial deadlines or exert undue pressure. Help your kid learn to ride at the pace that's right for them. Trying to force them or shame them into learning quickly may turn them against the entire notion of learning to ride. Don't say things like: “All your friends ride bikes, so it's time you learned too.” “Your sister learned to ride in an hour, and so can you.” “We're going to stay out here all day until you learn this.” “You want to be a big kid, right? Well, big kids ride bikes.” Be positive and encouraging at all times. Learning to ride a bike should be fun, not a chore. Praise them every time they achieve a new milestone along the way, and offer a pick-me-up whenever they struggle or fall. Say things like: “That's the way to hold the bike steady — good job!” “Wow, you really coasted a long way that time — and straight ahead!” “You did a good job catching yourself from falling off the bike that time. Try not to turn the handlebars so sharply next time.” “We'll be ready to bike together to the ice cream shop soon!” Let someone else do the teaching, if necessary. Some kids simply respond better to a teacher who isn't a parent. If they're close with a relative or family friend who'd be happy to help out, let them give it a try. Don't feel bad — remember that the goal is to get them riding. Once they do that, you can go on lots of bike rides together! | Start training when your child is physically and emotionally ready. Use a bicycle that lets them place their feet on the ground. Remove the pedals from the bicycle. Work with training wheels sparingly if at all. Choose a flat, open, paved training area. Use a properly-fitted helmet and other safety gear. Lower the seat a little so your kid can push off the ground. Support them, not the bike, without holding too tight. Let them push off and glide with your gentle assistance. Instruct them to look ahead, not down. Return the pedals and seat to their proper positions. Teach them the “ready position” for starting. Let them build their own forward momentum. Loosen your contact but remain alongside them. Make sure they know how to steer and stop. Stay close by until they are confident riding solo. Accept that they’ll fall a few times. End a training session when it stops being fun. Don’t set artificial deadlines or exert undue pressure. Be positive and encouraging at all times. Let someone else do the teaching, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Australia-Day | How to Celebrate Australia Day | To celebrate Australia Day at home, you can grill on the barbie and enjoy desserts like Tim-Tams and pavlovas. Try decorating your home with Australian flags and themed decorations to create a more festive atmosphere. You can also check out community events like festivals, concerts, sports matches, and parades. If your area is celebrating with fireworks in the evening, grab a blanket and some snacks and spread out somewhere comfortable with a good view. | Grill some meat on the barbie. Nothing says Australia Day like a little BBQ. Grilled sausages and steaks are always a hit. If you want to get really authentic, make indooroo, an Australian dish featuring kangaroo steaks marinated in mango, chili, garam masala, and curry powder. Host your own BBQ, or head to a friend's. Pick up a “slab” of beer. A “slab,” or carton of Australian beer, is a refreshing addition to any Australia Day celebration. Store your slabs in a cooler. For really big gatherings, fill your bathtub with ice and pop in a few slabs. Little Creatures Pale Ale, Coopers, Boag's, and VB are some Aussie favorites. Try a Tim-Tam slam. Tim Tams, chocolate-covered biscuit treats, are a sweet Australian staple. Grab a hot coffee, nibble the ends of your Tim-Tam, and use it as a straw. When it becomes nice and soft, “slam” it into your mouth and enjoy the moist, chocolatey goodness. Make Pavlova. A Pavlova is a giant, fluffy meringue topped with sweet cream and fruit. Although the New Zealanders claim it was their invention, every Aussie knows that Pav is Australian through and through. Buy a Pav, or make your own. Strawberries, passion fruit, and kiwis make great toppings. Have an Australian cook off. Have friends and family members cook their favorite Aussie dishes. Then, everyone tastes and votes. One rule: no voting for your own dish. If you want, you can have a more specialized cook-off. Have friends compete to make the best Australian desert or grilled kangaroo. Give the winner a patriotic prize, like an Australian flag apron or a case of Australian beer! Head to a community event. Most Australian communities will put on a few public events for Australia Day. They may have festivals, concerts, sports matches, and parades. Check your community's event calendar for a run down of the local festivities. If you're feeling adventurous, take a trip to a major Australian city to participate in their community events. Sydney is known for its boat races, while Melbourne has a huge street parade. Watch the fireworks. Many cities and towns have fireworks in the evening. Grab a blanket, a picnic basket, and some snacks, and head out at a reasonable hour to get a good view. Some radio stations have music that is timed to the fireworks, so bring along a radio if you want. Have a picnic at the beach. If you live in Australia, you know that Australia Day is always hot, hot, hot. Ocean water provides cool relief from the sizzling sun. Don't forget to bring a speaker to blast your favorite Aussie tunes. The beach is a great place to have an Australia Day BBQ! Make Australia-themed crafts. Crafts are sure to be a hit with the kiddos. Decorate paper boomerangs, or make a mini didgeridoo out of a long cardboard tube and bright paints. Create a paper visor hat using gold cardstock for the band and green cardstock for the visor. Attach them to each other with tape, and glue a picture of an Australian flag on the front of the visor. Now you have homemade, patriotic protection from the hot Australian sun! Print out blank versions of local Australian flags and color them in. You can find blank templates here: http://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/activity-articles/flags-of-australia-state-flag-of-western-australia/news-story/29d2bd8e54812dc64fc15788d59c1271?ref=collection_view,australia-day Have a cricket or touch footy tournament in your backyard. Aussies love their sports, so join in a backyard tournament or host one of your own! You can also throw around a frisbee for some spirited Australian fun. Use rubbish bins or buckets for the cricket stumps. Decorate your house with Australian flags and themed decorations. Buy tons of Australian flags and put them everywhere to showcase your Aussie love. Use other Australia-themed decorations, like tablecloths, towels, posters, magnets, and balloons to turn your home into an Australian wonderland. Hang Australian flags from your car windows to pimp your patriotic ride. Get decked out in Australian gear. This is your chance to wear things you would normally never wear. Don't be afraid to go overboard with the patriotism. Wear a crazy Aussie singlet, an Australian flag bucket hat, wacky sunglasses, and Aussie-themed necklaces. If you want a more milder look, just wear Australian colors. Red, white and blue or yellow and green are both patriotic color schemes. Wear an Australian flag apron when you're whipping up lunch on the barbie. Put cricket on the TV while you celebrate. Cricket is a classic Aussie sport. You don't have to sit huddled around the screen during the game--unless you want to, of course. Just have it playing in the background for a festive feel. Turn on the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown. Triple J is an Australian radio network. Tune in to Triple J on Australia Day to hear them countdown the top 100 songs from the past year. Some Aussies even throw Hottest 100 parties on Australia Day. Watch an Australian movie. What better way to end your celebration than with a great work of Aussie cinema? You can pick a recent hit, or go for a classic like Mad Max , Strictly Ballroom , or Muriel's Wedding. Sing along to your favorite patriotic tunes. Belt out your love for your country with your mates. Sing patriotic ballads like the national anthem, Down Under , or True Blue. If you're a homesick Aussie abroad, you can bet Peter Allen's I Still Call Australia Home will produce a tear or two. | Grill some meat on the barbie. Pick up a “slab” of beer. Try a Tim-Tam slam. Make Pavlova. Have an Australian cook off. Head to a community event. Watch the fireworks. Have a picnic at the beach. Make Australia-themed crafts. Have a cricket or touch footy tournament in your backyard. Decorate your house with Australian flags and themed decorations. Get decked out in Australian gear. Put cricket on the TV while you celebrate. Turn on the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown. Watch an Australian movie. Sing along to your favorite patriotic tunes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Paintball | How to Play Paintball | If you want to play paintball, make sure you wear thick gloves, long sleeved shirts, and pants, since paintballs can really hurt if you get hit without protection. Don't worry about getting the rest of your gear, since you can rent it from the paintball center. The aim of the game is to shoot as many players on the opposite team within the given time limit or until all of their players are shot. If a paintball splatters on your body or head, you're out of the game and you should leave the arena until the game ends. | Rent gear your first time out. What do you need to play a game of paintball? At some places, the answer is nothing. Instead of buying a bunch of gear, rent some at a field that rents out gear to see how you like the game, then consider investing in your own stuff when you're ready. When you arrive at a paintball center or field, you will be given a set of overalls, possibly body armour, a face mask, and a hopper. This is the container that holds the paintballs and feeds them into the paintball gun. When you go out into the live-fire zone to play your matches, you will be issued a paintball gun. The hopper will usually fit into the top of the gun, and there is a safety switch and a trigger on the gun. Then you're ready to play. Get a paintball gun. Paintball guns are operated with compressed air, which shoot marble-sized balls of paint at a high velocity. A good starter paintball gun usually costs anywhere between $100 and $150 dollars, but higher range models can be upward of $700. The Tippmann A5 is recommended for beginners and newbies alike. If you don't like the styling on the Tippmann A5, look for a Kingman Spyder gun, such as the Spyder Pilot or Spyder Sonix. These guns are suggested to newer players for the fact that they are quality, and aren't in the really pricey range. Spend time with your gun, if you buy one. Learn to clean it and maintain it, to ensure that you'll get the most accurate shots when you're out on the field. Get some paint. Paintballs are capsules containing a non-toxic, bio-degradable, water-soluble dye with a gelatin outer shell. When players play against each other individually, each of them gets a unique color set of paintballs. When players play in teams, each team is assigned a unique paintball color. This is done to make it easy to identify the winning player or team. Mostly, paint will be purchased directly from the arena where you play. If you want to play at other locations, you can buy bulk paintballs at most sporting goods stores. Practice with your gun before you go out to play. If you have your own paintball gun, it's important to familiarize yourself with the action and the range of the gun. Find a proper backstop and shoot your gun a few times to see how it aims and how quickly it shoots. Practice reloading and moving with your gun safely. Make sure you take off your safety. It might sound stupid but even the best players sometimes forget. So make sure it's off the moment you hit the battlefield. If your gun jams, make sure you yell out JAM! as loud as you can because if you don't yell and you try to fix it on the field, you're gonna get shot. Don't flip your gun upside down! This is the cause of jamming and you losing all your paintballs. Use two hands on your gun. One hand should be beside but not on the trigger. The other hand should be on the stock grip, ahead of the trigger but not too close to where the paintballs are coming out. Get a safety mask. At every paintball range, a proper mask and pair of goggles will be required. You won't be permitted to play without a paintball mask. If you don't have one, you can rent one and other safety gear at the paintball arena, while some players like to invest in their own. Lots of paintball masks tend to fog up, making it difficult to see. Some players who play a lot like to buy "no fog" masks, which help you breathe easier and reduce the fogging that can happen in your mask. Get other safety gear. When you get hit with a paintball, it may leave a small bruise on your skin. It doesn't hurt much, but you'll feel it. The only required gear will usually be some kind of mask and possibly coveralls, but it's always a good idea to protect yourself. Try to wear thick gloves when you play. It really hurts when you get hit in the knuckle or palm. The rest such as vests and pants are extras. Wear thick clothing, long-sleeved shirts and pants every time you play paintball. Many outdoor paintball fields can be muddy, or full of brambles, so it's a good idea to wear protective clothing. Men may wish to invest in an athletic cup, as well, although in some paintball pants there is a thick pad in the crotch to avoid having to buy one. Find an appropriate place to play. Paintball game fields vary widely in size and layout. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, depending on where you live. Usually, a game field will have bunkers, tables, barrels, stacks of tires, and other types of cover placed throughout the field. It's also possible to play on private property, or to set up your own paintball field if you've got some land to work with, but it's usually a good idea to find a paintball facility in your area when you're first starting out. Understand the basic rules of paintball. When you get to the arena, you can pick the type of game you'll play, but a few basic rules will be enforced for all types of games. Most games of paintball are played between teams with a specific time limit, which may be projected on a wall visibly or marked with some kind of buzzer or countdown. Most games of paintball also involve one team trying to shoot as many players of the opposite team as possible. There are a variety of different games you can play, some of which are outlined in the next section. Keep your mask on at all times. There will be a safety zone where you are able to talk and remove your mask, and then the live-fire zone, beyond which you must wear your goggles at all times. Once you are out in the game zone, you may disengage the safety. After that's done, and the game begins, you're free to begin advancing and attacking the other team's players. Leave the field of play once you've been shot. When a paintball hits a player and bursts, they are out and must leave the field of play. Players should raise their hand to avoid being shot multiple times, after being hit once. If a paintball bounces off without leaving color on the player, they are free to carry on. It's partially up to the player to self-report hits. It's a lot more fun if everyone plays by the rules. If you get shot, you're out. Aim properly. Paintballs are heavy and much slower than regular bullets, so they can drop significantly in height over a fairly small distance. When you shoot, you need to account for this. Aim a little higher than what you're shooting at, and ahead of targets that are moving. A good place to aim is at around neck height, as you can ensure a fair kill and the drop of the paintball shouldn't be too far. If a player is moving, make sure to aim ahead of them at where they are going to be, so that they run into the paintball. Also, imagine their neck to be a lot wider, as wide as their chest, as this is where the paintball will actually hit. Don't aim at someone's head or face. Aside from being dangerous and unsportsmanlike, these hits typically do not count. Some players like to shoot a lot, but paintballs run out faster than you think. And they're not free. Try to take smart shots, rather than spraying paint all over the field. Keep moving. When you are on the field, whether it be indoor or outdoors, you should keep moving quickly. Don't just wander around aimlessly. Pick a place to move, then move there, ducking low and moving quickly. At the same time, it's good to know when to take cover and bunker up and wait. Don't run around like a chicken with its head cut off. Wait for your opponents to reveal themselves and make mistakes. Communicate with your teammates. Communication is key when playing on teams of any number. Coordinate attacks, movement, and strategy before hand, and listen to each other on the field. Get together with your team before you head onto the field and decide who will coordinate and what your hand signals, or call signs will be. If the team leader yells out, "Duck duck goose in effect!" you'll all know what that means. Yelling out to move up or duck can and will easily reveal your position. Using hand signals and gestures are the best way to operate. Pay attention. Paintball games can happen pretty quickly, and you'll have to make lots of decisions pretty fast, or you might find yourself eliminated. Be quiet, and listen for tree branches snapping, gravel crunching, and echoes on cement. Breathe through your nose. Most masks will fog up when you breathe through your mouth. So crouch down look around, breathe easy and pay attention to your surroundings. Be cautious, but have fun. Paintball should be more than running around, ducking from cover to cover, and freaking out. Stay calm! Be stealthy. Learning to creep around will make you a better paintballer. A game shouldn't be about running around like a chicken with your head cut off, or stalking around like the Terminator. Try to move quickly between cover, running with your knees bent and your head down. You want to be as small as possible to avoid getting hit. When you find cover, stay small. Keep your head down and pop up quickly to find a target. Pop back down, get ready, then pop back up to fire a few rounds. Aim carefully and be smart. Conserve your ammo. It's easy to run out of paint on the field, which makes paintball a lot less fun. Depending on the size of your hopper, you may have plenty, but it's always a good idea to conserve your shots as much as possible, and only shoot when you have a good shot. Don't just blast off shots every time you hear something. Wait until you see someone and have a clear shot, close enough to actually hit something. Occasionally, you'll have to engage in a little running and gunning. If you know how to handle yourself, you'll be in a lot better shape on the paintball field. Practice moving side to side, and keeping your gun at a steady level. Play Capture the Flag (CTF). In this game mode, two teams compete to reach the other side of the map and return the other team's flag to their own base. If you are shot, you are out, as in normal play. If one team loses all of its players, the other team is free to walk the flag back. Often, this game will be played with a time limit decided by both teams. Even if you eliminate everyone, you still have to navigate to the other side and find the flag and get it back to your side. This game requires teamwork and tactical speed. Play Deathmatch. This is as nitty and gritty as it gets. In this game mode, two teams fight to eliminate all other players on the opposing team. The game ends when all of one team's players are out, or the time limit is reached. Play Fort Assault. In this game mode, one team has one life each and must Try to defend a fort from oncoming attackers within a fairly short time limit. The attackers, however, have unlimited respawns, so they can wipe off the paint, return to their base, and then start their assault again. The game is over if the attackers infiltrate the base or the time limit is reached. Play Free-for-all (FFA). This game mode is similar to Deathmatch, but there are no teams. Everyone fights everyone, and the game is over when only one person survives. It's usually common to form alliances in the middle of the game, which will obviously be broken somewhere down the line. This can be a lot of fun. Play by the local rules. All paintballing places will have a strict set of rules, which must be followed at all times for the safety of yourself and of others. For example, many places enforce a 3m rule. If you are closer than 3 meters to another player, you must not shoot them due to the dangers it poses. Some paintballing places give bonus points based on good tactical skill or plays. There are countless variations and local games, but the basics are usually the same. | Rent gear your first time out. Get a paintball gun. Get some paint. Practice with your gun before you go out to play. Get a safety mask. Get other safety gear. Find an appropriate place to play. Understand the basic rules of paintball. Leave the field of play once you've been shot. Aim properly. Keep moving. Communicate with your teammates. Pay attention. Be stealthy. Conserve your ammo. Play Capture the Flag (CTF). Play Deathmatch. Play Fort Assault. Play Free-for-all (FFA). Play by the local rules. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Someone-They-Are-Beautiful | How to Tell Someone They Are Beautiful | There are many ways you can tell someone that they're beautiful, but the right timing and the way you say it can make a big difference. Wait for a special moment when you have the person's full attention. For example, you could wait for an intimate moment when the two of you are alone such as during a slow dance. If the person is more of a romantic or lyrical type, try telling them how their beauty makes you feel, rather than just saying it. For instance, you could say something like, “My heart skips a beat whenever I see you.” However, some people are more direct and may prefer a straightforward compliment. If that's the case don't overcomplicate it. Look them directly in the eyes and simply say, “You're so beautiful.” | Say it when you feel it. You don't need an excuse to tell anyone that he or she is beautiful. Sometimes there really isn't a "reason" to tell someone they're beautiful; but you do it anyway. Maybe the light's hitting them just right; maybe they're wearing a stunning gown; or maybe you want to kiss them. If you feel an overwhelming urge to tell someone that he or she is beautiful: just do it. Wait for a special moment. You can certainly say "You're beautiful," at any time, but the statement might come across as more meaningful if you have the person's full attention. Say it during an intimate moment, when you're one-on-one. Try not to put him or her on the spot. If you're telling a friend, lover, or significant other that he/she is beautiful, try saying it in a quiet moment when you're speaking one-on-one or looking into each other's eyes. Let the words come out naturally. Consider writing a note. This can be a great way to create an intimate moment if you're shy, or if you can't be present for some other reason. Say it as a greeting. Try greeting a date by telling him or her, "You look absolutely beautiful tonight!" Avoid saying it if the date is dressed casually. Save it for when they have clearly put some effort into their appearance. Keep perspective. Your words don't need to imply anything more than what they mean at face value. There are many reasons to let someone know they're beautiful, and not all of these reasons are romantic. Try not to think too much about it. If you think that someone is beautiful, then it's usually a good idea to let them know. Be appropriate. When you say it and how you say it are not nearly as important as 'what' you say. Inundating a simple acquaintance with over-enthusiastic or overly detailed praise can often trigger a cautionary or even a repulsed response. Avoid accenting detailed physical characteristics (like fitness, or the sizes of certain body portions) until you and the subject know each other very well. Further, refrain from discussing such things in the company of others. When in doubt, comment on the most superficial of aspects first and wait until they are comfortable in hearing more. Say it simply. Just say, "You're beautiful." You don't need anything more complicated. Look directly into the person's eyes, and earnestly tell them what you think. Say it with a smile. Try qualifying your words with a superlative. Say, "You are absolutely beautiful," or "You are so beautiful." Find a unique way to say it. There's nothing wrong with a simple, "You're beautiful," but you can also make your statement more poetic or romantic by choosing your words more carefully. Be aware that some people might prefer a simple and straightforward compliment, whereas others with a more lyrical bent might swoon over grand words. Use a synonym for beautiful: gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking, lovely, radiant, or exquisite. Make sure that you understand the subtle connotations of the word that you use. Instead of simply stating that this person is beautiful, try telling them how their beauty makes you feel. Say, "You are so beautiful that I can't take my eyes off of you," or "My heart beats faster when you look my way." Be sincere. Some people are attuned to vocal patterns and body language to the point that they can tell when someone is saying something "just to say it." The compliment need not turn into an over-dramatic production – but try to keep it authentic. Compliment specific features. One way to tailor your statement to this particular person is to point out something unique that makes them beautiful. This could be anything: eyes, hair, smile, skin. Go deeper than the skin, and try to compliment his/her personality. Beauty means much more than looks. Say, "You have the most beautiful smile. It always brightens my day." Try saying, "Your eyes are absolutely stunning. I get lost in them." Tell him/her, "You have such beautiful hair!" or "Your skin is flawless." If this person gets a lot of compliments for his or her beauty, try pointing out the features that don't get complimented as often. The person may spend a lot of time on their hair or makeup. However, they might be be especially flattered if you find something to say about their ears, their hands, their nose – or their personality. Consider using a less strong word than "beautiful. " If you aren't sure how someone feels about you, then you might say that he or she is "cute" or "pretty." These words may not have the same heft as "beautiful," but that might be a good thing if you aren't sure. On the other hand: if you truly think that someone is beautiful, then it might be worth your while to suck up your courage and tell them exactly how you feel. | Say it when you feel it. Wait for a special moment. Keep perspective. Be appropriate. Say it simply. Find a unique way to say it. Be sincere. Compliment specific features. Consider using a less strong word than "beautiful. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Pigs | How to Feed Pigs | If you are raising pigs, you'll need to know what and when to feed them to help them grow big and healthy. Start piglets off with a well-balanced pellet feed, like creep feed. Feed your mature pigs a variety of wholesome grains, like wheat, barley, rice, and corn. Your pigs will also need a variety of fruits and vegetables, so give them whatever kind of produce you have around the house. Plan to feed your pig roughly 7 pounds of food for every 30 pounds of body weight. Make sure your pig's feeder or trough stays full when they're young, but once they reach full size, feed them once or twice a day. | Start piglets off with a well-balanced pellet feed. Pellet feeds, such as creep feed, come in small, digestible pieces that are the perfect size for young pigs to munch on. These feeds are specially formulated to meet growing pigs' unique nutritional needs, and typically contain a well-balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can find creep feed and other dietary supplements for newborn pigs at farm supply stores. Each of your piglets should get about 20g of creep feed per day over one or two feedings. Feed mature pigs a variety of wholesome grains. As your pigs get older and larger, you can wean them off pellet feed and switch them to natural grains, which will make up the bulk of their diet. Wheat, barley, rice, and corn (both on and off the cob) are among a few of the grains that backyard farmers commonly feed to their pigs. Most whole grains are high in carbohydrates, which can cause your pigs to put on fat rather than lean, healthy muscle. For this reason, it's a good idea to supplement regular grains with protein-rich offerings like alfalfa and soybeans. For ease of digestion, the grains you supply to your pigs should be cracked, rolled, soaked, or otherwise processed. Give your pigs a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Like humans, pigs need to eat their fruits and veggies in order to grow. For the most part, it's safe for them to have just about any kind of produce you yourself would eat. However, they're especially partial to leafy vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and sweet potato vine, as well as apples, bananas, pears, melons, and other fruits. You can also feed your pigs root crops. Pigs can't get enough of the hearty crunch of veggies like potatoes, carrots, sugar beets, and parsnips. Sweet, colorful produce not only tends to be the tastiest to pigs, it also contains the highest concentrations of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Fruits and veggies are more nutrient-rich than other types of foods, so it's okay for your pigs to have as much as they can hold on top of their regular grain-based diet. Keep your pigs full with distilling residue. If you brew your own beer or liquor, allow your pigs to feast on the spent mash rather than simply throwing it out. Alcohol is made by fermenting the same types of grains that pigs love to eat. Since these materials have already been softened by the distilling process, they'll be easy for your pigs to chew and digest. In some places, you can purchase spent grains from distilleries for a low price to use for feed. Avoid giving mash to pregnant sows or young piglets. Even though it has a low alcohol content, it still isn't good for them. Supplement your pigs’ diet with table scraps. Gather up any leftover fruits, vegetables, and grains from your kitchen and combine them in a large container. You can then divide the mixture up between your pigs in place of one of their regular feedings, or serve it up as an extra treat at the end of the day. Giving your pigs your leftovers is a good way to reduce household food waste while cutting down on feed costs. Pigs will eat just about anything, but that doesn't mean that they should. Never feed your pigs processed meat or cheese products, or overly sugary baked goods. Keep in mind that what you feed your pigs affects their health and body composition. A diet full of fattening foods will therefore produce pigs with more lard and less lean meat. Determine how much food your pigs need to grow. A good rule of thumb is to feed your pigs roughly 7 pounds of food for every 30 pounds of body weight. Piglets, for instance, may only need about 1-2.5 lbs (0.5-1 kg) of creep feed per day, while a full-sized hog might eat anywhere from 15-50 lbs (6.8-23 kg)! Pregnant and lactating sows typically need an extra 0.5kg of feed per day to be able to nourish their unborn litter or produce milk for their young. It's generally better to give your pigs too much food than not enough. As mentioned, they'll stop eating when they're no longer hungry. Do some research on the specific nutritional needs of the pigs you're raising to get a better idea of exactly how much of what to feed them. Invest in an automatic feeder for hassle-free feeding. Automatic feeders refill themselves continually as their contents are depleted. This can make feeding less of a chore for busy or forgetful farmers. And since pigs instinctively know when to stop eating, you won't have to worry about overfeeding them accidentally. Automatic feeders can be used to dispense grains, pellets, meal, or any type of dry feed. Look for feeders with separate troughs to make sure your pigs are getting enough to eat and aren't being forced to fight over food. Use a trough to serve table scraps and distilling grains. Whenever you feed your pigs something that comes out of the still or stove, portion it out into individual servings in a large trough. That way, you can make sure they're only eating a predetermined amount. Using a separate trough will also eliminate the need to dirty up or risk contaminating your main feeder. Only serve as much leftover table food as your pigs can eat at one time. Anything left behind will quickly spoil and become a health risk. Feed your pigs once or twice a day. It's important to make sure your pigs' feeder or trough stays well-stocked when they're young and their growth is most rapid. Once they reach their full size, a single large, balanced feeding a day should be enough to keep them healthy and satisfied. If possible, provide your pigs with a fenced-in field or pasture where they can graze between feedings. If it's not possible for your pigs to graze, stick to feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening and reduce the amount given with each feeding. Secure your feeder to prevent it from being knocked over. Anchor your feeder or trough firmly to the floor or the lower part of the fence so that it doesn't budge. Hungry pigs can easily overturn a container that's not strapped down, resulting in wasted feed. Some farmers even resort to using sturdy makeshift feeders like converted bathtubs and sinks that are too heavy to topple! Feeding pigs is expensive enough on its own, so it's important to ensure that as little food as possible goes to waste. Stop feeding your pigs a few hours before transporting them. Put your regularly scheduled feedings on hold on days when you'll be busing your pigs to another location. If you load them up while their stomachs are full, there's a good chance they'll vomit or defecate and you'll be left with a big mess on your hands. Pigs are known to roll in their filth, which means you'll be stuck hosing them down along with your truck if they happen to get sick. In some cases, feeding pigs prior to transporting them can cause excess gas to build up inside their chest cavities, leading to complications like heart failure. Discontinue feeding 12-18 hours before taking your pigs to the butcher. This should give anything they've eaten recently plenty of time to make its way out. Cleaning a pig is much harder (and less sanitary) work when there's partially digested food remaining inside its digestive tract. If you use an automatic feeder, pay close attention to your pigs' feeding habits so you'll have an idea of when they last ate. | Start piglets off with a well-balanced pellet feed. Feed mature pigs a variety of wholesome grains. Give your pigs a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep your pigs full with distilling residue. Supplement your pigs’ diet with table scraps. Determine how much food your pigs need to grow. Invest in an automatic feeder for hassle-free feeding. Use a trough to serve table scraps and distilling grains. Feed your pigs once or twice a day. Secure your feeder to prevent it from being knocked over. Stop feeding your pigs a few hours before transporting them. Discontinue feeding 12-18 hours before taking your pigs to the butcher. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Minnow-Trap | How to Make a Minnow Trap | To make a minnow trap, start by cutting the top off of a 2-liter soda bottle and poking 10 small holes around the cut edge of the bottle. Then, poke 2 more holes about 1/2 inch below the first ones and string a 10-foot piece of fishing line through them. Next, insert some bread into the bottle for bait, as well as few rocks to weigh the trap down. Once you've done that, poke 10 small holes into the cut-off top of the bottle and insert it into the trap with the nozzle pointing in, securing it to the bottom with the fishing line. Finally, lower the trap to the bottom of a shallow stream and check on it the next day to see if you caught any minnows. | Cut the top off of a 2-liter soda bottle. Use a knife to carefully puncture the plastic just before the bottle's neck begins to taper. Then cut all the way around the bottle to split the top portion of it away from the bottom. Be careful not to cut yourself while cutting the bottle. It may be easier to make the first puncture with a knife, but then finish the cut using scissors. Use a knife to poke 10 small holes around the cut off edge of the bottle. Make the holes about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the bottle's edge and space each hole about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) apart. The holes only need to be big enough in diameter for you run fishing line through them. Be extremely careful while poking the knife through the thin plastic. This can be very dangerous. Poke 2 more holes about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the first ones. These 2 holes will be for your anchor line. Poke them through opposite sides of the bottle using the knife. Again, be very careful not to cut yourself. You'll use these holes to attach an anchor line to keep your minnow trap from drifting away and will use it to pull the trap out of the stream. The holes only need to be big enough in diameter for fishing line to pass through. Cut off a 10 ft (3.0 m) piece of fishing line. This piece of fishing line will serve as your anchor line. If you want, you can make the anchor line longer or shorter for your specific situation, but for general purposes, 10 feet (3.0 m) is usually enough. You do not need a particularly strong fishing line for your minnow trap. Any standard fishing line will do. Secure the fishing line to the bottle using the lower 2 holes. Insert 1 end of the fishing line from the outside of the bottle through 1 of the anchor line holes and tie a knot at the end of the line on the inside of the bottle. Then, repeat on the opposite side so the line is attached to the bottle on both sides. If necessary, tie a few knots on top of each other to keep the line from slipping through the holes. Insert a piece of bread or other food into the bottle. You can use most starchy foods as minnow bait. Bread, cookie crumbs, or bits of cracker will each do fine. You don't need much bait to trap minnows; a loose handful will do. The food will break down and float as it soaks up water, so don't worry about positioning it in any particular way. Use carbohydrate-heavy foods for minnow bait. Other examples are graham crackers, buns, or bits of muffin. Add a few rocks to the bottle for weight. Grab some small rocks and place them into the bottle with the minnow bait. The added weight provided by the rocks will help the trap sink to the bottom and stay put even if there's a slight current. For most traps, 2 or 3 rocks that are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand will do. Minnow traps work best in fairly shallow water, so the rocks are important to keep the trap completely submerged and near the bottom. Poke 10 small holes into the cut-off top of the bottle. Use your knife to make these holes about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) apart so they match the holes you poked in the bottom portion of the trap. The holes don't need to align with the first ones you poked perfectly, but the closer they are, the easier it will be to assemble your trap. Use caution when poking holes through thin plastic with a knife. The holes only need to be big enough for fishing line to pass through. Insert the cut-off top into the bottle with the nozzle pointing in. Invert the top of the bottle and insert it into the bottom portion until the holes on both pieces line up. Try to press the top portion into the bottom portion and then rotate it if necessary to line up the holes you poked through each. Secure the top of the bottle to the bottom of the bottle using fishing line. Run the fishing line through both sets of holes in an over/under pattern. Insert the line into 1 set of holes then pull it back through the next set and continue around the circumference of the bottle. Tie a knot in the end of the line when you're finished. Make sure to run fishing line through at least 4 holes on opposing sides of the bottle to hold the edges together. Lower the trap into the bottom of a shallow stream. Hold the trap by the anchor line and lower it into a stream that's 3 ft (0.91 m) deep or less. Let the trap settle on the bottom with the added weight from the rocks inside the bottle. Avoid streams with fast moving currents. The current should not be strong enough to move the bottle away from where you lower it down. If the current is too strong, look for a different location to place your trap. Secure the anchor line to a stick on the shore. You can hang the anchor line from a tree branch if there are any nearby. If not, find a sturdy stick and sink it into the dirt near the stream. Place the anchor line over the stick. If the trap begins to float away, the anchor line will catch on the stick and keep it in place. Make sure the stick is inserted at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) into the dirt so it has enough leverage to hold the trap back if it begins to drift away. You can also loop the anchor line over any other stationary objects within reach. Leave the trap overnight. It will take time for the minnows to locate the trap, enter it, and become stuck. Once you're sure the trap is secure, leave the area for 24 hours. The minnows will stay alive inside the trap when you catch them, so it's okay to leave them in there overnight. Pull the trap out of the stream by the anchor line. When you return the following day, locate the anchor line and stick you used to secure it. Grab the line with your hand and use it to pull the trap up and out of the water. With a little luck, you'll have a trap full of minnows! The minnows enter through the small hole in the bottle's nozzle but are unable to find their way back out. Be careful pulling the trap out of the water as it will be heavy and slippery. Untie or cut the fishing line to open the trap and remove the minnows. Once you remove the fishing line holding the 2 pieces of the trap together, set the bottle upright and remove the top part of the bottle. You can remove the minnows and put them in a cooler until you use them as bait, or keep them alive in water as you fish. If you untie the fishing line, you can reuse it to put the trap back together. | Cut the top off of a 2-liter soda bottle. Use a knife to poke 10 small holes around the cut off edge of the bottle. Poke 2 more holes about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the first ones. Cut off a 10 ft (3.0 m) piece of fishing line. Secure the fishing line to the bottle using the lower 2 holes. Insert a piece of bread or other food into the bottle. Add a few rocks to the bottle for weight. Poke 10 small holes into the cut-off top of the bottle. Insert the cut-off top into the bottle with the nozzle pointing in. Secure the top of the bottle to the bottom of the bottle using fishing line. Lower the trap into the bottom of a shallow stream. Secure the anchor line to a stick on the shore. Leave the trap overnight. Pull the trap out of the stream by the anchor line. Untie or cut the fishing line to open the trap and remove the minnows. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Fight-Wounds-on-a-Cat | How to Treat Fight Wounds on a Cat | If your cat has sustained serious fight wounds, get help immediately from an emergency vet. Otherwise, if it's out of hours and the wounds are superficial, you can treat them at home and take your cat in the next day. To treat a wound, cover it with a warm compress to loosen any fur and dried blood. Take care when doing this, since your cat may bite or scratch you if it's in pain. After you've removed any dried blood, clean the wound using sterile saline, or warm water. Then, if possible, wrap a clean bandage around the wound to protect it until you visit the vet. | Look for any wounds. You may notice bleeding or sores on your cat if it has been in a fight. You may also check its body to look for scabs since bite wounds heal over quickly. You can also run your hands over the body to check for any tender areas that cause the cat pain. Check for swelling. If a cat gets into a fight, you may not know about it. The puncture wounds will close over and trap bacteria in the skin. This will lead to swelling where the cat was bitten. Check the cat's body for any swelling. The most common places a cat will get bitten is the head, neck, forelimbs, and the base of the tail. Monitor for a fever. Cats who are developing an infection and abscess will have skin that is hot around the infection site. The cat may also develop a fever. This will cause the cat to be lethargic and have an overall sickly disposition. Watch for other signs of a bite. Your cat may show others signs that let you know it has been in a fight. In cats with leg bites, the infection makes walking painful so it may start limping. Sometimes, the cat will groom and lick the area of the bite excessively. In rare cases where the cat may have sustained a bite to the chest, you may notice that your cat has problems breathing. Check your cat’s entire body. If it is after hours and you can't get your cat to the vet immediately, try to administer some first aid on the wound. Look at your cat's entire body to determine where it has sustained damage. If there is matted hair, clip it so you can get a better look at the wound. You can also try to place a warm compress on the injured site. Hold the cloth on the wound for a few minutes to help loosen fur and clean some of the blood. Be careful not to get bitten. Your cat may not let you do this because it is in too much pain. Clean the bite. If your cat has a surface bite, flush the area with sterile saline. If you don't have sterile saline, rinse the area with warm water. Don't use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which could damage the healthy tissue. Determine if the cat can wait until the vet opens. When you have cleaned the wound, assess the damage. Many fight wounds are superficial and can be dealt with during regular business hours. If the wound is bleeding profusely or damaged part of the body like the throat or eye, you should get your cat help immediately. If your cat acts okay, if it is eating, and if it doesn't seem like it has sustained nerve damage, it should be okay until you can get it to the vet. Take the cat to the vet as soon possible. When cats get in a fight, the teeth and claws puncture the skin, which traps bacteria under the skin when it closes over. If the infection doesn't get treated soon, it can lead to more serious symptoms. Some bite wounds can lead to blood loss, nerve damage, and trauma to organs. As soon as you discover your cat has gotten into a fight, take it to the vet. Getting the cat treatment as soon as possible can save it from developing infections and unnecessary pain. Give your cat antibiotics. The vet will give you antibiotics to give to your cat. If the antibiotics are given within 24 hours, this will help stop the infection from spreading. Giving the cat antibiotics early can prevent more serious problems, like an abscess, from occurring. Make sure to give your cat all the antibiotics the vet gives you. Have the abscess drained. If the infection has turned into an abscess, the vet will have to drain the infection and flush it out with a saline solution. In some cases, the vet can do this by removing the scabs. However, the most common way to drain the abscess is to lance the skin. Your cat may need to be sedated or put under anesthesia for this procedure. Have the affected tissues removed. If your cat has a large abscess, the vet may remove the tissues that have been affected by the abscess, including any inflamed tissues surrounding the infection. Some abscesses lead to dead tissue around the infection site. After this, the vet will close the area with sutures. Get a surgical drain for the wound. Most fight wounds will require a surgical drain to be placed in the wound. This helps any pus or discharge drain from the wound. If the vet places this into the wound, you will have to clean the hole multiple times a day for several days. Clean the site. After your vet drains the abscess, the wound may be left open to continue draining and healing. You will have to clean this area twice each day for a few days. To clean it, you will use cotton balls or gauze and warm water. Some cats may be prescribed a surgical soap by the vet. Only use cleansers or soap prescribed by the vet. Human products or other disinfectants can be toxic to cats. Hydrogen peroxide should never be used on an abscess. It can make the area worse. Get blood tests. It is a good idea to get your cat tested after it gets into a fight. Cats can transmit infections through bite wounds. Common infections they can transmit include the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Ask your vet to test your cat's blood to be safe. Blood tests are often recommended for cats who do not get better after treatment. | Look for any wounds. Check for swelling. Monitor for a fever. Watch for other signs of a bite. Check your cat’s entire body. Clean the bite. Determine if the cat can wait until the vet opens. Take the cat to the vet as soon possible. Give your cat antibiotics. Have the abscess drained. Have the affected tissues removed. Get a surgical drain for the wound. Clean the site. Get blood tests. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Dog-to-Stand-Up | How to Train a Dog to Stand Up | To train your dog to stand up, ask it to sit a few feet away from you and hold a treat several inches from its nose so it's within view. Slowly bring the treat towards you until your dog gets up off its haunches and follows. If your dog doesn't rise, try patting your thigh to encourage it. As soon as your dog rises, give it the treat and some praise by saying something like, “Good dog!” Once your dog has learned to stand when you offer it a treat, add a verbal cue like “Stand” as you hold the treat in front of your dog's nose. When your dog has learned to perform the trick, cut back on the treats and eventually, it will respond without relying on them. | Use a marker sound. Marker sounds are sounds that please the dog and let it know it has done something right. The marker sound could be a word or a sound. The most common marker words are “Yes!” or “Good dog!” Marker sounds are usually made by a clicker, a small hand-held device that helps in dog training. You can obtain a clicker at most local pet stores. While you can use either a clicker or a word/phrase when deciding on a marker sound, clickers tend to be used by professional trainers and show dogs, while marker words offering enthusiasm and praise are more common for regular pets. You could use both together. However, whatever sound you choose, ensure you do it the same every time. In other words, don't say “Yes!” one time, then “Awesome!” another time. If you use both a clicker and marker word, don't change it up and start using just one or just the other. Practice the marker sound. The goal of using a marker sound, whether it's a word or a clicker, is for the dog to create a positive association with the sound. To do this, “ambush” your dog with your chosen marker sound 10-15 times each day for about a week. When your dog is sitting down, playing outside, chasing its tail, or doing any other activity, deploy your marker sound and then immediately give your dog a tasty treat. This way, your dog will associate the sound with a tasty snack and the good feeling that goes along with it. Find a treat your dog likes. There are many dog treats available in pet stores. Popular treats include peanut butter, sausage, sweet potato, and bacon flavored treats. Let your dog sample a variety to discover which it likes best. The more enthusiastic your dog is about receiving a treat, the more willing he or she will be to learn to stand. Avoid treats with artificial colors, artificial preservatives, and added sugars. Treats made with organic ingredients are best. If a sweetener is added, it should be natural, not corn syrup or sugar. Your doggie will love natural sweeteners like applesauce, molasses, and agave nectar. All treats should be bite-sized. Ask your dog to sit. Your dog should sit one to three feet away from you. It should be leaning on its front legs and sitting on its back legs. This will allow it to rise easily to a standing position. If your dog cannot sit, teach your dog to sit before it learns to stand. Getting a dog to stand requires that it is sitting or lying down. If you don't want to train your dog to sit, you could simply wait for it to sit (or lie down) on its own before ordering it to stand. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose. Get some treats that your dog really likes. Grip the treat between your thumb, middle, and index fingers so your dog can see it. Place the treat about six to ten inches away from your dog' nose. Bring the treat toward you. Always move the treat directly out and away from the dog's nose. When moving it, do not raise it above the level of the dog's nose or your doggie might be confused and think you're taking the treat away. Give your dog the treat. As you bring your hand toward you, your dog should track it with its eyes at first, then get up off its haunches to follow the treat. As soon as your dog rises, drop the treat so the dog can eat it. You could also choose to hand-feed the treat directly to your dog. Praise your dog for standing and taking the treat. You might say encouraging phrases like “Good dog!” or “Wow, you did great!” If your dog does not immediately rise when you move the treat away from it, encourage your dog to get up by patting your thigh or making a kissing sound. Add a verbal cue. Once your dog is trained well enough that it will stand when you offer it a treat, add a verbal cue to reinforce the action. Say this phrase or word as soon as you extend your hand in front of the dog's nose to offer the treat. Since you want your dog to stand, it makes sense to use a word like “Stand” or “Up” as your verbal command. Your verbal cues should always be clear, direct, and confident. Speak clearly and forcefully so your dog responds immediately. Use the command. Once your dog knows how to stand, you can use it in a number of situations. For instance, you could get your dog to stand (and come to you) when it is sitting in a location you don't want it to be, like in front of a door or on the sofa. You could also use it at the vet's office to help your vet check for responsiveness, or to examine the dog's legs. It's also a useful command when you want to brush your dog. Any time your dog is sitting somewhere and you want it to move somewhere else, the first step is always getting it to stand. Practice the trick in various locations. Repeat the trick in many locations both inside and outside your house. This way, your dog will not come to associate standing with a particular location. Instead, your dog will learn to generalize the treat-giving action with the appropriate response. Start in simple locations and build to harder ones. Simple locations are quiet with few distractions or strange smells. You should start in your own living room or kitchen. Ratchet up the difficulty level for your dog by doing the trick in your house with several friends or family members around. You can graduate up to an outside location like a public park or greenway. This way, your dog will be able to perform the “stand” command anywhere at any time. Add distance between you and your dog. While you should start with your dog between one and three feet away from you, you should gradually increase the distance at which the dog obeys your command. Once your dog starts to understand the trick, move back to a distance of between two and four feet. Once your dog is successful at accomplishing the trick at this distance, move back further still. Don't maintain a constant distance when practicing. For instance, you can direct your dog to stand from a distance of three feet one time, then from a distance of just one foot the next time, then a distance of two feet the next time, and so on. This will help your doggie understand that it's not the distance between the two of you that determines what trick it is supposed to perform, but the command and action. Be sensitive to your dog's upper concentration limit. Once you move more than 10 feet away, you might not be able to get your dog to see your hand gesture. Increase the duration of the trick. Instead of giving your dog a treat after it stands for just a second or two, wait three to five seconds before giving it. Once your dog has learned to wait three to five seconds, wait six to eight seconds before giving it a treat. There's no absolute maximum a dog will be able to wait before getting antsy, but be aware of the limits to your dog's patience. If your dog is getting antsy, distracted, or sits back down after you've stretched the duration of the trick to a certain point, you should accept that your dog has probably reached its personal patience threshold. Cut back on the treats. Once your doggie really knows how to stand, start to cut back on the treats. Instead of giving your dog a treat every time it performs the correct behavior, just make the motion of giving the treat by pinching your index, thumb, and middle fingers together in front of the dog's nose. This will reduce your and your dog's reliance on treats to stand. Cut back from giving a treat every time your dog performs the trick to giving a treat just 90% of the time. Use the hand motion without the treat for the other 10% of the time. If your dog continues to obey, use the hand motion without giving a treat 20% of the time. Continue to reduce how often you give a treat as you see fit. However, you should never entirely eliminate treats from the trick. If you notice that your dog becomes less compliant with the command over time, increase the frequency with which you administer treats when getting your dog to stand. Practice a variation. A variation of the simple “stand” command is the “stand up” command. Training your dog to stand up on its hind legs works exactly the same as the regular stand command, but instead of bringing the treat forward relative the dog (and toward you), you simply lift the treat in your hand up and over the dog's head. Your dog should follow it and rise on its back legs to reach it. Use a different verbal command to differentiate this trick from “Stand.” Try a command like “Jump up” or “Up, up.” Start slowly. At first, give your dog the treat as soon as its front legs come off the ground. Then, give it the treat when it can stand on its hind legs for about three seconds. Then reward it when it has stood for five seconds. Don't let your dog lean against you when doing this trick -- that's cheating! Smaller dogs (of less than 40 pounds) are better at standing and balancing on their hind legs than larger dogs. | Use a marker sound. Practice the marker sound. Find a treat your dog likes. Ask your dog to sit. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose. Bring the treat toward you. Give your dog the treat. Add a verbal cue. Use the command. Practice the trick in various locations. Add distance between you and your dog. Increase the duration of the trick. Cut back on the treats. Practice a variation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Date-an-Older-Guy | How to Date an Older Guy | Dating an older guy can be an exciting way to spice up your dating life! Keep in mind that you should only do this if you're over 18, since it's unsafe for minors to date older men. If you want to attract an older guy, be honest and direct, since older guys usually don't have time for relationship games. Tell him how you feel and don't be afraid to ask him out! If you haven't met an older guy yet, try visiting places older guys hang out, like nice bars, golf courses, coffee shops, or gallery openings. You could also find an older guy pretty easily on a dating site like OkCupid or Match.com. Just like any relationship, you'll need to communicate your needs and take things one step at a time. | Go where older guys hang out. Mature men don't necessarily spend time at the same places as younger guys do. They're most likely over the party scene so you won't find them at the loud, crowded bars downtown. They are likely to prefer environments that are more low-key. Some great places where you can meet older men include: Nice bars and restaurants Golf courses Coffee shops Poetry readings and book releases. Gallery show openings. Your friends obligation event. Tag along to a good friend's company picnic, neighborhood holiday gathering, or the extended family wedding as a platonic date. You may meet older men, and you'll certainly save your friend from boredom. Get online. Older guys are online just like everyone else. Join an online dating site and customize your age preferences. You'll find men you like, and they'll be able to find you as well. Consider popular sites like OkCupid, PlentyofFish, and Match.com. You can also look for websites that cater to May to December romances, but check the website out first. Some of these are used more for financially involved relationships. Get informed. Many people pay more attention to current events as they get older. Keep up with what's going on in the world so you can make conversation. Watch the news on television or read newspapers like the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Form an intelligent and informed opinion about everything you read, and look up references you don't recognize. Older men who are worth your while will want to be able to have interesting conversations with you. Don't just read about the presidential elections. Research candidates in local elections and learn about general trends in politics. Get acquainted with sports. It's fun to bond over and watch a game without having to explain everything. Read about economics. Keep an eye on the stock market and learn what factors affect the economy. Attend political fundraisers, protests, and volunteer for causes you care about. Show your personality. Older guys like a partner who is confident enough to be natural. Let them see who you are and don't try to act like someone else. Good older men want to get to know the real you. They'll likely have enough prior relationship experience to tell if you're being less than sincere with them. Be honest about your interests even if they're things that you don't think a mature man will like. You'll be surprised by how many older guys still like things like cartoons and comic books. Be ambitious and have your own interests. Invest in your work: seek promotions, awards, and responsibility. If you are a student, get good grades and apply for further education. The great news is, a quality older guy is not going to be intimidated by your success the way a younger guy might be. He's already gone through your life stage, so he's less likely to be threatened when things go well for you. If you're on track with your career or your studies, people are less likely to assume you are only into him for security. Invest in your own life because you don't want the pressure of financial support to ruin your relationship. You'll be happiest if you're with him because you like him, not because you don't have any other options. Be direct. Older men don't like to play relationship games. Let your actions truly reflect your feelings, and don't feel like you need to 'play hard to get. Older guys usually have a lot of things going on in their life. They may have a steady career or even kids. Be honest about your feelings and don't keep them guessing. Call them when you say you will. Don't wait for them to call you. Don't be afraid to ask them out. Older men appreciate the forwardness that younger guys can find intimidating. Tell him what you want. Find out what both of you need from a relationship. Things may not work out if you want children but he already has kids and doesn't plan on having any more. The two of you may even have a different understanding of how serious your relationship is. If he's been divorced in the past, he may just want to have a casual fling while you're looking for someone to marry. After a date or two, initiate a conversation about where you see the relationship going long-term. Consciously consider whether or not your needs are compatible with his. Keep your own life. Remember that a little space can be healthy for a relationship. You don't want to lose your independence. Make sure you spend some time away from your relationship and encourage him to do the same. You might start to resent each other if you try to be together all the time. He may not have anything in common with your friends and vice versa. Both of you might need a little time to be around people your own age. You may not like doing all of the same things. Keep doing the things that you enjoy. Communicate your needs. Realize that an older man may have responsibilities that don't allow him to relocate. He might not be able to go with you if you have to move to follow your dreams, so if that's something you might want from a partner, talk to him about it! Understand that he may be already settled into his environment and might not want to change it the way a younger guy might. He may want to stay close to his kids. He might already a good career that he doesn't want to leave. He may simply enjoy living where he does. Have frank conversations about finances. An older man may have his finances in order. While it can be nice to be with someone who has financial stability, it can be awkward when you are younger and possibly broke. Be clear on what you're comfortable with. If you aren't excited at being treated to dinner all the time, let him know you'll need to choose some cheaper dates. Take it slow. It might take a while before he feels comfortable fully bringing you into his personal life. Don't try to impose yourself on it too quickly. He'll need to make sure that he can depend on you to stick around before introducing you to his family and friends. If he has a reputation to uphold, he won't want to be seen as the person who casually dates younger people. Tell him when you're ready to meet his family, but let him know that it's up to him when it happens. If he has kids, understand that he might not want you to meet them right away. It's unhealthy for kids to frequently get attached to new people they might lose. Even if you think your relationship is on track, you may need to wait for a year or longer before you get to share time with his children. It may take him a while to admit that he has strong feelings for you. Hopefully your older man doesn't react to his fleeting emotions. Rather, he may take time to be sure how he feels before he tells you. Remind him that you desire him. Everyone's scared of getting older. For men, the thought of losing their physical virility can be terrifying. Even if he doesn't show it, he's somewhat worried that you'll stop being attracted to him because of his age. Reassure him that he's still got it going on and don't remind him of how old he is. Every so often, compliment him on his looks, strength or any attribute that makes him feel young and useful. Say things like: Your arms are so strong. I feel really safe when you wrap them around me. You look so handsome today. I really like your style. You can tease him about his age if he likes that, but be sure to check. Some guys might feel lighthearted about a few May-December jokes, but unhappy about being called "old man." Expect some judgment from those you love. Some people find the idea of an older man dating a younger person unsettling. They may worry about you being taken advantage of, or getting pressured into committing to someone who is in a different life stage. Assure them that you genuinely have a connection with him and that you wouldn't be with someone who objectified you. Calmly break the news about your relationship to your parents. Give them some time to get used to it. They only want to protect you. They'll come around when they see that your partnership is loving and equal. If you have a sibling or a trusted family friend who can act as a go-between, make sure they also meet your boyfriend and let your parents know that they like him. Maintain an equal partnership. Make sure that both of you have an equal role in your relationship. Just because he's older than you doesn't mean that he should get the final word on every decision. He's your partner, not your father. If the relationship gets serious, make sure that you discuss every issue that comes up together before deciding what to do. You should be comfortable expressing your opinions to him even if they're not the same as his. Know your worth. Absolutely refuse to be in a relationship with anyone who wants to control you. Ditch the creeps. Some guys want a younger partner because younger partners can be easier to manipulate and control. Ditch older men who are jealous, controlling, who push you into quick involvement, who put unrealistic expectations on you, discourage you from interacting with friends and family. Dump an older guy who blames you for his problems, feelings, and other things that you could only control if you were a wizard. Run, don't walk, from men who threaten you, who put you down, who ignore your good news and accomplishments, or who physically harm you. Many acts that seem like signs of devotion are actually warning signs of abuse. A guy who drops in at your work to check in on you, who tries to protect you from everything, or who claims to be unable to live or function without you is manipulating you. If your partner is physically aggressive, call 911 or a domestic abuse hotline: 1-800-522-3304 | Go where older guys hang out. Get online. Get informed. Show your personality. Be ambitious and have your own interests. Be direct. Tell him what you want. Keep your own life. Communicate your needs. Have frank conversations about finances. Take it slow. Remind him that you desire him. Expect some judgment from those you love. Maintain an equal partnership. Ditch the creeps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Nails-Grow-in-a-Week | How to Make Your Nails Grow in a Week | While you can't speed up the natural growth of your fingernails, you can protect them from damage and boost your nail health to help them reach their maximum growth potential in a week. When your nails get wet, they become soft and weak, so try to keep them as dry as possible to avoid tearing them. For example, wear rubber gloves when you're washing the dishes, and pat your nails dry right after showering or going for a swim. To prevent ragged edges that can lead to snags and breaks, file your nails into a natural, rounded or squared-off shape. In addition to caring for your nails directly, boost your nail health by eating a diet rich in calcium, like dairy products and green vegetables. You'll also want to load up on protein, like eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. | Avoid biting your nails. This seems obvious, but it's also very important. Biting your nails is a sure way to keep them from growing long and strong. If you have a tendency to chomp your nails, there are a few things you can try to help curb the habit while also letting your nails grow: Add some bitter polish to your nails. You can buy bite-discouraging polishes in many pharmacies or online. Distract yourself with another habit or activity. For example, if you feel the urge to bite your nails, try playing with a stress ball or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum, instead. Avoid common biting triggers as much as you can. For example, you might have a tendency to bite your nails when you're bored or stressed, so try doing something relaxing or enjoyable for a few minutes if you feel the urge to nibble. Keep your nails dry to avoid weakening them. When your nails get wet, they become soft and weak. Keep your nails as dry as possible while you're growing them out so that there's less risk of tearing them while they're wet. For example, after showering or going for a swim, make sure to pat your nails dry right away. Try wearing gloves if you need to wash the dishes, scrub a counter, or do any other cleaning that involves getting your hands wet. Moisturize your cuticles. While it's important to keep your nails from getting too wet, they can also become brittle and cracked if they get too dry. Keep the skin around your nails well-hydrated by moisturizing your hands and cuticles daily. Petroleum-based moisturizers, such as Vaseline and Aquaphor, are some of the most effective at keeping your hands hydrated. You can also protect and hydrate your delicate cuticles with plant-based cuticle oils, such as apricot oil, cocoa butter, or sweet almond oil. It's especially important to moisturize in the winter or after using harsh or drying products, like nail polish remover. File your nails into a natural shape. Filing your fingernails properly can help prevent snags, breaks, and tears. Use a file to shape your nails into a slightly rounded or squared-off shape. To prevent ragged edges, file your nails in a fluid motion, moving in one direction. Start by moving from one side of your nail to the center, and then from the center to the other side. Glass or crystal nail files are easier on your nails than metal or emery board files. Take it easy on the manicures. Using too many products of any type on your nails—even strengthening topcoats—can dry out your nails or make them more brittle. Additionally, visiting nail salons too much can put you at risk of picking up a nail-weakening bacterial or fungal infection. While your nails are growing out, give them a chance to breathe and go bare for a bit. Nail polish removers are especially drying. If you must use a nail polish remover, look for a formula that's acetone free and moisturizing. Manage any medical conditions that might affect your nails. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and psoriasis , can damage and weaken your nails. If you've been diagnosed with one of these conditions, work closely with your doctor to make sure your condition is well-managed and under control. Treating the underlying condition can help prevent nail damage before it starts. Take any medications as prescribed and go to medical appointments as often as your doctor recommends. If you have a condition that affects your circulation, such as diabetes, getting gentle hand massages can help improve circulation and boost the health of your nails. Eat a diet rich in calcium. There's not a lot of evidence that calcium can help strengthen your nails, but some people with calcium deficiencies and related conditions may see changes in the way their nails grow. Whether or not it can keep your nails strong, eating a diet rich in calcium is vital to your overall health. Good sources of calcium include dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt), canned fish with bones (like sardines and salmon), calcium-enriched soy products, and green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and turnip greens. Get plenty of protein in your diet. Your fingernails are made of keratin, a type of protein. Getting enough dietary protein may help promote the health of your nails. It's also essential for the health of almost every other tissue in your body, including your hair, bones, muscles, and skin. Good dietary sources of protein include: Lean meats, such as fish and white-meat poultry Eggs Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt Beans, peas, nuts, and seeds Try taking a biotin supplement to promote stronger nails. It's not clear that biotin (otherwise known as vitamin B-7) can actually make your nails grow faster, but it may help make them stronger if they are weak or brittle. Ask your doctor if biotin supplements may be helpful for you. You can take biotin as a dietary supplement, but you can also find it in a variety of food sources, such as beef liver and other organ meats, egg yolk, salmon, brewer's yeast, avocados, sweet potatoes, and many nuts and seeds. Ask your doctor to test you for vitamin deficiencies. Certain vitamin deficiencies can make your nails weak, brittle, or misshapen. If you have trouble growing strong nails, make an appointment with your doctor and ask if they can test you for a deficiency. If you do have any deficiencies, taking a supplement may help your nails grow faster, longer, and stronger. For example, an iron deficiency can cause brittle or misshapen nails. If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia , taking an iron supplement may help you grow stronger nails in addition to providing a variety of other benefits. | Avoid biting your nails. Keep your nails dry to avoid weakening them. Moisturize your cuticles. File your nails into a natural shape. Take it easy on the manicures. Manage any medical conditions that might affect your nails. Eat a diet rich in calcium. Get plenty of protein in your diet. Try taking a biotin supplement to promote stronger nails. Ask your doctor to test you for vitamin deficiencies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Literature-Student | How to Be a Good Literature Student | Being a good literature student involves taking lots of notes and understanding how to get high marks. When you're reading or discussing a text, take detailed notes on things like interesting arguments, themes, and historical context that come up. This will help you formulate your essays later on. Make sure you participate in class discussions so you can get feedback on your own opinions and learn new ways of analyzing texts. If you're struggling to stay on top of your reading, try writing a schedule to help you. For example, if you need to read 30 chapters in a week, read 5 chapters a day with 1 day spare. To get good grades, it's also important to read the assessment criteria for your exams and papers so you know what graders are looking for. | Take detailed notes. During class, write down the most important points emphasized by your teacher or professor. Write down your questions, points about the plot of the book, your opinions, your teacher or professor's opinions, and your classmates' comments. Write down the big, main points--don't get weighed down in the details. Keep all of your notes for your literature class together in one notebook or section of a binder so that you can stay organized. Here are some ways to organize your notes: Themes of the class as a whole Your own thoughts and questions Interesting points from class discussions Themes and symbols in particular books Your teacher or professor's thoughts about a book (which will be more common in college lectures than in high school class discussions) Important notes about the plot Details about the historical context of the text Listen and respond to other students. If your class is discussion-based, pay attention when other students are speaking. Look at the student who is speaking and practice active listening skills, including nodding at the person, absorbing what the person is saying (rather than preparing a response in your head!), and turning towards the person with open body language. Ask questions to make sure you understand what the person means. You should respond thoughtfully to your classmates' ideas and opinions, whether you agree or disagree. Everyone will enjoy the class more if the students are respectful and interested. Engage with your teacher or professor. Express your thoughts and opinions in class, and ask questions. Demonstrate to your teacher or professor that you want to succeed by going to his or her office hours and talking further about the readings. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings and to listen to the thoughts of your teacher or professor. Stay after class to ask a quick question or comment on a point you think is interesting. If you are having trouble understanding the material, reach out to your professor. He or she will be happy to help you through complicated material. Ask good questions. When asking a question in front of the class, speak clearly and loudly. Look the person you're talking to in the eye. Don't interrupt the answer to your question. Use open-ended question, rather than questions with a "yes" or "no" answer. A good open-ended question might be, "How do race and politics interact in this novel?" Ask shorter, more specific questions, rather than long, general questions. Do your reading before class. Go to class prepared--look at your class syllabus and write down which texts you should read before each class. Make a schedule for how much reading you will do every day. It's important to do the reading before class so that you understand the lecture or discussion while it's happening, rather than being confused and unprepared in the moment. Read and reread the assigned texts carefully. While you read, take notes where you summarize what's happening in your own words, note unfamiliar words, and write your thoughts down. Reread a text if you find it dense or confusing the first time--sometimes professors and teachers choose challenging texts that deserve a second look. In order to maximize productivity, take a ten minute break for every fifty minutes that you read. Use outside tools to help you understand the assignments further. Keep a dictionary near where you study, and write down the names and definitions of unfamiliar words you come across. If your teacher or professor allows it, use websites such as Sparknotes, Shmoop, and BookRags for plot summaries and refreshers on character names. These sources, however, should only serve to supplement your basic knowledge of the assigned texts. All your thinking and ideas for your essays should come only from you. Talk about the assigned texts with people in your class. Maybe you have a good friend in the class with whom you can chat over coffee or you want to organize a weekly study group. Talking about the assigned texts in a group can help you gain new understandings of the text, answer your questions, and get further enjoyment out of what you read. If your literature class has exams, your study group can help you review the important plot points, details, and themes in the assigned texts. Give yourself enough time to write and revise. Make sure that you have enough time for outlining your paper, looking through the book, writing your paper, seeking feedback from others, and revising your paper. Make a schedule for the time frame in which you will complete your paper. Set internal deadlines where you are accountable to another person. Saying “I will send a draft of my paper to my peer revision partner by Thursday” is some effective than saying “I will finish a draft by Thursday.” Reward yourself for completing tasks on time with breaks and smaller rewards. For example, if you complete your outline on schedule, you could go get ice cream with friends. Create an original, argumentative thesis statement. All effective papers about literature include a thesis statement, or a specific argument that you wish to prove in your paper. Your thesis statement should be opinionated, original, and relevant to the literary work. It should not be a factual statement but instead a debatable opinion. An example of an ineffective thesis statement: “In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's wand is unique to him.” This statement is ineffective because it is simply a fact--although one could write many interesting things about the fact that Harry's wand is unique to him, no one can dispute that this is true because it is a fact. An example of an effective thesis statement: “In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's wand represents his coming of age through its power to give him more agency through magic, its link to both his past and his future, and its unique physical form.” This thesis statement works well because it is debatable; someone might instead argue that the wand represents Harry's duty to the wizarding world or that the wand more represents his identity as a student. The thesis statement has both facts and opinions, so it seems opinionated but not outlandish. Use both direct quotes from the book and your own analysis. In order to support your thesis statement, you should find quotes from the book that illustrate your point. If your thesis statement argues that rain presents despair, for example, you might want to look for a passage in the book where a character is crying in the rain. Then, once you have an example, you should analyze this example in your own words. Quotes should be integrated well into the text of the essay itself, and analysis should analyze the quote further. For example, you might write, 'When Romeo says, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun' (Shakespeare 2.1.44-45), he draws a comparison between the sun rising in the east and the beginning of the relationship between the two lovers." Revise and proofread extensively. Ask your friends, family, and teacher to read your paper. Incorporate their feedback into your edits. Read over your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Don't be afraid to make a lot of changes between your first and second drafts--your paper will improve with every thoughtful revision. When you're done with your paper, read it aloud to yourself to check for awkward wording and small mistakes. You can also try reading it, starting from the last sentence and working towards the first sentence. When you turn in your paper and receive feedback, keep your feedback for the next time you write a paper. Know the format of your test. Literature tests can be in wildly different formats depending on the class and the instructor; they are very different from math or spelling tests. If your professor or teacher gives you the format of the test, make sure that you understand what each component of the test entails. This understanding will aid you in the study process. Here are some common literature exam components: Definitions of literary terms or phrases Quote identifications, where you are given the quote and need to explain who said it in what context in what literary work by which author. Passage analysis Short answer questions Essay questions, either on one work or linking together multiple works Make flashcards of important literary terms and words. If your class focuses on literary terms, such as “symbol” or “anaphora” or “free indirect discourse,” make sure that you can not only define the literary term but also provide examples of it from texts in your class. Quiz yourself with these flashcards and look for more examples of them in your assigned texts. Reread your class notes. If you have taken good class notes, rereading through your notes will refresh your memory about the important points made during class. Take note of the important ideas presented in the class, such as “coming of age” or “man vs. nature.” The ideas that stand out in your notes could potentially appear on the exam. Make a condensed study guide, pulling together the most important ideas from your notes. Use the “read-recite-review” method --read over your notes, recite what you remember from them, and then review and assess how much you retained. Reread confusing parts of assigned texts. Understanding all of the material for a literature exam is crucial, so now is the time to look back on that confusing passage of Faulkner that you didn't understand in class. If there's a passage analysis on one of these confusing sections, you will be happy that you reviewed it! Look at symbols and themes. If your exam requires an essay, you should look through your notes and texts for potential essay topics, such as dreams, motherhood, or nature. Take note of these for potential exam questions that ask you to talk about symbols and themes across multiple texts studied. Symbols and themes are often frequent topics of literary discussion, and having a grasp of the underlying meaning in your assigned texts will prepare you even more for the exam. Utilize your study group. Ask them questions about confusing passages. Discuss what each of you thought were the important ideas throughout the class--your opinions might vary! Ask them to read-recite-review their notes to you. Hearing different opinions and points of view about the texts in a literature class will help you see the works more holistically. | Take detailed notes. Listen and respond to other students. Engage with your teacher or professor. Ask good questions. Do your reading before class. Read and reread the assigned texts carefully. Use outside tools to help you understand the assignments further. Talk about the assigned texts with people in your class. Give yourself enough time to write and revise. Create an original, argumentative thesis statement. Use both direct quotes from the book and your own analysis. Revise and proofread extensively. Know the format of your test. Make flashcards of important literary terms and words. Reread your class notes. Reread confusing parts of assigned texts. Look at symbols and themes. Utilize your study group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Hemorrhoid-Cream | How to Apply Hemorrhoid Cream | Hemorrhoids can be painful and irritating, but luckily applying hemorrhoid cream can bring you relief. Remember that you won't be able to go to the bathroom for 1 to 3 hours after applying the cream, so it's a good idea to go beforehand.To apply the cream, first, wash the area with a gentle cleanser, then wash your hands to remove any bacteria. When they're clean, squeeze a pea-sized amount of cream onto your finger and rub it onto the affected area. Once you're done, wash your hands thoroughly with an anti-bacterial cleanser for at least 20 seconds. If your hemorrhoids are internal, you'll need to attach an applicator to the tube of cream. Squeeze a small amount of cream into the applicator, then gently insert it into your anus. Depending on the type of applicator you have, ou'll either need to push a plunger to release the cream, or squeeze more out from the tube to apply it. Finally, wash the applicator thoroughly to prevent future infection. | Use the bathroom before applying hemorrhoid cream. You won't be able to go to the bathroom for 2-3 hours after using the cream so take time to use the bathroom first! In particular, try to have a bowel movement beforehand if you need to. The cream needs time to work after you apply it, which is why it's important to wait to use the bathroom afterwards. Clean the area around the hemorrhoids first with a shower or bath if you have time. In a shower or a bath, use warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean away any fecal matter. Be gentle, as you don't want to agitate your hemorrhoids more than you have to. Pat the area dry when you're done. Stick to warm water, as hot water may irritate your hemorrhoids. Pat the area with a cleansing wipe if you don't have time for a bath. You may need to apply the hemorrhoid cream several times a day, and you likely won't have time to clean the area each time in the shower. Blot the area with a fragrance-free cleansing wipe meant for sensitive skin. You can find these types of cleansing wipes in the toilet paper section. It's actually a good idea to use these all the time after going to the bathroom if you have hemorrhoids, as dry toilet paper can irritate them. Wash your hands thoroughly. Scrub your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. You don't want to introduce excess bacteria to the area. Also, you may want to trim your nails if they are long, as you don't want to accidentally scratch your hemorrhoids. You can also use latex or nitrile gloves if you'd like, which you can buy at the drugstore or grocery store. Be sure to wash your hands after you finish applying the cream as well. Squeeze a small dollop out of the tube onto your finger. You'll likely only need a pea-sized amount. Squeeze it onto the finger you will use to apply the cream to the area, or onto a 2 by 2 in (5.1 by 5.1 cm) piece of sterile gauze. You may need to puncture the tube with the top of the cap first to open it. These medications typically contain an anti-inflammatory medication like phenylephrine HCl and a topical pain medication like pramoxine HCl. Rub the medication gently into the affected area. Use your finger or the gauze to massage the medication into the external hemorrhoids. If you don't get enough cream on the hemorrhoids, you can add more to your finger, but don't touch your finger to the tube after using it to apply the cream, as this could introduce bacteria to the product. You should be able to feel the hemorrhoid when you touch it with your finger, as it will be more sensitive than the surrounding area. Don't be afraid to move around a bit to find the right spot! Cap the cream and clean your hands. After you've applied the cream, replace the cap on the cream. Then, scrub your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water for 20-30 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them off with a clean towel before going about your day. Wait 1-3 hours to use the bathroom after you use the cream. For best results, you need to leave the cream in place for a few hours. If possible, avoid going to the bathroom and wiping the area during this period to help the cream do its job. If you do have to go to the bathroom during this time, then you will need to repeat the application after you are done. You can apply this cream up to 4 times daily. Try using it when you wake up or just before you go to sleep. You can also use it each time you a bowel movement. Place the dispensing cap on the tube. If you need to use the cream for internal hemorrhoids, use the applicator head provide with the cream. Attach the head to the top of the tube as directed by the package. You may need to snap the head on or screw it on. Do not try to use another applicator for the cream, as you may injure yourself. Rub some of the cream onto the applicator cap. The cream will act as a lubricant, so make sure to rub a decent amount over the applicator. If it's too dry, it may be more painful when you try to insert it, and you don't want that! Push the applicator head lightly up your rectum. Find your anus with your finger, then gently push the applicator into your anus. It may feel a little strange, but as long as it's not painful, you're fine! You don't need to push it in very far, just 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Pushing it too far could be painful. You don't need to "find" your hemorrhoids for this type of application. Applying it internally should hit any internal hemorrhoids you have. Squeeze more cream out of the tube if you need to. At this point, you may need to push more cream out of the tube, depending on the type of applicator you have. Remember, you'll only need a pea-sized amount. In some cases, you may have a plunger applicator. If so, use the plunger to insert the cream into your anus. Make sure you've read the instructions for your tube so you understand the applicator. Clean the applicator head and your hands. Take the applicator head off the tube and wash it thoroughly. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before washing the soap off. Wash your hands even if you used gloves. Avoid using the bathroom for about 3 hours afterward. The cream has to sit on the hemorrhoids to do its work. To make sure you don't disturb it, avoid using the bathroom and wiping this area for a few hours. | Use the bathroom before applying hemorrhoid cream. Clean the area around the hemorrhoids first with a shower or bath if you have time. Pat the area with a cleansing wipe if you don't have time for a bath. Wash your hands thoroughly. Squeeze a small dollop out of the tube onto your finger. Rub the medication gently into the affected area. Cap the cream and clean your hands. Wait 1-3 hours to use the bathroom after you use the cream. Place the dispensing cap on the tube. Rub some of the cream onto the applicator cap. Push the applicator head lightly up your rectum. Squeeze more cream out of the tube if you need to. Clean the applicator head and your hands. Avoid using the bathroom for about 3 hours afterward. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Penguin | How to Draw a Penguin | To draw an emperor penguin, start by sketching a horizontal “V” shape to make the beak. Next, draw curved lines extending from the top and bottom sections of the beak to make the head, and add a small circle for the eye. Then, make a long, vertical oval for the body, with 2 feet and a tail at the bottom of the oval. Once the outline is finished, add a downward sloping line midway through the large oval for the wing, and shade in your drawing to make it more realistic. | Draw 2 circles with a smaller circle in each one to make the eyes. Fill in the smaller circles so they look like pupils, but leave a small white circle in each one for the highlights. Leaving a little highlight in each eye will make them look more real. It doesn't matter where in the pupil you make the highlight, but try to keep it the same in each eye. Sketch the beak underneath the eyes. To draw your cartoon penguin's beak, start by drawing an upside down half circle just below the eyes, centered between them. Then, connect the ends of the half circle by drawing a line from one end to the other. Finally, draw a smaller half circle under that line to make the bottom of the beak. Don't be afraid to experiment with the shape of your cartoon penguin's beak, but try to make it smaller than the eyes so it doesn't look too big. Draw the head around the eyes and the beak. First, draw a curved line that runs from the outer edge of one eye, up and over both eyes, and down to the outer edge of the opposite eye. Then, from that point, draw a wider curved line that runs down under the beak and back up to your starting point. By making the bottom curved line wider, you'll give your cartoon penguin cute, chubby cheeks! Add a curved line over each eye to outline it. These lines will add some dimension to your cartoon penguin's face. Starting at the outline of the head near the top of one of the eyes, draw a curved line that runs above the eye and then down to the top of the beak. When you're finished, repeat with the other eye. Sketch a large oval with a smaller oval inside of it for the body. Draw the ovals so they're extending down off of your cartoon penguin's head. The top of the ovals should be partially covered by your penguin's chin. Aim to make the body around twice as tall as the head, but don't worry about it being precise. Draw a wing on each side of the body. To draw the wings, start by drawing at one of the points where your cartoon penguin's head meets its body. Then, draw a downward sloping line that slightly curves upward. Finally, round out the tip of the line and draw a curved line coming back toward your penguin's body. When you're finished, repeat on the other side. The size of your cartoon penguin's wings don't need to be exact, but try not to make them too long or they might look more like arms. Make 2 small, angled ovals at the bottom of the body for the feet. Starting at the bottom of your cartoon penguin's body on one side, draw an oval that extends off its body at a downward angle. Then, repeat on the other side going in the opposite direction to make the other foot. You can also draw 2 parallel lines inside of each oval to give your cartoon penguin toes! Draw a horizontal “V” shape to make the beak. Sketch a horizontal line going through the middle of the “V” shape to break the beak up into 2 sections. Make the ends of the lines curve downward, especially the bottom line since that will connect to your penguin's body. The horizontal line cutting through the middle of the beak should be longer than the top and bottom lines in the “V” shape. Sketch the outline of the head extending off the beak. Starting at the end of the top section of the beak, draw a horizontal curved line to make the top of your penguin's head. Then, draw a vertical line that slopes downward, and connect the end of that line to the end of the bottom section of your penguin's beak. Don't make your penguin's head too big since you'll want it to be relatively small compared to the rest of its body. Draw a small circle inside of the head for the eye. You only need to draw one eye on your penguin since it's turned to its side. Make the eye small and center it in the head so it looks realistic. Make a long, vertical oval for the body. Draw the oval so it's extending down off of the head. As you're drawing the oval, make the front side nearly straight until it curves in at the bottom, and make the back side curve more outward so it almost looks like your penguin is hunching over. To save yourself the trouble of having to erase lines later, leave a small gap at the bottom back side of the oval so you can add your penguin's legs and tail. Draw 2 legs and a tail at the bottom of the oval. The legs should extend down off the oval, and each should have a narrow, flat foot at the end. To make the tail, start at the back side of your penguin and draw a short line that curves outward. Then, from that point, draw a straight line to the back of your penguin's foot. Your penguin's tail should be pointed at the end and flat on the bottom like the feet. Add a wing on the side of the body. Since your penguin is turned to its side, you'll only need to draw one of its wings. To make the wing, start at the point at the bottom of the head. Then, draw a downward sloping line a third of the way down your penguin's body. Next, draw a vertical oblong shape extending down off of this line that comes to a rounded point near the top of the tail. Leave a gap near the top of the wing so it looks like it's connected to the rest of the body. Shade in your drawing to make it more realistic. To shade in your penguin, start by shading in the head and beak, making the top section of the beak darker than the bottom section. Then, color in the back side of your penguin, including the tail and feet. You can also do some light shading on the front side and the legs, but leave most of that space white. | Draw 2 circles with a smaller circle in each one to make the eyes. Sketch the beak underneath the eyes. Draw the head around the eyes and the beak. Add a curved line over each eye to outline it. Sketch a large oval with a smaller oval inside of it for the body. Draw a wing on each side of the body. Make 2 small, angled ovals at the bottom of the body for the feet. Draw a horizontal “V” shape to make the beak. Sketch the outline of the head extending off the beak. Draw a small circle inside of the head for the eye. Make a long, vertical oval for the body. Draw 2 legs and a tail at the bottom of the oval. Add a wing on the side of the body. Shade in your drawing to make it more realistic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Shirt | How to Cut a Shirt | To cut a shirt so it's a crop top, put your shirt on and measure the distance from your shoulder to just past your waistline. After you chalk your measurements, take the shirt off and cut straight across using sharp fabric scissors. If you want to create a tank top or a muscle top instead, cut the sleeves off. Start by cutting about 1 inch below the armpit and continue all the way up to the neckline. If the opening is too large, consider wearing a tank underneath your new shirt. | Cut a slit into the shirt on either side of the collar using some sharp fabric scissors. Cut the slit along the collar seam to serve as a visual guide for the rest of your cutting project. Use fabric scissors to cut the collar off of the shirt. Grab the fabric at the shoulder seam and pull it. Doing this will make the neckline curl over. Wear the shirt over a tank top or a camisole. Get your shirt. Put on the shirt that you want to cut. Measure the distance from the shoulder seam to just past your waistline using a vinyl tape measure. You want to leave just a little extra fabric so the shirt will roll up at your waistline and not high above it. Mark the measurement on your shirt using a fabric marker or a piece of chalk. Cut the shirt straight across using sharp fabric scissors. It's easiest if you place the shirt on a flat surface. Pull the edges of the shirt so that the fabric will curl over. Finished! Wear and show off! Cut off the sleeves. Start about 1" (2.5 cm) below the armpit and cut all the way up to the neckline. Don't discard your scrap fabric. Trim off the neckline if you wish. Cut at the seam so that you don't create a one-shoulder effect. Pull the edges, so they curl over nicely. Optional: Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface. Pinch the fabric together at the base of the armpits. Optional: Wrap your fabric scraps around the pinched area. Tie a knot to secure the fabric and tuck the knot underneath the wrap. Wear the shirt on its own. If it reveals too much skin, then wear a bandeau or a tank underneath it. Choose a tight-fitting t-shirt for the best effect. Select the area of your body that you want to expose. You can place razor slits across the back of your shirt, for instance. Lay your shirt on a flat surface. Place a cutting board between the front and back of your shirt so that you don't cut through both layers. Cut parallel horizontal lines in your shirt using a razor blade or a utility knife. You can cut lines of equal length, or you can cut a long line at the top and cut continuously shorter lines in sequence for a triangular effect. Finished! Optional: Wash the shirt. The sections that you cut will roll up at the edges to create a punk-ish effect. Cut the hem off of both your T-shirt sleeves using sharp fabric scissors. Use fabric scissors to cut a slit in the sleeves from the bottom to the shoulder seam. Pull the edges, so they curl over. This will also give you more slack to for tying in the next step. Tie the loose edges of the fabric together at the base of the slit. This tie will create a cute peep-through effect. Done! Wear your top with its cute new sleeves. | Cut a slit into the shirt on either side of the collar using some sharp fabric scissors. Use fabric scissors to cut the collar off of the shirt. Grab the fabric at the shoulder seam and pull it. Wear the shirt over a tank top or a camisole. Get your shirt. Put on the shirt that you want to cut. Measure the distance from the shoulder seam to just past your waistline using a vinyl tape measure. Mark the measurement on your shirt using a fabric marker or a piece of chalk. Cut the shirt straight across using sharp fabric scissors. Pull the edges of the shirt so that the fabric will curl over. Finished! Cut off the sleeves. Trim off the neckline if you wish. Pull the edges, so they curl over nicely. Wear the shirt on its own. Choose a tight-fitting t-shirt for the best effect. Select the area of your body that you want to expose. Lay your shirt on a flat surface. Cut parallel horizontal lines in your shirt using a razor blade or a utility knife. Finished! Cut the hem off of both your T-shirt sleeves using sharp fabric scissors. Use fabric scissors to cut a slit in the sleeves from the bottom to the shoulder seam. Pull the edges, so they curl over. Tie the loose edges of the fabric together at the base of the slit. Done! |
https://www.wikihow.life/Dispose-of-Batteries | How to Dispose of Batteries | To dispose of batteries, start by checking to see what kind of batteries they are. If they're alkaline batteries, you can throw them away or recycle them, unless your local government requires them to be disposed of at a designated facility. If they're rechargeable batteries or lithium-ion batteries, bring them to a recycling center so they can be properly disposed of. If it's a car battery, take it to an auto parts retailer or a hazardous waste collection site. | Throw away or recycle alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries are the type that power most simple battery-operated devices, such as flashlights, toys, remote controls, or smoke alarms. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from AAA to 9 volt. Proper disposal methods for alkaline batteries may depend on your local waste regulations. Most alkaline batteries manufactured since 1996 are made of relatively non-hazardous materials, and can be tossed directly into the trash. However, some states or municipalities still require that alkaline batteries be treated as hazardous waste. In these cases, the batteries must be recycled or dropped off at a designated facility. You may be able to drop off alkaline batteries for recycling at a local electronics retailer, recycling center, or community center. Check the Earth911 website for drop-off locations in your area. Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site. Since car batteries contain lead acid, they can't be disposed of in the trash or tossed in with your recycling. Many retailers, like Home Depot or Auto Zone, will accept dead or used car batteries. You can also drop them off at recycling or waste disposal facilities that specialize in hazardous materials. Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility. Rechargeable batteries contain nickel and cadmium, which can create an environmental hazard if the batteries are thrown away in a landfill or an incinerator. These batteries must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site, recycling facility, or an electronics retailer that recycles batteries. Many electronics retailers, like Radio Shack or Staples, will accept used rechargeable batteries for recycling. Check Earth911.com for participating retailers in your area. Avoid putting batteries in your recycling bin since they could explode and injure people. Donate or recycle lithium-ion batteries. These are the kinds of batteries that typically power portable electronics like your mobile phone, digital camera, tablet, or laptop. Lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at a recycling center or hazardous waste collection site, or donated to refurbishers and recyclers. In the USA, some retailers participate in a program called the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge. The SSM program encourages companies to recycle and refurbish lithium batteries and other electronic components. Check the EPA website for a list of participating businesses, here: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling Check with electronics retailers in your area to find out if they will accept donations of lithium-ion batteries. Dispose of button batteries at a hazardous waste collection site or recycling facility. This kind of battery is used in hearing aids and watches, and contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide, or zinc-air. They are considered hazardous materials and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site for proper handling. Button batteries contain extremely toxic materials, and should never be disposed of in the trash. You may be able to recycle or dispose of button batteries at some electronics retailers. Check your local government website for battery disposal guidelines. The correct procedure for disposing of different types of batteries may vary significantly by region. Check the website for your state, city, or municipality for information on how to dispose of batteries in your area. For example: If you are in the UK, begin by looking at gov.uk's hazardous waste disposal page, which can help you find battery disposal facilities in your area: https://www.gov.uk/hazardous-waste-disposal If you are in the US, your state government's website probably has information on battery disposal. For example, if you live in California, you can find detailed information on battery recycling and disposal here: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/reducewaste/Batteries/ Find recycling facilities in your region. Once you have information on your local laws regarding battery disposal, you will need to find appropriate hazardous waste disposal or recycling facilities in your area. Some areas also offer home hazardous waste collection programs or regularly scheduled events in which you take your batteries to a designated collection site. In the US, you can use the Earth911 website to search for battery recycling or disposal locations in your area. Contact your local library or community center. In the US and UK, many libraries offer battery recycling drop-off sites. Some community centers or city halls may also accept batteries for recycling. Call your waste collection service. The company that collects garbage or recycling from your home or workplace may offer hazardous waste disposal services. Even if they cannot collect your batteries, they may have a disposal site where you can drop off your batteries and other hazardous waste materials. Check with local electronics or hardware retailers. Many businesses will accept batteries for recycling or disposal. In many cases, you can simply return your batteries to the store where you originally purchased them. If you aren't sure if a store will accept your batteries, call ahead. If the store does not accept used batteries, they may be able to suggest an alternative. Store your dead batteries away from children and pets. Many types of batteries contain hazardous materials, such as mercury, lead, or acid. While you are waiting to dispose of your batteries, keep them in a place where they will not be accessible to children or pets who might be harmed by playing with them or swallowing them. If you do suspect that a child or pet has swallowed a battery, contact emergency services immediately. Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. If your batteries become corroded or overheated, they could leak or rupture. It is also important to avoid storing your batteries near any flammable materials, as this could present a fire hazard. Tape the terminals of your batteries. Sometimes seemingly dead batteries still carry a bit of a charge. If the positive and negative terminals of old batteries touch, it can create an electric current, which can lead to a fire. This risk can be minimized by putting a little tape over the terminals of your old batteries until you are ready to dispose of them. Fire can also result from the terminals of batteries coming into contact with conductive materials (like keys, steel wool, or other objects likely to be lying in your rummage drawer). Store used batteries in a cardboard or plastic container. Storing your batteries in a non-conductive container will reduce the risk of fire, leakage, or rupture. If you still have the original packaging for your batteries, this is a relatively safe way to store old batteries for disposal. Consider individually bagging especially hazardous batteries, like 9 volt alkaline batteries, button batteries, lead acid batteries, or lithium batteries. Do not store different types of batteries together. Mixing batteries with different chemistries may result in leakage and hazardous chemical reactions. If you have multiple types of batteries to dispose of, bag them separately. | Throw away or recycle alkaline batteries. Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site. Take rechargeable batteries to a recycling facility. Donate or recycle lithium-ion batteries. Dispose of button batteries at a hazardous waste collection site or recycling facility. Check your local government website for battery disposal guidelines. Find recycling facilities in your region. Contact your local library or community center. Call your waste collection service. Check with local electronics or hardware retailers. Store your dead batteries away from children and pets. Keep your batteries in a cool, dry place. Tape the terminals of your batteries. Store used batteries in a cardboard or plastic container. Do not store different types of batteries together. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-.Zip-File-Without-Winzip | How to Open a .Zip File Without Winzip | To open a.zip file without Winzip on a Windows computer, first double click the ZIP file to open it and click “Extract,” which you'll find below the tools heading. Once the toolbar appears, click “Extract all” followed by “Extract” when the pop-up window appears. If you're using a Mac, simply double click the ZIP folder, which will cause it to extract automatically. For ZIP files on your iPhone, download iZIP, which is a free app for extracting ZIP files, from the App Store. Then, move the file you want to extract into the iZIP folder before tapping the iZIP app. Once the app opens, select “Files,” which will show a list of the files in your iZIP folder. Tap the one you want to extract, then tap “Ok” to start the process. | Find the ZIP file. Go to the location of the ZIP file that you want to open. Since ZIP files store regular files and folders in a compressed format, you'll need to extract the ZIP file in order to use properly the stored files and folders. Double-click the ZIP file. Doing so will open the ZIP file in a File Explorer window. Click Extract. This tab is below the pink "Compressed Folder Tools" heading at the top of the window. A toolbar will appear below the Extract tab. Click Extract all. It's in the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear. Click Extract. This option is at the bottom of the toolbar. Your folder will begin extracting. You can also click Browse and select a different point to which you want to extract the ZIP folder's files if necessary. Open the extracted folder if necessary. By default, the extracted ZIP folder—which is just a regular folder with the same name as the ZIP folder—will open as soon as the extraction is complete. If it doesn't, double-click the extracted folder to open it like usual. Once you've extracted the ZIP folder, you can use the files inside of the extracted folder like you usually would. Find the ZIP file. Go to the location of the ZIP file that you want to open. Since ZIP files store regular files and folders in a compressed format, you'll need to extract the ZIP file in order to use properly the stored files and folders. Double-click the ZIP file. This will prompt the ZIP file to begin extracting automatically. Allow the ZIP file to finish extracting. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes for your ZIP file to finish extracting. Open the extracted folder if necessary. By default, the extracted ZIP folder—which is just a regular folder with the same name as the ZIP folder—will open as soon as the extraction is complete. If it doesn't, double-click the extracted folder to open it like usual. Once you've extracted the ZIP folder, you can use the files inside of the extracted folder like you usually would. Download iZip. iZip is a free app that can unzip ZIP files on your iPhone. To download iZip, do the following: Open your iPhone's {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/55\/Iphoneappstoreicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Iphoneappstoreicon.png\/30px-Iphoneappstoreicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} App Store. Tap Search at the bottom of the screen. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen. Type in izip , then tap Search. Tap GET. Enter your Touch ID (or Apple ID password) when prompted. Move the ZIP file into the iZip folder. Since iZip cannot access your iPhone's file system, you'll need to move the ZIP file into the iZip folder by hand: Open your iPhone's {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/6\/62\/Iphonefilesapp01.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Iphonefilesapp01.png\/30px-Iphonefilesapp01.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iOS icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Files app. Go to the ZIP file. Tap and hold the ZIP file for 1 second, then release it. Tap Copy in the menu. Navigate to the iZip folder by tapping Browse , tapping On My iPhone , and tapping the iZip option. Tap and hold a blank space in the folder, then release your finger and tap Paste. Open iZip. Tap the iZip app icon on one of your iPhone's Home Screens. Tap Files. It's at the top of the iZip main page. Doing so opens a list of ZIP files in the "iZip" folder. Tap your ZIP file. Doing so will open it; you should see a prompt appear immediately after doing this. Tap OK when prompted. This will allow iZip to extract your selected ZIP file. Wait for the extraction to complete. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes for your file to finish extracting. Once it does, the extracted folder should open. If the extracted folder doesn't open automatically, tap the folder that has the same name as your ZIP file in the "iZip" folder. Download ES File Explorer. ES File Explorer is a free file manager app for Android that can, among other things, unzip ZIP files. To download it, do the following: Open the {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png\/26px-Androidgoogleplay.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":531,"bigWidth":"26","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Google Play Store. Tap the search bar. Type in es file. Tap ES File Explorer File Manager in the drop-down list of results. Tap INSTALL , then tap ACCEPT if prompted. Open ES File Explorer. Tap OPEN in the Google Play Store, or tap the ES File Explorer app icon in your Android's App Drawer. You may have to swipe through a few introductory screens and tap START NOW if this is your first time opening ES File Explorer. Open the "Download" folder. Tap your Android's default storage location (e.g., Internal Storage ), then tap the Download folder. This will open the folder in which your ZIP file is most likely stored. If your ZIP file is stored elsewhere, tap instead the folder in which the ZIP file is stored. Select the ZIP file. Long-press the ZIP file until a checkmark appears in the lower-right corner of the ZIP file's icon. Tap ⋮ More. It's in the bottom-right corner of the screen. A pop-up menu will appear. Tap Extract to. This option is in the pop-up menu. Doing so opens a pop-up window. Tap OK when prompted. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. This will cause the ZIP file to extract to the current folder. Open the extracted folder. Tap the new folder with the same name as the ZIP file. Doing so opens the new folder and allows you to view its contents. | Find the ZIP file. Double-click the ZIP file. Click Extract. Click Extract all. Click Extract. Open the extracted folder if necessary. Find the ZIP file. Double-click the ZIP file. Allow the ZIP file to finish extracting. Open the extracted folder if necessary. Download iZip. Move the ZIP file into the iZip folder. Open iZip. Tap Files. Tap your ZIP file. Tap OK when prompted. Wait for the extraction to complete. Download ES File Explorer. Open ES File Explorer. Open the "Download" folder. Select the ZIP file. Tap ⋮ More. Tap Extract to. Tap OK when prompted. Open the extracted folder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deter-a-Dog-from-Misbehaving-Using-a-Water-Gun | How to Deter a Dog from Misbehaving Using a Water Gun | To deter a dog from misbehaving using a water gun, wait until you catch it doing something wrong. Don't spray your dog after it's done something wrong since it won't understand why it's being punished. Then, spray your dog on the side or back of its body, being careful not to spray it in the face. As you're spraying your dog, make sure it can't see you. If it can, it will associate the punishment with you instead of the bad behavior. You can also add a verbal command while you're spraying your dog, like "No" or "Stop." | Purchase a water gun. Visit your local pharmacy, toy store, or discount retailer to purchase a water gun. Buy a smaller gun that you can carry around with you, and one that you can easily hide in your pants pocket or in your waistband. Purchase water guns that shoot streams of water as opposed to mists of water. Alternatively, you can purchase a spray bottle, but these are more difficult to carry around with you. Catch your dog in the act. When punishing your dog with a spray bottle, it is very important that you punish it while it is in the act of misbehaving. Punishing your dog after the fact can cause confusion, or even make your dog think it is being punished for no reason. For example, if you find that your dog has chewed up your shoe, but you did not see your dog doing it, then going over to your dog and squirting it with the water gun will not do any good. Instead, wait for the next time you see your dog chewing on your shoe or the furniture. Use the water gun to punish your dog then. Keep your water gun hidden in your pocket or waistband at all times so that you can punish your dog in the act, and use the element of surprise to your advantage. Spray your dog’s body. When you catch your dog in the act, and you have your water gun handy, avoid spraying your dog in the face. First off, by spraying it in the face, you can inadvertently harm its eyes. Secondly, your dog will be able to see that you are spraying the bottle. Thus, it will come to associate you with the punishment, and might begin to fear or resent you. Instead, spray your dog's body, like its back or its behind. Or, try spraying your dog in the back of the head. Do not use the water gun forcefully, for example, use a high-pressure setting to spray the dog, or spray too much water. You might harm the dog this way. Give a verbal addition. As you squirt your dog, you must give a verbal addition, like “No,” “Stop,” or “Stop, bad dog.” This way, the dog can begin to associate the punishment with the verbal correction. Once it has made a connection between the word and the punishment, you will only need to use the word to get it to stop misbehaving. Make sure your voice is confident, loud (but not yelling), and firm so that your dog understands that you are in charge and do not approve of the behavior. Do not call your dog over. When punishing your dog with a water gun, do not call your dog over to receive the punishment. By doing this, you are not catching your dog in the act. Instead, your dog will think that it is being reprimanded for coming to you when called, which you do not want. Don’t let your dog see the water gun. Try not to let your dog see the water gun, or see that you are dispensing the water from the gun. The punishment should not be associated with you, but with the misbehavior. If your dog comes to associate you with the water gun, then it is more likely to engage in the behavior when you are not around. Keep the water gun in your back pocket, and make sure your dog does not see you using it. To prevent your dog from seeing you use the water gun, approach your dog from behind and spray the back of its head or body. Be consistent. Try to punish your dog every time the misbehavior occurs. If you only punish your dog sporadically, then it will learn that it still occasionally gets to do the unwanted behavior. This can cause your dog to either do the behavior when you are not around, or decide that performing the behavior is worth the risk of getting punished. Use a different method. This method of punishment does not usually work on dogs that enjoy water, like Labradors, Golden retrievers, American and Irish water spaniels, Portuguese water dogs, labradoodles, and general retriever dogs. Therefore, you will need to use a different method of punishment if your dog likes water, or is one of these dogs. Instead, take away one of your dog's favorite toys, or place it in time-out (time-outs should not be longer than a minute). Make sure to accompany the punishment with a verbal addition like, "Bad dog" or "No." On the other hand, dogs that dislike water are Chihuahuas, pugs, Yorkshire terriers, Pekingese breeds, Dachshunds, Maltese breeds, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Chinese cresteds, and Lhasa Apsos. | Purchase a water gun. Catch your dog in the act. Spray your dog’s body. Give a verbal addition. Do not call your dog over. Don’t let your dog see the water gun. Be consistent. Use a different method. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Dog-Likes-You-the-Best | How to Know if Your Dog Likes You the Best | To know if your dog likes you the best, look for physical signs like frequent and affectionate eye contact, a tail that wags to the right, and snuggling with your stuff. You can also consider how quickly the dog responds to your commands and how excited the dog gets when it sees you. If you want to strengthen your bond with your dog, be sure to reciprocate affection and try to spend at least 30 minutes of one-on-one time with your dog daily. | Look for frequent and affectionate eye contact. In many cases, making eye contact with a dog can indicate aggression or a contest for dominance. That's why it's recommended not to look strange dogs in the eyes. However, if your dog likes to gaze into your eyes without any bit of aggression or irritation, that's a great sign that they love you. Peaceful or joyful eye-to-eye gazing indicates that the dog is completely comfortable around you. Watch for a tail that wags to the dog’s right. Not all tail wagging is created equal, apparently. In many cases, a tail that wags more to the dog's right than the left indicates happiness and affection. If it wags more to the left, that can indicate anxiety or irritation. This may not be the case for every dog, though. So long as the dog's tail wags roughly parallel to the ground and they seem happy in other ways, it's most likely an affectionate wag. Take note if they check in on you regularly. During a walk, do they frequently take breaks from sniffing around at everything to look your way? If you're in a room of the house that's off-limits to them, do they hang out by the door or drop by regularly to see what you're up to? Basically, if they always want to know how you're doing and what you're doing, they probably really love you! If you tend to walk the dog together with a spouse, partner, sibling, parent, friend, etc., take note of who the dog tends to check in on most often. That's probably who they love most! Think about how excited they get to see you. If the dog can't contain its excitement when you get home from work or school, that's a good sign of their affection for you. If they don't even seem to notice when you come in the house, there's a better chance that you're not their number-one love. Of course, different dogs have different levels of general excitement, so you'll have to compare how they respond to you versus how they respond to other people. For instance, if the dog gets excited when anyone comes in the door but gets REALLY excited when you come in, that's a good sign. Consider how quickly they calm down around you. This is the other side of the coin regarding their burst of excitement when they see you. If, after their initial enthusiasm, they quickly want to become cuddly with you or just hang out near you, that indicates a strong comfort level with you. It's easy for a dog to get excited around someone they like. However, it demonstrates a higher degree of trust and affection if they can quickly calm down in your presence. See if they like to carry or snuggle with your stuff. You may find it a bit annoying when your dog carries around your slipper or cuddles up on the T-shirt you left on your bed. But, this is love! Personal items like these carry your scent, and the dog wants to be close to this aromatic reminder of you. So, instead of getting upset that only your slippers end up with teeth marks and slobber in them, brag to everyone else in the house that it's a sign of your most-favored status! Evaluate how quickly they respond to your calls and commands. Dogs can be trained to obey calls and commands from numerous people. However, the more quickly and eagerly they respond to the commands, the more likely it is that they have a deep affection for the person. They'll respond more quickly because they want to be around you and want to please you. If the dog isn't very good at obeying commands in general, the mere fact that they tend to obey you more often might be the sign of their affection. Determine if you were their primary caregiver from 0-6 months. It's natural for a dog to forge a strong bond with whoever provides them with life's necessities when they're a young puppy. If you did the bulk of the caregiving during this early stage of their life, there's a good chance that they developed a deep and lasting love for you. Not surprisingly, the quality of the care you give and the amount of affection you show during this early age will impact the strength of their bond with you. This doesn't mean you can't forge a deep bond with a dog you adopted as an adult, though. It may take more time to build up trust, comfort, and affection, but most dogs want to and will bond with the person who gives them loving care. Evaluate the quantity and quality of time you spend with them. This is the major factor that you can control in any relationship with a dog. Do you spend a lot of time with the dog, and do you make sure the time is spent well? Do you play, exercise, explore, and relax together? Do you make sure they're fed, watered, and kept clean and healthy? These are the things that build bonds of affection. Even if you haven't been the most attentive human companion, it's never too late to start! Note if they’ve had positive associations with you or people like you. You might say that dogs sometimes engage in stereotyping or profiling. For instance, if their first caregiver was a woman, they may more easily form affectionate bonds with women. Or, if they had a neglectful owner with a beard as a puppy, they may remain skittish around people with beards. You can overcome negative associations a dog has formed, but it may take more time and effort to build a strong and loving bond. The most important thing you can do is make sure they have positive experiences with you right from the start. Figure out if you have similar personalities. Like humans, some dogs are more outgoing and gregarious, while others are more introverted and reserved. If both you and the dog prefer a quiet 1-on-1 game of fetch in the yard to making the rounds at the dog park, there's a better chance of a deep bond forming. This doesn't mean that you can't have an “opposites attract” scenario occur, and plenty of sociable dogs and shy people (and vice versa) develop loving bonds. But, having similar personalities simply tends to make the process easier. Reciprocate their signs of affection. If they get excited when you return home, show them that you're excited to see them too. If they look back often to check on you during walks, call them regularly to let them know you're keeping tabs on them as well. If they cuddle up to you, snuggle them back. While you should avoid staring back at unfamiliar dogs who look at you, it's a good thing to return the affectionate gaze of dog who knows and loves you. Spend at least 30 minutes of 1-on-1 time per day. No matter how busy you are, set aside at least a half-hour block of time to devote exclusively to your canine companion. Clear away all distractions. Play their favorite game in the yard, or go for a long walk and focus on them instead of your phone. For those who like to see their dog as their “kid,” it's worth noting that this is very similar to the advice given to help parents bond with their children. Provide for them, protect them, and respect them. Simply put, love your dog and they will love you back. Dogs have been bred for centuries to be exceptional human companions, so being an attentive caregiver and affectionate friend will unlock their innate desire to bond with you. In many ways, human-canine relationships aren't all that different from human-human ones: you get what you give. | Look for frequent and affectionate eye contact. Watch for a tail that wags to the dog’s right. Take note if they check in on you regularly. Think about how excited they get to see you. Consider how quickly they calm down around you. See if they like to carry or snuggle with your stuff. Evaluate how quickly they respond to your calls and commands. Determine if you were their primary caregiver from 0-6 months. Evaluate the quantity and quality of time you spend with them. Note if they’ve had positive associations with you or people like you. Figure out if you have similar personalities. Reciprocate their signs of affection. Spend at least 30 minutes of 1-on-1 time per day. Provide for them, protect them, and respect them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Someone-to-Trust-You-Again | How to Convince Someone to Trust You Again | If you're trying to regain someone's trust, meet with them in person to apologize for what you did and tell them that you want to work on earning their trust back. Once you've apologized, work on proving that you're trustworthy by making promises and keeping them, like calling when you say you will. Do small favors for the other person to show that you appreciate them. Remember to be patient and give them time to start trusting you again. | Gather your thoughts. It can be intimidating to make a difficult apology. It's normal to feel nervous. Take some time to plan ahead and figure out what you want to say. Make a list of your main points. This list should include an apology, an acceptance of responsibility, and a statement of how you plan to make amends. Practice what you want to say. You can try the apology out loud while looking in the mirror. Ask for time to talk. Try saying, "Lauren, I know you're upset with me. Is there a time this week when we could sit down and have a conversation?" Express your feelings. If you want to regain someone's trust, you have to have a serious talk with them. If you have wronged someone, the appropriate thing to do is apologize. Begin by stating how you feel. If you are trying to rebuild a friendship, tell your friend how you are feeling. You can say, "Sue, I feel very bad that I betrayed your trust. I know it will be hard, but I would like for us to work on repairing our friendship." State your intentions. If you are communicating with a romantic partner try saying, "I want us to be able to trust one another and I will do what it takes to make that happen." Be sincere. Whatever you say during your apology, make sure that you mean it. The other person might be able to tell if you're lying, and that will only further damage your relationship. Accept responsibility. If you are apologizing, then you have something to be sorry for. In order to regain someone's trust, you need to demonstrate that you know what you did wrong. Your apology should include an acknowledgement or your actions. Make it clear that you know what you did wrong. If you are trying to regain trust in a professional relationship, you should use specific examples. Try saying, "I made a mistake when I did not carefully proofread those documents. I know it cost the company money." This shows that you understand the ramifications of your actions. You should also use specific examples when talking to a friend. For example, you could say, "John, it was wrong of me to lie and say I had to work late. If I'm going out with other friends, I should just be honest and tell you that." Actively listen. A constructive conversation is one that has more than one participant. After you have said what you want to say, give the other person a chance. Take steps to show that you are listening. Use your body language. Nod your head and make eye contact while the other person is talking. Rephrase the main points. This will show that you are retaining what is being said. For example, you can say, "I hear you saying that you have lost faith in me and that it will take time to rebuild that trust." Write a letter. A face to face apology is always the best option. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Maybe you live far away from the other person, or maybe they are not willing to speak to you. If that is the case, you can try an apology letter. Write a handwritten letter. This is more personal than an e-mail. You should never make an important apology via text. Edit your letter. It might take you a couple of drafts to get the right tone and content. Your letter should be concise and to the point. Try to make it about 3 paragraphs. Your first paragraph can offer the apology, the second should acknowledge responsibility, and the third can describe how you would like to solve the problem. Be dependable. Your words are very important when trying to reestablish trust. Your actions are equally important. You can demonstrate that you are trustworthy by being dependable. Do what you say you will do. If you promise to stop being late all the time, show that you have changed by being punctual. Call when you say you will. Remember, you're trying to rebuild trust. Make a point to stick to everything that you say you will do, even if it's just making a phone call. Show that you can be counted on. If your boss asks you to file some important papers, get the task done right, and on time. Allow the other person to have space. When you break someone's trust, that can cause both of you to become emotional. You might be feeling guilty, and the other person might be feeling sad or angry. Remember that they might need some space to heal. It's understandable that you want to resolve the situation quickly. But respect the other person's need for space. You can try saying, "Amy, I really want to start working on our relationship. But I understand if you need to take some time." Be respectful of boundaries. If someone asks you not to call for a few days, then allow them to have the time out that they need. Practice the three A's. If you are trying to mend a romantic relationship, you can take some extra steps to show your partner how much you care. The three A's are Affection, Attention, and Appreciation. Figure out ways to demonstrate these feelings daily. There are many ways to be affectionate. For example, make it a point to offer a hug when your partner comes home from work. You can give attention by being mindful of the little things. If you notice that your partner needs more coffee, get it without being asked. Use words to illustrate how much you appreciate the other person. You can say something like, "I really appreciate how caring you are." Take on extra responsibility. One way to show that you are trustworthy is by going the extra mile. Whether you are rebuilding trust in a personal or professional relationship, taking extra responsibility is a great way to rebuild trust. It shows you are willing to work hard. Maybe you are trying to convince your boss to trust you again. Volunteer to stay late if he needs someone to help with the end of month reporting. If you are trying to rebuild trust in a friendship, consider going out of your way to do something nice. For example, bring lunch to your friend when you know she's having a busy day at work. Perhaps you are working on your relationship with your partner. Try doing the dishes or taking out the trash without being asked. Be yourself. When you are working to rebuild trust, it is important to show that you are willing to make changes. However, it is also important to demonstrate that you are genuine. Don't try to completely change your personality. Changing too much won't seem sincere. For example, if you're trying to regain your parents' trust, don't suddenly begin acting like a different kid. For example, maybe your parents want you to help out more around the house. That doesn't mean you should stop hanging out with your friends completely. It just means that you should work to find a balance. Don't attempt to change your personality. If you've always been able to joke around with friends, don't stop now. Becoming completely serious all of the time will not seem sincere. Be patient. When you first started this relationship, trust was not immediate. Trust has to be earned over time. It is natural that when trust is broken, it will take some time to repair. Try not to rush the process. Acknowledge that the other person might need time to start trusting you again. State your point. Try saying, "I know that this process might take time. I understand. Take all of the time you need." Try not to dwell on the situation. It's important, but once you have apologized and started taking steps to repair the trust, you don't need to think about the situation constantly. Acknowledge emotions. If you are trying to repair a personal relationship, it might feel like a very complicated process. You are likely going to feel a wide range of emotions. Remember that the other person might be emotional, too. It is normal for you to feel guilt, grief, sadness, and frustration. Give yourself permission to feel a wide range of emotions. Acknowledge your emotions and move on. Say to yourself, "Today I'm feeling pretty guilty. But I know I'm taking steps to fix it, so I can't be too hard on myself." Understand that your friend is probably experiencing a wide array of emotions. They might be hurt, angry, or sad. That is normal. Create a new relationship. When trust has been compromised, it is possible to repair the relationship. However, it is important to understand that the dynamics might change. Be prepared to have a different relationship than before. Maybe you have violated your boss's trust. Be prepared to accept a lower level of responsibility at work for a while. If you have compromised the trust in your romantic relationship, you might not be as close as you were before. Your partner might not trust you with intimate feelings for a while. Perhaps you are dealing with a damaged friendship. You might have to accept the fact that your friendship is more superficial than it was before. Prepare for various outcomes. If you break someone's trust, there is a good chance that you can make amends. But you should know that the relationship might be damaged beyond repair. Try to mentally prepare for a variety of outcomes. Accept the fact that you might have to move on. If someone doesn't want to be your friend anymore, you can't force them. Try to find something positive in your life to focus on. Make a list of all of the things you have going for you. Spend time with other people. Focus on enhancing the relationships that you still have. | Gather your thoughts. Express your feelings. Accept responsibility. Actively listen. Write a letter. Be dependable. Allow the other person to have space. Practice the three A's. Take on extra responsibility. Be yourself. Be patient. Acknowledge emotions. Create a new relationship. Prepare for various outcomes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Chug-a-Beer | How to Chug a Beer | To chug a beer, relax your throat and hold your breath while you tip the beer back and let it flow down your throat. Don't swallow like you would if you were drinking a beer normally, since it will make chugging it harder. Instead, open your throat so the beer flows directly from your mouth to your stomach. If you're still struggling, try firmly tapping your beer on a hard surface first to release some of the carbon dioxide in it, which will make it easier on your stomach. You should also make sure you're taking a deep breath before you start chugging so you don't run out of air too quickly. | Pour the beer into a glass and wait for the foam to dissipate. Chugging a bubbly, foamy beer can cause stomach pain, gas, and nausea, so wait for the bubbles to go away before you start. Waiting also gives the beer a chance to warm up a bit, which can help prevent brain freeze after you chug! The shape of the glass can affect how well you're able to chug your beer. A beer mug is much easier to chug than a snifter. Hit the bottom of the glass on a table to release CO2. The carbonation in your beer is caused by carbon dioxide (CO2). All that extra gas pumped into your stomach can cause discomfort and possibly nausea. An easy way to release some of that CO2 into the air rather than your stomach is to knock the bottom of the glass on a table or solid structure before you chug it. Don't slam your glass on the table, just knock it to shake some of the bubbles loose. Take a deep breath, and lean your head back slightly. Before you actually start to chug your beer, take a big breath to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Moving your head into position ahead of time will streamline the process and make it easy to dump the contents of your glass right into your belly. Make sure you've got a good grip on the glass as well. Bring the glass to your lips and tilt it up quickly. After you've taken a breath and steeled your resolve, move the glass to your mouth and place your lips around the edge of the glass. In one swift motion, turn the glass up to pour the contents into your mouth. Don't sip or gulp the beer or the liquid may spill out of the edges of your mouth. Be careful not to knock the glass against your teeth and risk chipping a tooth. Relax your throat and hold your breath. As the contents of your glass enter your mouth, do not swallow. Instead, allow your throat to relax and the beer to flow directly into your stomach. Let gravity do the work for you. Be sure to hold your breath and don't stop the flow of beer to take a breath as this will slow you down and possibly cause you to spill precious drops of beer. Imagine you are pouring a glass of water down an open drain. Finish chugging the entire glass of beer. You've made it this far, don't stop now! Keep your throat relaxed as the beer flows out of the glass. Tilt the glass further and further up to finish draining it. When the beer is gone, resume breathing, and bask in the glory of your achievement. There's still plenty of CO2 in the beer, so if you need to expel any of the gasses in your stomach, a solid belch should do the trick. Use a knife to cut a small hole in the top of the can to create a vent. Place the tip of the knife on the top of the can near the pull tab, holding it in an upright position. Make sure the hold the can and knife firmly to prevent the tip of the knife from slipping as you slowly apply light pressure to puncture the can. Make sure the hole doesn't have any jagged edges that could potentially cut you when you chug your beer. You can use a knife, a key, or any other sharp object. The hole should be about the size of pencil tip, it doesn't have to be a huge, gaping hole. Cover the hole with the index finger of the hand that is holding the can. Grab the can in your dominant hand, and position your finger over the hole until you are ready to chug. The hole you made is sometimes called a carburetor and acts like a vent to allow air to enter the can. The extra air helps the beer to flow out of the can quicker and easier. You could also hold the can in your non-dominant hand to leave your dominant hand free to fist-bump your friends during or after your chug. Open the beer and begin to drink it normally. With the carburetor still covered with your finger, open up the beer. Bring it to your mouth and drink it as you normally would. Starting the flow of liquid before you open up the vent will cause the beer to flow faster and make it easier to chug. Take a breath and uncover the carburetor as you tilt back your head. When you're ready to chug your beer, take a deep breath to prepare yourself and so you don't need to take a breath later. Remove your finger that has been covering the vent and tilt the can as the beer flows out of the can. Keep tilting the can higher and higher as the beer empties to keep the flow smooth and even for easier chugging. Relax your throat and allow the beer to flow freely until the can is empty. As you're chugging the beer, do not take large gulps in an attempt to empty the contents of the can. Instead, relax your throat the allow the beer to simply fall down your esophagus directly into your stomach. Hold your breath as you chug the beer. Consider crushing the can in your hand and throwing it on the ground after you chug your beer to impress all of your friends with your victory. Please don't litter and pick up your can afterwards. Open the bottle and allow it to sit to release CO2 and warm up a little. Chugging ice cold beer can give you brain freeze and potentially hurt your stomach. Additionally, dumping that much carbonation into your stomach can cause discomfort and nausea, and make the beer more difficult to chug. Letting the open bottle sit for a few moments can release some of the carbon dioxide into the air instead of your belly, and warm up the beer a little bit. You only need to wait a few moments, you don't have to wait for the beer to reach room temperature. Don't knock the bottom of the bottle against a table to release extra CO2 because it could cause the beer to foam up and spill out of the bottle. Insert a flexible straw into the bottle and bend it. The straw will act as a vent or a carburetor to allow the beer to flow out of the bottle faster. The faster the beer flows, the quicker and easier it is for you to chug. Make sure the bent end of the straw is sticking out of the top of the bottle. Don't drop the straw into the bottle! It can be really difficult to get out without spilling beer. Hold the straw in place with the opening pointing away from your face. Use a finger to hold the bent straw in place with the tip of the straw facing away from you. That way it won't get in the way when you go to chug it. Rest the bend of the straw on the lip of the bottle. Bring the bottle to your lips and take a deep breath. Get into position to chug the beer by pressing the opening of the bottle against your lips. Visualize success and take a deep breath to prepare yourself. The deep breath will also save you from having to take a breath later on while you're chugging your beer. Lean your head back and tilt the bottle upright. After you've taken your breath, sharply tilt the bottle up and lean your head back. This will start the flow of beer. Keep the straw held in place with your finger to let it work it's venting magic. Allow the beer to flow down your throat until the bottle is empty. The beer will flow so fast that it will hit the back of your throat as soon as you tilt the bottle up. Keep your throat open and relaxed to let the beer slide right past it on its way to your stomach. The vent created by the straw will force air into the bottle which will propel the liquid to its final destination in your stomach. | Pour the beer into a glass and wait for the foam to dissipate. Hit the bottom of the glass on a table to release CO2. Take a deep breath, and lean your head back slightly. Bring the glass to your lips and tilt it up quickly. Relax your throat and hold your breath. Finish chugging the entire glass of beer. Use a knife to cut a small hole in the top of the can to create a vent. Cover the hole with the index finger of the hand that is holding the can. Open the beer and begin to drink it normally. Take a breath and uncover the carburetor as you tilt back your head. Relax your throat and allow the beer to flow freely until the can is empty. Open the bottle and allow it to sit to release CO2 and warm up a little. Insert a flexible straw into the bottle and bend it. Hold the straw in place with the opening pointing away from your face. Bring the bottle to your lips and take a deep breath. Lean your head back and tilt the bottle upright. Allow the beer to flow down your throat until the bottle is empty. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Bronchitis-Symptoms | How to Recognize Bronchitis Symptoms | The most common symptom of acute bronchitis to look out for is a dry and hacking cough accompanied by sputum, which is loose mucus that may be clear, white, yellowish, or green. Alongside a cough, you may also experience a runny nose, wheezing at night, and shortness of breath that causes chest discomfort. If you have chronic bronchitis, you'll gradually produce mucus from a cough that occurs every day for at least 3 months, which reoccurs at least 2 years in a row. In addition to shortness of breath and chest pain, you may also occasionally struggle to breathe and experience a sore throat. If you develop any symptoms of bronchitis, you should see a doctor so they can diagnose you and offer treatment. | Inform yourself about acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is the inflammation and infection of the lower respiratory tract. For it to be acute, the condition typically lasts for less than three weeks. Acute bronchitis can be due to viral or bacterial etiologies. It can even be caused by a combination of both if you end up with a case of secondary bronchitis infection. About 90% of acute bronchitis infections cases are viral, which come from many viruses such as the adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza virus, and coronavirus. Look for a cough. The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough. With acute bronchitis, the cough will start out dry and hacking. After a few days, the cough will begin to produce sputum. Sputum is a type of loose mucus that can be clear, white, yellowish, and green colored. Sometimes, if the cough is harsh enough, it may be blood-tinged. Although cough is the primary symptom of bronchitis, it can be a symptom of many other diseases as well such as pneumonia, asthma, or cancer. If this is your only symptom, look for other symptoms as well to pinpoint exactly which condition you have. Watch out for other common symptoms. There will likely be runny nose or nasal congestion, at least to some degree. You may run a slight fever and have chills with acute bronchitis. There may be wheezing, especially at night, or shortness of breath. This wheezing and coughing can also cause chest discomfort. There may also be some pain associated with very strong coughing fits, which can cause the muscles between the ribs to become sore. It is possible to break or fracture a rib from strong coughing. If your fever is exceptionally high, you may have another condition such as pneumonia because a high fever is not common with bronchitis. See your doctor for diagnosis. There are no tests known or commonly performed to diagnose acute bronchitis. Especially in the early stages of the condition, acute bronchitis looks a lot like the common cold. In order to get diagnosed with acute bronchitis, your doctor will run a series of tests that will rule out other conditions that present with similar symptoms to bronchitis. The doctor will first perform a physical exam where he or she checks your ears, nose, throat, and temperature. He or she will also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to listen for lung congestion. The doctor may also order a sputum test. He or she will take a sample of your sputum and test it for viruses and bacteria such as whooping cough. The sputum can also be tested to see if you have allergies that is causing the cough. Your doctor may also do a pulmonary function test, where you blow into a device called a spirometer. This device tests how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can expel air from them. This will help rule out asthma and emphysema. If you have an elevated fever or other signs or symptoms suggestive of pneumonia, the doctor might give you a chest X-ray to rule it out. Get treatment for acute bronchitis. Most bronchitis is viral, which means that antibiotics do not help. If this is the case, your doctor might suggest the simple treatment of rest, lots of fluids, and fever-reducing over-the-counter medication. He or she may also suggest the use of a humidifier to help loosen mucus and help coughing, a burst of oral steroids or an inhaler for three to five days if there is significant wheezing, and, rarely, cough medicine. If your doctor suspects that your bronchitis may be bacterial, he or she may prescribe you antibiotics. Since most acute bronchitis is viral, this likely won't be the case. However, there has been an increase in antibiotic prescription for bronchitis in recent years, despite this fact. Be aware of infant bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is not diagnosed until a child turns two years old. If you have a child younger than that who presents symptoms similar to acute bronchitis, she likely has bronchiolitis, which is a conditions caused by respiratory syncytial l virus or other viruses. It is associated with a higher mortality and morbidity rate in small children due to their low immunity. This condition presents with a cough that sounds congested that is usually without sputum production, since infants typically won't give you sputum. I can also be accompanied by a high fever and wheezing or trouble breathing. RSV bronchiolitis can turn into pneumonia and occurs most often in children under one year. It occurs more often in premature infants. To test for RSV bronchiolitis, there is a quick and easy test available in most emergency rooms that test nasal secretions from the child for the virus. Children with bronchiolitis are sometimes admitted to the hospital for close observation and supportive care with breathing treatments to open the airways, suctioning, fluids if they aren't drinking well, supplemental oxygen, and antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection. Obtain information about chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis affects over 10 million people in the US and is responsible for 40,000 deaths. It is condition that lasts at least three months and occurs at least two years in a row. It is caused by inflammation that is accompanied by swelling and excessive mucus production. This causes the lungs to lose their cilia, which are the hair-like appendages that help move mucus and other substances through the respiratory system. When this happens, the mucus stays stationary, which causes the growth of bacteria and stops up the airways. The primary cause of chronic bronchitis is tobacco use. Because of this, chronic bronchitis is a common precursor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. Be aware of the risks. The people at the most risk of chronic bronchitis are those who are or have been heavy smokers. You are also at risk if you have had severe bacterial or viral infections that affected the lungs or if you breathed in industrial dusts and fumes. When tobacco smoke or air pollutants such as dust or soot is breathed into the airways, it causes them to become irritated. The cells of the lower respiratory tract that secrete mucus, the goblet cells, go into overdrive. This causes them to secrete mucus at a very high rate into the respiratory passages, which causes a chronic cough. Research indicates that inflammation of the airways persists for more than 13 years after a person has stopped smoking. People with occupations such as metal molders, grain handlers, and coal miners are at an increased risk due to the excessive environmental irritants. Recognize the symptoms. The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is sputum production from a cough that occurs every day for at least three months, which reoccurs at least two years in a row. The mucus causes obstructions to airways, and this causes even thicker mucus as a consequence. Unlike acute bronchitis which starts within in a few days, chronic bronchitis's onset is gradual. The mucus produced is typically yellow or brownish in color. You will likely also have chest tightness, shortness of breath, and sometimes struggling to breathe. You may also experience fatigue, a sore throat, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and headaches. Since chronic bronchitis often comes hand in hand with COPD, you may see all the symptoms of COPD such as wheezing lungs, weight loss, and cyanosis, which is a bluish or grayish skin discoloration due to low oxygenation. See a doctor to diagnose chronic bronchitis. Your doctor will likely give you a chest X-ray to check the extent of the damage. This will also exclude pneumonia or lung cancer. Chronic bronchitis will not show any specific signs on the X-ray, but it will tell the doctor if your condition has evolved into COPD. You may also get a pulmonary function tests. These will test your lung capacity and oxygen levels. These are also likely given while you are receiving treatment over a period of time to see if the treatments are working. Treat chronic bronchitis. The major point of treatment is to quit smoking immediately. This can be done with or without help. If you have smoked for a long time, you may find it easier with help, such as nicotine patches and gums, group therapy, prescription medication, and shots. If you have already quit smoking, there are different kinds of treatment, depending on how bad your chronic bronchitis is. People with chronic bronchitis should get a yearly flu shot as well as a pneumonia shot. For chronic bronchitis caused by any factor, you may be given special breathing exercises to increase your lung capacity and help your respiratory system. You may also be told to do more modest exercise, such as light walking or other light cardiovascular exercises. This should be done for 15 minutes at least three times a week to start. Your doctor may also prescribe medication for the condition, such as inhaled beta agonists and steroids to help open up your airways. This works for any cause of bronchitis. You may also be prescribed oral steroids, but talk with your doctor first about the side effects. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed when you have an acute flare caused by a bacterial infection. If you have extremely low oxygen levels, you may be given supplemental oxygen. This is typical in cases that have progressed to COPD. | Inform yourself about acute bronchitis. Look for a cough. Watch out for other common symptoms. See your doctor for diagnosis. Get treatment for acute bronchitis. Be aware of infant bronchitis. Obtain information about chronic bronchitis. Be aware of the risks. Recognize the symptoms. See a doctor to diagnose chronic bronchitis. Treat chronic bronchitis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-a-Frameless-Mirror-on-the-Wall | How to Hang a Frameless Mirror on the Wall | If you want to hang a frameless mirror on your wall, you'll need to use mirror clips or a special adhesive. To use clips, put the mirror where you want to hang it and use a pencil to mark the top and bottom corners. Place 2 clips on the bottom, 1 on each side, and 1 on top for most mirrors, though a large mirror may need more. Drill pilot holes for each clip, then screw them into the studs to secure them in place. Once the clips are mounted, hang your mirror. Alternatively, to use a mastic adhesive, mark the area where the mirror will be glued to the wall with painter's tape. Sand the paint away until you get down to the drywall, then coat the area with a primer and let it dry. Install a temporary wooden brace to support the mirror's bottom edge. Apply the adhesive to the back of the mirror and stick it firmly to the wall. Once the mastic dries, which can take 24 hours, remove the temporary brace. | Mark the spot on the wall where you want the mirror to hang. Place the mirror against the wall in your desired position. Using a pencil, mark around the top and bottom corners. Take the mirror off the wall and place out of the way. This step will be easier with the help of another person who can hold the mirror in place while you make the markings. Clips are best for small frameless mirrors. If you are hanging a large mirror, use J-channels or Z-clips in place of regular clips, which can support more weight. Use a level to make sure the mirror will hang straight. Based on the corner markings you made, use a spirit level to draw straight lines across the wall where the top and the bottom edges of the mirror will go. To use a spirit level, look at the bubble in the tube. If it is equally spaced between the two black center lines, then your edge is straight. If it slides off to one side, adjust the angle of the level until the bubble sits in the center. Double check that the wall is flat. Clipping a mirror too tightly against a bumpy wall can cause it to shatter. To locate bumps, slide a straight-edged board that is longer than the mirror itself over the wall. A yardstick is a good option, but if that's too short, try a straight piece of 1 inch (2.5 cm) x 3 inches (7.6 cm) lumber. It will rock back and forth over a bump. Mark these spots with a pencil and sand them down. Power sanders are the simplest and quickest method. You can also use sandpaper wrapped around a wood block. Locate and mark the studs in the wall. Studs are the evenly-spaced wooden support beams that can be found behind most interior walls in homes. Slide an automatic stud finder along the wall to find the studs. With a pencil, mark the outside edges of each stud in the area where you plan to hang the mirror. If you don't have a stud finder, you can approximate the location of the studs by tapping on the wall. Taps between studs will sound more hollow, while taps over studs will sound more solid. If the mirror is positioned so it falls squarely in between studs, consider shifting its location so at least one clip can be screwed into a stud. Mark where you plan to install the bottom mirror clips. Depending on the width of your mirror and the number of clips you have, space them out evenly. The mirror manufacturer may have recommendations about how to position the clips most effectively. Using a pencil, make a dot where the screw will go for each clip. Make sure to align the bottom edge of the clip with the line you drew marking the bottom edge of the mirror. The markings for the pilot holes will fall ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) to 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the line, depending on the size of the clips. Drill pilot holes and install the bottom clips on the wall. Using a power drill, drill holes in the locations you marked. If any of the pilot holes do not fall on top of a stud, tap in a plastic wall anchor with a hammer until it is flush with the wall. Place a clip over each pilot hole and screw it into the wall with a screwdriver or drill. Make sure you're using the right clips. Bottom clips are typically made up of a single U-shaped piece of material, while top clips are composed of two L-shaped pieces. Mark where you plan to screw in the top clips. Using a spirit level, draw a line vertically upwards from each bottom clip until it intersects with the line for the top edge of the mirror. Line the top edge of the top clip up with this point. Mark where the pilot hole should be drilled. Similar to the bottom clips, the pilot holes should fall ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) to 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top line. Drill the pilot holes and screw the top clip brackets into place. If any of the holes are not positioned over a stud, insert wall anchors into the drywall until their lips are flush with the drywall. Unscrew the two parts of the top clip. The larger piece is the bracket—screw each of these into place on the wall. Screw on the rest of the top clips to secure the mirror against the wall. Slide the mirror into the bottom clips. Carefully, tilt the mirror back so it rests flush against the wall. Fit the other pieces of the top clips into the top brackets and screw them together just enough to firmly hold the mirror in place. Mark where you want the mirror to hang using a pencil. Hold the mirror against the wall in your desired position and mark the top and bottom corners using a pencil. Use a level to ensure that the mirror will not hang crooked. Parallel to the lines you've drawn but about 1 inch (2.5 cm) inside, stick 4 pieces of painter's tape to the wall. The painter's tape marks the area where the mirror will be glued to the wall. Keep in mind that adhesive is a more permanent solution. It will damage your wall and likely your mirror if you try to remove it once it has been glued on. Mark the area where the mirror will be glued to the wall with painter's tape. Prime the area for adhesive. Many household paints contain additives that make it easier to clean but harder for adhesives to attach and form a strong bond. Sand away the paint until you get down to the drywall. Wipe off any dust. Then, coat the sanded area with a primer and let dry. Install a temporary wooden brace to support the mirror’s bottom edge. Remove the painter's tape from the wall. Drill a piece of plywood into the wall so that its top is flush with the marked bottom edge of the mirror. If you're installing the mirror in the bathroom, you can often use the countertop backsplash as a bottom support rather than installing a temporary brace. Apply the adhesive to the back of the mirror. You'll need a high-grade adhesive known as mastic, which is often used in construction. The manufacturer will recommend the ideal pattern for application. Make sure to keep the mastic at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge to prevent it from squeezing out when you press it against the wall. Make sure you are using a type of mastic that is specifically intended for mounting mirrors. Using another kind could damage the silver coating on the back of the mirror. Stick the mirror firmly to the wall. Rest one corner of the mirror on the support and keep the other slightly lifted. Press it against the wall. As the mastic comes into contact with the wall, allow the lifted corner to slide back down and rest against the support, spreading the glue across the wall surface. Use a clean paint roller to press the mirror firmly into the wall. For additional security, stick pieces of painter's tape to the top corners of the mirror until the glue dries fully. Allow the mastic to dry for about 24 hours. Remove the wooden brace and repair any holes. Once the mastic has dried completely, use a drill to unscrew the wooden brace from the wall. Using a putty knife, spread spackling across any holes left over from drilling the brace into the wall. Sand the spackling smooth and paint over it with a color that matches the wall's existing paint. Peel off any leftover painter's tape. Make sure to check your local building codes. Some areas may require clips in addition to adhesive when mounting mirrors. | Mark the spot on the wall where you want the mirror to hang. Use a level to make sure the mirror will hang straight. Double check that the wall is flat. Locate and mark the studs in the wall. Mark where you plan to install the bottom mirror clips. Drill pilot holes and install the bottom clips on the wall. Mark where you plan to screw in the top clips. Drill the pilot holes and screw the top clip brackets into place. Screw on the rest of the top clips to secure the mirror against the wall. Mark where you want the mirror to hang using a pencil. Mark the area where the mirror will be glued to the wall with painter's tape. Prime the area for adhesive. Install a temporary wooden brace to support the mirror’s bottom edge. Apply the adhesive to the back of the mirror. Stick the mirror firmly to the wall. Remove the wooden brace and repair any holes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Bread-Dough | How to Freeze Bread Dough | Freezing bread dough is a great way to enjoy freshly baked bread while saving you preparation time in the future. To avoid your bread going flat, use high-protein flour like whole wheat, durum or rye. You should also use twice the amount of yeast or use slow rise yeast to help the dough rise after you thaw it. Once you've finished making your dough, shape it into balls and immediately put them in the freezer so they don't start to rise. After an hour or 2, remove the dough from the freezer and put them in labelled sealable bags. Return them to the freezer and store them for up to 6 months. When you want to bake the dough, thaw it for 4 hours at room temperature before using it. | Use your favorite bread dough recipe as your base recipe. While there are adjustments you'll need to make to ensure the bread dough rises properly after freezing, you can use any bread dough recipe you choose as the base for your frozen dough. Therefore, first follow the instructions for your favorite recipe to make the dough, making adjustments to the flour and yeast content as desired to get the results you want. You may be able to successfully freeze the dough without making any adjustments to the recipe. The only way to really know, however, is to try it out. If the dough doesn't rise and bake properly after freezing, however, you'll likely need to make some adjustments to the flour and yeast to get the taste and texture you want. Substitute high protein flour for regular flour to get the right texture. When freezing bread dough, the cold can cause the gluten in the bread to weaken, which can result in dense, flat bread. To avoid this, use flour with a higher protein content, such as whole wheat, durum or rye. The high protein content will prevent the dough from losing too much of the gas produced during fermentation (rising). Many bread recipes call for lower protein content flours, such as all-purpose white flour or bread flour. In most cases, you can substitute the flour in the recipe for a higher protein flour without making any changes to the flour measurement. Use slow rise yeast or double the yeast to ensure the dough will rise. Freezing your bread dough may damage some of the yeast, which can prevent the dough from rising a second time after it thaws. To make sure that the dough is able to rise after being frozen, you can either double the amount of yeast called for in your favorite recipe, or use a slow rising yeast instead of the quick-rising yeast called for in many recipes. If you use a slow rise yeast instead of quick-rising yeast, use the same amount called for in the recipe. Leave the dough to rise for 45 minutes. Set the dough out in a lightly greased bowl or on parchment paper at room temperature for about 45 minutes to allow the dough time to rise (also referred to as fermenting or proofing). This will allow you to shape the dough into a loaf or rolls, and will save you time when you thaw the bread. Some bread recipes call for bread dough to be left to rise twice. If this is the case, you'll likely need to leave the dough to rise for another 45 minutes after it's thawed. Punch down and shape the bread dough into your desired shape. Following the instructions for the specific recipe you're using, punch down the dough once it's risen for about 45 minutes. Then, separate the dough into several small sections and shape it into balls if you want to freeze the dough into rolls. If you're freezing the dough in a loaf pan, you don't need to shape the dough after punching it down, as it'll get its shape once it's in the loaf pan. Transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet or into a loaf pan. If you've shaped the dough into rolls, line them up on a lightly greased baking sheet. If you're making a loaf, put the dough into a lightly greased loaf pan, pressing it down into the corners to remove any extra space or air pockets). If you're shaping the dough into rolls, make sure that you spread them apart so that none of the rolls are touching to keep them from freezing together. Transfer the bread dough into the freezer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours. Once you've shaped the dough into rolls or put it in a loaf pan, put it in the freezer immediately so it won't have time to start rising again. Then, leave the dough in the freezer until it's completely frozen into your chosen shape. Allowing the dough to rise a second time could make it too hard and tough to freeze. Therefore, it's important that you freeze it as soon as you've finished shaping it. Package the frozen dough into plastic freezer wrap or bags. Remove the dough from the freezer. If you've shaped the dough into rolls, you can transfer the rolls into large sealable freezer bags for easier storage. If the dough is frozen in a loaf pan, remove it from the pan and wrap it tightly in plastic freezer wrap. Write the date on the plastic so you know when to use the dough. Use a permanent marker to write the date on the plastic. That way, you'll know when you made and packaged the dough so you'll know it needs to be thawed and baked. Put the dough back in the freezer for up to 6 months. Return the dough to the freezer immediately so it doesn't start to thaw. Thaw and bake the bread dough within 2 to 6 months. While the dough may stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months, keep in mind that the longer it's stored, the greater the chance it'll develop freezer burn. Therefore, you may want to plan to thaw and bake the bread sooner, within 2 to 3 months. Thaw the dough for at least 4 hours at room temperature. Before baking the frozen bread dough, remove it from the freezer. If you froze the dough into rolls, let them thaw for about an hour in the plastic and then separate them onto a piece of parchment paper to finish thawing. If you froze the dough in a loaf pan, leave the dough in the pan and set the pan out to thaw. Thawing time will depend on how you froze the dough and how warm the room is. Therefore, start checking the dough after about 4 hours. Some recipes call for the dough to rise a second time after it's thawed. If this is the case, set the dough in a lightly greased bowl or on parchment paper for about 45 minutes after it's completely thawed to let it rise again. Bake the bread dough according to the recipe instructions. In most cases, thawed bread dough will bake as normal. Therefore, after it's thawed and risen again (if required), follow the instructions for the recipe you used to make the dough. In some cases, thawed bread dough may take a bit longer to bake. Therefore, if the bread isn't quite done after the instructed baking time, add another 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. Once the bread dough is thawed, you can use it to make fresh-tasting rolls or a delicious loaf. | Use your favorite bread dough recipe as your base recipe. Substitute high protein flour for regular flour to get the right texture. Use slow rise yeast or double the yeast to ensure the dough will rise. Leave the dough to rise for 45 minutes. Punch down and shape the bread dough into your desired shape. Transfer the dough onto a greased baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Transfer the bread dough into the freezer uncovered for 1 to 2 hours. Package the frozen dough into plastic freezer wrap or bags. Write the date on the plastic so you know when to use the dough. Put the dough back in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the dough for at least 4 hours at room temperature. Bake the bread dough according to the recipe instructions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Guinea-Pig-Live-a-Long-Life | How to Help Your Guinea Pig Live a Long Life | To help your guinea pig live a long life, keep it in a cage that's easy to clean and provides 5-10 square feet of space. Give it a balanced diet that consists mostly of grass hay, feed it leafy greens as treats, and make sure fresh water is always available. Remember to play with your guinea pig regularly and watch out for symptoms like crusty eyes, dandruff, inflamed ears, or irregular breathing. If you notice these symptoms, make an appoint with your vet right away. | Purchase a suitable cage. Provide at least 10 square feet of living space for two guinea pigs. The more space you provide the happier your guinea pigs will be. Spacious cages prevent conflict between guinea pigs (especially boars), and reduces the risks of obesity by providing adequate room for exercise. Test a few cages and look for one that you can clean easily. Can your hand enter the cage easily? Can you brush inside the cage? Make sure the cage is light enough to keep your guinea pig happy. The cage should also contain a dark corner, or a mini-house, where your guinea pig can hide or sleep when it doesn't want to interact with the outside world. There should be one hide per guinea pig. Place the cage in a room with a stable temperature. Guinea pigs can't stand high temperatures or sudden temperature drops or increases. C & C cages are perfect beginner cages. They are inexpensive, provide adequate room, and are expandable. Line the floor of the cage with an absorbent guinea pig bedding. Aspen or kiln-dried pine shavings, paper bedding, or fleece are a few suitable options to choose from. Change their bedding regularly to prevent odor or ammonia build-up. Line the base of the cage with newspaper or puppy pads for extra absorbency. Do not use cob bedding, straw, or cedar shavings/chips. Install a food station and water dispenser. Food and water dispensers for guinea pigs are widely available online and in most pet stores. Look for a sturdy model and make sure that your guinea pig's food bowl or water bottle is big enough to feed the number of animals you own. Place these items in an accessible place. Your guinea pig will need two ceramic food bowls to hold their vegetables and pellets separately. You can alternatively set up a water bowl instead, however, your guinea pig's bedding may fall inside the bowl if it's exposed to loose bedding such as wood shavings. A water bottle is a cleaner option. You might not see your guinea pig drinking often. It's perfectly normal as they also extract water from vegetable matter. Give your guinea pigs something to chew on. Guinea pigs need to keep their teeth ground down. Provide your guinea pig with chew toys or pet-safe wood blocks. Don't use anything other than orchard wood or a chewing treat from a pet-shop. Other types of wood can be toxic and could harm your pet. Add a few toys. Guinea pigs are playful animals and welcome to intellectual stimulation. You should be able to find ready-made toys, such as balls or tunnels, in most pet shops. You can also try to make your own. Here are a few ideas: Try putting fruits and vegetables on a string and hang them from the cage. Build a little cardboard house where your guinea pig can play. Make an obstacle course with various objects. Provide a balanced diet. The foundation of your guinea pig's diet should be grass hay. It's a good source of fibres and keeps their teeth ground down. It's important to let your guinea pig have constant access to grass hay and other sources of food. Pellets sold in pet shops is heavily debated. Avoid alfalfa pellets with large concentrations of calcium, a potential cause of urinary infection. Also avoid muesli to prevent selective feeding. Plain guinea pig pellets that are fortified with vitamin C are best. Provide 1/8 cup of pellets per guinea pig a day. There are several types of grass hay, with timothy, orchard, and meadow being the most popular varieties. You can find them in pet shops or at equestrian centers. Separate the hay from the bedding. You don't want your animal to eat and go to the toilet in the same place. Provide your guinea pig with one cup of fresh vegetables a day. Bell peppers, kale, parsley, celery, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, bok choy, fennel, and peas are a few suitable vegetable options. Variety is key to a good diet. Feed your guinea pigs fruit in limited amounts. Fruits are high in sugar, and can lead to health problems if fed in large quantities. Look for food enhanced with vitamin C, as Guinea pigs can't produce it themselves. They also need high levels of vitamin A, which can be found in carrots. Bell peppers can be fed daily to boost your guinea pig's vitamin C intake. Parsley is another herb that is high in vitamin C Change your guinea pig's water daily to prevent algae growth. Avoid potatoes, rhubarb, avocado, tomato leaves and flowers. They are poisonous to guinea pigs. Introduce a new friend. Guinea pigs are very sociable and love company. Keep guinea pigs of the same sex or already spayed/neutered pairs. Guinea pigs are social animals but they aren't above fights. Introduce a new guinea pig slowly. If you find that your guinea pigs are fighting, separate them with a wire shelf, which allows them to see and smell each other, but prevents them from fighting. Do not allow females to become pregnant. Pregnancy and especially birthing is hard on females. One in five females that are bred will die as a result of complications during pregnancy or birth, or as a result of toxaemia after birth. If you wish to have baby guinea pigs, make sure to talk with your veterinary surgeon beforehand. You should have room for the babies and enough money to feed them in the future. Play regularly with your pet. Guinea pigs love action and will welcome a good playing session with you. Hosting floor time is a good way to keep them fit and intellectually stimulated. There are a few things to look for: If you take them in the garden, make sure that they cannot escape. Also make sure that there is no predator such as cats. Let your guinea pig eat a bit of grass outside. It's very good for them but don't let them eat too much at first. Rich grass might trigger diarrhea. Make sure that the temperature is right. It should be between 60-70°F or 15-21°C. Don't forget to wash your hands after playing to avoid bacterial contamination. Find a veterinarian. Don't wait for a problem to happen to bring your guinea pig to a specialist. These tiny animals require regular check-ups to detect potential health issues. Most veterinarians will take care of your pet but only a few specialise in guinea pigs. Look for an exotic vet that treats rodents online or in your phone book. Bring your guinea pig for a regular check-up at least twice a year. Your veterinarian will probably recommend to neuter your male guinea pig during the first visit. This might cost a bit of money but will make your guinea pig quieter and happier in an enclosed environment. The veterinarian will also treat your guinea pig for external and internal parasites such as worms. Constantly check for injuries. Older guinea pigs sometimes have feet wounds. If this happens, see a veterinary surgeon and get softer bedding or spread out a soft cloth at the bottom of the cage. Observe your guinea pigs actions. If anything seems wrong, don't take too long to act. A small infection can be lethal. Don't forget to cut the nails of your guinea pigs as they might be a cause of injury. Remember to be gentle. Don't give them medicine unless prescribed by a veterinarian. You might kill your guinea pig. Be on the look-out for worrying symptoms. If you notice crusty or swollen eyes, dandruff, inflamed ears or nose or irregular breathing, call immediately your veterinarian. You should also bring your guinea pig if it's behaving erratically or if you notice anything uncommon. Check their front teeth. Only veterinarians should take care of overgrown teeth. Their life expectancy can vary a lot. They can live between four and eight years. If you notice something unusual, separate your guinea pig immediately. You don't want to spread a contagious disease. Weight your animals regularly to monitor their health. This will tell you if they are well and if you are feeding them enough or too much. An adult guinea pig should weight around 700 to 1200 grams. If your animal smells bad, go to the veterinarian. Guinea pigs are clean animals and shouldn't be washed, except if they are really dirty. | Purchase a suitable cage. Line the floor of the cage with an absorbent guinea pig bedding. Install a food station and water dispenser. Give your guinea pigs something to chew on. Add a few toys. Provide a balanced diet. Introduce a new friend. Do not allow females to become pregnant. Play regularly with your pet. Find a veterinarian. Constantly check for injuries. Be on the look-out for worrying symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pan-Fried-Chicken | How to Make Pan Fried Chicken | To make pan-fried chicken, start by filling one bowl with flour and a second bowl with whisked-together milk and eggs. Then, dip your chicken in the egg mixture followed by the flour mixture, making sure it's completely coated. Next, melt shortening in a skillet over low heat, and then heat the melted shortening until it reaches 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, once the shortening is hot enough, fry the chicken in the skillet for 20-25 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. | Cut the chicken into about 8 pieces. Set a 4 lb (1.8 kg) chicken on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the chicken into separate pieces. You should have drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts. If the chicken breasts are large, cut them in half so they fry faster. To save time, purchase a cut-up chicken. You'll need around 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of pieces. Put the pieces in a sealable bag with the spices. Place the chicken pieces in a sealable plastic bag and add 2 tablespoons (33 g) of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (13.5 g) of Hungarian paprika, 2 teaspoons (4 g) of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of cayenne pepper. You can substitute your favorite poultry seasoning mix. You'll need to use 5 tablespoons (75 g) of seasoning. Shake the bag and refrigerate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Seal the bag shut and shake the chicken so the pieces are coated with the spices. Then put the bag in the refrigerator and chill the chicken overnight or up to 24 hours. Chilling the chicken will intensify the flavor. Set up a wire rack on a sheet and get out shallow bowls. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet next to your frying station. This is where you'll set the chicken pieces until they're ready to pan-fry. You'll also need to put 2 shallow bowls next to the stove. Put the flour in 1 bowl and combine the milk with eggs in another bowl. Put 1 1/2 cups (187 g) of all-purpose flour into 1 of the bowls. Then crack 3 eggs into the other bowl and pour in 2 cups (470 ml) of milk. Whisk the eggs with the milk until they're incorporated. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture and flour until the pieces are coated. Remove the chicken pieces from the refrigerator and take them out of the bag. Lower each piece into the egg mixture and then lift them up so the excess mixture drips back into the bowl. Then place the chicken into the flour and roll it so each piece is coated. Set the chicken on the wire rack. It's important to shake off the excess flour because too much breading will make the chicken soggy as it pan-fries. Melt 1⁄3 inch (0.85 cm) of shortening in a skillet. Place enough shortening into a skillet so it comes ⁄ 3 inch (0.85 cm) up the side once it melts over low heat. Use a heavy frying pan or cast-iron skillet. Heat the shortening to 325 °F (163 °C). Insert a frying thermometer on the side of the skillet so the tip is in the melted shortening. Turn the burner up once the shortening has melted and continue to heat it until it reaches 325 °F (163 °C). The shortening shouldn't go over 325 °F (163 °C) or it will burn. Arrange the chicken pieces in the skillet. Lay the breast pieces and drumsticks around the outer edge of the pan so the middle is empty. Then lower the thighs into the center. Once you add the chicken to the pan, the melted shortening should come halfway up the side of the pan. Since the thighs take the longest to cook, putting them in the hottest part of the pan (the middle) will help them cook faster. Fry the chicken in the pan for 20 to 24 minutes. Leave the chicken to fry in the pan for 10 to 12 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece over using long-handled tongs. Since the temperature of the melted shortening will drop, you may need to turn the burner up towards medium-high. Fry the chicken until it reaches 180 °F (82 °C) with an instant-read meat thermometer. The temperature of the melted shortening should stay around 325 °F (163 °C). Transfer the chicken to a clean wire rack so it drains. Set a clean wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and use tongs to move the chicken from the pan to the rack. If you won't be serving the chicken right away, cover the pieces loosely with aluminum foil. Serve the pan-fried chicken. Sprinkle a little extra salt over the pieces and serve them immediately for the best texture. Consider serving the chicken with baked beans , potato salad , or coleslaw. Although leftover chicken won't be as crispy, you can refrigerate the pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. | Cut the chicken into about 8 pieces. Put the pieces in a sealable bag with the spices. Shake the bag and refrigerate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Set up a wire rack on a sheet and get out shallow bowls. Put the flour in 1 bowl and combine the milk with eggs in another bowl. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture and flour until the pieces are coated. Melt 1⁄3 inch (0.85 cm) of shortening in a skillet. Heat the shortening to 325 °F (163 °C). Arrange the chicken pieces in the skillet. Fry the chicken in the pan for 20 to 24 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean wire rack so it drains. Serve the pan-fried chicken. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Animator | How to Become an Animator | Before becoming an animator, decide what kind of media you'd like to animate. Animators can work on major motion pictures, video games, television shows, or even music videos. However, no matter what type of media you'd like to work on, you'll need to have solid art and computer skills, the ability to draw the same images several times, and a keen sense of observation that allows you to master creating facial expressions. You'll also need a lot of patience as well as an ability to work well with others. | Study the job descriptions for animators. You need to have a clear understanding of the job and its many specialties, so you can make sure you have matching skills. All animators bring characters or images to life on screen by creating a sense of motion, but they work in different fields. Some animators create pictures that are used by motion picture studios and advertising agencies. Others create storyboards that are used by television and movie directors to plan their filming. These storyboards illustrate what will be seen on screen, such as where actors will stand. There are many different roles that people can play in the animation process. Animators create special effects that appear in movies, television shows, and video games. Animators also work as modelers, in computer animation, as painters, as game designers, and as technical directors. Consider freelancing. Sometimes animators freelance on the side in different areas of the field. Learn the personality traits needed by animators. Employers look for "hard" skills like the ability to use computer programs. They also consider "soft" skills, which are the personality traits that many animators need to have. It can take many weeks to create a 10-second animation. If you don't have the patience for such an endeavor, this might not be the best field for you. Don't expect to learn the skills of animation in a couple of weeks, either. The field requires a great deal of technical training. Animation is fun, and many animators grew up enjoying animated video games or movies. Imagine being asked to create a fight between two Transformers! If you enjoy animation as a consumer of media, this might be a good career field for you. Animators are perceptive and good observers of life and human nature. This is because they will be asked to recreate facial expressions and the way that people move. They need to have the ability to create story lines, not just characters. Animators need to work well with other people. It's rare for an animator's role not to involve teamwork. There are many, many steps in the entire animation process. Master the required steps to create animation. The animation process can be broken down into different sections. It involves a lot more than simply putting a pen to paper (or finger on a computer mouse). By mastering these stages, you can better choose which role you want to play. Pre-production. In this stage, the animator conceptualizes the final product. An animator might create a storyboard that includes sketches of each frame and helps develop and visualize the storyline. The drawings in a storyboard often contain text describing the movements of the characters. Sometimes animators will shoot reference videos in pre-production. For example, if they are going to create a character throwing a baseball, they might want to shoot and study a video of a person throwing a baseball. Model sheets show characters' facial expressions. These specific drawings allow animators to keep the characters' personalities consistent. Then, the visuals department creates animatics, which are simple mock ups of the visual animation. An animator will also decide on a few key poses, which are the core positions of the character. Production. Layout artists create 3-D versions of the storyboard drawings. Basically, they bring them to life. Some forms of animation use modelers who shape the drawings into life. Textures provide the tiny details that make animation seem real, such as cracks in sidewalks. Rigging means the characters' bones and motion is further defined on screen. Some forms of animation use motion capture, which means an actor or actress' motion is captured and then matched to the animation drawings. Post-production. There are three basic components of post-production: Compositing brings together all of the previous elements in production into one seamless storyline. Sound editing adds sound effects and lip-syncing to the animated drawings. Video editing is a process to create proper flow and storyline by rearranging images if necessary. Study the differences between animation types. Most animation is either 2-D or 3-D. To understand the difference, recall that traditional cartoons like Aladdin were 2-D and movies like Toy Story were done in 3-D and show more complex dimensions. To be a 2-D animator, you would draw everything you see frame-by-frame. You draw key poses. Then you draw every movement in between. Artistic ability by hand is important for all animators, but it's more important with 2-D animation. Animation usually uses about 24 frames a second. Slower movements can use 12 frames a second. In stop animation, where characters are still, you don't use many frames. 3-D animators move characters like puppets on the computer. 3-D animators create a model of the character. The animator can grab controls using a computer to create nuanced movement by the character. 3-D animation requires a knowledge of graphs and curves and basic geometry. 3-D animators rarely use stop animation. They have to always keep the character in motion or it will look like a mistake. Consider obtaining formal education. Although there are always exceptions, it will be easier to find a job as an animator if you obtain a bachelor's or associate's degree from a university or technical college that has a good record in the field. You want to look for an educational institution that offers courses in 2-D and 3-D animation. Although some students in animation choose to major in art, finding a program with a degree in animation specifically is even better. To help you select a school, look up listings and reviews of animation schools. For example, the Animation Career Review lists top schools for private game design. It also has listings of the top animation schools by region. You might be able to choose a two-year or online program instead. The Animation Career Review is one place you can check for animation school programs. The site has a detailed listing of schools that offer animation related degrees. You should look for schools that offer majors in the specific types of animation you are interested in. For example, if you want to be an animator of video games, you should choose a school offering majors in things like "gaming design" and "3D modeling for games." Pinpoint changing trends in the field. As technology changes, and consumers demand more sophisticated imagery, certain areas of the field offer more job opportunities than others. Study the field, so you understand where its growth areas are and how your skills best fit. Reading trade publications that specialize in animation fields is a great way to embrace trends and have a better understanding of the industry. Cartoonists (2-D animators) are not as in demand these days as technical animators who use computers to create imagery. Just consider how movie animation has changed from the days of Mickey Mouse to the digital complexity of Toy Story. Consider specializing. You should probably specialize in one aspect of the field that you are best at and love most. Don't try to do everything at once. Find your animation niche, whether it's drawing by hand or using computers to create complex special effects. If you love to draw and are good at it, maybe 2-D is the way to go. If you have a mind for math and love using computers, 3-D is the best bet. Universities and other training programs offer specialties in areas like game design, computer animation, graphic design, visual art, motion graphics, and entertainment animation. People sometimes figure out which specialty fits them best when they are already in school. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to specialize right away. However, by the end of your schooling, it's good to demonstrate a focus. Specializing will help you pick the right degree program and courses. You will need different courses to be an animator for Hollywood films than you would need to be an animator for gaming. Some universities have degree programs designed along various specialties. Mastering the fundamentals should not be forgotten, however. If you can show employers you also have a strong basis of the fundamentals, you will be more marketable. Get computer skills. This is extremely important. You should demonstrate artistic creativity, however you will be far more marketable as an animator these days if you also learn computer programs commonly used by animators. It's essential. Common programs used by animators include website design software (like Dreamweaver), software used for graphics and photo imaging (like Creative Suite), 2-D and 3-D animation software (such as Studio Max, Maya, Flash, and After Effects), and video editing software (such as Premiere or Final Cut Pro). These computer programs can be very expensive. However, many college programs offer discounts for students. Learn traditional art. Animators aren't just technological robots. They need to have an understanding of artistic concepts and be able to draw. This is true for people going into 3-D animation, also. Traditional art training helps an animator create poses and stage shots. Good animators will understand how to draw by hand, how to space the drawings properly to create the motion they want, and how to create motion in their characters. In the field, this is called being a "draftsman." There are jobs for animators who draw only by hand, but it's a tougher field these days. Still, taking some courses in art will make most people a better animator. Some animation-oriented companies like Pixar actually say they put as much emphasis on artistic ability as computer skills for all animators. Obtain well-rounded skills. There are other courses and experiences you may need to be a good animator that can be found outside the specific degree programs that focus on animation training. Some big studios look for animators with acting experience. They believe it helps them better capture life and movement in their characters. Remember, they want to hire you to create personality and storyline - to recreate life, essentially. Courses in science and, especially geometry, are valued by animators. Animators must be creative and visual, but they also need to have an understanding of geometry. Gain professional experience. Build your resume with actual work experience. This is true while you are still in college. Start then (or even in high school if you can). Animators need to demonstrate professional experience, not just a college degree, to get their first job. Many animation companies offer apprenticeships and internships for animation students looking to build their resumes to get their first job. Sometimes, these are unpaid. Consider volunteering. This can be a good way to build up your resume. You may have to work for free for a while, but the work will help you get a job. Many non-profit organizations would love to have an animator help them with projects. You can put volunteer work on your resume and in your portfolio. Companies won't care much that you weren't paid to do it. The critical thing is to show people what you have done and can do in a very concrete way. Entry-level animation jobs usually require one year professional experience at least, and you will probably need about 5 years experience to obtain a more advanced position. Create a demo reel. It's common in the field for employers to want to see your work on a demo reel. A demo reel is a video in which short examples of different animation scenes you've created plays on the screen. Some companies prefer demo reels that highlight a short segment of your best piece instead of multiple examples of your work. You might want to alter your demo reel for various positions to highlight the style and training needed for that specific job. Different companies prefer different looks. Demo reels for beginners should be about 2 minutes, but no longer than 4 minutes for animators with more experience. Select your best work for the reel, not every single thing you've done.Start and end with the best work. Some employers want to see a DVD of the demo reel, but others will accept a link to the demo reel on your website. Some companies, like Pixar, tell applicants they will send them information on what they want to see in a portfolio and demo reel when they apply. Use original sound in pieces that have dialogue, but avoid adding distracting music to the reel. You can use music, but just make sure it complements the animation instead of overpowering it. Some employers will turn down the music when watching your animation anyway. Number each shot. The number will usually appear on the top right of the screen when each new animation segment appears on the demo reel. Include a title card. This frame should have your name and contact information on it, as well as the job you're applying for. The title card should appear at the beginning and at the end of the demo reel. Top animation companies are looking for creative ideas in a demo reel in addition to technical skills. Don't just do what everyone else is doing. Be willing to take chances. One animator said he wanted to use a diving shot, but instead chose a diving shot in which the character slipped and fell, to differentiate his reel from other reels with diving shots. Upload the reel to You Tube, Vimeo, and your website. Provide a demo reel breakdown. Most companies will want a summary of what you did on screen written in text form that they can easily refer to when judging your work. The numbers on the demo reel should match the numbers on the demo reel breakdown. Tell the person watching exactly what you did. For example, if you have a ball on screen, explain whether you shaded the ball. Write a cover letter and resume. These are two traditional job-seeking documents that many animation companies will want you to submit with your demo reel. The cover letter should introduce yourself and your demo reel. You want to sell yourself in the cover letter. The resume should list your education and training and places of employment that are relevant to the position, as well as any awards you have received and specific skills you possess. Develop an online portfolio site to showcase your work. You will need to pull your best work into a portfolio to apply for an animation job. People will want to see examples of what you have done, not just be told what you have done. A portfolio is not optional. It's expected. Include a biography section. You need to give employers a sense of you are as a professional. Provide longer samples of your work. Make sure there is a contact section. Creation a section for your demo reel and resume. Study examples of real portfolio sites by professional animators. You can find many of these online, and they will give you a better understanding of the norms in the field and what the competition is doing. | Study the job descriptions for animators. Learn the personality traits needed by animators. Master the required steps to create animation. Study the differences between animation types. Consider obtaining formal education. Pinpoint changing trends in the field. Consider specializing. Get computer skills. Learn traditional art. Obtain well-rounded skills. Gain professional experience. Create a demo reel. Provide a demo reel breakdown. Write a cover letter and resume. Develop an online portfolio site to showcase your work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-Into-a-Flute | How to Blow Into a Flute | To blow into a flute, first, hold the flute slightly under your lips with the holes facing up and the keys on your right side. Make sure the lip plate rests gently where your lip and chin meet so your bottom lip is only covering part of the hole. Once your flute is in place, press the sides of your mouth together without changing the position of your bottom lip, turning your mouth into an oval. From there, extend your top lip slightly past your bottom lip to direct your breath downward over the flute. Then, blow over the edge of the flute hole through your pursed lips with steady pressure. Don't get discouraged if you don't get a clear note on your first try. Keep trying and you'll eventually get it! | Remove the head joint from the rest of the flute. Your flute may disassemble, in which case you should use only the head joint (the end piece you blow into). Don't worry if your flute is one piece though, you can still practice comfortably with a full flute by simply leaving your fingers off of the holes. Raise the flute to your lips from the direction of your chin. Bring the flute toward your mouth, from beneath it, with the holes facing up and the keys (or where the keys would be if you removed the head joint) on your right side. Hold the flute horizontally and to your right. The hole you blow into should be facing upward. If you are practicing with a full flute, hold it with your left hand closest to your mouth, the palm facing you, and your right hand on the farther part of the flute with your palm facing out. Balance the flute using both hands without covering any of the holes or pressing any keys. Position the flute below your mouth. The lip plate should rest gently in the place where your lip and chin meet. This will leave your bottom lip covering part of the hole in the flute, but be sure it is not too much, as you still need enough space to push your breath through the top and bottom of the opposite edge. Press the corners of your mouth together, leaving an oval shaped hole. Without changing the position of your bottom lip, press the sides of your mouth together, leaving a small hole in the center through which you will blow over your flute. It may be difficult to purse your lips without moving your bottom lip, feel free to readjust your flute after positioning your lips. The opening between your lips should be centered over the hole in your flute, even if the opening is not directly in the center of your mouth. Extend your top lip slightly past your bottom lip. You will blow down yet over the flute using your top lip to control the direction of your breath. Blow into your flute just as you would blow to whistle. You won't really blow into the hole, but over the edge of the hole through pursed lips using steady pressure. Hopefully, this will produce a clear note on your first attempt, but do not become discouraged if it doesn't. Simply pay attention to what sounds best and try to replicate what you were doing when you made a pleasing sound. Experiment with your mouth shape and breath. Making small adjustments to the angle of your lips and the direction and pressure of your breath can significantly improve the tone and quality of the note you produce. You are looking for a clear, sustainable, and steady tone. Focus the stream of air you exhale first on one corner of the hole, then the other. Listen to the sound and remember where you were blowing when the note was most clear. Try breathing more softly or with more force. Pay attention to what sounds best and try to use the same amount of pressure as you continue practicing. Rotate your flute very slightly while blowing (and listening) to ensure your bottom lip is not covering too much of the hole. | Remove the head joint from the rest of the flute. Raise the flute to your lips from the direction of your chin. Position the flute below your mouth. Press the corners of your mouth together, leaving an oval shaped hole. Extend your top lip slightly past your bottom lip. Blow into your flute just as you would blow to whistle. Experiment with your mouth shape and breath. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Blog | How to Start a Blog | To start a blog, think of a topic you're passionate about and brainstorm ways to write about it to help others. Take a look at similar sites and tailor yours so that it stands out from the crowd. Come up with a name that will attract attention, with keywords to help it pop up in a search engine. Choose a platform, like WordPress or Blogger, and write a few posts, making sure to proofread. Once you publish your first few posts, start promoting your blog on social media to drive up traffic. | Come up with a list of interests. Before you define your blog's intention, you should have a general idea of what you want to write about. The sky is the limit when it comes to your blog's category, but common topics include the following: Gaming Style Politics/Social Justice/Activism Cooking/Food Travel Business/Company Know what not to blog about. Things like private information—both yours and other people's—and personal details that you don't want to share with people close to you shouldn't be topics for your blog. If you have a job that required you to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement), you should avoid discussing activities or topics outlined in the NDA. Blogging about other people is fine as long as you don't harass or discriminate against them, but be aware that they may see your content and retaliate. Consider your blog's intention. While having in mind a blog topic is a good start, your blog needs a specific direction in order to get off the ground. Common reasons for blogging include one (or a combination) of the following, though you can certainly find your own inspiration: Teach something — Best-suited to instructional blogs (e.g., DIY projects). Document your experience — Good for travel blogs, fitness challenges, and so on. Entertain — Well-suited to a variety of mediums such as comedy writing, fan-fiction, and so on. Call to action — Commonly used for your business or company blog. Inspire others — This is a category that can stand on its own, but may best fit any of the other intentions in this section. Check out other blogs in your category. Once you've established your blog's topic and goal, research other blogs that use the same topic and/or your preferred style of writing to see how they engage their audiences. You shouldn't outright copy a blog you admire, but you can take inspiration from the tone, layout, or language used for the blog content itself. Brainstorm blog specifics. The last two things you should know before you actually make your blog are the blog's name and how you want the blog to look: Blog name — Come up with a name that you feel comfortable sharing with others. This may be a combination of your interests, your blog's content, and/or a nickname; just make sure that your blog's title is both unique and easy to remember. Blog design — You probably won't be able to design your blog 's layout exactly the way you want to, but having a general idea of the color scheme and font type before you go to create your blog will make it easier to find a template you like. Create your blog using a reputable platform. Common blog platforms include WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr, but you can choose any commonly used service you like. Once you've selected a service, your blog creation process will usually look something like this: Open the service's website on your computer. Create an account (preferably a free one to start). Enter your desired blog name, then pick a URL. Select a blog layout and any other requested details. Promote your blog on social media. Once you've created your blog and made a few posts, you can increase your blog traffic by posting a link to your blog on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. You might even consider using the blog's address in your bio or as your "Company Website" on social media. Research keywords for your posts. "Keywords" are words which both pertain to your blog's topic and have a high search engine rating. Using keywords in your blog posts will make it easier for people who look up those words to find your content. Keyword generator sites such as http://ubersuggest.io/ or https://keywordtool.io/ will come up with a list of words that relate to your blog's topic. Re-check the keywords you use every time you create a blog post. If you fit the keywords into your posts in a natural way, search engines will be more likely to pick up on your blog than if you just scatter them throughout the posts. Get your blog indexed by Google. Ensuring that your blog is indexed by Google will increase your search engine ranking, making it easier for people to find your blog when they look up related keywords. Use images in your posts. One thing that search engines tend to prioritize over all else is image use, so make sure your posts have high-quality images attached to them. You may get bonus points for original photos. Users tend to appreciate visual input alongside text, so adding images to your blog is a good idea even if you aren't worried about search engine optimization. Keep posting content. Little will cause your blog to stop drawing in traffic faster than not posting for a long period of time (or posting erratically). Develop a posting schedule that allows you to post at least once per week and stick to it. Missing a post by a day or two once in a while is fine, though you should consider making a note on social media that your post will be late. Fresh content will also help keep your blog near the top of search engine results. Open WordPress. Go to https://wordpress.com/ in your computer's web browser. Click Get Started. It's a link in the upper-right corner of the page. Fill out the blog creation form. Enter your information into the following fields: What would you like to name your site? — Enter your blog's name here. What will your site be about? — Type in a one-word category, then click a category that fits your blog in the resulting drop-down menu. What's the primary goal you have for your site? — Type in a one-word category, then click a category that fits your blog in the resulting drop-down menu. How comfortable are you with creating a website? — Click one of the numbers at the bottom of the page. Click Continue. It's at the very bottom of the page. Enter your preferred address for your blog. In the top text box, type in whatever you want your blog's URL name to be. Don't include the "www" or ".com" part of the URL here. Click Select next to the "Free" option. This option will appear below the text box. Doing so selected the free address for your blog. Click Start with Free. It's on the left side of the page. Doing so will take you to the account creation page. Enter an email address. Type the email address you want to use to create your account into the "Your email address" text box. Enter a password. Type a password for your account into the "Choose a password" text box. Click Continue. It's a blue button at the bottom of the page. Confirm your email address. While you're waiting for WordPress to finalize your account details, do the following: Open your WordPress email inbox in a new tab. Click the "Activate [blog name]" email from "WordPress". Click Click here to Confirm Now in the email body. Close the tab once it finishes loading. Click Continue. It's in the middle of the original tab on which you created your WordPress account. Add a theme to your blog. The "theme" dictates how your blog looks. Scroll down to the "Customize" heading, click Themes , and select the theme you want to use for your blog. You can then click Activate this design at the top of the page. You might want to click Free in the upper-right side of the page to see results for free themes only. Start writing. You can start your first blog post by clicking Write in the upper-right side of the window to bring up the post window; at this point, you're free to begin creating content for your blog. Open Blogger. Go to https://www.blogger.com/ in your computer's web browser. Click SIGN IN. It's in the top-right corner of the page. Sign in using your Google Account. Enter your email address, click Next , and then type in your password and click Next. If you don't have a Google Account, create one before proceeding. Click Create a Google+ profile. It's a blue button on the left side of the page. Enter your name. Type your first and last name into the text boxes at the top of the page. Select a gender. Click the gender drop-down box, then click the gender you want to use for your blog. Click CREATE PROFILE. It's at the bottom of the page. Add a photo. Click your current photo, click Upload a photo when prompted, and then find and double-click a photo on your computer. You can then click SAVE to proceed. You can also click SKIP below this section to add a photo later. Click Continue to Blogger. You'll find this option near the bottom of the page. Click CREATE NEW BLOG. It's in the middle of the page. Enter a blog title. Type your blog's title into the "Title" text box. Select a blog address. Type the address you want to use into the "Address" text box, then click the address that appears below it in a drop-down menu. If Google indicates that the address is already taken, you'll need to choose a different address. Select a theme for your blog. Click a theme in the "Theme" list. The theme determines how your blog will appear. Click Create blog!. It's at the bottom of the window. Click No thanks when prompted. Doing so takes you to the blog's dashboard. Start writing. Click New post at the top of the page to open the blog post window; at this point, you're free to begin creating content for your blog. | Come up with a list of interests. Know what not to blog about. Consider your blog's intention. Check out other blogs in your category. Brainstorm blog specifics. Create your blog using a reputable platform. Promote your blog on social media. Research keywords for your posts. Get your blog indexed by Google. Use images in your posts. Keep posting content. Open WordPress. Click Get Started. Fill out the blog creation form. Click Continue. Enter your preferred address for your blog. Click Select next to the "Free" option. Click Start with Free. Enter an email address. Enter a password. Click Continue. Confirm your email address. Click Continue. Add a theme to your blog. Start writing. Open Blogger. Click SIGN IN. Sign in using your Google Account. Click Create a Google+ profile. Enter your name. Select a gender. Click CREATE PROFILE. Add a photo. Click Continue to Blogger. Click CREATE NEW BLOG. Enter a blog title. Select a blog address. Select a theme for your blog. Click Create blog!. Click No thanks when prompted. Start writing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-in-Singapore | How to Get a Job in Singapore | To find a job in Singapore, start by checking employment websites like Monster, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. If you're looking for short-term work, focus on jobs in the tourism industry, and if you're looking for long-term work, search keywords like “tech,” “logistics,” or “manufacturing.” Once you've found a list of employers who are hiring, go to the employers' websites and see if you can apply directly on the company website, or over email. Send out as many applications as you can, and update your resume to include any skills relevant to the jobs you're applying for. | Check online job boards for local listings. Global sites like Monster, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor are used widely in Singapore. You can find a large variety of work listed on sites like these. Online job boards offer a lot of conveniences, but they make it harder to stand out. If you find a job you like in the job board, go to that company's site and see if you can apply directly through them. This will give you a chance to do some research on the company and position as well. Reach out and register with employment agencies. Recruiters can often have more jobs in hand than what you will find on the public job boards. Plus, since they are likely to get a cut from the employer, they will be especially motivated to help place you. This should not cost you anything. GMP, Adecco, Kelly Services and Recruit Express are some of the recruitment agencies you are likely to come across in Singapore. Although you may get interview offers right away with a recruiter, it can take time to register you and find matches. The sooner you check in with the relevant agencies to your field of work, the better. Look in tech, logistics, finance, or manufacturing for long-term work. These sectors are especially popular in Singapore. Tech is certainly on the rise, but fields like logistics and manufacturing have been holding solid for decades in the country. Try looking for jobs in the tourism industry if you want something short-term. Jobs in tourism and hospitality typically have high turnover and are more accommodating for individuals staying in the area only for a short time. Working in tourism is also a great opportunity to explore sights and attractions yourself. This could be a chance for a behind-the-scenes look at many popular attractions. Find out your specific visa requirements. The Singaporean government website ( http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits ) has all of the most up-to-date information on their work visa requirements if you are not a citizen. You may have to have a job offer in hand before getting your appropriate permit. Although most employers will be able to help with visa information when the time comes, knowing the information specific to you is important because it may come up in interviews. Update your resume and cover letters. Although cover letters are becoming more irrelevant in some markets and countries, it is still best to include a personalized cover letter for jobs in Singapore. Your resume and cover letter should be one page each. Only include the most relevant and important information. The cover letter is a chance for you to tell the hiring managers why you can do the job better than anyone before you get into an interview. Submit applications to a variety of jobs. Whether you target a specific company you are interested in or are just using online job boards, numbers are the key. It sometimes is just a numbers game when it comes to getting an interview. Since it is hard to stand out when you are applying online, follow up the application with an email or a call. Talking to an actual person is the best way to make yourself known. Try to apply to job postings via the company's own careers/jobs page. They tend to be checked first and more often than when they are routed through job board portals. Be prepared for a video interview if you aren’t local yet. If you are applying for jobs before you get to Singapore, which is a good idea, you will likely have at least an initial interview via web or video chats. This should be treated the same as an in-person interview. Depending on the job, you may be required to have a local interview. This will mean either making an extra trip before the move or giving yourself some extra time when you get to Singapore to work in interviews and applying for jobs. Dress appropriately and stage the room behind your camera to look clean. You don't want to immediately cause any negative impressions. Have a notepad nearby to take notes and names of the people you are chatting with. A glass of water is also a good idea. Make sure you can have a quiet space with a good internet connection. You don't want anything to interrupt or disturb your first impression! Be on time for your interview. Singaporean culture takes punctuality seriously. Plus, nothing says irresponsible like being late and wasting a hiring manager's time. Double check and test the video chat link, or scope out the offices ahead of the big day if you are in town to figure out transportation and parking. If interviewing online, be sure you are settled with everything ready before you are supposed to log in. This also means checking your internet connection is solid! Give yourself about 15 minutes extra if you are showing up in person. Even if you have scoped out the office and the route, disruptions like traffic still can happen. If something unexpected happens, and you cannot help being late, call ahead. Notifying them of any delays is considered the courteous and right thing to do. Clarify your travel plans with your future employer. Many companies will do interviews and negotiations over the phone, but some will require you to be in Singapore. Make sure you let them know when you plan to arrive if the offer is contingent on meeting in person. The starting date may depend on your visa being approved, so the more you prepare on the requirements of the visa you need, the better. If you have any delays in travel that will affect meetings or starting your job, be sure to contact the company to update them as soon as possible. Be prompt with any communication or offers. Respond to calls or emails regarding your job application as soon as possible. This benefits you with a faster turnaround, and it benefits the company by knowing they can count on you to be quick. If you have received an offer, make sure you clarify all of the details before accepting. This gives you the opportunity to not only negotiate, but you can iron out any visa details you will need. Apply for your work visa online. Applications can be done directly through the government's permit site ( http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits ). When you receive your job offer, and everyone is on the same page about your visa requirements, you can now finish your application to work in Singapore. Keep in touch with someone at Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (the governmental branch that handles the visas) so you can readily ask any questions that come up. Start your visa ahead of getting your job offer to save a little time when are actually ready to finish it. Applying online is the quickest way to get everything taken care of. You can usually get a visa approved if your ducks are all in a row in about 7 days. Realize some factors like permit quotas or salary can affect which visas you qualify for. Have a backup option in case your visa is not permitted. | Check online job boards for local listings. Reach out and register with employment agencies. Look in tech, logistics, finance, or manufacturing for long-term work. Try looking for jobs in the tourism industry if you want something short-term. Find out your specific visa requirements. Update your resume and cover letters. Submit applications to a variety of jobs. Be prepared for a video interview if you aren’t local yet. Be on time for your interview. Clarify your travel plans with your future employer. Be prompt with any communication or offers. Apply for your work visa online. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tapioca-Pearls | How to Make Tapioca Pearls | To make tapioca pearls, start by mixing ¼ cup of boiling water into a bowl with ½ cup of tapioca starch. Once it's cool enough to handle, use your hands to knead the mixture into a thick dough, which should take about 1 minute. When the dough is ready, line a sheet with parchment paper and cover the dough with a damp towel so it won't dry out while you're working. Roll ½ of the dough into a wide rope, then repeat this step with the other ½ of the dough. Then, cut the stips of dough into pearls and set them on the baking sheet for up to 2 hours. When you're ready to use your pearls, boil them in a pot of water for 15 to 20 minutes. | Bring 1⁄3 cup (79 ml) of water to a boil. Pour the water into a pot or kettle and heat it until it's vigorously boiling. Keep in mind that some of this water will evaporate as the water comes to a boil, but you'll only need ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) for the dough. Put the tapioca starch and boiling water into a bowl. Place 1/2 cup (65 g) of tapioca starch into a heat-proof bowl and carefully pour in ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of the boiling water. You can find tapioca starch near cornstarch and flour in your grocery store's baking aisle or at local Asian markets. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients. Use a spoon or chopsticks to stir the boiling water into the tapioca starch until the dry powder isn't visible. The mixture should look chunky and somewhat dry. Knead the mixture to make a thick dough. Once it's cool enough to handle, you can use your hands to knead the mixture into a thick dough. This should take about 1 minute for the dough to come together into a firm dough. If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little more tapioca starch over and work it into the dough. Keep in mind that if you dyed the dough, it may stain your fingers or work surface. Consider putting the dough on a plastic mat or piece of parchment paper to prevent staining. Line a sheet with parchment paper and cover the dough with a towel. Place a rimmed baking sheet next to your work surface and lay a piece of parchment paper on it. To prevent the dough from drying out as you roll the pearls, cover the bowl with a damp towel. Use a rimmed baking sheet so the pearls don't roll off if you need to move the sheet. Roll 1/2 of the dough into a 0.4 in (1.0 cm) wide rope. Place the dough on your work surface and use the palms of your hand to roll the dough into a long, evenly sized rope. It should be about 0.4 in (1.0 cm) wide. Repeat this with the rest of the dough, so you have 2 long strips of dough ready to cut. Cut the strips of dough into pearls. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut individual tapioca pearls from the strips of dough. You can make them any size you want, but keep in mind that the pearls will swell a little as they cook. Most standard tapioca pearls are about 0.4 to 0.8 in (1.0 to 2.0 cm) in diameter before they're cooked. Set the tapioca pearls on the baking sheet for up to 2 hours. Transfer the pearls to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Ensure that the pearls aren't touching as they dry or they could stick together. If you'd like to store the tapioca pearls for later, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To make the pearls, boil them without thawing them, but add about 3 to 5 minutes to the cooking time. Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Set a large pot on the stove and fill it at least 1/2 to 3/4 full of water. Turn the burner to high so the water comes to a vigorous boil. If you'd like to cook only a handful of tapioca pearls, you can use a small pot. To make a single bubble tea drink, you'll need 1/4 cup (80 g) of cooked tapioca pearls. Add the tapioca pearls and boil them for 15 to 20 minutes. Slowly add the pearls to the boiling water so the water doesn't splash and the pearls are completely submerged. Stir the pearls and then boil them uncovered until they're completely tender. The pearls will float to the top of the pot once they're half-cooked. You may need to adjust the heat if it looks like the pot may boil over after you add the pearls. Drain the cooked tapioca pearls. Turn off the burner and use a slotted spoon to scoop the tapioca pearls out of the boiling water. Transfer the pearls to a bowl and let them cool a little before you add them to tea. If you'd like to sweeten the pearls, soak them in a sugar tea syrup for at least 1 hour. Use the pearls the same day you boil them, since they'll begin to stick together and become tough. Make a classic milk tea bubble tea. To make 1 drink, steep 1 black teabag in ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the bag and let the tea cool until it's at room temperature. Place about 1/4 cup (80 g) of the cooked tapioca pearls into a serving glass. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sugar tea syrup (even if you used sweetened tapioca pearls) over and fill the glass with ice. Then pour in the cooled black tea and ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of cold milk. Serve the bubble tea with a wide straw and enjoy it before the ice begins to melt. | Bring 1⁄3 cup (79 ml) of water to a boil. Put the tapioca starch and boiling water into a bowl. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients. Knead the mixture to make a thick dough. Line a sheet with parchment paper and cover the dough with a towel. Roll 1/2 of the dough into a 0.4 in (1.0 cm) wide rope. Cut the strips of dough into pearls. Set the tapioca pearls on the baking sheet for up to 2 hours. Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the tapioca pearls and boil them for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the cooked tapioca pearls. Make a classic milk tea bubble tea. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Car-Before-a-Road-Trip | How to Check Your Car Before a Road Trip | To check your car before a road trip, start by looking over the car inside and out for any noticeable issues, like burnt out headlights, or worn windshield wipers. Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure specified in the owner's manual, and check the tread on your tires using the penny test. Open the hood and turn on the car to make sure the serpentine and accessory belts are conditioned and tense. Before you hit the road, resolve any warning lights that appear on your dashboard to avoid issues during your trip. | Look over the vehicle for signs of issues. While there are a number of specific things you'll want to check for as you prepare your vehicle for a road trip, a general inspection is a great way to identify any issues you might otherwise miss. Check the condition of the windows, the state of the vehicle's body, and look for anything that stands out as unusual. See if your windshield wipers need to be replaced. Like any part of a car, windshield wipers can wear out from use. They may also simply dry out and crack over time. Test your windshield wipers and make sure they can displace water effectively. If not, they'll need to be replaced. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Driving on underinflated tires can increase the chances that you'll have a blowout by causing damage to the tire's sidewall. It will also hurt your gas mileage. On tires installed by the factory, you can find the right tire pressure in the owner's manual, but you can also find the tire's pressure rating printed on the side of each tire. Check your tire pressure during mild weather or in the middle of the day. Pressure changes based on the temperature. To get an accurate reading check the pressure when the outside temperature is mild instead of in extreme heat or cold. Test all of your exterior lights and the horn. Having working headlights and taillights are important for safe driving at night. Be sure your turn signals are functioning and check your license plate light as well. Turn on the headlights, parking lights, and turn signals, then check to ensure each is lighting up like it should. While you're testing the lights, honk the horn a few times to make sure it works too. Inspect the tread on your tires. Balding tires can be more prone to blowouts and reduce the amount of traction your vehicle has when the roads are wet. Look for signs of damage on the sides of the tire, then use the “penny test” to see if there's enough tread on the tire. Place the penny upside down in the groove of the tire and see how much of Lincoln's head you can see. If you can see further down Lincoln's head than his forehead, the tires need to be replaced. Check the belts for condition and tightness. Look at the serpentine or accessory belts in your engine (usually located on the front or side) and make sure there is no glazing (shiny spots) or cracking. If there are, the belt will need to be replaced. Then, pinch the belt with your thumb and forefinger and move it up and down to check its tension. Ensure your air filter isn't clogged. Most vehicles can go tens of thousands of miles without needing to have the air filter replaced, but it's good to check on the condition of yours before setting out on a trip. The air filter is usually located in the air box attached to the end of an accordion looking plastic pipe often called the intake. Most air boxes are held shut with clips. Remove them to open the box and look at the air filter. The filter should be free of debris and usually white. If it looks particularly dirty, replace it before closing the airbox up again. Resolve any warning lights on your dashboard. If your check engine light is lit up on your dashboard you can use an OBDII scanner to find out what error code has prompted it. Once you know what's wrong, you can make a plan to fix it. Plug the scanner into the open plastic connector port beneath the dashboard on the driver's side. If the scanner doesn't provide an English description with the error code, you can find the corresponding description in a vehicle-specific repair manual or often on the manufacturer's website. Check the oil and add more or change it, if necessary. Start by checking the oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it off with a cloth, reinserting it and removing it again. Look at the level the oil reached on the stick compared to the bottom notch (low limit) and top notch (high limit). If it's low, you will need to either add some or change the oil. Oil that's in good condition will be translucent and slightly yellow or even greenish in color. To change the oil, slide a container under the oil pan that can capture the draining oil, then unscrew the drain plug (bolt at the bottom of the oil pan). Once the oil has drained completely, replace the plug and remove the oil filter. Install a new oil filter and then add the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle, based on the information in your owner's manual. If your car uses conventional oil, change it every 3,500 to 5,000 miles. If your car uses synthetic oil, change it every 7,500 to 10,000 miles instead. Top off any other fluids that may need it. Most vehicles rely on a number of different fluids and lubricants to run, ranging from coolant to stop the engine from overheating to windshield washer fluid to help wash the bugs away. Use your vehicle's owner's manual to tell you where the reservoir is for the windshield washer fluid and brake fluid, the add some if the level is below the lower mark on each reservoir, indicating its low-fill point. Automatic transmission fluid is one of the most important ones to check before a long road trip. Use your vehicle's owner's manual to tell you where to find the dipstick, then check it like you would engine oil. Make sure your radiator is topped off as well by comparing its fill line to the lower limit line visible on the reservoir. Coolant will prevent your engine from heating up too much when you drive for long periods of time, so make sure you top it off before leaving. Remove any corrosion on your battery terminals. While it can be tough to spot signs that a battery may go bad, there are things you can do to ensure your battery has a strong connection to the car's electrical system. Look for a buildup of corrosion on the battery's terminals, and if need be clean the battery terminals with a mixture of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda and 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Mix the two in a bowl, then use a toothbrush to scrub the combination into the terminals. Replace your brake pads if necessary. If your brakes have been squealing or it's been more than 50,000 miles (80,000 km) since the last time you changed them, you may want to replace them before setting out on a long road trip. Access the brake pads by removing the wheels, then the two bolts securing the brake calipers to the vehicle. Slide the brake caliper off of the rotor, then remove the brake pads from the caliper. Clean out the trash in your car. Going on a road trip means you'll be spending a lot of time in your vehicle, and you'll need space to store things ranging from luggage to snacks. Cleaning out your car will not only make the ride more comfortable, but it will also help you stay organized when you need to find things. Make sure your documents are up to date. To legally drive in the United States, you'll need to have at least a valid driver's license and an up to date vehicle registration. Most states also require proof of insurance. Find out what the requirements are where you'll be traveling, and make sure you meet them. Driving without the appropriate documentation can lead to fines or even having your car impounded. Keep those important documents somewhere you can easily access in case you get pulled over. Assemble an emergency kit. At the very least, you should have the tools you need to change a flat tire (emergency jack, tire iron, and spare tire) but you may want to prepare for other potential emergencies as well. Other things you may want are jumper cables, road flares, extra blankets, water, food, rain gear, or a flashlight. It's also a good idea to carry a first aid kit. You may want to tailor some emergency supplies to your family or time of year. For instance, you may want to carry cat litter to help on slippery roads during the winter. | Look over the vehicle for signs of issues. See if your windshield wipers need to be replaced. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Test all of your exterior lights and the horn. Inspect the tread on your tires. Check the belts for condition and tightness. Ensure your air filter isn't clogged. Resolve any warning lights on your dashboard. Check the oil and add more or change it, if necessary. Top off any other fluids that may need it. Remove any corrosion on your battery terminals. Replace your brake pads if necessary. Clean out the trash in your car. Make sure your documents are up to date. Assemble an emergency kit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Work-Your-Back-With-Dumbbells | How to Work Your Back With Dumbbells | To work out your back with dumbbells, stand up straight while holding them, then bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lower the dumbbells to the floor. Pause briefly before raising yourself back up to complete a dead lift. You can also do a bent-over row by standing with your knees bent, reaching down to grab the dumbbells, and lifting them so your upper arms are parallel with your torso. Then, pause briefly before returning to your starting position. Alternatively, lift the dumbbells up to your chest, then lower them as you do squats. | Do a dead lift. Hold a dumbbell in each hand while standing up straight. Bend your knees, keeping your back straight, and lower the dumbbells to the floor. After a short pause, raise yourself back up. This is one of the most efficient dumbbell exercises because it works both your back and other muscle groups. You can also adapt this exercise into the stiff-legged dead lift by bending at the waist to lower the dumbbells to the ground and then straightening after a brief pause. Do a bent-over row. Stand up with your knees slightly bent, and reach down to hold a dumbbell in each hand. Then, lift the dumbbells up until your upper arms are parallel with your torso. Hold for a short time and lower them again. Keep your back straight throughout this exercise – you should only be moving your arms. Do a wide row. Take a dumbbell in each hand, bend your knees slightly, and lean over at the waist. Then, lift both dumbbells at the same time toward your chest without changing the angles of your hips and knees. Your arms should be a bit more than shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbells for a moment once they're about even with your chest, and then lower them. Breathe out when lifting and inhale when you return to the starting position. Try a palms-in shoulder press. Stand up and hold one dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level. Keep your palms facing each other. Push the dumbbells up toward the sky until your arms are straight. After a brief pause, lower the dumbbells to resting position at shoulder level.. Be careful that you don't jerk your back during this exercise – your arms and shoulders should be doing the lifting work. Hold dumbbells while doing squats. Hold one dumbbell in each hand, and begin with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Lift both dumbbells straight up to your chest and then lower them (after a pause) without changing the angles of your body. Return to the starting position and repeat. Be sure to exhale when you lift the dumbbells and inhale when returning to a resting position. Do a seated palms-in alternated shoulder pass. Hold one dumbbell at shoulder level and one dumbbell extended toward the sky. Be sure that your palms are facing each other. While sitting on a bench, bring the elevated dumbbell down to your shoulder. Raise the other dumbbell to the sky. After a brief pause, bring the dumbbell back to your shoulder and lift the other dumbbell to the sky. Alternate each arm, lifting and lowering one dumbbell at a time. Try a kneeling one-arm row. Rest your right hand and bent right knee on a bench. Grab a dumbbell with your left hand, and using your left leg for balance, lift the dumbbell up toward your torso. Lower it back down after a brief pause. After five to ten repetitions, switch to your left arm and knee on the bench. You can also adapt this exercise into the one-arm row by resting one hand on a bench, standing with both feet on the ground, and lifting the dumbbell toward your torso. Do a back fly. Lay on a bench on your chest and stomach and grab a dumbbell with each hand. Straighten your elbows until your arms are parallel to the ground. After a short pause, lower the dumbbells back to the ground. It's easier on your arms to use lighter dumbbells for this exercise. Also be sure to exhale when you lift the dumbbells and inhale when returning to a resting position. You can also try a variation on the back fly. Take a dumbbell in each hand and stand up. Let your arms hang down at your hips with your palms facing out. Now, keeping your arms straight, raise the dumbbells out from this hanging position until they are parallel to your ears. Briefly hold and lower the dumbbells. Work your rotator cuffs. Lie on your side along the bench. Hold a dumbbell between 2 to 20 pounds with your top arm at a 90-degree angle, palm facing in. Slowly, keeping the elbow tight at your side, open your arm outward as far as your range of motion allows. Return to the starting position, repeat for 2 sets of 10 reps, and then switch arms. This is an “outward” rotation. Once you've done enough outward sets, you're going to want to reverse the move to do “inward” rotations. Bring the same left arm into the same 90-degree starting position. This time, slowly bring the weight inward toward your waist. Return to the start, aiming for 2 sets of 10 reps for each side. Make sure to use slow and controlled movements when doing this exercise. Don't throw the weight or use jerky motions. You can also do these rotations standing with a cable or resistance band, tied securely at elbow level. Wear the right clothing. Wear workout clothes that give your body a full-range of motion. Pick an outfit that fits well but is not too tight. Usually, loose-fitting comfortable gym clothes work. Choose fabric that wicks away moisture, rather than wearing your old cotton t-shirt and sweats. It's always important to wear closed-toe athletic shoes that fit well. Keep them tied tightly, as loose laces pose a risk of injury. Start with light dumbbells. If you're a beginner, start with light dumbbells. Dumbbells weighing 2-5 kg (4.4-11.0 lbs) are best for beginners. Slowly work your way up to heavier dumbbells over the course of several weeks. For example, increase the weight of the dumbbells after using them in your work out two times a week for four weeks. If you are pregnant or have a history of back or joint problems, talk to your doctor about safe lifting limits. Warm up before lifting heavy dumbbells. It's important to give your body some time to warm up and to limber your joints before burdening them with heavy weights. Try working with lighter dumbbells for 5 to 10 minutes before switching to heavier dumbbells for the remainder of your workout. Perfect your form. Poor posture or straining during lifting can cause severe injury. Try to avoid jerking your arms or back (or the dumbbells themselves) when you're lifting. If you're ever unsure of proper form and position, talk to a trainer or staff member at the gym. Ask them to demonstrate the moves or adjust your form while you are exercising. You can also watch instructional videos online for help. Quit when you’re tired. If you start to strain or huff and puff, it's time to set the dumbbells down. You're more likely to get injured lifting dumbbells when you're tired because your muscles or joints can give out under the weight. Work out with a buddy. It's safer (and usually more fun!) having a buddy to work out with. Lifting dumbbells is particularly dangerous when you're lifting alone because you don't have anyone to take the weight from you or monitor your physiology if you run into trouble. | Do a dead lift. Do a bent-over row. Do a wide row. Try a palms-in shoulder press. Hold dumbbells while doing squats. Do a seated palms-in alternated shoulder pass. Try a kneeling one-arm row. Do a back fly. Work your rotator cuffs. Wear the right clothing. Start with light dumbbells. Warm up before lifting heavy dumbbells. Perfect your form. Quit when you’re tired. Work out with a buddy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Wedding-Invitations | How to Make Wedding Invitations | To design wedding invitations, start by coming up with a color scheme, preferably one that matches the rest of your wedding décor. Then, decide on the background for your invitations. If you're going for something more formal, stick with a classic neutral background. Or, if you want something fun and quirky, try using a picture of you and your partner or an interesting pattern. Finally, settle on a font for your invitation, choosing classic cursive for a formal invitation or handwritten or sans-serif for something unique. | Organize the sections. Wedding invitations are typically broken up into three different parts: the save-the-date, the wedding invitation, and the RSVP card. Decide if you want all of these to be included in your invitation-making process, and how similar or different you would like each part to appear. The save-the-date typically includes an announcement of engagement and marriage, the names of the couple, and the date and (optional) time of the wedding. You don't have to include the location or any other details. The wedding invitation should be sent out at least six weeks before the wedding date. These should include all of the information for the wedding including the names of the couple, the location, date, and time. Feel free to include more than just the basic information on your invitation. The RSVP card is a smaller card that is sent with the invitation. This is an optional, but helpful, inclusion to your invitation. It comes with an envelope and gives the recipient of the invitation the ability to tell you if they are coming, the number of guests, and their preferred dish for the dinner. The recipient will mail this back to you, so you know how many people your wedding needs to be prepared for. Make a guest list. Before you can make your invitations, you need to know how many you will have to create. To do this, make a guest list organized by family or household. Include the full name, address, and optionally their email and phone number. It is easiest to organize all this information into a spreadsheet on your computer. This way, you can quickly pull up the information and make any necessary changes. As guests RSVP, highlight or mark their names on the guest list. This will help you to keep track of who all is going, and who you have not heard from. Pay attention to anyone on your guest list who may have special invitation needs. If they live in a rural or remote area, you may need to send them an invitation online as well through the mail. If they speak another language, have a special translated version of your invitation made. Write all your invitation information. Once you've decided what parts of the invitation you want to make, make a sample (or a few) for each part. Choose the exact wording you want to appear on your invitation, including the order of different sets of information and spacing on the invitation. Decide if you want to use formal or informal wording. Classic formal introductions include “[couple's name here] request your presence at their wedding ceremony on...” or “The [insert surname of the grooms' parents here] family humbly invites you to the wedding of [insert couple's name here] on...” If you want a more informal wedding invitation, try an introduction like “[couple's name here] happily invites you to their wedding on...” or simply “You're invited!” with the included location and date/time. Although this is just the sample text, make sure that you proofread to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors in the invitations. Don't feel limited to making one version of the information that will be on your invitation, but make several versions testing different styles of writing. Feel free to include directions on the wedding invitation, especially if the location is remote or unknown to most of the guests. Choose the color scheme. Designing your invitations should ideally be done after you have taken steps in planning your actual wedding. For the best looking invitations, choose colors that match the rest of your wedding décor. Limit your invitation colors to 3 at most. This will keep the invitation from looking overwhelming or busy. Use at least one neutral or base color. Typically white or cream is used for this, but any light color can be the base. Then, you can use 1-2 additional bright or rich colors to compliment it. Make sure that you use a contrasting color for the background/text so that it is easy to read everything on your invitation. Keep the same colors for the invitation, save the date, and RSVP card. You want all the sections of your invitation to flow, not to clash with each other. Choose what parts of your invitation will be in each color. This includes the background, the text, and any additional design elements you add. Design your background. Before you start adding text and images to your invitation, you must first choose a background. If your invitation text is formal, consider having a classic neutral background. Informal text can match well with quirky, fun background patterns or images. If you want to have a solid color background, decide on the color scheme. Will you have a single color, or use an ombre effect to fade two or more colors together? Consider using a pattern or image as the background. Although you have to slightly amend the area where the text will be placed, using a patterned background is an easy way to add interest to your invitation. Remember that you can use paper that already has a background image printed on it. This way, you are only responsible for creating the text and placement for your invite, and choosing a patterned paper that you want. You can give the illusion of a background image by using textured (rather than patterned) paper. Decide on images. If you want to include pictures or images for your invitation, brainstorm a couple options. If you don't feel confident with your skills in this area, consider asking an artistic/creative close friend or family member for their help and input. If you want to have an image, design it yourself or use a free stock photo. Images to consider are a frame or border around the text, small design-related drawings or clipart, or an engagement photo of the couple. If you use an image, decide if it will be on a solid piece of cardstock with the text printed on vellum that is attached over the top, or if you will include all images and text on the same piece of paper. Avoid adding too many things to your invitation. If you have a textured background, don't use too many images or borders. Don't use more than two images or pictures for an invitation, and make sure the text is the focus of the invite. Choose your typography. Equally important as the images and colors used on your invitation is the font style of your text. Font is important for attributing a certain mood to your invitation. For a formal invitation, go with a classic cursive of serif font. This will give the classy, sophisticated look you are going for. If you use informal text and design, consider using a handwritten font or sans-serif font. You are not limited to these though, and can certainly use a formal style of font for the invite. Limit your font choices to two at most. It is not unusual to have a wedding invitation with multiple fonts, but using more than two can become overwhelming to the eye. Consider other add-ons. Invitations these days can be incredibly detailed and have many additional pieces and stylistic elements outside of the invitation itself. Consider embossing, adding ribbons or bows, using confetti, or adding glitter to your invitations. Choose an envelope. There are hundreds of different envelope styles on the market, many specifically designed for wedding invitations. This part of the process may not be able to be hand-made, except for the most adventurous brides. Find envelopes in the right size, shape, and color online to match your invitations. Format your invitation. With everything decided on - text, color scheme, background, and possible images - you can now create a mock-up of you invitation. Create a rough draft of your invite with ideal text/image placement. Make several versions of a single invitation style by moving around text, increasing/decreasing the size of objects, and trying different borders. Don't feel like you must stick with a certain style or format. Try many different styles to find which you like best; you may be surprised by what you like and don't like. Be sure to think about the size you need to make your invitations in. This may change the formatting slightly. Decide on your invite. Once you have considered all text placement and design styles, put together a final invitation. Make sure that there are no basic text mistakes and that you know the exact sizing for your cards. Choose your paper. Although you may have already decided on a type of paper to use if it is adding a patterned background or texture, you should choose on a type of paper for you invitations after designing them. Visit local craft or print shops to see different styles of available paper. Pay attention to price, and consider the change in cost if you buy in bulk. Avoid glossy photo paper for your invitations, as this style gets damaged easily. Instead, try using matte photo paper or cardstock. Make sure that your paper can be cut to size or ordered in the correct size for your invitations. If you are considering layering pieces of paper for your invitations, make sure to choose the paper for each individual layer. You will likely need equal numbers of each piece. Decide how you want to print them. You can print your invitations at home or through a print shop. Often, if you design the invitations yourself you will have saved enough money to get a good print job done at a local shop. If you print at home, make sure your printer is compatible with the paper you intend on using and that you have plenty of ink. Gather a reliable ink or toner, preferably the printer's original cartridges to give you the best quality possible. Call multiple print shops in your area to get estimates on prices. For simply printing and cutting your invitations to size, you may have only a very small fee to pay. Make sure that you print your invitations in the accurate size, so that you don't waste a lot of time and money re-printing your invites because of a sizing mistake. Assemble your invitations. Once you have gotten all of your invites printed and cut to size, put them together! If there are multiple layers to each invited, secure them with glue or brads. Place the RSVP card or additional directions inside the invitation, and then the entire invitation into the envelope. Remember that the envelope can be closed with a sticker or wax seal rather than just lick-and-sealed. Use your best, clear handwriting to address the envelopes or print stickers in a font matching your invitations. Send out your invites! With all of them completely assembled and addressed, finish the process by inviting your friends and family to celebrate your big day. Be sure to send your invitations at least six weeks before your wedding. | Organize the sections. Make a guest list. Write all your invitation information. Choose the color scheme. Design your background. Decide on images. Choose your typography. Consider other add-ons. Choose an envelope. Format your invitation. Decide on your invite. Choose your paper. Decide how you want to print them. Assemble your invitations. Send out your invites! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Good-in-Jeans-(Women) | How to Look Good in Jeans (Women) | To look good in jeans as a woman, wear skinny jeans if you want to accentuate your butt and make it look bigger. Or, if you want to show off your curves and balance out your thighs, go with boot cut jeans. To make your legs look longer, try wearing dark-wash jeans or jeans with a slight fade in the center of the leg. Also, stick with mid-rise jeans for the most flattering waistband, and look for pants that are made of a stretchy fabric since they generally look the best when they're on. | Buy into boot cut. Boot cut jeans are the most flattering style of jeans and they look great on almost every body type. Boot cut jeans are fitted through the thigh, with a tighter knee and a slight flare at the bottom. Boot cut jeans show off your curves, but also help balance out your thighs. Tuck a loose blouse into your boot cut jeans and add a belt to give the outfit some edge. Wear skinny jeans. If you have a smaller butt, opt for skinny jeans instead. They'll make your behind look bigger, when compared to the size of your legs. But skinny jeans are not just for skinny people - anyone can wear skinny jeans, as long as they're styled correctly. Look for skinny jeans with some stretch to give yourself a little more room to move and breathe. Wear skinny jeans with tops that stop just above the widest portion of your hips. Tuck your skinny jeans into knee-high boots, or wear them with ballet flats during warmer weather. Buy jeans made of a stretch fabric. Jeans fit differently depending on the fabric they're made of and jeans made of stretch fabrics are consistently the most flattering looking and comfortably fitting. Look for jean blends that include lycra, elastane, polyurethane, or spandex. The stretch of the jean will help condense your thighs and make your bottom look higher and tighter. Pick the correct rise. Jeans come in a variety of different fits, but across the board, the most flattering rise is the mid-rise jean. Look for a jean that sits a few inches above your pelvic bone, but still underneath your belly button. Low rise jeans put pressure on your stomach, which causes your fat to bunch up above your waistline. High-rise pairs draw more attention to your stomach. Look for a contour waistband to keep the jeans from creating a gap between your back and the waistband of your jeans. A contour waistband is a waistband that is cut on the bias, thereby making it more flexible. Choose jeans with a strategic fade. Denim comes in many different colors and faded jeans come in and out of fashion. Choose a jean with a slight fade in the center of the leg; the fade will make your legs look longer and leaner. Avoid jeans with fading on your thighs or behind. These will only make problem areas more obvious. Pair faded jeans with a tucked in black tee and a brightly colored heel. Invest in dark wash jeans. Everyone knows that wearing black can make you look slimmer, but the same goes for dark wash jeans. The darker the jeans, the longer and leaner your lower body will look. If you find a dark wash that flatters your body, buy a couple pairs in different cuts. Avoid distressed and lighter wash jeans. They will make you look stockier than you really are. Make sure you're buying the correct size. Jean sizes vary from store to store; some stores use vanity sizing, others don't. Jean sizes also vary depending on the fabric used to construct the jeans (jeans with more elastic fabrics have more give than jeans without). When shopping for jeans, make sure to try on multiple sizes before committing. Some department stores offer professional fittings. If you are experiencing bagginess, bunching, gapping, wrinkles or puckering, these are signs that your jeans do not fit correctly. Try lunges. Lunges work your butt, thigh and core muscles and are a great way to make your lower half look stronger and leaner. To start, stand with your feet together and your hands on your hips. Take a step forward with your right leg and lower your body until your left knee is an inch from the ground and your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet, then return to your starting position and do the same exercise on the other side. Start with 15 lunges on both sides each day and try to work your way up. Make the exercise even harder by using your free hands to hold dumbbells. Do squats. Like lunges, squats also work your butt, thighs and core. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, with your toes slightly turned out. Lower your body down towards the floor until your thighs are at a 90 degree angle to the floor. Keep your torso upright and look straight in front of you. Return to your starting position by straightening your legs and keeping your weight equally spread between the balls and heels of your feet. Use each of your hands to hold a dumbbell at your sides. Start by doing one minute of squats each day, then work your way up. Experiment with trying a bridge and leg lift. This exercise is helpful in strengthening your butt, hamstrings and lower back. To start, lie on your back on the floor. Keep your knees bent, plant your feet on the floor and leave your arms by your sides. Lift your hips off the floor, tightening your abs as you do so. Raise your right foot and straighten the leg. Hold this position for three seconds, then return to the floor. Repeat the same exercise on the other side. Try to do fifteen bridge lifts on each side, each day. To keep from over-arching your back, flex your abs and hold them like this for the entirety of the exercise. Use pockets to flatter your behind. Back pockets are one of jeans' most useful secret weapons – you can use them to make your behind look fuller or leaner, depending on your personal preferences and body type. If you want to make your bottom look smaller, avoid back pockets with a flap, or details like buttons, studs or embroidery. Look for jeans with oversized pockets – they'll make your butt look small by comparison. If you want to make your backside look larger, seek out jeans with lots of embellishments on the back pockets. You can also look for pockets that are high and centered. Wear heels. Heels might not be the most comfortable shoes, but there's a reason women continue to suffer through wearing them. Heels elongate your bottom half and make your legs look long and lean. Walking in heels also requires that you work your calf, thigh and glute muscles, which also makes you look more toned. Pair your heels with a pair of denim flares for an elegant 70's throwback. Cropped jeans make your legs look shorter, so always wear them with heels. Choose the right inseam. Your inseam is the length of a pair of pants from your crotch to the bottom of your legs. If your inseam is too long, your pants won't fit correctly. You can measure your inseam at home by taking a pair of pants that fit you well and measuring from the bottom of the zipper to the hem of the pants. If you find a pair of pants that fits well everywhere but the inseam, take them to a tailor to have them hemmed. If you plan to wear these jeans with heels, bring the heels to the tailor too. Pay attention to the yoke of your jeans. The yoke is a seam on your jeans that falls below the waistband but above the rear pockets. Look for a yoke that is located near the top of your butt, a few inches below the small of your back. To make your butt look rounder, look for a yoke that arcs upwards. Deep-V yokes and straight seam yokes will make your butt look flatter than it actually is. | Buy into boot cut. Wear skinny jeans. Buy jeans made of a stretch fabric. Pick the correct rise. Choose jeans with a strategic fade. Invest in dark wash jeans. Make sure you're buying the correct size. Try lunges. Do squats. Experiment with trying a bridge and leg lift. Use pockets to flatter your behind. Wear heels. Choose the right inseam. Pay attention to the yoke of your jeans. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Mint | How to Grow Mint | To grow mint, plant a small seedling or rooted sprig in fertile soil where it can receive morning sun and partial afternoon shade. If you're planting multiple seedlings, plant them 6 inches apart to give them plenty of growing space! Water your mint frequently so the soil stays damp and pinch off the plant's flower buds as they appear to extend your harvesting season! | Take a cutting from a pre-existing mint plant. Mint is difficult to grow from seed, and it is virtually impossible for some varieties, like peppermint. Cut a 4 inch (10 cm) sprig about ½ inch (1 cm) above a junction to allow new branches to grow in its place. The sprig does not need to have many leaves, and almost any sprig will do. Place the sprig in a glass of water, and remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Within a week, small white roots should appear under water. Wait a few more days to another week to allow the roots to develop into a decent length. Add water to the glass as necessary. Make sure that you change the water every four to five days to prevent rot. Purchase a mint seedling or small mint plant. You can find mint seedlings at most nurseries and garden stores. There are many varieties of mint, such as sweet mint, chocolate mint, spearmint, lemon mint, apple mint, and peppermint. Spearmint is most commonly used for cooking. Mint is a fast-growing, fast-spreading plant and is perfect for one of your first attempts at growing plants. Find a runner from a current plant. Runners are long stems that grow away from the current plant and set their own roots in the ground. These can be carefully dug up and transplanted. If you have a friend growing mint, the plants will have runners that could be transplanted. Choose the best time for planting the mint. Ideally, you should plant your mint in the spring, or in the fall if you're in a climate that is free of frost. Though mint is a resilient plant, it's best to start growing it under optimal conditions. Transplant the seedling or rooted sprig into a container. Potting mint is the most popular way to grow it because you can easily keep it in check this way, as well as keeping it close to your kitchen so you can use it frequently. Mint spreads rapidly, and its roots have a tendency to choke out the roots of other plants. As a result, it is often best to plant mint in a container without other plants. Use a 12-to-16-inch wide pot for one plant. You should add a water-retaining polymer to the potting soil so that it stays moist and doesn't dry up. You can also use pearlite or vermiculite instead of a polymer. Plant the rooted sprig or seedling with the roots just below the soil. If planting multiple seedlings, plant them 6 inches (15 cm) apart. This will give each seedling enough room to grow. Choose a location with adequate sunlight. When you plant your mint or place down your potted mint plant, you'll need to choose an area that receives morning sun and partial afternoon shade. You want the plant to get some light without drying it out completely. Mint grows best in deep, moist soil, so you want to keep it that way. You can even place your mint pot indoors, on a windowsill, as long as it's in a location that will get enough sunlight. Consider the location if you are planting in the ground. If you're planting it in the ground, then use a damp area with full sun or partial shade. The best conditions for growing mint in the ground require a fertile soil with a pH that is between 6.0 and 7.0. Though it can grow on its own without a problem, a little bit of fertilizer every few weeks won't hurt it. Make sure that the soil is moist by placing some mulch around the plant's roots to protect them. Submerge the container if planting in a flower bed. If you go this route, you should submerge your mint in a container, such as a pot or a mesh bag that is at least 5 inches (about 13 cm) deep. You should leave the rim of the container above ground level so that the plant's root system will be contained. If you don't do this, your mint will spread rapidly into places you don't want it to be. You can also plant mint in its own raised bed container, on a bare spot in your garden that you would like to fill in, or section off part of your garden with bricks or timbers to create a barrier for the mint. Water your mint often. During the first year that you have your mint, you will need to water it frequently. Test the soil with your finger to determine how dry it is. Keep the soil damp, but don't soak it. If your mint is in direct sun, water it more frequently. Check on it frequently to make sure that it gets adequate water, but not too much. Trim the top of the plant. This will help to contain the plant's height and keep the leaves nice and full around the sides of the plant. This also creates a better harvest. When you check on your plant to see if it needs water, see if the plant has gotten too tall. Trim the mint's flower buds to keep the plant compact. A mint plant's small flowers will typically bloom from June to September. You should trim the buds before they have a chance to open so the plant doesn't grow out of control. Pinching off the plant's flower buds as they appear will also extend your plant's harvesting season. Split your plant every two or three years. Do this only if you are growing it in a pot/container. After a few years, your mint will match the size of the container, causing its roots to become cramped. De-pot it and carefully split apart the mint into several plants. Lifting and replanting your mint every two to three or even three to four years will help keep the scent and the flavor of the mint nice and strong. Treat your mint with a fungicide spray if it gets infected by rust. Rust, a fungus that creates orange-brown patches on the undersides of a plant's leaves, is one of the few diseases that mint is susceptible to. Watch out for pests and diseases. Your plant may fall victim to diseases such as verticillium wilt or mint anthracnose and it may be infested with insects such as flea beetles, root borers, spider mites, or root weevils. This is not a likely occurrence, however, since the strong odor of mint wards off most insects and other pests. Just provide good air circulation and soil that is well-drained to keep your plants healthy. If you notice any insects, spray them off with a garden hose. You can also wash your leaves with insecticidal soap. Make sure to look for pests under the leaves of the plants, too. This is a place where they like to hide. Harvest fresh green leaves as desired from the late spring through the early autumn. Never harvest more than 1/3 of the leaves at once and allow the plant to regrow before harvesting more. You can just harvest as much mint as you need at a time. If you want to air-dry your mint, then you should hang the stems upside down. Separate them into bundles secured with some string or a rubber band or spread them on a flat surface. When the leaves and stems feel crispy and dry, pluck off the leaves and put them into jars, Ziploc bags, or plastic containers with lids. Harvest as much mint as possible before the frost each year. The roots will survive the frost and regrow the following spring, but the above-ground plant matter will die off. Protect your mint roots by covering the plants with a layer of mulch before winter. To harvest the leaves, you should pinch off the stems. If you have a larger harvest, then wait until right before the plant blooms and cut the whole plant just above the first or the second set of leaves. Typically, you can harvest a larger harvest of mint about three times a season. Use your mint. There are endless uses for mint, and you can do whatever you like with it. However, there are some typical uses of mint that you should be aware of. Here are some great ways to use it: Serve it as a compliment to fish, chicken, lamb, or another protein dish. Use it to spice up veggies such as carrots, peas, and potatoes. Spice up salads such as fruit salads, fig and radish salads, or walnut and goat cheese salads. Use them in drinks such as iced tea, punch, or lemonade. Use the mint in cocktails, such as the mojito or the mint julep. | Take a cutting from a pre-existing mint plant. Purchase a mint seedling or small mint plant. Find a runner from a current plant. Choose the best time for planting the mint. Transplant the seedling or rooted sprig into a container. Plant the rooted sprig or seedling with the roots just below the soil. Choose a location with adequate sunlight. Consider the location if you are planting in the ground. Submerge the container if planting in a flower bed. Water your mint often. Trim the top of the plant. Trim the mint's flower buds to keep the plant compact. Split your plant every two or three years. Treat your mint with a fungicide spray if it gets infected by rust. Watch out for pests and diseases. Harvest fresh green leaves as desired from the late spring through the early autumn. Harvest as much mint as possible before the frost each year. Use your mint. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Potato-Soup | How to Thicken Potato Soup | To thicken potato soup, heat 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of flour, stirring constantly, to make a roux, then add it to the soup. Heat the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the soup is as thick as you'd like it. For a quicker fix that will boost the potato flavor in your soup, stir in instant potato flakes instead. | Add a roux to add the most thickness to your soup. A roux is made by heating up equal parts flour and fat to add body and flavor to a dish. To thicken about 1 qt (0.95 L), melt 2 tbsp (28 g) of butter in a skillet, then whisk in 2 tbsp (30 g) of flour. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, until it's a blond color, or just starting to darken. Then, stir the roux into your soup just before it's finished cooking. If you want to add a nutty flavor to your soup, cook the roux until it's about the color of peanut butter. However, a lighter roux will thicken your soup more effectively. Since you're not baking with it, you can use either self-rising or all-purpose flour to thicken your soup. Make a slurry with cornstarch or flour for a very thin soup. Whisk 2 tbsp (25 g) of cornstarch or 2 tbsp (30 g) of flour with ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of cool water. Once the starch is completely dissolved, pour the slurry into the main pot. Heat the soup to boiling for 1 minute, then reduce the heat and simmer until the soup is as thick as you'd like it. By mixing the flour or cornstarch with cool water before adding it to the soup, you'll keep it from clumping up when it hits the hot liquid. This will thicken about 1 qt (0.95 L) of soup. Pour in 1 cup (60 g) of instant potato flakes for a quick fix. This will add extra potato flavor to your soup, so you don't have to worry about changing the taste. Add the instant potatoes to your soup at the end while it's simmering, then cover the pot and wait about 5 minutes. This will thicken about 2 qt (1.9 L) of soup, and these potato flakes will add a lot of body. Adjust the proportion as you need to. Make a beurre manie from butter and flour to thicken the soup at the end. To thicken about 1 qt (0.95 L) of soup, take 2 tbsp (28 g) of softened butter and 2 tbsp (30 g) of flour and place them in a bowl, then knead them together with your hands. When the mixture is completely combined, it should be crumbly. Add in the crumbles a little at a time to your hot soup, right before it's finished cooking, until it reaches the desired consistency. Beurre manie is a French technique that's similar to making a roux. The butter coats the individual grains of flour, which is why they won't lump up when you add them to hot soup. This will add a moderate amount of thickness to your soup. Tear up chunks of bread and soak them in broth to add moderate thickness. Tear up 3-4 slices of bread into large chunks. Then, use a ladle to spoon some of the soup into a bowl. Add in the chunks of bread and let them dissolve, then puree them in a blender or a food processor. Pour the mixture back into the soup and stir it well. You should see the effect right away. You may want to remove the crusts if you're using French bread or another bread with a flaky crust, as it may not completely dissolve. However, since you're pureeing it, you may choose to leave the crusts on if you prefer. Stale bread will thicken the soup more than fresh loaves. This should give you about 2 cups (75-100 g) of bread crumbs, which will thicken 1 qt (0.95 L) of soup. Pour in a little cream to add thickness and a silky texture. Adding cream to your soup will help thicken it, and it will give the potato soup a creamy, silky texture. In addition, the cream adds a rich flavor that goes perfectly with potato soup. Measure the cream into a bowl, then add a little of the hot soup to the bowl to temper it, or to bring it gently up to temperature. Then, pour the mixture back into the soup and stir well. The amount you add will depend on how much soup you made and how much you need to thicken it. Start with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 mL), then add more if you need to. If your soup is very watery, adding another liquid will only help so much. You may want to consider adding a roux or another starch instead. Add a dollop of yogurt to thicken your soup while adding a tangy flavor. Yogurt will thicken a soup in a similar way to cream, but it adds a noticeable tangy flavor to the dish, and it results in a lighter soup. Temper the yogurt by mixing it with a little of the hot soup before you pour it in, which should keep it from curdling. The taste of the yogurt especially suits potato soups containing a sharp cheese like cheddar. Since yogurt affects the taste of the soup, this approach may be best for thickening individual servings. Stir in coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Coconut milk is thick and creamy, with a subtle coconut flavor. Try stirring about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) into 1 quart (0.95 L) of soup to add richness to the broth, while avoiding the use of dairy. This amount won't have much effect on the flavor of the soup. If you do want to taste the coconut, add about ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of the cream instead. The mild flavor of coconut pairs especially well with potato soups made with goat cheeses like chèvre and goat brie. Puree 1–2 cups (240–470 mL) of the soup to thicken it without adding anything. Use a ladle to spoon out about 1–2 cups (240–470 mL) of the soup, including a few pieces of the potatoes and anything else in the soup. Then, use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the portion of the soup that you removed until it's completely smooth. Pour this mixture back into the soup to thicken it instantly. Since adding starches or creamy elements can alter the flavor of the soup, this is a great option if you're happy with the taste and don't want to change it. Stir in pureed nuts to add protein. Take about 1/2 cup (75 g) of nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, and grind them in a food processor or spice grinder. When the nuts are completely broken down, mix them with about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of the liquid from the soup, then add them back into the rest of the potato soup. This should thicken about 1 qt (0.95 L) of soup. If you're serving others, make sure no one has a food allergy before you add nuts to the dish! The nutty flavor will complement rich, meaty potato soups, like a recipe that includes smoked ham or bacon. Stir in cheese and let it melt for a little extra thickness at the end. Cheese and potatoes are made to go together, so this is a delicious way to get a little additional thickness after your soup is cooked. You can either add 1 cup (125 g) of shredded cheese to the whole pot of soup (or more if needed), or you can sprinkle shredded cheese directly on top of your bowl if you prefer. Sharp cheeses like cheddar or Monterey jack work especially well in potato soups, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese! | Add a roux to add the most thickness to your soup. Make a slurry with cornstarch or flour for a very thin soup. Pour in 1 cup (60 g) of instant potato flakes for a quick fix. Make a beurre manie from butter and flour to thicken the soup at the end. Tear up chunks of bread and soak them in broth to add moderate thickness. Pour in a little cream to add thickness and a silky texture. Add a dollop of yogurt to thicken your soup while adding a tangy flavor. Stir in coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Puree 1–2 cups (240–470 mL) of the soup to thicken it without adding anything. Stir in pureed nuts to add protein. Stir in cheese and let it melt for a little extra thickness at the end. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Door-Trim | How to Replace a Door Trim | Replacing a door trim involves removing the old one, cutting your new trim to the right size, and nailing it to the doorjamb. Start by cutting the caulk from your door trim with a utility knife. Then, use a pry bar to remove each side of the trim. Slide the bar in near each nail to help you lever it away from the jamb. Once you've removed the trim and any leftover caulk, measure your door jamb to help you cut the new trim. You'll need a miter saw to cut the corners at 45 degree angles so the pieces fit together. When you've cut all of the trim pieces, use 1.5-inch finishing nails to secure the inside part of the trim to the jamb. On the outside part, which attaches to the wall, use 2-inch finishing nails. After you've finished nailing the trim in place, apply caulk over the nail holes and around the edge to make the trim look flush. | Cut through the caulking with a utility knife. Work your knife's blade under the outside edge of the trim. You may also cut through some paint while doing this, but that's okay. Cut all the way around the trim to free it. Make sure to cut all the way through the caulking to avoid damaging the paint when you pry off the trim. Use a pry bar to pull off the trim. Slide the edge of the pry bar under the trim near a nail. You can tap a hammer against the back of the bar to help wedge it in. Pull back one piece of trim at a time, taking care not to damage the walls and door jamb. It doesn't matter which side you start on, as long as you remove all the pieces you want to replace. To protect the walls, hold a scrap of wood against the wall and rest the back of the pry bar against it as you work. There's not really a way to protect the jamb besides being very careful when leveraging the trim. Scrape off any remaining caulking with a knife. Use the utility knife or a chisel to remove any old caulk left over. You may also need to scrape down thick layers of paint to level out the space where the new trim will rest. Measure the new trim against the door. First, purchase some trim from the home improvement store. Most trim comes in 8 or 10 ft (2.4 or 3.0 m) sections. Use your old trim as a sizing guide or hold the new trim against the door frame. Mark the measurements with a pencil so you know how to size the trim. You can always measure out the space around the door with a tape measure if the other options aren't possible. Measure out the length and width of the trim space on all sides of the door to find out how much trim you need. Narrower trim can be a good choice for simplicity and appearance, but make sure you leave enough material to cover the gap between the door frame and wall. Wider trim stands out more, but it'll cover more of the wall. Make sure you have enough space for it. Put on ear and eye protection before sawing. Cover your eyes with a pair of polycarbonate safety glasses. Miter saws are loud, so also put on a pair of earmuffs or foam earplugs. Avoid putting on gloves or any other loose clothing that could get caught in the saw. Cut the trim pieces with a miter saw. Set the miter saw to cut at an angle of exactly 45°. Line up the trim and cut from the inside edge diagonally upwards to the outside edge. Cut a large piece of trim into the top piece and one of the sides. It's okay to leave the trim a little long at first. You can adjust this as needed later. It's helpful to practice using the miter saw on scrap wood first. You are usually able to adjust the saw more than you expect to get a better-fitting joint. Cut the side trim to length. Line up the side pieces of trim against the door. If the trim is long, measure up from the bottom to mark how much length needs to be removed. Cut the bottoms of the side trim pieces evenly so they match and fit on the door frame. Cut the top trim to the appropriate size. Hold the header against the 2 side pieces. This piece has miter joints on both sides, which should fit snugly against the rest of the trim. If you have to reduce the header, make sure the miter is set at a 45° angle. Redo the cut until the header fits in place. Position the trim against the wall. Place the pieces without attaching them to double-check the fit. Pay attention to how the header piece fits on top of the side pieces. Make any adjustments needed by further cutting down the size of the trim. Nail the side trim in place. Use a finish nailer to secure the trim. On the inside part, which covers the door jamb, use 4d or 1.5 in (3.8 cm) finishing nails. On the outside part, which attaches to the wall, use 6d or 2 in (5.1 cm) finishing nails to secure the trim. Avoid placing the nails close to the ends of the trim. Depending on the thickness of your trim, you may need larger nails. Hold the nails up to the trim to see if they're long enough to go all the way through to the wall. Drill and nail the header in place. Stand on a stepstool to reach the top part of the door. Place the top trim, checking one last time to make sure it's the right size. When finished, attach it the same way you did the other pieces. Pre-drill holes in the trim’s corners. Push the trim pieces together to tighten them a little more. Measure about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the sides of the header. Drill a ⁄ 16 in (1.6 mm) hole down through the top of the header. Measure down the side pieces and drill a hole through each from the outside edge. Hold a piece of cardboard against the wall to prevent your tools from damaging it. Nail the trim pieces in place. Stick 3d or 1.25 in (3.2 cm) nails in each hole. Start on one side of the door. Alternate striking the top and side nails so that the trim doesn't fall out of alignment. When finished, move on to the other side. Caulk the holes, joints, and edges of the trim. The holes and miter joints can be filled with painter's putty, wood filler, or a paintable acrylic or silicone caulk as needed. Spread it using a putty knife or your fingers. Then go around the outside of the trim, squeezing a small bead of caulk between the trim and the wall. Run your finger along the bead of caulk to smooth it out, then wipe it clean on a wet rag. You'll need to let the caulk dry before painting or staining. Check the label information to find out how long this takes. Sand, prime, and paint the door frame. Sand the door frame lightly to make it smooth and even. You can further customize your trim by staining or painting it. The trim can be colored with primer and a layer of paint. You can also retain the appearance of wood trim by using a commercial staining product to color it. Use an oil or latex-based primer before painting over wood. | Cut through the caulking with a utility knife. Use a pry bar to pull off the trim. Scrape off any remaining caulking with a knife. Measure the new trim against the door. Put on ear and eye protection before sawing. Cut the trim pieces with a miter saw. Cut the side trim to length. Cut the top trim to the appropriate size. Position the trim against the wall. Nail the side trim in place. Drill and nail the header in place. Pre-drill holes in the trim’s corners. Nail the trim pieces in place. Caulk the holes, joints, and edges of the trim. Sand, prime, and paint the door frame. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Leeks | How to Cut Leeks | To cut a leek, first lay the leek flat on a cutting board and cut off the root end with a sharp chef's knife. Then, cut off the dark green part of the leek at the top. Discard the dark green top and the roots. Next, cut the leek in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut-side down next to each other, and make thin, evenly spaced cuts across them. Finally, place the half-moon shaped slices in a bowl of water to clean off any dirt. | Remove the root and leaves. Place your leek lengthwise on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to chop off the stringy root. Then, cut off the leaves at the opposite end of the stalk. You'll be left with the part that's white or pale yellow at the center, and pale green at the end where you chopped off the leaves. Leek leaves are very tough, so you can usually discard them after slicing them off, unless you plan to boil them in a broth or stock. Cut the stalk in half lengthwise. Push the tip of your knife into the leek at the top of the stalk. Then, cut down the center, splitting the leek in half. You'll be left with two leek halves that look like half barrels. Slice the leek halves in half. Lay both leek halves on their flat sides. Run your knife down the center of each piece lengthwise. Cutting both leek halves this way leaves you with quarters. You can skip this step if you want to cut your leeks into half moons. For half moons, slice your leek halves across the width into ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) pieces (or even smaller, if desired.) Chop the leek quarters into small pieces. Make short ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 inch (0.32 to 0.64 cm) cuts across the width of the stalks, depending on how finely you want to chop your leeks. Work from the bottom up, stopping where the pale green part starts if desired. The pale green part of the stalk – the part closest to where you cut the leaves off – may or may not be OK to use, depending on your recipe. Separate the chopped leeks with your fingers. Use your fingers to pull apart the chopped leek pieces gently. You can also separate the leeks by placing them in a colander or big strainer and tossing them around a bit. Clean your freshly chopped leeks. If your leeks appear to be dirty, you may need to submerge the chopped and separated pieces in a bowl or sink full of clean water. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes, and any dirt will sink to the bottom of the bowl or the sink. Rinse the slices after soaking, then air-dry them or pat them dry with a paper towel. When they're clean, these leeks will be cut into the perfect shape for sautéeing, boiling, stir-frying, or a multitude of other uses. Chop off the stringy root with a sharp knife. You'll also want to chop off the leaves where the pale yellow or white coloring ends, and the leeks become greener in color. If you want to use the leaves to flavor soups and roasts, you might want to consider putting them in a resealable bag and freezing them for later instead of throwing them away. Slice the leek in half across the width. Technically speaking, julienne cuts measure about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. The average leek stalk measures 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm), so cutting the leek in two will make it easier to julienne. It's OK for a julienne to be longer than 3 inches (7.6 cm). Just follow your recipe or your creative instincts to cut julienne slices that work for your dish. Cut each 3 inches (7.6 cm) piece of leek in half lengthwise. Start by pointing your knife into the stalk. Cut the stalk all the way through and down the middle until it's completely cut in half. Position the leek halves flat-side down on the cutting board. The rounded side should be upwards, facing you – this will prevent the vegetable from slipping out from under your knife. However, if you have experience handling a sharp knife, you can position the leek on either the flat or rounded side. side. Cut the leek into thin, long slices. Start by positioning your knife at the long edge of the leek. Carefully slice the leek into ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) lengthwise strips, or wider as desired. Continue making long, lengthwise slices across the width of the leek, from one long edge to the other. Separate the leek slices as needed. The leeks may come apart without you separating them much, but if some of them are stuck together, gently toss them around with your fingers until they separate. Clean your julienned leeks. If you notice any dirt after slicing your leeks, you may need to submerge the your long, thin slices in a bowl or sink full of clean water. Allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes – any dirt should sink to the bottom of the bowl or the sink. Rinse the slices after soaking, then air-dry them or pat them dry with a paper towel. Now, your thinly cut leeks are ready to be cooked. Try frying them to use as a garnish for meats or other dishes, or including them in a mixed vegetable dish with other julienned veggies. | Remove the root and leaves. Cut the stalk in half lengthwise. Slice the leek halves in half. Chop the leek quarters into small pieces. Separate the chopped leeks with your fingers. Clean your freshly chopped leeks. Chop off the stringy root with a sharp knife. Slice the leek in half across the width. Cut each 3 inches (7.6 cm) piece of leek in half lengthwise. Position the leek halves flat-side down on the cutting board. Cut the leek into thin, long slices. Separate the leek slices as needed. Clean your julienned leeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Brush-Mats-out-of-Dog-Hair | How to Brush Mats out of Dog Hair | To brush mats out of dog hair, spray your dog's coat thoroughly with a detangler and work through the fur with a slicker brush. When you locate a mat, hold it at the base and slowly ease the knotted fur apart with your fingers. You can also try sprinkling stubborn mats with cornstarch and working through them with a dematting comb. If all else fails, carefully cut the mat out with electric clippers or bring your dog to a groomer for assistance! | Make sure your dog is calm. Removing mats can be an extremely uncomfortable process for your dog. Dogs have very sensitive skin, and mats can pull and put stress on the skin. Pet your dog, talk to him in a calm voice, and give him treats as you begin. Try to get the dog to lie down if you can. Spray the coat with detangler. Before you begin, you can spray your dog's coat with a detangling spray. This can help loosen up mats and make them easier to brush out. Leave the detangling spray on the coat for a few minutes. Detangling sprays may not always work. They will not work on severe mats in your dog's coat. Brush your dog. Use a slicker brush to locate the mats. A slicker brush has wire bristles that are slightly bent at the ends. Make sure the bristles don't touch your dog's skin. Mats are often found around the ears, below the neck, under the belly, and along the back legs. Try to brush your dog's fur at least once a week to prevent matts. Hold the mat at the base. Take the base of the mat into your hand, at the section closest to your dog's skin. This protects your dog's skin from excess pulling and damage as you try to work out the mat. It also keeps you from giving your dog's skin brush burn since your hand is between the brush and the dog's skin. Untangle the mat with your fingers. When you find mats, start to untangle them with your fingers. Make sure to be extra gentle. Mats pull painfully at your dog's skin. Ease the hair in the mat apart a little at a time.This will take awhile, so you need to have patience. Rub cornstarch into the mat. Cornstarch is often used as a dematting aid. It can help loosen and untangle the fur. You can also try spraying a light coat of coconut oil onto each mat and then combing out. Pick the mat. When the mat is very tangled and your fingers aren't working, try picking through it with a comb or other dematting tool instead of just combing through it. This picking action helps break up the hair. Lift the tool in and out of the hair instead of pulling in through. Go from the ends up towards the base. You want to loosen the hair. Don't worry about separating completely. Comb through it with a dematting comb. Once you separate as much of the mat as you can with your fingers, run through the mat with a dematting comb. Pull the comb through the mat from the base to the tip. If the mat is bad, comb through from the tip to the base to lessen the strain on your dog's hair. Use a teasing motion instead of combing straight through. Make sure to keep a hold on the mat so you don't pull at your dog's skin. Try a mat rake. If the mat doesn't come out after using your fingers and a comb or brush, try a mat rake. Comb it gently through the mats. The mat rake has sharp teeth that help cut through the mat. Finish brushing. Once you have gotten the mat loosened enough, use your slicker brush to finish brushing the mat. Make sure to brush in the direction the hair grows. Continue brushing out the rest of your dog's coat. Use a mat splitter. If the mat won't break apart or loosen with your fingers, the rake, or comb, try a mat splitter. Keep holding the mat at the base. Use the mat splitter to cut the mat into smaller strips. After you cut it into smaller sections, try to work through it with your fingers or a comb. Use a sawing motion when you cut the hair. Be careful using a mat splitter. It has a razor sharp edge and can seriously injure your dog. Always watch out for the ears, folds of skin, loose skin, and the tip of the tail. Try electric clippers. When everything else fails, try clippers. Use the clippers to slowly shave away the mat. This may leave a bare patch where you have shaved the coat. Make sure to watch carefully as you trim away the mat. Do not cut too close to your dog's skin. Take the dog to the groomers. If the mats are too difficult to remove, or your dog is not cooperating, take your dog to the groomers. They can shave the dog or use their knowledge, experience, and tools to remove the mats easier than you can. Avoid using scissors. Though some people suggest using scissors, you should refrain from using them on your pet. You can seriously injure your dog, especially around the sensitive areas like the ears. Scissors can cut the skin or pull and strain it. Even dematting tools can be dangerous due to their razor-sharp blades. If you are uncomfortable using these sharp objects on your dog, then take him to a professional. | Make sure your dog is calm. Spray the coat with detangler. Brush your dog. Hold the mat at the base. Untangle the mat with your fingers. Rub cornstarch into the mat. Pick the mat. Comb through it with a dematting comb. Try a mat rake. Finish brushing. Use a mat splitter. Try electric clippers. Take the dog to the groomers. Avoid using scissors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Your-Eyes-when-Using-a-Computer | How to Protect Your Eyes when Using a Computer | To protect your eyes when you're using a computer, start by sitting at least an arm's length away from the screen. Next, position the computer screen 4-5 inches below eye level, or at a 15-20 degree angle, so you're looking down at it. Then, adjust your screen lighting, so if the room is brightly lit, your screen brightness is also turned up. Additionally, deliberately blink every 5 seconds, or, every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds to re-moisturize your eyes. | Sit far enough away from the screen. This is usually considered at least an arm's length away from the screen. To make sure your computer is positioned right, try the high-five test: if you can properly high-five your computer screen with a full arm extension, you're sitting too close. Locate the computer screen 4 or 5 inches below your eye level. Ideally, you should look down at the computer screen at about a 15 to 20 degree angle. This ensures that more of your eyeball is covered by your eyelid, keeping your eyes moisturized and healthy. Position reference material properly. If you're using any books or papers while working, you can strain your eyes if you don't position them properly. If they're too low, your eyes will have to refocus every time you glance at them, leading to eye fatigue. You can also strain your neck by moving it to look down too often. Reference materials should be located above the keyboard and below the computer's monitor. To help do this, use a document holder or a book to prop up materials a few inches and help rest your eyes. Blink often. We naturally blink about 20 times every minute, but when focusing on a screen this can drop by as much as half. This means your eyes are at much greater risk of drying out when working on the computer. Since your body won't blink as much naturally, you'll have to be conscious of this and force yourself to blink. Deliberately blink every five seconds or so. If you find this too distracting, try taking breaks. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds. This allows you to blink naturally and re-moisturize your eyes. Adjust your screen lighting. Your screen should be illuminated in relation to your environment. If you're working in a brightly lit room, you can increase your brightness settings; if the room is dim, lower the settings. While the screen should be brightest object in the room, it shouldn't be on the brightest setting in a dark room. Your eyes will often tell you if your screen isn't lighted properly. If your eyes are feeling strained, try adjusting your brightness settings in relation to your work environment. Reduce glare from your screen. Surrounding lights can reflect off your screen and strain your eyes. There are several ways you can reduce glare and keep your eyes healthy. Keep your computer screen clean. Dust on your screen can further reflect light into your eyes. Dust your screen on a regular basis with either a specialized cleaning cloth or spray. Avoid sitting with a window behind you. The sun's rays will reflect off the screen and back into your eyes. If this is unavoidable, cover the window with a drape or sheet to help reduce the glare. Use lower wattage light bulbs. Very bright bulbs from desk lamps and overhead lights will reflect off the screen. If your work space is very bright, try switching to less powerful bulbs. Take regular breaks. The American Optometric Association recommends that for every two hours of looking at the computer screen, you should take a 15 minute break. During this time you should blink, close your eyes, and allow them to rest and re-lubricate. This isn't only good advice to protect your eyes, but your health in general. Sitting for long periods of time can be bad for your back, joints, posture, and weight. Use these breaks to stretch and walk around to prevent the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. Ask your eye doctor about specialized glasses. Some glasses are specifically tinted to reduce glare from computer screens. You eye doctor can recommend a good pair of these that will help properly protect your eyes from computer glare. These are available in prescription and OTC versions. Make sure you only use lenses specifically designed to reduce computer glare. Reading glasses won't help in this situation. Stop working if you experience symptoms of digital eye strain/computer vision syndrome. Eye doctors use this term to describe the adverse effects of prolonged computer use. These symptoms are not permanent and should subside when you step away from the computer for a few hours. They can cause significant discomfort, however, and if ignored can lead to permanent eye problems. Symptoms include headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dark or discolored eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. By using the steps in this section when using the computer, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing digital eye strain. Sometimes, however, the best answer is taking a long break to let your eyes rest. Visit the eye doctor annually. Your visual abilities in everyday life influence how little or how much prolonged computer use will affect you. Conditions like farsightedness, astigmatism, and poor eye focusing can make computer eyestrain much worse. The eye doctor can prescribe corrective lenses to remedy your eyesight and reduce how badly the computer affects your vision. He can also recommend different methods of protecting your eyes while you use the computer. Follow the same rules from computer usage when looking at a smartphone, tablet, or television. With the proliferation of portable electronic devices, many people are experiencing digital eye strain from looking at smartphones. You should apply the same rules you would follow when using a computer to anything with a screen: clean the screen, adjust the brightness, take breaks, and minimize glare. In addition, there are a few more things you can do when viewing portable devices. Hold your phone or tablet 16 – 18 inches from your face. Holding it closer puts significant strain on your eyes. Although many people look at their phones while in bed, this is a bad habit. Remember, if the screen is significantly lighter than the environment, it puts strain on your eyes. Try to keep this habit to a minimum. If you continue doing this, at least put the brightness settings all the way down to minimize eyestrain as much as possible. Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can do serious damage to your eyes if they aren't protected. Conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration can be caused and exacerbated by sunlight. Buy a good pair of sunglasses and wear them whenever you're in the sun. Look for an "ANSI" sticker on sunglasses to ensure that they meet American National Standards Institute guidelines and screen out the required amount of UV rays. Take care of your contacts. Dirty or old contact lenses can damage your eyes and even lead to vision-threatening infections. By properly caring for your lenses you can protect your eyes from damage. Wash your lenses after every use with the cleaning solution your eye care professional recommended. Wash your hands before handling your contacts. This ensures that you won't transfer any bacteria from your hands to your lenses. Also wash with a mild, fragrance-free soap. You could also transfer chemicals and fragrances onto your lenses and cause eye irritation. Apply makeup after your lenses are already in, and remove your makeup after your contacts are out. Never sleep with your contacts in, unless they are specially designed for extended use. Wear goggles or safety glasses whenever you're working with tools or chemicals. Small objects can do a lot of damage if lodged in the eye. Whether you're working with power tools, cutting the grass, or cleaning the kitchen with chemicals, you should always wear appropriate eye protection. This will ensure that your eyes stay safe and healthy. Get plenty of vitamin C. Vitamin C not only helps prevent you from getting sick, but it is also great for eye health. Evidence suggests that it can prevent the formation of cataracts and slow macular degeneration. While most fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C, the following foods are some of the best sources for the nutrient: Oranges. One orange will provide you with a whole day's worth of vitamin C. It is better to get your vitamin C from a whole orange rather than orange juice. That way, you can avoid the added sugar that comes from orange juice. Yellow peppers. Just one large pepper will give you 500% the necessary daily intake of vitamin C. These are easy to cut up and snack on throughout the day. Dark green vegetables. Kale and broccoli specifically are high in vitamin C. With a cup of either kale or broccoli, you can get an entire day's worth of vitamin C. Berries. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all great choices for vitamin C. Eat foods high in vitamin A. This vitamin helps improve your vision in the dark. Orange and yellow foods tend to be high in vitamin A, so make sure you get plenty of them in your diet. Carrots. For decades carrots have been hailed as the food for good vision. While they are by no means the only food that will help your eyes, they're packed with vitamin A and are a great food for maintaining eyesight. Sweet potato. This is another food filled with vitamin A. It makes a tasty side dish to many meals. Add zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the production of melanin, a pigment which helps protect the eyes. There are a number of foods that will add a good amount of zinc into your diet. Shellfish. Lobster, crab, and oysters all provide high doses of zinc. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables. In addition to vitamin C, these vegetables will give your body the zinc it needs to protect your eyes. Nuts. Cashews, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts are all high in zinc. They are easy to snack on throughout the day. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. These are good for your overall health. They improve nerve function, and therefore help improve the performance of the nerves related to vision. The best sources of omega-3's are oily fish like salmon, sardines, and herring. Drink plenty of water. One of the most common eye problems is excessive dryness. While there are certain conditions that can lead to dry eyes, you may just be dehydrated. Dehydration manifests itself in several ways, including decreased tear production. Try increasing your water intake to see if this helps your eyes feel less dry. | Sit far enough away from the screen. Locate the computer screen 4 or 5 inches below your eye level. Position reference material properly. Blink often. Adjust your screen lighting. Reduce glare from your screen. Take regular breaks. Ask your eye doctor about specialized glasses. Stop working if you experience symptoms of digital eye strain/computer vision syndrome. Visit the eye doctor annually. Follow the same rules from computer usage when looking at a smartphone, tablet, or television. Wear sunglasses. Take care of your contacts. Wear goggles or safety glasses whenever you're working with tools or chemicals. Get plenty of vitamin C. Eat foods high in vitamin A. Add zinc to your diet. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Drink plenty of water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Golf-Hook | How to Fix a Golf Hook | To fix a golf hook, try altering the way you grip your club. Put your right hand in a neutral position, with your right index finger under the handle in a trigger position. You should not be able to see your left thumb. As you swing, maintain your speed, and carry the clubface through the swing without hesitation. Don't use your wrists and hands to adjust during your swing, as this is often what causes the ball to hook. | Recognize a standard or push hook. If you're right-handed, a push hook begins to the right of your target, but ends up curving back to the left. If you're left-handed, a push hook starts to the left of the target, but curves back to the right. Diagnose a straight hook. For right-handed golfers, a straight hook will start at the target but veer off to the left. If you're left-handed, a straight hook will also start straight towards the target but will then curve to the right. Identify a pull hook. A pull hook starts left of the target for right-handed golfers. It will start right of the target for left-handed golfers. Balls hit with pull hooks often fly low or roll too far. Alter your grip. Put your right hand in a position that is more neutral. You shouldn't be able to see your left thumb. Adjust your right pointer finger under the handle in a “trigger” position to cradle the club. Unless you have superb timing, letting your right palm leave the club during your swing will result in a snap-hook. This step assumes the golfer is right-handed. Perform this with the opposite hand than instructed if you're left-handed. Examine the path of your body with the club. You may be closing the club head too early. Instead of making a motion like you're throwing the club head at the ball, you want to move your body with the club. Imagine there is a dagger at the top of your club that you are aiming at the ball in your downswing. This will help you to prevent uncocking your wrist too early. Maintain your speed while rotating. Rather than focusing on trying to make a correction, focus on the movement of your body as a smooth motion. Carry the clubface through the swing without hesitation. You want your body to guide the club, so that you don't overcompensate with movement of your wrists and hands. Check the positioning of your clubface. A clubface is the side of the golf club's head that hits the ball. Rotate the clubface open on the backswing as your arms and hips rotate. When the club is waist-high, the clubface should be toe-up. As you swing through, swing the clubface open to the left (or to the right if you're left-handed). An “open” clubface means that the toe of the club is too far back. Don't approach the ball like a base that you're sliding into, or you'll end up trying to get underneath the ball rather than giving your swing stability. The clubface should remain square throughout the hit. Hold a golf tee in your grip. The palm of your right hand should apply continuous pressure to the thumb of your left hand. (If you're left-handed, the palm of your left hand should apply pressure to the thumb of your right hand.) Try keeping a tee between those contact points as you swing the club. Keep your right hand over your left hand on the grip during the downswing – or, if you're left-handed, keep your left hand over your right hand. This will help you become aware of the grip pressure you should maintain, so that you don't change your grip during the swing and thereby hook the ball. Practice your swing at home using a hula hoop. Don't use your golf club for this exercise; all you need is the hula hoop. Put the hula hoop over your body so that it is behind the back of your head and in front of your upper thighs. Hold the hula hoop as if you are holding a golf club, and rotate your body back and forth the way you would swing the club. The motion of your swing will be held in check by the curvature of the hula hoop. Pin one arm to your chest. For this drill, your arm will act as your prop. Without using your golf club, pretend you are making a backswing. Hold your lead arm against your chest with your trail arm. Bend your trail arm like you're curling a weight towards your heart, with your palm holding the upper part of your trail arm behind the elbow. Your lead arm should be pinned against your chest and your gloved hand does the swinging. Practice swinging. Your motion should rotate your body as if you're hitting the ball with the back of your gloved hand. This will give you the feeling of keeping your lead arm in sync with your body. If you're right-handed, your lead arm is your left arm and your trail arm is the right arm. If you're left-handed, it's the opposite. | Recognize a standard or push hook. Diagnose a straight hook. Identify a pull hook. Alter your grip. Examine the path of your body with the club. Maintain your speed while rotating. Check the positioning of your clubface. Hold a golf tee in your grip. Practice your swing at home using a hula hoop. Pin one arm to your chest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Focus-on-School-Work | How to Focus on School Work | To focus on school work, start by establishing good work habits to help you stay organized and be more productive. For example, use a planner to create a schedule and set aside blocks of time to complete your school work. Remember to keep track of your assignments and their due dates in your planner, and prioritize your assignments based on importance and due date. It can also help to work in a quiet, dedicated space that's free of distractions, and don't forget to put your cell phone out of sight to help you stay focused! | Be sure you understand your assignments. It is nearly impossible to focus on school work that you don't understand. Before you leave school, try to ask the teacher or another student to explain any assignments with instructions that aren't clear to you. Once you clearly understand what your teacher wants you to do, then you can begin focusing on your work. Sometimes it might be helpful to see if your school offers tutoring, especially if you find that confusion over your homework is often why you struggle to focus on it. Working with a tutor will definitely help you stay on task with your school work and help improve your grades, as well. Use a planner to budget your time. This is especially important if you have a busy extracurricular schedule or are on the forgetful side. Writing your assignments in a planner will help you visualize your day, week, or month ahead and help you plan your assignments around work and social events. This will help you stay focused on your work and keep you from becoming overwhelmed, which can lead to procrastinating. You can use either a physical notebook-style planner or download an app on your phone or tablet. Be sure to organize your planner. Using color coded tabs or sticky notes can help you keep track of your assignments work, and extracurricular schedule. For example, use blue tabs to denote upcoming assignments or tests, red tabs to show your work schedule, and yellow tabs to show your social schedule. If you use a physical planner, be sure to keep it neat. A chaotic-looking planner that you can't read or understand won't help you focus. Avoid scribbling out words or writing illegibly. Write neatly and be sure to write in erasable pencil or use white out to make changes to assignments written in ink. Prioritize your assignments. Beyond just budgeting time for your assignments, you will also want to rank your assignments in order of importance and due date. This will help keep you focused on assignments as they come due and keep you from getting bogged down by trying to do too many assignments at once. For example, if you have a 5 page English paper that's due in a week, that assignment should take priority over a science project that's due in a month. Tests should always be marked as high priority in your planner. Take into account how long assignments will take, as well. Think about the "big picture" of your school schedule. Instead of only focusing on what is due in the next few days, for example, take a macro view and consider what assignments are due this month. Then, as time allows, make an effort to chip away at future projects. This way, when those due dates approach, you won't have to rush and stress out over how to find the time to complete those assignments. Set time aside specifically for school work. What time of the day you choose doesn't matter, as long as you set aside a dedicated block of time for focusing on your school work. During this time, you have to mentally tell yourself that for this block of time, your only goal is to get as much school work completed as possible. The amount of time you'll need to set aside will vary based on how much homework you have and how difficult your assignments are, so be sure to allot enough time to complete your work. Let your parents and friends know what time blocks you have set aside for school work. Doing so can help eliminate distractions. If you're a morning person, get up early, eat some breakfast, and work on assignments before school or work. If you are a night owl, then arrange for time to work before bed. Regardless of which time of day you choose to do your work, be sure that you're getting enough sleep. It's counterproductive to be sleep deprived while you try to focus on your school work. Have a designated work space. Avoid trying to focus on your school work while watching TV or lying on your bed because it is too easy to fall asleep or get distracted. Designate a quiet area as a work-only space. This can be your kitchen table, a table at your local or campus library, or your desk in your room. Regardless of which space you choose, make sure that you have sufficient space to work and spread out so you can focus on your school work. Use meditation, yoga or stretching to transition into work mode. It can be difficult to go from being silly and having fun with your friends to sitting silently and working by yourself. Spend 10-15 minutes stretching , doing yoga , or meditating to calm your mind before you sit down to work. Wear headphones or earplugs. If you have loud roommates or siblings, it can be difficult to concentrate on your school work with noise all around you. Try wearing noise cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out audible distractions so you can better focus on your homework. You can find foam earplugs at any drugstore or convenience store. Aim for earplugs with a Noise Rating Reduction (NRR) of 32 or 33, as this is the highest noise cancelling rating available over the counter. Turn off your phone. Your smartphone is likely one of the biggest distractions when it comes to focusing on your school work. If you can't turn it completely off for practical reasons, then at minimum turn off wifi and data so you can't check social media or email. Disconnect while you work on your homework, and you will find that it will be easier to focus on your work and to work faster. If you must leave your phone on, then turn it to silent (not just vibrate) so you don't hear any incoming calls or texts to distract you from your school work. Avoid checking social media and other online distractions. The computer can be just as distracting and addicting as your phone, so it's important to minimize distractions there, as well. Because you likely need the internet to do a lot of your assignments, it's not as simple to “disconnect” while you're on a computer. You'll need to actively stay off of social media and gaming sites in order to focus on your work. Consider browser extensions that disconnect social media for you. Browser extensions like Nanny (Google Chrome) and Mac Freedom (Windows and Mac compatible) block your access to your top time-wasting websites. Schedule work breaks. After working for a solid 45 minutes, give yourself a break for 15 minutes. Get up and stretch, have a snack, or check your phone. This will help you reset and recharge so you can continue focusing on your school work. Make sure that you set a timer or alarm clock so that your breaks are only 15 minutes. Dragging breaks out longer can derail your efforts to focus on and complete your school work. Set a goal and reward yourself for completing it. Homework is no fun. However, if you set attainable goals for yourself and reward yourself for completing them, it will help make school work seem less overwhelming. For example, tell yourself that you need to finish your algebra homework within an hour so that you can watch your favorite show before bed. Setting a goal with a clear reward at the end will help motivate you to stay focused on completing your work. Work on 1 assignment at a time. Pacing yourself is important because it is easy to become overwhelmed and distracted if you try to work on too many assignments at once. Approach your homework one piece at a time, and work on each piece to completion. Avoid having two or three half-completed assignments, as this can be stressful. Don’t try to do too much at once. Make sure that you aren't setting yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals for yourself. Trying to complete too much school work in too short a time is a recipe for stress and discouragement. For example, don't expect that you can come home from school and spend an hour writing a quality ten page paper. Research papers take time to both write and research, so it's unrealistic to expect to squeeze all of that work into one evening. Instead, spread your writing and research out across several days to make the project more manageable. Speak with your guidance counselor or advisor. If you are truly struggling to focus on your school work despite taking steps to help refocus yourself, try speaking with your advisor or guidance counselor. He or she might be able to help you see issues that you missed, such as an overly heavy course load. Asking for their help is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's their job to help you when you are struggling! Take care of yourself. Even the best time management and homework techniques won't be helpful if you aren't taking care of yourself first. Be sure that you are getting enough sleep and eating properly. Pulling all-nighters to complete your homework might work in the short term. However, this technique will backfire because you'll become exhausted and have even more difficulty focusing on your work. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Even if you aren't hungry in the mornings, have some juice or pack a portable snack like an apple or a granola bar for later. Talk with your doctor if nothing is helping you. If you have tried many different techniques to focus on your school work and spoken with your advisor or counselor, then it might be helpful for you to talk to your doctor about your struggles. He or she might test you for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to see if that could be the cause of your concentration problems. If your doctor determines that you have this disorder, then he or she might recommend medications, dietary changes, therapy, or a combination of these to Treat ADHD. | Be sure you understand your assignments. Use a planner to budget your time. Prioritize your assignments. Set time aside specifically for school work. Have a designated work space. Use meditation, yoga or stretching to transition into work mode. Wear headphones or earplugs. Turn off your phone. Avoid checking social media and other online distractions. Schedule work breaks. Set a goal and reward yourself for completing it. Work on 1 assignment at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once. Speak with your guidance counselor or advisor. Take care of yourself. Talk with your doctor if nothing is helping you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Push-a-Hernia-Back-in | How to Push a Hernia Back in | If you've already seen a doctor about your hernia and you've got a hernia truss or belt, you should be able to push it back in. First, lie on your back so gravity will help push your hernia down. If you're using a belt, lie on top of it so you can wrap it around yourself when you've pushed the hernia in. All you need to do is gently push the hernia back into your stomach, groin, or belly button. If it hurts, stop and contact your doctor, since there might be a complication with your hernia. Once your hernia's back inside, fasten your belt or truss to prevent it from coming out again. If your baby has a hernia, don't try to push it back in yourself in case you accidentally hurt them. | Get your supplies. You can buy a hernia truss or belt at a medical supply store or pharmacy. Your doctor should recommend a specific type of support based on your hernia. In general, these supports are elastic bands or elastic underwear designed to keep the area around the hernia flat. Your doctor should also teach you how to put on the truss, patch or belt. A hernia belt will wrap around your waist, supporting the hernia. A hernia truss is an undergarment that helps keep the hernia in place. Lay down. Lay on your back so gravity helps push the hernia down. If you're using a belt, be sure to lay down on the belt so you can wrap it around your waist and the hernia. If you're putting on a tress, you can either pull it on while you lay down or stand up if it's easier for you. Wash your hands before you put on the hernia support and make sure the support is clean and dry. Use your hands to reposition the hernia. Depending on your hernia, you should be able to use your hands and gently push the hernia into your stomach, groin, or belly button. This won't require much maneuvering and it shouldn't hurt. If it hurts when you apply pressure to the hernia, stop and contact your doctor. You don't want to force the hernia into place which could cause more damage to your abdominal muscles. Apply the support. If you're using a band, carefully bring one side of the wrap over your abdomen. Remember, you should be laying on top of it. Bring the other side of the wrap across your abdomen so that it gives snug pressure. This keeps your hernia in place. If you're using a hernia truss, simply pull the undergarment on to keep the hernia situated. Wear the support. Since you should only be using the support with your doctor's recommendation, wear the support for as long as advised. You should understand that pushing the hernia back in will cause temporary relief, but is not a permanent treatment. Your doctor may recommend using a hernia support until you're able to get corrective surgery. Know when to get immediate medical attention. If you feel pain, tenderness, or discomfort when you push the hernia, stop pushing and call for medical help. Hernias can block blood flow within the abdomen which can cause a medical emergency. Pain can indicate: A hernia that's become trapped in the abdominal wall. A hernia that's become twisted and strangulated, which cuts off the blood supply. If this happens, tissue dies and can cause gangrene. Talk with your doctor. While you can push a hernia back in and use a support to relieve discomfort, surgery is the only permanent treatment for hernias. Discuss whether you'd like to consider this as an option. Keep in mind that most hernias are not medical emergencies, but they can become medical emergencies. There are no medications to treat a hernia. Get surgery. Your doctor may recommend putting you under general anesthesia and performing open surgery. With this traditional approach, a surgeon opens the abdominal wall and repairs the hernia before closing the wall. Or, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery in which small fiberoptic tools attached with a camera repair the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive although you'll also need to be under general anesthesia. Recovery time is much shorter than with open surgery. Follow post-operation recommendations. After surgery, take pain medication and gradually return to your normal activity level within 3 or 4 days. You might feel sore or have nausea (from the anesthesia) which will wear off after a day or two. You should avoid strenuous activity like lifting until your doctor approves. Ask your physician when you can resume activities like sex, driving, and exercising. Consider whether you have an inguinal or femoral hernia. If your hernia is near the groin, determine whether it's located at the inner or outer part of your groin. If it looks like the hernia is at the inner groin (an inguinal hernia), part of the intestines or bladder is forcing through the abdominal wall (or inguinal canal). If it looks like the hernia is at the outer groin, part of the intestines is forcing out into the femoral canal (a femoral hernia). Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and they usually occur in older men. Femoral hernias are more common in pregnant or obese women. If you have a femoral hernia, seek medical attention immediately as these are more commonly associated with femoral artery or femoral nerve injury since the canal is much smaller and tighter than other types of hernias. Determine if you have an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are a noticeable bulge at the belly button or navel. These happen when part of the small intestine pushes through the abdominal wall into the navel area. Umbilical hernias are more common in newborn babies which are usually surgically treated by pediatric surgeons. Umbilical hernias also happen in obese women or women who have had multiple pregnancies. Decide if you have a hiatal hernia. Look for a bulge near your stomach and consider if you have acid reflux disease. These are signs of a hiatal hernia. The bulge is actually your stomach pushing through an opening in your diaphragm where your esophagus enters. Other signs of hiatal hernia: heartburn, feeling of food stuck in your throat, feeling full quickly, and, rarely, chest pain, which can be confused with a heart attack. Hiatal hernias are more common in women, overweight people, and people over 50 years of age. Look for an incisional hernia. You might get a hernia following abdominal surgery, especially if you've been inactive. With an incisional hernia, the intestine emerges through a weakened part of the abdomen where you once had surgery. Incisional hernias are more common in the elderly or obese. Exercise and lose weight. You can reduce your risk for hernias by being a healthy weight and staying in shape. Work with a personal trainer or coach who can teach you how to properly exercise your abdominal muscles. You should try to strengthen these muscles to reduce your chances of getting a hernia. Studies have shown that stretching programs, like yoga, may treat inguinal hernias. Learn how to lift heavy objects or do weight training before you lift heavy things. This can prevent damage to your abdominal muscles. If lifting, you may want to get help. Reduce physical stress. Hernias can't be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of developing one. This mainly involves reducing pressure on weakened abdominal walls. Avoid straining or excessive pressure when you use the toilet. To do this, eat fiber and drink plenty of water. These can loosen your stools, preventing constipation or diarrhea, conditions that strain already weak abdominal muscles. If you have a cold or allergies, don't be afraid to sneeze or cough. Suppressing these may actually lead to an inguinal hernia. Talk with your doctor if you're sneezing or coughing a lot. | Get your supplies. Lay down. Use your hands to reposition the hernia. Apply the support. Wear the support. Know when to get immediate medical attention. Talk with your doctor. Get surgery. Follow post-operation recommendations. Consider whether you have an inguinal or femoral hernia. Determine if you have an umbilical hernia. Decide if you have a hiatal hernia. Look for an incisional hernia. Exercise and lose weight. Reduce physical stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Florist | How to Become a Florist | To become a florist, take classes in high school that will prepare you for this line of work, including biology, botany, art, design, photography, business, or economics. You should also consider obtaining a certificate or diploma from a private floral school, vocational school, or community college. While you're at school, focus on courses such as horticulture, floral design, greenhouse maintenance, and crop care. Additionally, work at a local florist shop or become an apprentice to an experienced florist to get hands-on experience. | Graduate from high school. Most florists have a high school diploma or a GED. Take classes that will prepare you to work as a florist such as biology, botany, art, and any design courses offered at your school. A photography course will help develop your ability to see shapes, forms and patterns, quite useful for a floral designer. Also read as many books and blogs as you can about flowers, plants, and gardening. Consider taking business and economics classes in high school as well. These are important aspects of the floral industry too. Get formal training. Although it is not always required, it is increasingly more difficult to enter and to be competitive in this field without some kind of formalized training. Post-secondary education can provide you with the skills you need to become a florist. Private floral schools, vocational schools, and community colleges offer certificates and/or diplomas. Your training will cover topics such as horticulture, outdoor foliage, indoor floral design, greenhouse maintenance, wedding design, decorating, business skills, event planning, and crop care. Look for programs that are approved by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) or licensed by the state. Check with the school to see if they will provide you with flowers, containers, and supplies while you are enrolled in the program. Make sure that you can take home every floral design you make in the program to be assured of getting the best value. A four year degree in horticulture, floriculture, or floral design is an option as well. Consider taking classes related to business and management or accounting. Classes in these subjects will help you be able to do the more logistical parts of working in floristry. Get hands-on experience. Whether you receive formal training or not, working with an experienced florist is one of the best ways to develop your skills. This will also give you the opportunity to see what it would be like to work as an actual florist. Many florists begin by working as a cashier or delivery person at a florist shop. Look for opportunities at grocery stores, general merchandise stores, and flower shops. Also consider a formal apprenticeship. This provides hands-on experience without the cost of school. Learn as much as you can while you are working under someone else. Pay attention to the techniques of creating arrangements as well as customer service and the business side. Call or visit a local florist shop and let them know that you are interested in becoming a florist. There may be an opportunity for you to work full-time, part-time, or volunteer. Become a certified floral designer. The American Institute of Floral Designers offers a Certified Floral Designer credential. A certification is not required, but it will demonstrate that you are serious about your craft and have a certain level of proficiency. Certification requires an online test and a hands-on design evaluation. You will score better on the exam if you have formal florist education. Being certified will also help you stand out when you are looking for a job. Prepare your portfolio. Take quality pictures of any arrangements that you make and compile them into a professional portfolio. Your portfolio can be shared with potential employers and clients. Highlight your best work and show the full range of your skills (e.g. bouquets, funeral tributes,centerpieces, wedding designs, etc.). Organize your portfolio in sections (e.g. weddings, funerals, bridal shower, etc.). Each picture should include a description of the arrangement and the price of the arrangement. Market your skills. If you plan to freelance or be self-employed, it is important to market your floral design skills. Set up a website to showcase your work and promote yourself using social media. Ask your friends or family members if they need flowers for a special event. Give small arrangements as gifts to other people instead of buying presents. If people like your work, you will begin to get clients by word-of-mouth. Contact potential employers. If you want to work for someone else, contact the shop or store where you are interested in working. If it is a large company that employs florists, check the website for job openings and apply online. Many florists jobs are found by word of mouth so it is best to call the shop or visit in person. Join a professional association. In addition to the AIFD, many states have a florist association. Visit your state's website or the AIFD website to find job opportunities. You may need to join the association to access the job board. If you received formal education, let your teachers and former classmates know that you are looking for a job in the field. They may know of some opportunities. These websites also have a list of florists who are members of the association. You can contact these florists about employment as well. Prepare for your interview. Wear business casual attire to your interview and bring your portfolio. Demonstrate your knowledge of the floral industry and flowers. Make eye contact and communicate well during your interview because customer service skills are very important for a florist. Business casual attire for women includes tailored shirts, sweaters, pants, skirts, and dresses that are not too tight. Skirts and dresses should be knee length or longer. Cleavage should not be visible. Wear conservative closed toe shoes that are black, brown, navy, or taupe. Business casual for men includes nice slacks or khakis and a long-sleeved button down shirt. Wear leather dress shoes as well. You may or may not have to design or put together an arrangement as part of your interview. If you do have to design, ask if you need to bring your own tools. Look for inspiration. The floral industry is always evolving, like the fashion and art world. You should constantly be looking for inspiration in books, magazines, and everyday life. Use the inspiration to inform the designs that you create. Keep a notebook of inspirations for your designs to help you keep track of new ideas. Inspiration can come from anywhere. A walk in the park, the architecture of a building, or a painting could inspire your next arrangement. Practice as much as you can. Spend your free time designing and creating new arrangements. Keep a sketchbook of designs that you plan to create. Include the materials and techniques that you would like to use to create the design as well. This will help build your confidence and help you learn new techniques. Cultivate your own style. Floral design is a creative field. Customers rely on florists to recommend different designs, arrange displays, and execute their vision. Having your own point of view will set you a part. What colors are you drawn to? Do you prefer paring unexpected flowers together? Do you like delicate arrangements? Monochromatic arrangements? Borrow from different styles. As you study floral design (on your own or through formal training), you will find that there are foundational techniques that all florists learn. However, by combining and merging different styles, you can come up with something that is all your own. Look at designs created by other florists and identify the elements that you like. Think of ways that you can combine those different elements into something that reflects your personality. Do not be afraid to try something unusual or out of the box. Play with different textures, shapes, and materials. | Graduate from high school. Get formal training. Get hands-on experience. Become a certified floral designer. Prepare your portfolio. Market your skills. Contact potential employers. Join a professional association. Prepare for your interview. Look for inspiration. Practice as much as you can. Cultivate your own style. Borrow from different styles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-on-The-Voice | How to Get on The Voice | To get on The Voice, start by registering for an Artist Account at nbcthevoice.com and signing up for an open call audition. Next, attend the audition at the date and time specified on your Artist Audition Pass. Be prepared to sing two acapella songs and talk about why you want to be on the show. Alternatively, print out an audition release form and record an audition video onto a DVD. Then, mail the DVD, along with the competed release form and a photo of yourself, to the address specified on the website. | Provide proof that you are legally present in the U. S. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to compete on The Voice, but you do need to be able to prove that you can legally stay and work in the U.S. Some acceptable forms of proof include: A valid U.S. passport A valid U.S. driver's license and social security card A green card Make sure you will be at least 13 years old by this year’s deadline. You don't have to be 13 yet at the time of your audition. However, you must turn 13 by the deadline stated on The Voice's casting website in order to participate in the current year's competition. Check the Eligibility page to see if you meet the age criteria to compete: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/auditions/eligibility. For example, to participate in the 2019 competition, you must turn 13 on or before March 20, 2019. If you're younger than 18, you'll need to have a parent or guardian submit a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent form along with your application. Don’t audition if you’re running for public office. Candidates for public office aren't eligible to audition for The Voice. If you are selected to participate in the competition, you'll have to put off running for any office for at least 1 year after the final episode of that year's show is broadcast. If you do want to run for office after competing, talk to the producers about the projected schedule for the show so that you can plan accordingly. Submit to a background check. Before you can participate on The Voice, you may be asked to complete a background check to ensure that you are legally eligible to compete. You'll need to voluntarily agree to the check. Make sure to submit any required paperwork or supporting documents associated with the background check. You will likely need to supply written permission for the background check to be conducted. You may also need to participate in a physical and psychological evaluation if you're selected as a contestant. Save enough money to cover your own travel expenses. The Voice won't pay for you to travel to auditions, so be prepared to pay for your own transportation and (if necessary) room and board. If you don't live in or near one of the audition cities, plan ahead so that you can reserve any necessary tickets or hotel rooms in advance. In 2019, The Voice auditions are being held in New York, NY, Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, and San Francisco, CA. Complete and return any required paperwork on time. If you're invited to be a participant, you will need to fill out a variety of agreements, release forms, and waivers. Make sure you fill out all of these forms and submit them by the required deadlines so that you will be eligible to participate in the show. Documents you may be required to submit include a Participant Agreement and a Release and Arbitration Provision. If you're a minor, you may need a parent or guardian to complete some of the paperwork for you. Be prepared to meet the show’s travel demands if you’re selected. If you make it to the last rounds of the audition process, you may be asked to stay in Los Angeles, CA for up to 7 days during the final selection. If you're selected as a contestant, be ready to travel to one or more locations and stay there for several weeks or months during the filming of the show. If you're selected as a finalist or a competitor, the producer of the show will pay for your travel and lodging expenses. Work with the producer to ensure you meet all propriety requirements. Before you can compete on The Voice, the producer and the network(s) involved in broadcasting the show will need to determine if it would be inappropriate for you to compete for any reason. Make sure to answer any questions honestly and provide any details that they request. They may ask you if: You or any of your family members have worked for NBC or any other networks or studios involved in the show over the past 2 years. You or a family member has been involved in the development or production of The Voice, or worked for someone who has. You or a family member has been involved with advertising or sponsorship of the show. Set up an artist account on the NBC website. To start the application process, go to The Voice's audition registration website, here: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/artistaccount/register. If you don't already have an account, click the “Create an account” button under the “New account” tab. Once you click the link, follow the prompts and provide all the requested information to set up your account. Select your audition city and date. Once your account is set up, log in and look at the audition dates and places for the upcoming competition. Choose the audition city that's closest to you, then select your audition date and time slot. For the 2019 competition, New York auditions take place on January 19, Miami auditions are on January 26, Nashville auditions are on February 16, and San Francisco auditions are on February 24. Print out your audition pass. A week before your selected audition date, you'll receive an Artist Audition Pass at the email address you submitted when you created your account. If you don't get the email, you can log into your artist account and download the pass from there. Print out your audition pass and bring it with you to the audition. Make sure you bring a photo ID, as well. You won't be able to audition if you can't present both your ID and your audition pass when you arrive at the audition location! Arrive at the audition location during your selected time slot. On the day of the audition, give yourself plenty of time to get to the designated location during your assigned time slot. You can only audition at the selected time and place, so don't try to show up at a different location or at a different time. Most contestants aren't allowed to have friends, family, or vocal coaches with them during the audition. If you're under 18, however, you can bring 1 parent or guardian with you. Contact the casting team before your audition if you need any special accommodations. Prepare 2 acapella songs for the initial audition. For open call auditions, you won't be allowed to perform with any kind of musical accompaniment. Choose 2 songs that you are comfortable singing and that you feel represent you well as an artist. You can choose songs from any genre and by any artist for the open call audition. You'll probably be asked to perform just 1 song at the audition, but be prepared to sing another one if the producer asks you to! Don't be surprised if you don't get to sing your entire song. You may have only 30 seconds to show the producer what you've got. Dress in a style that fits your artistic image. During the open call audition, the producer will be able to see you as well as hear you. Dress to impress , but also pick an outfit that fits your personality and the kind of image you want to convey as a performer. For example, if you're going to be belting out jazz standards, a slinky evening gown might be appropriate. If you do indie rock, a more casual look is probably better. Don't dress up in a silly costume—the producers won't be impressed! Your outfit should reflect the fact that you are serious about your art. Sing clearly and confidently. Hopefully, you've had plenty of time to practice your songs ahead of time. If you get the jitters when it's time to perform, take a few deep breaths before you start. Take care to articulate every word when you sing, and perform the song in your own style, without trying to imitate someone else. The producers of The Voice want to hear your distinctive style, but they also want you to sing songs that are familiar and relevant. Go for songs that are reasonably well-known, but try to put your own spin on them. You might find it helpful to imagine that you are singing to someone you feel comfortable with, and visualize them standing at the back of the room as you sing. Practice singing all your songs both acapella and with accompaniment, so that you feel at ease doing it either way. Schedule a date and time to return if you get a callback. Once the open audition is over, stick around to see if you get a callback. If you do, you'll be given a Red Card at the open call. Speak with the audition crew to find out when and where your callback audition will take place. Callback auditions typically take place 1-3 days after the open call audition. Have 3 accompanied songs prepared for the callback. If you do get a callback, you'll need to be ready with 3 current, popular songs. You'll need to play an instrument, have someone accompany you, or provide a track to sing along with during the callback audition. Prepare your callback songs in advance of the open audition, since callbacks typically take place very soon after the open call. You might also be asked to perform a song chosen by the producer. Don't perform any original songs at the callback. Choose songs that are familiar and current (i.e., written or at least popularized in the past 5 years or so). Film yourself performing 2 accompanied songs. If you can't attend an open call audition, sending a video audition is a good alternative. Make a video of yourself performing 2 songs in any genre. You'll need to accompany yourself on an instrument, have someone else accompany you, or use a pre-recorded track. Pick songs that you can perform well and that you feel represent your skills as an artist. Ask a friend to help film you, or set up your camera on a tripod and film yourself. You'll probably need to edit the video a little when you're done to cut out any awkward pauses or moments when you're fiddling with the camera. If you don't feel comfortable doing that yourself, enlist the help of a friend who does. Record an “about me” monologue that’s no longer than 5 minutes. In addition to your songs, you'll need to take a few minutes to talk about yourself in the video. There's no set format for the “about me” portion of the audition—get creative and try to say something that will give the viewer an idea of who you are as a person and an artist! For example, you might tell a brief story about how you were inspired to start singing. Although your “about me” monologue must be 5 minutes or less, it's okay if the total length of your video is longer than 5 minutes. Set up an artist account and select “Video Submission Application. ” If you don't already have an account set up, create one here: https://www.nbcthevoice.com/artistaccount/register. Once you've registered, go to the “My auditions” tab and select “Video Submission Application.” Follow the prompts to upload your video and submit your application online. Send your video audition by mail if you prefer. If you'd rather not submit your video audition online, you can send a DVD in the mail instead. Write your name, phone number, and artist account number on the DVD. You'll also need to include a photo of yourself and a completed video audition application and release form. Send your DVD and other required materials to The Voice Casting, 12400 Ventura Blvd #1240, Studio City, CA 91604. | Provide proof that you are legally present in the U. Make sure you will be at least 13 years old by this year’s deadline. Don’t audition if you’re running for public office. Submit to a background check. Save enough money to cover your own travel expenses. Complete and return any required paperwork on time. Be prepared to meet the show’s travel demands if you’re selected. Work with the producer to ensure you meet all propriety requirements. Set up an artist account on the NBC website. Select your audition city and date. Print out your audition pass. Arrive at the audition location during your selected time slot. Prepare 2 acapella songs for the initial audition. Dress in a style that fits your artistic image. Sing clearly and confidently. Schedule a date and time to return if you get a callback. Have 3 accompanied songs prepared for the callback. Film yourself performing 2 accompanied songs. Record an “about me” monologue that’s no longer than 5 minutes. Set up an artist account and select “Video Submission Application. Send your video audition by mail if you prefer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shelve-Books-in-a-Library | How to Shelve Books in a Library | The most common way to shelve books in a library is to use the Dewey Decimal System, which groups books of the same subject together. With this system, every book is categorised into 10 main sections. For example, 100 is “Philosophy and Psychology,” 500 is “Science,” and 800 is “Literature.” Within each category, there are subcategories which have their numbers in the 10s place. Within each subcategory, there are more classifications, which are shown in the ones place. For instance, a book with a call number of “813.4,” tells you that the book is American fiction written between 1861 and 1900. | Learn how the Dewey Decimal System works. Learning the system is not difficult because it is logically organized and built on a decimal base. Essentially, every class of book is assigned a category number (a whole number, such as 800) and a cutter number or numbers (numbers to the right of the decimal point). These are the numbers you see on the spine of a library book, and they are referred to as the call number. The system is comprised of ten classes, which are further divided into 10 more subcategories, and each of those subcategories contains 10 subdivisions. The 10 main classes of the Dewey Decimal System are: 000—Computer science, information and general works 100—Philosophy and psychology 200—Religion 300—Social Sciences 400—Language 500—Science 600—Technology and applied science 700—Arts and recreation 800—Literature 900—History and geography Remember that the purpose of call numbers is to group books of the same subject together, and is comprised of at least two parts: the Class number (000 through 900) and the cutter number. The class number is a whole number and the cutter number(s) are placed after the decimal point. Get a feel for how a classification is broken down. Here is a short example of how you would find or shelve a book about American fiction literature written between 1861 and 1900. (The broad classification for literature is “800.”) Look at the second number after the “8.” The number “1” indicates that the book is further classified as “American literature in general.” The second number after the “8” further defines the division; 811 is American poetry, 812 is American Drama, 813 is American fiction, 814 is American essays and so on. Look at the first number after the decimal point; this number refines the classification even further. Thus, a book with a call number of “813.4,” tells you that the book is American fiction written between 1861 and 1900. Obviously, the more numbers, the more specific the subject. Learn the 20 classifications the Library of Congress uses to separate areas of knowledge. Each class corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. A General Works B Philosophy-Religion-Psychology C History (Civilization) D History (Except America) E American History F Local American history, Latin American History G Geography and Anthropology H Social Sciences J Political Science K Law M Music N Fine Arts P Language and Linguistics Q Science and math R Medicine S Agriculture T Technology U Military Science V Naval Science Z Bibliography and Library Science Read more about how each class is further subdivided into subclasses, using a combination of letters and numbers. As with the Dewey Decimal System, the more numbers and letters contained in a call number, the more specific the classification is—and the easier it is to find or shelve the book. The LC call number “PS3537 A426 C3 1951,” identifies the “Catcher in the Rye,” by J. D. Salinger, which was published in 1951 (the last four numbers in the call number.) | Learn how the Dewey Decimal System works. Remember that the purpose of call numbers is to group books of the same subject together, and is comprised of at least two parts: Get a feel for how a classification is broken down. Learn the 20 classifications the Library of Congress uses to separate areas of knowledge. Read more about how each class is further subdivided into subclasses, using a combination of letters and numbers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cold-Read | How to Cold Read | Cold reading is a psychic technique that makes it seem like you can read someone's mind. The key to cold reading is speaking in general statements that could apply to anyone, but the reader will assume is personal. For example, you could say, “As a child, you sometimes felt unhappy and like no one understood you.” The more confidently you speak, the more your subject will buy the act. If you say something that doesn't resonate with your subject, say something like, "Are you sure that doesn't mean anything to you? Maybe the meaning hasn't revealed itself to you yet." You can also use props, like a crystal ball or tarot cards, to make the reading more convincing. Let your subject talk as much as they want to, since this will help you learn things you can incorporate into your act. | Use props to set the mood and buy yourself time during the reading. Use a prop associated with psychic readings, like a crystal ball or a tarot card. Choose something that will create a more believable atmosphere for your subject and distract them while you're thinking of things to say. For example, you could look into a crystal ball and say something like “Just a moment, I think I'm getting something," when you need a minute to come up with your next line. Pick out your subject in advance if you're performing for an audience. Choose someone in the crowd and observe them for a while. Listen for any useful information they might share about their life that you can use later on. When you're ready to begin, tell that person that you sense a powerful energy coming from them and you'd like to read them first. For example, if you hear someone mention their best friend Mike, you could bring up the name Mike during the reading to prove you're a true messenger of the spirit world. Be modest about your reading abilities. Don't make crazy claims about your powers that will set you up for failure. The lower you set the bar for yourself, the easier it will be to meet or surpass your subject's expectations. You want your subject to be surprised, not disappointed. For example, instead of bragging about how you can read someone's mind, say something more modest, like “I'm able to sense things that are troubling people, and their problems come to me in bits and pieces. I could try reading you if you'd want that.” Tell your subject the success of the reading depends on them. Let them know it's up to them to piece together and make sense of the information you're conveying. You're simply the messenger. This takes the responsibility of connecting the dots off of you and places it on them. For example, before the reading you could say something like “The spirit world relays information to me in mysterious ways, so it's up to you to make meaning of the things I'm about to tell you.” Be confident during the reading. Your subject is more likely to believe you when you seem confident about the things you're saying. Try not to stutter or get flustered, even when you're wrong about something. Remember that you're the one with the supernatural powers. You're subject is lucky to be in your magical presence! Whenever you make a claim that's wrong, say something like "Are you sure that doesn't mean anything to you? Maybe the meaning hasn't revealed itself to you yet." Conceal questions as statements. This technique, known as “fishing,” lets you learn things about your subject that you can use later on in your reading. You're fishing for information until your subject takes the bait by confirming one of your statements. For example, you could say “I'm getting visions of a necklace, I wonder why?” If your subject doesn't respond, move on and try again. “I'm seeing a hazy image of a white house, what could it mean?” If your subject jumps in and tells you that their grandma used to live in a white house, use that as a jumping-off point for your reading. Let your subject do most of the talking. If you strike a chord during the reading, and your subject wants to talk a lot about a specific person or incident, let them. Don't interrupt them. Your subject talking is invaluable because they will reveal things about themselves that you can use later to demonstrate your otherworldly abilities. Pay attention to your subject’s clothing and mannerisms. Use these characteristics to deduce things about them that you can use in your reading. Just avoid anything obvious that your subject would pick up on, like “reading” that their favorite band is Metallica when they're wearing a Metallica shirt right in front of you. Don't worry if your deductions are incorrect, just casually move on with the reading. For example, if your subject is fidgeting a lot in their seat and wearing a necklace with a heart pendant, at some point in the reading you could say “I'm sensing you're an anxious person, but that anxiousness disappears when you're with your true love.” Speak in general statements that could apply to anyone. This minimizes the risk of you being wrong. Your subject will do the hard work by making the broad statements fit their life. Avoid anything too specific unless you're using information that you gathered from your subject earlier. For example, you could say something like “As a child, you sometimes felt unhappy and like no one understood you.” This statement could apply to anyone (most people experience unhappiness or being misunderstood at some point as a child) but it has the illusion of being specific. Let your subject guide the discussion. Many subjects come into a reading with troubles or desires already weighing on their mind. If your subject is eager to discuss something, or you notice that they keep bringing up a topic, take the reading in that direction. Your subject will be more willing to believe you if you're telling them what they want to hear. For example, if the subject keeps mentioning their ex, you could say something like “You experienced heart break not too long ago, and you're having trouble moving on. Your past relationship is weighing on your soul.” | Use props to set the mood and buy yourself time during the reading. Pick out your subject in advance if you're performing for an audience. Be modest about your reading abilities. Tell your subject the success of the reading depends on them. Be confident during the reading. Conceal questions as statements. Let your subject do most of the talking. Pay attention to your subject’s clothing and mannerisms. Speak in general statements that could apply to anyone. Let your subject guide the discussion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Debit-Card | How to Get a Debit Card | In order to get a debit card, first you have to open a checking account. To open a checking account, you will need to gather your social security number, driver's license, and any current employment information. Bring this information as well as a valid email address to your bank, where you will then have to fill out an application. Once you are approved, you can request your debit card, set up your PIN, and activate your new card. | Gather your personal information. To open an account, you need to have some personal information before you go into the bank. You will need your social security number. You will also need to present your driver's license and be able to tell them the number, issuing state, and expiration date. You also need your current employment information as well as your last job if you have worked at your current job for less than a year. You will also have to give them a valid e-mail address. Apply for a checking account. To open an account, you need to fill out an application from your bank of choice. You need to request an application from an account manager at the local branch of the bank. Choose if you want an individual or joint account. Fill in the application with the information you collected. Make sure you let them know you want a debit card to go with your account. Once you finish filling in the application, sign it and give it to the bank employee. Once it is looked over and approved, you will have an account and you can get a card. You can also set up a joint account with someone else. If you want to do this, you need to have all the information you gathered for yourself about them as well. They sometimes ask you to make an opening deposit by cash or check when you open the account. You can also open an account online. You just fill out the application online and it is sent for approval. Activate your card. If you open an account in person, you should be able to get a card right away. To activate your card, you first need to choose a PIN number for your card. Make sure you chose a number that isn't related to you and can't be easily guessed by others. You just want to make sure that you can remember it. You will need this PIN every time you use the card. Once you chose a PIN, the bank teller will make you swipe your card and then it is activated. Always use a PIN, even if the bank gives you a choice not to. It makes your card more secure. Your PIN should not be your social security number, birthday, phone number, or address. Don't keep a copy of it written anywhere and don't tell anyone what the number is. If they ever use your card, you will be responsible for the charges they make. Ask for one from the bank. If you already have a bank account, you can get a debit card from your bank. It is a relatively easy process. You just need to complete an application with the bank to get a debit card. Since you have already established your identity with the bank, the only paperwork is the application. The bank will review your application and, depending on your history with the bank, approve your account for a debit card. The bank typically mails you a card once you have been approved. Activate your card. Once you have received your new card, you need to activate it. Activating the card is usually done with the help of a banking representative at your local branch. You will pick a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and make a simple transaction. Make sure you chose a unique number that isn't easy to guess but that is something you can remember. Once the PIN is chosen, the same one will be used for any debit transaction. If the bank gives you the choice of using or not using a PIN in your debit transactions, always choose to have one. It is an important safeguard for the security of your account. Your PIN should not be obvious, such as your birthday, social security number, address, or phone number. Don't write your PIN and keep it in your purse or wallet. Don't share it with anyone. If they use it, you will likely be responsible, even if they didn't have permission for that particular purchase. Consider a prepaid card. You can buy a prepaid, reloadable debit card at some major retailers, convenience stores, discount stores, pharmacies, or online. These locations sell Visa or MasterCard debit cards. These cards work much like the debit cards attached to other accounts. The difference is that you load them with a balance that is only accessible with the card. One problem with prepaid cards is that they typically require an activation fee when you put money on the card for the first time. However, the activation charge is a one-time fee and does not occur again while you are using the card. You can load money on them online, in person at a participating retailer, and through direct deposit from another account. Buy items at the store. The debit cards use the same networks as the credit cards. Therefore, anywhere you could use a credit card you should be able to use a debit card, which is most places in the United States. You may have to give your card to the cashier to swipe. You may also be able to swipe it yourself. Then enter your PIN number into a keypad and press OK. Verify the amount once it appears on the screen and hit OK again. You can also use your debit card to purchase things online as well. You will just have to have the card number, the expiration date, your PIN, and the verification code on the back of the card handy. Some vendors treat the debit card as a credit card, swiping the card without requiring a PIN number. Nevertheless, the card provider will deduct the payment from the bank account balance immediately. Keep track of your balance. In general, it's smart to check your balance online on a regular basis. That way, you'll always know how much money you have available. It may help to track of your purchases, either by writing them down or by recording them in a budget document or spreadsheet. Doing so will keep you from forgetting what you bought and help you avoid overdraft fees or insufficient funds. Monitor your account. Once you start making purchases and putting money into your bank account, you need to make sure you review your account activity in your statement. This might come to you in the mail or you can do it online. This will help you be sure that there is no activity that is not yours. If you detect anything unusual or that you do not recognize, contact the bank. While fraud with a debit card is unlikely since you have to use a PIN, it is not impossible. Try to keep your card with you at all times. Do not let others see your PIN or write it down. If you find that you have lost your card or it gets stolen, report it immediately to your bank. If you get an automated menu, choose the "report a lost or stolen card" option from the menu. | Gather your personal information. Apply for a checking account. Activate your card. Ask for one from the bank. Activate your card. Consider a prepaid card. Buy items at the store. Keep track of your balance. Monitor your account. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-Electric-Guitar | How to Choose an Electric Guitar | To choose an electric guitar, start by deciding what kind of body style you want. For example, a hollow body guitar is often used for playing jazz due to its warmer sounds, while a solid body is a go-to for rock and punk music. Next, look at what kinds of guitars your music heroes use, and ask yourself if you like their sound and if that's the style of music you want to play. When you start shopping, don't be afraid to look at used guitars and research to find good deals. | Learn the basic components of an electric guitar. Like an acoustic guitar, an electric is basically just strings that vibrate over wood, but with the addition of all kinds of confusing-looking selector switches and knobs. Learning to identify the basic components of electric guitars can help demystify the process and help you focus on the most important parts. Pick-ups will be placed under the strings near when the guitar is plucked. There may be as few as one pick-up and as many as three or four, depending on the guitar. These are used to pick up the sound of the guitar, which vibrates an internal magnetic coil, producing an electric signal that travels through the amplifier. Volume knobs will be included, sometimes as many as three. These allow you to adjust the output volume of the guitar. Tone knobs are used to toggle between the high and low frequencies in the pick-up. There are usually different tone knobs for each pick-up in the guitar. Selector or cut-off switches are used to select between the individual pick-ups and activate them, or cut them off. On most guitars you can use some combination of different pick-ups. The output jack is usually on the back-end of the guitar, or the bottom lip, where the guitar is plugged in to the amplifier via quarter-inch cable. Decide what kind of body style you want. To the untrained eye, all electric guitars might look basically the same, but body styles can be broken into several basic categories, each with its own subtleties of sound and playing style. Some body styles work better for certain genres, though there's no rule that says so. Lots of it has to do with your personal playing style and the music you want to make. Solid body guitars are sturdy and weighty, made of a single piece of wood. Because there's no resonance chamber, solid-body guitars must be played through amplifiers. The variety of pick-ups and the electronics of a solid-body guitar are very important. These are the go-to guitars for rock 'n roll, punk, and metal music. Famous solid-body guitar styles include the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul. Hollow body electric guitars are, as the name suggests, hollow on the inside of the body. While there's no sound hole as will be found on an acoustic guitar, hollow-body electric guitars will often use a different variety of pick-up than a solid-body guitar. These are often used for playing jazz, featuring a warm and deep mid-range, and work best with mellow, low-volume amplifiers. Semi-hollow body electric guitars are hybrid models that feature a cut-out design and a small hollow portion of the body. These guitars have a bright and chime-like tone that's perfect for country music, folk-rock, and for lead-guitar work. The Rickenbacker and the Gibson ES are famous semi-hollow guitar models. Electric-acoustic guitars look basically like acoustic guitars, but feature pick-ups that allow them to be played like electric guitars. While these typically will have fewer features than other forms of electric guitars, electric-acoustics offer the versatility of playing them without the use of amplification. Learn a bit about tone woods. Primarily, the sound of a given electric guitar will come from the pick-up, though the pick-ups of a guitar can be changed out, customized, and upgraded. For a reason, it's important to give some consideration to the wood that the guitar is made from, but beginners will likely not notice a huge difference in sustain, so try not to be led down a garden-path by a salesman telling you that you have to upgrade to koa wood. Still, it's good to learn a bit about the different types of woods used to demystify the process. Most bodies are made of maple, mahogany, or poplar. Maple is known for its long sustain and bright character, while mahogany is known for its warmth. Poplar is great for bright and crispy high-register tone. Look to your guitar heroes for inspiration. Let's face it, the number one reason most people end up picking the guitar they pick is because it looks cooler than all the others. This is a perfectly legitimate reason to pick a guitar. Almost every guitar player who ever picked up an axe did so because they saw some other guitar player who looked awesome standing on stage. Famous Gibson Les Paul pickers include Jimmy Page, Zakk Wilde, Slash, Randy Rhoads, and Bob Marley. Famous Fender Stratocaster players include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Other iconic guitar models include the Gibson SG, played by Angus Young, the Fender Telecaster, played by Bruce Springsteen, the Gibson Flying V, played by Kirk Hammett, and the Fender Jazz Master, played by Kevin Shields, Elvis Costello, Thurston Moore, and J Mascis. Don’t be afraid of deals. Gearheads often fall into the same trap, thinking that super-expensive and obscure gear is also better than cheaper industry standard stuff. Sometimes, this is the case, but if you're looking for a guitar to learn on, don't judge by the price. There are expensive guitars that have the resonance of a brick, and there are cheap guitars that really sing. Old Fenders that sell for thousands of dollars today started out life as inexpensive solid body guitars. By the same token, if you're going to invest in a guitar to learn on, you need to get something that's worth playing. Toy guitars sold at places like Walmart aren't even worth the low price tags offered. It's better to go for a used guitar or a cheaper model of the guitar you want. Fender offers the "Squire" series, using somewhat cheaper materials, but the same designs as their other more expensive guitars. You can get a Squire Strat for around $300, compared with the $1400 it might cost for an American Stratocaster, if you're lucky. Explore used guitars and do your research to find deals. Some players will only play guitars that have been broken in a bit and worked over by other players. Neil Young is known for only playing old guitars, for example, and never plays new ones. Check the intonation of the guitar. When you pick up the guitar, play up the fretboard a bit and hold out individual notes. When you pluck a string, you should be able to get a vibration in the wood that you can hear all over the guitar. It should last a few seconds. The pickups can be changed for very little money, but the wood makes the guitar. Hold a note and listen to the sound decay–does the guitar have a long, warm sustain? Or is it short and metallic? This will depend on the wood and the installation of the neck, which affects the guitar's sound in a big way. The guitar should also be in tune in both the 5th and 12th frets. Play up the frets and make sure that a barre chord in first position is in tune, and a bar chord up the scale is in tune. If not, the neck needs adjusted. Check the scale length up the neck. The scale length refers to the length of the string as it actually vibrates, so it's measured by the distance between the nut and the saddle of the bridge. The scale can be longer or shorter, depending on this length. What this means for you is comfort. You want to make sure the frets are a comfortable and playable distance apart. Most modern electric guitars are one of two basic scales: Gibson scale is 24.75 in. This gives the Les Paul its round tone and its hefty bottom end. Anyone who's ever picked up a Les Paul knows the gravity of it. This is partially the scale. Fender scale at 25.5 in. The Fender scale offers a clear and bright playability, great for leads and those Hendrix-style outer space explorations. A 25″ scale is sometimes used by other manufacturers like PRS guitars, offering its own distinctive tone. Check the action of the guitar. Action refers to the height of the strings off the fret board. A “high” action means the strings are far off the board, making it require more finger pressure to play each note. “Low” action means the strings are just off the fret board, easier to press. When you play the guitar, pay attention to how far off the strings are and how difficult it is to play the individual notes. Most used guitars will need to be set up, so a certain amount of string buzz can be fixed. If you're buying a used guitar, though, you need to check for buzzy frets and consider getting the neck adjusted to properly raise the strings off the fretboard to the height you like. Make sure the neck feels comfortable in your hands. You have a number of nut widths, which set the distance from the E string to high E string. The other features the shape of the back of the neck. Look at the kinds of pickups used. Primarily, the sound of the guitar coming out of the amp will be made possible by the pickups. When you're first starting out, you probably won't notice a huge difference, or might not care much about the pickups, but it's less complicated than it seems. Learning to differentiate between the two most basic and most common styles of pickup will help you make an informed choice. Some guitars will come with both styles, while others will have one or the other. Single-coil pickups have a glassy tone, great for blues and rock and roll leads. These will be oval-shaped, and have little metal spots, one per string, under the guitars. Stratocasters come custom with single-coil pickups. Humbucker pickups were designed as improvement to the single coil pickups, giving you more of a growl when cranked up loud. They're rectangular shaped and made of metal. If you plan on strumming and getting some distortion in your sound, you'll likely want a guitar with at least a humbucker pickup. Some guitars will have different kinds of pickups, for example, P90 pickups were the most popular among guitarist, the sound that they have is that mean growl from humbuckers but a warm bass tone along with it. With distortion, these pickups had made a mark on guitar history. Examine the bridge. The bridge of an electric guitar will feature a number of different designs, some more complicated than others. Some “floating” bridges feature tremolo bars, also known as “whammy bars,” which allow you to bend the bridge and “dive” the sound accordingly. These can be customized but are standard on some guitars. It's good for some players to notice where the bridge lays in relation to where you hand wants to naturally rest on the guitar. Some guitars look great but have somewhat sharp or awkward bridge-placement, which can make it a challenge to play comfortably. Likewise, some bridges have irritating string-guides, which can make restringing a challenge. It's a good idea to consider these topics when making a selection. Get an amplifier. An electric guitar isn't much good without an amp, which can be one of the hidden costs of the electric guitar purchase. Playing an expensive Gibson through a crappy practice amp doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Save enough room in your budget for a good quality amplifier to make that guitar you gave so much thought to sound great, as well. Consider your needs and buy an amp with enough output for your purposes. Also check out the customizable features on each amp, including reverb, tremolo, and other effects which can be fun to play around with. Solid-state amplifiers are the most inexpensive amps, based on semiconductor circuit models. For the beginner, these are usually fine purchases. More experienced guitar players usually favor more up-scale tube amplifiers, which feature vacuum tubes which need to be warmed up before putting a current through them. Combo amps feature an amp "head" placed on top of a larger speaker. The Marshall stack is an iconic combo amp. These are usually used for performance and for putting out large amounts of sound. Unless you're planning on gigging in the near future, a combo amp is probably overkill. Buy a quarter-inch cable. It'd be a shame to get home from the guitar place with a guitar and an amp and nothing to connect the two. Guitar cables are usually between five and ten bucks a pop, featuring quarter-inch jacks on both sides. Make sure you're getting the right kind of cable at the guitar place. Any good store should make sure you walk out with everything you need, but it's good to be sure. Buy anything else you'll need to play. Picks, a guitar strap, and an electronic tuner are all essential electric guitar components. It's difficult to tune an electric guitar to anything, and most electronic tuners will allow you to plug straight into the unit with your quarter-inch cable, making it super-easy to adjust your sound and make sure your instrument is in tune. These can be as cheap as 10 dollars or so. Wait on pedals at first. The world of guitar pedals is vast and semi-complicate. Though there's probably nothing more fun than stomping on a distortion pedal and letting 'er rip, or channeling together a bunch of Echoplex pedals and vibrato units and making outer space symphonies without playing a note, it's probably an unnecessary investment when you're first getting started. Learn the basics and see what your amp is made of before you start messing around with guitar pedals. | Learn the basic components of an electric guitar. Decide what kind of body style you want. Learn a bit about tone woods. Look to your guitar heroes for inspiration. Don’t be afraid of deals. Check the intonation of the guitar. Check the scale length up the neck. Check the action of the guitar. Make sure the neck feels comfortable in your hands. Look at the kinds of pickups used. Examine the bridge. Get an amplifier. Buy a quarter-inch cable. Buy anything else you'll need to play. Wait on pedals at first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Drama-Among-Friends | How to Deal With Drama Among Friends | Dealing with drama among your friends can be tough, but if you avoid getting too involved in it, you can keep your sanity. In the beginning, try listening to your friends to find out what's happening and ask if you can help resolve the issue. If the drama gets out of hand and no one seems interested in resolving it, keep your distance from your friends until it blows over. If one of your friends seems to always start conflicts, try avoiding them as much as possible so you don't get dragged into more drama. | Talk with your friends. Communicating with your friends and trying to work problems through is one of the most important ways to smooth over drama. Ultimately, by opening dialogue and avenues of communication, you'll help your friends figure out a way to get past whatever drama has put your friendships at risk. Ask friends involved in drama if there is anything you can do to help. When talking to them, try to identify the problem and see if there is a larger issue going on. Talking is the only way to find out if someone is in an abusive relationship or is suffering from some other difficulties in their life. Explain that "talking it over" with a non-interested third party might help solve the problem. It might give them perspective. Don't get directly involved, but rather, be the person who is happy to listen and offer feedback. Take on the role of mediator. If talking is not enough, you might need to take action and become a peacemaker and mediator to make sure your friends and friendships stay together. If there is drama in your social circle, you can choose to try to intervene in order to avoid further complications among your friends. Remember, though, if you take on the role of mediator, you might put yourself in danger of alienating one friend in order to preserve another friendship. Make sure everyone knows you are neutral and you have the friendship of the group as your main objective. Send messages to your friends over social media that encourage them to talk about their problems with each other. Set up a meeting where you invite people involved in the drama and then act to have them work out their problems. Send social media messages to the group explaining the different perspectives of everyone involved in the drama. Relay messages between friends who are not on speaking terms. Promote a positive climate of interaction. One of the best ways to reduce drama is to promote a positive climate in which people focus on each other's positive qualities and avoid negativity. This way, drama will be averted and any drama that does occur may be overshadowed by goodwill. Root each other on, rather than being overly competitive. If we can view our friend's successes as our own successes, we'll have a more positive outlook and healthier friendships. Talk positive about everyone and give people compliments regularly. Regardless of what is happening, remind all of your friends of the good times they've had with each other and of everyone's positive qualities. Arrange fun activities. Keeping everyone occupied by engaging in enjoyable activities will help reduce drama. This will help everyone refocus their attention on enjoying each other's company rather than recent drama. It's very possible some of your friends who have been having a rough patch might forget about their drama if they're having a really good time with each other. Organize a group get together. Have everyone bring food and drinks. Use the opportunity to make peace. Propose everyone goes out to a movie together. If the county fair is in town, try to organize an outing to the fair. Propose going to a party or another gathering where you all can relax and hangout. Find allies who will help you reduce drama. Chances are there are others in your social circle who also want to reduce drama. Your odds of reducing drama and repairing friendships will certainly be higher if others are cooperating in your effort. Work with your friends to preserve friendships and reduce drama in the group. Talk to your friends about how you can bring peace to the group. Remember, try not to create a schism or clique in your group if it is a social group you want to maintain. But rather, use your non drama-prone friends as an anchor in a sea of drama. Stay away from conflict with the person or people. Ultimately, people who love drama thrive off of conflict and attention. Engaging in an argument or even a debate with someone like this will undoubtedly cause you even more of a headache. If you've got skin in the game on something that the drama-prone person is bothered about, try your best to avoid conflict. Remember that even if you “win” a conversation or debate, you'll lose because the person is likely to blow things out of proportion and cause you a major headache. If you notice the person trying to create conflict with you, politely excuse yourself from the situation. If you can't because you're in a classroom setting or at a party and you don't want to be rude, try to change the subject or talk to someone else. Back down, unless you want a fight. Backing down if the drama-prone person has targeted you is the best way to avoid drama and to settle the conflict. It doesn't even really matter if you're wrong or right. Just try to end the conflict. If the nature of your relationship is turning you into someone who is a pushover with the drama-prone person, consider ending the friendship. Keep your distance when you spot unhealthy drama. When you identify unhealthy drama and clearly see someone being destructive to themselves and the others around then, stay away. Avoiding drama when it is in action is the way to maintain your sanity. After all, oftentimes drama-prone people feed off of the interests and sympathy of other people. If a drama-prone person has no audience, the drama will die like a fire without fuel. Avoid asking your drama-prone friends about things you know will rile them up. One of the most important things in managing drama is making sure you don't feed it or provoke more. Perhaps the best way to provoke more drama is to engage your friend in a conversation about it. This will give your friend both attention and opportunity. If they feed off of drama, you'll only make it worse. If your drama-prone friend always gets riled up over relationship issues, don't inquire. If your drama-prone person tends to over-react about situations they've had with strangers, don't encourage it by mentioning anything. If your drama-prone person likes to target other friends in your social circle, don't bring up those people. Limit the amount of time you’ll engage with your friends over drama. Establish firm lines about how much time and energy you'll devote to drama within your friend circle. If you don't, drama will wind up dominating your social life and will certainly cause you a lot of unhappiness and grief. Consider: Ending conversations after 5-10 minutes once they've devolved into drama. Do so politely, Tell your friends that you've got to do something else. Avoid phone calls or other situations that you know will devolve into drama. If your friend is calling you, and you know it's going to be about something negative, let the phone go to voicemail. Agree to socialize in places and at events where you know you can escape if the drama is too much. Restrict the amount of time you’ll spend with a drama prone person, but don’t cut them out. For a lot of people, a little drama might not be a bad thing. However, if you've got someone you like who is drama-prone, you might just want to enjoy them in small doses. This will preserve your friendship but help you keep your sanity. Plan outings with them that you know you can escape, like a festival where you're meeting up and you know you can leave. Socialize with them only occasionally, like once or twice a month. Surround yourself with others so you don't have to bear the brunt of the drama. Socializing with dramatic people at a party or somewhere else might be okay if you can excuse yourself to get a drink when the drama gets too intense. Cut people out of your life. Eliminating people from your life is one of the last things you'll want to do if drama comes to dominate your social life. However, cutting people out entirely might be necessary if all they do is bring drama and negativity to your social life. Make sure you put a lot of thought into this before you do so. Think about making the choice to tell the person why you're ending your relationship. However, this might result in more drama, so tread lightly. Slowly phase out of a friendship or relationship. If you're going to cut someone out and want to avoid the drama of just disappearing, slowly phase out. Decline invitations here and there so it's not a sudden or traumatic thing for your friend. Identify drama-prone friends. At first glance, you might think that your social circle is completely dysfunctional and that perhaps you shouldn't be friends with the people around you. Before you start ending friendships and burning bridges, try to identify the true cause of the problem. Consider: Thinking coldly and rationally about the role of everyone in your social circle. Try to set yourself apart and view your social circle objectively. You might favor certain people, but they might be the problem. Is there one person who consistently cause problems? Are there a couple people who just don't get along? Create a checklist of drama-prone behavior so you can confirm the source of the drama. There are a number of things that drama-prone people do that others don't. If you've got a substantial amount of drama in your social circle, create a little check list to help confirm the source of the drama. It might be one person, it might be a couple people, or it might the result of certain people socializing. Consider: Does someone take it upon themselves to become involved in conflict when they have no reason to be? Does someone see conflict where there probably isn't any conflict? Does conflict seem to be normalcy for a particular individual? Does conflict arise when two or more individuals socialize? Invest some effort in understanding your drama-prone friend. Try to put some time into figuring out what motivates your drama-prone friend. Motivations for drama are often psychological in nature. Figuring out the cause of the drama might help you minimize it or at least shelter yourself from the fallout. Your drama prone friend might just be insecure. Perhaps your drama prone friend is the victim of abuse. There could be romantic rivalry or something similar among people in your social circle. Distinguish between healthy drama and real problems. While drama is often an over-reaction to normal problems, there are real issues that could cause someone to be upset. You should be able to differentiate between drama and real problems. If you can distinguish between the two, you'll be able to avoid unhealthy drama and offer support to a friend who is in need. Real problems can include family issues, relationship problems, and interpersonal problems and are easily confused with drama if you don't understand the person and the issue. If your friend reaches out for help about a new issue, wants to talk about it, or wants to merely vent, allow them the opportunity. Drama can often be distinguished from real problems because it is a reoccurring issue that your friend won't give up, won't resolve, and won't take any positive steps to deal with. Real problems are those that your friend will, after some thought, try to resolve positively and through communication. | Talk with your friends. Take on the role of mediator. Promote a positive climate of interaction. Arrange fun activities. Find allies who will help you reduce drama. Stay away from conflict with the person or people. Keep your distance when you spot unhealthy drama. Avoid asking your drama-prone friends about things you know will rile them up. Limit the amount of time you’ll engage with your friends over drama. Restrict the amount of time you’ll spend with a drama prone person, but don’t cut them out. Cut people out of your life. Identify drama-prone friends. Create a checklist of drama-prone behavior so you can confirm the source of the drama. Invest some effort in understanding your drama-prone friend. Distinguish between healthy drama and real problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reverse-Fatty-Liver | How to Reverse Fatty Liver | To reverse fatty liver, aim to lose 1-2 pounds a week by eating healthy and exercising. Focus on cardiovascular exercises, like walking, cycling, and swimming since they'll help you lose the most weight. For your diet, eat more proteins and vegetables and limit how much simple sugar and carbohydrates you're consuming. You should also avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications since they can weaken your liver and worsen fatty liver disease. | Lose weight. If you have fatty liver disease and are overweight or obese, gradual weight loss can help reverse some of the damage to your liver. The key lies in losing the weight gradually. Aim for 1 to 2 lbs (450 to 900 g) a week. Losing more than that can cause complications. Studies suggest that losing at least 9 percent of your weight over the course of several months can reverse the effects of fatty liver. Less weight loss than this may not reverse the damage, but it will still lessen current and future buildup of fat in the liver. Lose the weight by maintaining a proper diet and staying physically active. Stay away from diet supplements or fad diets. Exercise. Staying physically active can help you drop weight or maintain a healthy weight. Exercise also improves circulation, which improves your body's ability to disperse fats throughout the body, and it also forces the body to use carbohydrates for energy instead of converting them into additional fats. Light the moderate exercise is still better than nothing. If you are not accustomed to exercising, start small by committing to a 30-minute walk 3 to 5 times a week. Gradually increase that amount until you are walking every day of the week. Cardiovascular exercises—activities that get your heart pumping, like walking, cycling, and swimming—are preferred over strength training exercises that focus on building muscle. Limit simple sugars and carbohydrates. Insulin is a hormone that stores fat, and as a result, you need to drop the insulin levels in your body if you want to reverse fatty liver disease. Simple sugars and refined carbohydrates increase the insulin in your body, so you should avoid them. The body digests these simple carbohydrates quickly, and as a result, you experience a spike in blood sugar after consuming them. Complex carbohydrates are healthier because they take longer for the body to break down and do not result in the same sort of dramatic blood sugar increase. In particular, this includes food made with white flour and high amounts of sugar. These foods should be avoided altogether, but you also need to limit carbohydrates in general, even those made from whole grains. Restrict your intake of bread, pasta, rice, cereal, cake, pastry, and snack foods made with flour. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables offer healthy, complex carbohydrates in smaller doses than grains, so they have very little effect on blood sugar and insulin. They may even help cleanse fat from the liver and restore the organ's filtration abilities. You can eat vegetables raw or cooked, but avoid adding salad dressing or similar foods that may contain unhealthy fats. For an added health boost, consider drinking two to three glasses of raw vegetable juice a week. Each glass should be 8 to 10 oz (250 to 300 ml) and contain 90 to 95 percent vegetables. The rest of the drink should contain fruit, rather than artificial sweeteners. Fresh fruit can also help cleanse the liver, but you need to be careful when consuming it since fruit also contains a higher dose of sugar and can cause insulin problems. Eat more protein. Protein does not have any harmful effects on your blood sugar or insulin levels. If anything, it can help keep your blood sugar levels stable. Protein also reduces hunger, making it easier for you to eat less and lose weight. Try to get your protein from healthy sources, including eggs, poultry, low-fat meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes, and low-fat dairy. Consume healthy fats. You might think that a low-fat diet would help reverse the effects of fatty liver, but this is only partially true. You should avoid unhealthy fats found in "junk food" like potato chips and pizza, but you need to include healthy fats in your diet if you want your body to be fully nourished. Look for healthy fats in food sources like seafood, olive oil, nut oils, nut butters, raw nuts, seeds, and eggs. Skip the alcohol. Alcohol is a major cause of fatty liver. Even if you have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, you should still cut alcohol from your diet or severely restrict it. Alcohol causes inflammation and damages your liver cells. As a result, the liver becomes weak against fat cells and allows those fat cells to build up. Some unconventional research performed by the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine suggests that drinking one glass of wine each day can actually decrease and reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver. The risk of further liver disease can even be cut in half. This only applies to wine, though, and not to other types of alcohol. Beer and other liquor will increase the risk of further liver damage. Avoid unnecessary medications. Your liver acts as a filter. While many medications have no impact on your liver, many others can actually cause your liver to become weakened or damaged. Let your healthcare providers know you have fatty liver disease so they can prescribe you with medications with the least impact on your liver. Over-the-counter medications known to have a negative effect on the liver include analgesic drugs, like those containing acetaminophen, or herbal medicines like Kava Kava. Use vitamin E. Take enough supplemental vitamin E capsules to provide you with 800 IU daily. Don't go over the daily recommended amount because too much could be harmful to your body. A study performed at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center indicated that vitamin E can lower some liver enzymes that are commonly believed to advance liver disease. It may even be able to heal some liver scarring. Take fish oil capsules. Use 1,000 mg of supplemental Omega-3 fatty acids each day. These fatty acids can be obtained through fish oil capsules. The British Medical Journal reported that this amount of Omega-3 fats can decrease the serum markers associated with liver cell damage. It may also be able to lower triglyceride levels and glucose levels in the body, thereby lowering common risk factors associated with fatty liver disease. Experiment with milk thistle. Take a daily milk thistle supplement capsule or brew a cup of tea using a milk thistle tea bag. You can also combine 10 drops of milk thistle extract directly into a glass of water. Silymarin, which is found in milk thistle, serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some research suggests that it can directly affect liver function by reducing the release of harmful cytokines from an inflamed liver. As a result, the liver can more easily undergo a natural healing process, during which its fat accumulation can decline. If you are prescribed medicines that could impact the liver, milk thistle is a good option to combat them. Harness the power of green tea. Drink two to three cups of green tea on a daily basis. If this does not appeal to you, then take 600 mg of supplemental green tea extract daily. More precisely, you can find supplemental green tea extract by purchasing supplements containing catechins derived from decaffeinated green tea. Some studies suggest that green tea and catechins derived from green tea can decrease intestinal fat absorption and storage. They can also encourage the oxidation of fatty acids, thereby helping your body use those fatty acids for energy. Try probiotics. Take a daily probiotic capsule. For an even more natural approach, you could also obtain probiotics through foods that contain healthy live bacteria or yeast. Yogurt, for instance, tends to be high in probiotics. While there are no firm conclusions yet, some research suggests that the consumption of healthy bacteria can counteract the effects of an unhealthy or unbalanced diet. Since fatty liver disease can be connected to unhealthy diets, probiotics may help combat and reverse this form of liver damage. Ask your doctor about certain diabetes medications. Fatty liver is often linked to diabetes, and early research suggests that some diabetes medications might also have a positive effect on fatty liver. In particular, look at metformin, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone. Metformin is an oral diabetes medication that controls blood sugar levels. Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone force the cells in your body to become more sensitive to the insulin your body produces. As a result, your body makes less insulin and your blood sugar drops. Learn about orlistat. This medication is usually used for weight loss, but it is also being investigated as a treatment for fatty liver. It blocks the absorption of some fat from your food, and as a result, less fat can be absorbed by the liver and the rest of your body. Go to your doctor for regular check-ups. In particular, you should see a doctor who specializes in liver care. Together, the two of you can figure out which treatments are working for you and what you need to avoid. Get treatment for related medical conditions. People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease often have other medical problems related to their insulin levels and the amount of fat stored in their bodies. Ask your doctor if you are at risk for some of these diseases. Diseases commonly associated with fatty liver include diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. | Lose weight. Exercise. Limit simple sugars and carbohydrates. Eat more vegetables. Eat more protein. Consume healthy fats. Skip the alcohol. Avoid unnecessary medications. Use vitamin E. Take fish oil capsules. Experiment with milk thistle. Harness the power of green tea. Try probiotics. Ask your doctor about certain diabetes medications. Learn about orlistat. Go to your doctor for regular check-ups. Get treatment for related medical conditions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-a-Cuckoo-Clock | How to Set a Cuckoo Clock | To set a cuckoo clock, you'll need to hang the clock on a wall, start it, then turn the minute hand to the right time. Start with the clock hanging vertically on the wall. Then, wind the clock by gently pulling the chain without a weight on it towards the floor. Gently nudge the pendulum to one side to the clock starts ticking. Finally, turn the minute hand to the left until you reach the correct time. Never turn the hour hand, since this can damage your clock. | Keep the clock in a vertical position. Before setting the clock, you should hang it on the wall where you intend to keep it. The clock must be in an upright position before you can set it. The clock should be 6 to 6.5 feet (1.8 to 2 m) above the floor. Use wide wood screw (like a #8 or #10) that is long enough the fasten into a stud in the wall. You must choose a spot in the wall with a stud; do not attempt to hang the clock where no stud rests. Place the screw in the wall at an upward 45 degree angle. It should stick out by about 1.25 to 1.5 inches (3.2 to 3.8 cm). Hang the clock on this screw. The clock must be flush against the wall. If the chains are still in their packaging, slowly remove the packaging and loosen any knots. Pull out the security wire between them. Do not handle the chains in this manner while the clock is horizontal or upside down since doing so can cause the chains to come loose. One weight should be placed on each chain hook. Make sure that the pendulum rests on the hanger at the bottom of the clock, near the back. Unlatch the cuckoo door. If the cuckoo bird's door is kept closed with a wire latch, you need to move the latch aside. Failing to unlatch the door can prevent it from opening when it should. This can cause damage to your clock. If the cuckoo does not call at the appropriate time even with the door unlatched, check the wire latch again to make sure that it did not slip back into a locked position. You should also make sure that the shut-off switch is not flipped into a silent position (when applicable) and that all clips, rubber bands, and Styrofoam packing materials have been removed from inside the clock. Wind the clock. Grab the chain that does not have a weight on it and gently pull it directly down toward the floor. Do not lift or otherwise touch the weighted chain as you wind the clock. There must always be some pressure on the weighted chain in order to keep it in place within the clock. The unweighted chain may have a ring on it. Nudge the pendulum. Gently nudge the pendulum to either side using your hands. It should continue swinging on its own after you start it. The pendulum should not rub against the clock cabinet and should swing freely. If this is not the case, then the clock probably isn't completely vertical. Readjust and try again. You should also listen to the ticking. If the clock does not tick evenly on both sides, you should readjust the straightness of the clock until the ticking sounds even. Turn the minute hand counterclockwise. Turn the long hand of the clock to the left until you reach the correct time. When done in this manner, the cuckoo call should set itself automatically. There is no need to pause and check the sound. Alternatively, turn the minute hand clockwise and pause. If you turn the long hand to the right, you must pause at every hour ("12") and half hour ("6") mark before continuing to turn it. Wait for the cuckoo call to finish playing before you turn the minute hand any further past these marks. If you have a musical clock, wait for the melody to finish playing before you continue to turn the minute hand. When setting a cuckoo clock that has both cuckoo birds and quails, you will also need to stop at the quarter past ("3") and quarter until ("9") marks. Wait for the call or music to stop before continuing. Never move the hour hand. Do not turn the shorthand at all when setting the clock. Turning the hour hand instead of the minute hand will damage the clock. Observe the clock for 24 hours. Even if you purchased a new, pre-regulated cuckoo clock, you should observe it for a full 24 hours to determine if it is on time. After setting the original time, compare the time on the cuckoo clock to the time shown on another trusted clock, watch, or time-keeping device. Make sure to use a time-keeping device that can be trusted. Stick with a watch or similar device that has always been reliable in the past. Move the pendulum down to slow the clock. If the clock runs too fast, slow it down by carefully moving the pendulum bob downward. This causes the pendulum to move slower. The bob will usually look like a weighted disc or leaf. Monitor the clock for the rest of the day to make sure that this adjustment was correct. Move the pendulum up to speed up the clock. If the clock runs too slow, speed it up by carefully pushing the pendulum bob up. This causes the pendulum to swing faster. The pendulum bob will usually be in the shape of a leaf or weighted disc. Continue checking the clock's accuracy to determine if this adjustment was correct. Wind as needed. The frequency with which you need to wind the clock will vary depending on the model, but you'll usually need to wind it once every 24 hours or once every eight days. Each time you wind the clock, do so in the same manner used to wind the clock initially. Pull the unweighted chain down to raise the weighted chain up as high as it will go without resistance. Adjust the cuckoo shut-off switch as needed. The cuckoo noise of some clocks can be switched of manually as desired. Make sure that the switch is adjusted to either play or mute the sound as desired. The switch can be found on either the bottom of the clock or to the left side. Usually, you will need to flip the switch off to turn off the cuckoo call and flip it down to turn the call back on again. This can vary by model, though, so you may need to check with the manufacturer to verify the correct way to use the manual shut-off switch. Never adjust this switch while the cuckoo call or song is actively playing. Note that this feature is not available on every model. It can be especially rare for vintage or antique cuckoo clocks. | Keep the clock in a vertical position. Unlatch the cuckoo door. Wind the clock. Nudge the pendulum. Turn the minute hand counterclockwise. Alternatively, turn the minute hand clockwise and pause. Never move the hour hand. Observe the clock for 24 hours. Move the pendulum down to slow the clock. Move the pendulum up to speed up the clock. Wind as needed. Adjust the cuckoo shut-off switch as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Cell-Phone | How to Use a Cell Phone | To use a cell phone, start by creating a contact list and inputting the contact information so you can save it to your phone and SIM card. Next, set up your voicemail box by following the system prompts to create a password and record an outgoing greeting. Then, connect your phone to a WiFi network and learn how to download and manage apps with your particular device. Finally, you can make calls by choosing or dialing a number and pushing "Send" or "Call." Don't forget to charge your phone regularly! | Research local cell phone carriers in your area. Depending on your region, there will be numerous phone companies with a variety of plans. Go on their website or to their shops and ask for information about their services. Or read reviews and ask others what their experiences are like with their provider. The amount of people using a certain provider is a good indicator of which carrier is the best in your area. Look for a provider with the best network coverage. A good company should be able to provide a large range of reliable coverage and reception. This usually means they will own the most number of cellular towers in order to provide network service to more areas. It ensures that your calls won't be dropped while you're moving from place to place and you'll be able to receive service in low populated or underground locations. Most countries will have a map of all cellular towers that label which towers are used by which provider that you can find by doing a quick internet search. A good provider should have the most towers in your area or areas where you frequent most. A company might advertise plans with great deals but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have a reliable network. A great plan is only useful if you're able to carry out calls and receive service where ever you are. If you travel a lot, consider looking for a carrier that provides national or international coverage. Evaluate data network speeds of cell phone providers. Like network coverage, data coverage depends on your region and the carrier. Data is useful if you plan to use the Internet on your phone or if you have a smartphone. Compare data network speeds between carriers. You can usually find this information on their website or from a sales representative. The higher the number of kilobits per second (kbps), the faster you'll be able to use the internet to upload and download data. Technology is always updating. The latest data "G" or generation of mobile technology will be the fastest. However, not all phones can support the latest and fastest data connection. Decide what cellular service plan is right for you. The plan you choose will dictate what kind of phone you can get, what you can do with your phone, how long you have to stay with the carrier, and how much you'll have to pay each month. Choose a plan that is within your budget but still allows you to have the features you want to use on your phone. Some common features include: Minutes: How many minutes of call time are you offered per month? How much does it cost to go over the maximum? Do these minutes rollover to the next month if left unused? Some providers designate certain times of the day or days of the week where you can use an unlimited amount of minutes to make and receive calls. Some may offer unlimited calling. Texting: Today, texting is probably the most important must-have feature of cell phones. And most providers will offer unlimited texting or a certain number of free texts. Be careful, some providers may charge you just for opening texts. Data Usage: Providers will offer varying amounts of data you can use each month to download and upload from the Internet. This can range anywhere from 500 MB to 6 GB to an unlimited amount of data usage. Voicemail: There is often an additional charge to use this feature. It is very useful when you can't always answer your phone. However, calling your voicemail box may count towards using up call time minutes. Caller ID: Caller ID is essential in today's world. Most plans will include caller ID now that it is a highly demanded and expected feature. Contracts: Most plans require you to sign a one to three year contract with the provider. Usually, you'll receive a discounted price for the cost of the physical phone up front or a way to finance your phone throughout your contract. However, you'll still be paying the cost of the phone plan through the span of your contract, along with any fees for additional features and taxes. Family Plans: If several members of your family use cell phones, then it may be more affordable to go with a family plan. The number of minutes, data, and texts are shared among your family to use each month. Purchase a pre-paid phone plan. If you have bad credit, want to save money, or you simply want to try having a cell phone without signing up for a long contract, you may want a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan. However, some of the cons are: Phones cost full price and you have to pay for it all at once. Although, some older models of phones are relatively cheap. Your coverage is not the carrier's top priority. Even though you may opt for a carrier that has the best coverage in your area, contract users will have top priority when it comes to their network. Customer service may be lacking. Choose a classic cell phone if your cellular needs are simple. You might only want to call and text your friends and family. They are designed for ease of use and come in a variety of models such as a flip-phone design or slide out keyboard. The cost of a classic cell phone is much lower. Some contracts will offer the phone for free. Classic cell phones are quite durable. This is great if your life involves being in conditions where you might drop your phone or need to use it in unstable situations. You won't have to worry about breaking them as easily as a smartphone. If you're older and want a simple wireless phone, classic cell phones are your best choice. Some phones have enlarged keypads for easy dialing. Invest in a smartphone. Smartphones are like mini-computers and are the most popular choice of phone for consumers. They have touch-screens, wifi connectivity, HD cameras, and come in different operating systems (OS). The most popular OS systems are: Apple's iOS: This OS has the largest variety of content and applications, and is known for its ease and polished user interface. It is most popular for mainstream consumers who just want to absorb content (like watch video, play games, or connect with friends) rather than create content for professional uses. For this reason, many work professionals may prefer another OS. Google's Android: Android offers more flexibility for developers or those who want to customize how their OS looks and works. The OS is highly customizable if you know the basics of tech education and is useful if you'd like to develop applications. Microsoft's Windows: If you're a business owner, then this OS might be right for you. Windows integrates many traditional Windows applications such as Microsoft Office, Exchange, and its cloud. It offers more power to create and customize advanced documents. Consider alternative phones such as tablets or personal digital assistants (PDA). PDAs are not as popular these days but upgraded models of these phones, such as the Blackberry, work well if your focus is primarily on browsing the Internet without all the extra features that come with smartphones. Tablets have larger screens and have more versatility and power close to a desktop or laptop, but have the convenience of a smartphone. Create a contact list by gathering up phone numbers of people you want to talk to. For smartphones, there should be an app or icon that has a picture of a phone or says "Phone". Tap to view your contacts and/or tap the button to add a contact (this is usually indicated by a "+" symbol). Input your contact's information and phone number with the keypad and save. If you're using a classic phone, it's as easy as dialing the number and pressing a button that allows you to create a contact. Some phones will have different tabs for your favourite numbers, recent calls, contacts, keypad, and voicemail. Read your phone's manual since each OS can vary slightly the way contacts are made. Android phones will differ from iPhones and Windows phones. Make calls by choosing or dialling a number and pushing the "send" or "call" button. This button is often indicated by green lettering or symbols. Proceed as with any other phone call. End the call by pushing "end" which is indicated with red lettering or symbols. Calls will usually end automatically after the person you spoke to hangs up, but it's best to get into the habit of hanging up, especially since some calls are billed by the minute. You can view any missed or recent calls within the phone app on a smartphone or by looking through your menu on a classic phone. Details about who the call came from, when the call was made, and options to redial and save new contacts are available. Set up your voicemail box. Most phones will have a button that directly dials your voicemail box for you. If you can't find this button, holding "1" on your keypad will dial your voicemail number. Follow the system prompts to create your password, record your name announcement, and/or record your greeting. If you don't want to record your own greeting, the system will use its own programmed greeting and personalize it using the name you recorded. You can change your password, name, and greeting anytime by dialling the voicemail number and following its menu prompts. When you receive a voicemail, your smartphone will alert you or display a notification. Tap the voicemail number or hold "1" to access your mailbox. Input your password and listen to your messages. Follow the prompts to either callback the number, save the message or delete the message. . Text your contacts Most phones will label your text messaging inbox or app as "Messages" or "Messaging". You can then "Create a New Message" from there. Or you can choose a contact from your contact list, press the options key, and look for an option that lets you send a message to the contact. Classic phones without QWERTY keyboards may require you to learn and use T9 or predictive text to type messages. Smartphones will have an array of different messaging apps you can download and use. Some messaging apps will use your provider's cellular network to send messages and some will use the Internet or data which count towards your plan's data usage. Lock your keypad or smartphone to secure it from pocket dials or thefts. Each phone and OS will have a different way to lock your keypad. For example, Apple's iOS 8 and up, and iPhones 5 and greater, offer Touch ID security that reads your fingerprints in order to unlock your phone. While other smartphones will only require you to enter a password or a 4-digit number. Check your settings or user manual to learn how to lock your phone. For most classic phones, locking your keypad is not a form of security but rather a preventative measure against pocket dialling. If you have a flip phone, this should not be a worry for you. If not, most phones lock by pressing the menu key, quickly followed up the asterisks key. To unlock your phone, press the unlock key (indicated on your phone key) and then the asterisk key. If you're worried about theft, most smartphones have apps or measures to locate your phone if it's stolen. Connect your phone to a WiFi network. For most classic phones, connecting it to a WiFi connection is not possible. Instead, your phone will use data if it ever connects to the Internet. Smartphones, when connected to WiFi, will stop using data and you will no longer be limited to the amount of data your plan offers. iPhones: Tap the Settings icon, then press the Wi-Fi bar. Turn on the Wi-Fi if it's not already on and choose a network from the list below. You will need to enter a password if the network is protected. Tap "Join". Androids: On your home screen, tap the Apps icon and then open the Settings app. Make sure the Wi-Fi master control is on in the top right hand corner and choose an available network in your area. You will need to enter a password if the network is protected. Tap the "Connect" button. Windows: Swipe left to reveal your App List, tap Settings and then Wi-Fi. Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on and choose a network from the available networks in your area. You will need to enter a password if the network is protected. Tap "Done". Once you're connected to Wi-Fi, its symbol should appear on the status bar of your phone. For most phones, it will replace the "G" data symbol to indicate it is no longer using your carrier's data. Learn how to download apps. Most smartphones will have a set of applications already downloaded and one of them should be your operating system's app store. Tap on its icon and browse or search up apps you wish to use. You may need to set up an account to download apps. Your phone should prompt you to set up an account which often asks for your personal information and payment options. iPhones use the App Store app and require users to set up an Apple ID. Androids use the Google Play app store. Windows phones install apps from the Windows Store. Some apps cost money. Make sure you have the correct payment information in your account. Be careful when allowing others to use your phone or your account to download apps. In most cases, a password is required to download any apps that cost money to protect you from unwanted purchases. Some apps have in-app purchases or options to buy more features to upgrade the app you downloaded. Classic phones don't usually have apps stores you can download from, but rather already have a set number of applications downloaded. Some later models of classic phones will have games, pictures, or music applications. Charge your phone regularly by plugging it in with a charger. Phones will have a battery life indicator that will tell you the percentage left or the time remaining of your battery life. Most phones will give you a warning or reminder when its battery life is running low. Invest in different types of chargers such as a car charger, dock chargers for home audio systems, or another extra charger. | Research local cell phone carriers in your area. Look for a provider with the best network coverage. Evaluate data network speeds of cell phone providers. Decide what cellular service plan is right for you. Purchase a pre-paid phone plan. Choose a classic cell phone if your cellular needs are simple. Invest in a smartphone. Consider alternative phones such as tablets or personal digital assistants (PDA). Create a contact list by gathering up phone numbers of people you want to talk to. Make calls by choosing or dialling a number and pushing the "send" or "call" button. Set up your voicemail box. . Lock your keypad or smartphone to secure it from pocket dials or thefts. Connect your phone to a WiFi network. Learn how to download apps. Charge your phone regularly by plugging it in with a charger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Kitchen-Sink | How to Remove a Kitchen Sink | With a little plumbing experience and an extra pair of hands, you can remove your kitchen sink in about half an hour. You'll also need a screwdriver, pipe wrench, and utility knife. First, shut off the valves that supply water to your sink and disconnect the supply lines from the faucet. Then, remove the drain pipe by loosening the nut and slipper nut with a wrench. If you have a garbage disposal unit, unscrew the connections to the drainpipe and remove the drain pipe and unit. Once you've removed all the pipework and garbage disposal unit from the sink, cut the caulking around the top of the sink. If your sink is under-mounted, you'll also need need to unscrew the clips holding it in place. Get someone to hold the sink while you do this so it doesn't fall on you. You should then be able to lift the sink freely out if its frame. | Assess what type of sink you have. Kitchen sinks come in 2 basic designs: under-mounted, which are attached to the countertop from underneath, or drop-ins, which simply drop into the sink opening in a countertop. There are only slight differences in how you remove each kind of sink and they will be explained as you go through the steps. Open the cabinet under the sink. Most of your work will be done here so clean out everything you can from this space. It will give you more room to move around and more space to place a bucket or your tools. Put on your protective eyewear and gloves. The under sink area is small and confined, with lots of pipes and other hazards to your eyes. This job can also be messy and hard on your hands, so wearing gloves is a good idea. Remember that wearing personal protective equipment can seem like a headache at times but it could save you from pain and injury in the long run. Unplug your garbage disposal, if you have one. Electricity and water don't mix, so unplugging your disposal as soon as possible is a very good idea. You may even want to turn off the circuit that the disposal was plugged in to. Go to your home's fuse box and turn off the circuit breaker controlling the garbage disposal plug. Turn off the water supply to the sink. You should have two separate valves located below the sink, one for the hot water and one for the cold water. In some cases, the hot water shut off knob will be red and the cold water shut off knob will be blue, but this is often not the case. Either way, turn both of the handles clockwise until they are all the way off. Double check that they are closed by turning on the water in the sink. A few drips at first are fine but the flow of water should be gone. If you still have water coming out, you may need to consult a plumber to change out your shut off valves or you could do it yourself by following these steps: https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Shut-off-Valves If there are no water shut off valves under your sink, you will need to locate them further down your water pipes. Trace the water supply lines as far as you can, looking for valves where you could shut off the flow of water. If all else fails, there should be a main water shut off, either where water comes into your house or at the curb in a meter vault. Disconnect the water supply lines from the underside of the faucet. Water supply lines that connect to kitchen sinks are most often flexible plastic tubing that connect on both ends, at the sink and the water shut off valve, with metal nuts. Because the connection to the sink is found on the backside of the bottom of the sink, it may be a bit awkward to get to. Use an adjustable wrench, channel-locks, or an open-ended wrench to loosen the nut on the water line, whichever you can most easily get into the space. Hold the line in place with one hand while you loosen the nut with the other, so that when it becomes disconnected you can keep the line upright. A bit of water will still be in the line, so have a bucket handy to pour out the water trapped in the line. It's a good idea to spread towels across the bottom of the under-sink cabinet in order to catch small spills and reduce clean-up time later. If the connection between your water lines and the sink are totally inaccessible, you can usually disconnect that lines at the water shut off valves. Remember, though, that you need to be gentle with the connections at these valves, as breaking them would send water streaming into your kitchen. Disconnect the drain pipe from the sink. The drain pipe is connected at the bottom of your sink strainer with a slip nut or a coupling nut, that connects plastic drain piping to a metal sink strainer. First loosen the nut that attaches the strainer to the drain pipe with channel locks or an adjustable wrench. This is usually a plastic nut that can be loosened by hand, with a bit of strength of course. When this nut is loose don't pull the connection apart yet! You will also need to loosen the slip nut at the far side of the P-trap, which is a distinctive J- or U-shaped span of pipe in the drain line under the sink. Loosening this nut as well should allow you to take off the whole piece of piping between the strainer and the far side of the P-trap without damaging the piping. Remember to keep your bucket handy to capture spills. If you have a sink that is mounted underneath the counter, you may need to remove more drain piping in order to have space for the sink to come out. Remove your drain pipe further past the P-trap, giving space for the sink to be angled out. Whatever you take out can easily be replaced, as long as you leave at least an inch of pipe sticking out from the where it enters the under sink area. A slip nut connection is designed for removal by hand but if you can't get it off by hand, you may want to wrap a rag around the nut and gently turn the nut with your channel locks, so that the slip nut doesn't get damaged. Disconnect your garbage disposal, if you have one. First you will need to disconnect the drain pipe from your disposal. Unscrew the main connection between the garbage disposal and the drainpipe with a screwdriver. You may also need to remove the drain line for the dishwasher, if you have one connected to the drain through your garbage disposal. This is a simple connection that should be easy to detach with either a screwdriver or wrench, depending on the fixture. Remove your garbage disposal, if you have one. Some garbage disposals have a special Allen wrench that unlocks the assembly from its connection (this should come with your disposal when you buy it). Use one hand to turn the special wrench counterclockwise and keep your other hand under the disposal. Other types of garbage disposal units use snap rings to connect the disposal to the bottom of the sink. With this connection, one ring is attached to the bottom of the sink and one ring is attached to the disposal. Then the two rings have several screws that sandwich them together, which can simply be loosened and removed when detaching the disposal. Either way, the unit will come off quickly and you'll need to have a good grip on it so that you're ready to catch it. In many cases, a sink with two bowls will have one bowl connected directly to the drain and one connected directly to a garbage disposal. If this is the case you will need to remove both connections. Cut through the caulking around your kitchen sink. Use a utility knife to carefully slice through the sealant along the edges of the fixture. Be sure not to cut into the countertop if you are going to continue using it. Detach the sink from the countertop. If you have an under-mounted sink you will first need to have someone hold the sink up while you detach it, otherwise it could fall down onto you. For top-mounted sinks, this step can be done by yourself. Unscrew the metal clips that connect the sink to the countertop. Use a screwdriver to carefully take off the tiny clips. These screws may be difficult to access or be a bit rusty, so just take your time and be patient getting them off. In order for your helper to hold up an under-mounted sink, remove the strainer from the sink, allowing them to hold onto the sink through the strainer hole. The strainer is connected to the sink with a locknut that is located below the sink. You will need to use large channel locks to loosen the locknut, turning the locknut clockwise until it is detached. Then simply tap the bottom of the strainer up and it should pop up and be easily removed from the sink. Reach under the sink and gently push up on the sink to loosen it. If it doesn't move easily, move from side to side of the sink, pushing up until the fixture is loosened on all sides. If you are having trouble getting the sink to detach, and you are worried it may pull off pieced of your laminate countertop, have a helper gradually cut along the caulking as you push up on one side of the sink. This should allow you to remove the sink without accidentally pulling off some of your counter's finish. Pull the sink out of the countertop. Stainless steel drop-in units are light enough to remove by yourself but older porcelain sinks can be heavy, so get someone to help you take that type out. Getting under-mounted sinks out is just a bit trickier. You will need to angle it out of the cupboard doors, being careful not to damage any cabinet surfaces or remaining piping. Clean up surfaces and spills. Scrape off any old caulk or plumber's putty from the countertop with a paint scraper or a razor blade. Make sure the surface is clean before you begin installing a new kitchen sink. Also remember to sop up any water that may have come out of the sink during removal. | Assess what type of sink you have. Open the cabinet under the sink. Put on your protective eyewear and gloves. Unplug your garbage disposal, if you have one. Turn off the water supply to the sink. Disconnect the water supply lines from the underside of the faucet. Disconnect the drain pipe from the sink. Disconnect your garbage disposal, if you have one. Remove your garbage disposal, if you have one. Cut through the caulking around your kitchen sink. Detach the sink from the countertop. Reach under the sink and gently push up on the sink to loosen it. Pull the sink out of the countertop. Clean up surfaces and spills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Annualize | How to Annualize | to annualize your income, which is when you estimate its amount for an entire year based on information from a few months, start by gathering information for 2 or 3 months. For example, if you want to calculate your annual pay, find pay stubs for 3 months. Then, add up the total income you got during the period, and note down how many months it covered. Once you've finished your calculation, divide the number of months in the year by the number of months in the period of your records, which in the example would be 12 divided by 3. Finish by multiplying your total income by the result of the ratio, which in this case would be 4. | Gather income reports for 2 or 3 months. To annualize your income, you need a sample of the income you earn over a year. You can get this from paystubs, paid invoices, or even your bank statement. If your income is extremely regular, you may not need more than a month of income to complete an annualization. If you receive income from multiple sources, make sure you have information for all sources you want to include. Total your income for the period. It's easiest to annualize income using months. Add up your income from all sources to get your total income for that period of time. Make a note of how many months of income you used to get that total. For example, suppose you have 3 monthly paychecks of $7,000, $6,500, and $6,800. Your total would be $20,300 of income over a 3-month period. Divide the number of months in a year by the months of income. To annualize your income, use the ratio of the number of months in a year (12) over the number of months in the period you used to get your total. When you divide, your result will always be a number greater than 1. For example, if you totaled your income over 3 months, your ratio would be 12/3 = 4. Multiply your total income by the result of the ratio. Once you've divided the ratio, multiple the total income you found for the period by that number. The result will be the estimated amount of income you earn in a year. For example, if your total income over a 3-month period was $20,300, your annualized income would be $20,300 x 4 = $81,200. You may not have to annualize your income to pay estimated taxes. For example, in the US, you pay estimated taxes based on your actual income for that quarter – not what you project you'll earn later. Familiarize yourself with the formula. The formula to calculate an annualized rate of return (ARR) may look fairly intimidating at first. However, once you break it down into pieces, it's not as difficult as it looks. The full formula is ARR = (1 + rate of return per period ) – 1. The 1 simply turns a percentage into a whole number so you can compound it. That's why it's subtracted at the end to get your final rate. Essentially, all you do is compound the rate of return by the number of periods. If you have a monthly rate of return, you would compound the rate by 12. A weekly return would be compounded by 52, while a daily return would be compounded by 365. Calculate your rate of return. To calculate the rate of return on your investment, subtract the ending value of your investment from the beginning value of your investment, then divide that number by the beginning value of your investment. Multiply the result by 100 to get your rate of return. For example, if you set up a portfolio with $10,000, and it now has a balance of $11,025, you have a total gain of $1,025. According to the equation, your rate of return is (11,025 – 10,000 / $10,000) x 100 = 10.25%. Determine the period to which your rate of return applies. Quantify the period of time over which you had the gain. Then divide (usually 365, the number of days in a year) by that number to find out how many of those periods are in one year. For example, suppose you had a 10.25% rate of return on an investment that was 65 days old. The number of 65-day periods in a year is 365 / 65 = 5.615. If your rate of return happened to be a single day or a single month, you can skip this step and compound your rate of return by 365 (days) or 12 (months). Compound your rate of return by the number of periods in a year. Place the number of periods in a year in the formula to annualize your rate of return. Complete the calculation using the x button on your calculator. For example, your equation for the ARR continuing the example would be (1 + 0.1025) – 1 = 0.7296 or 72.96%. Your annualized rate of return on the investment, therefore, is 72.96%. There are significant limitations to an annualized rate of return. Specifically, you have no guarantee that you'll be able to continually reinvest the money at the same rate. Gather records of financial transactions for a 2- or 3-month period. Typically, a few months of bank statements is all you need to annualize expenses and create a yearly budget. If you frequently use a credit card, get copies of your credit card statements for the same month. Use income and expenses across the same time period. In other words, if you annualize 3 months of income you should also annualize 3 months of expenses. Annualize your income. Total your income over 2 or 3 months. Then multiply that total by the ratio of the number of months in a year over the number of months of income. This provides you with the amount of income you make each year. For example, suppose you have 3 monthly paychecks of $4,200, $5,100, and $4,700, for a total of $14,000. Your annualized income would be $14,000 x 12/3 = $14,000 x 4 = $56,000. Be sure to include any other sources of income in your equation. If you have any money that you only receive once a year, such as a bonus, you can simply add it into your annualized income. Organize your expenses into categories. You can make as many categories as you want. A broad category, such as "bills," likely won't be very helpful if you want to figure out where your money's going. On the other hand, too many individual categories add work and can get confusing. For example, you might have categories such as "house payment," "utilities," and "car." Under "utilities," you would include bills such as electricity, gas, telephone, trash, and water and sewer. Under "car," you might include your car payment, car insurance, and fuel. If there are specific expenses that you think are getting out of control, or that you want to keep particular tabs on, make them their own category. For example, assume you believe that you're spending too much money buying lattes from the café near your work. You might create a "latte" category specifically for that expense. Identify the time period for each expense. To annualize your data, you have to know how often the expense occurs. Many recurring bills are monthly. However, you may have some that are every other month, every quarter, or only twice a year. You'll also have expenses that are daily or weekly, or that happen a few days a week. For example, if you get fuel for your car once every other week, the time period for that expense for the purposes of your annualization equation would be 52 / 2 = 26. Expenses that only occur once or twice a year don't have to be annualized. Simply add them into your annualized total. Annualize expenses based on the data you have. Take the same formula you used to annualize your income and use it to annualize your expenses. Then total the annualized expenses in each category. If you have several expenses in one category that all have the same time period, you can annualize them together. For example, if your car payment and your car insurance payment are both monthly expenses, you could total them and only make one calculation. Make adjustments where necessary to balance your budget. Financial experts recommend budgeting your money so that 50% of your income goes towards necessities, 20% towards things that you want, and 20% towards savings for the future. Organize your categories into these broader categories and see how your annualized numbers compare. If this is your first time doing an annualized budget, you may find that the proportions are far off track from where they need to be. Balancing a budget takes time and effort. Identify problem expenses that you think you can decrease or eliminate entirely. For example, if you have a subscription to a magazine that you never read, you can save that cost by simply canceling the subscription. Create a new budget based on your results. Once you've made your adjustments, take your annualized income and divide it by 12 to figure out how much money you have to work with each month. Then put in your expenses. For expenses that only occur once or twice a year, divide the total expense by 12 to determine the amount of money you should put towards that expense each month so that you're ready to pay it when it's due. For example, if you pay $300 in renter's insurance once a year, you would need to put away or earmark $25 each month. | Gather income reports for 2 or 3 months. Total your income for the period. Divide the number of months in a year by the months of income. Multiply your total income by the result of the ratio. Familiarize yourself with the formula. Calculate your rate of return. Determine the period to which your rate of return applies. Compound your rate of return by the number of periods in a year. Gather records of financial transactions for a 2- or 3-month period. Annualize your income. Organize your expenses into categories. Identify the time period for each expense. Annualize expenses based on the data you have. Make adjustments where necessary to balance your budget. Create a new budget based on your results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Bala-Shark | How to Keep a Bala Shark | To keep a bala shark through adulthood, you'll need a tank that holds at least 150 gallons and is at least 72 inches long. For a juvenile bala shark, a tank that holds 30 gallons of water will work, but the fish will outgrow this size. Keep the decorations in the tank to a minimum so the fish will have plenty of room to swim, and place a tight-fitting lid on the tank so the fish can't jump out. Feed your fish an even assortment of vegetable matter, flakes, and live food. | Decide on a tank size. Since bala sharks can grow to 12 inches (30.5 cm) in captivity, they will need a fairly large tank. If you get them as juveniles, they will be fairly small at around 3 inches (7.6 cm) At this size they can do do well in a tank holding a minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) and of a length of 30 inches (76.2 cm). But as they grow, they will need a minimum of 150 gallons (568 liters) and a tank length of at least 72 inches (182.9 cm). Choose a quantity. Bala sharks are considered shoaling or schooling fish, which means they live in groups. So you'll need to buy a group of between four and six fish to ensure that they'll get along well with each other and stay in good health. A lone bala shark tends to become aggressive with other fish. And if kept in pairs, the dominant one is known to bully the other. Furnish the tank sparingly. Being larger fish, bala sharks need plenty of tank space for swimming, so don't overcrowd them. A few plants around the perimeter of the tank, and some wood for shelter and decor, should be plenty. Provide a bed of rocks that is darker in color--this will allow the fishes' silvery color to stand out better, and also helps them to feel secure. Set up a heater. Since these fish come from a tropical environment, and will be living in a large tank, they'll need a good heater to keep the large amount of water at the right temperature. An appropriate temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 to 26.7 degrees Celsius). Monitor the water’s hardness and pH. Fill the tank with fresh water from the tap, and test its pH and hardness levels. Appropriate ranges are 6.5 to 7.8 for pH, and a water hardness of 2 to 10 dGH. Ask a tank specialist at the pet store about available gauges for monitoring these levels. If you live in an area that takes its water from wells in limestone bedrock, the tap water will tend to be on the harder side. If the water comes from lakes, it will usually be softer. While you can buy chemicals to adjust pH, you can also use peat in the tank or filter to raise acidity, and calcium salts to raise alkalinity. Ensure enough water movement. Since bala sharks are river fish, they are adapted to aquatic environments with steadily moving water. Buy a filter for your tank that is powerful enough to keep a steadily moving current running and provide enough oxygen for the fish. A large canister filter can take care of oxygen, current, and water purity. A powerhead can help increase the current in larger tanks. Select appropriate tankmates. Bala sharks are known to be peaceful and rarely aggressive. But their fast swimming and skittishness can cause stress for calmer species. They get along well with fish that have similar personalities, such as larger cichlids, angelfish, parrot cichlids, medium-size tetra, gouramis, and ram cichlids. Try to keep bala sharks with other species at least half their size. They tend to see any fish small enough to fit in their mouths, such as smaller tetra, as food. Get a tight-fitting lid. When they are startled, bala sharks react by quickly moving away from what scares them, or jumping. They are known to leap as high as six feet out of an open tank. So be sure to outfit your tank with a tight-fitting lid. Acclimate them carefully. To help your bala sharks adjust to their new tank water, they'll need to be acclimated. Remove ¼ of the their bag water and replace it with an equal amount from the tank. Then place them in the tank while still in their plastic water bags, and add one cup (237 milliliters) of tank water to the bag every ten minutes for one hour. Finally, gently net the fish from the bag, and dispose of the bag and its water. Expect an adjustment period. After bringing the fish home and putting them in the tank, you might notice that they are shy at first, and may not eat for a few days. This is normal behavior, because of the fright they experience during the trip from the store to your tank. Be careful not to overfeed them during this period--try giving them small amounts a few times a day until their appetite improves. Feed them a broad diet. Bala Sharks like a variety of foods, including flakes, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, chopped fruit, blanched spinach, shelled peas, sinking wafers, and live black worms. Generally, give them an even mixture of vegetable matter, flakes, and live food. Try to feed them 2 to 3 times per day. At each feeding, give them as much as they're able to eat in 3 minutes. If you only feed them once a day, give them what they can eat in 5 minutes. Change the water frequently. To keep your bala sharks in good health, they'll need regular water changes. Replace 50% of the water at least once a month, and replace 25% at least every other week if the tank is densely populated. When you replace the water, this is also a good time to clean the bottom of the tank, including rocks, with a vacuum siphon. Use an algae scraper as well to clean the glass panes. | Decide on a tank size. Choose a quantity. Furnish the tank sparingly. Set up a heater. Monitor the water’s hardness and pH. Ensure enough water movement. Select appropriate tankmates. Get a tight-fitting lid. Acclimate them carefully. Expect an adjustment period. Feed them a broad diet. Change the water frequently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Big-Sandcastle | How to Build a Big Sandcastle | To build a big sandcastle, outline an area for your base about 1 foot from the high-tide water line, and pile between 6 and 12 inches of wet sand evenly over the area. Slowly pour water onto the base to make it compact. Then, fill a bucket with wet sand and build your turrets by placing the bucket upside-down on the base so that the sand slides out. Continue building until you're satisfied with the height, and then smooth the surface of the sand with a plastic knife or shovel. For more detail, you can carve shapes and patterns into the sand! | Pick an overcast day. An overcast day is ideal because it will keep the sand cool. Because cool sand is able to hold moisture (water) better, it is much more stable than dry sand, making it ideal for building large sandcastles. Choose a beach with fine sand. Fine sand is much more compact (put together) than coarse sand. Compact sand provides more structure and stability. To test the compactness of a beach's sand, ride a bike on the beach. If it is relatively easy to ride the bike, then the sand is perfect. If you don't have a bike, then press a ball of sand in your hand. Roll the ball around. If the sand sticks together after rolling it around, then it is perfect. Add equal parts water to the sand if it is too dry. If you have a bucket of sand, add a bucket of water to it. By adding water to the sand, you can transform it into workable sand. If the sand is really dry, then add more water. Press the sand into a ball in your hand and roll it around. If the sand holds it shape, it is ready to use. Pick a spot 1 foot (0.30 m) above the high-tide water line. A spot just above the high-tide water line is ideal because it is close to the water. This will make retrieving water from the ocean much easier. Additionally, choosing a spot above the high-tide will protect your sandcastle from approaching waves. The high-tide line is typically marked by seaweed and other ocean debris. Outline an area as big as you want your sandcastle to be. If you want your sandcastle to be 5 by 5 feet (1.5 by 1.5 m), then outline a 5 by 5-foot area. Use a stick or shovel to mark the outside perimeters. Pile 6 inches (15 cm) of sand evenly over the entire area. Use large buckets, shovels, and garden spades to pile the sand over the entire area. For the best results, use sand that is located below the tide line. This sand is typically wet and compact. Alternatively, mix one part sand with one part water in a bucket. Use this sand to create your base. Pour water into the sand to make it compact. Use a stick to poke a grid of holes into the base of sand. Slowly pour buckets of water over the entire base. Let the water drain all the way through the sand. Pour one bucket of water for every 1 foot (0.30 m) of sand. If the sand still feels too loose or dry, then add more water. Use your hands and feet to pack the sand down. Press on the sand with your hands to pack it down. You can also use your feet to pack the sand down. Pack the sand down until it feels like a solid block beneath you. You can also roll a large bucket over the sand to pack it down. Add another 6 inches (15 cm) of sand. Use your shovels and buckets to pile more sand onto the base. Poke holes into the sand with a stick. Pour water into the sand and pack it down with your hands and feet. Keep adding sand and water until you have a solid base of sand that is at least 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) high. Remove the bottom of a 1 gallon (3.8 l) bucket. Using a saber or keyhole saw, cut out the bottom of the bucket. Use 40 to 60-grit sandpaper to sand the edges until they are smooth. By removing the bottom of the bucket, it will be easier to lift the bucket off of the sand. If you do not want to remove the bottom yourself, then ask the hardware store if they can do it for you. Alternatively, use a regular bucket without the bottom removed if you do not have a 1 gallon (3.8 l) bucket. You can purchase 1 gallon (3.8 l) buckets, saws, and sandpaper from your local hardware store. Build layers by placing the bucket upside down on the base. Fill a third of the bucket with sand. Add an equal amount of water to the sand. Pack the sand down with your hands. Repeat this process until the bucket is full of compact sand. Remove the bucket. Once the sand feels solid enough and does not give under pressure, it is compact. Cover the entire base with a layer of compact sand. Ask you create the layers of sand, place the bucketfuls of sand close together. Fill in gaps between the bucketfuls of sand with more sand and water. Pack the sand with your hands until the base feels solid. Add a second layer to create more height. Keep adding layers of sand until you have reached your desired height. Once you have reached your desired height, use a sand wedge hoe or a plastic knife to smooth the surface of the sand flat. Large sandcastles are typically 5 by 5 feet (1.5 by 1.5 m) or bigger. If you plan to build a sandcastle taller than you, then bring a step ladder to the beach so you can reach the top. Start by carving the top of the castle. If you start at the bottom and work up, then the sand at the top will fall down onto the bottom structures, ruining them. By starting at the top, you can prevent this from happening. Work on 1-foot (.30-meter) sections at a time. Make sure to finish each section before moving onto the next section. Use a putty knife to create basic shapes. Use the putty knife to carve out rounded towers and pillars. Carve out towers at the corners of your pile of sand. Carve out 2 or 4 towers. You can also use an offset spatula, a paint scraper, or an icing spatula to smooth and create the basic shapes of your castle. Create a peak with a funnel. Fill a funnel with compact sand. Place the funnel upside down on top of a tower. Remove the funnel by gently wiggling it from side to side until it releases the sand. Carve a wall. To form a wall, remove 1 inch (2.5 cm) of sand between two towers. Use a paint scraper or knife to smooth and flatten the sand. Drag the bottom of a knife across the top of the wall to create slits to resemble a castle wall. Use a sand wedge hoe to make steps. Smooth out a ramp behind a tower or in front of a wall. The ramp should be 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) wide. Place the sand hoe against the tower or wall. Drag the sand hoe across the ramp to create each step. Create steps all the way down the ramp. Create a brick pattern with a toothpick. Draw 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick horizontal lines across the wall with the toothpick. Space out vertical lines on the first horizontal row 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. On the second horizontal row, place vertical lines in the spaces between the lines in the first row. Repeat this pattern throughout to create an off-set brick pattern. You can also use the toothpick to create other cool patterns or designs on your sandcastle, like a diamond pattern or flower pattern. Use a fork to create ridges on the outside of your castle. Make arched doorways with a spoon. At the bottom-center section of the wall, place the tip of the spoon on the sand. Carve the outline of an arched doorway that is 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) tall, depending on the size of your castle. Remove the sand from the inside to create an indention for the doorway. You can also use the end of the spoon to create small slits for windows on the tower and the walls. Decorate your castle with shells and seaweed. Press seashells along the walls or around the rims of the towers. Place seaweed or beach wood around the bottom of the castle. You could also place small buckets and shovels around your sand castle. Stick small flags or windmills into your castle. Light up your castle with battery-powered candle lights. Browse your local crafts store for more decoration inspiration. | Pick an overcast day. Choose a beach with fine sand. Add equal parts water to the sand if it is too dry. Pick a spot 1 foot (0.30 m) above the high-tide water line. Outline an area as big as you want your sandcastle to be. Pile 6 inches (15 cm) of sand evenly over the entire area. Pour water into the sand to make it compact. Use your hands and feet to pack the sand down. Add another 6 inches (15 cm) of sand. Remove the bottom of a 1 gallon (3.8 l) bucket. Build layers by placing the bucket upside down on the base. Cover the entire base with a layer of compact sand. Add a second layer to create more height. Start by carving the top of the castle. Use a putty knife to create basic shapes. Create a peak with a funnel. Carve a wall. Use a sand wedge hoe to make steps. Create a brick pattern with a toothpick. Make arched doorways with a spoon. Decorate your castle with shells and seaweed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Research-Effectively | How to Research Effectively | To research effectively, look through library databases and digital archives to find helpful, reliable sources related to your topic. For example, if you're researching something in the science field, you can visit your university library to look at articles in their scientific journals. While going through your sources, take notes by jotting down useful ideas on a notecard along with the page numbers you found them on. You may also want to highlight information in order to easily refer to what's important later on. | Narrow your topic. You may have a general idea of what you want to research or write about, but chances are you aren't writing a multi-volume treatise on the subject. The more narrow your topic is, the more likely you will be to contribute something of value to the field. If you're working on a research paper for school, you can use the page requirements (or limits) as a guide to narrow your topic. Use the same approach if you're writing an article for a website or print publication, and have been given a word limit. For example, "butterflies" probably is too broad for a 20-page research paper. If you know you want to write about butterflies, narrow your topic to a particular species of butterflies, or butterflies found in a particular geographic area. You may have to do some basic preliminary research to appropriately narrow your topic. This gives you a sense of how much information is available. If it's more than you could possibly dig through, consider narrowing your topic again. Set preliminary research goals. For a science-based research project, it can help to think of your goals as the hypotheses that guide a scientific experiment. For other types of research, think in terms of questions you hope to answer through your research. Typically, you'll want to create a basic thesis statement for your final report. This is what you ultimately want your research to prove. Creating a thesis statement before you've even begun your research might seem backwards, but to research effectively, you need to know what you're looking for. For example, maybe you have narrowed your butterfly topic to focus on why butterflies are attracted to a particular park in your hometown. Your thesis statement at this stage might be "Butterflies are attracted to Panorama Park because of the flowers planted there." Keep in mind that you can adjust your thesis statement later if your research shows that it's inaccurate or inappropriate. To return to the butterfly example, your thesis statement means you are focusing your research on the park you named and the flowers that are planted in that park. If you find out through your research that the butterflies are not particularly fond of those flowers, you may have to adjust your thesis. Assess the overall scope of your project. To accurately plan the scope of your project, think about who you are and why you're doing this research. If you're doing research for a school project, your scope will be more limited than if you are attempting to unearth a new discovery or theory in a particular field. Essentially, the scope of your project is how far you're going to go. For example, if you're writing a research paper on the role of the Germans in the American Revolutionary War, the role of the French in the same war would be outside the scope of your project. The scope of your project may be dictated to you, for example through an assignment sheet from your teacher or professor. Keep your scope in mind as you're planning your research strategy. You don't want to get bogged down in your research or spend too much time chasing after information that turns out to be irrelevant. If you find something that doesn't fall within the scope of your project, you can quickly discard it and move on to something else. Identify possible sources. Target your research by figuring out what types of sources will be helpful to you and potentially have information you need for your project. Understanding the types of sources you'll need helps you make the most efficient use of your research time. For example, if you're doing research on the butterflies in a local park, surveys of local residents on how they feel about the butterflies probably isn't going to be helpful for you. However, research conducted by students at a nearby university might be beneficial. Focus on the type of source you need. If you're working on a political science or sociology research paper, polls and statistics may be relevant. However, if you're writing a paper in the hard sciences, you want to focus on scientific experiments and journal articles. If your teacher or professor has given you a reading list or identified good sources, start there. Consider it a jumping-off point rather than something to hit as a last resort. Brainstorm key words. Particularly if you're going to be doing a lot of your research on the internet, the key words you choose will determine how successful your research is. Based on your general knowledge and early reading on your topic, think of words that will get you the information you need. You may want to do basic internet searches just so you can get an idea of how effective your key words will be. For example, if you're writing a research paper on butterflies in a local park, the key word "butterfly" will bring up entirely too much information to be useful for you. Try to make your key words as specific as possible. Once you have your basic key words, look for synonyms of those words, or other related words or phrases. Write all the words you brainstorm on a sheet of paper so you don't forget them or lose track of them. Leave plenty of space around each word so you can take notes or make comments on the effectiveness of each word search as you research. Gather your materials. Before you set out to research, you need a few basic items so you can take notes and organize your thoughts. Effective research requires not just finding the information you need, but being able to put all the pieces together to complete a cohesive report. One of the easiest methods to organize your research notes is to buy a stack of index cards. At the top of each card, you'll write the name of the source you're taking notes about. If you're required to use a particular citation format, you might want to create a formatted citation for the source at the top of the card. It will save you time later on when you're working on your final paper. Beyond index cards, you'll also want to gather highlighters, tabs or flags, and adhesive notes. These will help you keep track of information you find in print sources and organize your thoughts as you research. Search for primary sources. The most effective research focuses on primary sources, which are documents or objects directly related to or involved in the subject of your research. Primary sources are considered the most reliable. Whether a source is considered primary depends on its relation to the topic. Some sources can be primary for one topic but not for another. For example, if you're doing research on D-Day, newspaper articles from June 6, 1944 or a few days afterward would be considered primary sources. However, newspaper articles from 2014 would not. Primary sources are the heart of research, and what differentiates an actual research project from a book report. If you're reading what someone else wrote about your topic and then summarizing what you read, that's a book report – not research. Focusing on primary sources means you may have to get off the internet and go to a library. Some primary sources, such as historic documents and newspapers, have been digitized and are available online. However, many have not. Additionally, databases and digital archives of primary sources often are only accessible by subscription. Public and university libraries often maintain subscriptions to these digital resources, but you'll have to use a library computer to get to them. Take useful notes. As you're reading the sources you've found, note-taking is important. You don't want to have to read the same thing over and over again. Framing the ideas or facts presented in your source also is a way to learn the information. If you're using the index-card method, jot down a few words to indicate the idea or fact you found in that source. Include a page number if available so you can cite to it directly or quickly find it again. If you see something in a source you want to quote, put it on your notecard. However, do something to make it stand out from the rest of your notes so you don't inadvertently include it in your report as your own words. For example, you may want to highlight a quote so it stands out at a glance as a quote, and not your own notes. You also could write it in a different color. Likewise, as you read a source you may have thoughts of your own, or additional questions you want to explore. Highlight those or write them in a different color so you can instantly recognize them as your own thoughts, not something that should be attributed to your source. Fill in your research with secondary sources. Secondary sources are, as the label indicates, second to primary sources. Typically these are academics, journalists, or other researchers commenting on or interpreting information related to your topic. The authors of secondary sources are not involved directly in the subject they're discussing – otherwise they would be primary sources. Rather, they are using their own knowledge and expertise to interpret, comment, analyze, investigate, or contextualize something. Secondary sources can be extremely valuable to you in making sense of the primary sources you've found, but it's important to avoid over-using them. With secondary sources, the most important thing to keep in mind when taking notes are ideas. If an author you read has an idea or theory about the topic you're researching that resonates with you, take out a note card and write that idea down. Then if you bring it up in your report you can credit them with having the idea. Taking a theory or idea you read somewhere else and acting like you came up with it is plagiarism. The most effective research builds on ideas and theories introduced by others, rather than stealing them. Check dates and footnotes on secondary sources. A strong secondary source typically will have extensive footnotes and a bibliography that includes citations to works you've already encountered in your research. This lets you know that you're on the right track. When something was published can be a strong indicator of whether you should rely on it. Ideally, you should check the date of publication before you even read the material. Whether dates matter depends on the subject you're researching. If you're researching a historical event, you'll likely be making use of material dated any time from the date of the event to the present. However, in other areas of research older sources are likely to be outdated and unusable. For example, if you were researching how schoolchildren use the internet, you wouldn't want to use an article written in the early 2000s as a source. Use of the internet has changed significantly since then. Analyze a source's authority for bias. With primary sources, the authority is obvious. However, with secondary sources, you need to examine the identity and expertise of the author, as well as the biases they might have. If an author is biased, it can undermine their authority, even if they have tremendous expertise on the subject you're researching. For example, suppose you're researching the butterflies in a local park. You find a lengthy, detailed, and informative article in a reputable science journal that discusses the very butterflies you're researching. However, the article is written by a scientist who is infamous for their denial of climate change. This position means they aren't well-respected by most of the scientific community. If their bias has little to nothing to do with the subject at hand, or if they wrote the butterfly article before they spoke out against climate change, you might still be able to use that source. If you do plan to use a source with a potentially biased or compromised author, use caution. If you're working on a project for school, ask your teacher or professor about it. Use caution with tertiary sources. Tertiary sources go one level beyond secondary sources. Frequently they are a summary of secondary sources, such as an encyclopedia article or a review in a scientific or academic journal. These sources can be helpful for you in finding new articles and sources to use, but you typically don't want to cite them directly in your research. Newspaper and magazine articles also can be tertiary sources. Pay attention to what you're reading. If the writer is talking about, for example, a series of studies conducted at different universities that came to opposing conclusions, seek out the studies themselves rather than citing to that article. At the same time, tertiary sources can be a quick way to find new sources, and to understand more about a potentially dense article or book before you dive into it yourself. Avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism means taking someone else's words and presenting them as though they are your own. Not only is this wrong from a moral or ethical standpoint, but if you are in school it could result in you getting a failing grade on your project or worse. To understand plagiarism, put yourself in the author's shoes. They put a lot of work into their own project to come up with those words. Properly citing them acknowledges that work and shows that you appreciate it. Moreover, you are showing your teachers, editors, or colleagues that you are an upstanding and respectful member of the academic or journalistic community – and that you're making a productive contribution to the field of research. Be aware that many high schools, universities, and other publications use plagiarism checkers that will find words you have copied. Even if you think you won't get caught because you're using a relatively obscure source, the proliferation of plagiarism checkers makes it more likely that you will. Give credit for sources. Whether you're using footnotes or a "works cited" section at the end of your paper, actively citing the sources you used strengthens your own original work by building the research foundation on which it relies. Always provide a citation for facts – things that can be proven true or false. This is so your reader can confirm the fact that you've presented in your report. The best source for a fact is always a primary source. You also should cite opinions, analysis, speculation, or interpretation that is not your own. For example, suppose you have a source for your butterfly research that believes the butterflies are attracted to the park because people walk their dogs there and butterflies love dogs. If you want to use this opinion in your report, credit it to the specific person that said it. Using phrases like "studies show" or "some scientists believe" won't tell your reader anything. Instead, you might write "Meredith Monarch, butterfly expert at the University of Lepidoptera, speculated that butterflies frequent the park because they enjoy frolicking with the dogs there." Use the proper citation method. If you're writing a research report for school, your teacher or professor may require you to use a particular citation method. Otherwise, you typically want to use the method that is prevalent in the field. Citation styles or formats may seem arbitrary to you, but for those in the field, the punctuation and formatting serve as short-hand. Someone familiar with a particular style can look at a citation and instantly know what each thing means. Different fields use different citation methods, which can be confusing if you've done research in several areas of study. For example, if you're writing a science paper, you typically will use APA (American Psychological Association) style. However, for a research paper in history or political science, you'll more likely use the Turabian style. Quote and paraphrase responsibly. If your research report is 90 percent quotes, you haven't personally contributed anything. You're simply summarizing what you've read. To adequately report on your research, you need to bring your sources together in a cohesive and original way. Generally, you only want to have a direct quote from a source when the words themselves are of particular importance, or if the language is so original and succinct it would be nearly impossible to phrase it better. For example, if you're writing a research paper on the Gettysburg Address, you likely will include direct quotes from the speech itself, since those words would hold particular importance. A source's original words can provide color or enhance the meaning of your own thoughts, or can be quoted as an example of a particular line of thought. When you paraphrase, you're putting the information from a source into your own words, rather than quoting the source directly. Keep in mind that paraphrasing doesn't mean simply changing a few words to synonymous words, or altering the word order. For example, "Quick brown foxes jump over lazy dogs" would not be an acceptable paraphrase of "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog." | Narrow your topic. Set preliminary research goals. Assess the overall scope of your project. Identify possible sources. Brainstorm key words. Gather your materials. Search for primary sources. Take useful notes. Fill in your research with secondary sources. Check dates and footnotes on secondary sources. Analyze a source's authority for bias. Use caution with tertiary sources. Avoid plagiarism. Give credit for sources. Use the proper citation method. Quote and paraphrase responsibly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Mustard-Sauce | How to Make a Simple Mustard Sauce | To make a simple mustard sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add the mustard, and stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until it gets fragrant. Next, add the flour and cook the sauce until it turns a slightly lighter color. Then, add the milk gradually in about 6 batches, stirring between each addition until the milk is incorporated. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and add any seasonings you like before pouring the sauce over your dish. | Melt butter in the saucepan over low heat and add the mustard. Stir until fragrant (about half a minute). Add the flour and stir until smooth. Cook gently just until it has turned a slightly lighter color as the roux has started to cook. Add the milk gradually in about 6 batches. Stir each time until incorporated. If using a whisk, you can add it in two batches but multiple batches is better with wooden spoons to avoid lumps. Stir until thickened and season to taste. If it tastes slightly floury, the sauce has not finished cooking. Continue simmering and stirring for another minute or two until it the floury taste is cooked out. Add the parsley at this stage if you included it. Serve poured over the meal. It can be kept warm easily up to 20 minutes in a bain marie as it may thicken more as it cools. Finished. | Melt butter in the saucepan over low heat and add the mustard. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Add the milk gradually in about 6 batches. Stir until thickened and season to taste. Serve poured over the meal. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Autosuggestion | How to Use Autosuggestion | Autosuggestion is a technique in which you use positive words and sentences to change your perception. You can use autosuggestion to change personality traits, break bad habits, or overcome obstacles. Once you know what your goal is, come up with an affirmative mantra to say to yourself throughout the day. For instance, if you want to start taking more risks in your life, you might say, “I am brave.” Practice autosuggestion while meditating to make it more effective. Sit in a comfortable spot and take some deep breaths to relax. Try to let go of your thoughts until your head feels clear. Then, repeat your autosuggestion to yourself and try to visualize yourself acting out whatever it is you want. Do this for about 30 minutes each day to help yourself incorporate the new habit into your life. | Identify the things you want to change. Decide what personality traits you want. Identify the bad habits you want to get rid of. Determine the obstacles you want to overcome. Choose something that you really desire. Make sure it is consistent with your other goals, specific and detailed, not harmful to others, and is challenging but realistic. Choose something believable. Make sure the autosuggestion is believable to yourself. If you don't believe it, then it will not work. For example, instead of saying “I make $100,000 per year,” say “I choose to earn $100, 000 per year.” Use emotions. In order for an autosuggestion to work, it must trigger feelings. The more meaningful the the autosuggestion is to you, the more effective it is. Use the first person. The autosuggestions are for you and no one else. Don't make your autosuggestions based on what you want other people to be or how they think you should be. Make the autosuggestion what you want to be Be positive. Autosuggestions are more effective when paired with positive thinking. Using positive statements also keep you motivated to accomplish your goals. Avoid negativity. Avoid using negative phrases such as “I cannot,” “I will not,” or “I do not want.” For example use “I am brave,” instead of “I am not afraid.” Avoid creating a time limit. This can cause stress, which will interfere with your meditations and goals. Practice the autosuggestion you created. Use meditation, sleep, or writing to practice autosuggestion. The more your practice your autosuggestion, the faster it will work. Use meditation to autosuggest. In a relaxed state, your mind is more open to new ideas and directions. Find somewhere comfortable. You want an environment that is comfortable and relaxing. Make sure it is a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Use music. Music is a great tool for relaxing your mind. Use music that helps you focus. Only use music if it helps you meditate. Do not use music if it distracts you. Sit comfortably. Either sit crossed legged on the floor or in a chair with your legs uncrossed. Make sure that you are comfortable and well supported. It's best to keep both feet on the ground if you are sitting in a chair. Keep your eyes partially open. If you do not want to keep your eyes open, find a room with enough light to come through your eyelids. While relaxed, you might fall asleep. Make yourself relaxed. While you sit comfortably, try to relax and let go of your thoughts. Breath deeply and regularly. Focus your attention on a point right below your navel. Once you are aware of this spot, only pay passive attention to it. Detach yourself. If a thought comes to you, do not engage it. Acknowledge the thought and let it go. You want to avoid active participation. Any active participation might make you tense and distract you. Repeat your autosuggestions. Once you feel completely relaxed, repeat your autosuggestion to yourself. Put as much emotion as you can into the autosuggestion. Visualize yourself performing the autosuggestion. Spend at least twenty to thirty minutes in meditation regularly. You want to give yourself enough time to focus on the autosuggestions so that you can absorb them. Record your autosuggestion. You can record your autosuggestion into a voice recorder or into a recording program on your phone. Make sure you put the recording on repeat so that it will play continuously while you're asleep. Make sure you record your autosuggestions in a strong, but soft voice. You want to it to be commanding yet gentle. If you don't like the sound of your voice, have a friend or family member record it using second person. Use the second person. Unlike the other methods, you will use the second person. You are commanding yourself. For example, instead of saying “I am a courageous person,”say “you are a courageous person.” Repeat each line ten times. Make sure you repeat each line ten times before moving to the next sentence. Repeat each affirmation until you have a thirty minute recording. Use headphones while you are asleep. Make sure the headphones allow you to sleep easily. For instance, if you sleep on your side, use earbuds to rest your head easier. Make yourself relax. While you sit or lie comfortably, try to relax and let go of your thoughts. Breath deeply and regularly. The mind is most open to suggestion when it is relaxed. Listen to them as you fall asleep. The affirmations will be absorbed into your unconscious as you sleep. Use the recording for 14 consecutive nights. Repetition will help you absorb the affirmation. After the 14-day period, move on to a new affirmation. Schedule a time. Pick a specific time to visualize your autosuggestions. Setting a schedule will help you maintain a consistent schedule, which will help the autosuggestions succeed. The moments before you sleep and when you awake are the best because you are more prone to suggestion. Make yourself relax. While you sit comfortably, try to relax and let go of your thoughts. Breath deeply and regularly. Visualization and autosuggestion work best when you are relaxed since you mind is more open to suggestion. Close your eyes. You can stand or sit during this method with your eyes closed. Repeat your selected autosuggestion. As you repeat your autosuggestions, visualize yourself experiencing them. Attach as much meaning as you can to what you imagine. The more emotion you put into the visualization, the more efficient it becomes. Make the images as vivid as possible. Try to involve every sense as you imagine your autosuggestion coming to life. Try to see, hear, feel, smell, and touch the scene your picture. Attach emotion to the visualization. Imagine how the autosuggestion would make you feel. Attach that feeling to what you picture. For example, if you see yourself getting a promotion, imagine how you would feel if that happened: happy, successful and self-assured. Act out your experience. Visualize scenes in which you are using your autosuggestion. Slightly move your body and use hand gestures as you would in a situation where you would use your autosuggestion. For example, if your autosuggestion is “I am a good public speaker,” then picture yourself giving a wonderful speech in front of an audience. Imagine yourself doing hand gestures and emphasizing your point. Repeat the visualization. Try to visualize two or three times a day. Make sure you practice the visualization consistently. Visualization and autosuggestion only work if you repeatedly do them. Fold a paper lengthwise. Unfold the paper and write a list of negative things you wish to change down the left side. Write down everything that comes to mind. You want to be as spontaneous and genuine as possible. Listen to yourself. Over the next few days, listen to yourself as you talk to other people. Focus on what you're saying. Write down every negative self-talk statement that you notice. Write positive statements. Rewrite every negative statement into a positive statement. Do this on the right side of paper. Use the most powerful words you can. For example, instead of saying “I'm smart,” say “I am intelligent and insightful.” Avoid using the future tense. Say “I am” rather than “I will be.” If you feel uncomfortable saying “ I am,” you can say “I'm learning to...” or “I'm getting better at…” instead. Use a thesaurus if you cannot think of more powerful words. Fold the paper in half. Do not refer to the negative side again. You want your mind to think that you are done with those thoughts. Now, you will train it how to think positively. Place the folder paper where you'll see it. Pin it to the refrigerator or tape it to a bathroom mirror. Make sure that the positive statement side is showing. You don't have to linger over the list. It's only there as reminder that you're transforming yourself. Pay attention to what you say. Stop yourself anytime you say one of the old, negative statements. Once you stop yourself, say the new, positive statement immediately. | Identify the things you want to change. Choose something believable. Use emotions. Use the first person. Be positive. Avoid creating a time limit. Practice the autosuggestion you created. Use meditation to autosuggest. Find somewhere comfortable. Use music. Sit comfortably. Keep your eyes partially open. Make yourself relaxed. Detach yourself. Repeat your autosuggestions. Spend at least twenty to thirty minutes in meditation regularly. Record your autosuggestion. Use the second person. Repeat each line ten times. Use headphones while you are asleep. Make yourself relax. Listen to them as you fall asleep. Use the recording for 14 consecutive nights. Schedule a time. Make yourself relax. Close your eyes. Repeat your selected autosuggestion. Make the images as vivid as possible. Attach emotion to the visualization. Act out your experience. Repeat the visualization. Fold a paper lengthwise. Listen to yourself. Write positive statements. Fold the paper in half. Place the folder paper where you'll see it. Pay attention to what you say. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Shamballa-Bracelet | How to Make a Shamballa Bracelet | To make your own shamballa bracelet, all you'll need is 6 feet of chord, shamballa-style beads, and a little patience. First, you'll cut the chord into 3 equal lengths and tie them together near the top. Then, tie a few square knots with the strings. For every 4-6 knots you tie, thread a bead on. Keep going until you've got 5 or 6 beads on your bracelet and it fits your wrist. Tie the 2 ends together with a big knot to finish your shamballa bracelet. | Cut 3 metres (9.8 ft) of cord into 3 equal parts. Lay the cord out flat in a long line or fold it into 3 lines to line up your cuts. Then, use scissors to cut the long 3 metres (9.8 ft) cord into 3 1 metre (3.3 ft) pieces. Making them as even as possible will ensure you don't run out of any single cord when you're making square knots. Separate each length of cord and lay them parallel to each other. Tease the cords apart if they're tangled and lay them so they're parallel to each other, lining them up evenly at one end. It's important to ensure they're lined up evenly so any single cord doesn't run out before the others. If any of the cords are drastically shorter than the others, you may need to recut a longer string and try again. Tie a loose knot about 5 inches (13 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) down. Move your hands 5 inches (13 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) down from the lined up ends and tie a loose knot. To tie the knot, loop all 3 cords around your finger and then pull the short end through the loop. Don't pull it too tight because you'll be undoing it later on. Tape the knotted side onto a table to hold it in place. Tear off about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of tape from the roll and secure the cords to the table just above the knot. Tape it towards the far edge of your working table so you have the full area of the table to work on. This will make it a lot easier to tie square knots and keep the ends of the cords from tangling together. Separate each cord so they resemble a small teepee. Lay the 3 cords separate from each other. You'll have cord number 1 on the left, number 2 in the middle, and number 3 on the right. The bracelet is made using macrame to make square knots. Place cord 1 over the top of cords 2 and 3. Pick up cord number 1 and lay it horizontally across cords 2 and 3. It should lay flat across the top of the other cords. You'll end up with a shape that looks like 2 triangles side by side. Put cord 3 back over the top of cord 1. Slide cord 3 out from beneath cord 1 and reposition it in the same place on top of cord 1. Cord 1 will now be laying on top of cord 2 and under cord 3. Pull the cords taut to keep them separated and prevent the ends from tangling. It may help to hold cords 1 and 2 in place with your left hand while you reposition cord 3. Run the end of cord 3 through the loop made by cords 1 and 2. Pick up the end of cord 3 and run it under and through the loop made with cords 1 and 2. It should run under the center part where cords 1 and 2 meet and on top of the left side of cord 1. It may help to hold down cords 1 and 3 with a finger while you pull the end of cord 3 through the loop. Pick up cords 1 and 3 and pull them tight to form a knot. Pull the cords on the left and right (cords 1 and 3) tight all the way up to the top (just under where you made the first regular knot). Make sure to pull the knot tight so it stays in place while you make the rest of the knots. Make sure the middle cord is running straight down while you pull the cords on either side. This completes the first half of a single square knot on the shamballa bracelet. Repeat the same process but run the cords underneath. Repeat the same process with cord 1 but instead of putting it on top of the other 2 cords, run it underneath them. Then, pick up cord 3 on the right and run it under cord 1. Run the end of cord 3 over and through the loop made by cords 1 and 2. Pull the cords tight just like you did before, keeping cord 2 running straight down the center. This completes a single square knot. Create 4 to 6 more square knots. The idea is to make a line of square knots until it's time to add the first bead in place. A good guide is to make 4 to 6 knots before adding the first bead. The more knots you do, the longer the bracelet will be, so keep that in mind if you have a small or large wrist circumference. Thread a bead onto the middle cord (cord 2). Run the end of cord 2 through the bead's center hole and push it all the way up against the last square knot you made. It may slip as you continue tying square knots, so just be sure to push it all the way up again at the end of your next half-knot. If the bead has flat or decorative sides that you want to be showing while you wear the bracelet, make sure to rotate the bead into the proper position at this time. Tie the next square knot right under the bead. Start as you did in the first step, picking up cord 1 and placing it over cords 2 and 3. Then, place it on top of cord 3 before you run the end of cord 3 through the loop made by cords 1 and 2. Make sure to pull it taut to secure the bead in place. The idea is to trap the bead within the square knot. Make 2 more square knots until it's time to add the next bead. Complete the square knot by performing the same sequence of arranging the cords but reversed. That is, run cord 1 under cords 2 and 3, then place it above cord 3 in the same position. Next, string cord 3 over and through the center loop. You may want to measure the bracelet around your wrist as you go to ensure that it will be the right size. You don't have to undo the tape, just carefully lift the bracelet up and lay it across your wrist to gauge how much longer it needs to be. Add in each bead as before, trapping each bead within a square knot. Use a total of about 5 or 6 beads, depending on your wrist size or the desired size of the bracelet. Keep the gaps between beads and the lengths at either end symmetrical for a professional-looking bracelet. Note that the size of the beads may impact how many you add too, so adjust your plan accordingly. Finish the other end-side of the bracelet as you began. After you've added all of your beads, make the exact same amount of square knots as you made at the start. Keeping it even will ensure the beads are centered on the bracelet. If you discover the bracelet is going to be too long, you can backtrack by undoing some of the knots and a bead. You may need to use a dull nail or other small tool to undo the knots. Tie off the bracelet after you’ve tied the last square knot. After finishing the last knot, remove the tape to free the bracelet and flip it over so the backside is facing up. Then, use the cords on either side (1 and 3) to tie a tight knot. This is a regular knot (not a square not), made by looping the cord around your finger, running the end through the loop, and pulling it taut. Place a dab of glue onto each side of the knot. Dab on enough superglue to cover the knot and let it dry for at least 1 hour. Then, flip over the bracelet so the front is facing up and do the same thing. It may help to use the head of a small nail or toothpick to push the glue into the small crevices between the cords. It may take more or less time for the glue to dry—refer to the instructions on the package. Cut off the 2 outer cords to the base of the glued knot. Place the blades of your scissors as close to the knot as possible and snip off the 2 outer cords. Leave the middle cord uncut. The 2 middle cords at either end of the bracelet should now be the only cords left. Cut the 2 ends down until they’re the same size. Lay the bracelet as if you're looping it around your wrist and pull the 2 ends straight. Then, use scissors to snip them so they're the same length. Leave at least 5 inches (13 cm) of cord on either side so you don't accidentally make it too short to fit around your wrist. Place a 1 metre (3.3 ft) long cord under the 2 bracelet cords. Loop the single cords together as if you would on your wrist. Then, run the 1 metre (3.3 ft) long cord under both of these cords. Make sure to hold it at the center point of the 2 cords. It's okay if your extra cord is a little less than 1 metre (3.3 ft), it's just helpful to have extra if you can. Make a loose square knot. Treat the 2 middle cords as the center cord (2) and the new piece of cord as the left and right cords (1 and 3) and tie a square knot just as you did on the main part of bracelet. Keep this fairly loose because it needs to slide so you can adjust the length of the bracelet. Remember, you'll be making 1/2 of the square knot but running the cords over the top first then underneath. Make about 5 more loose square knots and tie it off. After you've made a row of 5 or 6 square knots, tie off the ends just like you did the other ends of the bracelet (flipping it to the back and tying a knot using the outside strings). Skip gluing the final knots because you'll need them the cords to be able to slide around. Cut off the ends to leave 1 cord on each side of the square knots. Use your scissors to snip off the extra cord, leaving about 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm) of cord on either end. Leaving extra cord on either end will allow you to make the bracelet larger so you can slide it on and off. Add a final bead to each end of the 2 loose cords and cut the extra off. Tie a knot toward the end of the first cord, leaving enough space for the bead and a final knot. Slide the bead into place next to the knot and secure it with another knot. Cut the last bit of cord underneath each final knot to complete your bracelet. Use a regular knot for this step, looping the single cord around your finger, running the end through the loop, and pulling it taut. You can use any bead for the end pieces—regular beads or shamballa beads if you want a monochromatic bracelet. | Cut 3 metres (9.8 ft) of cord into 3 equal parts. Separate each length of cord and lay them parallel to each other. Tie a loose knot about 5 inches (13 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) down. Tape the knotted side onto a table to hold it in place. Separate each cord so they resemble a small teepee. Place cord 1 over the top of cords 2 and 3. Put cord 3 back over the top of cord 1. Run the end of cord 3 through the loop made by cords 1 and 2. Pick up cords 1 and 3 and pull them tight to form a knot. Repeat the same process but run the cords underneath. Create 4 to 6 more square knots. Thread a bead onto the middle cord (cord 2). Tie the next square knot right under the bead. Make 2 more square knots until it's time to add the next bead. Finish the other end-side of the bracelet as you began. Tie off the bracelet after you’ve tied the last square knot. Place a dab of glue onto each side of the knot. Cut off the 2 outer cords to the base of the glued knot. Cut the 2 ends down until they’re the same size. Place a 1 metre (3.3 ft) long cord under the 2 bracelet cords. Make a loose square knot. Make about 5 more loose square knots and tie it off. Cut off the ends to leave 1 cord on each side of the square knots. Add a final bead to each end of the 2 loose cords and cut the extra off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Cocktail-Measurements | How to Understand Cocktail Measurements | To understand cocktail measurements, know that a splash of something should be a little bit more than a dash, but still not very much. Also, if a drink calls for a jigger of something, you should use 1 1/2 fluid ounces, which is equal to 1 shot. If a recipe calls for a pony of something, use 1 fluid ounce. You should also be careful using shot glasses to measure out drinks since they come in a variety of sizes, from 1 fluid ounce to 3 fluid ounces. | Measure parts based on the volume of your serving glass. When a drink calls for “parts,” it is referring to the ratio of ingredients within the cocktail. You can take some liberties with how much of a certain drink you would like to make. This is great for drinks where you may want to make a pitcher for a large gathering. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 part vodka and 2 parts tonic water, you can either pour 1 shot of vodka and 2 shots of tonic water, or 2 shots of vodka and 4 shots of tonic water, etc. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of alcohol for a standard shot. Shot glasses can come in different shapes and sizes. If a recipe is calling for a shot of alcohol, pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) into your drink. A double shot refers to 2 shots, which is 2 fluid ounces (59 mL). Many recipes don't require their alcohol measurements to be exact. Use 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of alcohol if your cocktail calls for a jigger. A jigger is a measuring tool that holds a little over 1 shot of alcohol. If you don't have a jigger, you can measure out 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of alcohol to mix into your drink. Some jiggers hold different amounts of liquid, but a standard one is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL). Only classic cocktails, like Old Fashioneds and Cosmopolitans, will use this measurement. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of alcohol if your drink calls for a pony. A pony gets its name from the classic American shot glass. This amount of alcohol is slightly less than the standard shot glass used now. Use slightly less than a full shot of alcohol if your recipe calls for this measurement. Cocktails that call for a pony will usually say it in their name, like Pimm's Pony Cocktail or the Pony Express Cocktail. Count to 1 while you pour for a splash of something. A splash is a measurement that is fairly subjective. You can standardize it slightly by counting to 1 while you pour your splash of whatever ingredient the recipe calls for. You can add more or less if you choose to do so. If you are uncertain, pour a small amount of your ingredient and taste it. Add more if you think it needs it. Cocktails often call for splashes of citrus juices, simple syrups, and berry juices. Use 3 to 6 drops of bitters for a dash. When a recipe calls for a dash, it is most often referring to bitters in a cocktail. A dash is another measurement that is very subjective. Add 3 to 6 drops of bitters to your drink depending on how you like your drink. Start with less and add more if you would like to. Attach a bottle spout on liquor bottles for control during a free pour. Free pours are when you pour alcohol straight from the bottle without using a measuring tool. To give you better control, attach a meal bottle spout on the mouth of a liquor bottle before you pour. These spouts help slow down the flow of liquor. Use a double jigger for shots and double shots of alcohol. Double jiggers have openings on both ends instead of just 1. The smaller opening holds about a shot of alcohol, and the larger opening holds about 2 shots of alcohol. Pour your alcohol into 1 side of the jigger up until the fill line. Then, pour your liquid into a cocktail glass. Some jiggers are slightly bigger or smaller than a shot or double shot. Pour ingredients into a cocktail beaker to measure as you pour. Cocktail beakers hold between 3 fluid ounces (89 mL) and 5 fluid ounces (150 mL). Cocktail beakers are helpful tools to make most drinks. If you only have a few ingredients, pour them 1 at a time into a cocktail beaker. Add up the amounts of all the ingredients that you have, and subtract them from the total as you pour them into the beaker. For example, if your recipe calls for 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of vodka, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of triple sec, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of lime juice, add those up to get 4 fluid ounces (120 mL). Use the measurements on the side of the beaker to measure each ingredient until you get to 4 fluid ounces (120 mL). Measure your ingredients in a measuring cup for an easy conversion. If you don't have any bartending specific tools, use a clear measuring cup that you already have. Ones that don't hold much volume are the best because they will have smaller measurements on the side. Pour your ingredients in the measuring cup 1 at a time and add them up as you go. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of Campari, 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of orange juice, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of sparkling water, use your measuring cup to pour each ingredient one at a time until you reach 4 fluid ounces (120 mL). | Measure parts based on the volume of your serving glass. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of alcohol for a standard shot. Use 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of alcohol if your cocktail calls for a jigger. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of alcohol if your drink calls for a pony. Count to 1 while you pour for a splash of something. Use 3 to 6 drops of bitters for a dash. Attach a bottle spout on liquor bottles for control during a free pour. Use a double jigger for shots and double shots of alcohol. Pour ingredients into a cocktail beaker to measure as you pour. Measure your ingredients in a measuring cup for an easy conversion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dispose-of-a-Credit-Card | How to Dispose of a Credit Card | Before you dispose of a credit card, run a magnet along the card strip to demagnetize it. Next, use a hammer to smash the chip. To be extra sure no one will try to use you card, you can also cut it up with scissors. When you're ready to throw away the card, make sure to split up the remains of the card in a couple separate trash bags so the pieces can't be recovered. | Demagnetise the magnetic strip. To safely dispose of an old card you need to first disable the magnetic strip which contains all of your personal data, such as your account number, card limit, and name. You need to demagnetize this strip to help make the card unusable by anybody. You can do this by running a magnet all the way along the strip. Do this slowly so that the magnet is against the strip for a good amount of time. You can use any magnet. A fridge magnet will do the job. You can then cut along the strip with a pair of scissors. Destroy the chip. You also need to destroy the chip in your card, if you have a chip and PIN card. This is a small silver or gold square usually on the left-hand side of your card. This chip contains all the same personal information that the magnetic strip does. It can be difficult to cut it up with scissors, so use a hammer to smash the chip into small pieces. Cut it up. Once you have disabled the magnetic strip and electronic chip you can begin to cut up the rest of the card. Take care when you do this to ensure that you cut it up effectively and make it as hard as possible to be pieced back together. Begin by cutting up the numbers on the card so that there is no more than two numbers on each piece of card. Then cut up the security code and signature on the back of the card into very small pieces. Cut it up with bent, curved, and straight cuts which will make it harder to piece back together. Throw away the pieces separately. You can dispose of your card more safely by throwing away the various pieces of it separately. You don't need to put each fragment in a separate trash bag, but don't put them all in the same one. If you spread the card fragments around a few different bags, it would take an awful lot of work to recover all the pieces. If you are throwing away any related documentation, such as account statements or receipts, don't put these in the same bag as any card fragments. Consider destroying documentation. If you are closing an account, you may want to destroy documentation related to it. This includes statements or receipts which include personal information about you and your account. Use a cross-shredder if you have access to one. This is the most thorough way to destroy papers. You can then recycle the shredded paper, but remember that recycling is no safer than the ordinary trash. Be sure to shred papers before putting them into recycling. Incinerate anything that remains. If you want to be completely sure that your card and all the related documentation is completely destroyed, you can always incinerate it yourself. It is generally not advisable to burn the card itself, as the materials it is made from may contain harmful substances which will be released when burns. Burning papers and bills is a way to guarantee that nobody will be able to read them. | Demagnetise the magnetic strip. Destroy the chip. Cut it up. Throw away the pieces separately. Consider destroying documentation. Incinerate anything that remains. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bridesmaid-Bouquets | How to Make Bridesmaid Bouquets | To make bridesmaid bouquets, start by removing any leaves from the flowers and trimming the stems to the same length, if you're using real flowers. Leave enough length that the bridesmaids can easily hold them. Once all of your flowers are the same length, take 2-4 flowers and bind them together with floral tape to form the base of your bouquet. Leave about 4 to 5 inches of stem beneath the tape for the bridesmaids to hold. Then, keep adding a few flowers to the bunch at a time and securing them with tape. A medium-sized bouquet holds 18-20 flowers but you can add as many or as few as you like. Finally, secure the bouquet with one last stretch of floral tape and wrap it with a ribbon to cover the tape. | Use real flowers if you want sweet-smelling bouquets. Opt for flowers that are especially fragrant, like roses, gardenia, or lilacs. Stick with one strong scent or mix and match different smells to create your own fragrance. For example, combine blossoms of jasmine and lavender for a soothing scent. Ask the bridesmaids ahead of time if they have any allergies or are sensitive to strong smells before you pick your flowers. Choose fake flowers for a more budget-friendly option. Cut down the cost of flowers by opting for fake ones, which you can buy at a craft store or from an online retailer. Select from almost any type of flower imaginable, from hyacinths to peonies to tulips, for instance. If you do go with faux flowers, pick ones that are high-quality and look as realistic as possible, like silk ones. Pick the color of the flowers based on the wedding’s color scheme. To narrow down your flower options, think about the colors of the wedding. Pick blooms that either match the exact colors or complement them. For example, if the wedding's scheme is mint and peach, you could use peach roses to match or white lilies to complement. If you want your flowers to match exactly, take fabric swatches or paint chips to your vendor so they know the precise shade. Consider the bridesmaid dresses, too. For instance, if the dresses are a wine color, you might want flowers in a contrasting hue to stand out. Select a vendor based on price and variety if you’re using real flowers. Research different vendors online to compare their prices and inventory options before you choose one. Take into consideration your budget when making a decision and how important it is to you to have the most expensive, exotic flowers or if you want something more affordable. Ask friends who have gotten married what vendors or florists they recommend. Read reviews online to get a feel for the experiences other customers have had with a specific vendor. Buy flowers that are in season if you want to save money. Ask your florist or vendor for a list of flowers currently in season, or research them online. If you include flowers that are not blooming around the time of your wedding, be prepared to pay a higher price. For example, buying daffodils in the fall, which is their off-season, will be more expensive than if you buy them in the spring. Use the same flowers that are in the bride’s bouquet for a cohesive look. To tie all of the bridal party's arrangements together, use some of the same flowers in both the bride's bouquet and the bridesmaid bouquets. For example, if the bride's bunch has roses, lilies, and baby's breath, make the bridesmaid bouquets out of simply roses and baby's breath. Keep all of the bridesmaid bouquets the same while adding more blooms to the bride's bouquet so that hers stands out. Match the colors of the bride's and the bridesmaid arrangements, as well. Opt for cascading bouquets for an extra elegant effect. Arrange the flowers so that they fall down in a sort of waterfall effect by using a slanted bouquet holder. Drape long strands of greenery like ferns and eucalyptus to give it more depth, too. The longer and more voluminous you make the bouquet, the more dramatic it will be. Choose flowers with longer stems for a cascading bouquet. Some of the most commonly used are roses and calla lilies. Bunch together assorted wildflowers if you want a touch of rustic charm. Loosely tie together wildflowers like bright poppies, blue cornflowers, and even sprigs of wheat to create a carefree, bohemian vibe. You can also keep the stems long and different lengths to enhance the undone feel. For a country chic wedding, swap the ribbon around the bouquet for a strand of lace or burlap instead. Build the bouquet around one large flower if you want to make a statement. Start with an eye-catching blossom, like an oversized orchid or king protea. Surround it with smaller flowers to let the center really pop. Choose your statement flower in a color that also contrasts with the bridesmaid dresses for a bold accent. Keep the rest of the flowers in the bouquet understated and neutral in color so they don't compete. Add non-floral extras for a unique and playful twist. If you want a whimsical bouquet that's completely one-of-a-kind, weave in pieces that aren't flowers. For example, long feathers lend a gypsy feel, while glittering gems along the stems create a more glamorous touch. Remove leaves and trim the stems to the same length if you’re using real flowers. Pluck off any foliage on the stems, then use garden shears or sturdy scissors to cut the stems so they're all an equal length. Keep the stems long enough so that the bridesmaids can easily hold them. If your bouquet has roses, remove all of the thorns. You can also pull off any damaged or wilted petals from the flowers. Form the base by wrapping the stems of 2 to 4 flowers together. Choose the flowers that you want to be the base, or the center, of your bouquet. Then, use floral tape to secure the stems together, leaving about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of stem below the tape. Try to wrap the flowers so that they're all at an even height. Add flowers around the bouquet, taping the stems as you go. As you bunch the remaining flowers around the base, wrap more floral tape around the stems to hold them in place. Continue adding flowers until the bouquet is your desired size and shape. Use as many or as few flowers in each bunch as you'd like. For reference, a medium-sized bouquet usually has 18-20 flowers. Wrap a final layer of floral tape around all of the stems to secure the bouquet. Once you've added all of the flowers that you want, keep all of the flowers together by tightly wrapping them with one more layer of floral tape. Start taping about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) from the base of the flowers. You can leave as much of the stems exposed at the bottom as you want. Typically, people don't leave more than 4 inches (10 cm) of stems showing. Wind a ribbon around the stems if you want to cover up the tape. To hide the tape, first pin the ribbon so it's parallel with the top row of tape on the bouquet. Then, wrap it around the length of the stems until none of the tape is visible anymore. Choose a ribbon that matches or complements the color scheme of the wedding or some of the flowers in the bouquet. Opt for thicker, sturdier ribbon, like satin or grosgrain, which covers up the tape better and will hold up on the bouquets. Stand the bouquets in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you aren't using the bouquets right away, set them in a container, like a glass or vase, with just enough water so that the ends of the stems are submerged. Then place the bouquets in a refrigerator to keep them cool until you're ready to use them. You can add plant food to the water if you want to keep the flowers looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Remove any fruits or vegetables from the fridge where you're keeping your flowers. Produce can cause flowers to wilt faster. | Use real flowers if you want sweet-smelling bouquets. Choose fake flowers for a more budget-friendly option. Pick the color of the flowers based on the wedding’s color scheme. Select a vendor based on price and variety if you’re using real flowers. Buy flowers that are in season if you want to save money. Use the same flowers that are in the bride’s bouquet for a cohesive look. Opt for cascading bouquets for an extra elegant effect. Bunch together assorted wildflowers if you want a touch of rustic charm. Build the bouquet around one large flower if you want to make a statement. Add non-floral extras for a unique and playful twist. Remove leaves and trim the stems to the same length if you’re using real flowers. Form the base by wrapping the stems of 2 to 4 flowers together. Add flowers around the bouquet, taping the stems as you go. Wrap a final layer of floral tape around all of the stems to secure the bouquet. Wind a ribbon around the stems if you want to cover up the tape. Stand the bouquets in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-With-Your-Betta-Fish | How to Play With Your Betta Fish | To play with your Betta fish, try adding water-safe items to the bottom of your fish's tank, like rocks and hiding places. For added stimulation, put a small bobber or other floating device on top of the water so the Betta can play with it when it comes up for air. To interact with your Betta, gently run your fingers back and forth along the tank to see if the fish will follow them. Find your Betta's favorite food and use it as bait to try to get the fish to swim through a hoop in the water. | Add objects to the bottom of your Betta's tank. Betta are very curious fish and they are entertained by new things they can explore. They also like to have places to hide and places to relax in their tanks, so adding objects to their tanks is key to their happiness. Either find items to put in the tank that are made to go in fish tanks or items that can be thoroughly cleaned, will not fall apart in water, and are non-toxic. It is best to buy items specifically made for fish, to avoid killing or injuring your finned friend. However, some other items that would be safe to use (if cleaned properly) include glass marbles, plastic straws, rocks, plastic cross-stitching material, and other items made of things like glass or plastic. Just make sure there are no sharp edges or broken bits for your betta's long, flowing fins to get caught on! There are a wide variety of products made for Betta tanks specifically. At the very least, consider adding a fake plant or two for your Betta to hide or relax in. Betta leaf hammocks are also fun. While you do want to give you Betta places to hide and explore, you also need to give it enough open space to swim around freely. Don't overcrowd the tank with too much stuff! Try adding bobbing objects to the top of the tank. Get a small floating toy or a fishing bobber. You don't want to cover the entire surface of the tank, as Betta come up to the surface to get air, but you can float a few fun toys for the Betta to play with. Make sure the toy is clean before you place it in the water. Put a small plastic ping-pong ball in the top of the tank. See what the betta does! Some Betta will push it around their tank. If the Betta doesn't play with the ball immediately, give your fish some time to get used to it. Feed your Betta live food occasionally. This is a great way to entertain your fish. Fish or Aquarium specific stores often offer live worms that most Betta will chase with zeal. Always feed your Betta a balanced, varied diet. Too many treats or meals will not be good for your fish but they can be given once in a while with no problem. You just don't want to feed them too much and get them sick! Run your finger back and forth across your Betta's tank. See if your fish will follow your finger as you move it across the tank. In many cases, the Betta will follow along if it knows its caretaker (you). Try to get your Betta to follow different patterns you make with your fingers. Can you get it to do a flip? Train the Betta to eat out of your fingers. When you feed your Betta, make sure that it comes up and sees that it's you feeding it. Once your Betta is used to you being near when it feeds, try keeping your hand above the water while it eats. Gradually you can transition to holding the food slightly under water between your thumb and forefinger. Try feeding your Betta a food they really like while training them. Betta may even jump if you hold blood worms or insects above the water level just a bit! Train your Betta to swim, and maybe even jump, through a hoop. Make a hoop out of a pipe cleaner or a piece of plastic. Figure out what your Betta likes to eat most, and use that as bait. Hang the hoop in the tank so that the Betta can swim through it. Move the bait to encourage the betta to swim through the hoop. As your Betta becomes more and more comfortable swimming through the hoop, raise it up little by little, until the bottom of the hoop is just touching the water's surface. With enough practice, your Betta may jump out of the water and through the hoop to get a food reward. Remember not to overfeed your Betta fish. A few treats for training are just fine but don't overfeed the fish or it could cause illness or death. Get your Betta to "flare" its fins by showing its reflection in a mirror. Show the Betta its reflection for a few seconds. When it sees its reflection in the mirror the Betta will think there is another fish in the tank. Male Betta are very territorial, so when they see this imaginary other fish, they flare out their fins. There is some debate about whether or not this is a good practice for Betta fish, so if you choose to use a mirror as enrichment, keep sessions to 15 seconds or less. Target training your betta is another easy, fun way to play with your betta, and opens the doors to all sorts of other ways to play with your betta. To begin, find a plastic stick, straw, or chopstick suitable for putting in the betta's tank. It is best to find something brightly colored, so the betta will recognize it. Put the stick in the tank, and when the betta touches it with its nose, give them a treat. Do this several times a day, being careful not to overfeed your betta. Eventually, you can use this stick to train your betta to go through hoops, follow your stick in patterns, and even jump! Just be cautious of over-exerting your betta, and always clean your stick with clean water before use. | Add objects to the bottom of your Betta's tank. Try adding bobbing objects to the top of the tank. Feed your Betta live food occasionally. Run your finger back and forth across your Betta's tank. Train the Betta to eat out of your fingers. Train your Betta to swim, and maybe even jump, through a hoop. Get your Betta to "flare" its fins by showing its reflection in a mirror. Target training your betta is another easy, fun way to play with your betta, and opens the doors to all sorts of other ways to play with your betta. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Mbuna-Cichlids | How to Care for Mbuna Cichlids | To care for Mbuna cichlids, keep them in a tank that holds at least 20 gallons of water so they have plenty of space to swim around in. Line the bottom of the tank with crushed coral or aragonite for your fish to burrow in, and provide at least 1 cave per fish. You should also use aquarium heaters to keep the water between 74 and 82 degrees F., and you should give your cichlids 8-10 hours of bright UV light every day. To feed your fish, give them herbivorous flakes or pellets once a day. | Pick a tank that's a minimum of 20 to 30 gallons (76 to 114 L). These fish are medium-size, and they are used to a lot of space in their freshwater home, the Lake Malawi in East Africa. Therefore, you want to start with a tank that's at least 3 feet (0.91 m) long. Look for one that's low and wide rather than tall, as these fish tend to stick to the bottom of the tank. Pour in crushed coral or aragonite for a substrate. These fish tend to burrow down in the gravel, so you want something that's not too harsh. Add 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of this substrate at the bottom of the tank. These particular substrates will add needed minerals to the water, which is why they're a good choice. They make the water harder, and the fish like hard water. You can find them at pet stores, aquarium stores, or online. Rinse the gravel several times with conditioned water before placing it in the aquarium. Add at least 1 cave per fish. These fish love caves, but the caves don't need to be complicated. Any small space that has sides and a flat bottom will likely "count" for these fish, including spaces between rocks and other caves. You can even break flowerpots in half and stack them on top of each other to make caves. You can also just pile aquarium-safe rocks in the tank to create caves and crevices. Limestone rocks are a good choice, as they had minerals to the water, making it harder. If you do break flowerpots in half, sand down the rough edges and rinse them thoroughly before placing them in your tank. You can also use structures made for aquariums. You don't need to add plants to the tank, as this species will likely just dig them up. Treat the water with aquarium salt and water conditioner. For every 5 gallons (19 L) of water, you should add 1 tablespoon (about 17 grams) of aquarium salt. Also use a water conditioner specifically for cichlids and add the amount specified on the label for the product. It will remove the chlorine. If you are using aquarium gravel instead of aragonite or coral, you will need to add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 5 gallons (19 L) of water if you have soft water. You also need to maintain a pH level between 7.5 and 8, which the baking soda will help you do. You will need to measure the pH level in your tank at least once a week and raise the pH level as needed. Add an aquarium heater to each end of the tank. Maintain a temperature range of about 74 to 82 °F (23 to 28 °C), which you can monitor with an aquarium thermometer. Two heaters is generally enough to keep a large tank warm. Purchase the kind of heater that sits at the top of the water, as these fish tend to burrow and you don't want them burrowing down to the submersible kind. You will likely only need to run the heaters at half power to maintain the proper temperature. Plus, if one goes out or gets too hot, you'll have more time to notice there's an issue because one will still be running. Give the fish 8-10 hours of bright UV light per day. You can use 2 40-watt bulbs for a smaller tank or 4 40-watt bulbs for a deeper tank. Turn the lights on during the day and off at night, so the fish have a natural cycle. Set up a high-flow filtration system for your fish. You will likely need 2 external canister filters. Each filter will come with a flow rate, and you need about 400 gallons (1,500 L) of water per hour in a 100 gallons (380 L) tank. Clean 1 filter each month, going back and forth between the 2. The materials that come with your filter will tell you how to clean your particular model. It's also a good idea to cycle your fish tank before adding too many fish, as that will allow the aquarium time to develop the right balance of bacteria. These bacteria will keep nitrites and ammonia low or non-existent. Ask for less aggressive species when you're first starting out. These fish can get aggressive, so when you're creating a new tank as a novice, you should pick the less aggressive species. That includes species like Tropheops, Pseudotropheus acei, Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos, or T. chilumba. You can mix the different species in one tank. Avoid species like Melanochromis auratus and Maylandia lombardoi. While these tend to be easier to obtain, they are more aggressive. Aim for at least 20 fish in your tank to deter aggression. It may seem counter-intuitive, but slightly overloading your tank with these fish actually makes them less aggressive. If there are just a couple of fish, the males will chase each other to protect their territory. However, with more fish, the males tend to stick close to "their" cave so another fish doesn't take it. Aim for 2 females for every 1 male if you want to breed or go for all males if you don't. Pick food designed for herbivorous fish. These fish should mainly eat a low-protein diet of algae and other plant life. You can find flakes, pellets, and granules that should satisfy this type of fish. Aim for a food that has about 35% protein, which it should say on the packaging. Give the fish food daily. Give these fish their herbivore diet once a day. However, pick 1 day a week to not feed them, as that will give them a chance to clean up algae in the tank. Aim to feed the amount of food your fish can eat in about 5 minutes. If you prefer, you can offer 2 smaller meals twice a day, particularly for young cichlids. Add fresh food to the fishes' diet if you'd like. Cucumbers and spinach are good options for this fish. Clean them well and mince them up finely. You can even use a blender or food processor to chop them into bits. You can also use lettuce, but boil it for about 1 minute first to soften it. Let it cool before chopping it and feeding it to the fish. Skip high-protein foods, as they can cause bloat in these fish. Bloodworm, beef heart, and tubifex are all common fish foods, but you shouldn't give these to your cichlids. The Malawi bloat condition that it causes may kill your fish. Change 25% of the water at least every other week. This process will help keep the water clean and nitrite- and ammonia-free for your fish. You will need to siphon off the old water (avoiding any fish), and then replace it with pre-conditioned new water. Prepare the new water just as you did when filling the tank for the first time. Turn off the heater while changing the water, as you don't want it exposed to air; it can crack. Check the water balance of the tank often. Measure pH levels, ammonia levels, and nitrite levels at least once a month. You may need to adjust the levels of the tank by partially changing less of the water more often. Treat white spots (ich) with extra heat and extra aquarium salt. Increase the temperature of the tank a few degrees, though don't go over 82 °F (28 °C), which will cause the ich eggs to hatch. Then add an extra 1 tablespoon (17 grams) of salt per 10 gallons (38 L) of water, which should kill them off. These white spots on the fish are a fungus. You can also treat them with medication you add to the water, which won't affect your biofilter. Use a fungus and bacterial eliminator for tail and fin rot. Add a fungus eliminator to the water if your fish are being affected by this condition. Make sure the eliminator treats both bacterial and fungus conditions, as it can be caused by either. Read the directions to figure out how much to add. With this condition, the fins and scales of the fish will look fuzzy. It can even make the fins disintegrate eventually, so you want to take care of it. Try antibiotic food first for infections. You can add antibiotic food directly to the tank if your fish are still eating. If not, you need to remove them to a separate bucket filled with tank water. Treat the water in the bucket with an antibiotic meant for fish. Change the water once a day or every other day. Fill it with water from the tank and then replace the water in the tank as you normally would. With this condition, the fish may have red stripes on its tail. You may notice it's listless or confused, often due to swim bladder infection. | Pick a tank that's a minimum of 20 to 30 gallons (76 to 114 L). Pour in crushed coral or aragonite for a substrate. Add at least 1 cave per fish. Treat the water with aquarium salt and water conditioner. Add an aquarium heater to each end of the tank. Give the fish 8-10 hours of bright UV light per day. Set up a high-flow filtration system for your fish. Ask for less aggressive species when you're first starting out. Aim for at least 20 fish in your tank to deter aggression. Pick food designed for herbivorous fish. Give the fish food daily. Add fresh food to the fishes' diet if you'd like. Skip high-protein foods, as they can cause bloat in these fish. Change 25% of the water at least every other week. Treat white spots (ich) with extra heat and extra aquarium salt. Use a fungus and bacterial eliminator for tail and fin rot. Try antibiotic food first for infections. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-That-You-Are-Gay | How to Accept That You Are Gay | If you struggle with accepting your attraction to the same sex, know that being gay is completely normal and you can be proud of who you are by finding support and embracing your individuality. While not everyone needs to know about your sexuality, consider reaching out to family members or close friends who you think will support your lifestyle and can help you process your thoughts. Talking to people who have gone through the same experience can be extremely helpful, so try to find a local or online LGBTQIA group you can turn to for advice and support. It's also important to understand that you don't need to conform to gay stereotypes or titles, as they are artificial social constructs. Instead, be genuine with yourself, determine your values, and embrace the hobbies, ideas, and goals that make you an individual! | Know if you are gay. Sometimes people question their sexuality. There are many degrees of sexual and romantic orientation, and if you find you don't fit easily into one category, don't pick one! Don't allow yourself to be labeled until, or unless, you are ready and willing to be. If you feel that you don't fit, or you can't understand why you aren't like other people in your life because you are different, remember that you are you, and not anyone else; and that being yourself and accepting yourself for the person that you are is something to be immensely proud of. Remember that you didn't choose to be attracted to members of the same sex. Attempts to change your orientation are usually painful and pointless in the end. When talking with heterosexual friends or family members, it's sometimes tough to help them understand this, because they have no frame of reference for your experience. Try to encourage others to see your sexual orientation in the same way as they see your eye color - it is something you were born with and did not choose. It is something that is simply a part of your being, and not something you can change. Or want to or should! There isn't any need to change yourself - being gay is just another way of simply existing, and there is nothing wrong with it at all. Neither is there anything wrong with you for being gay. Some people in the world believe that sexual orientation is a choice. If you feel that you indeed made a choice, you should feel comfortable with that choice. Everyone has their own battles and choices to make, and the norms of societies may not necessarily be normal for you. Tell yourself that for people to accept you, first you must accept yourself. If you can't accept your sexual orientation and feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, then other people find it harder to accept you fully. It's your right to love; no one has the right to tell you otherwise. Tell yourself: "I am a person with feelings and intellect and a life, just like everyone else. I am unique and individual, and no one has the right to choose my life for me. The fact that I am gay is just another facet of who I am, just as being creative, or optimistic, or having brown eyes is. I may not be like many of my friends, but I choose to live my life authentically and happily. It's my life, and I choose to be happy." Remember that being gay does not require you to conform to typical gay stereotypes. Most people who are gay are indistinguishable from those that aren't. They share the same interests, goals, and dreams for their lives. Being gay does not necessarily make you any less masculine or feminine, and there is no need or pressure to conform to stereotypes that don't feel right to you - because you are who you are. You do not need to fit into the gay community just as much as you don't need to fit into the straight community. These are arbitrary social constructs. Are boys inherently about football and burping? No. Society has told them that that's okay. In 100 years, "gay" will be an entirely different concept. Don't pressure yourself to fit in one way or another. Be genuine with yourself so you know your values. Knowing what you value will help you choose what's important to you rather than what society thinks is important. Brainstorm and write down what you value. Do not feel - or let yourself be - pressured into believing that you should "change your ways". If anyone tries to force an opinion on you that you do not agree with, such that your desires themselves are unnatural, sinful or symptoms of a mental disorder, look elsewhere for support. There is no evidence that "helping gay people to become heterosexual" is possible. If someone tells you it is, walk the other way. Treatments to "change" sexual orientation that were common in the 1960s and 1970s were very damaging to those patients who underwent them and affected no change in their sexual orientation. In fact, conversion therapy is slowly getting banned across the US. Homosexuality is not viewed as an illness and in short, it won't be treated as such. Remember that you are not alone. There are many, many gay people in all sorts of communities, and there are many people there for you when you need support. There may be agencies, groups, advisers, family members and friends that you can turn to, even if it is just someone to inform of your feelings. Talking to someone during this difficult time will be incredibly helpful and ground you in realizing millions of others are going through the same thing. Find a group or a hangout where you feel comfortable, and where there will be other gay people to talk with. Make some new friends, and by doing so, you will establish a new network of supportive and encouraging people around yourself. Your energy will help them too! Look for online groups to join, such as The Tribe. Start anonymous if you feel uncomfortable discussing your sexuality. Consider telling your family. Hopefully you live in an environment where your family loves you just as you are. If you have a person you are particularly close with, pull them aside and talk to them. Let them know what you're going through. They'll help you form an attack plan on informing everyone and transitioning as smoothly as possible. If your family would not accept you, it's best to find a mentor that can help you. Do you know anyone who's struggled with this exact same thing? They'll be able to point you in the right direction and be a sounding board for this time. Talking about it, being able to lean on someone, will be a great resource for your overall happiness and sense of strength. Be selective. The entire world does not need to know about your sexual orientation, nor do they care (luckily!). It is not necessary to broadcast who you are, and no one should make you if you find that telling everyone makes you uncomfortable. Know that, while you want and deserve to live an authentic life, it may not be a good idea to expose yourself to narrow-minded people who may offend you. Don't come out to a particular person if it doesn't feel right to you. This is a good rule to follow in general - there could be many reasons why, but if it doesn't " feel right " then it is probably not the right time to come out to that person. The time to tell them may be later, or never. What is most important is that you come out to yourself. Once you are at ease with your own sexual orientation and have a healthy self-image, the when and how of coming out often fall into place naturally Forgive those who aren't ready to accept you. Unfortunately, humans can be cruel and closed-minded. Inevitably, there will be people who don't approve of "your lifestyle" and will let you know about it. Instead of wasting your energy on these people, forgive them. Getting angry will only fuel their fire. In order to beat them at their own game, you need to stay level-headed, logical, and reasonable. Showing that their actions get to you will only make them happier. If you can't muster forgiveness, muster indifference. They're not even on your radar. You'll feel so much better in the long run! Think about your religious beliefs. There will be people that tell you your sexuality prohibits you from specific religious beliefs or from being loved by God. You are free to believe whatever you want to believe, even if members of the same group don't agree. Faith is a personal relationship with God - it has nothing to do with anyone else. If you were raised in an environment that frowns on homosexuality, you are not worth any less. The laws in the Bible were mainly for health purposes - shunning homosexuality is right next to not getting tattoos, not eating pork, and not wearing mixed linens, but you can bet your bottom dollar all your neighbors do those things. Know that how you were raised is just cultural-specific. You are still you and you is good. If you'd like to morph your religious beliefs you're more than welcome to, but you don't have to. Take your time. Surround yourself with those who care. Your friends and family love "you," not straight you or gay you, they love you. Your happiness is important to them; it's not selfish to feel as if you're bombarding them with your problems. Talk about it. Use them to lean on. That's what they're there for! That being said, don't feel obligated to come out to people for this purpose. If you're not ready, you're not ready. There's no harm in that. Your friends and family don't have to know to still be there for you. Show people who you are. Coming out of the closet is the boldest step in accepting your sexual orientation, but now that you are able to live "out," it does not mean that you have to change who you are or what you like. Don't go trying to change yourself or wishing that you were like the other people in your life to cater to the comfort levels of others. There are over 7.6 billion people in the world, and you can't please everyone; those who care about you will still love you for who you are. If someone can't accept the one small fact of who you are that is your sexuality, and can't still respect you for the person that you are, then they aren't worth your time or letting it bother you, because it's not your fault that the person can't accept it. Develop and express your individuality. If your preferred way of doing something strays from the mainstream, whatever it may be, then be proud of it -- you are the one and only you. It takes all kinds -- or this world would be such a boring, monotonous place! Understand that a person who is gay is no different from any other person. Like everyone else, gay people have dreams and goals, and want companionship and love just like anyone else you know. Strive every day to be the best person you can be, and remind yourself of the positive qualities and attributes that make you uniquely who you are. Teach acceptance and love through your own actions. You are in a unique position to leave an impression on others. Others, often younger than you, will need guidance. If you can show them there are points of light on the horizon, you can make their progress that much easier. If you are unaccepting of certain races, religions, or other characteristics, why should others be accepting of you? Your own actions need to echo how you want to be treated. Hopefully, others will take a cue from your behaviors. When it comes to love, take every opportunity to pay it forward, whether it's loving yourself or loving someone else. Find support. It's important to find support for your mental health and so you know you're not alone with someone to turn or to talk to. There is support available in face-to-face or in cyberspace. If you want support in person, find friends or people who are LGBT+ or allies. If you are in the USA, there is the Gay Straight Alliance. If you prefer to stay behind a computer screen, there are many supportive websites for LGBT+ people. There is a Wikipedia list for LGBT+ support. | Know if you are gay. Remember that you didn't choose to be attracted to members of the same sex. Tell yourself that for people to accept you, first you must accept yourself. Remember that being gay does not require you to conform to typical gay stereotypes. Do not feel - or let yourself be - pressured into believing that you should "change your ways". Remember that you are not alone. Consider telling your family. Be selective. Forgive those who aren't ready to accept you. Think about your religious beliefs. Surround yourself with those who care. Show people who you are. Develop and express your individuality. Teach acceptance and love through your own actions. Find support. |
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