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https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Puppies | How to Train Puppies | If you want to house train your puppy, start by taking it outside every hour, because puppies need to go often, and going outside regularly will help to establish a routine that your puppy can follow. To further signal that it's time to go, take the puppy to the same spot every time. When it does go, make sure to give it lots of praise, and use the same phrase each time. Inside the house, keep the puppy in a small area where you can keep an eye on it. If it starts to eliminate inside, immediately get its attention by clapping and take it outside right away. | Develop a routine for your puppy. To begin housetraining your puppy, create a routine to help your puppy learn. Puppies need a consistent routine in order to learn when and where they are supposed to relieve themselves. It's important to start teaching your puppy to go outside when she feels the urge as soon as you bring her home. Plan to take her outside on a set schedule every day: first thing in the morning, after every meal, after playtime, and right before bed. Puppies should be taken out every hour, as well as shortly after meals, naps, and playtime. You should always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, before you and the puppy go to bed at night, and before you leave the puppy alone for any extended period of time. Feed your puppy at the same time every day so you can predict when she'll need to go outside. Very young puppies have to go to the bathroom as often as once an hour. That means you or a family member will need to be available to take your puppy outside that often. If you aren't available to housetrain your puppy during the day, it's important to hire someone else to do it professionally. If you don't start early, it may take your dog a long time to learn not to go to the bathroom in the house. Get your puppy’s attention if she tries to eliminate in the house. If you notice your puppy going potty inside the house, don't overreact by yelling at her or scaring her. Interrupt her while she's doing her business by clapping your hands together. Then pick her up or get her to follow you right away and take her to her bathroom spot. When she finishes going to the bathroom there, reward her with some praise. If you find a mess behind the sofa or somewhere else in your house, it's too late to discipline the puppy. Don't rub her nose in it; she'll just get confused and scared, and she won't understand what you're trying to teach her. Limit your puppy’s space within your home while your puppy is housetraining. For the first few months you will need to keep a careful eye on your puppy so that you can take her outside as soon as she has to go to the bathroom. If you give her too much freedom around the house at first, she'll learn to go to the bathroom wherever she wants, and you won't always be able to catch it in time. Use baby gates to limit your puppy's area within your home. For example, you could put a gate up at the bottom of the stairs to prevent your puppy from roaming around the upper level of your home or put gates up to limit your puppy's movement between a couple of rooms in your home. Allow your puppy more freedom as she becomes better at controlling her bladder and bowels. Try putting your puppy on a leash when she is exploring a new room. It will be much more difficult for your puppy to get into trouble when you are attached to the other end of the leash. Pick a designated bathroom spot outside. Having a place that the puppy associates with going to the bathroom will help her learn not to go in the house. She'll start wanting to go to that spot to relieve herself, and over time she'll learn to wait until you take her there instead of going to the bathroom inside. Use language to strengthen the puppy's association with the spot. Say "go potty" or just "potty" when you set her down. Don't use the word anywhere but in that spot. Many people choose a far corner of the yard, sometimes a place that is fenced off, as the spot where their dog goes to the bathroom. If you don't have a yard, choose a spot close to your home or apartment. It doesn't matter where the location is as long as you take your puppy to the same spot every time. Bringing her to the same spot will associate the smells of the spot with going potty. Smells can often prompt a puppy to eliminate. Keep in mind that some puppies will go potty as soon as your take them outside, while others may need to move around a play a bit before they can eliminate. Praise your puppy for a job well done. When the puppy successfully goes to the bathroom in her designated spot, praise her, pet her and give her a treat. Doing so will help your puppy to understand that this is good behavior and that she should keep doing it. The promise of a reward will encourage her to perform the same good behavior again. Give your puppy her reward immediately after she goes to the bathroom and while she's still in her bathroom spot. If you wait, she'll associate the praise with something else. Wait until your puppy finishes going potty. If you praise your puppy before she has gone to the bathroom, she may get confused. Clean messes up right away. Your puppy will have accidents from time to time and it is important to clean them up right away. Cleaning up your puppy's messes right away will to help prevent further messes in your house. Use an enzymatic cleaner rather than an ammonia-based cleaner to clean up your puppy's messes right after they happen. Ammonia based cleaners smell too much like urine, so your puppy may confuse the smell with her own urine. If the area smells like urine, your puppy may want to go to the bathroom there again. Consider crate training your puppy. A crate helps with potty training because dogs do not like to soil their dens. A crate should be a safe place where your puppy can retreat to during the day if she becomes overwhelmed or that she can go to feel safe when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough for her to stand up in and lie down with her legs stretched out. If it is too much bigger than this, then she may choose a corner of the crate as a bathroom spot. Make sure not to use the crate as a punishment. Take her out regularly for a game or to offer a toilet break. Let your puppy play with other puppies. Puppies learn how to socialize by playing with other puppies. Very young puppies don't know that they can hurt others with their teeth. They learn by playing; when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, the puppy yelps and stops playing. In this way, puppies learn to control how hard they bite. Discourage your puppy from biting you. Play with your puppy the way another puppy would; by tickling her and wrestling with her until she starts to nip at you. When she bites your hand, let out a high-pitched yelp, just the way another puppy would. Let your hand go limp and stop playing. Your puppy will learn that when she bites, she doesn't get attention anymore. Your puppy may try to making up for the bite by nuzzling and licking your hand. Praise her in a sweet voice and reward her with a treat, then keep playing with her. She'll learn that playing nicely gets rewarded. Never spank a puppy to cause her pain in return. Using physical punishment against a puppy will only make her afraid of you. Give your puppy chew toys. Puppies love to use their teeth, and they have to be taught that human skin is not for chewing. Provide plenty of puppy-safe chew toys for your puppy to gnaw on during play time. When your puppy starts nipping at your skin, put a chew toy in her mouth. This will teach her that she should be chewing on the toy instead of your hand. Do the same thing if your puppy nips at your heels and ankles when you walk around. Stop walking and give her a chew toy. If you don't have a toy handy, just stop. When she starts playing nicely, praise her. If she grabs something of yours, distract her and and swap the item for one of her own toys in its place. Employ a time-out area. If your puppy is having trouble learning not to bite, you may need to create a time-out area, a place where you take her to teach her that if she can't play nice, she doesn't get to play. Set aside a corner of her play room and take her there right away when she bites. Don't use the puppy's crate as a time-out area. She should never associate being crated with punishment. After your puppy has been in time out for a few minutes, bring her back to play with the family. Reward her when she plays nicely. If she bites again, give a high-pitched yelp and take her right back to time out. Eventually she will learn not to bite. Teach your puppy to play well with children. Children move quickly, make high-pitched noises and are often on face level with puppies. Puppies and children can have a lot of fun together, but they have to be taught to play properly. If your puppy gets rough with a child, put her in time out immediately. Make sure your kids know how to play nicely, too. Always supervise your children around your puppy. Make sure that your children know that puppies are fragile and teach them what to do if the puppy nips or gets too rough. Start by teaching your puppy her/his name. In order to train your puppy effectively, make sure she knows her name. Say her name clearly. When she looks at you, give her a treat. Continue doing so until she learns that when you say her name, she should look at you. Now you can use her name before issuing other commands. Teach your puppy to sit. This is one of the easiest behaviors to teach a puppy, and almost any puppy can learn how to do it. The trick is to get your puppy to associate the act of placing her bottom on the floor with the sound of your voice saying "sit." Tell her to "sit" in a clear, firm but friendly voice. When she does, give her a treat. Practice often. Sitting can be practiced inside, outside, and anywhere you take your puppy. Carry treats with you so you can turn any moment into a training session. Eventually phase out the treats so that your puppy can sit on command without a reward. Teach your puppy to stay. Now that she can sit, teach her to stay seated. It's a slightly more complicated process, but the same command and reward system is used. Tell your dog to sit, and when she does, say "stay" and wait a few seconds. If she moves, tell her to "sit," then try again. When she successfully stays, reward her with treats and praise. After she has learned how to stay in one place for about 10 seconds, start walking away after you tell her to stay. If she follows you, turn around and tell her to "sit." Say stay and walk away again. Be sure to reward her when she gets it right. Some puppies respond well to a hand signal with the "stay" command. Hold up your hand each time you say "stay." Eventually your puppy may be able to stay without hearing the verbal command. Teach your puppy to come. It's easiest to do this with a partner. Have someone hold your puppy across the room or yard. Look at your puppy and say her name. When she looks at you, say "come" in a clear voice, and have your partner release her. Say her name again if she doesn't seem to know what to do at first. When she makes her way to you, reward her with praise and treats. Repeat this until she knows that "come" means she should run to you. Make it fun for your puppy to come to you by clapping, smiling, and acting excited when she does. Teach her that coming to you is the best thing she can do. Practice the "come" command often in a variety of situations. It's important that your puppy knows to come when she's called, so that when she's in a dangerous situation she doesn't end up getting lost or hurt. Let your puppy get tired before the walk. Puppies tend to pull on their leashes because they're full of extra energy and excited to be outside. If possible, tire your puppy out by playing with her before you put her on a leash for the day. Try throwing your puppy's favorite ball for her for about 10 minutes before you try to put on her leash. Teach her to stand still while you put the leash on. Puppies often get excited when it's time to go outside, jumping up on their owners and barking in anticipation of going on a walk. This problem can go on for years if you don't resolve it while your puppy is still young. If your puppy barks and jumps on you when you pick up a leash, wait until she is completely calm before putting it on. Do this over and over until she learns that she won't get to go outside until she behaves. Use the red light, green light method. Start walking with your puppy outside. When she runs ahead and pulls on the leash, halt. Wait for her to turn around, say "come," and when she's at your side, tell her to "sit." Reward her with a treat, then continue walking. Repeat the process until she learns to walk alongside you instead of pulling on the leash. When your puppy walks beside you, reward her frequently so she knows that's where she's supposed to walk. Continue using the red light, green light method for a few weeks. It may take awhile before your dog learns not to pull you down the street. Decide on training cue words and stick with them. Make sure that all members of your household use the same words to train your puppy. If you are using different words from other members of your household, then your puppy may get confused and take longer to learn. For example, to train your dog to sit. Have everyone use the word “sit.” Don't vary this command at all. In other words, don't say “sit down” or “stay” to get your puppy to sit. Only use the cue word “sit” or your puppy may become confused. Apply the rules at all times. Make sure that you observe the rules that you have put in place at all times. Do not apply the rules half of the time or bend them on certain occasions. For example, if you do not want the puppy to get up on your furniture, then enforce this rule at all times. If you make him stay off the furniture during the week, but then allow him on the sofa over the weekend, he will end up getting up on the sofa more and more. Find your puppy’s motivation. Training works best when good behavior is rewarded. You can reward your puppy with a tasty treat, by playing a game with his favorite toy, or by making a fuss over him and praising him. Find out what makes your puppy the happiest and use this to reward him when he does something well. Reward your puppy right away. It is important to give your puppy his reward right after he does what you ask him to do. Over time, you should phase out the treats so that your puppy doesn't get a treat each time he performs the behavior. Doing so teaches him to work harder because he can't take it for granted that he gets a treat every time. Otherwise, he may become lazy. Begin to reduce frequency of treats once your puppy is performing the desired behavior four times out of five. Use a clicker. Clickers are an effective way to reinforce your puppy's good behavior and let him know that a treat is coming. It is important to reward your puppy's good behavior right after he has performed it, but it is not always possible to do so. Using a clicker in your training sessions helps you to reinforce good behavior even when you do not have a treat on hand. Start by teaching your puppy to associate the sound of the clicker with getting a reward. Understand that punishment is not an effective training method. Yelling at your puppy or using physical punishment are not effective ways to get him to change his behavior. Your puppy will not understand what he is being punished for and this may lead to more bad behavior. For example, if your puppy makes a puddle on the floor, don't tell him off. If you do, he will just think that you are angry at him for going potty, rather than realize he has defecated in the wrong spot. Instead of yelling at your puppy if you catch him in the act of defecating in the house, clap your hands to get his attention and make him stop. Then, take him out to his potty spot and wait for him to finish. Keep training sessions short but regular. Puppies can't concentrate for long, so keep the sessions short. You should limit your puppy's training sessions to 5 - 10 minutes. Aim for 2-3 training sessions per day to reinforce the behaviors that you want your puppy to learn. Make sure that you use regular activities as opportunities to train your puppy as well. For example, you could ask your puppy to sit before you put his food down, or praise him when he toilets in the right spot outside. Choose a 'good' dog name and a 'bad' dog name: Make sure that your puppy associates his name only with good things. Doing so will make him more likely to respond to you at all times. If your puppy links his name to bad things (such as being told off) this may make him reluctant to come when called. Having a name you use only when he's bad will help you to avoid teaching your puppy negative associations with his 'good' dog name. Use your dog's actual name when he is being good, but then designate another nickname for when he is being bad. For example, if your dog's name is Charlie, call him Charlie whenever he is being good. If he is being bad, call him Chuckie. | Develop a routine for your puppy. Get your puppy’s attention if she tries to eliminate in the house. Limit your puppy’s space within your home while your puppy is housetraining. Pick a designated bathroom spot outside. Praise your puppy for a job well done. Clean messes up right away. Consider crate training your puppy. Let your puppy play with other puppies. Discourage your puppy from biting you. Give your puppy chew toys. Employ a time-out area. Teach your puppy to play well with children. Start by teaching your puppy her/his name. Teach your puppy to sit. Teach your puppy to stay. Teach your puppy to come. Let your puppy get tired before the walk. Teach her to stand still while you put the leash on. Use the red light, green light method. Decide on training cue words and stick with them. Apply the rules at all times. Find your puppy’s motivation. Use a clicker. Understand that punishment is not an effective training method. Keep training sessions short but regular. Choose a 'good' dog name and a 'bad' dog name: |
https://www.wikihow.com/Beat-Anxiety-Naturally | How to Beat Anxiety Naturally | To beat your anxiety naturally, try to meditate once a day for at least 15 minutes to let go of your thoughts and find peace in your internal monologue. While you meditate, sit silently and focus on your breathing, posture, and body, not your thoughts. Any time you feel like your anxious thoughts just won't shut off, take deep, smooth breaths to flood your body with oxygen and slow down your thought process. As you focus on your breathing, try adding some progressive muscle relaxation. With each inhale, tense the muscles in your neck, then slowly release them as you exhale, and work your way down your body from your arms to your feet. Another great way to feel calmer is to go outside for a walk or bike ride. Being outdoors has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, and even just opening your windows to get some fresh air can help you feel more relaxed. | Try breathing exercises to help you calm down. Whenever you start feeling anxious or stressed, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts and then hold your breath for another 7 counts. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts while you make a “whoosh” sound. Keep taking deep breaths like this until you start feeling calm again. Try to recognize if your mind wanders during your exercises so you can refocus on your breathing again. When you exhale through your mouth, make a conscious effort to rest your tongue on the lower palette of your mouth. This mimics the state of your body when it's at rest, so it triggers the parasympathetic part of your nervous system, which has a calming effect. Take notice of what triggers your anxiety. Don't dwell on anxious thoughts since they could make you feel more stressed out. Instead, try to pinpoint what made you start feeling anxiety so you're able to recognize your triggers easier. Stay aware of thoughts that regularly cause your anxiety so you can learn to avoid them. To help you picture your thoughts better, imagine that they're buses that come and go through your head. You can either get on a “thought bus” and ride out your anxious feelings, or you can recognize them and let them pass. Accept that there are things you can’t change. Losing control of a situation may cause you a lot of anxiety, but it's a normal feeling for many people. If you're facing a bad situation, rather than focusing on what's already happened and out of your control, think about the things that you can do for yourself instead. Look for what steps you can take moving forward to improve your situation so you have your best foot forward. For example, if the company you work for is going out of business and you're losing your job, realize that you can't change anything about your current position. Instead, focus on things you can control, like improving your resume and looking for a new job. Reframe tasks into smaller goals so they don’t seem as overwhelming. Taking on a large project may seem daunting, but break it down into more manageable steps so you feel more in control. Take time to plan out specific and measurable goals so you can easily track your progress. Set what tasks you want to complete on an hourly, daily, or weekly schedule so you have a smaller amount of work to focus on at a time. For example, rather than thinking about having a 5-page essay due in 1 month, you may instead set goals to research and outline in the first week, write a page each day the second week, and then use the last 2 weeks to edit and revise. Do what tasks are the most important first so you have easier and more manageable tasks at the end. Keep a journal to track your stress and anxiety. Carry your journal with you wherever you go so you can easily use it whenever you start feeling anxious. Write down what triggered your anxiety and what feelings you're experiencing. Try to work through why the situation makes you feel anxious so you can recognize what's causing your stress. As you keep experiencing anxious situations, you may start realizing past times you've felt the same so you can manage them better. Writing your feelings in a journal allows you to look back at how you handled similar situations so you recognize they aren't as stressful as they may seem. Talk about your feelings to a friend or family member. Choose somebody that you trust and is willing to listen to your concerns. Open up about why you're feeling anxious and let them know if there is anything they can do to help you out. Do your best to fully explain why you're feeling anxious since it can help you get better at recognizing your triggers. If you just want to vent, you can ask the person, “Hey, do you mind if I get something off my chest for a few minutes?” or “Is it alright if I vent for a little while?” You can also find an anxiety support group to discuss and manage your anxiety with other people going through similar situations. Spend time in anxious situations so you feel more comfortable in them. Don't avoid situations just because they stress you out, or else you'll still feel anxious about them in the future. Instead, get involved in the activity a little bit at a time so you get used to it. As you start getting more comfortable, start going out of your comfort zone even more so you're less likely to feel anxious in the future. For example, if you get anxious in large crowds, start by spending time around smaller groups of people. Then start going to bigger events with a friend or a group of people so you have people to support you. Over time, you may start feeling more comfortable in crowds by yourself. If you start to feel panicked, do your deep breathing exercises, and slowly repeat something like, "I am okay," or "I am safe"—affirmations like that can actually help your nervous system feel more calm. Exercise regularly to help release tension and boost your mood. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity for 5 days out of the week. Try activities like jogging, swimming, hiking, cycling, or playing sports so you stay active throughout the entire workout. Even if you don't have time to do full workouts, go out for short walks or practice bodyweight exercises when you have a few minutes to spare. Exercise can boost your serotonin levels, which naturally improves your mood so you don't feel as stressed. Exercise is also a great way to get rid of trapped stress and anxiety that might be built up in your body. Make a workout routine so you can follow a schedule, which may also help reduce your anxiety. Maintain a regular, healthy eating schedule to keep up your energy. Avoid fatty or sugary foods since they won't give you as much energy and could make you feel stressed. Instead, try to make meals that contain healthy foods, such as lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Only have enough food to feel satisfied so you don't overeat. Eat your meals at regular times each day to make them routine. Avoid having caffeinated drinks since they can make you feel more stressed or anxious. Try meal prepping so you have a week's worth of meals planned ahead of time. This can eliminate the stress or anxiety of finding something to eat. Get enough sleep at night so you’re well-rested. Do your best to go to sleep around the same time every night so your body gets used to a routine. Aim to get at least 7–9 hours of sleep each night to help your body get rest so you don't feel anxious or stressed in the morning. Make sure your room is completely dark, or else you may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Avoid using your phone or looking at screens right before going to bed because they can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Practice relaxation techniques to ease your mind. Anxiety can make you feel on edge, so actively seek ways to calm down and keep your mind relaxed. Try taking a few deep breaths to see if that helps you manage your symptoms. In addition, try practicing meditation or yoga regularly to direct your focus away from your thoughts. Look for guided meditations online if you have trouble meditating on your own. Over time, mindfulness exercises and meditation can make it easier to deal with anxiety and stress as they arise. Stop or limit your smoking or drinking habits. Smoking and drinking may seem helpful at the moment, but they can actually make your anxiety feel worse. Do what you can to quit smoking of any kind to help your body recover easier. If you want to drink alcohol, only have 1–2 drinks per day. Have a glass of water for every alcoholic you drink to help flush it out of your system. Try aromatherapy with chamomile oil so you can feel relaxed. Put a few drops of chamomile oil into a diffuser and let it warm up completely. Allow the vapor from the oil to fill the room as you go about your regular activities, or lie down and relax so your mind stays at ease. Take deep breaths in through your nose so you can smell the chamomile and feel it's relaxing effects. You may also have a glass of chamomile tea to feel relaxed. You can buy chamomile essential oils online or from your local pharmacy. Chamomile contains antioxidants that are attributed to reducing anxiety and helping people sleep. Take passionflower to combat restlessness and nervousness. Look for a 90-milligram passionflower or passiflora supplement online or at a drugstore. Take a single dose of the passionflower each day to combat your symptoms. Continue taking the passionflower as long as you have anxious thoughts or restless feelings. Passionflower may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. Passionflower has anxiolytic properties, which means it naturally decreases anxious feelings. Have ginkgo biloba to help improve your mood. Find ginkgo biloba supplements that have 120–240 milligrams online or at your local pharmacy. Take the ginkgo biloba once every day when you're feeling anxious. You may continue taking your supplements every day without getting addicted or experiencing side effects. Ginkgo biloba helps stimulate serotonin production, which helps improve your mood so you don't feel as worried or anxious. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements to see if they have any interactions with other medications you're taking. Use lysine if you need to reduce stress. Lysine is an amino acid that stimulates your brain's serotonin production, which boosts your mood so you don't feel stressed or worried. Take a 2-gram lysine supplement even if you aren't feeling symptoms so you're less likely to feel stressed out. Continue taking the lysine each day to manage your anxiety. You can buy lysine from your local pharmacy. Try kava for a treatment option that doesn’t make you drowsy. You can mix kava powder into a glass of water for a drink or you can take an oral kava supplement. Limit yourself to less than 400 grams of kava daily, or else you may experience side effects like nausea or lung problems. Continue taking the kava daily so your symptoms don't feel as severe. Kava is a plant from the South Pacific that helps release dopamine, which makes you feel happier, and eases anxiety symptoms. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements. While some herbal remedies or supplements may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, they can also interact badly with certain medications or conditions. Before trying any supplement or herbal remedy, discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor. Give your doctor a full list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and vitamins or dietary supplements. Talk to your doctor about any physical health conditions or concerns you may have since these can affect what types of supplements you can safely use. Get emergency medical care if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction while taking a supplement, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rapid heartbeat, fainting or lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. See your doctor if you have severe or persistent anxiety. Everyone deals with anxiety on occasion, but sometimes it can become overwhelming. If you feel like you're so anxious that it's interfering with your everyday life, work, or relationships, talk to your doctor to discuss possible treatment options or get a referral to a mental health specialist who can help. You should also see your doctor if your anxiety is causing you to feel depressed or hopeless, you are struggling with substance abuse problems, or you have any other mental health concerns or issues. Persistent stress and anxiety can contribute to physical health issues, such as heart problems or digestive problems. Let your doctor know if you're having other symptoms along with anxiety. Possible treatments for anxiety include counseling, medications (such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs), and lifestyle changes. Many people do best with a combination of treatments. Get emergency medical care if you’re having suicidal thoughts. Dealing with severe anxiety can be very difficult and distressing. If you ever have thoughts of suicide or think you might hurt yourself, call emergency services or go to the emergency room. If you're seeing a therapist, they might also have an emergency number you can call. If you live in the U.S., you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you can't make a call, you can also chat with crisis counselors online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. Another option is to text HOME to 741741 to chat with someone at the Crisis Text Line. | Try breathing exercises to help you calm down. Take notice of what triggers your anxiety. Accept that there are things you can’t change. Reframe tasks into smaller goals so they don’t seem as overwhelming. Keep a journal to track your stress and anxiety. Talk about your feelings to a friend or family member. Spend time in anxious situations so you feel more comfortable in them. Exercise regularly to help release tension and boost your mood. Maintain a regular, healthy eating schedule to keep up your energy. Get enough sleep at night so you’re well-rested. Practice relaxation techniques to ease your mind. Stop or limit your smoking or drinking habits. Try aromatherapy with chamomile oil so you can feel relaxed. Take passionflower to combat restlessness and nervousness. Have ginkgo biloba to help improve your mood. Use lysine if you need to reduce stress. Try kava for a treatment option that doesn’t make you drowsy. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements. See your doctor if you have severe or persistent anxiety. Get emergency medical care if you’re having suicidal thoughts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Best-Man%27s-Speech | How to Write a Best Man's Speech | To write a best man's speech, try to keep your speech around 2-4 minutes so you don't lose everyone's attention. Start your speech by introducing yourself and saying how you know the groom and bride. Then, share a touching story about the groom and maybe even throw in a light-hearted joke. You should also compliment the bride as well as the bride and groom's relationship. Finally, wrap up your speech with a nice quote and propose a toast. | Be yourself and don't worry about giving some formal speech that doesn't reflect you. Though it's important to stick to some conventions, what's most important is that you stay true to your relationship with the groom — even if it's a PG-rated version of your relationship. You don't want to sound too stuffy or like someone who is nothing like you. At the end of the day, what's most important is that you say some heartfelt words and stay true to yourself. For example, most best man speeches have a bit of humor in them for levity and to get the crowd going. But if this really isn't for you and making jokes just feels too forced, you don't have to follow that convention. On the other hand, if you're known for your humor and sarcasm, you don't have to force yourself to be overly sentimental. Just a few words of honest sentiment would get the message across without making you feel like you're faking it. If public speaking is not for you, don't be nervous about it. You can even make a joke about how much you love public speaking, or about how this is the groom's way of punishing you/getting you back for that time you made him push your car up a hill. Keep it short. You don't want to just say "Cheers" or deliver a one-liner, but you also don't want to ramble on and on; this day is not about you. Your speech should be long enough to say what you want to say and no longer. As a rule of thumb, try to keep the toast between 2 and 4 minutes; most people won't have patience for anything over 5 minutes. The groom and bride may even have an idea of how long they want speeches to be, so don't be afraid of asking them. Though your speech should be well prepared in advance, take a look at the crowd; if people are particularly restless or eager to drink and dance, then you may want to cut out that second anecdote you weren't sure about. Though it's typical for the best man and maid of honor to give a speech, there may be other speeches given out there. The father of the bride sometimes speaks, and there may be two maids of honor and thus, two speeches. And maybe even drunk Uncle Bertie will try to say a few words. If there are a number of speeches, then it's especially important to keep it short so the crowd doesn't spend all night listening to people talk. Write and practice your speech in advance. The sooner you get it written, the more time you'll have to practice and perfect it, which will boost your confidence when you have to get up in front of everybody. Don't think that you'll just gather some liquid courage and start spouting things off about the newly married couple. In fact, this is one of the worst ideas you can have, because you may end up saying something you deeply regret or may just completely lose your train of thought. It's important to be well-prepared in advance so your big speech goes off without a hitch. Don't be embarrassed about keeping a written version of your speech with you when you go up there during your big moment. Even if you don't use it as a reference, just having it there can make you feel more confident about not making any mistakes. Look for inspiration. If you're really struggling, there's no shame in going on YouTube and checking out the thousands of great best men speeches that people have videotaped and posted there. You may get an idea that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise when you sit down to write your speech. You can also search for written versions of speeches on-line, or even ask friends or family members who had given those speeches if they can give you a copy of what they'd written or even give you some words of advice. Stay sober enough to do a good job. Though each wedding is different, the best man typically gives his speech some time during dinner, when the guests are seated and hopefully are able to give their attention to the speaker. This means that a few hours can go by between the end of the wedding ceremony and your speech. There may be a cocktail hour as well as a fair amount of time that goes by before you are called to the microphone. This means that you may have to show some self restraint and not drink too much, or you will risk embarrassing yourself. Once you give your speech, you can let loose a bit, if you like! Remember that people often videotape best man's speeches. You don't want yourself looking sloppy on camera for all of eternity. Ask the audience to give you their attention. You may face a rowdy crowd and may have to hit the tines of your fork against your wine glass a few times, or to wait for people to settle down before you begin your speech. Since the first thing you'll do is introduce yourself, it's important that people are listening so that they know who the heck you are and how you're connected to the groom. Just say something simple like, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like a moment of your time." Depending on how the reception goes, someone else may introduce you and you won't have to do this part. But be prepared in advance in case you're given the microphone and find that your audience isn't exactly rapt. Introduce yourself. The first thing you should do is to tell the audience who you are. Though many of them will probably notice that you're the best man by now, after the wedding ceremony, it's still important to say who you are and how you know the groom and bride. It's likely that not everybody present will know you, so you should say who you are, how you met the bride and groom, and how long you've known them. Even if you haven't memorized your speech, try to memorize the opening lines so you can begin sincerely. Here are some easy ways to introduce yourself: "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Brian, [groom's name here]'s little brother." "I'm Jake, [groom's name here]'s best friend. I've known him since the seventh grade, and I've known [bride's name here] ever since their second date." "I'm Danny, [groom's name here]'s best friend. I've known [groom's name] and [bride's name] ever since our freshman year of college. We all lived in the same hall." Express gratitude. While it's traditional to thank the people paying for the wedding, usually the bride's parents, be subtle. Don't thank them for "paying for" the celebration, but rather, for helping to make it possible. You can say something about how beautiful the wedding and wedding venue are, and what an amazing time everyone is having. This is a way of thanking the bride's family for making it possible without being too obvious about it. Just keep in mind that, with the changing culture, often the bride and groom's family split the cost of the wedding, so don't short-change anyone who helped make it possible. It's also nice to thank the guests for being there. You can also thank the bridal party. Optionally, you can also thank the bridesmaids. Mention what great friends they have been for the bride and tell them how lovely they look. You can play this for laughs a bit as long as you don't come off sounding like a total creep. You can say something about the lovely color of the dresses, how big of a help they've been during the wedding, and whatever else you can say that is quick and tasteful. Make a light-hearted joke at the groom's expense. A good best man usually shares a joke involving the groom, giving everyone a peek at the groom's personality. If you want to throw in a classy but funny quote, consider Oscar Wilde's "Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." You shouldn't be offensive, but you can make a joke about how shy/outgoing/perfection-oriented the groom is. It's best if it's a trait that most people can recognize about the groom so people don't feel like you're making an inside joke. Remember that half of the people in the room may not know each other. People should be able to find your speech funny and moving without knowing the groom or hearing an excessive amount of detail about someone they don't know. Of course, if it's a more intimate wedding and it seems like most people do know each other, then you can go into a bit more detail, if you like. If you're the groom's brother, you can joke around about how he used to tease you mercilessly when you were little, or how you used to give him a hard time. You can also make a joke about how not much has changed in that regard. Remember to keep up a nice emotional balance. You should have as many sweet and heartfelt comments about the groom as jokes. Tell a touching story about the groom. The main part of your speech should be a brief story about the groom and, possibly, the bride. While the goal of the story is to give your speech a more personal touch, avoid dredging up unpleasant details from the past. The story should be able to show why the couple is meant for each other, or why the groom's personality is perfect for being with the bride. Here are some ways to go about it: Tell a funny story. This will not only break up the formality of the ceremony, but also help endear the couple to the audience. A great way to grab everyone's attention would be to introduce it by saying “I'm about to let you in on a secret about the groom" or "the groom begged me not to include this story in my speech but I simply had to." Alternatively, tell a touching story. A particularly appropriate story might describe how the bride and groom met or something sweet that helped move their relationship forward. Since you are the groom's best friend, this might be a good place to describe how you watched him fall head-over-heels for the bride. If you can't think of any appropriate stories or don't know the bride well enough to include her in one, make some observations about love or marriage in general, or about the groom's feelings for the bride. Even if you haven't spent a lot of time with the bride, you can make observations about the first time the groom told you about the bride, or what the groom said about their first date. Avoid mentioning any sensitive subjects. Though you may think it's funny to make fun of the groom's annoying ex-girlfriend or to talk about that time he spent a night in jail for public drunkenness, the groom, his bride, and their families will definitely not think this is funny. Your jokes should be harmless and tasteful and should only be slightly edgy if you're one hundred percent convinced that everyone in the audience, happy couple included, would truly appreciate them. Though you want to choose a humorous anecdote, make sure it is appropriate for everyone; the last thing you want is to come across as humiliating or mean-spirited. If you mention that time when the groom and bride broke off their engagement for three weeks or talk about how much more fun your best friend used to be before he got with his "ball and chain," then his wife may never forgive you. You don't want to sever your relationship, or put it in question, over something like saying a few thoughtless words in a speech. Don't make it a speech about how you first really didn't like your buddy's wife and then came around, either. And lastly, do not think it's funny to insult the venue or the food. Someone shelled out a lot of hard-earned cash for what you might think are tacky Christmas lights or rubbery chicken. Expand on the groom's virtues. For example, talk about his loyalty, his compassion, or the fact that you know how much he loves the bride and that he'll make a great husband. In a way, you can think of yourself as a salesman selling the groom to members of the bride's family, who may not know him as well as you do. Let them know how much he means to you, how he's helped you out in the past, or how you couldn't have gotten through a difficult period of your life without him. You can talk about something the groom did for you. Say something like, "I'll never forget the time Mark helped me move across the country to follow my dream. I couldn't have done it without him." It's completely normal to find this part a little embarrassing. Just remember that this is your buddy's day, and no one's going to laugh at you for getting a little sappy. Don't forget to pay homage to the bride. You don't want to give the impression that you don't know why this wonderful guy is marrying her. In fact, you can even talk about how much more outgoing/happier/calmer/more laid back the groom has become since meeting his bride. You can say something like, "After Jeff met Mary, his tendency to over-analyze and worry about everything began to disappear..." If you don't know the bride very well, that's okay. Instead of saying that bluntly, you can say something like, "Though I haven't spent as much time with Mary as I would have liked, I could tell right away that she was right for Jeff." Give a compliment about the bride and groom's relationship. This can add a nice touch to the end of the speech, especially if you've spent a lot of it poking fun at the groom. There are a number of ways of complimenting their relationship, from talking about how compatible they are, how they work together as a team, how they really balance each other out, or how you can tell just by looking at them that they are completely in love. Say something like, "Even when Mary and Jeff are on the opposite side of a room, you can feel them looking out for each other. They don't have to be glued together to have such a strong, incredible bond." You can also make a comment about how much you admire their relationship and have always looked for a love as strong as theirs (if you're single). If you're married, you can share some thoughts on marriage and why the groom and bride are a great match. You don't have to overdo it and say they are a perfect pair, meant for each other, soul mates, or the like, if you don't really feel that way. You can mention the strengths of their relationship without making it sound too forced. Wrap it up with a quote. Though you don't have to use a quote, they can serve as nice bookends between talking about the groom and bride and proposing a toast. You can search for inspiration on-line or use a commonly loved quote about marriage, such as the words, “Marriage is not about finding a person you can live with, it's about finding the person you can't live without.” You can even relate the quote to the bride and groom, if it's possible. Don't force yourself to do this unless you find one that's really fitting. There's another one that goes, "Marriage isn't about looking at each other. It's about looking outward in the same direction." Propose a toast. Wishing the couple the best in their lives together is the most important part of the speech. This should wrap up your speech and bringing everyone together. Raise your glass of champagne and will the other guests to toast to the happy couple. You should ask the guests kindly to join you in raising their glasses, and to wish the best for the newlywed couples. You can say something like, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to propose a toast to Mary and Jeff. May they have years of joy, happiness, and health ahead of them." You can also say something like, "Here's to a lifetime of happiness for Mary and Jeff." If the bride took the groom's last name, you can propose the toast to "Mr. and Mrs. Thompson." | Be yourself and don't worry about giving some formal speech that doesn't reflect you. Keep it short. Write and practice your speech in advance. Look for inspiration. Stay sober enough to do a good job. Ask the audience to give you their attention. Introduce yourself. Express gratitude. Make a light-hearted joke at the groom's expense. Tell a touching story about the groom. Avoid mentioning any sensitive subjects. Expand on the groom's virtues. Don't forget to pay homage to the bride. Give a compliment about the bride and groom's relationship. Wrap it up with a quote. Propose a toast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-H.-Pylori | How to Know if You Have H. Pylori | Common symptoms of H. Pylori include dull stomach pain that doesn't go away, prolonged nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. You may also encounter a bloated abdomen, black and tarry stools, and frequent bouts of hiccups. H. Pylori is not usually a medical emergency, however, if you experience difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, or bloody stools or vomit, you should seek medical attention immediately. | Watch for dull pain in your stomach that does not go away. An H. Pylori infection can cause peptic ulcers in your stomach and lower intestine. As H. Pylori rarely causes symptoms in and of itself, a peptic ulcer can alert you to a potential infection. If you have a peptic ulcer, you may display some of the following symptoms: You may have a dull pain in your stomach that does not go away. Pain will usually come two to three hours after eating. The pain will come and go for several weeks, and may sometimes happen in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty. The pain may go away temporarily when you take medications like antacids and other over-the-counter pain medications. Pay attention to prolonged nausea. You may experience nausea if you have an H. Pylori infection. Pay attention to your body and notice of any nausea you experience. You may vomit when you experience nausea. With an H. Pylori infection, your vomit may include blood. You may also notice a substance that resembles coffee grounds. Nausea can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as motion sickness, the flu, eating or drinking something that did not sit well with you, or morning sickness during pregnancy. If your nausea is persistent, and you do not have any obvious cause, it may be related to an H. Pylori infection. Consider your appetite. A loss of appetite can also be a symptom of an H. Pylori infection. You may not be interested in food or eating. This may come in conjunction with the feelings of nausea and indigestion associated with the disease. If you're having a loss of appetite, which is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, you may want to talk to a doctor. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of many diseases, including some cancers. See your doctor to rule out any serious conditions if you're experiencing a loss of appetite. Watch out for unusual changes in your body. You may experience some odd changes in your body when you have an H. Pylori infection. Take note of any sudden changes and see a doctor for evaluation. It's not uncommon for the abdomen to be bloated slightly during an H. Pylori infection. You may also notice your stools have become increasingly black and tarry. Sometimes, people with an H. Pylori infection will experience frequent bouts of the hiccups. Assess your risk factors. As symptoms are rare, and easily mistaken for other conditions, think about your risk factors. If you have a lot of risk factors for an H. Pylori infection, symptoms like stomach cramps may be cause for concern. If you live in crowded conditions, such as a small home with many people, this increases your risk of infection. If you don't have regular access to clean water, you may also have an increased risk of infection. If you live in a developing country, or have recently visited one, this also increases your risk for infection. If you're living with someone who you know has H. Pylori , this means you're more likely to have the infection yourself. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms get worse quickly. H. Pylori is not usually a medical emergency; however, some symptoms can become serious. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention: Difficulty swallowing Severe abdominal pain Bloody stools Bloody vomit Talk with your doctor about testing. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and why you think you may have H. Pylori and see if she agrees that a test is necessary. People who should be tested for H. Pylori include those with certain gastric tumors, active peptic ulcer disease, or history of peptic ulcer disease. People who are under the age of 55 who have dyspepsia may be candidates for treatment. Take a breath test. Though this is not the most accurate test for H. Pylori , it is not as invasive as some other options. During this test, you swallow a substance that contains a waste product called urea. Urea breaks down proteins in the stomach. If an infection is present, the urea will be converted to carbon dioxide which can be detected in the breath. You will need to prepare for a breath test for about two weeks. Your doctor will advise you to stop taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication you're using to treat H. Pylori. You will swallow the urea in the doctor's office. After 10 minutes, you'll be asked to exhale and the doctor will test your breath for carbon dioxide. Consider a stool test. Your doctor may want to test your stool for traces of H. Pylori. This is usually done after treatment to confirm H. Pylori has been eradicated and you no longer have an infection. Your doctor may order a stool test after a positive breath test and subsequent treatment. Listen to your doctor's instructions carefully in regards on how to collect and store your stools. Collection methods vary by hospital. There is also a rapid stool antigen test for H.Pylori. Talk with your doctor about this option — it may not be available everywhere. Get a blood test done. A blood test can also be used to check for H. Pylori ; however, this test may not be as accurate as a breath test. It can only test whether your body currently contains H. Pylori antibodies. It cannot tell if you are presently infected. Your doctor may order a blood test for a variety of reasons. She may want to confirm an infection. If your doctor orders a blood test, trust that your doctor knows what's best for you. It's a simple procedure that should not take long. Other methods that are not as commonly utilized include PCR chain reaction, salivary assays, urinary assays, and C13-urea blood test. See if your doctor wants a biopsy. A biopsy is the most accurate way to test for H. Pylori. In a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from your stomach. You'll have to have an endoscopy, a somewhat invasive medical procedure, conducted at the hospital to remove the sample. During an endoscopy, a small tube will be inserted into your mouth and then fed into your stomach. In addition to removing a tissue sample, your doctor will check for inflammation. While the most accurate means to diagnose H. Pylori , your doctor will not call for this procedure unless an endoscopy is necessary for other reasons. Your doctor may want to conduct an endoscopy if you have a peptic ulcer or are at risk for stomach cancer. Take drugs to suppress acid. After an infection is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend you take a variety of drugs to suppress stomach acid. Triple antibiotic therapy is the first line treatment for H. Pylori. The regimen most commonly employed for first line treatment include a proton pump inhibitor and two antibiotics for coverage against the bacteria. Treatment should last 14 days. Your doctor will recommend which particular drugs are best for you based on your medical history and current condition. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a range of drugs that stop acid production in the stomach. Your doctor may prescribe these drugs if excessive stomach acid is causing you pain. Histamine (H-2) blockers can also block acid production by stopping the production of a substance called histamine. Histamine can trigger acid production in the stomach. Bismuth subsalicylate, sold commercially as Pepto-Bismol, can coat stomach ulcers and can reduce pain. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully in regards to which drugs he recommends. If you are on any existing medication, make sure to ask whether your current meds will interact with medication used to treat H. Pylori. Continue testing throughout treatment. Your doctor will want to make sure treatment of your H. Pylori was successful. He or she will probably want to do another round of testing about four weeks after your treatment. In the event treatment was unsuccessful, you may undergo a second round of treatment and be prescribed antibiotics. Usually the second round of testing includes upper endoscopy, fecal antigen test, or urease breath test for confirmation of eradication. Talk to your doctor about whether regular screenings are right for you. You may want to be regularly screened for H. Pylori if you have a high risk of stomach cancer. An H. Pylori infection may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and she will decide if regular screening for H. Pylori is right for you. | Watch for dull pain in your stomach that does not go away. Pay attention to prolonged nausea. Consider your appetite. Watch out for unusual changes in your body. Assess your risk factors. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms get worse quickly. Talk with your doctor about testing. Take a breath test. Consider a stool test. Get a blood test done. See if your doctor wants a biopsy. Take drugs to suppress acid. Continue testing throughout treatment. Talk to your doctor about whether regular screenings are right for you. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Be-a-Good-Citizen | How to Be a Good Citizen | One way to be a good citizen is to volunteer with organizations that mean a lot to you, like groups that build homes for the less fortunate, mentor youth, or feed the homeless. If donating your time is difficult, then you can donate money, clothing, or other household goods. Additionally, you can donate blood and plasma to help save lives. If you want to be civically active, vote in every election, contact your representatives about issues that matter to you, and offer to help during election times. | Get a good education. One of the best things you can do to help your community is to get a good education. When you're well educated, you can get better jobs and contribute more to the economy. You can also be better informed and make good decisions when it comes to voting and other civic activities. Pay attention in school, get good grades, and try to go to college. Work hard. No matter what job you have, working hard is an important part of being a good citizen. When you work hard, you provide services to others and you earn money, both of which contribute to a stronger economy in your area. If you find yourself unemployed, seek out your local unemployment office for help in finding a new job. Googling "unemployment office" and the name of your state should bring up the information, if you don't know it. Stay up-to-date on the news. Read the news and stay fully informed on issues that affect you, your area, and the rest of the country. And the word "fully" is key here: listen to what people say on both sides of the party line and try to stay impartial. Most issues are very complex and go beyond the basic black and white of party politics. Get involved in planning processes too. Have your say in whether new supermarkets, box stores and housing estates have their place in your corner of the world. Find out what environment, social and health benefits these projects promise for the local community (beyond the profit motives) and speak with your representative and at city council meetings to let them know what you think. Share your good fortune. When you do well enough that you have extra time, money, or items, give back to your community by paying that good fortune forward. There are lots of great ways that you can help your community: Volunteer. You can volunteer with local branches of organizations that mean a lot to you. Try Habitat for Humanity which builds homes for the less fortunate, or Big Brothers Big Sisters, which provides mentorship to at-risk youth. Help the homeless. You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter to help homeless people stay safe and healthy. Donate. You can donate your money to lots of organizations: local, national, and international. Just be sure that whoever you donate to is a good organization that uses their money well. Many charities do not and are really just a money factory for the people that run them. Try using Charity Navigator or the BBB to find out if the organization you want to help is really on the up and up. . Donate blood and plasma Blood and plasma are vital bodily fluids that are used to save the lives of thousands and thousands of people each day. There are often shortages, so it's great if you do your part and donate. If you have a rare blood type, you can literally be the difference between life and death for someone in your community. Donating blood and plasma is especially important when there's been a major crisis. Massive numbers of injuries often result in serious blood shortages. Get emergency training. Get trained in CPR and First Aid, as well as other emergency training like disaster preparedness training, so that you can help your fellow citizens when an emergency arises. If you've had this training before, it's a good idea to do it again every few years. This helps you to keep those skills fresh. It's easy to forget them when you're under pressure! Create jobs. Create the opportunity to work whenever you can. Hire and fairly pay someone to cut your lawn or paint your house. Hire a maid every few months. This contributes to the economy and gives a job to someone who is often very much in need. Contact your local homeless shelter about finding workers there. Oftentimes, homeless people are simply regular folks who ran on hard times and the small amount of money they earn from your job can be enough to help them get back on their feet. Stay healthy. It's important to take care of your body and stay as healthy as possible. When you get sick, you put others at risk and you take up valuable space in doctor's offices and hospitals that could go towards someone else. Exercise, eat right and make sure you stay current on all your shots. If you need help with exercise or eating healthy, wikiHow can help. With many vaccine-preventable childhood diseases on the rise, it may be a good idea to update yours. You aren't yourself at risk, as an adult, but the unvaccinated children around you are. Vote. The most important thing you can do as a citizen is vote. It's easy to forget or feel disinterested and only vote during the really major elections, but it's very important to vote in every election you can. Running the country goes beyond which party is currently in power. You also need to vote for your direct representatives, who often play a much more major role in what changes happen in the country. It's also important to vote in local elections. At the state and county level, you'll often vote on things like transportation initiatives, which can affect how people get to work, and other important laws and measures that affect your area. Serve on jury duty. Jury duty is no fun, but it's vital to maintain a functional judicial system (at least in the US). When good people like yourself pass on jury duty, it often leaves a lot of people who do jury duty for the wrong reasons or who really won't care or and pay attention. When your number is up, take on the challenge and serve your country in your own way. Contact your representative about issues that matter to you. When there are issues that matter to you, it's very important to contact your representative and tell them what you think. Even if you're too young to vote or you didn't vote for them, they still represent you and it's important for them to stay in touch with what people really believe. If you don't know how to contact your representative or who your representative is, you can go to the official website here to find out. Volunteer at elections time. When elections do happen, extra help is often needed to make sure that everyone's vote gets counted. You can volunteer with the elections office or your preferred party and help man voting stations, count votes, and fill other support roles. Help get others engaged. Help others to also get civically engaged by volunteering with your preferred political party or elections office to help get people registered to vote, recruit people to gather petitions, and do other civic activities. Encourage your friends and family members to join you in these activities or go door to door with an organization to recruit strangers. Recycle. Recycle papers and plastics according to your city's recycling system. The recycling is often collected with the garbage but in a separate container. You can find recyclable items by looking for the recycle symbol used by your country. Generally, most items made from paper and plastic can be recycled, so long as they don't contain food and are not covered in wax. Recycling helps cut down on waste that fills up landfills. Compost. Compost leftover food and organic material to help keep down waste even further. Some cities collect compost, but otherwise, you'll need to compost it yourself in your back yard. Items you can compost include leftover food, extra pieces of ingredients (like the leaves from carrots), and unbleached paper. Compost by collecting all of these items together in a large box outside. Turn the mixture every few weeks and add soil, until the whole thing looks like a single mixture. This can often take months. When the compost is done, it can be sold or it can be used to provide nutrients to your own yard or garden. Pick up litter. If you see trash lying around don't just stare at it and walk past it. Try to make time once a month to go around your neighborhood and pick up all of the trash that you see. Just be sure to use a grabbing stick or gardening gloves, to prevent hurting yourself on something dangerous. You can also join citywide groups that go around the city and pick up litter in the most affected areas. Contact your city hall to locate a group for your city. Watch where and how you wash your car. The soaps used for washing cars are very destructive to the environment (often contaminating your drinking water!), so start by washing your car less often and washing your car yourself. When you do wash your car, use environmentally friendly products. At a minimum, move your car onto the grass in order to wash it. This will help keep the chemicals out of your drinking water. Try to go waterless and simply clean your car with a green window or all-purpose cleaner. Buy local produce. Buy your food from local farmers and food producers as much as possible. This will minimize the environmental impact of having to transport the food a long way, it helps ensure that your food is safe and free of dangerous chemicals or pests, and it contributes to your local economy. Food is often labeled with where it was produced. Look for products that are organic and as close to where you live as possible. Conserve water. There is likely to be a significant water crisis in our lifetime, so conserve as much clean water as you can. While our planet is covered in water, only so much of it is drinkable and we use a lot of that for unnecessary things, like watering grass and taking extra long showers. If you want to water your lawn, use gray water (which is the water left over from preparing food or taking a shower). Take showers that last 10 minutes or less and wash your hair only every other day. Avoid having things like swimming pools, which take lots of water out of the system and make it undrinkable. Conserve energy. Currently, many of the methods used to create energy to power our homes and devices are also very destructive to the environment. Try to use clean energy, by setting up solar panels, and conserve the energy you do use. Turn off lights in empty rooms. Spend less time on the computer and more time reading books. Use public transportation. Skip on driving a car and instead take a bus. Not only will you help save the planet from the ravages of pollution, you'll also be helping to financially support public transit, which is vital to low-income households (who often don't own cars). | Get a good education. Work hard. Stay up-to-date on the news. Share your good fortune. . Get emergency training. Create jobs. Stay healthy. Vote. Serve on jury duty. Contact your representative about issues that matter to you. Volunteer at elections time. Help get others engaged. Recycle. Compost. Pick up litter. Watch where and how you wash your car. Buy local produce. Conserve water. Conserve energy. Use public transportation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bend-Glass | How to Bend Glass | To bend glass, start by putting on safety goggles, then heating a Bunsen burner until it produces a tall, blue flame. Next, lower the glass into the flame slowly, so the spot where you want the bend touches the flame. Then, begin rotating the glass and moving it from side-to-side, about an inch to either side of the bend point. When the glass begins to sag, bend it around a heat-proof object. Once you have the shape you want, reduce airflow to the burner to cool the flame, rotate the bend over it for 2-3 minutes, and let it cool to room temperature. | Follow safety precautions. Wear safety glasses whenever handling hot glass. You should only try this with long pieces of glass, which you can safely hold without putting your hands anywhere near the flame. Hold hot glass using both hands, with each hand on an opposite end of the rod. For short pieces of glass, clamp the glass to a ring stand or light vise, and use a torch instead of a Bunsen burner. Follow these instructions, but instead of rotating the glass, rotate the torch completely around the point you want to bend, as you heat it. Keep a container of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. Find a heat-proof structure with the desired angle. For a 90º (right angle) bend, you can use the base of a ring stand, available from laboratory supply stores. For other angles, you may need to create this yourself by clamping and bending a piece of sturdy sheet metal. If you don't mind imprecise angles, you may skip this step and bend the glass by hand once it is hot, grasping only the two cool ends. Turn a Bunsen burner on medium or high. Attach the burner to a gas source, open the valve on the source and the base of the burner, then light the flame using a lighter or torch. Adjust the air flow valve on the side of the burner until the burner produces a tall, blue flame. Ideally, use a "wing top" burner attachment to create a wider flame, for a smoother bend. These are sometimes called "fishtail burners." If you are using glass "stringers," or small glass rods less than 2mm (0.08 inches) thick, you can use a candle flame instead. Lower the glass slowly into the flame at the desired bend point. Always begin applying heat slowly, or the glass will have a high risk of cracking. Rotate the glass as you heat. Hold the glass so the point where the bend will occur is directly in the tip of the blue flame. Rotate the glass slowly and constantly, and move it from side to side to heat approximately 5 cm (2 in.) of its length. Heat until you feel or see the glass begin to sag at that point. Bend the hot glass around the heat-proof object. If heated sufficiently, the glass should easily bend at that point. Bend it around the heat-proof structure with the angle you require. Make sure to hold the glass flat and steady during this bend. Reduce airflow to the burner. Tighten the air intake valve on the side of the Bunsen burner, until the outtake cools to a single, thin flame with no hot, inner cone visible. Hold the bend over the flame for two or three minutes. Holding the glass over this cooler flame relieves internal pressures that cause cracking, in a process called annealing. Rotate the bend in the flame while counting out 150 seconds, or time yourself with a stopwatch. Let the glass cool. Place the glass on a heat-proof surface. If you are in a shared workspace, write the words "Careful: HOT" on a piece of paper next to it. Leave it to cool to room temperature before using. This can take several minutes. Put on safety glasses. Glass stringers are thin, specially prepared rods designed for use in craft projects. While they are easy to work with, their use still involves extreme temperatures and brittle glass. Always wear eye protection, and never touch the glass at the heated point. You will also need a safe place to put the hot glass down, such as a brick. Tweezers are also useful for some of the steps below. Light a candle. Unlike thicker rods, stringers can be bent using an ordinary candle flame. A Bunsen burner or stationary torch will work as well, but these are not necessary. Make a simple bend by hand. Hold both ends of the stringer with your hands. Lower the center into the candle flame and rotate it so it heats evenly. Once the glass is quite soft at that point, raise it up out of the candle flame, pause for a second, then bend the glass by moving one end of the stringer. If wax gets on the glass, burn it off to prevent imperfections. The stringer will become black with soot, but this will burn off during firing. If you do not plan to fire your stringer in a kiln, wait for the glass to cool to room temperature, then rinse off the soot. Try more advanced designs. To create curlicues, curved bends, or zig-zags, heat the end of the stringer. Use a pair of tweezers to push the hot end gently into position. Slowly move the stringer into the candle flame to heat the next section, pushing it with the tweezers as you go. Stop well before your fingers reach the candle flame. Control the thickness and length of the stringer. Pull the stringer apart after the center has been heated to stretch it into a longer, thinner shape. Create a classy end point by snipping this thin piece apart with wire cutters or specialized glass cutters. Fire the glass (optional). Stringers are designed to be fired in a kiln, fusing to other fusible glass objects. If you are using a community kiln at an art studio, all you need to do is drop off the art and pay a fee. If you are handling the kiln yourself, and your stringers did not come with specific firing instructions, follow these steps instead: Use glue or hairspray if necessary to arrange the stringers onto the fusible glass object. You can glue them to "thin fire paper," which will burn off in the kiln. Place the object in the cold kiln. Heat the kiln rapidly until it reaches 675ºC (1250ºF). Top-fired kilns can be heated as much as +550ºC (+1000ºF) per hour, while side-fired kilns should not be heated faster than +330ºC (+600ºF) per hour. Heat more slowly and watch closely. Glass and kilns vary, so pay close attention as the kiln reaches 700ºC to 780ºC (1300ºF to 1450ºF). Start cooling the kiln, but leave it at 500ºC (950ºF) for 30 minutes to "anneal" the glass, relieving stress and preventing cracking. | Follow safety precautions. Find a heat-proof structure with the desired angle. Turn a Bunsen burner on medium or high. Lower the glass slowly into the flame at the desired bend point. Rotate the glass as you heat. Bend the hot glass around the heat-proof object. Reduce airflow to the burner. Hold the bend over the flame for two or three minutes. Let the glass cool. Put on safety glasses. Light a candle. Make a simple bend by hand. Try more advanced designs. Control the thickness and length of the stringer. Fire the glass (optional). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Praying-Mantis | How to Take Care of a Praying Mantis | To take care of a praying mantis, feed it a diet of fruit flies and gnats if it's a baby, or butterflies and crickets if it's fully grown. You should also water your mantis by spraying the inside of glass or plastic tanks with a spray bottle, or placing a water bottle lid full of water inside the enclosure if it's made from wire. To create a happy home for your praying mantis, use a suitable tank, like a vivarium, and decorate it with things the mantis can climb on, like sticks and branches. | Get a cage that's 3 times the length and twice the width of the insect's body. You can use a small vivarium , for instance. Make sure it has a secure, screened lid to allow for proper airflow. The cage can be made of plastic, glass, or mesh, as long as it has some holes in the top for ventilation. The whole cage can be made out of mesh as long as the mantis is an adult, as they like to cling to it. However, some younger insects will be able to slip through the mess, so this isn't a good choice for a young mantis. For a small praying mantis, you can even use a glass food jar as long as you poke holes in the top for ventilation. You can also cut a large hole out of the center of a plastic lid. Then, put a piece of toilet paper across the top of the jar before putting the lid on. That gives the container ventilation and provides something for the mantis to hold onto at the top. However, you don't want the cage too big, as they'll have trouble hunting down their food. Place a substrate like sand or potting soil on the bottom. Though not absolutely necessary, it will absorb some of the water you add to the cage and release it into the air more slowly. Plus, it will make it easier to clean the cage, as you can just dump the substrate and add new. You'll need less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of substrate. You can even just use a paper towel. Add sticks and bark to make your mantis feel at home. Place sticks at different angles in the cage, giving the mantis space to climb. You can also add pieces of bark or even rocks if you'd like. The mantis will like having natural items to crawl around on. Make sure at least one stick goes up almost all the way to the top so that the mantis has most of the jar to hang down in when molting. You can also add dried leaves or even silk flowers. Provide humidity with a light daily misting or bowl of water. Praying mantises don't actually need to drink water, but it can be good to provide a small bowl of water anyway in the bottom of the cage. The water will help keep the air humid enough for the mantis. You can use a small bottle cap, for instance. Otherwise, lightly mist the cage once a day. If you have hatchlings, put a damp paper towel down on the bottom of the cage. Keep most praying mantises at room temperature. With most species, you can keep them anywhere in your home, as long as it's 68 to 77 °F (20 to 25 °C). However, check out particular information about your species, as some prefer more warmth, up to 90 °F (32 °C). If yours does, you can use a warming lamp set about 1 foot (0.30 m) over the cage. If you use a warming lamp, check the temperature of your praying mantis's cage with a thermometer to make sure it's not too hot. Put praying mantises in separate cages. If you keep them together, one may try to eat the other, as these insects can be cannibalistic. It's best to get separate jars or cages and only put them together to mate if you are breeding them. If you have just hatched mantises, they can be kept together, but get them separate cages as they grow older. Give your praying mantis 2 live insects every other day. These insects will not eat dead prey. It has to be moving to attract their attention. You can keep live insect colonies on hand for your praying mantis or simply catch food for it around your home or garden. In addition, they only need to be fed every other day or even every third day if they don't catch the food you offer every other day. Adult females may need a bit more food than adult males. Use fruit flies or gnats for a just-hatched praying mantis. You can buy flightless fruit flies online or at places that sell insect and reptile food. These tiny flies are perfect for young hatchlings, as they won't get out in your home! However, if you have fruit flies in your home already, you can catch some and feed them to your praying mantis. To catch fruit flies, poke holes in the top of a plastic container. Put fruit in the container, which will attract the flies. Once you have a couple, place the whole container in the freezer for just a few minutes, which will stun them. Then you can drop them into the praying mantis' container, where they will come back to life. You can use any small insect of this size you find around your home or garden, including gnats and aphids. Base the size of the praying mantis's food on their forearms for older insects. Praying mantises eat live insects and typically grasp the prey in their forearms, making it a good way to judge the size you need. Adolescent mantises can eat small cockroaches or crickets, for instance, as well as house flies. As they grow, increase the size of the insects. You can purchase these from reptile stores, but you can also try capturing them yourself. Watch your praying mantis eat to make sure the food isn't escaping. Some prey, such as roaches or caterpillars, tend to hide, and your mantis may not go after it. If it's not eating these insects, try something with more movement, such as a cricket or fly to see if that works better. You can also hold out the food on tweezers, which will encourage the mantis to take it straight away. Remove any insects your praying mantis doesn't eat. Large insects could injure your mantis if it doesn't eat them, so if your praying mantis doesn't seem interested in 15-30 minutes, you may need to take them out. Also, take out any bits of insect left behind by your mantis after feeding. Mantises aren't the tidiest of diners, and they'll leave behind all manner of debris including legs, wings, chewy or hard bits they didn't like. You need to remove these daily. When this debris piles up, the praying mantis will stress out and won't cope well in the artificial environment. When cleaning out the leftovers from its meals, also remove your praying mantis' fecal matter, which is pellet-shaped. Move the praying mantis to a holding tank. Your praying mantis is delicate no matter how strong it appears. Don't try to grab it, as you can hurt it. Instead, let it crawl out on your hand or encourage it into another container while you clean its main one. It also helps to feed your mantis before handling it, as it will be less likely to perceive your hand as prey. Be patient! The mantis will typically crawl out on your hand or finger eventually if you hold it in front of it. Usually, they will just sit there on your finger or hand. You can even take it out when you're not cleaning the cage. Praying mantises have wings once they're adults, meaning that they can fly. If you want to hold it, close all the windows and doors before removing it from its home. Don't touch your mantis if it's molting. You could hurt it! Remove the substrate to scrub and dry the cage. Dump the substrate out into the trash and rinse out any debris. Then, scrub the cage down using hot water. If you have a glass cage, you can set the glass in the sink and pour boiling water in it to disinfect it, but make sure to wait until it cools down before you handle it! It's best not to use any detergent, but if the cage is very dirty, you can add a drop or 2 of dish soap. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly. Once done, dry the cage and put in new substrate. Add springtails to soil substrates to help clean the cage. If you notice lots of feces or even mold growing in the substrate, you can just replace it. However, you can also put in tiny bugs called springtails. These critters will take care of the feces and mold, effectively cleaning out the cage. You can find these online or in reptile stores. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you're done. Scrub your hands with warm water and soap, making sure you get in between your fingers. Then, rinse your hands thoroughly. Like most critters, praying mantises can transfer bacteria to you. Avoid feeding your mantis right before it molts. It may look a little plumper than usual, as the new skin grows underneath the old. Plus, it will likely stop eating and try to scare away insects you want to feed it. You may also notice cloudiness on the skin and larger wing bumps. The praying mantis may become lethargic. If your mantis has wings, it's reached the final stage of molting and won't shed its skin again. If you think your mantis is about to molt, make sure to remove any insects, as they could feed on the mantis skin or knock it off its perch. Leave the cage alone while the praying mantis is in a molting position. The insect will hang upside down from a limb or mesh. If you move the cage, you could knock it off and damage the insect in the process. In fact, if the mantis falls, it only has a 25% survival rate. Molting only takes about 20 minutes, but the mantis won't fully dry for 24 hours. Provide a more humid environment if you notice a lost limb. Praying mantises can lose limbs for various reasons, including low humidity in their cage while molting. If you notice yours has lost a limb after molting, try to increase the humidity by misting more often or providing a water bowl. Then, it may re-grow the limb after it molts next. If you think your mantis is dying because it's only half-emerged from the shed skin, you can place it in the freezer to humanely euthanize it. | Get a cage that's 3 times the length and twice the width of the insect's body. Place a substrate like sand or potting soil on the bottom. Add sticks and bark to make your mantis feel at home. Provide humidity with a light daily misting or bowl of water. Keep most praying mantises at room temperature. Put praying mantises in separate cages. Give your praying mantis 2 live insects every other day. Use fruit flies or gnats for a just-hatched praying mantis. Base the size of the praying mantis's food on their forearms for older insects. Watch your praying mantis eat to make sure the food isn't escaping. Remove any insects your praying mantis doesn't eat. Move the praying mantis to a holding tank. Remove the substrate to scrub and dry the cage. Add springtails to soil substrates to help clean the cage. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you're done. Avoid feeding your mantis right before it molts. Leave the cage alone while the praying mantis is in a molting position. Provide a more humid environment if you notice a lost limb. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Chafing-Between-Your-Legs | How to Prevent Chafing Between Your Legs | Chafing between your legs can be unpleasant, but there are few things you can do to help prevent it. Apply a thin layer of alum of baby powder to your inner thighs. This will help dry any moisture on your skin and reduce irritation. Alternatively, rub a little petroleum jelly on your inner thighs to help reduce friction while you walk. When you work out, stick to pants made of synthetic materials like nylon, Lycra, polyester, and spandex, which let out moisture and reduce friction. It's important to change out of your sweaty clothes and shower immediately after working out to let your skin breathe and reduce further inflammation. | Apply some alum or baby powder to your inner thighs. Moisture can break down the top layer of the skin and make it irritated and painful. Use your fingers to smooth on a thin layer of powder over the skin that rubs together when you walk or work out. This solution works best with light-colored clothing that won't show any smudged powder like dark clothing would. You can also carry a small container of baby powder with you and reapply it throughout the day. Make sure to use a talc-free baby powder. Talc has been linked to extreme health risks, such as cancer, so avoid products that list it in the ingredients. For a cheap, easy option, you could also use cornstarch. Wear moisture-wicking material instead of cotton when you work out. Loose cotton material will trap moisture and rub against your legs. Instead, opt for form-fitting workout bottoms made of a synthetic, moisture-wicking material such as nylon, lycra, polyester, or spandex. Synthetic fibers reduce friction and dry quickly, which will reduce the likelihood of chafing. For example, you could wear a pair of spandex compression shorts to protect the inner thigh while you work out. You should also look for pants with smooth seams and small, flat stitches that won't rub against your skin. Change out of sweaty clothes and shower immediately after working out. Staying in damp, sweaty clothes for a long period of time can trap moisture and break down the skin between your legs. After you work out, make sure to change right away. Rinse off in the shower to remove sweat, then dry off thoroughly to keep moisture from getting trapped between your thighs. Apply petroleum jelly to your inner thighs to lubricate the skin. Rub a little petroleum jelly on the inside of your thighs where they brush to allow the skin to glide smoothly. This will help retain moisture in the skin and let the chafed areas, or “hot spots,” heal more quickly. Apply the petroleum jelly before working out or before heading out for the day. Use a special lubricating product for an easier application. If you find that petroleum jelly is a little too greasy or messy, purchase a lubricating product like Body Glide. It's specially formulated to keep the skin lubricated all day and it comes in a stick, so it's easy to carry in a purse or gym bag. It's also easy to apply, since you don't have to get any of the product on your hands. Apply a diaper rash cream with zinc oxide to already-chafed skin. If your skin is already starting to feel raw or irritated and you want to prevent it from getting any worse, use a gentle product that contains the active ingredient zinc oxide. Diaper rash cream may sound crazy, but its soothing and antibacterial properties are perfect for taking care of inner thigh chafing. Keep in mind that this product can be quite thick and sometimes messy! Avoid wearing pants and shorts in dark colors that will show any white smudges. Some popular options include Desitin and A+D Zinc Oxide cream. Wear shorts underneath a dress or skirt to reduce friction. Wearing cotton or spandex cycling shorts underneath your clothes is an easy, subtle way to take care of the problem. Having a cloth barrier between your thighs will protect the skin from rubbing together. Switch up your workout to give the inner thighs a break. Change your workout every few days, alternating between exercises that focus on the upper and lower body. If your skin shows some chafing after a workout, avoid exercises that will irritate it for the next few days. Alternating your workouts will help you keep from constantly irritating one area. For example, you may experience chafing from activities like running on the treadmill and performing mountain climber exercises. The next time you work out, focus on upper body exercises like weightlifting, performing tricep dips, or holding a plank position. Stay hydrated to minimize the salt concentration in your sweat. Salt crystals form when you sweat and act like sandpaper on your skin, leading to more chafing. Hydration can reduce the amount of salt in your sweat, and as a result, minimize the amount of salt crystals that form. Drink water before, during, and after your workout to keep friction at a minimum. Drink 17 to 20 fluid ounces (500 to 590 mL) of water about 2-3 hours before working out, then another 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) about 20-30 minutes before you start the workout. While you exercise, drink 7 to 10 fluid ounces (210 to 300 mL) of water every 10-20 minutes. Drink 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water within 30 minutes of completing your workout. Wash the chafed area gently with lukewarm water. In the shower, rinse off your leg gently by letting the water wash over the raw skin. The pressure of the water may sting a bit at first, but the lukewarm temperature will help clean and sooth the inflamed skin. To prevent extra irritation, don't touch or scrub the sensitive area while you wash. When you're done, pat your skin dry with a soft towel. You can also use a mild, moisturizing, pH-balanced bar of soap along with the warm water to completely cleanse the area. Make sure not to use hot water, which will aggravate the chafed skin. Moisturize the chafed skin with petroleum jelly or aloe vera. Once the skin is clean and dry, apply a gentle moisturizer. For soothing relief, use petroleum jelly or pure aloe vera gel which don't contain any artificial fragrances that could inflame the chafed skin even more. Give your skin time to heal before doing activities that could irritate it. Wait for the chafing to heal before participating in any activities that could make it worse, such as running. While you're waiting for your skin to heal, try some exercise activities that don't involve any chafing, such as swimming or rowing. Wear soft, breathable cotton clothing while your skin heals. Stay as comfortable as possible and your skin will thank you! For daywear, choose comfortable cotton pants or shorts instead of dresses or skirts. At night, wear soft cotton pajama pants. Continue wearing cotton bottoms until the chafing has healed completely. For an workplace-appropriate outfit, wear a blazer, a dressy button-down shirt or top, and some tailored dress pants made of 100% cotton. | Apply some alum or baby powder to your inner thighs. Wear moisture-wicking material instead of cotton when you work out. Change out of sweaty clothes and shower immediately after working out. Apply petroleum jelly to your inner thighs to lubricate the skin. Use a special lubricating product for an easier application. Apply a diaper rash cream with zinc oxide to already-chafed skin. Wear shorts underneath a dress or skirt to reduce friction. Switch up your workout to give the inner thighs a break. Stay hydrated to minimize the salt concentration in your sweat. Wash the chafed area gently with lukewarm water. Moisturize the chafed skin with petroleum jelly or aloe vera. Give your skin time to heal before doing activities that could irritate it. Wear soft, breathable cotton clothing while your skin heals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Horse-to-Do-a-Sliding-Stop | How to Teach a Horse to Do a Sliding Stop | To teach your horse to do a sliding stop, first build momentum by reaching a balanced gallop that doesn't lean to either side. As it gallops, keep your body squarely positioned on the saddle with your legs signaling to your horse to keep straight. Next, give your horse a cue you have trained it to understand as “stop” like a slap, kick, or shouting “Woah!”. While giving the cue, push down on the saddle, drop your heels, and pull your legs away from its sides, this will signal the horse to lower its hindquarters for a sliding stop. Just make sure not to yank on the reins, which will make the movement jerky and stiff. | Have your horse reach a good, balanced gallop. Before a horse can execute a successful sliding stop, it must build momentum by galloping. The horse's gallop must also be balanced so that it does not lean to one side or turn as it slides to a stop. If your horse's gallop is off, work on correcting it before you begin training it for the sliding stop. Keep the horse balanced. Your horse should reach a relaxed gallop, running forward with good alignment and no obstacles or problems. It should be pushing forward with its hindquarters, since these will provide the momentum used for the sliding stop. Maintain your own balance. Your job is help guide the horse as it approaches the sliding stop. Keep your body squarely positioned on the saddle, and your arms straight and forward so that the reins are kept loose for the horse. Your legs should be against the horse, helping to signal to it that it needs to keep straight and balanced. Don't pull your shoulders or body back as you begin the stop. This may make your horse “skip,” or lower its body, then raise it again before lowering it a final time. A galloping horse has considerable momentum; if you don't maintain your balance, you may flip over the front of the horse as it begins to stop. Train your horse to react to a cue. A horse should be trained to do a sliding stop upon your command. You can start by making sure that your horse understands the cue you give to ask it to stop. Depending on your horse, this cue may involve a call (such as “Whoa!”), a slap, a kick, a repositioning of your body or the horse's reigns, or a combination of these. Reposition your body as you give the cue. When you are ready for your horse to attempt a sliding stop, you should move your body in several ways. These movements, along with your cue, signal the horse to lower its hindquarters and come to a stop. Use your body to push down on the saddle. Drop your heels. Pull your legs slightly away from the horse's sides. Condition your horse to respond quickly to your cue. A sliding stop essentially asks a horse to stop quickly, so work on getting your horse to respond rapidly to your command to stop. Keep practicing, and whenever your horse responds quickly, reward and encourage it. Have the horse stop. To complete a full sliding stop, the horse should round its back and lower its hindquarters toward the ground, while the front legs stay loose and in motion. Don’t pull back on the horse’s reins. To successfully complete a sliding stop, the horse should come to a stop on its own. If you yank back on the reins, you will be forcing the horse to stop. This will make the movement seem jerky and/or stiff. Analyze the horse’s stop. You should observe your horse's stop from the vantage point of the saddle. It may also be helpful to have another person on the ground to observe the horse's form, and your own. Look for the following: The horse's back should be rounded as it stops. The front legs should continue to move in a “walking” motion as the horse stops. Your own legs and hands should remain slightly off the horse. Work on the follow-through. The follow-through in this case is the end of the sliding stop, in which the horse and rider come to a complete stop. This should be done fluidly and with balance. If you are the horse seem to jerk or lose balance at the end of the sliding stop, keep practicing it until it becomes smoother. Maintain your body position throughout the follow-through. As the horse completes the sliding stop, keep your own body position unchanged. Your hands and legs should remain firm but not tense. You should keep a hold on the reins, but not pull back on them. All of this will encourage your horse to come to a smooth stop. Have the horse raise itself back up as it completes the sliding stop. By keeping your body and the reigns loose, your horse should be able to gently and smoothly raise its hindquarters up again at the conclusion of the sliding stop. Afterwards, you and your horse can halt, or proceed to the next reining movement. | Have your horse reach a good, balanced gallop. Keep the horse balanced. Maintain your own balance. Train your horse to react to a cue. Reposition your body as you give the cue. Condition your horse to respond quickly to your cue. Have the horse stop. Don’t pull back on the horse’s reins. Analyze the horse’s stop. Work on the follow-through. Maintain your body position throughout the follow-through. Have the horse raise itself back up as it completes the sliding stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Chop-an-Onion | How to Chop an Onion | To chop an onion, start by peeling off the loose, dry skin and cut off the stem. Then, stand the onion up on the flat spot and cut it in half. Remove any remaining dry skin from each half. To cut slices, chop from the root end towards the flat end you created when you chopped off the stem. If you need to dice the onion, turn it 90 degrees on the board, make several cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made, and discard the root when you're done. | Use a sharp knife. It may seen counterintuitive at first, but a sharp knife is safer than a dull blade. Dull knives not only mash instead of slice into foods, they slip more easily, especially on round, slick foods like onions. But dull knives are still plenty sharp enough to cut you. Do it the easiest and safest way if you're not an expert. Many chefs and experienced cooks chop onions in part by making horizontal slices parallel to the cutting board -- and under their hands and towards their wrists. It works quite well when done properly, but can also cause serious injury if you make a mistake. For the home cook, then, especially if you're a little wary about having a sharp knife in your hand, stick to the methods listed below. Let the onion do some of the work for you. Onions are built a bit like the earth -- ever-larger spherical layers surrounding a core -- except with the North and South poles (the stem and root ends) holding everything together. The onion wants to come apart once you start cutting into it, so if you attack it in the right way this falling apart will do much of the chopping for you. Peel off the loose, dry skin on the outside of the onion. Chop off the stem (the pointy end) of the onion. Cut off enough so that you can stand the onion up on that flat spot. Cut the onion in half. Stand it up on the flat spot, steady it with your free hand, and carefully but forcefully slice down through the root end. Peel off any additional loose, papery, or discolored layers. Work with one half of the onion at a time from this point forward. Cut slices from (but not through) the root end to (and through) the cut off stem end. Place the flat side of the onion half down on the board, with the root facing away from you. Hold the onion with your free hand, pierce it with the tip of the knife near the root end, then push the rest of the knife down through the onion. Leave enough of the root end intact to hold the onion together. Make parallel cuts across the onion at the width you desire -- roughly 1/4 inch is usually considered "chopped." Rotate the onion 90 degrees on the board and make a series of cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made towards the root. Discard the root end and use your fingers to separate the onion into nicely chopped pieces. For a diced onion, make your cuts closer together than the 1/4 inch for chopping, but follow the same methods. For a minced onion, do the same again but even more closely together. If you find it difficult to make cuts this thin, you can run through a pile of chopped or diced onions with your knife. Pile up your diced onions in a mound on the board. Pin the tip of your knife to the cutting board with your free hand and rock the knife up and down through the mound. (If you ever used, or saw your teacher use, one of those big paper cutters in school, you'll have an idea of the cutting motion.) Re-pile the onion pieces as needed. Understand the problem. Onions contain chemicals that, when released into the air, become an irritant to the tear-producing glands in our eyes. Try different methods. Every experienced cook seems to have a favorite, can't-miss trick to stop the tears. They range from scientifically-based to downright strange. To name but a few... Put the onion in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. Cut the onion near a lit candle or a running gas stove burner. Dip your knife in oil before cutting. Ventilate the area with a fan. Chew gum, or hold water, a bread stump, or a teaspoon in your mouth. Wear goggles. Try swimming or skiing or lab goggles. Make sure you can see clearly out of them. Guaranteed to work, though not the most fashionable choice if you're trying to impress a date with your cooking skills. Finished. | Use a sharp knife. Do it the easiest and safest way if you're not an expert. Let the onion do some of the work for you. Peel off the loose, dry skin on the outside of the onion. Chop off the stem (the pointy end) of the onion. Cut the onion in half. Peel off any additional loose, papery, or discolored layers. Cut slices from (but not through) the root end to (and through) the cut off stem end. Rotate the onion 90 degrees on the board and make a series of cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made towards the root. For a diced onion, make your cuts closer together than the 1/4 inch for chopping, but follow the same methods. For a minced onion, do the same again but even more closely together. Understand the problem. Try different methods. Wear goggles. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-Blood-Stains-from-Jeans | How to Remove Blood Stains from Jeans | To remove a blood stain from your jeans, place a washcloth inside your jeans under the stain and blot the spot with a second clean cloth soaked in cold water. Soak the jeans in cold water, then wring them out. Scrub the blood stain with a brush to remove it. If the blood is still there, add a few drops of dishwashing soap and scrub until the stain is gone. For really stubborn stains, add a little salt on top of the dish soap. If the stain has dried, apply a layer of baking soda and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse your jeans with fresh, cold water. | Blot the blood stain. Place a washcloth inside your jeans directly under the stain. With a clean cloth soaked in cold water, blot the stained area to absorb the excess blood. Do not rub the stain. Rubbing can cause the stain to spread. Repeat the blotting process until the cloth is not picking up any more blood. Use a new cloth as needed. Never use warm or hot water at any point in the process. Hot or warm water will cause the stain to set. Soak your jeans in cold water. Fill a sink or tub with cold water. Remove the washcloth from inside your pants and submerge your jeans in the cold water. Allow the pants to soak for 10 to 30 minutes. Wring out the jeans. After 10 to 30 minutes, remove the jeans from the water. Wring out the jeans by hand or place them in a washing machine on the spin cycle. Lay out your damp jeans. Place your damp jeans on a flat surface. Put a fresh washcloth inside the pants directly under the stain. Remove a fresh blood stain with cold water. Saturate the stained area with cold water. With your knuckles or a brush, scrub the stained area to loosen the blood. Continue to scrub the stained area until the blood stops coming out of the fabric. Rinse out your jeans with fresh, cold water. Remove a blood stain with soap. Apply 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap to the stain. Work the soap into a lather as you rub it into the stain. Rinse the area with cold water. Add more soap and repeat the process as needed. Use your fingers or a small brush--toothbrushes work great! Remove a blood stain with salt and soap. Pour 1 tablespoon table salt onto the stained area. With your fingers or a small brush, rub the salt into the stain. Squirt a small amount of soap or shampoo directly onto the stain and massage the shampoo into the stain. When the shampoo begins to lather, add another tablespoon table salt and work it into the stain. Remove a dried blood stain with meat tenderizer. Measure out 1 teaspoon of unscented and unflavored meat tenderizer. Pour 1 teaspoon unscented and unflavored meat tenderizer into a small bowl. Slowly add water and stir until a paste is formed. With your fingers or a small brush, rub the paste into the stain. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 30 minutes. Blood contains protein and meat tenderizer breaks down protein. This makes meat tenderizer an effective blood stain removal agent. Remove a dried blood stain with baking soda. Pour a teaspoon of baking soda directly onto the stained area. Using your fingers or a small brush, rub the baking soda into the stain. Move your fingers or the brush in small, circular motions. Allow the soda to absorb into the stain from 15 to 30 minutes. Remove a dried blood stain with hydrogen peroxide. Test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous part of the pants. If the color runs or the fabric is bleached, do not apply the product to the blood stain. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the blood stain. Place plastic wrap over the stain and cover the area with a towel. Let the hydrogen peroxide soak into the fabric for 5 to 10 minutes. With a clean rag, blot the blood stain. This will work wonderfully on white jeans, but be cautious using it on blue jeans or colored jeans. Sun bleach the blood stain. After preparing to treat your blood stained pants, hang your pants to dry outdoors on a sunny afternoon. Lay your pants over a chair or hang your jeans on a clothesline, making sure that the sunlight is hitting the stain. Leave your pants outside for 4 hours. The sunlight should significantly fade, or bleach, the stain. Rinse the pants. Run the tap until the water is cold. Rinse out the jeans with the cold tap water until the product or paste you applied to the stain is removed. Wash your jeans. Launder your jeans in cold water. In addition to laundry detergent, add one scoop of powdered oxygen bleach to the machine. Do not add any other clothing or items to the load. Search for signs of the stain. After the cycle is finished, look for any remaining sign of the blood stain. If the blood stain is still visible, do not dry it. Instead, try a different method of removal or launder again. | Blot the blood stain. Soak your jeans in cold water. Wring out the jeans. Lay out your damp jeans. Remove a fresh blood stain with cold water. Remove a blood stain with soap. Remove a blood stain with salt and soap. Remove a dried blood stain with meat tenderizer. Remove a dried blood stain with baking soda. Remove a dried blood stain with hydrogen peroxide. Sun bleach the blood stain. Rinse the pants. Wash your jeans. Search for signs of the stain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Keychains | How to Make Keychains | To make a keychain, start by cutting 2 equal lengths of rope, lacing, or paracord so that they are 4 times as long as you want your finished lanyard to be. Then, thread the ropes through the key ring and use a piece of tape to secure it to a flat surface. Next, braid the strands of rope together, making sure to keep your strands tight. Finally, tie a knot at the end of your ropes and trim the ends. | Gather your materials. Making a clay keychain requires mold-and-bake clay (also known as polymer clay), a small cookie cutter, a large needle or toothpick, and a split ring or keychain assembly. Make sure to cover your space with newspaper or something that can keep the clay from sticking onto the table! Split rings come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can buy larger ones that a decorative clay shape can be directly attached to or you can buy a more complex split ring and chain assembly that is made specifically to attach your own keychain art to. Pick whichever one you like. You can even reuse parts from an old keychain if you have one lying around. Roll a small piece of the mold-and-bake clay to a thickness of about 1⁄8 inch (0.3 cm), using a rolling pin or other rolling tool (you may even be able to use a pen or pencil). The clay should come out smooth and the thickness should be uniform throughout. If desired, press more than one color together to create a swirled effect. You can even make small shapes and press them into a larger piece of the clay. Be creative! Use a cookie cutter to cut the clay into the desired shape. Choose the shape of your choice, such as a flower for Mother's Day, a clover for St. Patrick's Day, a heart for Valentine's Day. Sports fans will enjoy a keychain shaped like a basketball, baseball or football. You can also create your own shape for your key chain with a sharp paring knife or utility knife. Create a hole approximately 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top of the shape, using a sharp object such as a needle or toothpick. This hole will be used to attach your clay shape to the split ring, so make sure the hole is in a position that will make this possible. Many mold-and-bake clays allow you to attach small jewelry findings, such as small metal loops, directly into the clay before baking. If the clay you purchased allows this, it may be a good idea to attach a loop of wire to your clay shape so that a split ring can be easily attached to it later. Place the clay shape on a baking sheet and bake according to the directions on the package. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before attempting the next step. Attach your slip ring or keychain assembly to the cooled shape. Be careful not to be too rough when connecting the two pieces together, as it could break your beautiful new keychain. Gather your materials. You will need to collect at least two colors of craft foam (one that has adhesive on it and one that doesn't), scissors, and a split ring or key chain assembly. You do not need a ton of craft foam! Even pieces only a few inches long and a few inches wide will work just fine. In fact, this project is a good one to use up scraps from other projects. Cut out small squares of the adhesive craft foam measuring approximately 2 1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm) each. You will need to cut out as many squares as letters you want on your keychain. Alternatively, use up to four different colors to create a keychain with layers of color. When deciding which letters to put on your keychain consider using your initials (if the keychain is for you) or a simple four letter word that is important to you, such as "love" or "cute". You don't want a huge keychain hanging off your keys, so keep it short and sweet. Write out one of the letters you have chosen for your keychain on each piece of the craft foam using a pencil or marker. Each letter should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall. Use block letters to draw each letter to that when you cut out the letter the center of the letter will be the color of the foam, not the color of your pen or pencil. Try a creative design or font that will make the letters unique but legible. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the craft foam letter. Take your time to cut the letter out as neatly as possible. If the letter you are cutting out has a central area that you need to cut out, start cutting in the center of the area, away from the edge line. This way you can be careful and gradually cut away the foam up to the line. Lay all the letters on of the remaining piece of craft foam, the one with no adhesive. Decide how they should be arranged and what the overall shape and size of the finished keychain should be. Don't take the backing off of your foam letters just yet. Take the time to make sure your layout is just the way you want it before you do! Cut out the overall shape of your keychain on the craft foam. Remember that all of the letters you cut out earlier should fit onto it with space around each to frame the letters nicely. While a rectangular shape is just fine, remember that you can be creative with this shape too. Peel the backing from each letter. Stick each letter onto the larger piece of foam, working carefully to be sure the letters are lined up. Be sure to press each letter down firmly, so that they won't fall off. Use a paper punch, or something with a sharp point, to make a hole about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top of the foam shape you have made. This hole is for the ring to attach to, so make sure you are putting it in a spot that will make that possible. Attach a split ring or keychain assembly through the hole. Be gentle with the foam, as you don't want to tear your project at the very end. Now you have a great personalized keychain that is ready to use. Gather your materials. To make a lanyard keychain all you will need is a split ring or keychain assembly and some thin rope or plastic lacing. The rope or lacing will need to be at least four times as long as you would like your finished lanyard to be, so lengths will vary, but they need to be at least three feet long so you will have enough rope to handle. Cut two pieces of the rope or lacing the same length. It is nice if each is a different color, so that your finished keychain is colorful and so it's easier to keep track of where you are in your weaving process. Some people like to make these keychains with paracord, so that if you are ever in an emergency and you need a bit of rope, you will have it with you! Thread both ropes through the ring or keychain assembly. Make sure the center of each rope is positioned at the ring (unless you are using a weaving technique that requires something different). Secure the ring to a flat surface with a piece of tape. This will allow you to have a secure project as you weave. You should now have four ends of rope to weave together. Pick a spot to attach your ring that allows you to have a lot of room to weave your ropes together. A great spot is a table that is free of clutter. Weave the ropes together. There are a variety of techniques you could use for weaving your keychain, but even a simple braid can look beautiful with the right rope or plastic lacing. Whichever technique you use, make sure to keep your strands tight and don't be afraid to undo a bit of your weaving if you find you have made a mistake. It's better to fix a problem now than notice it in your keychain forever. For an assortment of weaving techniques see: How to Make a Cobra With Plastic String , How to Make Lanyards , and How to Make a Box Styled Gimp. Any technique you have used for lanyards or friendship bracelets should work for making a keychain. Tie off the ends your rope and make sure to neatly trim them. Your lanyard keychain is finished! | Gather your materials. Roll a small piece of the mold-and-bake clay to a thickness of about 1⁄8 inch (0.3 cm), using a rolling pin or other rolling tool (you may even be able to use a pen or pencil). Use a cookie cutter to cut the clay into the desired shape. Create a hole approximately 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top of the shape, using a sharp object such as a needle or toothpick. Place the clay shape on a baking sheet and bake according to the directions on the package. Attach your slip ring or keychain assembly to the cooled shape. Gather your materials. Cut out small squares of the adhesive craft foam measuring approximately 2 1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm) each. Write out one of the letters you have chosen for your keychain on each piece of the craft foam using a pencil or marker. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the craft foam letter. Lay all the letters on of the remaining piece of craft foam, the one with no adhesive. Cut out the overall shape of your keychain on the craft foam. Peel the backing from each letter. Use a paper punch, or something with a sharp point, to make a hole about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the top of the foam shape you have made. Attach a split ring or keychain assembly through the hole. Gather your materials. Thread both ropes through the ring or keychain assembly. Weave the ropes together. Tie off the ends your rope and make sure to neatly trim them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Guy-Stop-Being-Mad-at-You-After-a-Fight | How to Make a Guy Stop Being Mad at You After a Fight | To make a guy stop being mad at you after a fight, give him time and space so he can calm down and process his emotions. When he seems calmer, apologize in person for your mistake and tell him how bad it makes you feel. You can also get him a present or cook him dinner to show that you're sorry. If he's your boyfriend, give him a hug or kiss to show that you love him. Once you've made up, avoid bringing up sensitive subjects for a little while and try to keep things fun and relaxed, in case he's still upset about your argument. | Give him time and space. If you just got in a fight with your boyfriend, then you're probably desperate to patch things up immediately. However, if he seems genuinely mad at you, then you may need to back off for a while. Though you don't want to wait forever to try to get back in his good graces, you should give him at least a few days until he seems to soften toward you and is more eager to talk. Even though you're in a rush, if you try to talk to him too soon, it may just lead to another fight or to more misunderstandings. If he completely ignores you and gives you the cold shoulder when you approach him, then he's not ready yet. Don't force it. Once he's open to at least making eye contact and talking to you, then he may be willing to talk. Find the right time and place to talk when he’s ready. Once enough time has passed and your boyfriend seems to have softened towards you and is more willing to talk, then you should find a quiet place where you can be alone to have a meaningful conversation. Make sure you pick a good time when he isn't stressed about something else and looks willing to talk. Having the right timing can help everything go by more smoothly. Let him know that you want to have a talk with him instead of catching him off guard and surprising him with the conversation. Even if he's not looking forward to it, he'd rather have a heads up than to be surprised. Wherever you are, make sure it's not easy for you to be interrupted by your friends. Apologize — and mean it. If you feel like you really messed up, then you need to be open about it. Don't just say, “I'm sorry that you're mad because I…” and put the blame on him for overreacting. Instead, look him in the eyes, speak slowly, put away all distractions and say, “I'm truly sorry for what I did.” You can go into it and explain exactly how you feel and why you really messed up, and how much it hurts you to know that you hurt him. It depends on what you feel and what you're willing to feel. Of course, if he's the one who wronged you, you should avoid apologizing just to make things blow over, and should really think about whether you want him in your life instead. Listen to him if he wants to talk. If you've said your part and he was willing to listen, then you should listen carefully when he tells you how he's feeling. You can look into his eyes, stop fidgeting, and really hear what he has to say. You may be surprised by exactly how he's feeling. Avoid interrupting him to argue with him while he's talking, or acting like you don't agree with a word he's saying. Let him know that you care enough to listen first. Even if you feel like he's misrepresenting what happened, it's good to hear his side of the story. Once he tells you his part, you can both talk about what happened more and work to reach an agreement and to make up. If you really do listen, then you may even see that your boyfriend has more to his side of the story than you thought. You may even realize that you hurt him in a way that you didn't intend at all. Give him some affection. If you've made up with your boyfriend, congrats! You can now move on with your lives — as long as you work not to repeat your mistakes. Give him a hug or a kiss, and just get physically close with him to seal the deal. Just make sure that he's genuinely over it and that you're not making him uncomfortable. It goes without saying that you shouldn't use affection — kisses or more — to try to win him over when he's angry, because that won't be a good long-term solution. Once you're on your way to making up, some physical affection is important for continuing your bond. Even just a pat on the hand, a squeeze on the shoulder, or a kiss on the cheek can go a long way in helping you reconnect. Tell him how much you care about him. Once you're on your way back to being loving and affectionate, then you and your boyfriend can begin to grow more intimate again. Don't be afraid to let him know how much he means to you, how upset you were when he was angry, and how happy you are that he's back in your life. Be honest about how much he means to you and even think about elaborating to show him how much you love his sense of humor, his intelligence, or other aspects of his personality. Don't suck up to him or tell him you're crazy in love with him if you're not. Be honest about how you really feel about him. Let him know how sad your life has been since your fight, and how hard it is to get through the daily grind without him. Make a romantic gesture. Don't think that romance is meant for the boys! Girls can be romantic just as well as boys can, and you can find a romantic gesture that makes your boyfriend swoon. Make him a mixed CD, get him tickets to see his favorite band, write him a letter about how much he means to you, or take him out on a surprise date. These gestures can help your boyfriend see how much you hate fighting and how much he means to you. Of course, it's not about how much money you spend on him, and money won't ever fix your romantic problems, but about the thought and effort that counts. Do something he’s always wanted to do. Another thing you can do to get your boyfriend back in your good graces is to do something new and exciting that he's always wanted to do. Maybe he's always wanted to try rock climbing; go to a gym and check it out if that sounds like something you'd like. Maybe he wants to go to a baseball game with you; go with him and don't complain about it if you're not that into sports. Maybe there's just a new restaurant he's been talking about — surprise him with a reservation. The most important thing is that you're able to come up with the idea on your own. This will show that you pay attention to what he cares about. Again, just make sure he's really ready to reconcile before you plan an elaborate surprise activity, or your plans may fall flat. Tread lightly for a while. After you and your boyfriend have made up, you should be a little bit extra cautious around him. Try not to bring up sensitive subjects, especially not the subject that started the fight, and try to keep things peaceful, light, and fun. You shouldn't completely act like a different person who only wants to appease him, but you should be mindful when you speak and try to avoid starting a fight again as much as you can. If you're eager to move your relationship forward, give it a bit of time before you mention saying “I love you” for the first time, moving in together, taking a trip together, or doing anything else to take the next step. Don’t try too hard. It's important to reconcile with your boyfriend, but even trying to make it up to someone has its limits. If you keep trying to talk to him again and again, showering him with love letters, or just calling him all the time to check in or asking if he loves you, then you're going to bring more insecurity to your relationship, and you'll make it harder for you both to heal after your argument. Instead, take it slow and trust that your relationship will strengthen over time. If he's forgiven you but still needs some space, give it time and he'll come to you when he's ready. Don’t gossip about him to other friends. When one of your guy friends is mad at you, you may be tempted to tell your other friends about it. However, you should avoid talking about it, unless you're genuinely looking for advice on how to fix the situation. If you're bad mouthing the guy or saying negative things about him when he's not around, then it's likely that he'll find out and that he'll be more angry with you than ever. In fact, it's far better that you say good things about the guy “behind his back” so that he'll be more inclined to forgive you if it gets back to him. Be honest about what happened. It can be hard for guys to be honest with each other, but if you want to move forward in your friendship, then honesty really is the best policy. Let him know what caused the fight to begin with and what you wish you had done differently. Being honest and open with him in this moment will lead him to respect you more and will make him much more likely to trust you and to want to be friends again. Let him know how you really feel and what you want to gain from the conversation. Don't play it cool just because you're afraid of showing your true feelings. Apologize and make up if you’re both ready. Tell the guy that you've felt terrible about the fight, that you hate being in conflict with him, and that you really appreciate his friendship and couldn't imagine your life without it. If you really made a mistake, then it's time to fess up and tell him what you did and how you feel so you can both move on from it. Just come out with it. Say, “I'm really sorry that I hurt your feelings. I really regret it.” Don't give him a half-hearted apology just so you can both move on; show him that you really mean it. Hug it out. If you and your guy friend are tight, then there's nothing wrong with giving him a hug. If you've both genuinely made up and are excited about being friends again, just give him a tight bear hug to let him know how much he really means to you. Guys aren't as verbal about how much they appreciate their friendships, so if you're shy when it comes to talking about it, you should tell him how you feel as much as you can and then give him a big hug to cement the deal. If you've never hugged him before, you may be nervous about it, but it won't be a big deal if you just act like it's perfectly normal. Give him an extra bit of kindness afterwards. After you've reconciled, you can be a little bit extra nice to your guy friend without making it obvious that you're trying to suck up to him so you'll be back in his good graces. Do a small favor for him, like picking up coffee, if he needs it, or help him cram for an exam or prepare for a job interview. You can also just make sure to treat him with a bit more care and respect, and avoid offending him or making careless comments. If you can think of something he's been wanting to do, like going to a certain concert or movie, invite him to come along with you. Don’t let it happen again. If you really want to prove that you learned your lesson, then you should be careful, moving forward. Avoid getting into fights with the guy, and more importantly, avoid doing whatever you did to cause the fight to begin with. Pay closer attention to how you act and learn to read the guy's body language and facial expressions to know when he's getting upset or uncomfortable, and try to keep this from happening. If you just keep doing the same old thing and fighting again, then you'll never have a fulfilling friendship. If you really care about your guy friend, then you should be willing to change your ways. Don’t apologize over text or online. One thing you should avoid is apologizing to the guy over text, Facebook, email, or any other way that doesn't require you to be there in person. Making the effort in person shows that you actually care and that you're not a coward. Of course, if there are special circumstances, like you and the guy are hundreds of miles apart, then a phone call may be best, but you should stay strong and apologize in person to show he's worth the effort. If you apologize online or over text, then the guy will think you don't really care enough to put in the time and effort. If you don't apologize in person, then the guy may not even respond. Don’t ask him if he’s still mad a million times. This is never a good tactic. Sure, you may be anxious to know whether or not the guy is mad at you, but asking him if that's the case time and time again is guaranteed to make things worse. Though you may think that asking him a lot will make him move on faster, it'll actually make it take longer for him to get over it because he'll be getting a constant reminder of what happened. The truth is, when he really stops being mad, then you'll instinctively know it. Asking a million times won't change a thing. Don’t give the fake apology. If you really want the guy to stop being mad at you, then don't give him the lame apology where you make it clear that you're only apologizing so he'd stop being mad at you. Don't say, “I guess I should apologize,” or say “I'm sorry” in a passive aggressive way. Instead, make it clear that you're sincere in your feelings and in your regrets. If you apologize while clearly not meaning it, that won't get you anywhere. Make eye contact, turn your body toward the guy, and let him see how much pain you're in when you apologize. Don't make excuses for your behavior, either. Own up to whatever happened. Don’t pick the wrong time to have a conversation. Another thing you should avoid is trying to hash things out with the guy at the wrong time. Don't try to talk to him before he has something important to do, like to pitch in a baseball game, go on a job interview, or take a test. Make sure you talk to him when he seems not stressed and approachable. You should also avoid asking if he's mad in front of others; if you're not making the effort to talk to him one-on-one, it shows a lack of seriousness. If you're asking the guy during a bad time, then he'll already be annoyed that you didn't put more thought into when to have the conversation, so you'll be starting off on the wrong foot. Don’t try to fix things too soon. Of course we all hate knowing that someone is mad at us. That said, if the guy is really fuming, then you shouldn't try to reconcile with him that same day. Give him a few days, or maybe even a few weeks, to cool off before you feel like you can talk and be friends again. If you try to talk to him right away, then he won't be ready to listen and will get more and more annoyed — and angry. It can be hard to be patient in these situations, but you have to learn to do just that. Find a way to keep yourself occupied until the guy is ready to talk. In the meantime, you can even focus on exactly what you wanted to say to him. | Give him time and space. Find the right time and place to talk when he’s ready. Apologize — and mean it. Listen to him if he wants to talk. Give him some affection. Tell him how much you care about him. Make a romantic gesture. Do something he’s always wanted to do. Tread lightly for a while. Don’t try too hard. Don’t gossip about him to other friends. Be honest about what happened. Apologize and make up if you’re both ready. Hug it out. Give him an extra bit of kindness afterwards. Don’t let it happen again. Don’t apologize over text or online. Don’t ask him if he’s still mad a million times. Don’t give the fake apology. Don’t pick the wrong time to have a conversation. Don’t try to fix things too soon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bumps-on-Your-Tongue | How to Get Rid of Bumps on Your Tongue | To get rid of bumps on your tongue, try gargling with a warm saltwater solution for 30 seconds 3-4 times daily to help relieve pain and swelling. Gargling and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash that contains benzydamine or chlorhexidine can be effective at treating bumps caused by a mouth infection. When you can't gargle saltwater or mouthwash, you can drink cold liquids, suck on ice, and use throat lozenges for relief. | Gargle with a warm saltwater solution. Swishing a simple saline solution has some antibacterial properties and may help relieve tongue bumps. It can also help decrease any inflammation that may present with the condition. Dissolve 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in an 8-oz glass of warm water to make your saline solution. Gargle a mouthful of the salt water for 30 seconds and then gently spit it out. Swish salt water solution after every meal to remove any debris in your teeth or on your tongue. Repeat this for three to four times a day until tongue bumps disappear. Do not use saline solution designated for contact lenses as a mouth rinse. Drink cold or cool liquids. There is some evidence that drinking cool or cold liquids can help soothe tongue bumps and reduce any associated inflammation. You can drink cool or cold beverages as a normal part of your daily hydration routine or as necessary to help relieve your discomfort. To keep yourself hydrated, drink at least 9 cups of water a day if you are a woman and 13 cups if you are a man. Persons who are very active and pregnant women need up to 16 cups of water a day. Suck on some ice. Sucking on an ice cube, ice chips, or an ice pop may help provide additional relief from your bumps. The cold may numb pain and reduce any swelling. As the ice melts, it can help you stay hydrated and minimize the risk of your tongue drying out, which may exacerbate discomfort from the bumps. You can place ice chips or ice cubes directly on the swollen bump surface of your tongue for an easy application of cold. Repeat icing as often as necessary. Eat soothing foods. Some doctors may suggest consuming soothing foods such as yogurt. These can help relieve any pain or discomfort you may have. Try and eat foods that are cooled to enhance soothing effects. Dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, and milk may help alleviate your discomfort. Other foods like pudding or popsicles may also help. Avoid food and products that increase discomfort. Certain foods and products may exacerbate any pain or swelling you have with your tongue bumps. Avoid consuming any substance that may make the pain worse, such as spicy or acidic foods or tobacco. Acidic foods and drinks, such as tomatoes, orange juice, sodas and coffee can make you more uncomfortable. Also avoid pepper, chili powder, cinnamon and mint. Stay away from cigarettes or chewing tobacco, which can exacerbate your discomfort. If you suspect that your tongue bumps are a result of a food allergy, omit this food from your diet to see if it resolves the condition. Maintain oral health. Brush and floss your oral cavity every day, including after meals. Combined with regular dental checkups, this can help maintain the health of your teeth, tongue, and gums. A clean mouth may also help prevent tongue bumps. Make sure to brush and floss after meals if you can. Having debris stuck in your teeth promotes an environment that is rife infection. If you don't have a toothbrush, chewing a piece of gum can help. See you dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Leave the bumps alone. In most cases, you won't require any treatment for tongue bumps. The condition usually resolves itself within a few hours or days. If you experiencing any pain or discomfort with your tongue bumps or they don't seem to be going away, you should be seen by your doctor. Use throat lozenges or sprays. Throat lozenges or anesthetic sprays that contain local pain relievers may help relieve pain associated with tongue bumps. You can purchase throat lozenges and sprays many pharmacies and large retailers. You can use throat lozenges or sprays every two to three hours. If you doctor or the packaging has other suggestions, follow these. Keep the throat lozenge until your mouth it has completely dissolved. Don't chew it or swallow it whole, which may numb your throat and could make swallowing difficult. Rinse with an antiseptic or anaesthetic mouthwash. Gargle an antiseptic or anaesthetic mouthwash that contain benzydamine or chlorhexidine. These can treat infections and may also help relieve pain and swelling. Benzydamine can help relieve pain. Chlorhexidine can kill bacteria. Swish 15 mls of either mouthwash around your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and then spit it out. Consult your doctor. If you have tongue bumps and home remedies haven't relieved them, schedule an appointment with your doctor. She can examine you for underlying conditions and help formulate a treatment plan for you. Tongue bumps may have related causes including fungal, viral, or bacterial infections or allergies. If your tongue bumps don't go away after a few days or you have recurrent cases of them, see your doctor who can either develop a treatment for you or diagnose an underlying condition, such as a food allergy. See your doctor if the bumps grow or spread. If your tongue bumps are especially painful or inflamed, or even interfere with your daily activities including eating, it's best to see your doctor. Tongue bumps may also be symptoms of conditions beyond a food allergy including: canker sores, squamous papilloma, syphilis, scarlet fever, or glossitis caused by smoking or infection. Get tests and a diagnosis. Your doctor may order tests to determine why you have tongue bumps. Tests often may not be able to specifically locate the cause, but your doctor can develop the an effective treatment plan for you. Your doctor may use different diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your tongue bumps. She may order oral cultures or allergy tests. Use medications to treat bumps. Your doctor may prescribe medication or suggest over the counter medications to help alleviate discomfort associated with bumps. Because tongue bumps usually resolve on their own, you'll likely only receive antibiotics or antiseptics if you have an underlying condition. If your tongue is causing you discomfort and is related to a more serious condition like glossodynia, your doctor may prescribe medications like amitriptyline and amisulpride. Your doctor may also suggest an over the counter pain reliever, though there is little evidence this help tongue bumps. Popular over-the-counter painkillers include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. | Gargle with a warm saltwater solution. Drink cold or cool liquids. Suck on some ice. Eat soothing foods. Avoid food and products that increase discomfort. Maintain oral health. Leave the bumps alone. Use throat lozenges or sprays. Rinse with an antiseptic or anaesthetic mouthwash. Consult your doctor. Get tests and a diagnosis. Use medications to treat bumps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Wrinkles | How to Get Rid of Wrinkles | To get rid of wrinkles, start by applying a non-prescription wrinkle cream containing retinol to the areas that have wrinkles. Follow the directions on the package for about 2 months to see if your wrinkles improve. Be sure to cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle cleanser, and apply a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer to your skin after cleansing. If you're going to be outside at any point, put on sunscreen to prevent wrinkles from forming due to sun damage. If you don't see an improvement in your skin, consult your doctor about prescription treatments. | Look for an anti-wrinkle cream containing retinol or AHAs. Choose an over-the-counter cream containing a beneficial active ingredient, such as retinol, vitamin C, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Products that are more expensive or that contain more active ingredients may not be more effective than products that contain only 1 or 2 active ingredients, so don't let these factors sway you to choose 1 anti-wrinkle cream over another. Try your cream for 6-8 weeks before evaluating its effectiveness. Some other helpful active ingredients to look for include: Coenzyme Q10 Peptides Tea extracts Grape seed extract Niacinamide Cleanse your skin daily with a gentle cleanser. Keeping your skin clean and avoiding irritation while cleansing your skin is another great way to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Choose a facial cleanser that is labeled as gentle or for sensitive skin, and wash your face with it in the morning, at night, and any time your skin is sweaty or dirty. Choose a cleanser that does not contain any exfoliants. These are more likely to irritate your skin. Exfoliate your skin twice a week with a manual or chemical exfoliant. A manual exfoliant contains granules that polish your skin, while a chemical exfoliant dissolves the dead skin cells. This will buff away dead skin cells to reveal younger, smoother skin. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning, as your skin repairs itself overnight. If you choose to use a chemical exfoliant, you can do a mini chemical peel at home. You can obtain a kit at most beauty stores. If you choose to use an exfoliating brush, you can use it daily. You could also make your own exfoliant using ingredients like salt, sugar, baking soda, coffee grounds, honey, or lemon juice. Use an anti-wrinkle cream twice daily. No product will produce dramatic results overnight. It will take at least a few weeks of regular use and possibly a couple of months before you notice a difference. You will likely need to apply the anti-wrinkle cream in the morning and at night after cleansing your skin. Follow the instructions on the package for use and see if your wrinkles improve after a month or 2. Keep in mind that products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids or retinol may irritate the skin around your eyes. You may want to avoid applying these creams to the eye area or only use a small amount in these areas. The anti-wrinkle cream may be heavy enough to take the place of a moisturizer. If not, apply a rich, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic moisturizer to your skin after cleansing. Use gentle circular motions to work the moisturizer into your skin, focusing on your wrinkles. Apply sunscreen. Exposure to the sun can accelerate aging and increase the appearance of wrinkles. Apply an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen to your skin any time you will be outside for more than 15 minutes. You can apply sunscreen over your moisturizer or look for a moisturizer that includes sunscreen. Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours during sun exposure or any time you get wet or after sweating excessively. Sun exposure can accelerate the signs of aging and increase your risk of skin cancer no matter what color skin you have. It's best to use a sunscreen that is made of natural ingredients and contains zinc or titanium oxide, which provide sun protection. Look into anti-wrinkle serums. There are tons of anti-wrinkle serums on the market that claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and some of them may work for you. Keep in mind that the results you get from any over-the-counter treatments will be modest, but over time you may see a noticeable reduction in wrinkles. Look for serums that contain antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, B3, and E. Remember that paying high prices for anti-wrinkle products of any kind does not guarantee that they will work. These products are not regulated by the FDA. Take skin-boosting supplements that contain antioxidants. Vitamins and minerals help support your skin's health and appearance. Carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are all great options. Additionally, protein and lactobacilli can also support healthy skin. You can get these nutrients through your diet or supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Try massaging your face. Massaging your skin using a device or your fingertips may help to reduce wrinkles. This works best when you combine the skin massage with an anti-wrinkle regimen, such as cleansing and using an anti-wrinkle cream. Purchase a facial massager and use it after applying your anti-wrinkle cream, or use your fingers to massage your skin when you apply the cream. Keep in mind that it will take 4 to 8 weeks to see results, and the results will be subtle. Include turmeric in your diet. Topical application of turmeric has not been shown to produce any effect on wrinkles, but ingesting more of this spice may help to reduce the formation of wrinkles. Try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric to your recipes. You can also take a supplement. Look for turmeric capsules and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for supplementing. Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you are taking a prescription medication. Apply rooibos tea to your skin. One study looked at the efficacy of anti-wrinkle creams that contained herbal agents, and the formulation that contained rooibos was the most effective at reducing wrinkles. You can look for an anti-wrinkle-cream that contains rooibos or brew some tea and apply the cooled tea to your skin using cotton balls. Brew a cup of tea using 1 teaspoon or 1 teabag of rooibos to 8 imperial fluid ounces (230 mL) of hot water. Steep the tea for 5 minutes, and remove the tea infuser or bag. Let the tea cool to room temperature and then use cotton balls to apply the tea to your freshly washed skin. Leave the tea on your skin and apply moisturizer over it. Ask your doctor about prescription retinoid creams. The first line of treatment for wrinkles may be a topical cream that you apply to your skin daily. These creams can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Retinoid creams may leave your skin feeling itchy, irritated, and dry. You may also experience a burning or tingling sensation after applying the cream. Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you. Protect your skin from the sun while using retinoid creams, such as by applying an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. The cream will probably not be covered by your insurance, so it may cost around $100 for each tube of the product. Ask about botox. Botox injections are a popular treatment option for wrinkles, especially crow's feet and frown lines. You may see a dramatic reduction in your wrinkles about 2 weeks after treatment. As with any medical treatment, there are some risks, including infection, allergic reaction, and pain. If you aren't sure about botox, try getting a small area treated. For example, you might get a small dose between your eyebrows, near your crows feet, or around your lips to see if you like the results. Keep in mind that the results will last for 3 to 4 months and then you will need to have another treatment to get rid of the wrinkles again. Look into laser resurfacing. Laser treatments can help to improve the overall appearance of your skin while also targeting fine lines and wrinkles. There are two types of lasers used to treat wrinkles: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin to reveal new skin beneath it. Non-ablative lasers only heat the skin without removing the top layer, and this encourages new skin growth. Your doctor can talk to you about your options and help you decide which one is best for your situation. Laser treatment may be painful depending on the intensity of the laser. Anesthesia may or may not be required depending on the area being treated and the depth of the treatment. Non-ablative laser treatments cost an average of $1,031 and ablative laser treatments cost an average of $2,330. Get a chemical peel. Chemical peels use a special solution that is applied to the skin on your face and left on for a specific amount of time. Over the next few days, your skin will peel away to reveal the skin below it. This will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. Chemical peels come in different levels, such as light, medium, and deep. A light peel will yield less dramatic results than a deep peel, but you may only need a light peel if you have some fine lines that you want to get rid of. For wrinkles, a medium to deep peel may work best. Depending on the depth of the peel, anesthesia may be required and you may have to have the procedure done by a cosmetic surgeon. A light peel may be done by an aesthetician or nurse with special training. The average cost of a chemical peel is $638. Consider microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliating treatment that removes dead and damaged skin from the top layer to reveal healthier skin underneath it. This procedure is non-invasive and low-risk. Some people even combine the treatment with a chemical peel to get more dramatic results. This treatment works well for fine lines and wrinkles like crow's feet. You will need to avoid exposure to the sun after your treatment. The average cost of 1 microdermabrasion treatment is $138. Ask a cosmetic surgeon about dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a more aggressive form of exfoliating the skin where a cosmetic surgeon uses a powerful sander or blade to remove a layer of skin from the desired area, such as an area with a lot of wrinkles. This treatment requires sedation and there is a risk of infection following the procedure. This treatment works well for smile lines and vertical lip lines. Your skin will be sore and tender after the treatment, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for care. You will also need to stay out of the sun until your skin heals. The average cost of 1 dermabrasion treatment is $1,162. Consider soft tissue fillers. Filling the skin with an implant can also diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Soft tissue fillers, also known as wrinkle fillers and injectable implants, work well for reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the face, especially in the mouth and cheek areas. Soft tissue fillers may also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the back of your hands. Ask your dermatologist about the possibility of using soft tissue fillers to correct your wrinkles. Keep in mind that soft tissue fillers come with a risk of swelling and pain that may last for weeks, months, or even years in some rare cases. You will also be at risk of infection and allergic reaction when you receive these injections, so tell your doctor if you notice any unusual pain, swelling, redness, drainage, or bruising. Dermal fillers cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000 depending on the type of filler and the area that is treated. Look into skin tightening procedures. Your dermatologist may also offer a procedure that will tighten the skin. These procedures are done with devices that heat the skin. The results of the procedure will not be noticeable overnight. They take around 4 to 6 months to develop. The results of a skin tightening procedure can last up to 1 year. You may need multiple treatments to get the desired results. Treatment may cost between $450 to $2,000 depending on how many sessions are required and depending on the area you get treated. Consider facelift surgery. If none of the non-surgical options you have tried produce the results you want, then you may want to consider having a surgical facelift. Facelift surgery will produce dramatic results that last from 5 to 10 years. Keep in mind that surgery is expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $20,000 depending on the doctor and procedure. There are risks with a facelift as with any surgery. Discuss the risks with your cosmetic surgeon to help you decide if the risks are worth the potential benefits. | Look for an anti-wrinkle cream containing retinol or AHAs. Cleanse your skin daily with a gentle cleanser. Exfoliate your skin twice a week with a manual or chemical exfoliant. Use an anti-wrinkle cream twice daily. Apply sunscreen. Look into anti-wrinkle serums. Take skin-boosting supplements that contain antioxidants. Try massaging your face. Include turmeric in your diet. Apply rooibos tea to your skin. Ask your doctor about prescription retinoid creams. Ask about botox. Look into laser resurfacing. Get a chemical peel. Consider microdermabrasion. Ask a cosmetic surgeon about dermabrasion. Consider soft tissue fillers. Look into skin tightening procedures. Consider facelift surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Parrot | How to Choose a Parrot | To choose a parrot, the best thing to do is go to a bird store or rescue and observe different species to get a feel for their needs and personalities. If this is your first bird, consider something smaller like a budgie or a cockatiel, since they aren't as noisy as big birds and don't require as much attention. You should also consider the bird's lifespan, since some birds, like budgies, live an average of 8 years, whereas others, like cockatoos, can live as long as 80. Don't be afraid to ask the store owner questions to find out more about the different birds, like how much energy they usually have and if they have shown any signs of lethargy or illness. | Consider your experience with parrots. Certain breeds are more challenging to own, and better left to experienced bird owners. Parrots such as budgies and cockatiels are best for beginners; Cockatoos, Amazons, and Macaws are better for advanced parrot owners. If you're just interested in parrots but not ready to own one, consider fostering for a rescue group before purchasing a parrot, as they can live for sixty or more years. Plan for the size of the parrot. You should also consider how comfortable you are with large parrots; some people are intimidated by Conures (which can reach 2 feet), and others can handle any Macaw (which can surpass 3 feet). Try going to a bird store or rescue to handle parrots of different species and judge how comfortable you are with various birds. If you're looking for a smaller breed, a parakeet or cockatiel may be more appropriate. Larger parrots can also make more noise; if you live in a small apartment, a large Cockatoo is hardly going to make your neighbors—or landlord—happy. Additionally, consider how a large bird will affect your life: is your roommate or girlfriend going to be happy with sharing you with a loud, protective parrot? Plan to accommodate the lifespan of a parrot. Although there are exceptions, larger parrots generally live longer than smaller parrots. Smaller parrots are better choices for beginning parrot owners, while larger parrots are usually more demanding and better for experienced parrot owners. Amazons may live up to 50 years, while Cockatoos and Macaws can live to be 80. On the other end of the spectrum, the average lifespan of a Budgie is 8 years, and parakeets live from 12-18 years. Decide if you want a more or less vocal bird. Parrots can wisely vary in their vocal range; some are quite loud, while others squawk less. Smaller, quieter birds—such as parakeets or cockatiels—are more suited to living in a smaller apartment. Decide how much time you have to commit to a parrot. Large parrots are more social birds and only appropriate if you're prepared to commit a large amount of time to your parrot (at least 60 minutes a day). If you'd prefer to just watch your parrot and dedicate a smaller amount of time to caring for it, a better fit would be a pair of budgies or Lovebirds. Ask yourself: Are you or another family member home most of the time, or is your family constantly on the go? If you work full time and are seldom home, a parrot isn't an appropriate pet. Appraise the size of your budget. Parrots are expensive pets. Large parrots especially are expensive to buy, and more often than not even more expensive to care for. Just like you would with a dog, you have to take your parrot to a vet every year for a “bird wellness check.” Decide on how much you're prepared to spend on the parrot, and then consider which parrots would fit your budget. You'll also have to spend more on a cage the larger the parrot is, and it can be more expensive to hire a business or person to care for a large parrot while you're traveling. Accommodate other pets that you already own. Although parrots make excellent pets on their own, they do not always get along with other pets. Large parrots such as Macaws can be territorial and defensive, and may attack smaller pets. Large parrots such as Macaws and Amazons—and even smaller parrots like Conures—are a big time commitment. Parrots generally do not socialize well with cats. If you bring home a young parrot and another pet (e.g. a dog) at roughly the same time, the two pets will grow up together. This will increase their likelihood of getting along socially, as the two pets will be very comfortable around each other. In addition to social factors, time is an issue. Parrots need frequent socialization and maintenance, and are time-intensive pets. If you already own several other pets, a parrot may be too much of a time commitment. Choose an individual parrot. Like buying any other type of pet, there is no objective ruling on which individual parrot (e.g. one out of fifteen cockatoos) will make the best pet. Rather, see which individual bird interests you the most. When selecting your pet, you should: Make sure you understand the adult behavior of the breed you're looking at. Some cute, quiet juvenile parrots may grow up into loud, abrasive parrots. Spend time—about 30 minutes—watching the birds. See which birds seem more social, active, and engaged. Consider choosing one of these, as these birds will make more fun, interesting pets. Decide which bird appeals most to you, by looking at its plumage and watching its behavior. Choose a parrot that you find visually appealing and whose personality you will enjoy living with for years. Ask the pet-store owner about the individual birds. The owner will have spent substantial time with the birds in the store, and should be able to give you advice about which bird(s) will make good pets. It's especially important to talk to the owner if you are a first-time parrot owner. The location of a pet store itself may influence the type of parrot that you purchase. If you live in a large metropolitan area, you can likely find any breed you like—otherwise, you will be limited by local availability. Ask the owner if any of the parrots have been showing signs of lethargy or illness. Do not choose one of these birds as a pet. Prepare for your parrot’s diet. You should feed your parrot once a day, and provide parrot pellets or “parrot mix,” available from your local pet shop. Since parrots are tropical birds, you should also provide a selection of fruits and vegetables each day. A poor or inadequate diet is a common cause for illness in parrots. By making sure your parrot receives the nutrition it needs, you'll keep it in good health and save on future vet bills. Parrots can eat nearly all foods that are commonly consumed by humans, including: Cooked meat and fish. Peanuts and cheese. Do not give your bird chocolate or avocado; both are poisonous to them. Purchase an appropriate cage for your parrot. The cage is a major purchase (in both expense and importance) and should be planned ahead of time. Buy your parrot as spacious of a cage as possible, and remember that a simpler cage will be easier to clean. Cover the bottom of the cage with shredded newspaper—this is easily replaceable, cheap, and can be changed frequently. Hang the cage in your apartment or house. The location of the parrot cage is important. Do not place it near doors, as the bird may escape. Also avoid housing your parrot cage in the kitchen; cooking fumes can be fatal to your parrot. Although you will need to take your parrot out of its cage to socialize it, do not leave the bird unattended out of the cage. Parrots have powerful beaks, and can destroy furniture, drapes, etc. | Consider your experience with parrots. Plan for the size of the parrot. Plan to accommodate the lifespan of a parrot. Decide if you want a more or less vocal bird. Decide how much time you have to commit to a parrot. Appraise the size of your budget. Accommodate other pets that you already own. Choose an individual parrot. Ask the pet-store owner about the individual birds. Prepare for your parrot’s diet. Purchase an appropriate cage for your parrot. Hang the cage in your apartment or house. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Close-Friends-With-the-Guy-You-Like | How to Be Close Friends With the Guy You Like | Being close friends with the guy you like can be difficult, but if you have hobbies in common and stay in control of your feelings for him, you can make it work! If you don't know the guy very well, try making friends with his friends first, which will help you become part of his network. Then, figure out what interests you have in common and talk to him about them. For example, some guys are really into sports, so if that's your thing, invite him over to watch a game together. Alternatively, try starting a club and invite him to join. When you hang out, do your best to act like a friend, which will make him feel more comfortable around you. Avoid displays of affection, like hugging or resting your head on his shoulder, since this might scare him off. Instead, wait until you're closer friends before making a move. | Talk to his friends. Boys can get lonely or alienated easily, especially if their friends begin to mock them. By making friends with his friends, you show that you are part of his network and can be trusted. Learn about their dynamic and find out how you would fit into their circle. Try to be genuine when you do this. Most people can tell if you are faking interest in order to get something that you want. Start a club. Whether it's a book club, microbrew club, or movie club, share an interest with him. Invite others to join your club or keep it just the two of you. Be careful not to make it seem like a date if you're just beginning your friendship.. Your club can meet once a week or once a month. You basically want to share an activity together to strengthen your friendship bond but you don't want him to feel suffocated. Find a new hobby. Keep yourself occupied. You don't want your life to revolve around your friendship with him. Plus, whether he shares your interest or not, a new hobby will give you something to talk about. Take a class. Study something that you've always been interested in so that you won't become bored. Volunteer when you can. Giving back to your community will give you a sense of well-being. It's attractive to know that someone is selfless and looking to do some good. He may also want to participate or be inspired to find his own volunteer opportunities. See if your school offers any outreach or community service opportunities. Volunteer at places that interest you. This will help the guy learn more about what you like. Great places to volunteer include animal shelters, senior homes, and soup kitchens. Enjoy sports. It's fairly obvious that boys enjoy watching and playing sports. You don't necessarily have to enjoy the same teams or sports as he does. Enjoying your own team or sport would also be interesting to him. Guys enjoy arguing over their favourite players or watching a game together. Find something about the sport that you enjoy and focus on that. You don't need to know every detail but you do need to actually enjoy the sport. Burp when you want. Guys think that bodily noises are hilarious. It may be fun for you to see how far you can push your own gross boundaries. Don't be self-conscious just follow the standards set by the rest of the boys. Challenge him to a belching contest and crack the same type of jokes that his male friends do. The tired myth that girls don't have bodily functions, or can't be funny or gross or clever, is outdated and even harmful when it comes to relationships between men and women. Show him that you're not a strange, weird being — you're a person, just like him, and you can be comfortable around each other and simply be yourselves. Go to happy hour. If you are of age, this is a good opportunity to get to know him in a social setting. Invite your friends and tell him to invite his. It's a cheap and fun social gathering that is a far cry from a date. If you are traveling by car, remember to have a designated driver for each party. Reassess your view of guys. Don't assume that guys and girls can't be just friends. It's easy to think about gender stereotypes but view him as an individual with his own ideals about friendship. You should be able to have different perspectives about things while still enjoying each other's company. Learn about the guy's, and if you find any that match up with yours, mention them! For example, both of you could be into baking or comic books. Understand that guys do see the potential for romance. Studies have shown that guys do think about having a romantic relationship with their female friends if they were given a chance. It may seem discouraging at first not to get the romantic attention but time may be on your side. A guy may not find a girl attractive at first but as time passes and he gets to know how smart, funny, and relatable she is, that girl becomes more attractive. Avoid applying pressure. Studies show that both girls and boys get teased by peers to turn a platonic friendship into a romantic relationship. Don't feel obligated to do something you're uncomfortable doing. Be open with your friends and let them know that their teasing and pressure is hurtful. Boys may get mocked more by their friends for having female friends who aren't prospective girlfriends. Friendship is not seen as masculine because it means that a boy must make himself vulnerable and confide in you. Hide your true emotions. If he tells you about his latest crush or what's going on in his relationship, be supportive. You are a friend first and foremost. Focus on your hope for a romantic relationship. The worst that can happen is that you have a really close friend who you can happy for. For example, if he talks about his crush, don't start dissing her or talking smack about her. This won't out you into a good light. Don’t lose your self control. Having desire is fine, but acting on your emotions may lead to trouble. Make sure you have a firm grasp of how he feels before you put yourself out there or you may lose a good friend. Don't ask him to be your boyfriend right off the bat. Get to know him better and find out whether or not he likes you first. Prepare for awkwardness. A lot of TV shows and movies portray romance between friends as being an embarrassing mistake or an awkward situation. If you don't make the transition correctly, that very well might be the case. Keep positive that your friendship will survive any fling. If there are romantic feelings, awkwardness will be inevitable unless one of you addresses how you feel about the other person. Awkwardness is normal, especially if someone is shy or inexperienced. Be patient, calm, and understanding. Don't get frustrated. Go out in groups. You don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. People may ask if you're a couple when they see you alone together. Limit the time you spend alone in public together. Try to include other people when you can. Movies are fine but eating together may be questionable and get people talking. Prepare for honesty. Boys can be brutally honest so be prepared for blunt opinions and harsh comments. For example, if you ask a boy how you look you may not appreciate his true opinion. Don't make this a one way street. If he is brutally honest with you, you may be brutally honest with him. Put him at ease and let him know he can trust you like any of his male friends. Avoid affection. Don't give in to temptation and give him a hug or rest your head on his shoulder. If you get too touchy-feely you may give yourself away. Don't blur the lines between boyfriend and friend. Wait until you're ready and sure of yourself or you may make him defensive. For example, don't try to make-out with him before you know how he feels about you. Even if he does like you back, you have to make sure that he is comfortable with it. Don’t ask or give dating advice. Boys don't talk about the details of their romantic lives the way girls do so don't expect him to open up. Don't talk about your own romantic relationship because if he does have feelings for you he will become confused. Keep the conversations platonic. If you tell him about your romantic life he may think that you only see him as a friend. If he's seeing someone you may automatically judge her and bad-mouth her. Don't deny him a chance at romance. Don't make him choose between her or you. Avoid acting like his girlfriend if you’re not. Avoid doting on him or flirting, especially if you guys are not officially a couple. Let him know when he's being a jerk or acting inappropriately. Compliment him when he's being a friend and scold him when he's not. Acting like you are his girlfriend may also annoy him. He may see you as clingy and possessive, and he may try to avoid you as a result. Even if he flirts back with you, don't make assumptions. If you aren't sure whether or not you are a couple, ask him and respect his answer. Don’t take advantage of his vulnerability. If he's going through a crisis in his life like a breakup or death in the family, don't try to leverage his emotions into a romantic relationship. He will feel taken advantage of and angry. Unlike girls, boys may be flattered to learn that a female friend likes them. Girls may be upset and sad because trust has been lost. Avoid comparison. Don't compare yourself to another girl that he likes or his current girlfriend. This will lead to a lot of anxiety and frustration. Don't act like a jealous girlfriend when you are only friends. Don't change who you are because you think that will win him over. You can't make him fall in love with you. Save your dignity and be yourself. Never assume. Don't try to convince yourself of something that isn't there. He may tell you that he loves you but only as a friend. He may also say that he can see himself with you but only as a remote possibility and not at this second. Save yourself from embarrassment. If he already has ambiguous relationships than he may “want to have his cake and eat it too”. Be certain that he doesn't have another romantic interest or a serious girlfriend. Read the signs. Has he introduced you to all his friends and stopped talking about other girls around you? Does he want to spend more alone time with you and plan out activities that resemble dates? There are a number of signs that he may be giving off so pay attention. Does he continually make it clear that he's single and often give scenarios where the two of you are dating? His body language may change and he may be more touchy feely than usual. He may also start acting like your boyfriend or ask questions to probe about how you're feeling about him. Make sure you both know what you want. What may seem obvious to you may seem vague and confusing to him. You need to have a crystal clear idea of your friendship and whether romance is the next logical step. It's okay if you discover that this isn't a good idea. You don't want to lose a friendship by trying to force a relationship. Tell him how you feel. If you don't want him to think of you as one of the boys or just a temporary fling, let him know how you feel. Be direct and completely honest. Open communication is key. Be honest because any type of relationship that you want to preserve won't last if the truth is ever found out. Being honest with yourself can also help you manage expectations. Tell him if you’re going to pursue someone else. You can't protect his feelings or your own. Letting him know that you have a romantic life might get him to clue about his feelings for you. Don't be vague and don't allow him to be vague about any intimate encounters. You need to be truthful about your current sexual activities because if you move from friendship to something physical, you want to make sure that you're safe from any STDs. Be honest. Laugh it off if he doesn't return your feelings. The longer you hold in your feelings, the harder it will be to continue being a true friend. You don't want to begin a friendship or a romance with a lie. Respect his reply. Don't try to force him to like you. The more you pressure him, the more likely you'll push him away. Prepare for the aftermath. If you plan to cross from friendship into something more, anticipate the possibilities. Depending on the dynamics of your friendship, you may receive a variety of possible reactions. He may feel flattered,embarrassed, angry, or amused. Again, respect his answer. If he is angry, then this is probably a sign that a friendship would not have worked out. If he is flattered or amused, this is not a bad sign--give him time to process the information and don't pressure him to return your feelings. Be patient. If you put yourself out there and are initially rejected, let time take its course. If he is a true friend he will support you, listen to what you have to say, and will have your best interest in mind. He won't hurt you and if he does, you've dodged a bullet because he wasn't worth being your boyfriend or having you as a friend. If he rejects you, you may have to back off for a while and give him some space. Continue being his friend, but don't try to be his girlfriend, especially if he doesn't want it. | Talk to his friends. Start a club. Find a new hobby. Volunteer when you can. Enjoy sports. Burp when you want. Go to happy hour. Reassess your view of guys. Understand that guys do see the potential for romance. Avoid applying pressure. Hide your true emotions. Don’t lose your self control. Prepare for awkwardness. Go out in groups. Prepare for honesty. Avoid affection. Don’t ask or give dating advice. Avoid acting like his girlfriend if you’re not. Don’t take advantage of his vulnerability. Avoid comparison. Never assume. Read the signs. Make sure you both know what you want. Tell him how you feel. Tell him if you’re going to pursue someone else. Be honest. Prepare for the aftermath. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Blackspot-Algae-in-Your-Swimming-Pool | How to Get Rid of Blackspot Algae in Your Swimming Pool | To treat black algae in your swimming pool, start by brushing the sides and bottom of your pool to break up the algae so it's easier to remove. Next, add a copper-based algaecide to the water and aim the water-return jets at the algae patches. After the algaecide has run its course, shock the pool by adding granular chlorine to kill the remaining algae, then shock it again after 3 days. Finally, vacuum the pool to remove the dead algae and wash the pool filters and equipment with bleach so it doesn't grow back. | Understand black algae. Like any alga species, black algae (which are really blue-green algae that look black) will grow quickly in warm water on a sunny day. Black algae are chlorine-resistant, because they have a protective outer layer that makes regular sanitization ineffective. While algae aren't harmful, their presence can be a sign that other bacteria are present. Other alga species that are common in pools are green algae, mustard or yellow algae, and pink algae, which is actually a bacterium. Algae tend to bloom in pools that have poor circulation, poor filtration, a high pH level, and a low chlorine level. Test pool levels and balance chemicals often. Chlorine should be somewhere between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 parts per million. Test these three levels once or twice a week and correct as needed. Calcium hardness should be tested monthly, and the ideal level is between 180 and 220 parts per million. Shock the pool regularly. On a weekly or bi-weekly basis, shock your pool to remove chloramines (chlorine molecules that have attached to other particles) and raise chlorine levels quickly. There are four products you can use to shock your pool, and they are: Calcium or lithium hypochlorite Granular chlorine Potassium peroxymonosulfate Circulate the water. Keeping the water in your pool moving is one of the best preventative measures for algae. Not only will it make it harder for alga spores to take hold, it will also ensure that sanitizing chemicals are evenly distributed. Monitor and clean the skimmer and strainer basket regularly. Clean your filter. A clogged filter won't work as well, and it will slow down the flow of water. In warmer months like July and August when algae have the best chance of blooming, run the pump for about eight hours over the course of the day. Consider using a preventative algaecide. Especially if you've had trouble with algae in the past, consider adding algaecide to your pool on a monthly basis. Ammonia-based algaecides should work for green algae, but metal-based (specifically copper) algaecides are necessary for black algae. Brush and vacuum your pool on a weekly basis. Brushing will remove dirt and spores, and prevent algae from taking hold. Brush the walls, floor, and steps of the pool. Once you've completed your brushing, vacuum the pool to dislodge and remove any spores that have settled on the bottom. Use a steel brush for concrete or plaster pools. Use a nylon brush for vinyl, fiberglass, acrylic, or painted pools. Brush the pool. Brush daily for a week with the proper brush for your pool, paying special attention to algae-affected areas. The protective layer that forms on black algae makes the algae otherwise impervious to regular sanitizers, so you must brush the algae to break through this layer so that chlorine and algaecides can kill the organism. Black algae have deep roots that work their way into the walls, grout, and filters in your pool. If the roots aren't destroyed, the organism will continue to grow back. Try rubbing the algae spots with a chlorine tablet after brushing. Add algaecide to the water. After brushing the pool for the first time, add a copper-based algaecide that has an active ingredient concentration of at least 30 percent. Aim the water return jets at the affected areas. Shock the pool. After the algaecide has run its course, shock the pool. Continue your daily brushing, and after three days, shock the pool again. Vacuum the pool. This will remove the dead algae and any debris that has settled on the bottom of the pool. To remove larger quantities of deal algae, consider adding an alum flocculant, which will cause the material to clump together for easier removal. Clean and sanitize filters, equipment, and toys. Black algae can not only clog the filtration system and make it less efficient, but spores can also hide in the filters and bloom again when you least expect it. Wash all bathing suits and towels in the washing machine, and dry them in the dryer to kill any algae that may have attached to the fabric. Sanitize pool equipment and toys by scrubbing them with a bleach-based cleanser. Test the water. You should do this regularly, but especially if you have recently adjusted the chemical levels of the pool. | Understand black algae. Test pool levels and balance chemicals often. Shock the pool regularly. Circulate the water. Clean your filter. Consider using a preventative algaecide. Brush and vacuum your pool on a weekly basis. Brush the pool. Add algaecide to the water. Shock the pool. Vacuum the pool. Clean and sanitize filters, equipment, and toys. Test the water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Piano-Online | How to Learn Piano Online | To learn piano online, try watching online video tutorials, which can help you learn about everything from playing notes to reading sheet music. Or, if you'd prefer to work at a slower pace with everything laid out in front of you, look for written online piano tutorials. Alternatively, if you'd learn better with the help of a teacher, you can take an online piano class and get one-on-one instruction. | Determine what you expect to gain from piano lessons. When assessing the best path to learning the piano, it's important to first explore your goals for learning the piano and assess your current resources. There are two primary methods of learning piano online: working with an online individual piano instructor, or learning through an instructional website. To find the learning method that works best, ask yourself: What do you want to get out of your lessons? Are you planning to perform piano pieces for others, to join a performing ensemble, or simply to play on your own? Would you rather work with a human individual or move through website tutorials at your own speed? How much time can you devote to weekly piano lessons? Determine your budget. Your budget will determine what kind of lessons you can afford, and how frequently you can afford them. Some of the online tutorial sites offer free lessons, while many online instructors charge for their time. Online lessons with an individual piano instructor often cost around $30/week, but they may cost more depending on the instructor's qualifications. More experienced instructors usually charge higher rates since they are often better at teaching people how to play piano. Also, remember to factor in other costs, such as paying for sheet music and for piano tunings (if you have a physical piano). You can get free sheet music on some websites, such as IMSLP. If you have a very limited budget, consider learning the basics via YouTube. There are many free videos available to learn basic skills, however they are not interactive. Evaluate multiple instruction options. Whether you are inclined to learn to play the piano by video tutorials, written online tutorials, or by working with an online piano instructor, you should evaluate the websites and instructors, and check out multiple options before making a decision. There are a plethora of instructional websites, and it will be well worth your time to evaluate the sites before you commit to one for instruction—especially if the lessons are expensive. When evaluating sites and instructors, consider: The qualification and skill of the piano instructor, website creator, or lesson-provider. The online technology. If you find a website with poorly made videos or that uses antiquated media players, move on to a better option. The marketing intent of the website. While many websites are designed to effectively instruct piano players, others are purely commercial and only want to sell a product, such as an online subscription or an instruction manual. Search online for piano instructors. If you decide that you want to work one-on-one with a personal piano instructor online, you should begin looking through search engines. Many accomplished performers and pedagogues teach online lessons—some may setup face-to-face lessons over a webcam, while others may send weekly instructional videos and lessons. Apart from search engines and other typical resources, consider reaching out to your friends. Social media is a great source for reviews and insights to help you decide on the right online service or teacher. Look at what your musical friends are reading, commenting on, or sharing online. Find a qualified teacher. If a website offers instruction from more than one teacher, take free trials or interviews with 2–3 teachers that spark your interest. Look at the instructors' credentials, experience, education, and biographies. If a site only has one piano instructor, ask for a trial lesson before you commit to the lessons. Keep in mind that more qualified instructors may not be willing to provide a free trial lesson, but they may offer a reduced price for the first lesson. Don't underestimate the importance of scheduling and availability. It's important that you find an individual teacher who can work with you online when your schedule permits. Work out a subscription level. Online piano instructors may have different levels of service they provide. For example, a “basic” level may provide fewer face-to-face instructional meetings and fewer online resources than a “premium” or higher-level service. Talk with the instructor: describe you level of experience, level of interest, budget, and available time, and see what they suggest. You can also take shorter or longer lessons depending on your preference, such as a 30 minute lesson or a 90 minute lesson. Always keep your personal budget in mind while negotiating with your instructor. You don't want to strain your financial resources just to purchase a higher-level subscription. Begin regular sessions. Learning to play the piano takes a substantial amount of time, and the sooner you start, the quicker you'll be able to master the basics. Familiarize yourself with the instructor and their methods. Consider doing some of the very basic work (e.g. learning the notes, their positions on the keyboard and on the musical staff) outside of the lessons, so that you're not paying for unnecessary instruction. If the lessons are over a webcam, make sure to start on time and set the computer near your piano, so you can see it as you play. Your instructor will likely have you start out with a specific method of instruction and you will need to purchase books to play from and about music theory. Keep up with your instructor's assignments to ensure good progress. Find a trusted website. There are many sites that offer online piano instruction. Find one that works for you by looking at several sites, and comparing their features. Great online sites may offer users the opportunity to 'sample' or 'try' lessons before buying a subscription or paying for lessons. Examine the site and the piano lessons to confirm that they seem professional, thorough, and genuinely educational. Since any individual can start a piano-instruction website, you may want to take some time to vet the website for security issues. Look at the site's security policy. In the anonymous world of the internet, this is extremely important—you want to be sure that the person who created the website—and who you may be paying for their service—is safe. Investigate the logistics of the website. In the first couple weeks of lessons—or even before lessons start— familiarize yourself with the technology that the website uses for instruction. You may need to download a new media player or use audio or video files you're unfamiliar with. Also familiarize yourself with how the website handles the logistics of scheduling and paying for lessons or instructional material. Consider: Does the site let you schedule a set of lessons up-front? You don't want to keep having to add things to your calendar and then forgetting. Can you get discounts when purchasing packs or lessons in bulk? What is the site's cancellation policy? When making a payment, how secure is the site? In the event of technical problems, how responsive and extensive is their customer support mechanism? Choose a level of access that suits your goals. Many websites that provide piano instruction will offer different “levels” of subscription, ranging from “basic” access, with limited features, to “premium” access, with extra perks and bonus features. Consider if you need the extra features, and choose the level of subscription which best suits your goals. If you're indecisive, start with the cheapest and most limited subscription level. You can always upgrade to a “premium” level, but it may be difficult to downgrade to a cheaper level. Start with the basics. Must instructional websites will route you from simple lessons—such as identifying keys on the piano and playing a couple of scales—to more complex lessons, including playing with both hands simultaneously and learning all 24 major and minor scales. If the option is available, it could also benefit you to learn some music theory. Even if you're not planning to compose your own music or to analyze chord structures, having some theory knowledge will help you to better understand the music you're playing. | Determine what you expect to gain from piano lessons. Determine your budget. Evaluate multiple instruction options. Search online for piano instructors. Find a qualified teacher. Work out a subscription level. Begin regular sessions. Find a trusted website. Investigate the logistics of the website. Choose a level of access that suits your goals. Start with the basics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bleach-Cotton | How to Bleach Cotton | To safely bleach an item made of cotton, fill a bucket with cold water, then stir in 1/4 cup of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. Soak the cotton item in the bleach solution for 5 minutes if you're trying to remove stains, and for about 10 minutes if you're trying to lighten the color of the fabric. Carefully remove the item and rinse it out thoroughly under cool running water, then wash the item by itself in the washing machine. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves to protect your skin when you're working with bleach. | Wear protective gear when handling bleach. Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles if you're concerned about splashes. Wear old clothes you wouldn't mind getting bleach on. A white t-shirt is a good choice since a bleach stain is unlikely to show up. Or you can cover your clothes with a plastic apron. Ventilate your workspace. Open any doors or windows to create good airflow while you're working. If your eyes are watering, you're using too much bleach. Step away to get some fresh air and then dilute the bleach with more water. Dilute bleach with water whenever you use it. Bleach is very concentrated and can damage the material you're using it on, so always dilute it with water before applying it to any fabric.. Keep bleach and ammonia separate. These two chemicals create toxic fumes when mixed together. Do not combine them, and thoroughly wash any container that held one before filling it with the other. The same applies to vinegar and rubbing alcohol, both of which should never be mixed with bleach. Check the tags of any item you intend to bleach. If it says “no bleach,” do not attempt to bleach it; the garment could be ruined. If it says, “only non-chlorine bleach when needed,” this implies that non-chlorine bleach is safe occasionally, but continuous use could damage it. If there are no words on the tag, look for a triangle shape with an open center. This is the symbol for an item that can be bleached. Also look for the fabric composition of the item. If it's cotton mixed with spandex, wool, or silk, avoid bleaching it since these materials can be ruined by bleach. Fill a bucket with cold water. Pour in enough water that the item can move freely in the solution. Be sure to either measure the water as you're adding it or use a bucket with measurements up the side so that you know how much bleach to add. Pour in the bleach. Use ¼ cup (60 mL) of bleach for every gallon (3.8 L) of water. Stir with an old spoon you can dedicate just to laundry purposes. Use chlorine bleach if the item is white and non-chlorine bleach (sometimes called oxygen bleach) if the item has color. You can also use regular chlorine bleach on a colored garment if you're trying to lighten the color of the entire item. Soak the cotton item in the bleach solution. If you're just pre-soaking the material to remove stains before washing, only leave it in the solution for about 5 minutes. You can add a few minutes to that time if you're working with really tough stains. If you're attempting to lighten the color of the fabric, leave it in chlorine bleach for up to 10 minutes. Rinse the item with cool water. While wearing gloves to protect your skin, rinse the item under the faucet until you've removed as much bleach as possible. Keep the faucet running as you slowly pour out the bleach solution so that it can be diluted even more as you dispose of it. Neutralize it with hydrogen peroxide. Unless you're going to throw the item into a washing machine immediately, you'll need to stop the bleaching action from continuing. Create a solution that's equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a different bucket or in a stoppered sink. Let the item soak for about five minutes before rinsing again. Wash normally. Launder the item however you would normally, but if you've chosen to skip the neutralizing step, do not toss this item into the wash with dark colors. You will likely get bleach onto something else that you didn't mean to. Wash it separately or with whites. Set your washer to the highest heat possible. Hot water makes bleach more effective, though it can also cause chlorine bleach to release more chlorine fumes. So only use hot water with bleach in the washing machine, where the fumes will be contained. Add detergent and bleach if your machine has a bleach dispenser. If your washer has a special bleach dispenser, you can put everything in at once. Pour detergent into the drum or its own dispenser, place laundry in the drum, and pour bleach into its dispenser. Follow the instructions on your machine regarding amounts, but typically you can use ½ cup (120 mL) of bleach for a full-sized load. Turn on the washer and let it run normally. Add water first if your machine doesn’t have a bleach dispenser. Add however much detergent you need for the size of the load you're doing and turn on the water. Let the water agitate the detergent for 5 minutes. Add bleach 5 minutes into the cycle. Follow the directions on your machine for how and when to add bleach. But if you're unsure, it's best to wait 5 minutes to add the bleach. Detergents have special enzymes that can be deactivated by bleach if the two liquids are mixed together. Waiting 5 minutes allows the enzymes to dissolve in the water first. Use about ½ cup (120 mL) of bleach for a full-sized load. If there are any items with color in this load, use only non-chlorine bleach. Add the clothing to the washer. Once the water has detergent and bleach fully mixed in, add the items you want to wash. Waiting to add them until now helps you dilute the bleach first so that none of your garments get heavy doses of bleach. Allow the washer to run normally. When the cycle is done, your clothes should be clean and stain-free. You may need to repeat this process for items with really tough stains. Finished. | Wear protective gear when handling bleach. Ventilate your workspace. Dilute bleach with water whenever you use it. Keep bleach and ammonia separate. Check the tags of any item you intend to bleach. Fill a bucket with cold water. Pour in the bleach. Soak the cotton item in the bleach solution. Rinse the item with cool water. Neutralize it with hydrogen peroxide. Wash normally. Set your washer to the highest heat possible. Add detergent and bleach if your machine has a bleach dispenser. Add water first if your machine doesn’t have a bleach dispenser. Add bleach 5 minutes into the cycle. Add the clothing to the washer. Allow the washer to run normally. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-Bike-Pedals | How to Replace Bike Pedals | Before you replace your bike pedals, examine your pedals to see if you need an Allen wrench or pedal wrench. Once you have the right wrench, use it to remove the right pedal first by rotating it counterclockwise until the pedal is loosened. Repeat on the left pedal, but rotate the wrench clockwise this time. Once the old pedals are off, insert the new pedals into the pedal holes and tighten them into place with the wrench. | Secure your bike on a flat surface. If your bike has a kickstand, rest your bike on it. If your bike doesn't have a kickstand, lean it up against a wall or a table so it stays upright. You can also set the bike upside-down so that it rests on its seat and handlebars. In this case, all directions are the opposite (clockwise instead of anti-clockwise). Check the pedals to see what kind of spanner (wrench) you’ll need. Look at the space in between the pedal and the crank arm (the metal arm that your pedals are attached to). If you see flats for a spanner (wrench) to grip on, you'll need to use a pedal spanner (wrench). If you don't see spanner (wrench) flats, check for a hexagonal Allen-key (wrench) socket at the end of the axle that connects the pedal to the crank arm. If you see the socket, you'll need an Allen-key (wrench). If you need to use a pedal spanner (wrench), a 15 mm (0.59 in) wrench will usually work for an adult bike. For some children's bikes, you will need a ⁄ 16 in (14 mm) spanner (wrench). Some pedal spanners (wrenches) have openings in both of these standard sizes. A 6 mm (0.24 in) Allen-key (wrench) will usually work for bikes with Allen-key (wrench) sockets. Some bike pedals are designed so you can use either a pedal spanner (wrench) or an Allen-key (wrench). If you see spanner (wrench) flats on your bike pedal, still check the end of the axle to see if there's an Allen-key (wrench) socket there. Place the spanner (wrench) on the right pedal. If you're using a pedal spanner (wrench), wrap the jaws of the spanner (wrench) around the spanner (wrench) flats between the pedal and the crank arm. If you're using an Allen-key (wrench), insert the hexagonal end of the spanner (wrench) into the Allen-key (wrench) socket on the end of the pedal axle. Make sure you start with the right pedal. The direction you need to rotate the spanner (wrench) to loosen the right pedal is different to the left pedal. Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise to loosen the right pedal. If you're using a pedal spanner (wrench), make a half rotation and lift the spanner (wrench) off the flats. Hold onto the opposite pedal while you do this to give yourself more leverage. Replace the spanner (wrench) on the flats with the handle back up at the top so you can make another half rotation. Continue to crank the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the pedal is fully loosened. If you're using an Allen-key (wrench), the socket will likely be on the inside of the pedal spindle. This means you will need to turn the Allen-key (wrench) clockwise (while the spindle itself rotates counterclockwise, from the outside perspective). Take the right pedal off and set it aside. The pedal should slide out of the hole on the crank arm now that you've loosened it. If the pedal is still in good condition, store it somewhere in case you need a pedal in the future. Repeat on the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise instead. The thread on the left pedal is the opposite of the thread on the right pedal. This keeps the left pedal from unscrewing as you're riding your bike. Use the pedal spanner (wrench) or Allen wrench to unscrew the left pedal until it's completely loosened. Then, pull the pedal out of the hole and set it with the right pedal. If you're using an Allen wrench on a socket positioned inside the pedal spindle, you will need to turn it counterclockwise. Apply waterproof grease to the bike threads in the pedal holes. The grease will prevent your bike pedals from seizing so you don't have a hard time getting them off later on. Use enough grease to thinly coat the threads. You can find waterproof grease online or at your local bike shop. Insert the threaded end of the new right pedal into the right pedal hole. The right pedal should have a small “R” on it to indicate that it's the right pedal. Don't push the pedal into the hole or you could damage the threads. Only the end of the new pedal should be resting in the pedal hole. Before you start using the wrench, do a few turns by hand to ensure that the threads on the new pedal are aligned correctly. Place the wrench on the right pedal. If you're using a pedal wrench, wrap the jaws of the wrench around the wrench flats on the new pedal. If you're using an Allen wrench, insert the hexagonal end of the wrench through the pedal hole and into the Allen wrench socket on the end of the pedal axle. Rotate the wrench clockwise to tighten the right pedal into place. Continue to rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise until the pedal is completely tightened. If you're using a pedal spanner (wrench), make half rotations and then lift and bring the spanner (wrench) back up to the top of the pedal before you make another half rotation. Repeat with the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise. Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the left pedal is secure. Check your pedals to make sure they’re attached correctly. Pull on the pedals gently to make sure they feel secure. If you feel any play (looseness) in the bearing, then the pedals need to be tightened. Turn the pedals on their bearings and make sure they turn smoothly. Newly installed pedals usually do not spin freely, since the bearings need time to break in. You can also check the axel alignment by turning the pedal crank backwards and watching the pedals carefully. They should stay in the same plane, perpendicular to the crank circle, for the entire rotation. | Secure your bike on a flat surface. Check the pedals to see what kind of spanner (wrench) you’ll need. Place the spanner (wrench) on the right pedal. Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise to loosen the right pedal. Take the right pedal off and set it aside. Repeat on the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise instead. Apply waterproof grease to the bike threads in the pedal holes. Insert the threaded end of the new right pedal into the right pedal hole. Place the wrench on the right pedal. Rotate the wrench clockwise to tighten the right pedal into place. Repeat with the left pedal but rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise. Check your pedals to make sure they’re attached correctly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-Control-of-Your-Emotions | How to Gain Control of Your Emotions | To gain control of your emotions, take a moment to take a deep breath, hold it for 2 seconds, and then exhale. Keep breathing like that until you start to calm down. You can also try focusing on something around you, like the way something looks or smells, which can help bring you back to the present so you're not caught up in your emotions. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try doing the opposite of what you'd normally do, like walking away or not saying anything at all. | Notice when you feel your emotions getting away from you. The first step to gaining control of your emotions is to recognize when they're out of control. Ask yourself what this feels like physically and mentally, then work to identify it in the moment. Catching your emotions when they start to spiral requires mindfulness and conscious, rational thought; just the recognition alone will start to ground you in the present moment. You might experience physical reactions like a faster heart rate, tense muscles, and rapid or shallow breathing. Mentally, you might start losing focus, feeling anxious, panicky or overwhelmed, or feel like you can't control your thoughts. Slow down and focus on one element of your body's reaction at a time. For example, if you're suddenly feeling anxious, notice what that feels like in your body: “My heart is beating very fast. My palms feel sweaty.” Acknowledge and accept these feelings as they are, rather than judging them. Breathe in deeply to calm yourself. When your emotions get away from you, your breathing will often get out of control as well, compounding your feelings of stress and anxiety. Cut off this spiral when you feel it happening by taking several deep breaths to calm down your mind and body. If you can, try a purposeful deep breathing technique for the most effective solution. To try this technique, first place one hand on your chest and the other below your rib cage. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for a count of 4. Feel your lungs and abdomen expand as you fill them with air. Hold the breath for 1 or 2 seconds, then slowly release the breath through your mouth. Aim for 6-10 deep breaths per minute. If a full 4-count is difficult for you, you can start with a 2-count and work your way up with practice. Just try to make your breaths as deep and even as you can. Focus on physical sensations to recenter your mind. Losing control of your emotions can often come with a loss of self and place; you get wrapped up in your emotions and lose awareness of where you are. To counter this, force yourself to notice things directly around you or physical sensations you're experiencing. Grounding exercises use most or all of your 5 senses to help root you in the present moment. Speaking aloud is especially important, as it shifts your brain away from your emotions. Coming back into your body and focusing on the present moment can help ground you and stop your emotional spiral. For example, look around and describe aloud what you see. Listen for any sounds you can hear, and state those aloud as well. Notice the smells in the area, and see if you can taste anything on your tongue. You might say, "The carpet and walls are different shades of blue, and the wall art is abstract with blues, reds, grays, and white. I can smell coffee brewing in the break room, as well as the smell of old file folders." Take notice of what it feels like to be sitting in your chair or holding your coffee mug. Notice how your clothes feel, if any muscles are sore or tense. You can focus on something as simple as your hands being in your lap. Brew a cup of hot tea and focus on the sensation of drinking it in this moment. How does the cup feel? How does it smell? How does it taste? Describe it aloud to yourself. Describe a painting aloud, listing as many details as possible. Carry an essential oil blend to smell when you feel stressed. Let the scent overtake you, and speak aloud about what you like about the scent. Relax your muscles to relieve physical and mental tension. Do a scan of your body and see where you're holding your stress, then force yourself to relax that area. Unclench your hands, relax your shoulders, and let the tension out of your legs. Roll your neck and shake out your fingers. Releasing physical tension can go a long way towards steadying your mind. If you're having trouble relaxing your body, trying a method like progressive muscle relaxation, or PMR. You'll systematically tense and release your muscles in groups, starting at your toes and working upwards. Falling back on a set method like this can be useful when you can't focus on finding specific areas of tension. Visualize yourself in a calm, safe place. Choose a place, real or imagined, that you find tranquil and soothing. Close your eyes and imagine it, creating as many details as you can, while breathing slowly and evenly. Let out the tension in your body and let the calmness of your safe place quiet your thoughts and emotions. Your safe place could be a beach, a spa, a temple, or your bedroom—any place where you feel safe and relaxed. Think about the sounds you hear there, the things you'll see, and even the smells and textures. If you can't close your eyes or completely visualize your safe place, try to picture it quickly. Remind yourself of that calm, centered feeling and take a couple deep, quiet breaths. If you're experiencing a negative emotion while you visualize, imagine it as a physical object that you can remove from your safe place. For example, your stress could be a pebble that you can throw away, imagining your stress leaving your body as you do so. Create your own "Happy Book" or "Joy Box. " Fill it with happy memories, such as photos and mementos, like a ticket stub to a favorite concert. Print out inspirational quotes you enjoy to add to your book or box. Include a gratitude list or journal, as well as items you find comforting. For example, your box could also contain a funny book, a few candies, a nice mug, and a box of tea. Pull out your book or box when you're feeling emotional. You can also create a digital version of your happy book with photos, memes, inspirational quotes, gifs, etc. that make you feel good. Identify what your actual emotions are. Learning to pinpoint and name your emotions can give you control over them when you feel like they're running wild. Take a few deep breaths, then force yourself to look straight at the things you're feeling, even if it's painful. Then, ask yourself what the source of that emotion is, and if it's covering up for something else that you're afraid to confront. For example, ask yourself what about taking a major exam is making you so stressed. It might have a big influence on your future, or you feel like you have to do well to impress your family. At the root of your nerves might be a fear that your family's love depends on your success. Naming your emotions is actually a skill you may not have learned. Fortunately, you can use exercises from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help yourself learn to name your emotions. Here's a great exercise to try: https://www.dbtselfhelp.com/What_Skills.pdf Remember that no emotion is “wrong.” Telling yourself not to feel something is a way of hurting yourself even more. Instead, notice the emotion without passing judgment. Accept that the emotion is natural and let yourself feel it. Imagine your emotion as a character who holds that emotion. Then, trace the emotion back to its root cause. Identifying and naming the true feelings behind your emotional turmoil gives you control over them. Now that you can identify the emotion for what it is, you know that it's just a feeling, and that it doesn't have to have any real power over you. Give yourself permission to work through the emotion. Bottling up or ignoring your emotions will not make them go away. They will bubble up and resurface later, so it's important that you let yourself feel your emotions. However, you don't have to ruminate on them. Instead, set aside a block of time, such as 15-30 minutes to get out your emotion. For example, you might call a friend to vent or write out your thoughts in a journal. If you're feeling upset, you might take a moment alone to cry. If you feel the emotion in your body, such as with anger, stress, or envy, you might need to do something physical to work it out. You might go for a short walk or do yoga poses. Think about what you can do to resolve the situation. Sometimes, you may feel out of control emotionally because you can't see how to control the situation around you. This can lead to “ruminating,” a “broken record” thought loop where you obsess about the negative thought or feeling in an unproductive, usually vague, way. Break this cycle by focusing on any specifics of the situation that you can address. Instead of ruminating about trouble at work by thinking, “Why am I so bad at my job?”, make a list of things that you can address. You might talk with your boss about how to increase your productivity, ask someone more experienced for help, or start trying different stress-management techniques. Work to accept the things that your own efforts can't address. Letting go of the idea that you need to “fix” or “control” every element of a situation is a way to liberate yourself from stress and emotional turmoil. Decide how to move forward in the best way you can. When you're ready to decide on a course of action, make sure it's a conscious choice, not a reaction to another, competing emotion. Think about how you want to resolve this situation and why. What values of yours does this response represent? Does it make sense rationally, too? Think about what your moral principles are. What do you want the outcome of this situation to be? What is the decision you'd be most proud of? Then, ask yourself which course of action is the most likely to result in the outcome you want. For example, if someone insults you, you could do nothing, respond aggressively, or firmly tell them to stop. Ask yourself how you want this situation to end, and how to get there without compromising the things you believe in. Learn to recognize defensiveness in both yourself and others. Defensiveness not only leads to out of control emotions, it also makes people see you as too emotional. You may feel defensive if you feel stressed, frustrated, or personally attacked. However, it's important to listen to the opinions of others, especially if they're given constructively, without taking them personally. You can cope with defensiveness by reducing the threat in the situation and remaining curious about the thoughts of others. Here are signs of defensiveness: Refusing to listen to negative feedback Making excuses for failures Passing blame Crossing your arms to shut people out Smiling and nodding to get the person to stop talking Listing reasons why you're right without talking to others Ignoring feedback from others Using sarcasm or criticism of others to deflect from criticism about yourself Take precautions against your emotional triggers. Your triggers are the activities, people, places, things, or events that consistently bring out particular emotions in you. Once you know your triggers, you can plan for them and mentally prepare yourself. For instance, let's say your sister makes you angry every time you see her. Before the next family gathering, you might engage in relaxing self care before you go, then plan how you will take breaks from your sister throughout the day. You might make plans with another relative to go do something, or you might plan to leave and pick up a dish. Limit how much time you spend with her, and plan a way to leave early, if necessary. Do nothing if someone is trying to frustrate you. If you can tell that someone is bothering you just to egg you on, take a deep breath and stay calm. Speak calmly and refuse to let them get to you. When you maintain your cool, the person egging you on will become frustrated and eventually stop. When you feel ready to address them, first calmly tell them what you're feeling. Say something like, “I get frustrated when I feel like you're just trying to get a rise out of me.” Then, address the issue at hand and ask them for their thoughts on it, then listen and respond to what they're saying. For example, you could say, “Let's actually talk about the issue here, which is trying to finish this project on time. What ideas do you have?” Relax if you feel angry or upset. If you feel angry, you might clench your jaws and tense up. Taking a few deep breaths and relaxing your muscles is an easy and effective way to dial down strong feelings, which can stop you from doing something you might regret later. Try doing the opposite of what you would normally do. If you feel yourself reacting to strong emotions in a way that's typical for you, stop yourself. Take a moment and think about what would happen if you tried the opposite of your usual reaction. How would the outcome change? If it would become positive or productive, try that new method instead of your old one. For example, you might get bothered when your spouse regularly doesn't do the dishes. Instead of starting an argument, challenge yourself to do the dishes yourself, then politely ask your spouse if they could help. If this sounds difficult, start is by changing one small thing at a time. Instead of yelling at your spouse, tell them how you feel in a more neutral voice. If this is still too hard, walk away and take a 5 minute break. Eventually, you can work your way towards changing your reaction for good. Remove yourself from a situation that generates negative feelings. Sometimes the best reaction is walking away and avoiding your triggers altogether. If a situation can be reworked relatively easily and without hurting others, do what you can to remove yourself from it and your negative feelings. For example, if you're on a committee at work that includes people who are unfocused, you might get upset when attending the meetings. One strategy for dealing with this frustration is to ask to be re-assigned to a different committee. Express feelings directly and confidently. Learning to communicate assertively is a way to express and control your emotions while creating change in an undesirable situation. It's okay to say state your opinion or say no to things that make you uncomfortable or that you simply don't have time for, as long as you do so clearly and tactfully. For example, if a friend invites you to a party, you could say: “Thank you for thinking of me! I really don't like big crowds, though, so I'll pass this time. How about we meet up for coffee instead?” This allows you to express your feelings instead of keeping them inside and letting them control you. Use “I”-statements to make your point without blaming others. This type of communication helps you express your emotions without blaming or belittling others. Before you say a sentence that could come off as blaming or judgmental, stop yourself and restructure it into an observation or a statement of opinion. For example, instead of saying "You don't care about me," you could try: "I felt hurt when you didn't call me back when you said you would. What happened?" Invite others to share their perspectives. No situation has only one side. Asking others to share their thoughts can help you understand their perspective and create an equal dialogue. Active listening can help also calm down your own emotions, giving you control over them and putting you in the right mental space to put their ideas to use. When you share your opinion, for example, follow it up with something like: "What are your thoughts on this?" Avoid judgmental language like “shoulds” and “oughts. ” These statements feel blaming and can lead to feelings of frustration and anger that things aren't the way you want them to be. When you notice yourself using “shoulds, “oughts,” or other expectant words or phrases, stop and remember that nothing and no one is perfect. Challenge yourself to embrace imperfection and accept things the way they are right now. For example, instead of thinking "My partner should never hurt my feelings," you can try reminding yourself that it wasn't personal, and that you both make mistakes. If you realize you're being hard on yourself, show yourself kindness and compassion. For example, if you're thinking something like “I should've studied for this test more. I'm going to fail,” change it to “I studied hard and I'm as prepared as I could be. No matter what happens, I'll be fine.” Work out regularly to relax and let off steam. Getting exercise, especially calm and repetitive exercise like swimming, walking, or running, can help to calm your mind and your senses. You can also try exercises like yoga or Pilates, which focus on stilling the mind through soothing, stretching exercises and breathing techniques. Engage different senses in new ways to soothe your body. Cultivate a focus on beauty and calm appreciation of the world around you to work into your daily self-care routine. This focus on the gratitude and physical senses can also help you calm down in the moment, when you're feeling stressed or out of control. Experiment with a few different techniques, like: Listening to soothing music. Petting a dog or cat. In addition to focusing your senses, studies have shown that regular interaction with a loved pet can reduce depression. Going for a quiet walk, focusing on the beauty of your surroundings. Taking a warm bath or hot shower. Physical warmth relaxes and soothes most people. Eat your favorite food and savor the taste. Try soothing self-touch. Humans require affectionate touch to thrive. Positive touch releases oxytocin, a powerful hormone that boosts your mood, relieves stress, and makes you feel bonded to others. Techniques that can help you relax in an emotional moment include: Placing your hand over your heart. Feel your heart beating, the rising and falling of your chest, and the warmth of your skin. Repeat some positive words to yourself, such as “I am worthy of love” or “I am good.” Giving yourself a hug. Cross your arms over your chest and place your hands on your upper arms, squeezing yourself securely. Repeat a positive phrase, such as “I love myself.” Cup your face with your hands, like you would for a child or a loved one, and stroke your face with your fingers. Repeat a few words of kindness to yourself, such as “I am beautiful. I am kind.” Practice meditation. Meditation is a great way to relieve anxiety and depression, while improving your ability to deal with stress. Regular mindfulness meditation can also help you regulate your emotions. You can take a class, use an online guided meditation, or learn to do mindfulness meditation on your own. Sit upright in a comfortable, quiet place. Take deep, cleansing breaths and focus on a single element of your breathing, like the sound or the expansion of your lungs as you fill them with air. Expand your focus to include the rest of your body. Notice what your other senses are experiencing. Try not to judge or focus too much on any one sensation. Accept each thought and sensation as it appears and acknowledge each one without judgement by saying to yourself, “I am having the thought that my nose itches.” If you find your concentration waning, refocus your attention on your breathing. Practice repeating self-affirming mantras to yourself. The core principle of mindfulness is accepting the experience of the present moment without resistance or judgment. That's easier said than done, but you'll find that as you practice mindfulness techniques, they will become new “habits” that your brain adopts. When you're in a hard situation, repeat some supportive phrases to yourself, like: I will not always feel this way, and this feeling will pass. My thoughts and feelings are not facts. I do not have to act on my emotions. I am okay in this moment, even though it's uncomfortable. Emotions come and go, and I have been able to get through this in the past. Face the roots of your emotional turmoil so you can move past it. If you experience chronic lack of emotional control, try looking deeper into your personal history to find its origins. Knowing where your emotional turmoil comes from can help you figure out how to accept it and heal from it. Think about how conflict was handled in your family while you were growing up. Did your parents show or hide their emotions? Were certain emotions “off-limits”? What emotion is most uncomfortable for you, and how did your family handle it? You can also think about turning points in your life, such as a divorce, a death, or a major change like moving homes or losing a job. What emotions did you feel, and how did you react to them? Challenge beliefs and patterns based in fear or irrationality. Figuring out where your emotional turmoil stems from gives you the power to confront and overcome the beliefs that are causing it. Take a step back from the situation and objectively identify negative beliefs, like fear or inadequacy. What is causing those toxic feelings? What can you do to confront and overcome them? For example, feelings of not being good enough might show up as “disqualifying the positive” thinking: if somebody says something good about you, it doesn't count, but if they say something bad about you, you "knew it all along." Challenge this by noticing all the things you do right in your life. Emotional turmoil caused by fear might manifest as a tendency to jump to conclusions, when you make a negative judgment even though there aren't any facts to back it up. Challenge this way of thinking by stopping yourself at each step and examining the evidence for your conclusions. No matter what other complex negative emotions you uncover, you can challenge almost all of them by asking yourself what the unbiased truth is and showing yourself compassion. Start a journal to practice self-reflection. Journaling about your emotions can help you learn to identify your feelings. It will also help you learn to recognize what may trigger certain emotions and will help you recognize helpful and unhelpful ways of dealing with them. Use your journal to recognize your emotions, vent about things you feel bad about, show yourself compassion, think about the causes of certain emotional responses, and take responsibility and control of your feelings. Ask yourself questions in your journal entries, such as: How am I feeling right now? Do I think anything happened to provoke this response? What do I need when I feel this way? Have I felt this way before? Reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. Learning to become more positive in your outlook takes time and practice, but it can also enhance your resilience to uncertain or upsetting emotions and experiences. At the end of each day, write down 1 or 2 positive things that happened, even if it was just a good song that you heard on the radio or a funny joke. Practice replacing permanent statements with flexible ones. For example, if you're stressed over an exam, you might assume that it's no use studying because you're going to fail anyways. Instead of assuming that you can't improve, reframe your thoughts to something like, “I'll make extra flash cards and join a study group. I may not ace the test, but I'll know I did my best.” Looking at the experience as something that can be changed with a little effort makes you more likely to succeed. Seek professional help. Sometimes, you can try your best to control your emotions and still feel overwhelmed by them. Working with a licensed mental health professional can help you discover unhelpful emotional responses, and learn new, healthy ways to process your feelings. Difficulty regulating your emotions can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious problem, such as past abuse or trauma, or it can be the sign of a disorder such as depression. | Notice when you feel your emotions getting away from you. Breathe in deeply to calm yourself. Focus on physical sensations to recenter your mind. Relax your muscles to relieve physical and mental tension. Visualize yourself in a calm, safe place. Create your own "Happy Book" or "Joy Box. Identify what your actual emotions are. Give yourself permission to work through the emotion. Think about what you can do to resolve the situation. Decide how to move forward in the best way you can. Learn to recognize defensiveness in both yourself and others. Take precautions against your emotional triggers. Do nothing if someone is trying to frustrate you. Relax if you feel angry or upset. Try doing the opposite of what you would normally do. Remove yourself from a situation that generates negative feelings. Express feelings directly and confidently. Use “I”-statements to make your point without blaming others. Invite others to share their perspectives. Avoid judgmental language like “shoulds” and “oughts. Work out regularly to relax and let off steam. Engage different senses in new ways to soothe your body. Try soothing self-touch. Practice meditation. Practice repeating self-affirming mantras to yourself. Face the roots of your emotional turmoil so you can move past it. Challenge beliefs and patterns based in fear or irrationality. Start a journal to practice self-reflection. Reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. Seek professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Advertise-Your-Business-for-Free | How to Advertise Your Business for Free | To advertise your business for free, start by using a service like Wix to create a free web page, or create a Facebook business page to use as your online base of operations. Then, make sure your business has a Twitter account, and use it to follow current customers and related businesses to yours. Once your web presence is set up, use social media to engage directly with customers through exclusive giveaways or direct responses to reviews on sites like Yelp! | Start a web presence. Harness the power of the Internet to draw attention to your business. The web is full of free outlets that can potentially reach hundreds of thousands of consumers. A good way to do this is with a free Wix website. You can Make a Free Website to provide information about your business and market your products and services. A business email address is important. You can Make an Email Address for Free. On every email you send out for your business, have a small 3-4 line signature at the bottom (add this in Settings). Include links to your business' website, Facebook page, Twitter account or whatever other online presence you have. Use Twitter. Setting up a Twitter account is free, and it allows you to interact with customers on an immediate and personal level. See Twitter for Business for more information. Choose a handle or username that's as close to your business' name as possible and tether your business email to the account. Use your logo as your avatar. Seeing your business logo with every tweet you publish can help strengthen your brand. Follow current customers, family members, friends and other businesses you admire or whose products your business uses. Promote your business in your tweets, but keep it fun, too - host giveaways or give shout outs to loyal customers. Give people a reason to follow your business. Create a Facebook page. Setting up a business page on Facebook is free, and allows you to interact with your customers and other businesses. See Facebook for Business for more information. Host giveaways limited to people who "like" your profile or share one of your posts, and offer special Facebook-only deals via messages to customers who follow your activity. Many businesses forgo creating their own website and simply list their Facebook pages as their business sites. Consider if this might be the right course of action for your business. Get on Yelp. Yelp is a website where consumers can review and recommend businesses. Learn more at Yelp for Business Owners. You can use your Yelp page to post information and special offers, as well as to gauge how well you're serving your customers. Some business owners respond to bad reviews on Yelp by contacting the Yelp user directly or posting a reply offering to remedy the situation. This allows you to let potential customers know you take their concerns seriously. Stand out on Google with your Google My Business listing. Get found on Google Search and Maps by optimizing your Google listing. Verify your business to make sure that all of your business information, including hours, phone number, and website are correct. Upload photos, respond to reviews and post updates or special offers right on your Google listing. You can even let your customers message your directly on Google, and build a free, mobile-optimized website in 10 minutes from the information on your listing. Create an account with a free online directory. Most online directories allow you to upload unlimited products, businesses, and services with a detailed information about such product and also automatically provides a contact form for an individual product where prospective customers can contact product owner one-on-one. Create your listings. Listings are the products, business or services you or your company offers. A good online directory allows you to upload as many as possible listings so as to boost your target market reach. Your products will be stored in the database and will be displayed on their front page. All products uploaded are also search engine optimized after 24 hours. Join appropriate online communities. Many industries, especially those with special niches, have online communities where people discuss and share information. Joining and contributing to these online communities can be a valuable marketing tool. It is important to be active in these online communities to build rapport with other members. If you only participate only intermittently, you may lose more customers than you gain. You also should not just blatantly advertise for your business in these communities. Make sure your contributions are valuable to the other members, but always put your business name, logo, and links to other web presences in your signature. Write press releases. Did you just open your business? Are you supporting a charity drive around the holiday season? Did you just wrap up a special project? Pitch your story to your local media outlets and see if they're interested in covering you. Try newspapers, broadcast news, and radio shows. By using multiple media sources, you can reach more potential customers. You can write press releases for almost any event in your business. However, if you send too many press releases that are of little interest, the media may lose interest. Contact columnists. It is good to build relationships with as many columnists as possible. Sometimes, they may be looking for stories and may actually reach out to you. Some newspapers have a columnist who specializes in writing about good deals and new businesses. Try them as the first point of contact. Look for columnists who reach your niche audience - for example, if you run a fishing tackle shop, get in touch with your local newspaper's outdoors columnist. Work for charity. Many newspapers will print special coverage of charity endeavors, particularly during holiday seasons. These charity events are often covered in the local media. You could host a small charity drive during which you accept canned food or used-good donations to give to your local shelters or assistance organizations. Be sure to contact the newspaper and other media outlets regarding the event and mention that your business is sponsoring it. Display your business logo as prominently as possible without overshadowing the event. You can have signs, banners, or even articles of clothing with your company name and logo. For even better publicity, offer a discount to customers who bring in an item to donate. This will increase revenue for both the charity and your business. Implement a referral program. Word of mouth can be an excellent way to grow your business, and you can increase word of mouth by seeking referrals from existing customers. Offer a discount or a freebie to current customers who send you referrals. You could hand out specialized referral cards for them to give to new customers. Be sure to advertise your referral program so that existing customers know about the program and what they can gain from providing you with referrals. Build partnerships and alliances. Team up with other businesses that offer complementary services and refer customers to one another. For instance, if you sell greenhouses, network with fertilizer suppliers and floral shops. Be sure to negotiate a deal that is beneficial to both organizations. This will increase buy-in for all involved, increasing the success of the alliance. You will need to formalize your partnerships and alliances with contractual agreements. Seek legal advice as necessary. Join community organizations. Chambers of commerce, service organizations, and other groups are a great way to network with other business owners and potential customers. It is important to be an active member of the organizations you join. Just being a member will not be as effective as being a participating member. Attend meetings and events of these organizations, and speak with as many people as possible. Be sure to seek out mutually beneficial relationships. People are more likely to send customers your way if you are returning the favor. Make sure you are not blatantly advertising for your business. You should contribute value to these organizations while sharing information about your business and your expertise when appropriate. Host seminars, workshops, and other educational events. If you own a space that can accommodate several people at once, consider hosting an event to help familiarize people with your product. For instance, wine shops can host tastings and craft stores can host workshops on any number of crafting techniques. | Start a web presence. Use Twitter. Create a Facebook page. Get on Yelp. Stand out on Google with your Google My Business listing. Create an account with a free online directory. Join appropriate online communities. Write press releases. Contact columnists. Work for charity. Implement a referral program. Build partnerships and alliances. Join community organizations. Host seminars, workshops, and other educational events. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Frogs | How to Breed Frogs | To breed frogs, start by setting up a habitat that mimics the conditions your frogs would naturally breed in. For example, if your frogs would normally breed in the summer, you'd want to increase the temperature and humidity in the tank. Then, introduce a male and female frog to the tank, and wait for them to breed. Once the female lays eggs, remove the adult frogs and wait for the eggs to hatch. | Research the regulations for collecting and raising wild frogs in your area. Contact your local conservation department to ensure that you do this project safely and get any necessary permits. In Australia, for example, you will need to get a free permit in order to collect tadpoles for genuine educational reasons. Don't trespass in order to collect eggs or tadpoles. Never collect eggs, tadpoles, or adults belonging to endangered species. Many kinds of frogs are threatened around the world. Find out which species of endangered frog lives in your area, and learn how to identify their eggs and tadpoles in order to avoid collecting them. Collect eggs and larvae, also known as tadpoles. Visit a pond, small lake, or creek to find eggs or tadpoles in the spring to early summer. Use small jars or nets to capture the eggs or tadpoles. Measure the temperature of the water, and use insulated carrying cases to maintain that temperature in the jars you used to transport the eggs or tadpoles. Frogs lay small eggs in clusters or strands, usually under water and attached to vegetation. Tadpoles resemble small, dark fish with large heads. Your area may limit the number of eggs, tadpoles, or frogs you can collect, and it may require you to have a permit. Keep track of where you collected the eggs or tadpoles to facilitate return later on. Set up a frog-friendly habitat using an aquarium, fish bowl, or large glass jar. A shallow bowl with a large rock in the middle works well; you don't need deep water. Use water from your collection site, and add to it using only de-chlorinated water, providing about half a gallon per tadpole. Never use straight tap water. Aerate the water using an appropriate aeration device. If you have collected eggs, add them directly to the tadpole container – don't keep them in a smaller container at first. Feed the tadpoles. The natural food for tadpoles is algae and tiny plant matter. If you can't obtain algae, you can replicate this at home or school by grinding up commercial goldfish food and by boiling and cooling lettuce or spinach (not cabbage). Feed tadpoles twice daily, removing any uneaten food within an hour to keep the water clean. Supplement this diet twice a week with flakes of hard-boiled egg yolks to add protein. Change the habitat to accommodate the baby frogs. Tiny frogs need to be able to climb out of the water immediately to avoid drowning. Once tadpoles start to develop hind legs, provide a gently sloping area such as a small pile of rocks or natural (not treated) wood. Feed the baby frogs. Frogs eat insects and small crustaceans. You can feed your baby frogs on meal worms or aphids (which can be found on infested houseplants). Release the frogs to their natural habitat as soon as possible. Use the notes you made earlier about where you collected the eggs or tadpoles. Release the frogs early enough that they will have time to hibernate for the winter. Early fall is the latest you should release your frogs. Never transport frogs and release them in a new location. You risk introducing non-native species, diseases, or parasites. Make sure you have male and female frogs. Depending the species, you can tell the sex of adult frogs in various ways. Ideally, you should have a group of frogs that contains more males than females. Male red-eyed tree frogs are larger than females, and only the males vocalize. By contrast, female tiger-leg monkey frogs are larger than the males. Manipulate your frogs’ environment to induce readiness for breeding. In the wild, frogs breed seasonally, to give tadpoles and baby frogs the summer to grow and develop. You will need to use light and temperature manipulation to simulate seasonal changes to your frogs. When breeding red-eyed tree frogs, cut down on the frequency of misting the terrarium. Lower the temperature by about five degrees Fahrenheit. Your frogs may need to eat less during this time, but monitor their health. After a month, return the temperatures to normal, mist heavily, and feed plenty of food. Place frogs ready to breed together in an optimal environment. Learn how to recognize the signs of breeding readiness in your species of frog. You will need to design an environment that mimics the situation in which frogs breed in the wild. Female red-eyed tree frogs will swell with eggs, and males will begin to vocalize frequently. They will need to be moved into a “rain chamber” designed to mimic a rainy forest setting. An overhead hose should provide falling water, and there must be large leaves for depositing eggs. Return the adult frogs to their usual home once their eggs have been laid. Allow eggs to develop into tadpoles, making sure that newly hatched tadpoles can immediately enter warm water. Red-eyed tree frog tadpoles require a water temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Feed tadpoles with finely-ground fish food. Maintain water quality by changing occasionally, using an aerator, and not allowing old food to linger in the water. Make sure that tadpoles have a way to climb out to air when they become baby frogs. Cover the terrarium with a screen to prevent tadpoles from climbing out. Feed baby frogs on insects such as wingless fruit flies and small crickets. Keep baby frogs moist. Baby frogs may die if they become dried out. Maintain adequate temperatures and simulate day and night using a light source. Prevent in-breeding by not allowing siblings to breed with one another. Do not continually breed from the same small population of frogs. This decreases genetic variation and may lead to the development of inherited diseases. Have realistic expectations. Frog farming for human consumption is not economically profitable in the United States right now. Most frog legs come from Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan. They are often harvest wild there due to the difficulty of intensive frog farming. Be wary of “get rich quick” schemes based on farming frogs for human consumption. Focus instead on producing frog legs for personal or small-scale enjoyment. Follow any local laws and regulations. You may need to purchase a wildlife breeder's permit in order to raise frogs. Be sure that your frog farm does not violate local zoning laws or disturb protected species or wetlands. Choose the appropriate species for your purposes. Edible frogs include the green frog (Rana clamitans), the leopard frog (Rana pipiens), the pickerel frog (Rana palustris), and the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). The bullfrog is the one most often farmed for food in North America. Set up your breeding area. Many frog farms are natural marshes or ponds that have been modified to limit predators, retain frogs, and allow for easy supplementation of food and capture. Set up a fence to protect the area. An adult bullfrog needs about twenty feed of shoreline for its feeding territory. Increase the available shoreline by building inlets, coves, and islands. Ensure that the water is deep enough to protect the frogs and tadpoles from extreme temperatures. In areas with cold winters, six to twelve feet may be required to allow for hibernation in the bottom mud. Feed tadpoles on boiled potatoes, vegetables, and meat scraps. Don't feed them the remains of butchered frogs, because this might transmit disease. Feed frogs on live insects and small crustaceans. Paying for a supply of live minnows, crayfish, and insects to feed your frogs will be one of the most expensive aspects of a frog-farming operation. However, frogs generally refuse to eat food that is not moving. Use a strong night-time light at outdoor farms to attract flying insects. Prevent and treat diseases. Many diseases arise from over-crowding; be sure to allow plenty of room for your frogs. If you see evidence of disease, isolate affected individuals and treat them with antibiotics. | Research the regulations for collecting and raising wild frogs in your area. Collect eggs and larvae, also known as tadpoles. Set up a frog-friendly habitat using an aquarium, fish bowl, or large glass jar. Feed the tadpoles. Change the habitat to accommodate the baby frogs. Feed the baby frogs. Release the frogs to their natural habitat as soon as possible. Make sure you have male and female frogs. Manipulate your frogs’ environment to induce readiness for breeding. Place frogs ready to breed together in an optimal environment. Return the adult frogs to their usual home once their eggs have been laid. Feed tadpoles with finely-ground fish food. Feed baby frogs on insects such as wingless fruit flies and small crickets. Prevent in-breeding by not allowing siblings to breed with one another. Have realistic expectations. Follow any local laws and regulations. Choose the appropriate species for your purposes. Set up your breeding area. Feed tadpoles on boiled potatoes, vegetables, and meat scraps. Feed frogs on live insects and small crustaceans. Prevent and treat diseases. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Reasoning-Skills | How to Improve Reasoning Skills | To improve your reasoning skills, play strategy games like chess and Scrabble. Journaling is another way to improve critical thinking skills since it involves reflection and exploration of your thoughts and feelings. Finally, try new things to increase encourage critical thinking! Pick activities that are different from each other, like biking and crochet, for fun, challenging ways to stimulate your mind. | Keep trying new things. A great way to improve reasoning skills is to keep trying new things. The mind is like any other muscle. It requires exercise and stimulation. Make a point of trying out new hobbies and activities on a regular basis. Pick activities that are vastly different from one another. If you're already an outdoor enthusiast, instead of taking up hiking consider learning to crochet. If you're big into crafts and working with your hands, consider trying to do crossword puzzles or Sudoku in your spare time. Take classes if possible. Taking a pottery class or poetry class at a local community center can be a fun way to challenge your brain and encourage you to try new things. Exercise. Physical exercise actually has an effect on memory and thinking. Many studies indicate the parts of the brain responsible for thinking and reasoning are bigger in those who exercise regularly. Also, exercise reduces stress and anxiety and boosts mood, which can make it easier to concentrate and learn. Strive to incorporate regular physical activity into your day-to-day routine. This can lead to an improvement in critical thinking skills. While researchers are still unsure if one form of exercise is better than another, some research indicates aerobic exercise is most helpful to mental stimulation. Journal. Daily journaling can actually help improve critical thinking skills. In addition to helping you revisit your day, journaling encourages reflection and thought. Writing is an active endeavor. It forces you to expand and explore your thoughts. Keeping a journal that details your day, your feelings, and anything you thought about throughout the day can make you a more introspective, aware person. This can lead to higher reasoning skills. Make time to journal every day. Schedule regular journaling time into your day-to-day life as you would brushing your teeth, showering, and eating dinner. It may be helpful to schedule journal time after an activity you're accustom to doing every day, as this will make it easier to remember to keep up with your journal. Read fiction. Reading in general is great for improving critical thinking. However, fiction specifically can allow you to be more comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. This can lead to more sophisticated thinking as well as more creativity. Fiction can force you to become more insightful about other perspectives due to the focus on character. This can make you more in tune to the cultures, belief systems, and skill sets of those around you. You may be better at, say, reasoning with those around you as you'll have a greater capacity for empathy. Black and white thinking is also lessened through reading fiction. People who read fiction over time may have more sophisticated thought patterns as they're able to navigate and accept the ambiguity in a variety of situations. Play games that require reasoning skills. There are a variety of games that require you to reason. Strategic board games, games like chess, and word games all help reasoning skills. Look for board games that rely on more than just look. Explore in depth strategy games where decision making is a key part of the process. Schedule a regular game night with friends and aim to play games that require thought and attention. Clue and Risk require critical thought. Games like Scrabble and Boggle teach you to analyze information quickly. Chess and checkers all require reasoning skills. Consider joining or starting a chess club. Consider games you can play on your own. You can play certain card games alone online. Purchase a Rubik's Cube and spend time trying to solve it. Create. Forcing yourself to create on a regular basis can improve reasoning skills. You don't necessarily have to be highly adept at a creative activity but forcing the mind to try new things can increase reasoning skills. Try to play a musical instrument. Take up drawing. Write a poem. Compose a short song. Pay attention to the purpose behind your actions. Each time you make a decision throughout the day, there is some purpose behind it. Given the hectic demands of day-to-day life, people sometimes lose track of the purpose and goals behind their actions. Try to be aware of the inherent purposes driving you throughout the day. Focus on larger goals at work or school. Where do you want to be in five years? Two years? One year? How are you current actions serving this goal? Do your actions make sense reasonably given your larger purpose? Answering these questions can help you improve your reasoning skills. Try to make sure your actions are actually serving some purpose. Oftentimes, people get caught up in the idea something has to be done in a particular way or they have to follow a particular path. Actions then become unreasonable. Try to keep the end in mind when you take a certain action. Identify your biases. Everyone has biases, whether they are aware of them or not. If you want to improve reasoning skills, try to identify your biases. A major bias is that people often only consider a situation or a problem from one point of view. When dealing with an issue at work, school, or home pause and ask yourself a few questions before taking action. Ask, "What do I believe about the situation? Why do I believe this? What assumptions might I be making about the thoughts and ideas of others?" It's important to take steps to be self-aware of your own biases. This can help you avoid having those biases obstruct your judgment. It may even be helpful to ask a close friend about your gaps in thinking. Approach a friend with a question like, "What are some ways I sometimes behave irrationally?" Ask for honesty and openness. Consider the implications of your options. Each time you make a choice, there are consequences. A good way to improve reasoning skills is to make a point of stopping to consider those consequences on a conscious level. Use your imagination. Before making a choice in a given situation, pause to imagine a variety of possible outcomes. How do you feel about these outcomes? What's the worst case scenario? Best case scenario? What is reasonably most likely to happen? Why? Also, do not neglect to consider the viewpoints of others affected by your decision. This can help you explore your decision through a variety of angles. Watch for over-generalizations. Many people over generalize without realizing it. This is toxic to rational thinking. Try to be aware of any over-generalizations you may make in day-to-day life. Over-generalizations are taking one particular event and seeing it as evidence of how things have always been or always will be. For example, if you do bad on one test you may think, "I'm stupid and always fail at school." In making this statement, you're glossing other academic success you have had in the past in the light of one event. All-or-nothing thinking is a form of generalizing where you see things in black and white terms. All-or-nothing thinking places things in only one or two categories: good or bad, success or failure, etc. This results in missing the shades of gray in a situation. For example, if you get a mixed review of your performance at work you may see yourself as a failure. In reality, you're likely a competent worker with some areas that need improvement. Filtering out positive is a thought pattern in which too much focus is placed on the bad aspects of a situation. If 20 good things happen in a day followed by 1 bad thing, you may focus entirely on the negative. For example, say you make a single mistake during a musical performance but otherwise play perfectly. You might be tempted to declare the performance a disaster. In reality, you are probably the only person who noticed a single wrong note. Do not make assumptions. People make assumptions about all kinds of situations. This can lead to unreasonable thinking. Strive to be aware of any assumptions you make. Sometimes, people engage in mind-reading. That is, you make assumptions about what others think of your or a situation. In reality, it's impossible to know what another person is thinking without asking. For example, you may find yourself thinking "I bet everyone thought I was an idiot in that meeting" or "I bet that co-worker thinks I talk too much." If you notice yourself engaging in such thoughts, try to remind yourself that you are probably not as good at reading people's opinions as you think you are. Fortune telling is a form of thinking where you think you know what will happen in the future. This can be in the form of a defeatist attitude. For example, "I'll never be able to stick to a diet and lose weight" or "I know I'm going to sound like an idiot during my presentation tomorrow." Keep in mind that, in reality, you cannot know what will happen tomorrow or in the coming weeks. Avoid catastrophic thinking. Many people catastrophize situations when they're upset or stressed. For example, you might think you'll be financially bankrupt forever if you need to pay for car repairs one month. If you get rejected romantically, you might decide you're not destined for love. Try to keep in mind that one setback or misfortune is not necessarily indicative of things to come. Pay attention to how you read situations. Oftentimes, people unconsciously read situations in an irrational way. Watch how you think and perceive situations in day-to-day life. Labeling is the tendency to put a name on a situation. For example, "This person made a mistake" or "I made a bad choice." This leads you to put people and situations into categories based on solitary instances. Try your best not to categorize and avoid the temptation to judge. Personalization is the tendency to take situations and other people's reactions personally. For example, you may assume a co-worker is mad at you if she doesn't stop to chat in the break room. In reality, she may just be busy. Try not to take situations personally. Oftentimes, you hold yourself to an unreal ideal. You might see someone else's success as evidence of your shortcoming. Try to keep in mind everyone is different and moves at a different pace. | Keep trying new things. Exercise. Journal. Read fiction. Play games that require reasoning skills. Create. Pay attention to the purpose behind your actions. Identify your biases. Consider the implications of your options. Watch for over-generalizations. Do not make assumptions. Avoid catastrophic thinking. Pay attention to how you read situations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Coffee-Table | How to Build a Coffee Table | To build a coffee table, start by cutting 2 long wooden boards and 3 short boards. Then, arrange the boards in a rectangle, with the third short board running across the middle, and nail the boards together. Next, glue a sheet of plywood to the top of the wooden rectangle to make a tabletop, and nail it into place to secure it. Finally, cut 4 legs for the table, and secure them to the inside corners of the rectangle using screws and a drill. | Cut 2 pieces of 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) wood to 42 in (110 cm) long. Measure the length of your board and mark where you plan to make your cut with a pencil. Use a miter saw to cut an 8 feet (2.4 m) board down to size. If you don't have access to a miter saw, set the board on a workbench or between 2 saw horses and use a handsaw. Wear eye protection while working with power tools to prevent sawdust from getting in your eyes. You can work with any kind of wood you want. If you want to be cost-effective, use pine or oak. For an upscale look that's also durable, use maple or walnut. Saw 3 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) boards to 24 in (61 cm) long. Use another 8 ft (2.4 m) board, and cut the 3 shorter pieces with a miter saw or hand saw. Make sure the edges are straight so they lay flush with the other boards. The size of the table you build can vary depending on how much space you have. Arrange the boards in a rectangle on the floor. Lay the boards so the narrow sides are on the ground. Place 2 of the shorter boards between the ends of the longer ones to form corners. Put the third board in the middle to form a support beam. If you want the corners to look cleaner, cut the ends of each board to a 45-degree angle before putting them together. Nail the corners of the boards together to secure them. Use 2 in (5.1 cm) finishing nails on the sides of the 42 in (110 cm) boards. Pound 2 nails through the boards on each end of the shorter pieces to hold them in place. Make sure the corners are flush as you secure the boards. This forms the apron on the underside of the table so you can easily attach the tabletop and legs. Use a 48 in × 28 in (122 cm × 71 cm) plywood sheet if you want a solid tabletop. Use a solid piece of plywood that's at least 1 in (2.5 cm) thick. Make sure you use the same type of wood that you used to make the apron for a consistent look. Avoid using chipboard or particle board since it's not as sturdy. Cut the board with a table saw to bring it down to size. Visit your local lumber yard to see what sizes of boards are available and see if they can cut it for you. Make the surface out of multiple boards for a rustic look. Purchase 3 1 in × 10 in (2.5 cm × 25.4 cm) boards that are 4 ft (1.2 m) long. Lay one of the boards on the middle of the apron so it's 8 in (20 cm) from each end. Mark where the edges line up with a pencil. You can use thinner or wider boards depending on how much wood you want to use. Apply wood glue to the top of the apron. Take the boards or plywood off the top of the apron. Squeeze a line of wood glue on top of the apron, and spread it evenly across the surface with a foam brush or finger. Wipe off any excess wood glue with the edge of your foam brush. If you're making a tabletop out of multiple boards, only put wood glue on the apron where you'll put the middle board. Press the tabletop onto the apron so there's 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of overhang. Press the sheet of plywood or the middle board onto the surface and hold it there for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This ensures the glue gets a maximum amount of coverage and will hold better. If you don't want to hold the wood in place after setting it down, place something heavy on the spots you glued. Work quickly since wood glue can dry within 20 minutes. Nail the tabletop into place to secure it. Use your 2 in (5.1 cm) finishing nails and your hammer to keep the tabletop in place. Drive the nails in from the top of your table into the apron underneath. Put in 2 nails at each end of the tabletop as well as 2 nails into the middle support of the apron. Make sure the nails are flat against the table's surface. When you're making a tabletop from multiple boards, glue and nail down 1 board at a time. Look for any areas of the table bowing away from the apron. If you notice this happening, put in more nails to hold it tight. Although wood glue takes 24 hours to set completely, nailing the tabletop to the apron will hold the pieces together so you can keep building. Flip the table over so it's upside-down. Grab the overhang of the table and lift it. Tip the table up and over so the apron faces the ceiling. Gently set the table back down on the ground. Ask a friend to help you if the table is too heavy to lift on your own. Don't slide your hands against the wood grain or else you could get a splinter. Cut 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) plywood into 4 17 in (43 cm) long pieces. Cut down an 8 ft (2.4 m) piece of wood into 4 equal sections using a miter saw or hand saw. Make sure the ends of the pieces are flat so they can stand up without wobbling. If your wood pieces wobble, use a sander to flatten the ends. Adjust the height of the legs accordingly to how tall you want the table. Pre-drill 4 holes in each corner and leg. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your screws. Set the 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) pieces in each corner so the sides of the legs are against the apron. Make 2 holes 2 in (5.1 cm) from the end of the apron, making sure the drill goes into the leg as well. Repeat the process for the other side of the leg against the apron. Stagger the height of the holes so screws won't run into one another. Screw 4 2 1⁄2 in (6.4 cm) construction screws from the apron into each leg. Hold the screws in the holes you drilled and use an electric screwdriver to secure the legs. Tighten the screws until they lay flush with the surface of the wood so they aren't as noticeable. Use darker colored screws on darker wood and light colored screws on light wood to conceal them better. Sand the legs if they don't lay even. Flip the table rightside up to see if it wobbles or sits crooked on the floor. If so, use a coarse-grit sandpaper to shorten the longer legs so they're even with the shortest leg. An electric belt sander will work faster if you have access to one. Be careful not to over sand the legs or else the table may still wobble. Sand the entire table with a sanding block. Use a 320-grit sanding block to smooth all the surfaces on your table. Work across the top, sides, legs, and apron so there's no chance of anyone getting a splinter if they run their hand across it. Round the corners of the tabletop if you don't want them to have a sharp edge. Use an electric sander if you want to get your work done faster. Wear a face mask and eye protection so sawdust doesn't get in your eyes. Stain the wood if you want to see the wood grain. Pick a dark or light stain depending on the rest of the room's design. Dip the bristles of a paintbrush into the stain and let the excess drip off. Work in long back and forth strokes to evenly coat the table. Wipe off excess stain with a dry cloth to get a uniform finish. Let the stain dry for 8 hours before adding a second coat. Put your table on a painter's tarp so you don't spill stain on your floors. Paint the wood to make it a solid color. Put a thin coat of primer on the surface of your table so the paint can bond easier and stay true to its color. Allow the primer to dry for 1-2 hours before putting on any paint. Work in long back and forth strokes along the wood grain to evenly coat the table. Let the paint dry for at least 3-4 hours before applying a second coat. Paint your table a color to match other furniture in your room. Apply a polyurethane wood finish to the tabletop to protect it from moisture. Work in a well-ventilated area when applying the finish. Use a paintbrush and work with the grain of the table to seal the wood and prevent moisture from coming in. Let the polyurethane coat dry for an hour or 2 before applying a second coat. Polyurethane finish can be purchased at your local hardware store. | Cut 2 pieces of 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) wood to 42 in (110 cm) long. Saw 3 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) boards to 24 in (61 cm) long. Arrange the boards in a rectangle on the floor. Nail the corners of the boards together to secure them. Use a 48 in × 28 in (122 cm × 71 cm) plywood sheet if you want a solid tabletop. Make the surface out of multiple boards for a rustic look. Apply wood glue to the top of the apron. Press the tabletop onto the apron so there's 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of overhang. Nail the tabletop into place to secure it. Flip the table over so it's upside-down. Cut 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) plywood into 4 17 in (43 cm) long pieces. Pre-drill 4 holes in each corner and leg. Screw 4 2 1⁄2 in (6.4 cm) construction screws from the apron into each leg. Sand the legs if they don't lay even. Sand the entire table with a sanding block. Stain the wood if you want to see the wood grain. Paint the wood to make it a solid color. Apply a polyurethane wood finish to the tabletop to protect it from moisture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Beagle | How to Identify a Beagle | To identify a beagle, look for its coat to have three main colors, like black, white, and brown. You should also note the size of the dog's ears, since beagles typically have large, floppy ears that cover most of their head. Additionally, check to see if the tail sticks up above its back and has a white tip, which is a sign of a purebred beagle. Along with physical characteristics, listen for a loud and persistent bark. | Note the dog’s color. Beagles come in different colors, with the two most common being tri-color (black, white and brown) and lemon (tan and white). A beagle's coat is primarily white with varying combinations of brown, black, tan, and red. However, the coat may include other colors and patterns if the dog is not a purebred beagle. Check the dog's ears. Like other dogs in the hound family, beagles have large, floppy ears that usually end below their faces. These distinctive ears tend to be wide and cover much of the dog's head. If the dog has pointy ears that sit on the top of their head, it is not a beagle or, at the least, not a purebred beagle. Look at the tail. Beagles have a medium-sized tail that stands up above their back. In addition, their tale has a distinctive a white tip, which is an indication of a purebred beagle, even if it is just a few hairs. English hunters bred the white tip to help them recognize their dogs as they moved through tall grasses looking for game. Notice the size of the dog. Beagles are lean and compact dogs breed for hunting small game. They measure between 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 centimeters) at the shoulder. In addition to their small stature, beagles tend to be trim dogs, with a healthy dog weighing between 20 and 25 pounds (9 to 11 kg). Notice frequent barking. Beagles have a loud and persistent bark. Because beagles are hounds, they are vocal dogs that tend to howl when they are playing or approached by strangers. Although persistent barking can be trained out of a beagle, they will generally still get vocal when excited. Recognize an affinity for sniffing. Like other hounds, beagles have excellent noses and love to sniff things. If you are going for a walk, a beagle will be constantly sniffing its surroundings. When encountering new people, one of the first things that beagle will do is sniff the newcomers to familiarize itself with their scent. Note if the dog is difficult to train. Beagles have a reputation as smart but difficult dogs. This means that they can be hard to train. Beagle puppies tend to have more issues with house training and training, in general, can be more difficult in comparison to other breeds. Use an app to figure out the breed. If you have a picture of the dog in question, you can also use a smartphone app to determine whether it is a beagle. Certain applications, like Fetch!, can tell you what breeds your dog most closely resembles. Although it is not a perfect indicator of breed, an app might point you in the right direction. If you are curious about the breed of someone else's dog, be sure to ask their permission before taking a picture of their dog. Ask another beagle owner. If you encounter a dog with its owner and believe that it might be a beagle, stop and inquire about the dog's breed. Smile and, in a polite and friendly tone, ask the owner about the dog. They will likely have an idea of their dog's breed. You can also ask another beagle owner if they think your dog is a beagle. Bring your dog in to the vet. If you are unsure about your dog's breed, ask your veterinarian. They are familiar with most dog breeds and should able to identify your dog after an examination of its physical characteristics. If they are unable to identify your dog's lineage, they can direct you to a specialist who can. Talk with a beagle breeder. If you are buying a beagle from a breeder, make sure that they provide you with the paperwork to show that the American Kennel Club recognizes both parents as beagles. Without proper documentation, you may be purchasing a pet that is not a purebred beagle. In addition, a breeder might be able to help you identify whether or not your dog is a beagle, even if you did not purchase the dog from them. When purchasing a beagle from a breeder, say things like “May I see the pedigree certificate for the puppy's parents?” and “Can I see your credentials?” Test your dog's DNA. If you want a more conclusive detailing of your dog's background, purchase a commercial DNA testing kit. These can be easily found online. Once you receive the kit, simply swab your dog's mouth and mail the sample back to the company for testing. In a few weeks, you will get a set of results that indicate your dog's heritage. | Note the dog’s color. Check the dog's ears. Look at the tail. Notice the size of the dog. Notice frequent barking. Recognize an affinity for sniffing. Note if the dog is difficult to train. Use an app to figure out the breed. Ask another beagle owner. Bring your dog in to the vet. Talk with a beagle breeder. Test your dog's DNA. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Flagpole | How to Make a Flagpole | To make a flagpole, first put together the pole by cutting PVC, drilling holes in it, and attaching a rope cleat and pulley to it. Then, you can make a base for your flagpole by mixing up quick-dry cement and putting it in a bucket that you can sink your pole into. After the cement is dry, string a rope through the pulley and attach flag hooks to the rope. When you want to fly your flag, attach it to the flag hooks and use the pulley to raise your flag to the top of the pole. Finally, tie the rope around the rope cleat to keep your flag flying high! | Cut a piece of PVC to your desired flagpole height. For this flagpole, four to about seven feet high is best. Within that range, you are free to choose the exact height. Buy the PVC and either have the store cut it to length or measure and cut it yourself. Use a hacksaw to cut the PVC. Mark the halfway point on the PVC. You'll be attaching a cleat, which is what holds the rope in place on the flagpole. Use a tape measure to find the halfway point on the pole and mark it with a marker. Drill holes in the PVC for the rope cleat. Buy a rope cleat kit at your local hardware store, a flag store, or online. The kit will provide screws. To make it easier to screw the cleat onto the pole, make holes with a power drill. Use a bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the cleat screws. If the cleat kit includes a parts list, check the size of the screws. For example, they might be ⅛ inch (3.18mm). Choose a drill bit that is one size smaller than the screws so the screws will still catch the sides of the drilled holes. You'll drill holes for two screws. Use the cleat as a guide for how far apart the holes need to be. Follow the cleat kit instructions to attach it to the PVC. Open the kit and lay the pieces out on the ground. Lay the PVC flat on the ground and fit the cleat into place. Use a screwdriver to screw the rope cleat to the PVC. Attach a flagpole truck pulley to one end of the PVC. Buy a flagpole truck pulley when you buy the cleat kit. If you don't know exactly what to buy, ask someone at the store or search on the website where you bought the cleat kit. Use the provided screws to attach the pulley to the flagpole. Wrap the end of the PVC with plastic. Get some plastic sheeting, and cut out a piece that is roughly a 3ftx3ft (.9 m) square. Place the non-pulley end of the PVC in the center of the square. Bunch the plastic up around the pole. Secure it with duct tape. You'll stick the flagpole into a bucket, which you'll fill with cement. The plastic wrap helps make it so the PVC can be removed from the concrete. The directed size is an estimate. The height of your bucket will determine how high up the PVC needs to be covered with plastic. The important part is that you put the hole of the PVC in the center so the hole does not get cement inside it. Smear the plastic with petroleum jelly. In addition to the plastic wrap, petroleum jelly will help you remove the flagpole from the cement once it hardens. Rub a thin layer of jelly all over the plastic. You don't need to use an excessive amount, as petroleum jelly is slick with only a little bit. Buy quick-dry, pre-mixed concrete from a hardware store. For a small project like this, your best option is to by a bag of dry mix, which has the concrete, stone, and sand all in the same bag. One bag should be more than enough for a single flagpole. Mix up the cement by following the directions on the packaging. Grab a bucket that is not the one you'll use for the flagpole base. Unless the package directs you differently, add the mix to the bucket and slowly add water, mixing it up as you go. Use a shovel or a hoe to mix the cement. The right consistency is when the cement slowly slides off of the tool. Set the pole into the bucket. If you have someone who can help you with the next steps, ask them to help you now. Grab the bucket you want to use as the flagpole base. Hold the PVC so the plastic-wrapped end is right in the middle of the bucket. It's best to hold a level against it to make sure it stays perfectly straight up. Pour cement evenly into the bucket around the pole. While your partner holds the PVC and the level, pour cement into the base bucket. Make sure to pour it evenly around the pole. You don't have to fill the bucket all the way to the top, as this will make the base too heavy to move. Fill the bucket at least halfway full with concrete. Hold the PVC for a few minutes until the top of the cement forms a crust. At this point it will be settled enough that you can let go of the PVC. Leave the cement to dry overnight. It can take a while for the cement to fully harden, so leave the flagpole somewhere that it won't be bothered. You can test the hardness of the cement every so often by gently moving the PVC. When it doesn't move at all, the cement is hardened fully. Always read the directions for the specific brand of concrete mix you've bought. They will give you an idea about how long the concrete will take to full set. Take the plastic wrap off of the pole. Once the cement is hardened, slide the PVC out of the base. The petroleum jelly should keep the pole from staying stuck in the cement. Remove the plastic wrap and discard it in the garbage. Stick the flagpole back into the hole which formed when the cement hardened. String a rope through the pulley. Find a length of rope that is the right length for your flagpole. The rope should be about one foot longer than the full length of the PVC flagpole. Loop it through the pulley at the top of the pole and let it hang down. Attach flag hooks to the rope. Use fasteners designed specifically for flags, or use carabiners or other fasteners. String them onto the rope and tie a knot under them to hold them at that same position on the rope. Hang your flag and tie the rope off. Attach your flag to the fasteners through the eyelets on the end of the flag. Then raise the flag to the top of your pole. Tie the rope around the rope cleat, which is designed to hold the rope in place. | Cut a piece of PVC to your desired flagpole height. Mark the halfway point on the PVC. Drill holes in the PVC for the rope cleat. Follow the cleat kit instructions to attach it to the PVC. Attach a flagpole truck pulley to one end of the PVC. Wrap the end of the PVC with plastic. Smear the plastic with petroleum jelly. Buy quick-dry, pre-mixed concrete from a hardware store. Mix up the cement by following the directions on the packaging. Set the pole into the bucket. Pour cement evenly into the bucket around the pole. Leave the cement to dry overnight. Take the plastic wrap off of the pole. String a rope through the pulley. Attach flag hooks to the rope. Hang your flag and tie the rope off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Vodka | How to Store Vodka | To store an unopened bottle of vodka, find a place with a consistent temperature where you can place the bottle upright, especially if it has a cork, since the vodka can erode the cork and cause the bottle to leak. Avoid storing the bottle in direct sunlight, as this can change the taste of the vodka. If you need to store an opened bottle of vodka, consider transferring it to a smaller container to limit the surface area of vodka that is exposed to the air. Be sure the bottle is closed tightly, and always keep liquor out of the reach of children. | Select a place that's easy to access. You'll need to find a convenient dry place to store your vodka if you'll be using it frequently. If you're considering long-term storage, the place you choose doesn't necessarily need to be convenient. Decide if you want to store the vodka along with other liquors or if you only need space to store a bottle or 2. Popular ways to store vodka include: A shelf or cupboard in your kitchen A liquor cabinet A small or full bar Try to store the bottle upright. When you've decided where to put the vodka, check to see if you can store the bottle so that it stands upright. If you have to store the vodka bottle on its side, it's more likely to leak so think about storing it somewhere else. If your bottle of vodka is stopped with a cork, it's even more important to store it upright. If the vodka is on its side and comes into contact with the cork for a long time, the alcohol can slowly eat away at the cork and cause your bottle to leak. Find somewhere with a consistent temperature. Regardless of if you're storing the vodka for short-term or long-term use, you should store it at a consistent temperature. The temperature shouldn't fluctuate throughout the day from hot to cold. Instead, aim for a constant temperature of 60 to 65°F unless you want to store it in the freezer. If you want to store the vodka for the long term, the basement is a good choice (unless it's right next to a boiler). Avoid storing in extremely hot areas like attics. Use the freezer if you want chilled vodka. Although alcohol will actually freeze at very low temperatures, your home freezer won't be able to get that cold. You can store vodka in your freezer if you'd like chilled vodka for drinks. However, freezing the vodka may cause it to seem thicker, though the flavor shouldn't be affected. Vodka that's been chilled and slightly thickens may actually be better for drinking since it fully coats your mouth. Avoid storing your vodka in direct sunlight. This is especially important if it's in a clear bottle. Not only will sunlight speed up evaporation once the bottle is opened, but it can change the taste of the vodka if it's stored in sunlight for a very long time. For the best storage, keep your vodka in a dark place. If you're storing your vodka (and any other liquors or wine) in a dark place, make sure you have good lighting when you need it. This way, you'll be able to turn on the light and see your collection. If you have to store the bottle in some sunlight, wrap the bottle in black cloth. This will minimize the amount of light reaching the vodka. Keep the bottle sealed for as long as you can. An unopened bottle of vodka can be stored indefinitely. Because of this, you should wait to open a bottle until you're actually ready to start drinking it. The alcohol in the vodka starts to slowly evaporate once the seal is broken and the bottle is opened. It will take several decades before the opened vodka becomes undrinkable because the alcohol is a preservative. Ensure the seal on your bottle is intact. If your vodka is sealed with a cork, make sure the cork is firmly in place since a loose seal could speed up evaporation. If your bottle has a screw top like a cap, make sure it is tightly closed. If the cork or screw top doesn't seem like it will be secure, you may want to store your vodka in a different bottle or container. Transfer opened vodka to a smaller container. If you've opened a bottle of vodka and decided that you want to store it for a prolonged period of time, transfer the remainder of the bottle to a new clean bottle. The new bottle should be small enough that the rest of the vodka fills the bottle and leaves very little room for air in the bottle. If you continue to store small amounts of vodka in a large and mostly empty bottle of vodka, the vodka is exposed to more and more air. Transferring vodka to a smaller container will slow down oxidation and evaporation. Keep vodka in a flask for a very short term. If you'd like to take vodka with you when you're out and about, store vodka in a flask. Most flasks come with small funnels so you can easily transfer the vodka to the flask. Just be sure to use the vodka or remove it within 3 days since prolonged exposure to the metal in the flask can make your vodka taste metallic. When you've emptied the vodka, rinse out your flask and let it air dry. Check the vodka before drinking it again. Chances are your bottle of unopened vodka is fine to drink after storing it for an extended period of time. If you've already opened the bottle and it's been a long time since you drank it, check the vodka before mixing up a drink. Throw out the vodka if: You notice a strange smell It has an unusual or noticeably bad taste It looks different (cloudy or simply looks different than when you bought it) Clean out your alcohol cabinet periodically. Pure vodka will last for years if stored properly. But if you have vodka that's flavored with natural ingredients, you should be checking it periodically to make sure it's not going bad. It's a good idea to clean through your entire liquor cabinet every 6 months or so. This will encourage you to use up alcohol that has a limited shelf life or throw out alcohol that's no longer good. Liquors with dairy or natural flavorings often have an expiration date listed on the bottle. Some of these may even benefit from being stored in the refrigerator instead of in the cabinet. Keep beyond the reach of children. If you have young children in your house, you should take extra care to make sure your vodka is out of their reach. Although your children might not go looking for your alcohol, young children are curious and may find it. To prevent accidents, keep alcohol in a high up place and lock the storage container or liquor cabinet. Even if you trust your older children, locking the liquor cabinet is a good idea. If your teen is being pressured by a friend to take your alcohol, a locked cabinet gives your child a good excuse for not giving in to the pressure. Monitor how much alcohol you have. If you have teenagers in your house, you should be monitoring how much alcohol you have on hand. While you should be able to trust your children, studies suggest that monitoring alcohol in the household sends a message to your children that underage drinking is not acceptable. To monitor alcohol in your house, try: Marking the sides of liquor bottles to track the levels Writing down how many bottles of each alcohol you have Making note of when you open a bottle of spirits or liquor | Select a place that's easy to access. Try to store the bottle upright. Find somewhere with a consistent temperature. Use the freezer if you want chilled vodka. Avoid storing your vodka in direct sunlight. Keep the bottle sealed for as long as you can. Ensure the seal on your bottle is intact. Transfer opened vodka to a smaller container. Keep vodka in a flask for a very short term. Check the vodka before drinking it again. Clean out your alcohol cabinet periodically. Keep beyond the reach of children. Monitor how much alcohol you have. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Difficult-Mother-in-Law | How to Deal With a Difficult Mother in Law | If you have to deal with a difficult mother-in-law, detach emotionally by thinking of her as an acquaintance and equal, rather than your "other mother." That way, you won't be as hurt when she says things about you. Although your mother-in-law most likely won't change, do your best to understand why she's difficult towards you, so you know how best to deal with it. For example, if she sees you as a threat to her relationship with her son, try distancing yourself physically by skipping the occasional family event, so your mother-in-law and spouse can spend time without you. Since driving a wedge between your spouse and his family will only escalate the situation, make sure you don't do anything that could harm his or your children's relationship with your mother-in-law. | Discuss the problem privately to determine the root of the issue. Offer to take your mother-in-law out for coffee or lunch and ask to discuss the issue when the two of you sit down. Start by explaining that you aren't angry or upset, but simply want to understand why she's being so critical. There may be an underlying issue that is bothering her, and discussing the problem in a collaborative way will get you closer to solving the problem. Start by making it about you. Say, “I'd love to sit down with you and talk through something that's been bothering me lately.” This will make it seem like you have a problem, not her, and will prevent a potential argument. If your mother-in-law's issues have to do with your culture or religion, do your best to keep your cool. You could say something like, “I'm respectful of your beliefs and I think that it's only fair if you're respectful of mine.” Treat criticisms like they’re advice and reply softly. If your mother-in-law critiques your style or beliefs, play her comments off like she's making a suggestion, not an objective comment. This will undermine your mother-in-law's comments by making them seem like they're entirely a matter of opinion. It will also relieve tension a little bit by making it easier to move on in the conversation. “I guess I'll have to think about that,” “That's an interesting perspective,” and, “I see where you're coming from, let me think about it,” are good responses that will make it seem like there's nothing more to say. Call her out when she crosses the line to create boundaries. If your mother-in-law comments or critiques something relating to your religion, culture, political beliefs, or class, create a firm boundary by calling her out. If you consistently show her that you're unwilling to tolerate her comments, she'll be forced to confront her unfair beliefs and defend them. If she doesn't want to do that, which is the more likely response, she'll simply lay off of the sensitive subjects. Be firm, but respectful. For example, if your mother-in-law says you need to start going to church, say, “I don't criticize your religious beliefs and you have no right to criticize mine. I will not tolerate you tearing me down. Please stop now and we can move on.” Communicate with your mother-in-law by asking what the underlying issue is. Ask your mother-in-law out for coffee or lunch and explain that you don't want any bad blood and that you respect her. Calmly explain that you feel like she argues with you a lot and ask what you can do to help resolve the issue. You may not like her answers, but you'll get some insight into the underlying problem. If your mother-in-law completely denies the fact that she argues with you, she may simply have no idea that she's doing it. This could be an indication that she isn't actively trying to criticize you. Drop the topic and see if her behavior changes after you've brought it to her attention. If your mother-in-law simply says she doesn't like you, there isn't much you can do. Show her that you're a worthy partner for her child by staying out of arguments with her and agreeing to disagree. Keep in mind that the problem may have nothing to do with you. Things may be turning sour with her husband or she may be upset with something going on at work. If this is the case, offer to help her in whatever way you can. She may stop taking it out on you. Ask your spouse to talk to her if she isn’t communicating effectively. If she can't even discuss the problem without starting a fight, enlist your spouse to talk to her. Ask him to calm her down and open up a channel of communication with her. She may simply feel uncomfortable talking to you about her grievances. If she won't communicate constructively, don't engage in an argument. Your mother-in-law is likely trying to pick a fight and this will create a vicious cycle where you're rewarding her by giving her what she wants. Stand up for yourself if she’s calling you out publicly. If your mother-in-law comes at you when you're in front of your spouse or children, show her that you won't let her treat you unfairly by standing up for yourself. Use a firm and respectful tone to point out that she's behaving irresponsibly and focus on her behavior instead of the content of the argument. For example, if she says something like, “You're so bad at keeping track of things. Why are you such a disorganized mess?” Respond by saying, “Ms. Smith, I don't know why you think it's reasonable to try shaming your child's partner, but it's unacceptable. Please stop.” Point out that there is a time and place for tough conversations. Say, “We can have an adult conversation about this privately, but I'm not going to sit here and argue in front of our guests.” Pick your battles carefully to prove that she’s the one with the problem. If she's trying to argue in front of guests and the topic of the argument is silly or unimportant, simply let her talk and keep your responses short. She will show everyone just how angry she is while you prove how level-headed and calm you are. It may also have the effect of calming her down once she sees you won't respond. This is a particularly good strategy if you're having trouble convincing your spouse that this is an issue. When your mother-in-law says something like, “I can't believe you didn't sign your children up for summer camp, why are you so inattentive to their needs?” say something like, “Please explain,” to let her continue and make a fool of herself. You'll seem like a reasonable person that is open to advice, while she'll look like an argumentative child. Avoid trying to solve the problem in a private conversation. An overbearing mother-in-law is likely acting out of an impulse to take care of her child. If you approach the subject with her when your partner isn't around, she will automatically feel like you're betraying her child's trust and not acting in their best interests. She also may not trust your decision-making, so facing her one-on-one may be counterproductive and lead to an argument. Explain why you’re not following your mother-in-law’s demands. If your mother-in-law tends to make a lot of demands, calmly explain your reasoning for doing something differently to make it seem like you aren't simply trying to spite her. If you simply ignore her, you'll just make her think that she needs to push harder. By explaining yourself, you'll not only show her that you're willing to stand up for yourself, but you may point something out that she hasn't thought about and make her agree with you. For example, if she claims that you're not being appreciative of your partner, calmly explain, “I express appreciation privately all the time, just not in front of you. I don't want to disrespect you by making a show of it.” If your mother-in-law won't stop asking when you're going to have grandchildren, make it about the quality of life for the children to seem like you've thought it through. Say, “We're waiting until we've set up a college fund so that we give them the best future possible.” Wait until she’s not around to have important conversations about key decisions. If your mother-in-law tends to insert herself during key decisions or conversations, simply wait until she's not around or move to a different part of your home to talk it out. She can't insert her opinion if she isn't around to make it. “We can talk about it later” is a simple way of deflecting tough conversations in front of your mother-in-law. Try coming up with a signal with your spouse to indicate that you want to talk privately. It can be something as simple as a tug on the ear or an innocuous phrase like, “We need to go grocery shopping soon.” That way you can keep your mother-in-law from getting offended that you plan on discussing something when she isn't around. Express gratefulness for your spouse in front of your mother-in-law. If your mother-in-law is often critical of you specifically, try showing lots of affection and appreciation for your spouse whenever she's around. She may relax if she feels like the two of you are both working towards the common goal of making her child happy. Simple comments like, “I appreciate you picking the kids up today. You're such a good partner!” are an easy way to score points in front of your mother-in-law. This is a good strategy if your mother-in-law has expressed a concern about your loyalty or dedication. Showing her that you care about her child will put her at ease and make her feel less compelled to insert herself. Talk to your spouse to see if this has always been a problem. If your mother-in-law has always been critical, demanding, or argumentative, you may need to simply work out a strategy to minimize the behavior and cope with it. If this is a new behavior and it is directed only at you, there is likely an underlying problem that must be addressed. Talk to your spouse to get a better understanding of your mother-in-law. If you're nervous about broaching the subject, say something like, “I'd like to talk about the way your mother has been acting, but I don't want to fight. I just want to discuss the issue to see if we can find a solution.” You're going to have a greater chance of succeeding if you work on this issue with your spouse. They're going to have a lot of insight and if you behave in an unexpected way with your mother-in-law, it could cause a rift between you and your spouse. Ask your spouse to back you up or talk to her if she’s only focusing on you. Presenting a united front with your spouse will send the message to your mother-in-law that her behavior is unacceptable. If your spouse confronts the problem first, it will signal that you both acknowledge the issue. Ask your partner to talk to her privately to see if they can uncover the root of the problem. If your spouse is uncomfortable getting in the middle of things, ask them to at least stand up for you when she crosses a line. Ask your spouse to report back to you after they have a private conversation with their mother. They may have some important information about what the root of the problem is. Tell your spouse, “I really think that you'll have an easier time talking to her than I will. If you talk to her first and figure out why she's not acting fairly, it will make it easier for me to sit down with her.” Develop a strategy together to solve the problem. Don't get ahead of yourself and start talking or arguing with your mother-in-law without consulting your spouse first. If you cross a line or engage in an argument without agreeing on a coping strategy, you may end up offending your spouse. Decide on whether you want to confront, deflect, or avoid the problem together to give yourself the highest chance of succeeding. Even if you want to deal with the problem by talking to your mother-in-law privately, you should still consult your partner first. They may have some tips or advice on how to speak with her, and you should give them a head's up in case your mother-in-law goes to consult them after the two of you speak. Solicit advice with child-rearing even if you don’t intend to take it. Your mother-in-law has a lot of experience raising children. It is possible that she is acting out because she feels like you're being disrespectful by ignoring her or not soliciting her advice. Ask how she would handle teaching the children to swim or finding a preschool program. Even if you don't take her advice, she may relax once she sees that her opinion is important. Give her some small wins! If she says that ginger ale is better than tea for a runny nose, just suck it up and get your kid some ginger ale. It will give you some room to maneuver when it comes to the important decisions. Find a way to agree with your mother-in-law’s comments, even if she’s being critical. A comment like, “You need to look for a good private school” can quickly be appeased with a simple, “I'll keep that in mind!” or, “Education is important. We'll think about that!” This will minimize the subtext of her comments by making them seem like non-issues. If she ever says anything you agree with, mention it. Give a comment like “Your kids are growing up fast!” a simple, “They really are!” Consider reigning in your instructions for watching the children. Your mother-in-law may feel micromanaged when you leave a long list of requirements and instructions for babysitting. Your mother-in-law clearly did a decent job raising your spouse, so try trusting her. It can be scary to leave your children with other people when they're young, but she may feel disrespected when you leave a long list of tasks or warnings. | Discuss the problem privately to determine the root of the issue. Treat criticisms like they’re advice and reply softly. Call her out when she crosses the line to create boundaries. Communicate with your mother-in-law by asking what the underlying issue is. Ask your spouse to talk to her if she isn’t communicating effectively. Stand up for yourself if she’s calling you out publicly. Pick your battles carefully to prove that she’s the one with the problem. Avoid trying to solve the problem in a private conversation. Explain why you’re not following your mother-in-law’s demands. Wait until she’s not around to have important conversations about key decisions. Express gratefulness for your spouse in front of your mother-in-law. Talk to your spouse to see if this has always been a problem. Ask your spouse to back you up or talk to her if she’s only focusing on you. Develop a strategy together to solve the problem. Solicit advice with child-rearing even if you don’t intend to take it. Find a way to agree with your mother-in-law’s comments, even if she’s being critical. Consider reigning in your instructions for watching the children. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Throw-a-Ball-Faster | How to Throw a Ball Faster | To throw a ball faster, whip your throwing arm forward when you throw the ball so you're following through on the pitch. You can also snap your wrist forward when you release the ball, which will give it more momentum. Additionally, pull down on the ball with your fingers as you release it to give it more power and speed. | Hold your hands together at chest height. If you're playing baseball or softball, this will be a familiar position. To begin a fast throw, cup your glove (if applicable) around the ball and hold both directly in front of your sternum. Hold a baseball or softball with your index finger, middle finger, and thumb. With the ball in your glove, use these 3 fingers to keep a tight grip on the ball. You'll use these 3 fingers to throw the ball as well. It might feel tempting to hold the ball with all 5 fingers, but the extra fingers will only slow down the throw. If you're playing with a larger ball, such as a dodgeball, you can use all 5 fingers to hold the ball. Hold the ball in your dominant hand. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Move your feet until they're 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) apart. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart will allow you to use your lower body strength to accelerate the speed of your throw. This stance will also give you plenty of mobility, so you can move if necessary without losing your balance. Stand sideways, perpendicular to your target. Your shoulders should be pointing at your target, with your dominant arm further away from the target. Standing sideways to your target will allow your arm a fuller range of motion than if you were facing your target. It also allows you to bring your legs into the pitch and use their strength to throw the ball faster. Your shoulders and leading elbow should both point in the direction you want to throw the ball. Look down at your feet before you throw: they should be pointing ahead of you, perpendicular to the direction of your shoulders. Draw your arm back and keep the ball facing the ground. As you start to wind up for a pitch, pull the ball out of your glove (if applicable) and extend your arm back behind you. Keep your 3-fingered grip on the ball, and make sure that your index and middle fingers stay on top. Your thumb and the bottom of the ball should face the ground. This will maximize your range of motion, which in turn maximizes the amount of speed you can give the throw. Keep your front elbow close to your torso, with the glove extended about 1 foot (30 cm) in front of you. If you're throwing a dodgeball, you'll need all 5 fingers to grip it. Hold the ball behind you, at the same height as your shoulder. Wind up for the pitch by drawing your arm back behind you. Your arm should be fully outstretched at this point, and the ball should be at the same height as your shoulders. Keep your index and middle fingers on top of the ball the entire time. When your arm is extended, hold the ball so that your thumb, index, and middle fingers are pointing away from you. Do not hold the ball so that your fingers point back towards your head. Lean your torso forward. For added force, use your rear leg to push the weight of your body forward so most of your weight rests on your front leg. As you move forward, your hips will start to rotate as well. This is good; opening up your hips and generating torque with your torso will help you throw a fast ball. As you lean forward, your throwing arm will start to come around. Let your elbow bend at about a 90° angle, and keep the ball facing the direction you want to throw. Whip your throwing arm forward. As you continue to lean forward, use your shoulder muscles and bicep to whip your arm forward. Lean your body into the pitch, and let your arm fully extend itself. Even after the ball has left your hand, it's important to continue this forward momentum. This will help you follow through on the pitch. Snap your wrist forward as the ball moves past your face. Your wrist can add a great deal of speed to the ball as you throw it. Begin the snap when your arm is about 2/3 through the pitching motion. At this point, the ball should be roughly 8 inches (20 cm) in front of your face. Figuring out exactly when to snap your wrist will take some practice. If you snap your wrist forward too early, the ball will fly down towards the ground. Too late, and the snap will be ineffective. Your wrist and fingers can also make fine-tuning adjustments to the direction the ball is heading. Pull down on the ball with your fingers as you release. Release the ball when your arm is parallel to the ground and fully extended in front of you. Your fingers play an important role in a pitch: they can add an extra boost of speed to the ball before you release it from your hand. To add a little extra speed, press your fingers down on the ball at the exact moment of release. The added pressure will propel the ball slightly faster than it would've gone otherwise. | Hold your hands together at chest height. Hold a baseball or softball with your index finger, middle finger, and thumb. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Stand sideways, perpendicular to your target. Draw your arm back and keep the ball facing the ground. Hold the ball behind you, at the same height as your shoulder. Lean your torso forward. Whip your throwing arm forward. Snap your wrist forward as the ball moves past your face. Pull down on the ball with your fingers as you release. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Model-when-You-Are-a-Teen | How to Become a Model when You Are a Teen | To become a teen model, do some research to see what kind of modelling is best for your interests and body type. For example, fashion models are generally at least 5' 8" tall and thin while commercial models are more diverse. Once you decide which type of modelling is right for you, talk to your parents about your plans because you'll need their permission. Look online to enroll in modeling schools in your area and practice being photographed. Pursue local opportunities to model, even if they are unpaid, so you can start building a portfolio. | Do some research. Before you can decide whether modeling is something that you would enjoy or have the necessary qualities for, it helps to familiarize yourself with what the industry requires. It's important to understand that there are different types of modeling that you might do, such as fashion, plus-size, and commercial, and you may be a better fit for some than others. Figure out what type of modeling that you would like to pursue. Fashion models typically walk the runway at designer fashion shows or pose for editorial photo shoots. They are usually at least 5'8”, are thin, and not very curvy. Plus-size models are usually at least 5'8” as well, but typically are a size 10 or above. They typically model plus-size clothing and accessories. Commercial models pose for everything from print ads to magazines to catalogs. There's more variety in the size and look in this field of modeling, so you can be shorter than 5'8” and curvy. Parts models pose to showcase specific parts of the body, such as their hands or hair. You don't necessarily have to have a certain body type for this type of modeling as long as the body part in question meets the right criteria. Be realistic. Like acting and other careers in the entertainment industry, modeling is an extremely competitive business. It's also based almost entirely on your physical appearance -- if you don't have the right look, you aren't going to be able to make a go of it. That means if you have your heart set on being a runway model and you're only 5'2,” you may want to reconsider. You can't count on becoming a supermodel either. Most models aren't paid very much. In fact, the mean hourly wage for models in 2015 was only $17.91 an hour. You should pursue modeling if it's a passion for you, but it's important to finish school and consider other careers that you might also enjoy. If you're in your early teens and haven't experienced a major growth spurt yet, you may be better off waiting to pursue modeling until you're a little older. Talk to your parents. If you're under 18, you need your parents' permission to begin modeling, so getting them on board with your plans is key. Explain to them why pursuing a modeling career is important to you. You can help show them how serious you are about by sharing some of the research that you've done, such as the type of modeling that you think you're best suited for. You may also need to reassure them that school will continue to be a priority no matter what happens with your modeling career. To help your parents understand why it's important to you to model, you might say something like, “I think modeling would really help boost my confidence,” or “I feel like modeling would really allow me to express myself.” If your parents are opposed to you starting a modeling career, it's best not to fight them on it. Give them a month or two to get used to the idea, and then try talking to them about it again. To reassure them that your school work and other activities won't suffer as a result of modeling, you might offer to set ground rules with them. For example, you might agree that you're only allowed to pursue modeling if you maintain a certain GPA in school. Consider modeling school. If your parents have given you the okay to being a modeling career, you may want to consider taking a modeling class. This type of schooling isn't necessary to become a model, but it can help you build confidence in front of the camera and get you acquainted with the business side of things. Do an online search for modeling schools and classes in your area to find a good fit. Most modeling classes cost money, so you may need to ask your parents to help pay for it. You might offer to do extra chores around the house in exchange for the classes. Some modeling schools are scams. Be wary of any that require you to pay additional money for photographs or other add-ons. It's best to check with the Better Business Bureau, and search for online reviews of the school that you're considering. Study magazines. If you don't want to attend modeling classes and aren't sure how to pose in front of a camera, it can help to look at other models in actions for inspiration. Look through magazines, catalogs, and print advertisements to get an idea of the types of poses and movements that work well in modeling, so you'll have some sense of what to do in front of the camera. It's also a good idea to try to recreate some of the looks that you see in magazines and other print materials in front of the mirror. Practice until you feel confident -- and then try to come up with some of your own moves, so you'll feel more natural and effortless when it is time to pose. Look for local opportunities. Even if it's not in a professional capacity, getting some experience as a model can help you build your portfolio and resume. It can also help boost your confidence and make you more comfortable in front of the camera or on the runway. Check around to see if there are any local opportunities for modeling, such as a small business needing models for a print ad or a charity fashion show needing people to walk the runway. Getting even minor experience in modeling can also help you decide if it's really a job that you're interested in. Make sure that you enjoy the experience before you commit to pursuing modeling seriously. You don't need to get paid as a model for the experience to benefit you. Even if a friend needs a model for a school photography project, take the opportunity to get familiar with the process. Maintain a healthy weight. Your physical appearance is extremely important when you're a model, so it's important to ensure that you maintain your shape. You don't want to gain -- or lose -- weight and lose your healthy appearance. Depending on the type of modeling that you're doing, your ideal weight may vary, but you should make an effort to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice, and protein, including chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and sugar. It's also important to drink plenty of water too. 64 ounces a day is a good rule of thumb, but you may need more depending on the weather or how much you're exercising. When it comes to exercise, try to find activities that you'll enjoy so you'll stick with them. Running, biking, and swimming are all effective cardio workouts, but you may enjoy taking dance or gymnastics classes. Playing your favorite sports such as soccer, volleyball, or basketball can help keep you fit too. Make sure to get plenty of sleep too. While Photoshop can perfect photos, agents typically want to see someone who's naturally attractive and healthy-looking. Build a portfolio. Before you can start booking jobs or looking for a modeling agency to represent you, you must create a portfolio of photos. Usually, a model's portfolio contains pictures of past work, but when you're just starting out, you likely won't have any professional shots. If you have the money to pay a professional photographer to take photos, that's usually the best option. However, you can also have a friend or family member take some shots for you -- just make sure to use a good quality camera and have sufficient lighting. Your portfolio should include some headshots, with your face shot from a variety of angles, as well as some full-length photos in fitted clothing. You should have a mix of smiling and straight face shots to provide a range of looks. In some shots, it's also a good idea to go for a natural look with no makeup so booking agents will have an idea what you look like when you're not all made up. There should also be a page in your portfolio with your stats. Include hair color, eye color, height, weight, and other measurements. Find an “open call. ” If you live in a big city, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, or San Francisco, it's best to call major modeling agencies and see if they're holding an “open call,” which is an event where they invite potential models in for a consultation. That's because you get to meet casting agents in person, so you can make an impression with your personality in addition to your looks. If you don't live in a major city, contact agencies in the closest city and see if they work with any smaller agencies in your area. Make sure to do research on the agencies that you contact to ensure that they're reputable. You'll need to bring your portfolio to your open call. If you haven't put together a portfolio yet, make sure to have at least a few photos that you can bring to show your range. Submit your portfolio. You don't necessarily have to wait for an open call to contact modeling agencies. Instead, you can send your portfolio and let the photos do the talking for you. Visit the websites of the agencies that you're interested in, and see what their procedure is for submitting a portfolio. Some will allow you to do it online, while others will ask that you mail a hard copy. If you're mailing a copy of your portfolio, don't forget to include your contact information, so the agency can get in touch with you if they're interested. Act professionally. If you're lucky enough to score a meeting with an agent, it's important to show that you understand that modeling is a business and will act professionally. That means you must be on time and prepared for the appointment. You shouldn't be rearranging your portfolio in the elevator on your way up to the office -- it should be ready to go the day before. It's also important to make a good first impression, so dress appropriately too. Your portfolio isn't the only thing that you should bring to your meeting. Some modeling agencies may want to see more casual shots as well, so you may want to bring a few candid snapshots or Polaroids with you as well. A modeling agent wants to see the real you, so wear little to no makeup and keep your hair natural. You don't have to show up to your meeting in fancy clothes, such as a gown or suit. Casual clothing works well, but make sure that it fits well. A pair of skinny jeans and a fitted tank top or t-shirt make an ideal outfit. It's a good idea to read up on the agency that you're meeting with before your appointment. Learn what models they're currently working with and who they've worked with in the past, so you have a better feel for the company. Showcase your personality. Your looks aren't the only thing that are going to impress modeling agents -- they want to see that you have a fun, engaging personality as well. The best models are confident and can express themselves easily, so speak your mind at the meeting without being rude or unprofessional. Agents want to be sure that you are genuinely interested in modeling and not just being pushed into it by your parents or others. Make sure to convey your passion for being a model. You might say, “I really love the opportunity that modeling provides to express myself,” or “I never feel more confident than when I'm in front of the camera or walking down the runway.” Use the right body language. When you're meeting with modeling agents, you don't want to appear nervous or self-conscious. That's why your body language is so important. Stand and sit up straight and hold your head up high to look more sure of yourself. It also helps to maintain eye contact and smile throughout your meeting too. Try to limit nervous gestures, such as bouncing your feet, fidgeting with your hair, or tapping your fingers on the desk or table. Staying still and relaxed projects a more confident image. Try to avoid crossing your arms over your chest. It can make you appear defensive. Prepare yourself for rejection. Because modeling is such a competitive industry, chances are good that you're going to hear many no's as you try to land jobs or an agent. You have to learn not to take it personally -- sometimes, you just don't have the look that's required for a particular campaign. Even successful supermodels have been rejected at one point or another. Remind yourself that you have to have plenty of persistence and determination if you're going to make it as a model. Be careful when signing a contract. Having a modeling agency offer you a contract is very exciting. However, if you're under 18, your parents are usually legally required to sign the contract on your behalf. They should definitely read it over before signing it, and they may even want a lawyer to take a look at it. Make sure that you understand everything that's in the contract as well -- it is your career after all. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the contract -- to your parents or your agent. It's important that you're clear on all of the details. | Do some research. Be realistic. Talk to your parents. Consider modeling school. Study magazines. Look for local opportunities. Maintain a healthy weight. Build a portfolio. Find an “open call. Submit your portfolio. Act professionally. Showcase your personality. Use the right body language. Prepare yourself for rejection. Be careful when signing a contract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Boyfriend | How to Get a Boyfriend | To get a boyfriend, put yourself out there by doing activities you enjoy. You can take a class you've always been interested in, go to a fun event with your friends, or bring your dog to a dog park. By getting out there and doing things, you'll be more likely to meet new guys. Let your friends and family know you're interested in dating so they can set you up with anyone they think you'd hit it off with. Remember to act confident when you're around guys, even if you're feeling nervous, since most guys are attracted to confidence. Smile, stand up straight, and wear clothes you feel great in. If there's someone you really like, don't be afraid to ask him out on date. He might be into you too! | Meet new guys. Before you get a boyfriend, you'll have to meet some guys. Don't worry, it isn't as scary as you think. You can try to get into a relationship with a guy you already know if they are decent, or you can go out and meet some new guys. Make sure he's got a great personality, is smart, as well as other things that you would like to look for in a guy. This is easy and fun to do, so don't be nervous! Make sure when you're meeting new guys you don't come across as fake. Join a club, community class, or activity group. You can play a sport you like, take an art class at your local community center, or join a study group. Find something that appeals to you and you will instantly be meeting people that you have something in common with so you have something to talk about. Go out to clubs (adult or all-ages clubs, depending on what you prefer) and start talking with new people there. Just be careful and practice common sense. Find a group on the Internet which appeals to you. This can be a fan forum for a show or activity you like or maybe a multiplayer video game which you find fun. However, make sure you don't share your personal details online with anyone you don't know. Get to know him a bit. Once you initially meet someone, get to know him a little bit before deciding that he will be a good boyfriend. You can't judge someone entirely on how he looks. Try to gauge if he meets your minimum requirements for someone to date. Is he funny? Smart? Nice? Decide what is important to you and gauge these things during your initial conversation. If he seems totally different than what you're looking for, it's not worth it just because he's hot. Make sure he is not in a relationship. If he already has a girlfriend or boyfriend, it's best to be just friends. Put yourself in his shoes: Would you want another guy (or girl) to meddle in your relationship? Think about it; you would probably answer "no" to this question. Backing off is helpful to everyone: him, yourself, and the person he's dating. Plus, you'll find another guy eventually, so keep searching. Find out what other people think of him. Ask around about what this guy is like. If his friends seem honestly happy about the idea of him being in a relationship, that is a good sign. Ask mutual friends about what they think about him and try to get to know his friends or coworkers as well. However, judging a guy entirely on what others think is not the best way to go. People may have a bad idea of him for the wrong reasons; it's best to get to know him yourself too. Take it slow. Don't rush your new friend, but remember: if he doesn't like you for who you are, don't spend time on him. Don't hope he'll be your boyfriend right away; give him time to get to know you too. Hang out every once in a while to begin with, then start hanging out more often if it's going well. Usually, if you hit it off and have a lot of fun together, the friendship will grow on its own into more frequent visits. Try not to be that person who looks too desperate; you don't need to decide that he is your future husband within the first week of meeting him. Show him what's unique about you, but remember to be yourself when you talk to him. This is especially important if he's the kind of guy who's used to having others approach him. It's important that you try to stand out a bit, but don't change who you are. Don't just be another person pursuing him for his looks. Take an interest in him as a person and show him who you are too. Show him the best parts of who you are! Let him get to know you. Have your limits (a guy worth dating will be okay with that), but don't be afraid to try new things. Does he listen to a band you've never heard of, or never bothered to listen to? Give it a try, you might like them! If you put forth the effort and create a genuine opinion, even if it (respectfully) differs from his, it can at least give you something to talk about. Be approachable. Don't close yourself off. Try to set aside time when he knows you aren't too busy to hang out with him, and let him know that he is welcome to hang out with you. Smile and make eye contact. Try not to seem unsociable or angry unless you actually are; it may make it seem like you don't want to interact with him, and can be intimidating. Say you've got an extra seat if he'd like to join you for lunch. Smile and wave at him when you see each other across a room or talking with friends. Be nice to other people too. Show him that you're the kind of person that anyone can come and talk to. However, you shouldn't be nice to people just so he'll date you. Try to be a kinder person in general. Talk with him. It's important to interact. Talk with him when you run into each other, and find reasons to talk more often. The more you talk, the closer you'll become, and this is a great way to build a friendship that can turn into something more. Be a good friend. As you become close, be sure to be good to him. Be supportive. Be someone that he can trust and admire. Most guys tend to date people with whom they have more things in common than just attraction. Being close friends with him makes it easier for you to interact with him and for him to see what he stands to gain from being around you more often. Get to know each other. Get to know who he is as a person. This will tell you if he is someone that you really want to get emotionally invested in. You don't have to like everything about him, but you do have to be accepting of your differences. You can't change some things, especially not at the beginning of a relationship, so it's important to like him as he is. Talking about politics, religion, your childhood and family, as well as your experiences in school and your hopes for the future will tell you a lot about who he is as a person. Let him know you're interested in his personal life, but don't invade his privacy. See what you have in common. It is important that you enjoy some of the same things (so that you have something to connect over) but it is also a good idea to have some differences (so that you challenge each other and broaden your horizons). Talk and figure out what you have in common. Find out what his status is. Try to gauge if he's open to a relationship in general. Maybe he's already got his eye on someone. Maybe he's just had a horrible breakup and he's not open to dating at the moment. You will need to respect him, his feelings, and the situation he's in by not being overly pushy if he isn't in the mood for a relationship. You may try to wait it out, but only if you're okay with just ending up his friend if it doesn't work out. It can be hard to get information like this without simply asking him. Try the old-fashioned method of asking around. Mutual friends may have more details. His friends may even be willing to help, if they want to see him in a relationship and they think well of you. Be open to the idea of just being friends. Guy friends are awesome too! It is important to flirt with the guys you are interested in. Don't flirt with every guy if you're only interested in a few, you may give off mixed signals. Try to make him his best self. Everybody wants to be with someone who makes them a better person. It makes us feel good about ourselves and reassures us that we can be good people if we try. Make this guy the best version of himself by encouraging him to do the things he loves and giving him the space to do those things. However, don't push too hard. If he tells you to back off, listen. Remember: don't be condescending, push unwanted advice and help, or try to change him into what you want him to be. Helping him to be his best self is about helping him make the changes that he wants in his life, not turning him into what you want him to be. Lead by example to help him improve. Don't criticize him harshly when he does something bad or wrong. This will make him feel horrible and he will begin to feel bad when he is around you. Instead, if he does something you don't like, lead by example to show him a better way to be. You can certainly tell him when you don't like something he does, but don't be mean or controlling about it and help him find a good way to change. If his grades are low and he struggles in school, set up a time to spend together studying and tutor him in subjects where you do better than he does. Don't do his work for him, but help him to realize that he can do it on his own and develop good study habits. If he has trouble holding down or finding a job, help him by showing the importance of good work habits or helping him look for a job. Offer to go with him to workshops for writing or building resumes, talk with him about ways that he could learn to enjoy work more, or help him find a job that he would be more interested in going to every day. It is especially important not to criticize him in public or in front of his friends or family. Allow yourself to be your best self. Show him that you excel as a person when you're around him. Show that he makes you a better person. Just as you look to see that he is better when he is with you, he will be looking for the same. Pursue things you love and make him feel included in that part of your life. Ask him for advice on how to better yourself. Be cautious, however, that he's not asking you to change something he shouldn't be. If you're concerned, ask a friend what they think. Show your independence. Show him that you are mentally and physically independent. You don't need him to do everything for you (although he should feel that he can help you sometimes) and that you have a mind of your own. It adds to his vision of you as a fully developed and interesting person with standards. He wants a partner, not a blow-up doll. Never be afraid of being totally honest about your likes and dislikes. Let him know what you think about issues and don't just agree with everything he says. Encourage his independence. Don't make him feel like he needs to spend all of his time with you. Don't make him your go-to source for weekend or Friday night plans. Encourage him to do things he loves and spend time with his friends by doing things that you love and spending time with yours. One of the reasons that many guys avoid relationships is because they feel it will trap them or keep them from doing things they like to do. Show him that if he's with you, this will not be the case. Be yourself. If you're not, then how else would you know if he likes you for who you are? If you are pretending to be someone you are not, you will feel uncomfortable every time you are around him and that is the last thing you would like to happen. If you are uncomfortable around him, it would probably be hard to talk to him and if you can't talk to him, it will be hard to keep a relationship. Don't be afraid to make the first move. If you find a guy who you have a lot in common with, don't wait for him to ask you to hang out. If you are scared to ask him because you think he doesn't like you, ask anyway. It's scary, but it won't hurt you, and you only stand to gain in the long run. He might also be shy, so he might not be the one to approach, either because he thinks you're out of his league or because he fears you might reject him. Flirt with him. Flirt with him to let him know that you're definitely interested. Lean in during conversations, touch him casually and lightly, and compliment him (do so honestly, people can always tell the difference). Ask him on a date. If all else fails and he's still not asking you out on his own, go right ahead and make your move. You don't want him to get away! Have a date in mind (something that will appeal to him) and go straight up and ask. Try to be confident, as most people find this attractive. Be a good partner. Be someone that's good to date. If you become known as a great person to date, it will be much easier to find a boyfriend in the future. Be supportive. Be someone that's great to be around. Don't be critical, lazy, or possessive. Do not become known as someone who is critical, lazy, or possessive in relationships. These qualities will make others not want to date you. Give your boyfriend his space, let him be himself and continue to make yourself a better person by going out and doing things. Don't cheat on your boyfriend. The best way to guarantee that no one in your social circle will ever want to date you is to cheat on your boyfriend. Be loyal and keep your attention on him. If you'd rather be flirting and hanging out with someone else, then you need to break up with the guy you're dating. It isn't fair to either of you if you'd rather be somewhere else. If you break up, be gentle about it. Try not to hurt his feelings any more than you have to, and be respectful of him even after you guys are done. Nobody wants to date a heartbreaker. | Meet new guys. Get to know him a bit. Make sure he is not in a relationship. Find out what other people think of him. Take it slow. Show him what's unique about you, but remember to be yourself when you talk to him. Be approachable. Talk with him. Be a good friend. Get to know each other. See what you have in common. Find out what his status is. Try to make him his best self. Lead by example to help him improve. Allow yourself to be your best self. Show your independence. Encourage his independence. Be yourself. Don't be afraid to make the first move. Flirt with him. Ask him on a date. Be a good partner. Don't be critical, lazy, or possessive. Don't cheat on your boyfriend. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Social-Distancing-As-an-Extrovert | How to Deal with Social Distancing As an Extrovert | Social distancing can be especially tough when you're an extrovert, but you can still see your friends and family with the power of technology. Take time to check in with your loved ones regularly using video chat services like Skype or FaceTime, which can make it feel more like they're with you in person. You can also get a group chat going over text or a video meeting app if you want to hang out with several people at once. Even when your friends don't have time to chat, you can still catch up with everyone over social media. Browse your newsfeed and leave likes and comments to stay engaged and get some conversations going. | Video chat with your friends and family on a regular basis. Use an app like FaceTime, Skype, Discord, or some other video chatting program to stay connected. Text or call your loved ones to schedule a time to chat face-to-face. While it's not a replacement for a physical meeting, you may be able to get your social fix with a long video chat. A lot of apps give you a video chat option, like Facebook Messenger and Snapchat. If you're not feeling up to a video chat, you can always settle for a good, old-fashioned phone call. Create group chats to talk with multiple people at once. Open your messaging app on your phone and create a new text message thread. Add a bunch of friends and family to the chat, then text away! If you're feeling isolated, group chats are a great way to feel like you're having a physical conversation. If you're having trouble setting up a group chat, try using a secondary messaging app like Telegram, GroupMe, or WhatsApp. Set up a virtual reunion with family or friends. Use a video chat platform like Skype or Zoom to set up a virtual meet-up for a small group of people. Schedule a set time to hold the meeting, then use the platform to send an invite link to your friends and family members. Log onto the program at the decided meeting time so you can enjoy a long conversation with your loved ones! Stay active on social media so you don’t feel isolated. Log onto your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account and check up on your friends' profiles. You can also browse each platform for funny posts, pictures, and other interesting content. Feel free to leave a friendly comment on a stranger's post if you like their content—you could end up sparking a new friendship! Some social networks, like Facebook, have a “Groups” feature, which lets you talk with people of similar interests. The “live” feature on a lot of social media sites is a great way to connect and interact with others. Send voice messages instead of regular texts. Open your messaging app and look for a voice recorder symbol next to the text bar. Press this button to record a voice message, which you can send to the recipient. While this feature isn't a replacement for a normal conversation, it may help you feel more connected and engaged with your friends and family. Sign up for a dating app if you’re feeling lonely. Download the dating app of your choice, like Tinder or Bumble, and see if you find any potential matches. Use social distancing as an excuse to have more in-depth conversations, instead of focusing on meet-ups. While there's no guarantee that you'll find your perfect match, you may be able to make a special connection! During the COVID-19 outbreak, dating apps are reporting an increase in quality chat conversations. Enjoy multiplayer video games with friends. Fire up your computer or favorite video game console and invite a friend to play a game with you. Use your phone or a voice chat program to talk throughout the game, which makes the activity feel more social and engaging. If you aren't a big gamer, look for some free-to-play multiplayer games online. Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and Call of Duty are a small handful of many multiplayer games that you can try out. Games like League of Legends are completely free to play, though they have a lot of in-game purchase options. You can always play an online party game like Skribbl.io. Enroll in virtual clubs or classes. Think about some hobbies that you've always wanted to try, like yoga, pottery, or some other activity. Search online for any virtual classes, which allow you to learn and practice from the comfort of your own home. If you need any supplies for your lessons, try looking for what you need online. Virtual classes are a great way to learn new things while also getting to meet new people! Arrange a movie night with your friends. Use a program like House Party or Skype to watch a movie with some friends or relatives. If you don't want to use a voice chatting app, choose a time where you and a friend can watch a movie simultaneously. Throughout the movie, you can text your thoughts on the film. If you're contacting friends and family from different regions, make sure you specify a time zone when picking a night to watch a movie. Reconnect with people you haven’t talked to in a while. Think about some friends or acquaintances that you haven't spoken to in a few months or years. Use some of your home-bound time to call, email or text these people. While it may be a shot in the dark, you might be able to strike up or rekindle a valuable friendship! Social networks like Facebook are a great way to track down old friends and acquaintances. You can say something like: “Hey there! I know we haven't talked in a while, but I just wanted to check in and say hello. How have you been?” | Video chat with your friends and family on a regular basis. Create group chats to talk with multiple people at once. Set up a virtual reunion with family or friends. Stay active on social media so you don’t feel isolated. Send voice messages instead of regular texts. Sign up for a dating app if you’re feeling lonely. Enjoy multiplayer video games with friends. Enroll in virtual clubs or classes. Arrange a movie night with your friends. Reconnect with people you haven’t talked to in a while. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Comfort-a-Crying-Woman | How to Comfort a Crying Woman | If you want to comfort a crying woman, allow her to cry as much as she needs, since crying is a natural and healthy way to relieve stress. Once she's ready to talk, show empathy for her situation and be a good listener. When the woman is your significant other or close friend, sympathize with her pain by saying something like "I'm so sorry that happened to you," or "That sounds like a very difficult situation." Alternatively, if she's a coworker or acquaintance, you may want to offer your assistance instead, since stepping too far into her personal matters may not be appropriate. In cases where you're not sure how you can help, try recommending that she reach out to others who may be able to do something. | Assess the situation. There can be an infinite number of reasons why a woman might be crying. Perhaps she is grieving, stressed out, ill, or overwhelmed by joy. Before proceeding further, try to get a handle on what the situation might be and whether it is appropriate for you to try to comfort her. Some reasons why you might not be the right person to comfort her would be: If you are affected by the same situation that is upsetting her. If you are shaken up, disturbed, or hurt by the situation that made her cry, you might not be in a good position to help her. If this is the case, you might want to seek out a support network who can help both you and her cope with whatever is going on. If she is crying from joy. Scientists aren't exactly sure why, but someone who is overcome with happiness might cry uncontrollably, just like someone who is scared or sad. In cases like these, congratulating your friend or lover might be more appropriate than trying to comfort her! If she is crying because you two had a fight. Before stepping in to comfort her, you might want to calm down by yourselves for a while to make sure that the argument doesn't start back up again. Decide to comfort her. Unless there is a very good reason for you not to comfort her, you should make an effort to help the crying woman. Ignoring someone who is crying can be quite harmful to her emotional well-being. Choosing to comfort someone will allow her to recover more quickly from her tears and will also make your relationship stronger. Be a good listener. This cannot be stressed enough. Tears are an important form of communication, and you should pay attention to what she is trying to say. Use active listening techniques, such as verbally affirming what the crying person is saying and avoiding interrupting them. In order to be the best listener you can be, allow her to feel whatever she is feeling; just be there for her. Keep in mind that comforting is not about changing the other person's feelings. Be especially careful not to turn the conversation back to yourself: this is about her. Don't make it about you. Even if she's not behaving in the way you would, that doesn't mean that she doesn't deserve comfort, or that she deserves to be sad. Avoid phrases such as, "If I were in your shoes," "Have you tried...," or "When that happened to me, I didn't make such a big deal out of it." Don't minimize her pain or tell her not to cry. Tears can often be a good or positive action, even if they were caused by something painful. Crying can bring physical as well as emotional relief to someone who is sad or stressed. Bottling up emotions can prevent the healing from taking place. Even if it makes you uncomfortable, let her cry as much as she needs to. She will likely feel better for doing so. In general, avoid any commands, negative language, or imperatives. Stay away from phrases such as, "Don't cry," "You shouldn't be sad," or "That doesn't sound too bad." It won't help her to claim to know all of the answers. Resist rushing right into what you think she should or shouldn't do to resolve her problems. Don't claim claim to know everything she is going through and how to fix it. This may just make her feel invalidated. People who are crying because of a mental illness such as severe anxiety or depression might actually feel worse, not better, after crying. If you think she might be crying because of a mental illness, you should still offer comfort and support, but you should also suggest that she see a doctor so that she can get the necessary treatment. Affirm her sadness. Show her that you understand her pain by acknowledging that her pain is legitimate and that you sympathize with her pain. Use phrases like: "That sucks... I'm really sorry that happened!" "I understand that this must be very painful." "That sounds very frustrating. I'm sorry." "No wonder you are upset. This sounds like a very difficult situation." "I'm so sorry that happened to you." Use nonverbal comforting techniques. A crying person might recognize comfort more readily from nonverbal comforting cues than from verbal communication. Nodding, using appropriate facial expressions, making eye contact, and leaning forward can help her know that you are concerned and that you care. While offering a tissue can sometimes be interpreted as a caring gesture, it might also send the signal that you want the crying to stop. Only provide a tissue if the crying person asks for one or seems to be looking around for one. Assess whether physical contact is appropriate. Some people are comforted by touch, and others are made more anxious by it. You can offer a hug if you know that she responds well to hugging. Hugs can even help relieve stress over time. Other kinds of appropriate touch might be holding her hand, touching her shoulder, stroking her hair, or kissing her forehead. Use your best judgment based on what you know about her preferences and the boundaries of your relationship, and always follow her lead. Be sure to back off if she asks you to. You can also observe her body language to determine whether she might be open to comforting touch. Defensive body language such as clenched fists, crossed arms and legs, or avoiding eye contact might mean that she would rather you backed off a little bit. Resist the urge to avoid the situation. Many are uncomfortable with being around someone who is crying. If this is you, you might rush into saying something you think will help while not knowing what to say. Or, you might find a way to escape the situation. This will only make matters worse for her. If you don't know what to do, try saying something like, “I'm sorry you're upset. Is there anything I can do for you to make it better?” This will at least show her you care, which may be comforting for her. Offer her help instead of problem-solving. It's easy to get caught up in trying to fix things the way that you think is best. However, she may not want help or may need something other than what you think she needs. The last thing you want to do is to make a situation worse. Resist the urge to problem-solve something when what you should be doing is helping her process her pain and grief. Let her know that you're here to help her, but don't force it. Her idea of help may be simply having someone to talk to. Often listening is the best way to help comfort someone. Ask open-ended questions about whether you can help her out. For example, "Is there anything I can do to help?" or "I'd really like to help--can you think of anything that might make your situation better?" might be good ways to start a conversation about how you can lend a hand. Sometimes someone who is upset is too overwhelmed to suggest ways for you to help her. If this is the case, try providing a list of a few specific things you might be able to do to comfort her. For example, you might ask if she might like to go out for ice cream, or if she would like for you to stop by later with a movie you could watch together. See if she responds positively to any of those comforting suggestions. Step in to help if it is appropriate. While trying to problem-solve shouldn't be your first instinct, it is possible that there are some tangible, specific things you can do to help relieve her pain. If it is possible for you to remove her troubles--and if she seems to want you to--then you can offer to step in in some way. For example, if she is crying because she is stressed out from work, you might offer to do some extra chores around the house to give her more time to focus on her job. If she is crying because she had a fight with a friend, you might discuss ways for her to repair that relationship. Check in on her. In the next few days or weeks after the crying incident, check in occasionally on her to make sure she's still doing okay. Don't be too invasive about it, but asking her out for coffee, asking her how she's doing, or calling a bit more often could be very helpful. It is possible that she will recover quickly, but she might also need some extra time to get over her sadness. Showing your support over that time will help a lot. Take care of yourself. Empathy is important, but it might also cause you to be upset or depressed. Remember to take care of yourself too, and reach out to others if you need help!. Show empathy. In general, people prefer to cry in front of people they're close to--not in front of strangers, coworkers, or acquaintances. If you're not close to her but she is still crying in front of you, she is probably quite distressed indeed and in need of some sympathy. It is especially important for you to react with empathy and not with annoyance, panic, or fear. Allow her to cry. If she does in fact want you around, let her cry. Don't try to force her to stop crying or suggest that she "buck up." Crying is natural and healthy, and can help relieve stress and pain. Remember that there is nothing unprofessional about tears at work. Most people cry sometimes, so crying at work is bound to happen at one time or another. Tell her reassuring things if she seems embarrassed, such as "It is okay to cry," or "There's nothing embarrassing about crying--we're all human!" Demonstrate that you are available to talk to. Because she doesn't know you well, she might not want to go into too much detail with you. But perhaps you could be a helpful listening ear. Ask questions and use open body language to show that you are willing to listen if she likes. For example, you could say: "I know I'm your colleague, but I'm also happy to be your friend if you need someone to talk to. Do you want to talk?" "My door is always open if you need to talk about something difficult." "Is there something I can help you with? Even if it's not about work, I am happy to listen." Employ active listening skills. If she decides to talk to you about her troubles, use active listening techniques to show that you are paying attention. These include: not interrupting or providing suggestions, asking questions only to affirm that you understand what she is saying, making eye contact, and avoiding distractions. Be empathetic, but professional. You should act like a human being and show that you care but you also don't want to overstep any boundaries with a coworker. After all, your work relationship will have to continue even after this incident. For example, you might not want to offer a hug unless she asks for one. If you want to call her outside of work to check up on her, you should ask whether she would be comfortable with that. Offer assistance with work-related matters. Perhaps your coworker is crying because of work stress, or perhaps there is a personal matter that is affecting her ability to focus on work. In either case, if you are in a position to help her professionally, you might help her find solutions. For example, she might need to take some time off, or you might help her make a plan to get through a difficult professional task. Only take action if she wants your action, however. It's easy to get caught up in trying to fix things the way that you think is best. However, she may not want help or may need something other than what you think she needs. The last thing you want to do is to make a situation worse. Don't try to step in about personal matters too much. Don't feel like you need to solve personal problems of a co-worker. Also, if you don't know her very well, do not presume that you know how to solve her problems. Be there to comfort her and listen, and focus on workplace issues. If you see no way that you are able to help her fix the problem, then apologize and tell her that you cannot help her fix the problem. If you know anyone whom you think can help her fix the problem, recommend that she talk to them and enlist their help. | Assess the situation. Decide to comfort her. Be a good listener. Don't minimize her pain or tell her not to cry. Affirm her sadness. Use nonverbal comforting techniques. Assess whether physical contact is appropriate. Resist the urge to avoid the situation. Offer her help instead of problem-solving. Step in to help if it is appropriate. Check in on her. Take care of yourself. Show empathy. Allow her to cry. Demonstrate that you are available to talk to. Employ active listening skills. Be empathetic, but professional. Offer assistance with work-related matters. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Business-to-Google-Maps | How to Add a Business to Google Maps | To add a business to Google maps, start by logging into a Google account associated with your business and typing www.google.com/business into your browser. Then, enter your business name and address into the search bar and choose “None of these match,” from the drop down list. Next, follow the prompts to fill in the information about your business and request a verification code via mail or phone call. Once Google sends you the code, log in to your My Business dashboard to edit the details of your business, including the location and hours. | Determine if you have a Google Account. You don't have to use a gmail.com address to own a Google account, you can login to Google with just about any email address. For GMB to work, your Google Account must be associated with the location you are trying to add or manage. If you do not have a Google account associated with your business, create one. This account will be linked to the Google My Business dashboard you are creating. If you do not have a Google account, click on "Sign in", then "More Options" and finally "Create Account" at www.google.com. Follow the instructions to create an account. Type in www.google.com/business to go to Google My Business. Click on the green box in the middle that says “Start Now”. Getting your business on Google will allow you to give your customers correct information about your business location, phone number, hours, photos and services provided. It will also enable your customers to give your business ratings and reviews, and read news that you post. Enter your business name and address into the search bar to find your business on Google Maps. Double check that the address and phone number match your business. Click on the blue hyperlink “Add your business”. This step applies if your business did not appear under the search results for “Find your Business”. If Google does not have your business listed, you will need to add the details of your business. Click the category your business falls under. For example, “Attorney”. The category is extremely important for Google to rank your listing. It's very important to note that while Google offers more than one category for your listing it is preferable to choose only one. Using more than one will not help your ranking at all. Accurately fill in the details of your location. This will include the business address, phone number and the category you business falls under, for example, “bakery”. If applicable, make sure to check the box that says “I deliver goods and services to my customers at their location”. Then fill out the areas you serve by entering the city names or zip codes of the regions you serve. Check the box to confirm and then click "Continue". This step confirms you are authorized to add this information to Google for your business. Clicking continue also means you accept the terms and conditions. Legally, it is necessary for Google to confirm that you are the legitimate owner or authorized employee of the business. If you are unsure whether you're authorized to edit your business information on Google, check with the owner or manager of your company before proceeding. Click “Call me now” or “Verify by mail”. Google will send you a code to verify that you are a legitimate part of the business. Google can call or mail the six digit code to you. There are also various other options for verification like being a registered website owner in Search Console or having a domain-based email address that matches the listing's domain. Choosing the phone call is a much faster to confirm your business on Google Maps. When Google calls, write down the verification number that is given to you. If you choose to verify by mail, you may have to wait a week or two to publish your business information on Google Maps. Additionally, the code they send is only good for thirty days. As soon as you receive your business code, enter the code on your Google My Business dashboard. Before you leave your Google My Business dashboard, bookmark the page. In order to access your dashboard again in the future, sign back into your Google account. Go to your bookmark or go to google.com/business and you will be automatically taken to your dashboard. Click the “Enter code” box on the top of your My Business dashboard. The “Enter code” box is located in the blue highlighted box at the top of your page. It is directly to the right of a message that says “Google has sent your verification code to you”. Type the six digit verification code you received from Google into the box and click “Submit”. Take the tour of your Google My Business dashboard. The tour will help to quickly familiarize you with the Google My Business platform. Understanding the features of this platform will allow you to maximize the presence of your business on Google. Stay signed into your Google account while you work on your Google business listing. Signing into other accounts will cause you to log out of your Google My Business. If you accidentally navigate away from your dashboard, go back to your bookmarks or type in google.com/business. Edit your business information. At the top of your dashboard and to the right of the title of your business, click on the red “Edit” box. Edit your business information so that your customers can learn more information about your business and view pictures of your business. Add a profile picture. Then upload other quality pictures of your business, add your hours and write an introduction for your business. Choose your pictures wisely, make sure they highlight all the best parts of your business. Make sure the pictures are professional, and to get even more out of them you should optimize the pictures with geo-tagged meta data that indicates the photo's authenticity to your location. Take your time writing a well written description for your business. Keep your writing professional, and write to make a favorable impression with your customers and potential customers. If you are unsure about your writing skills, consult a friend or colleague who can help you review your writing before you post on Google My Business. Click "Edit" to change any basic information about your business. If in the future your contact information changes, go to your Google My Business dashboard and update your information. Remember, you can access your Google My Business again by logging into your Google account and typing in google.com/business. Click on your business, and you will be taken to your dashboard. Share what is going on in your business with your customers. If you want to publicize events or give your customers information about your business, use the Posts feature of Google My Business. On your dashboard, tap the “Posts” icon and click an option to share an update: text, photo, video, link, or even an event. After selecting or entering your update, click the blue “Post” box to post what is happening with your business. Explore the other features on your Google My Business dashboard. The features Insights, Reviews and AdWords Express can help your business advertise, engage with customers and build a presence in you business community. | Determine if you have a Google Account. Type in www.google.com/business to go to Google My Business. Enter your business name and address into the search bar to find your business on Google Maps. Click on the blue hyperlink “Add your business”. Check the box to confirm and then click "Continue". Click “Call me now” or “Verify by mail”. Before you leave your Google My Business dashboard, bookmark the page. Click the “Enter code” box on the top of your My Business dashboard. Take the tour of your Google My Business dashboard. Edit your business information. Click "Edit" to change any basic information about your business. Share what is going on in your business with your customers. Explore the other features on your Google My Business dashboard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Name-on-a-Social-Security-Card | How to Change Your Name on a Social Security Card | If you've legally changed your name, you'll need to apply for an updated social security card. To do this, you'll need a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport, driver's license or other form of ID, and proof of your name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate. You can find an application form on the Social Security Administration website or at your local office. Fill in the form and mail or take it in to a Social Security Administration office. Generally, replacement cards are issued within 10 business days after the application is received. | Collect documents that will prove your US citizenship. For this purpose, you may produce either a U.S. birth certificate or a current U.S. passport. You will need to bring originals. Photocopies will not be accepted, even if they are notarized. If you are foreign born U.S. citizen, you may also produce a Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570), Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561), Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350), or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA). If you are a non-citizen residing in the U.S., you will need to show proof of your legal residency. These may be Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa), I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit), I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport. Produce proof of your name change. You will need some recently issued document that proves your name change. This must be a document that has been issued within the past two years. All documentation must be original. Photocopies will not be accepted. The documentation to prove your name change may be one of the following: Marriage document Divorce decree Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name Court order approving the name change. If updating a Social Security card for a child, you must provide a final adoption decree with the new name, a court order approving the name change, or an amended birth certificate with the new name. Bring proof of your identity. In addition to your citizenship and your recent name change, you must have proof of your identity. This must be a current, unexpired document that shows your name, date of birth or age, and preferably a recent photograph. As with all other documents, these must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. The following are all qualifying proofs of identity: U.S. driver's license State-issued non-driver identification card U.S. Passport (You may use your passport for both proof of citizenship and proof of identity.) Employee identification card School identification card Health insurance card (not a Medicare card) U.S. military identification card. Obtain a copy of the application. You may get a copy of the application form in one of three ways. Whichever you choose, you must use the official form to apply for your replacement social security card. To get the application form, you may: Download and print the form at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf Call the Social Security Administration Office at 800-772-1213 to request a copy of the form Visit a Social Security Administration Office near you to pick up a copy of the application form. To find an office near you, visit www.socialsecurity.gov, call the number at 800-772-1213, or check your local telephone directory. Complete the application for a replacement card. Whether you are replacing a lost card or replacing a card because of a name change, the application form is the same. Read the instructions carefully that accompany the application form and fill in all the information that you can. Sign the completed application. Your application will not be processed without the appropriate signature. If the applicant is over 18, then the applicant must sign the form, if he or she is mentally capable. If not, a guardian may sign. If the applicant is a minor, the minor may sign the form, or a parent may sign. If you are signing the form on behalf of another person for any reason, be sure to mark the box in Item 18 that indicates your relationship to the applicant. Combine the completed application form with all the required documents. You must submit the citizenship, identification and name change documents together with your completed application. If the application is submitted without all the required documents, your application will not be processed or will be delayed. The Social Security Administration will need to contact you or return your package and request that you resubmit it with the appropriate documentation. Locate the nearest office of the Social Security Administration. Applications for replacement cards are taken at all Social Security offices, so you will want to locate the one closest to you for the fastest service. You can search by zip code for the nearest office at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. Alternatively, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may call 800-772-1213 and ask for the location of the nearest office. Submit your application and documentation by mail or in person. You may not apply online for a replacement social security card. The Social Security Administration must see your original supporting documents. If you are applying by mail, you must include the original documents. The Social Security Administration will return all your original materials to you when they send your new card. Wait to receive your new card. Generally, a new or replacement card will be issued within about ten business days after the application is received and processed. When you receive your new card, your original documents should be returned to you in the same package. If for any reason you do not receive your original documents when you receive your new card, call the Social Security Administration support number at 800-722-1212 to inquire. | Collect documents that will prove your US citizenship. Produce proof of your name change. Bring proof of your identity. Obtain a copy of the application. Complete the application for a replacement card. Sign the completed application. Combine the completed application form with all the required documents. Locate the nearest office of the Social Security Administration. Submit your application and documentation by mail or in person. Wait to receive your new card. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Use-Xenadrine | How to Use Xenadrine | Before taking Xenadrine, make sure to speak with your doctor, since Xenadrine is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. If your doctor approves, take Xenadrine with a full glass of water to let it pass easily into your stomach. You should also take it 30 minutes before every meal for the best results. However, avoid taking Xenadrine for more than 2 months so you don't become dependent on it. | Determine if it is safe for you to take Xenadrine first. Xenadrine contains green coffee, which is not recommended in some situations. Do not take Xenadrine if you have any of the following conditions: Pregnancy. Anxiety. Diabetes. Diarrhea. Glaucoma. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Osteoporosis. Take Xenadrine with water. The Xenadrine manufacturers advise dieters to take this weight loss pill with a glass of water. This is an important component of taking this pill, and any other pill that you are required to swallow. Water lubricates the throat so that the pill passes safely into the stomach. It also aids in digestion. Water prevents ulcers and damage to the stomach lining. If a pill is not swallowed with water, you risk getting it stuck in your throat and burning a hole through the esophagus. This can be fatal. Consume it before a meal. To be most effective, Xenadrine should be swallowed with a glass of water about thirty minutes before a meal, either breakfast or lunch. In other words, Xenadrine should be taken on an empty stomach. The herbal elements in Xenadrine make it a diuretic. This means it prompts your body to flush out water more efficiently. Most diuretics are designed to make your kidneys put more sodium into your urine. This sodium pulls water from your blood as it exits the body, which makes you lose weight. Swallow a different amount the first few days. Currently there are two different types of Xenadrine products on the market. For Xenadrine Core, take only one pill the first two days. For Xenadrine Ultimate, take one pill twice a day for the first three days. After the first two days of taking Xenadrine Core, you can increase your dosage to one pill two times per day (two pills per day). Do not take more than two of the Xenadrine Core pills in 24 hours. After the first three days of taking Xenadrine Ultimate, you can increase your dosage to two capsules two times per day (four pills per day). Avoid taking a dose less than 5 hours before bed. Since a large component of both types of Xenadrine is caffeine, it is most effective if you don't take it within 5 hours of your bedtime. To be safe, avoid taking Xenadrine before dinner. Instead, take Xenadrine just before eating breakfast and lunch. Take it for 60 days. In order to see the best results, maintain your Xenadrine regimen for 60 days, or two months (about 8 weeks). It takes time for any new diet or exercise routine to affect your physical body, Xenadrine included. Stop taking Xenadrine after using it for 60 days. Short term use of this diet pill can have excellent weight loss results. Long term use can cause your body to adapt to the substance and stop the weight loss. It can also lead to chemical dependence. It takes about four to eight weeks to start seeing toned muscles after beginning an exercise program. Make sure you also diet and exercise. A diet pill like Xenadrine will probably stimulate your metabolism enough to make you want to move more. But you should still be purposeful about weight loss. For best results, combine Xenadrine with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Find a healthy eating lifestyle that works for you. Read about different diets and ask friends and your doctor for their advice. Talk to your doctor or a physical trainer to find the best exercises. Look at the ingredients in Xenadrine Core. It is always important to find out what ingredients are present in something that you put in your body. You should find out of you have an allergy to anything, and you should know what each ingredient will do to your body. In Xenadrine core, you will find the following ingredients: Green coffee bean extract Caffeine anhydrous L-Theanine White kidney bean extract Mangosteen pericarp powder Coleus root extract Perilla seed extract Yohimbe bark extract Caraway seed extract Gotu kola whole herb extract The capsule is made of gelatin and titanium dioxide, as well as mica, FD&C blue no. 1, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. Ask your doctor if Xenadrine is safe to take if you have an allergy to any of these ingredients. The capsule is blue and is advertised as a rapid-release pill. Learn about Xenadrine Ultimate. To discover what effects Xenadrine Ultimate will have on your body, it is important to find out what ingredients it contains. Its ingredients are actually quite different from those in Xenadrine Core. In Xenadrine Ultimate, you will find: Robusta coffee bean extract Caffeine anhydrous Yohimbe bark extract Garcinia cambogia L-Theanine Spearmint leaf extract Autumn olive fruit extract Ashwagandha root and leaf extract The first three ingredients are classified as specifically for weight loss, and the rest of the ingredients are part of the Xenadrine Ultimate complex. The capsule ingredients aren't listed on the Xenadrine Ultimate website, but it is likely they are the same as the capsule for Xenadrine Core. If you're allergic to any of the ingredients, either don't take Xenadrine Ultimate or ask a doctor about it first. This pill is blue and in rapid-release form, like Xenadrine Core. Decide what weight loss results you want. Xenadrine Core and Xenadrine Ultimate target slightly different results. Both promote weight loss and extra energy. However, Xenadrine Core claims to be a thermogenic source of weight loss. Xenadrine Ultimate lacks this thermogenic feature, but increases focus. Xenadrine Core cites two studies that support its weight loss formula. A thermogenic formula is one that increases the production of heat in the body. In weight loss supplements, thermogenics means that it is designed to help your metabolism burn more fat. Read the warnings. Xenadrine is only intended for people over the age of 18. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take Xenadrine. You should ask a doctor first if you are taking other medications, or if you have an existing medical condition. Be aware that you may experience the side effects of increased caffeine intake. Xenadrine has the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee. If you are not used to this much caffeine, you may feel some things when you first start taking Xenadrine: jitteriness, nervousness, headaches, etc. If you experience unusual symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Do not take more than the recommended dose of Xenadrine. The side effects of excess caffeine include nervousness, inability to sleep, and upset stomach. Limit intake of caffeine to 400 mg a day (100 mg per day if you are a teenager). Choose an aerobic exercise routine. To help your body burn fat, you need to add an exercise routine to your intake of Xenadrine. Choose an aerobic exercise that you enjoy and can perform several days per week. Start at a moderate pace if you haven't exercised in a while. Experts recommend about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes per week of strenuous aerobic movement. However, this amount is recommended for maintaining weight and staying healthy. To lose weight, you will likely need to exercise at a moderate level between 60 to 90 minutes on most days of the week. Examples of aerobic exercise include swimming, jogging, dancing, etc. Add in strength training. To tone flabby muscles, it is important to add strength training to your exercise regimen. After your aerobic workout, you might add in exercises that build muscle. Examples include weight lifting, weight machines, or rock climbing. Experts recommend doing strength training a minimum of two days per week. There is no recommended time frame. Find a healthy diet balance. There are many diet options available today. For example, you might try becoming a vegan, eating a Mediterranean diet, or even buying products for a diet like the Atkins diet. The important thing is to find a good balance that is right for your body. You want to feel full without consuming excess fat, sugar, or carbs. A good rule of thumb is to stick to lean protein and whole grains. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Prepare snacks that are prescribed by your diet so that you aren't tempted to eat junk food. Avoid snacking between meals to get the best results from Xenadrine. Drink plenty of water. Your body needs hydration. Xenadrine recommends drinking eight to 10 glasses of water everyday to get the maximum results from their diet pills. Xenadrine recommends that you eat well, exercise, and drink water in combination with their products. | Determine if it is safe for you to take Xenadrine first. Take Xenadrine with water. Consume it before a meal. Swallow a different amount the first few days. Avoid taking a dose less than 5 hours before bed. Take it for 60 days. Make sure you also diet and exercise. Look at the ingredients in Xenadrine Core. Learn about Xenadrine Ultimate. Decide what weight loss results you want. Read the warnings. Choose an aerobic exercise routine. Add in strength training. Find a healthy diet balance. Drink plenty of water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Fly-Strike-in-Rabbits | How to Prevent Fly Strike in Rabbits | To prevent your rabbit from getting fly strike, check it twice a day during warm and hot weather for fly eggs and maggots. If you find any maggots, you should take your rabbit to the vet immediately, since fly strike can be deadly. In addition to checking it over, you should change your rabbit's bedding daily, as the smell of urine and feces will attract flies to its cage. If you see flies near the cage, you should try to get rid of them with a fly zapper or fly paper. | Check for fly strike regularly. Every rabbit, healthy or sick, should be checked over twice a day in warm or hot weather to look for fly eggs. This means picking the rabbit up and visually inspecting all areas including between the armpits, groin, under the tail, genital area, dewlaps, skin folds and tail base. Look for fly eggs or maggots. You should know what you are looking for when checking your rabbit. Fly eggs are pinhead sized white glistening objects. Maggots vary in size from short thread like objects to plumper and worm like objects. Remove eggs or maggots. Wipe away eggs with a clean disposable towel. Immediately remove any maggots with tweezers and then seek veterinary help. If the skin is damaged, remove as many of those on the surface as you can and seek urgent veterinary attention for those that have burrowed deeper into the tissue. Eggs take a matter of hours to hatch out, so it is possible for a rabbit that was clear at breakfast time, to have fly strike by the evening. This is why it is important to check twice a day. Take your rabbit to the vet if it has fly strike. This condition needs to be treated quickly and effectively or it could kill your rabbit. In addition to making sure you have thoroughly eliminated all maggots and eggs from your rabbit, your veterinarian will probably prescribe a preventative medicine to stop further infections. Understand flies and fly strike is in order to avoid it. The fly life cycle involves the adult fly laying eggs. These eggs hatch out into maggots, and these maggots need to feed in order to grow and ultimately hatch out as adults. The maggots normally eat rotting flesh. What happens with fly strike in rabbits is that the flies lay eggs in live flesh rather than dead carcasses. The eggs hatch in a matter of hours and the hungry maggots eat through live tissue. This is painful for the rabbit, and if the maggots are not spotted quickly the rabbit can quickly go into shock and die. Flies are unlikely to be attracted to really healthy tissue. Problems occur when the flies are attracted to damp skin, an infected area, or an area of skin covered in urine or feces. Thus rabbits with health problems or those kept in poor conditions where their skin is liable to be damaged, are at greatest risk of fly strike. Keep your rabbit's cage clean. Make sure your rabbit's hutch is kept clean at all times. Remove soiled bedding on a daily basis and replace it with clean. If the rabbit uses a litter tray, scoop out the soiled areas daily. A common cause of fly strike is that a rabbit has been kept in dirty conditions, with urine stained bedding and lots of pellets. The smell of urine or feces will attract flies to the area. If the rabbit has been sitting in damp bedding, smells of urine, or, worse still, the rabbit's skin is damaged because of urine scald, flies will be even more attracted to the area. Keep your rabbit's fur clean. Check your rabbit's fur, especially around the anus, to make sure there are no pellets stuck in the fur. This could attract flies. If the fur is soiled, tease out the pellets or carefully use scissors to cut the fur away. Treat health issues that could lead to uncleanliness. There are some health conditions that lead to a greater risk of a rabbit being unclean around its anus. For example, a rabbit with a urinary infection, or a problem with their bladder, may need to pass urine regularly and is more likely to soil themselves. Likewise diarrhea sticks to fur and is a big risk factor. For both conditions, always seek veterinary attention. If the rabbit has diarrhea, take it off vegetables and fruit, and feed it mainly hay. However, make sure it actually eats the hay or it may starve itself. Get dental problems treated. Rabbits with overgrown teeth or dental pain, are not able to groom themselves, and again are prone to soiling around the rear end. It is imperative to seek veterinary attention to get the dental issues corrected. Once the teeth have been filed, then a mainly hay diet is key to keeping the teeth at the correct length. Check rabbits with physical limitations more often. For example, overweight rabbits are physically unable to bend round and clean the pellets from their rear end. This makes them liable to getting pellets stuck in their fur. Key to prevention is keeping the rabbit at a healthy weight by feeding a diet of mostly hay, supplement with fresh vegetables and only a dessertspoon of pellets a day. If your rabbit is already overweight, then it's essential to perform twice daily checks as they are at greater risk of fly strike. Aim to slowly reduce their weight by cutting back on their pellets and switching them onto hay. You should also check rabbits with arthritis more often. A stiff arthritic rabbit cannot turn around so easily and is more liable to become soiled. Your vet can supply a painkiller, meloxicam, which is suitable for use in rabbits. This helps ease their discomfort but daily checks are still essential. Use a product to prevent fly strike. A product called Rearguard stops eggs hatching into maggots and is effective for 8 - 10 weeks. It comes in a one dose applicator and is dabbed onto the fur until it is wet down to the skin. It is then left to dry. Rearguard does not repel flies or kill maggots, but it stops any eggs that are laid from hatching into maggots. This product is a tool to help prevent fly strike but it should not replace good clean bedding conditions, regular checks, or attending to your rabbit's health problems. Repel flies. Do your best to eliminate flies around the rabbit. Invest in a fly zapper, a blue light that attracts flies and then kills them. Alternatively use sticky fly papers, and also keep the rabbit's home clear of food debris that might attract these insects. Some herbs are said to have fly repellent properties, so consider growing them beside an outdoor hutch or in pots inside. These include chamomile, peppermint, basil, green oregano, hemp, lavender, rosemary and rue. | Check for fly strike regularly. Look for fly eggs or maggots. Remove eggs or maggots. Take your rabbit to the vet if it has fly strike. Understand flies and fly strike is in order to avoid it. Keep your rabbit's cage clean. Keep your rabbit's fur clean. Treat health issues that could lead to uncleanliness. Get dental problems treated. Check rabbits with physical limitations more often. Use a product to prevent fly strike. Repel flies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Stylus | How to Make a Stylus | To make a stylus for your smartphone or tablet, start by cutting a finger-tip sized circle out of a dish sponge. If your sponge has an abrasive side for scouring, cut this off to avoid scratching your screen. After that, wash and dry it to get rid of any dirt. Then, remove the plastic tip and interior of a ballpoint pen. Pinch the sponge you cut out and push it into the base of the pen. Leave about ¼ of an inch of sponge sticking out to touch your screen with. | Find out which type of touch screen your device uses. There are several different types of touch screens and your homemade stylus may not work with all of them. iPhones, iPads, Androids, Kindles, and many other smartphones and tablets have a capacitive touch screen, which needs an electrical conductor (like the human body) to register where contact is made. Nintendo DS, The 3Ds, the Nook, and some other phones and e-readers use resistive or infrared touch screens, which only require pressure to register contact. You can use just about anything as a makeshift stylus--just be careful not to scratch the screen. Test your screen if you're not sure. Touch the screen with the tip of a pen cap. If the device responds, it is has a resistive or infrared touch screen. If nothing happens, the screen is inactive. Gather your materials. Find a clean dish sponge (not a scour pad) and a ballpoint pen with a removable tip. A cheap, plastic pen works best, as long as you can easily pull off the plastic tip and remove the ink. A slightly see-through pen can make it easier for you to see what you are doing. Cut off a piece of the sponge about the width of the pen. You can approximate this measurement by holding the pen against the sponge and marking the measurement with a marker, or you can just eyeball it. If the sponge has an abrasive side for scouring (like a Scotch-Brite sponge), cut or tear it off. Anything abrasive can scratch and damage your screen. You only want the actual sponge part. Wash and dry the sponge. Some sponges come with soap already added, so to be safe rinse the sponge in warm water. Squeeze out all of the water and let the sponge dry. Remove the plastic tip and the interior of the pen--the ballpoint tip, the ink reservoir, and spring if it is a click pen. You should be left with the empty base of the pen. You should be able to pull the tip off with just your hand. If you have difficulty, try using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Insert the sponge into the pen. Pinch the sponge to make it smaller and push it into the base of the Leave about 1/4-1/8 of an inch of the sponge sticking out of the pen. Use your finger to feather and break up the fibers of the sponge. Hold your stylus near the tip for it to work. Your fingers need to be touching the base of the pen that is in contact with the sponge. If you hold the hollow part of the pen, the electromagnetic current won't pass through the sponge and the touch screen won't register the touch of the stylus. Gather your materials. You'll need about a foot of aluminum foil, tape of any kind, and an unsharpened pencil. You may also need a sharp knife to whittle your pencil. If you don't have a pencil, you can substitute a pen, a chopstick, a dowel--anything pen-shaped. Pencils or other wooden objects work best, however, as you may want to cut your stylus to have an angled tip. Use a sharp knife to whittle tip of the pencil to a slight, flat angle. You are not sharpening the pencil tip as though you are going to write with it. The angled tip should still have a surface area of at least four millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser or the very tip of your finger. Many capacitive touch screens will not register the touch of anything smaller. The stylus will work without this step, but you will have to hold it straight up and down. This will make it more comfortable to hold. Always be careful when handling a knife--remember to cut away from your body. Never pull the knife toward yourself. Wrap the entire pencil with at least two layers of aluminum foil. Fold the aluminum foil neatly over the tips. If you are using a pen, keep the cap on the pen when you wrap it. Smooth the aluminum foil over the angled tip of your pencil. It should be smooth and flat on the tip. You don't want any crinkles or bumps. If your tip is not flat, your stylus may not work. Wrap a piece of tape around the center of the pencil. This will keep the foil in place. Wrap the tip of the stylus with scotch tape. This will protect you screen from getting scratched by the aluminum foil. Try your stylus to see if it works. If it isn't working, try to flatten your tip even more. Remember that you want the tip to be at least the size of an eraser or else it may not be acknowledged by your touch screen. Gather your materials. You'll need a single chopstick, sandpaper, and something to sharpen the wood. A hand-operated pencil sharpener is the easiest way, but you could also whittle the tip with a sharp knife if you don't have a pencil sharpener. Try not to use an electric pencil sharpener--it may break. Sharpen the tip (the narrow tip that touches the food) of the chopstick with the pencil sharpener. Sharpen it less than you would a pencil--you want it to look more like a blunt pencil tip. Smooth the tip using the sandpaper. A sharp tip may damage your touch screen (or you). Rub the tip with the sandpaper until it is blunt. It should not be painful if you press it into your skin. Sand any rough edges of the chopstick as well so you don't get splinters. Decorate your stylus with Washi tape or paint. A few layers of tape wrapped around the stylus may make it more comfortable to hold. Remember: this stylus will not work on an iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire, or other device with a capacitive screen. stuff you need. What you need is pretty simple. You need a pencil that can be sharpened or not. A Q-tip, tape, scissors and water and tin foil the pencil. With the pencil and scissors and Q-tip you want to cut the Q-tip in half. Then get the tape and tape the Q-tip on the side or on top of the sharper dull part of pencil. Place it facing where you write with. Then tape it. wraping. With the tin foil you want to cut in a triangle. Then after you cut the tin foil into a triangle you want to wrap it around the Q-tip and pencil. Then place a long piece of tap around starting where you ended from the tin foil around the pencil. Water. Now go to the sink with your stylus and get one or two drips of water on top of it. Now you can use it and try it out. If there is to much water its not going to work. So only drip a few. | Find out which type of touch screen your device uses. Test your screen if you're not sure. Gather your materials. Cut off a piece of the sponge about the width of the pen. If the sponge has an abrasive side for scouring (like a Scotch-Brite sponge), cut or tear it off. Wash and dry the sponge. Remove the plastic tip and the interior of the pen--the ballpoint tip, the ink reservoir, and spring if it is a click pen. Insert the sponge into the pen. Leave about 1/4-1/8 of an inch of the sponge sticking out of the pen. Hold your stylus near the tip for it to work. Gather your materials. Use a sharp knife to whittle tip of the pencil to a slight, flat angle. Wrap the entire pencil with at least two layers of aluminum foil. Smooth the aluminum foil over the angled tip of your pencil. Wrap a piece of tape around the center of the pencil. Wrap the tip of the stylus with scotch tape. Try your stylus to see if it works. Gather your materials. Sharpen the tip (the narrow tip that touches the food) of the chopstick with the pencil sharpener. Smooth the tip using the sandpaper. Decorate your stylus with Washi tape or paint. stuff you need. the pencil. wraping. Water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Hormone-Rooting-Powder-or-Tonic | How to Make Homemade Hormone Rooting Powder or Tonic | If you want to make a homemade hormone rooting powder or tonic, try using cinnamon, which is great at combatting fungal growth. Simply dip the end of one of your stem cuttings into ground cinnamon, or roll your cutting in the cinnamon on a plate or paper towel. Then, plant the cutting into your medium of choice and watch the cuttings grow into healthy little plants. If you don't want to use cinnamon, try apple cider vinegar. Since too much vinegar can kill your plant, add no more than 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 6 cups of water. Once you've thoroughly mixed the solution, dip the base of one of your plant cuttings into it and plant the cutting. | Boil 2 c (470 ml) of water before reducing the heat. Fill a pot with tap water and put it on your stove over high heat. Let the water heat up completely until it comes to a rolling boil. Turn the heat to low to let the water simmer before moving on. You can also use purified or filtered water if you're worried about any foreign substances in your tap water. Stir in 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of honey and let the solution cool. Use standard honey from a grocery store for your rooting hormone. Scoop the honey directly into the pot of simmering water and use a mixing spoon to stir it together. As soon as the honey dissolves completely in the water, turn off the heat and let the pot cool completely. Honey contains antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties as well as promotes healthy root growth. Soak plant cuttings in the honey solution for 2-3 hours before planting them. Once the rooting hormone is completely cooled, put the cuttings in the pot so the bottom 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) are submerged. Let the cuttings soak for at least 2-3 hours before putting them in a growing medium so they can absorb the solution. You can also dip the end of your cutting in honey before planting it in the ground for an additional layer of protection from fungus and bacteria. Push the gel out from an aloe vera leaf using a spoon. Cut a healthy leaf off an aloe plant with a clean, sharp knife. Lay the leaf flat on a cutting board in front of you so the pointed end faces you. Press the back of a spoon on the point of the leaf and apply firm pressure as you guide the spoon toward the cut end. The gel from inside the leaf will push out of the cut end onto your cutting board. The aloe gel protects the cutting from bacteria and fungi in the soil. You may also use aloe gel from stores as long as it doesn't have any other added ingredients. Mash the gel in a cup until it has a watery consistency. Scoop the gel from the aloe leaf into a small cup and stir it with your spoon to break apart the larger pieces. Use the back of your spoon to smash the gel to loosen its consistency so it's runnier. Once the gel easily moves around and flows like water, you can use it for your hormone. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water to your aloe gel if you can't mash it to the right consistency. Coat the bottom of your cutting in the aloe gel before you plant it. When you're ready to plant your cuttings, dip the cut ends into the aloe gel. Spin the cutting around so you get an even coating of the gel on the stem before putting it in your soil. The aloe gel on the cut end will help prevent any bacteria or fungi from entering the stem. Crush an uncoated aspirin pill into a fine powder. Use a standard 325-mg aspirin tablet that doesn't have any form of coating around it. Put 1 aspirin tablet inside of a pill crusher and screw the top on. Apply firm pressure to the top of the pill crusher to break the pill apart inside. Continue crushing the pill until it forms a fine powder. You can buy pill crushers from your local pharmacy. Aspirin contains salicylic acid as an active ingredient, which helps prevent bacteria or fungus from forming on your cutting so it can develop roots. Mix the ground aspirin with 1 c (240 ml) of distilled water. Fill a glass or jar with 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled water and pour the aspirin powder into it. Use a spoon to stir the powder into the water until it completely dissolves. If some of the chunks don't dissolve right away, then let the solution sit for about 1 hour before stirring and checking on it again. You can also put an uncrushed aspirin pill in the water rather than the powder, but it will take longer for it to dissolve. You may use tap water, but the aspirin may not dissolve as well. Dip your cuttings in the aspirin solution for 2-3 hours before you plant them. Take your fresh cuttings and submerge at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of their bottom ends. Let the cuttings absorb the aspirin solution for about 2-3 hours so they remain healthy after you plant them. Collect 2 cups (256 g) of young branches from a willow tree. Collect the branches in spring when new growths are forming on the tree. Look for fresh green shoots and branches that are skinnier than a pencil to use for your rooting tonic. Use a pair or pruning shears or a sharp utility knife to cut the willow branches at a 45-degree angle so the tree doesn't develop rot. You can use any type of willow for your rooting hormone. Don't use any dead branches since they won't contain any of the natural rooting hormones. Cut the branches into 1 in (2.5 cm) pieces. Use a sharp knife or a pair of pruning shears to cut the branches to a smaller size. Make sure each section of branch is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long so they can easily submerge them later on. Willows contain salicylic and indole butyric acids, which are natural growth hormones that will help your cutting quickly form roots once you plant it. Cut bark pieces to the same size if you used them instead of branches. Add the willow pieces to boiling water and let them soak for 24 hours. Bring 1 gallon (3.8 L) or water to boil over high heat on your stove. As soon as the water comes to a rolling boil, turn off the heat and pour in the willow branches so they can soak. Put a lid on the pot and leave the branches inside for 24 hours. During that time, the hormones will extract from the branches and mix with the water. Adjust the recipe if you don't want to make as much rooting hormone, but keep a ratio of 2 cups (256 g) of willow pieces to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Pour the liquid from the pot into glass containers with lids. After the solution cools, carefully transfer the solution into separate containers. Be careful that none of the willow branches get into the containers since the liquid already absorbed their nutrients. After you fill the containers with the solution, cover them with lids and store them in your fridge for up to 2 months. You can throw away or compost the willow branches once you've used them in your solution. Soak your cuttings in the willow solution for 2-3 hours before planting. When you're ready to plant your cuttings, dip the cut ends in the willow water solution and leave them to soak for at least 2 hours so they can absorb the nutrients. After they've soaked, put your cuttings in the soil so they can start to grow. You can also use the willow solution to water your cuttings during the first month of growth to help promote healthy roots and foliage. | Boil 2 c (470 ml) of water before reducing the heat. Stir in 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of honey and let the solution cool. Soak plant cuttings in the honey solution for 2-3 hours before planting them. Push the gel out from an aloe vera leaf using a spoon. Mash the gel in a cup until it has a watery consistency. Coat the bottom of your cutting in the aloe gel before you plant it. Crush an uncoated aspirin pill into a fine powder. Mix the ground aspirin with 1 c (240 ml) of distilled water. Dip your cuttings in the aspirin solution for 2-3 hours before you plant them. Collect 2 cups (256 g) of young branches from a willow tree. Cut the branches into 1 in (2.5 cm) pieces. Add the willow pieces to boiling water and let them soak for 24 hours. Pour the liquid from the pot into glass containers with lids. Soak your cuttings in the willow solution for 2-3 hours before planting. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Entertain-Your-Hamster | How to Entertain Your Hamster | To entertain your hamster, hide some of its food around its cage so it has to forage for it. You can also try placing an empty cardboard tube in the enclosure so your hamster has something to tunnel through and chew on. Also, line the bottom of your hamster's cage with at least 2 inches of bedding since hamsters love to dig and burrow. If you haven't already, place a hamster wheel in your hamster's cage so it can exercise whenever it's bored. | Provide 2 in (5.1 cm) of bedding in your hamster's cage so it can dig. Choose a specialty hamster bedding and avoid using pine or cedar shavings. In the wild, hamsters love to dig, burrow, and build nests deep into the ground. A depth of 2 in (5.1 cm) is only a minimum and you can add more bedding to give your hamster more digging space if you prefer. Make sure that your hamster has plenty of things to chew. Hamsters love to chew on different materials and this is a great way to keep them entertained. Change the chewing materials in the cage these whenever you clean it out so that your hamster has variety. Coconut shells, hay cubes, seagrass, and pumice stone are all ideal options. You can also give your hamster untreated, softwood to chew on. Bake small branches (approximately 3 in (7.6 cm)) of wood for 1 hour on low heat first to ensure that it is safe for your hamster. Wait for it to cool before placing it in the cage. Good softwood options include apple, elm, hazelnut, pear, and yucca. Hide food in the cage so your hamster has to forage for it. While it's important to limit treats and to give your hamster a healthy diet, that doesn't mean that food can't be entertaining! Place some food inside the food bowl and hide the rest inside toys or under bedding to encourage your hamster to forage. Feed your hamster well-balanced, nutritionally-complete, rodent pellets. These are available from pet supply stores. You can feed your hamster occasional treats such as seeds, small pieces of fruit and vegetables, and cooked pasta. Foraging is a natural hamster behavior. It helps to reduce boredom and aggression. Place a hamster wheel in the cage so that your hamster can exercise. Choose a minimum of a 6.5 in (17 cm) wheel for Roborovski and dwarf hamsters and a minimum of a 8 in (20 cm) wheel for larger hamsters such as Syrian hamsters. Follow the instructions that come with the hamster wheel to fit it to the cage. A plastic wheel is safer than a metal wheel for hamsters because plastic wheels don't have rungs. Your hamster's legs are fragile and can easily get injured in wheel rungs. Make sure the wheel is large enough so your hamster's back is straight and level while it runs as opposed to a U-shape. Hamsters require a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A hamster wheel helps them to exercise and to avoid health problems such as obesity. Put a cardboard tube in the cage to create a tunnel. Reuse paper towel and toilet roll tubes to create a fun form of enrichment for your hamster. Simply place the tubes in the cage and replace them whenever the old ones get worn down. Your hamster will use the tunnel for hiding and exploration. Cardboard tubes also give your hamster something to chew on. You can purchase ready-made paper and cardboard hamster toys from pet supply stores. Place a variety of different toys in the cage for your hamster to play with. Pet stores stock a huge range of different toys that are suitable for hamsters. These are commonly made out of plastic, metal, and wood. You can also make your own hamster toys at home with cardboard to create tunnels, platforms, and hiding spots. If possible, choose natural and dye-free toys to help keep your hamster healthy. Let your hamster crawl over your hands to help form a bond. Pick up your hamster and take it out of the cage. Hold your hamster in your hands and let it sniff you and crawl over your hands to explore. This not only helps you and your hamster to bond, but it also keeps your hamster busy with all of the new sights and smells. Hamsters can remember your scent and voice. Spending time holding your hamster lets you gain its trust while keeping it entertaining. or an obstacle course for your hamster to explore. Create a maze Hamsters are very curious and love to explore new things. Make your own maze using LEGOs, toilet paper rolls, boxes, or large plastic blocks. Alternatively, purchase a hamster maze from a pet supply store. To make a maze for your hamster, plan out your design on a flat piece of cardboard first. Then cut out cardboard walls and glue these onto the base. Place treats around the maze to encourage your hamster to explore. Place your hamster in a hamster ball for 10-15 minutes to get some exercise. Check that the area is safe and free from cats, dogs, and stairs before placing your hamster into the ball. Watch your hamster as it runs to make sure that it stays safe. Keep the hamster ball sessions short to make sure that your hamster doesn't tire itself out and become exhausted. Never leave your hamster in the ball unattended or for extended periods of time. This is because there is no way for your hamster to stop exercising if it gets tired. You can also use the hamster ball outside if it is safe to do so. Make sure that your hamster is in the shade, on a flat part of the ground, and away from cars and other pets. Set up a playpen to let your hamster explore a new environment. Purchase a rodent fence or playpen and place this in a different room or outside on a shady patch of grass. Let your hamster explore the different environment. Make sure that the outdoor area is flat and free from cats, dogs, and cars. to provide mental stimulation. Teach your hamster a trick Hamsters are both smart and curious, and they love to learn new things. Train your hamster to stand on its hind legs by holding a treat above its head and saying “Stand,” clearly. Give your hamster a treat whenever it follows a command and keep the training sessions short so that your hamster doesn't get bored. There are a large variety of tricks that your hamster can learn. Use a lot of repetition and practice, and your hamster will easily learn new skills. | Provide 2 in (5.1 cm) of bedding in your hamster's cage so it can dig. Make sure that your hamster has plenty of things to chew. Hide food in the cage so your hamster has to forage for it. Place a hamster wheel in the cage so that your hamster can exercise. Put a cardboard tube in the cage to create a tunnel. Place a variety of different toys in the cage for your hamster to play with. Let your hamster crawl over your hands to help form a bond. or an obstacle course for your hamster to explore. Place your hamster in a hamster ball for 10-15 minutes to get some exercise. Set up a playpen to let your hamster explore a new environment. to provide mental stimulation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Normal-Around-Your-Crush | How to Act Normal Around Your Crush | If you're concerned about acting normal around your crush, greet them casually when they notice you by simply saying “Hello” or “Hey.” Do something when they're around you so it looks like your not focused on them, like reading a book or checking your cell phone. If you're feeling uncomfortable around them, talk to their friends, which will distract you from your crush. Additionally, take up an extracurricular activity, like playing in a soccer team or joining a club, to help distance yourself from your crush so you can think about them more calmly. Alternatively, focus on some of your crush's flaws so you don't get carried away with your feelings for them. | Act moderately occupied. You could do this in many ways. The important thing is to show the person you are crushing on that you are not ready to give into them right away. Have a few supplies with you, to occupy yourself, for when you see your crush like: A book or a magazine A pen and a sketchbook A cell phone Pretend the person is not there. A large part of having a crush involves some degree of ignoring someone. Don't go out of your way. If you appear to be unaffected by this person's presence, you'll appear to look normal. This can be a difficult step if you're head over heels. Do not make it too apparent that you are trying to ignore them. It could be obvious if you're trying too hard. Stay calm and collected. Appear slightly amused by the person. When you see them do not gaze at them too directly. Play with the circumstance by giving them sly looks and then appear distracted by looking around the room. Try to give off a slight smile on your face and in your eyes if they catch your eye contact. Ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen? This is a great calming method that hits at the core of why you don't feel normal. The worst possible outcome from appearing awkward and nervous around your crush is not life threatening. By accepting the larger picture of the world, you may be able to relax about your feelings towards your crush. A lot of people feel like the social microscope is fixed on them, but the reality is that most people are concerned about themselves. People are not watching you and looking for an opportunity to scrutinize you. Announce what you're doing. You don't want to ask your crush if they want to hang out. If they're nearby, talk with your friends about your plans for the weekend. If you're in a situation where you're talking to them about your plans, don't ask them to join you. They'll seek it out if they're interested. You could even talk about how you and your friends are "trying to get a big group together" for yada yada. Then make it obvious that they could come if they ask. Say hello to your crush. It is normal to acknowledge people. Nothing detrimental will happen if you give them a casual hello, or even just a wave or smile. Saying "hi!" or "hey!" with a smile can potentially stir their world. It is the most casual thing you can do if you meet eye contact. You'll seem collected and the pressure is now in their court. Be friends with their friends. Making friends with your crush's friends might alleviate your nervous feelings by closing the distance between you and them. Talk to your crush's friends like a buddy. They'll remember you as being 'cool' and might speak highly of you to your crush. Don't flirt with any of them. You don't want them to think you're interested or they might develop a crush on you. Be yourself with a pinch of wild. Don't be afraid to call a little attention to yourself. This can improve your confidence level, if you choose to wear something that makes you feel good and attractive. This is one way that might spark their attention. If you go over the top, they could become intimidated, but if this is the case, then rethink this crush. Don't be afraid to be yourself! Honesty is the best policy. Separate your idea of them with reality. It is common to project what you want to see in your crush, as opposed to who they really are. Nobody's perfect, but it could help you get a better grip of yourself by knowing some of their flaws. Don't get too nosy or they could find out and become alarmed. Recognize you are crushing. This can be a difficult realization because typically crushes are linked to romantic feelings. This is not always the case. An identity crush is someone you come to view as a leader. This causes you to want to identify your attributes to theirs. Ask them to hang out. This type of crush opens more doors for developing a friendship. You don't need to act uninterested or half-amused. Simply ask them to do something you know they like to do like: Play music Go bowling Play golf See a movie Play laser-tag Go tubing Evaluate their character. Sometimes identity crushes can be for the wrong reasons. Lots of time people aspire to be the popular kids in high school, but sometimes the popular kids aren't good people. If you're ever faced with hanging out with a new clique and can't invite you're old friends, then weigh your options. Invite them to hang out with your friends. This is a great opportunity to hang out with them when you are in your best element. Make sure your crush and friends are both okay with this plan. This will give your crush the chance to see how you normally act with your friends. Practice talking to other people. You don't have to wait around for the perfect chance to say something to your crush. You could always ask a random person that you find cute for a stick of gum. Talking to people you're attracted to will improve your comfort level when talking to someone you really have a crush on. Talk to a family member. Being at home can be a hard time when you're heels deep in a crush's spell. Your parents can offer valuable advice because they went through what you're going through. If you're not comfortable talking to your folks about it then ask a cool uncle or a sibling you're open with. Sharing what you are going through help elevate pressure you feel when you're near your crush. Keep a journal. Writing out your feelings and ideas can be a great therapy. Whether you write memories, letters, or your personal thoughts, you are practicing an expressive process that strengthens your physiological growth and health. It is important to face your emotions by yourself. It is a good time to reflect on how this crush is only a person. Write whatever feels right. Don't concern yourself with typos or grammar, this is for you. If you have friends or a younger sibling around, you might consider keeping this in a private location. Do extracurricular activities. Staying after school for clubs or sports could be a great way of distancing yourself from your crush. Playing sports will especially help by pushing yourself both mentally and physically. Staying too stagnant will not help you act normally around a crush. Think of exerting yourself as a way of releasing your frustrations. This is a good way of dealing with nervousness on a larger scope. Physical activity improves your mental state in your everyday life. | Act moderately occupied. Pretend the person is not there. Appear slightly amused by the person. Ask yourself, what's the worst that can happen? Announce what you're doing. Say hello to your crush. Be friends with their friends. Be yourself with a pinch of wild. Separate your idea of them with reality. Recognize you are crushing. Ask them to hang out. Evaluate their character. Invite them to hang out with your friends. Practice talking to other people. Talk to a family member. Keep a journal. Do extracurricular activities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Daffodils | How to Plant Daffodils | To plant daffodils, wait until the fall and then find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil. Then, dig holes or trenches that are 3-4 times as deep as your daffodil bulbs. After you've dug the holes or trenches, sprinkle some bulb fertilizer in the bottom of them so your daffodils grow healthy and strong. Next, bury your bulbs in the ground and immediately water them so the soil is moist. Once your bulbs are planted, just wait until spring for them to bloom! | Pick a site with full sun. Daffodils grow best in full sunlight, however, partial or light shade is also acceptable. Full shade will keep your daffodils from blooming for the first year or two after planting. Check that your garden has fertile, well-drained soil. Daffodils can grow in many different types of soil, but the ideal soil for daffodil growing is moderately fertile and well drained. Some specialty daffodils prefer alkaline soils, so if you're going for a particular daffodil breed, consult your nursery for more information. Plant the daffodils in the fall. Daffodils should be planted in the fall, preferably in October. However, you can plant as early as September or as late as November. If you live in colder climates, aim to start your planting 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes. Buy the bulbs when you’re ready to plant. Buy your bulbs from a reputable source or nursery, and plant them within a week of purchasing. The larger the bulb, the better. Do not buy bargain bulbs, as they might not have a flower in them. Never buy or plant a soft daffodil bulb, as that means there is rot or another disease inside the bulb. Bulbs with two tips will produce two stems. Small bulbs may not flower in their first year. Dig holes or trenches for the bulbs. You can, of course, plant each bulb individually, but most gardeners plant trenches of between 3 and 8 bulbs at a time. Feel free to create trenches of whatever shape you want: straight and long trenches create an orderly garden, while more circular clumps produce a more “natural” look. Give the bulbs the right conditions to grow. Scatter a small handful of bulb fertilizer in each hole or trench, and make sure you properly space your bulbs. Whether you're planting individual bulbs or trenches, daffodils should be planted 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) apart. Only plant one type of daffodil per hole or trench. Plant the bulbs. Bulbs should be planted three or four times their depth. For small daffodils like Tete a Tete, aim for 4 inches (10 cm), for larger breeds like Carlton and King Alfred, aim for 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Make sure you put the pointed end facing up. In places with severe winters, ensure at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil covers the bulbs! If you can't tell which end is “up,” plant the bulb on its side. Cover the bulbs and water them immediately after planting. Keep the area moist during the duration of the growth, until about three weeks after blooming time. Stop watering once the flowers have been in bloom for three weeks. Leave the area alone. Even though daffodils form roots in the autumn and develop foliage in winter in select regions, buds and flowers will not show up until spring. Trust that your daffodils are hard at work, and leave the area alone so they can grow well. Fertilize bulbs if necessary. If your bulbs are not performing well in spring, give them a low-nitrogen, high-potash fertilizer. Remember that your first year might not yield great results, but ask your nursery or consider replanting if this is a continual problem. Avoid cutting too many flowers. While you can of course cut daffodils to bring inside or sell to others, bear in mind that cutting too many may jeopardize the bulb growth for future years. Do not place daffodils in the same vase as other flowers. Daffodil sap causes other flowers to wilt. Let the plants fully die before pruning. Only remove foliage once it has yellowed or dried up. Removing foliage early could jeopardize the subsequent year's growth. To be safe, don't start pruning until late May or June. Protect your plants from pests and disease. Small and large narcissus flies as well as bulb mites are the most common pests to affect the daffodil. If you see these pests or if your bulbs feel soft to the touch, place the bulbs in nearly boiling water for up to three hours (called a hot water treatment). Yellow spots on the stems or leaves may indicate Stem Nematodes. Destroy all the infected plants, and then do a hot water treatment. Treat fungal diseases such as rot and mildew with a fungicide spray, and treat viral diseases, such as the yellow stripe virus, with an insecticide spray or the hot water treatment. | Pick a site with full sun. Check that your garden has fertile, well-drained soil. Plant the daffodils in the fall. Buy the bulbs when you’re ready to plant. Dig holes or trenches for the bulbs. Give the bulbs the right conditions to grow. Plant the bulbs. Cover the bulbs and water them immediately after planting. Leave the area alone. Fertilize bulbs if necessary. Avoid cutting too many flowers. Let the plants fully die before pruning. Protect your plants from pests and disease. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Summer-Wedding | How to Dress for a Summer Wedding | To dress for a summer wedding, choose lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen if the invitation says the ceremony is outdoors. Also, you could go for bright colors such as yellow or turquoise to reflect the sunny weather. Additionally, you'll want to wear appropriate footwear such as sandals if you're attending a beach wedding. However, if the wedding is indoors, opt for more conservative clothing, like a light suit and tie. Your choice of colors should also be more muted, such as ruby red or emerald green. | Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics for an outdoor wedding. Check the invitation to see where the wedding will be held. If the venue is outdoors, you'll want to dress in cool, breezy fabrics, like cotton, linen, or chiffon. In general, natural fabrics will be cooler than synthetics. If you will be attending a beach wedding, make sure you choose sand-friendly footwear. You'll be comfortable and cute at an outdoor wedding if you wear a sundress and sandals or wedges. For outdoor weddings, be sure to dress for the weather. A summer weather may turn out to unseasonable, so be sure to have a Plan B. Opt for more conservative attire for indoor ceremonies. Indoor ceremonies are usually a little more formal than outdoor ceremonies. Avoid showing too much skin or wearing overly informal clothing like flip flops or shorts. If the location is air conditioned, synthetic fabrics (such a rayon or polyester) are an option as summer heat may not be an issue. A classic suit and tie in a light material like cotton is always in style. A knee-length dress with modest heels and a light jacket will be perfectly appropriate for any location. If you are not familiar with the venue, try researching it online to get a feel for the kind of events that have been held there in the past. Consider a summer color palette. Traditionally, summer fashion reflects the bright colors of summer. Bold, bright colors, like yellow and turquoise, are popular for daytime weddings during the summer, since they reflect natural colors in the environment. A light grey or tan suit, will help keep you cooler than a dark one, and it will also fit the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding. Men's fashions tend to not be as bright or colorful as women's wear. Color tends to be focused on dress shirts, ties, and pocket squares. A suit in a bright color will make a very bold statement that may or may not be deemed acceptable. Even if your dress is a neutral color, you can accessorize with bright pops of color to help fit the mood. Neutrals are always fine. A tasteful outfit in a neutral (black, white, grey, navy, khaki) is always acceptable for a wedding unless the bridal couple ask for something specific. Wear darker colors and more formal styles to an evening wedding. Evening weddings tend to be dressier occasions, and the colors tend to be a little more muted. If you want to wear color, try looking for pieces in jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red, since these colors tend to look more expensive and dressy.. Follow any special instructions on the invitation. Wedding invitations will sometimes include guidelines for guests' attire, with phrases such as black tie, semi-formal, or festive attire. "Black tie" means extremely formal. Guests will be expected to wear a tuxedo, gown, or other very dressy attire. This may also mean that black suits and dresses may also be acceptable, as these are considered the most formal colors for adult outfits. Formal is the general standard for weddings. In general, it is safer to err on the side of being more dressed up for a wedding than to come to a wedding looking too casual. Casual attire for a wedding still means presentable. Clothes should be clean, no rips and tears, fit properly and be appropriate to the location. Photos will almost invariably be taken, so dress expecting to look your best. For example, if your cousin is getting married in a casual, cowboy themed wedding the bridal party may specify that jeans, cowboy boots, and Western style shirts are acceptable. But do not go to the wedding wearing your stained ranching work clothes - wear a new set of clothes and boots. Specific attire is sometimes requested. This will be outlined by the couple getting married.Typically this is will be more optional than mandatory, although occasionally a request is fairly firm. If there is an issue, contact the wedding couple. For a Halloween wedding, perhaps the couple welcomes costumes. A bride whose best friend died recently might request people wear red in her friend's honor. A couple who participates in American Civil War reenactment may allow historical costuming at the event. Ask a member of the wedding party if you are unclear on what to wear. Do not try to do this on the day of the event as the bride and groom will likely be busy finalizing the details of their big day. You could also ask the mother of the bride or groom, or a close friend of the couple who isn't in the wedding party. Wear a lightweight suit for a cool, masculine look. Summer is no time for a heavy 3-piece suit. Opt for a light suit made from a breathable material like linen, cotton, or seersucker. Popular colors for summer suits include light grey, pale blue, and khaki. You can pair your suit with a crisp white shirt for a classic look, or express your creativity by choosing a more colorful option. Opt for a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up rather than a short-sleeve shirt, since that will look dressier. Wear a pair of lightweight dress shoes, like loafers or boat shoes, with no socks to look casually put-together. Don slacks and a blazer if you don't want to wear a suit. Blazers are a popular option for summer weddings, as they're casual yet still look put-together. Be sure to choose a lightweight material like cotton or a thin knit. Wear a long-sleeved button-down shirt made of cotton or linen under your blazer for a dressier look. Khaki pants and loafers paired with a white button-down and a navy blazer is a classic combination. Put on a blazer over a polo shirt and push the sleeves up for more informal occasions. Choose a dress made from breathable fabrics for a feminine summer look. Flowy, lightweight fabrics, like chiffon, crepe, lace, and cotton will have you looking dressy while staying cool. Hold the dress up to the light to make sure it won't to be too sheer in the sunlight, though! Stay away from materials that don't breathe, like polyesters. Even if they seem lightweight, they do not breathe and can you be uncomfortable in the heat of a summer day. Opt for a floral maxi dress in a flowy material for full coverage without sacrificing style. Pair the look with dressy flats and you'll be ready for any occasion. A pretty knee-length sundress and sandals is a great option for a beach wedding. You won't be too exposed if the wind blows, and your dress won't drag in the sand. Select a romper or jumpsuit for a pretty, fun look. Dressy jumpsuits and rompers are comfortable, cute, and on-trend. They're also versatile—they can be dressed up for more formal occasions or dressed down if the wedding is more casual. If you want to make your romper or jumpsuit more casual, wear flats or dressy sandals and keep your jewelry minimal. Bring a light cardigan or jacket if the wedding will go into the evening. Even if the start of the day is sweltering, temperatures may drop dramatically once the sun goes down. Keep yourself from getting chilly by carrying a lightweight jacket along to the event. A fitted blazer looks nice over a jumpsuit, while a soft cardigan will be pretty over a flowy dress. Wear a long gown to look elegant and feminine. Evening weddings are the perfect occasion to wear a glamorous gown, even in the summertime. To help combat the heat, look for sleeveless or strapless options. If the event is black tie, opt for a solid-colored gown in a dark color or a jewel tone. Pair it with heels or elegant flats. Choose luxurious fabrics if you want to wear a cocktail-length dress. Shorter dresses can sometimes seem less formal. To counteract this, you should look for a dress made from a rich-looking fabric like satin, lace, or crepe. Since it's a wedding, avoid dresses with extremely short skirts or that expose too much cleavage. Elevate the look further with metallic heels or flats and simple, tasteful jewelry. Select a nice suit for a formal, put-together look. Formal weddings usually feature plenty of tailored men's suits and feminine pantsuits. Since temperatures usually drop in the evening, you'll be grateful for the jacket if you have to go outside. Suits generally look best when paired with practical leather dress shoes or pumps. You can also opt for evening separates, such as a pair of wide-legged pants and a matching fitted top with glamorous accessories. Opt for a tuxedo if the invitation says black tie. Formal occasions are the perfect time to channel your inner James Bond with a tuxedo. If you don't have one, consider renting one so you'll fit in at the occasion. You don't have to wear a plain black tuxedo, although they are the most classic option. Blue, grey, and white are a few other popular tuxedo colors you might consider. Pick a jumpsuit for a polished look. Flowy formal jumpsuits are a great way to get the elegance of a dress while still enjoying the comfort of wearing pants. As a bonus, they're universally flattering, since they elongate and slim your figure. You'll be tastefully appropriate for any occasion in a flowy chiffon jumpsuit, a pair of strappy heels, and bold statement jewelry. Apply an antiperspirant to keep yourself from sweating. You probably put on deodorant every time you leave the house, but for the ultimate protection, make sure you are using a deodorant that is also an antiperspirant. Deodorant gets rid of odors, but antiperspirant helps to keep you from sweating in the first place. You can apply antiperspirant anywhere you don't want to sweat, including your underarms, hands, and even your feet. Bring along a travel-sized antiperspirant in your pocket or handbag in case it starts to wear off. Accessorize a nice suit with a tie. Choose a necktie or bowtie in a color that coordinates with your suit or with the colors worn by the wedding party. Your tie shouldn't be a bright color or pattern that will stand out in photographs unless the invitation calls for festive attire. Pin a flower to your jacket if you want to dress up a suit even more. A small flower pinned to your jacket is a cheerful touch that fits perfectly with the spirit of a wedding. You can match the flower to your own outfit, or you can ask a member of the wedding party about the wedding colors and match the flower to that. You could also use a pocket square in a color that coordinates with your tie, although the 2 should not match perfectly. Opt for light makeup if you wear any. Heavy makeup tends to run if you sweat, so opt for lightweight makeup that will allow your skin to breathe. Instead of heavy foundation, mix concealer with your face lotion to create a lightweight base for your look. Bring along your powder so you can touch up your makeup if you need to. Wear sunscreen if you're going to an outdoor wedding. It's important to wear sunscreen any time, but during the summer, the sun's UV rays are especially strong. Apply sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 before you get dressed. If you'll be in the sun for more than 2 hours, bring your sunscreen along with you so you can reapply it. Put your hair up if you can. Summer heat can cause your hair to stick to the back of your neck, making you feel uncomfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can wear your hair up while still looking dressy enough for a wedding. For instance, you could opt for an elegant updo , like a chignon or a French braid. If your hair isn't long enough to put up, pinning it back away from your face. Wear a headband, flower, or barrette in your hair to add a pretty touch to your hairstyle. Carry a small clutch or a satin bag if you do not want a big purse. Sometimes a dressy outfit does not look right with a large bag. Small clutches and wristlets are always a popular option, and they're available in a number colors and styles. However, keep in mind what you need to take with you at the wedding location. Small satin pouches are a popular option that can seem more modern than a traditional clutch. Clutch purses have some practicality issues, however. A clutch carries a few essential items, but you may find yourself needing more. If you are a mother with small children, for instance, a clutch will simply not be practical. It is OK to use your usual purse, or a larger bag with a summertime style, and simply leave it at the pew, or reception table, or under your chair when the wedding starts. Wear dressy shoes that will let your feet breathe. The type of footwear you choose will depend on your outfit, but you should look for options that allow air to flow over your foot. This will keep your feet from sweating and help you to stay cool. Loafers, leather dress shoes, dressy sandals, and embellished flats are good options if you want to wear flats. Strappy heels and wedges are popular options if you prefer wearing heels. Choose simple jewelry that won't weigh you down if you wear any. Even if you want to accessorize your look with statement jewelry, avoid wearing heavy pieces, as they can make you feel hot and constricted. Thin chains with pretty pendants and lightweight bracelets are popular options during the summer. If you want to make a big statement without wearing a heavy necklace or chunky bracelets, try wearing a dramatic pair of earrings. | Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics for an outdoor wedding. Opt for more conservative attire for indoor ceremonies. Consider a summer color palette. Wear darker colors and more formal styles to an evening wedding. Follow any special instructions on the invitation. Ask a member of the wedding party if you are unclear on what to wear. Wear a lightweight suit for a cool, masculine look. Don slacks and a blazer if you don't want to wear a suit. Choose a dress made from breathable fabrics for a feminine summer look. Select a romper or jumpsuit for a pretty, fun look. Bring a light cardigan or jacket if the wedding will go into the evening. Wear a long gown to look elegant and feminine. Choose luxurious fabrics if you want to wear a cocktail-length dress. Select a nice suit for a formal, put-together look. Opt for a tuxedo if the invitation says black tie. Pick a jumpsuit for a polished look. Apply an antiperspirant to keep yourself from sweating. Accessorize a nice suit with a tie. Pin a flower to your jacket if you want to dress up a suit even more. Opt for light makeup if you wear any. Wear sunscreen if you're going to an outdoor wedding. Put your hair up if you can. Carry a small clutch or a satin bag if you do not want a big purse. Wear dressy shoes that will let your feet breathe. Choose simple jewelry that won't weigh you down if you wear any. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Cat-Is-Depressed | How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed | To tell if your cat is depressed, pay attention to any changes in sleeping habits, vocalization, eating habits, and behavior. If your cat is sleeping more than 16 hours per day, this may be a sign of depression. Depressed cats may over or under eat and vocalize more than usual when depressed. Changes in grooming habits, like ceasing to groom or grooming to the point of hair loss, may also indicate mood problems such as depression. | Get your cat examined by your veterinarian. If you notice behavioral changes in your cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian. You want to make sure there isn't an underlying medical issue causing your cat's depression that might require specific treatment. Tell your vet about any changes you've noticed in your cat, such as changes in appetite, sleeping habits, and personality. Your veterinarian will perform a routine physical exam, listening to your cat's heart beat, examining her eyes and ears, and taking her temperature. If your vet feels it is necessary based on the behavioral changes you've outlined, she might call for blood work, x-rays, or other additional testing. Some test results will be ready within the appointment period while others may take a few days to come back. If there is no medical issue, your cat may be suffering from feline depression. Take stock of any recent changes. Feline depression is linked to a variety of causal factors. Consider your current situation and try to figure out if there have been any big changes recently that might have triggered a depressive episode. Have you moved recently? Changing residencies is one of the biggest causes of feline depression. Many cats have trouble transitioning from apartment to apartment or house to house and may fall into a temporary depression while adjusting to the move. Has there been a death in your household recently? Whether it was a person or a pet, death does affect cats. They do not perceive or understand death the same way humans do, but will notice the absence of a person or animal. This can lead to feelings of depression. Have you recently become more busy? Whether it's due to work, your social life, or a new romantic partner if you've found yourself spending less time with your feline friend this could easily cause feline depression. Cats, especially breeds like the siamese, are social creatures and may become depressed if they feel they're being neglected. Note the time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not just an affliction of people. Cats can be affected by the time of year and may become depressed during winter months. Winter months result in shorter days, which means less sunlight. Lack of sun can cause depression in cats, which results in changes to their behavior. If your cat's personality seems to change with the seasons, they may be experiencing seasonal depression. Sunlight affects levels of melatonin and serotonin. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and sadness in both humans and cats. Outdoor cats are especially susceptible to depression in the winter as so much of their time is spend outdoors. Monitor your cat's sleeping habits. Cats are big sleepers. In fact, they sleep on average 16 hours a day. However, if your cat seems to be sleeping more than usual this might be a sign of depression. As cats sleep so often, it can be hard to gauge how much is too much. However, you should have some idea of when your cat tends to be awake and when she tends to be asleep. Use this as a guide when monitoring her sleeping habits. If you know your cat is always awake to greet you in the morning and suddenly she spends that time snoozing in the pantry, this could be a sign she's depressed. If she's always awake after work and now you find her asleep on the couch, take note of this as well. Watch for general dips in energy. When your cat isn't sleeping, does she seem lethargic? Some cats are naturally lazy, but if your once bouncy and energetic cat suddenly lies in bed all day this could be a sign of depression. Listen for an increased amount of vocalization. Cats make a range of sounds, from hissing to purring to mewing. If you notice your cat seems to be vocalizing more often than usual, this could be related to depression. Depressed cats might cry, yowl, or hiss in response to mild stimuli or simply vocalize at random points throughout the day. She may be trying to communicate something is wrong. Much like sleeping, how much is unusual varies from cat to cat and you're the best judge of what's normal for your pet. If your cat is normally loud, mewing to announce her presence or ask for attention, you may not need to worry about frequent vocalization. However, if a normally quiet cat suddenly starts keeping you up at night crying she might be trying to communicate unhappiness. Excessive vocalization frequently results from the death of a close companion, which can either be a pet or a person. Your cat might cry to try and help a missing companion locate her. Watch your cat's eating habits. Depressed cats might over or under eat in response to sadness. Take stock of how much your cat is eating. Loss of appetite is a major factor in depression in both people and animals. Your cat may be disinterested in food and you might notice they're not eating at feeding times and the dry or wet food you leave out goes untouched. Weight loss might result from such changes in appetite. Conversely, some cats overeat when depressed. While it's rarer, it does happen. If you notice your cat wanting more food, especially if it's to the point she's putting on weight, this may also be a sign of depression. Check your cat’s coat. When depressed, cats may cease grooming themselves or groom themselves excessively. This may become noticeable physically. If your cat's coat is dull or matted, she may not be grooming herself. You might also notice a lack of grooming. If your cat frequently cleans herself in the middle of the living room after dinner, for example, and suddenly stops this could be a sign of depression. Other cats may groom excessively to curb anxiety related to feline depression. You will likely notice your cat licking herself for long periods of time. She may also develop bald spots or rashes due to too much grooming. Take note of how often your cat is hiding. Cats are social animals, but like the occasional moments to themselves. It's not atypical for a cat to have a favorite hiding spot, like a dresser drawer or closet, but too much hiding can be a sign of depression. When depressed, your cat may hide in a hard to find place. Rather than simply taking refuge in the closet, for example, she might burrow into a corner where she cannot be seen. Once again, only you can gauge what's normal for your pet. Some cats hide more than others, but if you're used to your cat spending time in the living room during afternoons and she's suddenly nowhere to be seen this might be a sign of depression. Watch for litter box problems. Litter box issues are linked to stress, which is a symptom of depression in cats. Understand the difference between urine marking and urination. Urine marking is a form of marking territory and usually unrelated to feline depression. The urine is usually found on vertical surfaces, tends to produce a pungent odor, and is generally the work of male cats. If your cat is urine marking, this is likely because he feels his territory is threatened and not a result of depression. However, tensions between cats and other pets can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Make sure to manage any territorial disputes before they result in mental health issues. If you're finding urine or feces around the house, this might also be a sign of feline depression. Cats may urinate outside the litter box due to disliking the size, shape, or litter type and may also urinate outside the box if the litter is dirty. If your litter box is clean, and you haven't made any recent changes regarding the box, the urination may be related to depression. Give your cat adequate attention. Depression in cats can be due to inadequate attention. Make sure you're giving your cat all the love she needs to feel happy and secure. Cats are social animals, but tend to be more independent. Cats will generally signify when they want attention, and it's best to let them come to you. If your cat approaches you and engages in welcoming behavior, like rubbing against your legs or nuzzling you, she's craving attention. While it's not always possible to drop everything and indulge your cat's needs, you should at least give her a quick pat and stroke her to let her know you appreciate her. Cats enjoy stimulating activity, so make sure you play with your cat. A good range is 15 or 20 minutes a day. Cats enjoy toys like strings and animal-shaped plush toys you can toss for them to chase. However, never rough house with a cat. Some owners wrestle with their cats using their hands, but this can cause a cat to become timid and engage in aggressive behavior. Make sure your cat has some form of entertainment when you are out of the house. If you've recently taken a busy job, and you believe your cat's depression is a response to this change, try to keep him happy when you are away. There are a variety of ways to make sure your cat is entertained when you are not present. Leave the curtains open during the day, especially if you live in a rural area. Make sure there's a table, dresser, or other perch your cat is allowed to climb on in front of the window. Cats love watching the outdoors, and having access to sunlight and entertainment while you're gone. Some companies sell DVD's and other electronic media you can play on your television set while you are away. Such movies feature stimuli cats will enjoy, like birds, mice, and other cats. Just be careful, as cats may jump and bat the TV. Make sure your TV is secure and is not likely to fall and break in response to a cat's curiosity. Many toys are designed to be enjoyed while you are gone, such as catnip laced mice and birds. There are also puzzle games, in which a toy or piece of food is placed in a contraption. Your cat must figure out how to open this contraption to get her reward and this can keep her engaged while you are gone. However, be careful. Some toys have warnings on them advising you not leave your cat alone with them. Make sure you pick toys that are safe to leave out while you're away. Try light therapy. If your cat's depression is related to seasonal changes, light therapy might help curb winter depression. Buy a light that simulates UV rays and turn it on for a few hours a day in your cat's presence. Such lights are often sold in greenhouses, as people purchase them to grow plants indoors. Sol Box is a brand of UV light veterinarians recommend as it's made specifically for cats. You can buy it from the online retailer Pawsitive Lighting. It produces bright, white light and manufacturers recommend exposing your cat to it 30 minutes a day during winter months. Try synthetic pheromones. Your veterinarian can recommend brands of synthetic pheromones designed to encourage feelings of relaxation and happiness in cats. Feliway spray is one of the most popular synthetic pheromones, and you should be able to get a supply at your veterinarian's office. Use only as the directions instruct and ask your vet if you have any questions or concerns about Feliway spray. Consider medication. Medication is generally considered a last resort to treat feline depression due to possible side effects and the difficulty of getting cats to take medication. There are four types of medications used to treat depression and other behavioral issues in cats: benzodiazepines (BZs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most likely, if your cat has depression, your vet will recommend an SSRI or MAOI. Depending on the medication, side effects vary. Some can be quite serious, so make sure you speak to your vet about and understand all possible side effects before giving your cat any medication. Cats are notoriously difficult in regards to medication. Most veterinarians only prescribe meds as a last resort. If your vet suggests meds, make sure you know the proper protocol for administration, dosage, and storage. If you're confused or concerned about anything, do not hesitate to contact your vet and ask. | Get your cat examined by your veterinarian. Take stock of any recent changes. Note the time of year. Monitor your cat's sleeping habits. Listen for an increased amount of vocalization. Watch your cat's eating habits. Check your cat’s coat. Take note of how often your cat is hiding. Watch for litter box problems. Give your cat adequate attention. Make sure your cat has some form of entertainment when you are out of the house. Try light therapy. Try synthetic pheromones. Consider medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Caramel-Macchiato | How to Make a Caramel Macchiato | To make a traditional caramel macchiato, scoop espresso grounds into the basket and level the grounds with your finger. Then, tamp the grounds to pack the espresso. Next, pull the espresso shots into a small cup. While your shots are pulling, pour ½ cup of milk and 1 ounce of caramel syrup into a metal pitcher and heat the mixture with a steam wand. To create foam, allow the wand to gently tap the surface of the milk. When the milk is hot, pour it and some foam into the espresso. | Drizzle vanilla syrup in the mug. Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water, letting it sit, and pouring out the water. Drizzle the sides of the mug with 1 ounce of vanilla syrup. You could also do a combination of vanilla and caramel syrup drizzled along the sides of the mug if you prefer a stronger caramel flavor. Pour milk into a metal pitcher. Pour 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk into your small metal pitcher. If you like a very sweet caramel macchiato, consider adding caramel to the milk that you steam. Otherwise, the milk will be sweetened from the vanilla on the sides of your mug and from the caramel that you'll drizzle on the finished drink. You'll steam more milk than you'll end up using. This allows you to create foam and easily steam the milk. You can also use soy, almond, or hemp milk although they may steam differently than milk. Dose and tamp your espresso. Start with a clean portafilter and dose 18 to 21 grams of espresso grounds into the basket. Level the grounds using your finger. Set the portafilter on a clean surface and tamp down on the grounds. Make sure you're applying even pressure so the espresso remains completely level. Aim for 20 to 30 pounds of pressure, or enough to pack the espresso compactly. Practice your dosing by dosing and checking the weight of the grounds on a digital scale. Continue to do this until you're regularly dosing between 18 to 21 grams for a double shot. Pull the espresso shots. Insert your filled portafilter into a clean grouphead on your espresso machine and immediately start pulling your shots. It will take a few seconds before the espresso begins dripping out of the machine. Let it keep extracting until it starts to turn blonde or yellow. A double shot of espresso should take 25 to 30 seconds to pull. Steam the milk. While your shots are pulling, steam the milk in your small metal pitcher using the steam wand of the espresso machine. Heat your milk to 150 to 160 degrees. It may help to use a thermometer and stop steaming when it reaches 140. The milk will continue to heat even after you've removed the steam wand. To create plenty of foam for the macchiato, allow the tip of the steam wand to gently tap the surface of the milk so that it sucks in air. Tap the pitcher once you're done to break any large air bubbles. Clean the steam wand with a clean wet cloth until no milk remains on the wand. Purge it by turning it briefly so that any liquid that was left in the wand is sprayed out. Pour the shots over the steamed milk. Pour the steamed milk into your preheated mug. Make sure that you include foam at the top of the drink. Take your espresso shots and pour them directly over the foam so they slowly sink down into the bottom of the drink. Don't stir the caramel latte macchiato. If you're having trouble pouring plenty of foam, use a long bar spoon to scoop the foam onto the top of the drink. Drizzle caramel syrup. Drizzle caramel syrup across the top of the foam so that you create a design. You can make swirls, diagonal lines, or the familiar crosshatch pattern. It may help to put the caramel syrup into a squirt bottle. This will allow you to easily create a caramel design. Pour milk into a metal pitcher. Pour 1/2 cup (240 ml) of milk into your small metal pitcher. If you have a larger pitcher, you'll need to use more milk so that it comes at least 1/3 of the way up the side of the pitcher. Add 1 ounce (29 ml) of caramel syrup to the milk and set the pitcher aside. You'll steam more milk than you'll end up using. This allows you to create foam and easily steam the milk. You can use any type of milk so play around with what types you like to use. Some people find that nonfat milk creates thick dry foam, while others prefer full-fat milk for rich foam made of tiny bubbles. Dose and tamp your espresso. Start with a clean portafilter and dose 18 to 21 grams of espresso grounds into the basket. Level the grounds using your finger. Set the portafilter on a clean surface and tamp down on the grounds. Make sure you're applying even pressure so the espresso remains completely level. Aim for 20 to 30 pounds of pressure, or enough to pack the espresso compactly. Practice your dosing by dosing and checking the weight of the grounds on a digital scale. Continue to do this until you're regularly dosing between 18 to 21 grams for a double shot. Pull the espresso shots. Insert your filled portafilter into a clean grouphead on your espresso machine and immediately start pulling your shots. It will take a few seconds before the espresso begins dripping out of the machine. Let it keep extracting until it starts to turn blonde or yellow. A double shot of espresso should take 25 to 30 seconds to pull. Pull the shots into a tiny metal pitcher or you can pull them directly into a small demitasse cup that you want to serve the caramel macchiato in. Steam the milk. While your shots are pulling, steam the milk and caramel syrup in your small metal pitcher using the steam wand of the espresso machine. Heat your milk to 150 to 160 degrees. It may help to use a thermometer and stop steaming when it reaches 140. The milk will continue to heat even after you've removed the steam wand. To create plenty of foam for the macchiato, allow the tip of the steam wand to gently tap the surface of the milk so that it sucks in air. Tap the pitcher once you're done to break any large air bubbles. Since you're steaming such a small amount of milk, it won't take long for the milk to froth. Remember to clean the steam wand with a clean wet cloth. Purge it by turning it briefly so that any liquid that was left in the wand is sprayed out. Mark the espresso with the steamed milk. To mark the shots, you can pour a small amount of steamed milk into the espresso, making sure to include some of the foam. Macchiatos are generally made with an equal ratio of steamed milk and espresso. Or, if you don't think you can pour enough of the foam, you can use a long bar spoon to scoop foam on top of the macchiato. Consider serving your macchiato with a chocolate covered coffee bean. You may also want to set the macchiato on a small plate with a serving spoon. This way, you can stir the foam and espresso, if you like. | Drizzle vanilla syrup in the mug. Pour milk into a metal pitcher. Dose and tamp your espresso. Pull the espresso shots. Steam the milk. Pour the shots over the steamed milk. Drizzle caramel syrup. Pour milk into a metal pitcher. Dose and tamp your espresso. Pull the espresso shots. Steam the milk. Mark the espresso with the steamed milk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Sump-Pump | How to Install a Sump Pump | To install a sump pump, start by finding a large enough area near a wall in the basement and tracing an outline of the sump liner on the floor. Next, remove the concrete floor and dig the sump hole at least 12 inches deeper than the liner. Then, seat the liner in the hole, place gravel around the sides of the sump liner, and concrete back over the floor. Finally, assemble the PVC piping from the pump outlet through the home's rim joist, lower the pump into the liner, and plug your pump in. | Check out your basement during a good rain. Most basement water problems aren't the result of problems in the basement, but the result of poor outdoor drainage. Before you go tearing up your basement, check to make sure you don't have other problems first. Make sure your gutters are unclogged and free of leaves and other debris, and that water can flow easily through them into the downspouts. Make sure your downspouts carry water far enough away from the house and that you're not getting back flow. The downspouts should dump water 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) away from the foundation. Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes at least a couple of feet away from the house. If you've got pits that catch the water and force it downward, you might have problems getting water in your basement. Correct these issues before thinking about a sump. Determine if you've got a gravel foundation under your concrete floor. Most homes built in the last thirty years have foundations built upon a certain amount of gravel to correct for inconsistencies in the excavation process. If you've got contact with the builder of the home, you should be able to figure this out, or ask neighbors with similar homes whether or not this is the case. You might not know this until you break through the floor, which is another reason you want to explore alternatives before you get in over your head. Look to see if you have a good location for a sump. You'll want to place the sump near a wall in the basement, since the sump pump discharge will need to exit the basement and travel at least 10 feet (3.0 m) outside to discharge. Look for a spot that will be easy to work in, and where you can punch a hole through a rim joist to reach outside. Stay at least 8" away from the foundation wall, to avoid hitting any footings. Make sure you're not going to cut into the waterline. If the water enters your home through the wall, you'll be fine, but check the building codes in your area to make sure where the line will be if it comes in under the home. Typically, the pipes will run from the street, 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) away from the sewer pipe. Trace the outline of the sump liner on the floor. Leave a 3–4 inch (7.6–10.2 cm) gap around the liner to make it easier to fit the liner in the hole (you will fill in the gap with gravel and concrete later). Remove the concrete floor. This can be relatively quick work with an electric jackhammer, if you can rent one. Cut the concrete you're removing into manageable pieces and avoid just shredding the concrete. When you've got squares cut, move the jackhammer at an angle to pry up the pieces and remove them from the area. Alternatively, you can make do with a hammer drill rigged with a masonry bit, a good sledgehammer, and a masonry chisel. Using the largest masonry drill bit you can chuck in the drill, begin making holes every few inches in the concrete along the outside perimeter, then use the hammer and chisel to crack the concrete between the holes. Continue drilling holes and hammering the concrete until you can remove it in chunks. If your floor has reinforcing steel mesh installed in it, you may need a pair of heavy wire cutters or a metal grinder to cut it. Dig the sump hole. You will want to dig the sump hole at least 12" deeper than the sump liner. Use 5 gallon (18.9 L) buckets to cart the debris outside. Place, or replace, some coarse gravel in the bottom of the hole, so that the sump liner sits flush with the basement floor when placed in the hole. This gravel will promote good drainage, and help water move into the sump where it can be pumped away (instead of moving into your basement at another spot). It may be difficult to dig the sump if the soil is sandy and wet. If water infiltration is causing the hole to erode there are a few options. You can wait for the soil to dry, dig faster than the water enters or use a garden hose. For the garden hose method, you will need to place the sump liner in the started hole and fill it with water. Then use a garden hose and push it under the liner. The water from the hose will push the sand out from under the liner and will stop the erosion. The weight of the liner will cause it to fall in the void underneath. As the liner drops into the ground you may have to wiggle the liner to keep it straight Depending on the liner used, you may have to drill numerous holes in the sump liner to allow water to enter so the pump can pump it away. The drilled holes should be smaller in diameter than the size of gravel used so that gravel does not come through. Seat the liner in the hole. Place gravel around the sides of the sump liner, coming up to about 6" below the level of the floor. Use any size of gravel between 3/8 and 1/2 inch. Concrete back over the floor. Mix your concrete , and pour a 6-inch layer of concrete over the gravel, filling in the floor up to the edge of the sump liner. Trowel the concrete to achieve a smooth surface. After the concrete has set up reasonably well (at least 8 hours), you may resume working on the sump. Assemble the PVC piping from the sump pump outlet through your home's rim joist. Most pumps use 1.5" PVC pipe, but review the instructions that came with your pump to be sure. Leave a short stub of PVC pipe on the outside, you can attach a flexible hose to go the rest of the way. When assembling the piping, be sure to dry-fit the entire section before gluing anything. Work in a well ventilated space, to minimize exposure to the solvent fumes and complete the seals with caulking agent on both the inside and outside contact points. The particular couplings will depend upon your house and foundation, which makes this a job for a fairly experienced DIY plumber. Use a hole saw with the appropriate sized bit to cut a hole through your siding and rim joist. It's usually best to bore from the outside in, using a 2 inch (5.1 cm) drill bit. Install the pump. Place the pump in the liner, attach the final section of pipe, and plug your pump in. It may be necessary to drill numerous holes in the liner to enable water to get in to be pumped out. The diameter of the drilled holes must be smaller than the size of the gravel used so that no gravel can enter the sump liner. Check the float position. Pumps come with different types of floats, but for any type it is important to ensure that the float on the pump is unobstructed so that it can rise and fall with the water level in the sump. As water flows into the sump the float needs to be able to rise to a level that will activate the pump switch and fall back down without getting stuck between the pump and the sump liner wall. Usually it is a simple matter of just centering the pump in the sump liner, but it is best to double check your set up. Install your check valve. This is used to expel the water left in the tube after the pump turns off, avoiding a motor burn out and an endless on/off cycle. Most check valves come with hose clamps and couplings, which feature directional arrows. Fix it appropriately on the riser and tighten it with a screwdriver. Plug in the pump and test your job. Fill a bucket with water and wet-test your rig. Check the piping for leaks and make sure it empties outside like you want it to, and that your check valve functions correctly when you shut it off. | Check out your basement during a good rain. Determine if you've got a gravel foundation under your concrete floor. Look to see if you have a good location for a sump. Trace the outline of the sump liner on the floor. Remove the concrete floor. Dig the sump hole. Seat the liner in the hole. Concrete back over the floor. Assemble the PVC piping from the sump pump outlet through your home's rim joist. Install the pump. Check the float position. Install your check valve. Plug in the pump and test your job. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drop-Hints-to-a-Girl-That-You-Like-Her | How to Drop Hints to a Girl That You Like Her | To let a girl know that you like her, use your body language and drop hints in conversation. Make eye contact with her when you're talking, which will show her you're interested in her. You could also lean in towards her as you talk, since she'll take this to mean that you like being around her. Give her genuine compliments from time to time to let her know you admire her personality and her interests. For example, you could praise her taste in music or say, “It's so cool that you volunteer at a dog shelter.” If you want to spend more time with her without the pressure of a date, invite her along to an activity you're doing with a group of friends, like bowling or going to the beach. | Make casual plans with her. Don't panic--you're not asking her out on a date! Set up something very casual in a big group setting. Showing her that you want to spend more time with her is a big hint about your feelings, but the large group of friends around will make it a low-pressure situation. Start with fun, energetic activities like bowling and laser tagging, where you'll be able to talk a bit but without the pressure of a one-on-one date. Make it sound like it just occurred to you to invite her along. Say, “I just remembered, I'm going to the beach this weekend with a big group of people. You should definitely come. I thought it sounded lame before, but with you there it might actually be fun.” Tease her gently and make light jokes. Poke fun at the subject she's studying at school, her hometown, or her favorite TV show or sports team. Avoid self-deprecating humor, which could make you come off as unconfident, and don't tease her the whole time you're talking. Mix a couple of jokes into conversation, but listen to her sincerely for the rest of it. For example, if she works on the school paper, smile and joke, “I bet you report a lot of hard-hitting news stories around here.” You can use light sarcasm by saying something like, “You watch CSI? So you're basically a detective now, right?” Playfully disagree with her with a line like, “Your favorite movie is Ghostbusters? I don't know if we can be friends now.” Avoid teasing her about things like her looks, her intelligence, or her family. Make a point of treating her differently than everyone else. When you're hanging out in a larger group of friends, go out of your way to find and talk to her. This will show her that her conversation is special to you, and that she's more important to you than other girls or even your other friends. If you typically joke around with every girl you talk to, be a little more sincere around her. Avoid paying lots of attention to other girls. You might think it would make her jealous and maybe even more interested, but that probably won't be the case. At best, she'll assume you're just a flirt who's not really interested in her in particular, and at worst, she'll be hurt by the change in your feelings. Compliment her. Say something admiring about her looks, her intelligence, her job, or her passions. She'll feel flattered and see that you've been thinking about her and really listening to what she's talking about. Try, “You look amazing tonight,” or, “That's so cool that you volunteer at a dog shelter.” You could also compliment her taste in music, movies, food, or anything else. Say, “That band you recommended is amazing,” or, “Good choice, the steak is the best thing on the menu.” Say goodbye to her before you leave. If you're at an event together, make a point of finding her before you leave, especially if you've drifted apart during the event. She'll remember that you came back to her just to say goodbye, and will realize she must be special to you for you to exert that kind of effort. Say, “I have to head out, but it was great to see you. We should definitely hang out again.” If she smiles and agrees, try for a quick hug. If you don't feel ready for that, just smile and say, “Okay, see you later.” If you haven't asked for her number yet, now is a great time to do it. When she agrees that you should see each other again, say, “Oh wait, I don't think I have your number. Can I get it really quick?” Text her just because. You should definitely text her to set up plans together, but you can also send her sweet, random things that remind you of her. This will show her that you're thinking of her even when you're not together, which is a big hint that you see her as more than just a friend. Try teasing her lightly in the same way that you would in person, which will encourage her to respond. For example, you can say, “Ugh, we were talking about all these symbols in Hamlet today and I was thinking, if only Susan were here, she's the biggest Shakespeare nerd I know ;)” Try text her about as much as she texts you, so you don't come off as desperate. Post a picture of the two of you. Make sure you both look good in it and write out a casual caption. The fact that you're posting a picture with her is a huge hint on its own, so a relaxed caption will show you're not desperate. For example, caption a picture of you two at a sporting event with “Finally found the one person who knows more about baseball than I do.” If you're nervous about taking a picture together, make a joke out of it. Say, “My mom wants to know if I've talked to anyone at this party besides my brother. Will you be my proof?” Like 3-5 of her recent photos. You can definitely look back farther than that, but be careful not to like any photos posted more than 6 months ago. These likes are an easy, subtle way of showing her that you're actively looking at her page and feeling attracted to her. Leave a flirty comment. A clever comment can be an even bolder way of showing a girl you're interested in her. Comment on just 1 or 2 recent photos, and keep your messages short, casual, and cool. You could say, “Not sure why was I not invited to the Super Bowl party? Have you never heard of my world-famous nachos?” Send playful, funny pictures on Snapchat. Send selfies with silly filters, pictures of cute animals, or funny videos. Make it your mission to become her best friend on Snapchat, and even start a streak, which will give you an excuse to snap each other every day. Watch her stories, and send a quick message every few days or so to comment on what she's doing. She can tell when you screenshot or replay pictures, so do so strategically and make a joke out of it! If she sends a funny selfie, for example, you could screenshot it and send a message saying “Blackmail material ;)” Messages on Snapchat disappear immediately if you don't save them, so keep most of your flirting to your regular texting. Don't send inappropriate pictures over Snapchat. They'll only freak her out and scare her off. Direct message her for a private but casual conversation. Use DMs to start a flirty conversation about something she's posted. Try not to write something neutral that you could easily leave as a comment on a picture. Ask a question she'll have to respond to, instead, or reference an inside joke that no one else would understand. For example, if she posts a picture from a tropical vacation, you could say, “I'm debating about going there next year, give me three reasons why I should, ready go” Sending a DM is one of the biggest hints you can drop on social media, so think about what you say and be confident! Avoid overwhelming her with comments, pictures, or DMs. If you comment on a picture, let her reply or like it before commenting again. Similarly, if you send a Snapchat or DM, wait until she sends you one back to message her again. Sending continuous messages with no response will make you come off as desperate at best, or at worst, a little creepy. If you send something she doesn't respond to, tease her about it gently when you see her next. Say, “Wow, thanks for the rejection on Instagram last night!” If she laughs and says she didn't see the message, or didn't have time to respond, you're probably in the clear. If her response is a little less friendly, back off for a bit and let her make the next move. Make eye contact. This is definitely important if you're talking to her, but you should also make a point of looking at her even when you're not in conversation. She'll pick up on the fact that you're paying lots of attention to her and will feel intrigued and admired. If you're at an event together and you see her across the room, look at her a few times--not so much that you'll seem weird, but enough to catch her eye at least once. If she looks back, raise your eyebrows and give her a small smile. Even if she doesn't make eye contact, there's a good chance she sees you out of the corner of her eye. If she asks about it later, make a semi-serious joke about it, like “Yeah, I guess I just couldn't take my eyes off of you.” Lean in when you talk to her. Take any excuse to get a little closer! If you're in a crowded or noisy place like a party, restaurant, or sporting event, you have a ready-made reason to lean in when you talk to her. This shows that you want to hear what she's saying and tells her that you want to get closer physically, too. Try not to loom over her or get too close too fast. If she backs off a little, say, “Sorry, it's just so loud in here.” Lean in with your ear first, to make it obvious that you're getting closer to hear her better. She might even agree and suggest walking somewhere a little less crowded to continue the conversation. Show her respect by tending to her needs. Do "chivalrous" gestures such as holding the door open for her, offering to carry something for her, or speaking politely. When she's ready to leave, walk her out. This will show her that you care. Don't push too hard if she doesn't want your help. Find subtle ways to touch her. Skim her hand when you laugh, or sit so that your legs are brushing each other. Hug her to say hello and goodbye, and let your arm linger on her shoulder or arm. You're showing her that you want to get closer and that you see her as more than just a friend, but someone you want to have physical affection with. If she backs off a little at first, don't push it--she's probably just shy. Keep talking and let her relax a little, then try something more casual. For example, if she was a little surprised by a hug when you said hello, try just lightly touching her shoulder when you say goodbye. Fix your appearance when you first see her. Smooth down your hair, straighten your tie, or fix your shirt. Showing that you care about how you look in front of her will let her know that you're interested in a subtle and flattering way. Order her favorite food or drink without her asking. This is a great way to show your interest when you're at an event together, or out at a restaurant or bar with a big group. She'll be surprised and happy that you remembered her favorite dish, and the food or drink will give her an excuse to stay put and keep talking to you. Say, “I remembered you said how much you love onion rings, so I thought you could show me what's so great about them.” Give her a funny, sweet gift. This is especially important if it's around her birthday or another gift-giving holiday. She'll be touched that you remembered and went to the effort of buying you a gift. It's a big hint that you like her as something more than just a friend. Try to incorporate any inside jokes you have, or funny memories you've shared together. For example, if you share a class and complain about how hard the assignments are, look for a funny book of wrong test answers. If you've bonded over a love of tacos, get her a taco cookbook or a gift card to your favorite taco shop. Leave her something sweet where she’ll find it. Surprising her with a small chocolate bar or packet of candies will brighten up her day in an unexpected way. Leave a funny note, like “Don't let this candy make you too hyper!” For example, if you know she has a tough test in one of her classes, sneak in early and leave a candy bar on her desk. When you see her next, ask, “How did the test go? I've heard chocolate helps you score higher…” Surprise her with a ticket to an event she’ll love. If she mentions a certain music genre she loves or a festival she'd die to go to, buy tickets to it and surprise her with one. This is a great way to show that you know what she loves and want to spend more time with her. For example, say, “I have an extra ticket to that ice cream festival. If you're free next weekend you should come and eat your way through 50 flavors with me!” | Make casual plans with her. Tease her gently and make light jokes. Make a point of treating her differently than everyone else. Compliment her. Say goodbye to her before you leave. Text her just because. Post a picture of the two of you. Like 3-5 of her recent photos. Leave a flirty comment. Send playful, funny pictures on Snapchat. Direct message her for a private but casual conversation. Avoid overwhelming her with comments, pictures, or DMs. Make eye contact. Lean in when you talk to her. Show her respect by tending to her needs. Find subtle ways to touch her. Fix your appearance when you first see her. Order her favorite food or drink without her asking. Give her a funny, sweet gift. Leave her something sweet where she’ll find it. Surprise her with a ticket to an event she’ll love. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Cowboy-Hat-Properly | How to Wear a Cowboy Hat Properly | To wear a cowboy hat properly, make sure you have the right size for your head so the hat is snug. You'll also want the small bow on the headband to be at the back when you put it on. If your hat doesn't have a bow, check that your hat is narrow at the front. Pair your cowboy hat with boots and blue jeans so your outfit matches. When you walk around in your hat, wear your hat tilted backwards for a casual, friendly look. Alternatively, lower the brim to just above your eyebrows for a more serious look. | Get the right size. The first step to properly wearing a cowboy hat is making sure the hat is the right size and fits your head properly. Cowboy hats should typically fit snug around your head. If you are buying one, know your hat size ahead of time but also try the hat on before you buy it. Fix your current hat to fit better. You may have a hat already that is just barely too big but not big enough that you would want to get a smaller size. You can fix this. You can buy foam strip that is specifically made to put into hats to make them fit tighter. Depending on how much you need, and the shape of your head, you can either put this foam all the way around, or you can put a little in the front and back, just on the sides, or even just the front or just the back. Figure out where your hat is fitting too loosely. If the whole hat is sitting too low on your head, you probably want to put some sizing foam around the whole hat. There should be a band around the inside of the hat that you can flip up and place the foam strip under. Then flip the band back down before wearing the hat. Pick the right hat. You have a lot of options when it comes to cowboy hats. The main material choices are felt (made of beaver or rabbit pelt), leather, and straw. Felt hats are warmer so they tend to be worn more in the cold seasons. Straw hats are better for staying cool during hot days. Shape your hat. Most cowboy hats can be conformed to a certain shape by gently bending and squeezing them. How exactly you do this will depend on the material of the hat itself. You want the front and back of the brim to be fairly flat. Curl the sides so they stick up just slightly. You don't want to curl them too tightly. You can also gently dent the sides of the crown of the hat. No tools are required for this. Simply use your hands. Adjust your hair. You need to make sure that your hair does not get in the way of your hat sitting properly on your head. If you have short hair, this won't apply to you. For longer hair, it can be a good idea to slick your hair back so it lays smoothly. Don't pile your hair up on your head in any way. If you need to tie it in place, a ponytail that hangs straight down is the best option. Put the bow to the back. One of the most basic rules is making sure that the hat is on your head correctly with the front to the front. Most cowboy hats have a small bow on the inside lining around the headband. The bow should be in the back of your head. If your hat does not have this bow, a general rule is that the hat will be narrower at the front. Angle your brim accordingly. Positioning your hat in different ways can affect the way you look in the way. If you want to appear casual and friendly, tilt the front of the hat up just slightly so you can see about half of you forehead. To look more serious, or almost mysterious, lower the brim to just above your eyebrows. Slanting the hat slightly to the left or right will give you an appearance of being confident, almost to the point of looking for women or for trouble. Pick the right outfit. Your best and simplest bet to wear with a cowboy hat is a button up shirt, jeans, and a nice pair of cowboy boots. The shirt be a plain color or plaid. Flannel shirt work well too. You want basic, straight leg blue jeans with no extra pockets on the sides, no designs or extra buttons on the back pockets, no intentional bleaching or stain marks. Just classic blue jeans. If you are going to wear a cowboy hat, boots are pretty much a must. It's going to look wrong if you try to go out with some sneakers on. You should also tuck in your shirt and most likely wear a nice black or brown leather belt. Fancy belt buckle is optional. | Get the right size. Fix your current hat to fit better. Pick the right hat. Shape your hat. Adjust your hair. Put the bow to the back. Angle your brim accordingly. Pick the right outfit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Time-Go-by-Faster | How to Make Time Go by Faster | To make time go by faster, try playing a fun game on your phone or computer. You can also tear a sheet of paper out of a notebook and make origami or a paper football with it. If you're not a fan of origami, try doodling cartoons or abstract shapes on a piece of paper instead. Or, you can write a short poem about something interesting in your life to help make time go by faster. Reading a book or listening to an audiobook is also a great way to pass the time. | Take a walk. Getting outside and getting some fresh air will help to pass the time and it can also help to relieve stress. Try taking a quick walk around your neighborhood or office building. Even if you only have 10 minutes, going out for a quick walk is a great way to pass the time. Not only it is healthy for you, but it helps to pass the time. Try inviting a coworker or friend to join you on a walk to make it even more enjoyable. For example, if you are working, then you could take your break in the form of a walk with a coworker. You can even bring a cup of coffee, tea, or any other drink along with you to enjoy along with the fresh air and conversation. You can also walk around indoors if you cannot get outside. Take a lap around your office or desk at work, or walk back and forth down your hallway. If you are at school or work and cannot go outside to take a walk, then you can exercise without attracting too much attention to yourself, such as by fidgeting and clenching various muscles. You can do this at your computer, sitting in front of the tv, or just in your bedroom. If you're stuck on a plane or train for long periods, try doing leg extensions or arm stretches. If you're a woman, you can also do Kegel exercises. Meditate. At first, it might not make the time go by faster, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to enter a "timeless" state. Your mind is what keeps track of time, and meditating is about clearing your mind. You can find a guided meditation recording on YouTube to help you if you have never meditated before. You can even meditate while doing active things, such as running. Try choosing a mantra to repeat and focus on as you go about your day. If meditation doesn't suit your restless mind, try daydreaming instead. Visualize yourself in an exciting place, story, conversation, or anything else that holds your interest. You can also try to breathe deeply. Slow, deep breathing is calming and centering, and might actually get you to enjoy your current situation more than you thought possible. Try breathing in for eight counts, holding your breath, and breathing out for eight more. Repeat until it becomes natural and you can let your mind wander peacefully. Take a nap. Napping may not seem like an entertaining thing to do, but it can help to pass some time and make you feel more alert when you wake up. Whether you're nodding off during the afternoon slump at the office, working a nightshift or double shift, or fighting drowsiness while driving , a power nap in a safe location can make you more alert and productive. Try taking a quick 20 minute nap to recharge your batteries, or take a longer nap to pass some time. Write in a journal or start a blog. Writing is a great way to sort out your thoughts and it can also help to make the time go faster. Try writing in a journal about whatever is on your mind, or start a blog on something that interest you. You can start a blog for creative writing, video games or whatever interests you! Set aside a time to write in your journal or blog every day, such as in the morning for 30 minutes or right after school each day. Setting up a blog is easy with sites like Wordpress and Blogger, but it will take up some time so it is a great way to make time go more quickly. You can customize your blog with color schemes, fonts, and images to make it your own. Hang out with your friends. Spend a few hours talking, laughing, or doing whatever it is you do to kill the time with your friends. Boredom loves company, so the more people you hang out with, the merrier. However, if you can only find one person to hang out with, then this will be much more fun than spending the time alone. If you don't have a free friend nearby, use this opportunity to catch up with an old friend who you've been meaning to call forever. Even if you only have five minutes to chat with a friend or coworker, this can help to break up your day and pass the time. Listen to music. Whether you are at home, school, or work, music can help your day to go faster and feel more enjoyable. Try listening to music throughout the day to help pass the time, or listen to a new or favorite song between classes or between tasks. For example, if you are studying, then you could listen to some upbeat electronic music to help pass the time. Or, if you are at work, then you could play a song as a little reward after you finish each item on your to-do list for the day. Watch an old favorite TV show or movie. If you are at home and trying to pass the time, pick a show and binge watch a whole season! This will help to pass the time more quickly by keeping you entertained. Go on YouTube or Netflix and check out some of your childhood favorites: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Kenan and Kel, Blossom, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Step by Step, Charles in Charge, Small Wonder, "Full House"-- see how the shows you used to love have stood the test of time. Or, watch a new release that you missed in the theater, such as the latest Marvel comic superhero movie, or an award winning film that all your friends have been talking about. Play games on your phone. Most phones come with at least one free game like Tetris or Pac-Man that can keep you distracted for more time than you'll probably care to admit. However, this is not recommended when you're at school or work. If you are at home and you have video game console or games on your PC, then this is another great way to pass the time. Work on something that you will enjoy. One great way to pass the time is to choose a project that will be fun for you to work on. If you are at work or school, see if there is anything you can do that will be more enjoyable than your other tasks. If you are at home, think about what you like to do for fun and do whatever sounds like it will be the most fun for you. For example, if you are at work or school and you have a creative project you can work on, then pull that out and get started on it. If you are at home, then choose a favorite hobby or pastime, such as knitting, baking, playing guitar, or playing video games. . Read Finding a long book that interests you can make hours disappear! You can learn about Amelia Earhart, the history of Rome, or read a book about a foreign country. Whatever you're reading, you'll be gaining knowledge. If you can't sit and read, then try listening to an audiobook instead. This can be especially helpful during long workouts or when doing other physical activities. Do your homework. Who would think that doing algebra or reading about Martin Van Buren, or "Old Kinderhook," as they used to call him, could help to pass the time? Well, you may not love doing your work, but once you get into it, you'll look up and see that an hour has passed. And if you make a habit of doing your homework whenever you want to kill time, think of what a great student you'll be! You can even get a quick study group together and goof off a bit with your friends while trying to get some work done. Be sure to avoid goofing off too much, though, or you won't get anything done. If you don't have any homework, then try working on a to-do list for the day or for the week. Think of things you'd like to accomplish and make a list to work on now or later on. Organize your room. First, throw out all of your food wrappers, cardboard boxes, junk that you can't donate, and whatever else is cluttering up your space. Then go through your stuff, one piece of furniture at a time, until you've managed to have a neat bed, desk, drawer, closet, and so on. And if you're only trying to kill an hour or two, then stick to one part of your room and be proud of the work you've done. For even more fun, enlist a sibling or a friend to help you! You can even take your old clothes that you no longer want to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army, and feel good about yourself for doing a good deed and clearing some closet space. If you have a cleaning project that you have been putting off for a while, such as cleaning out a closet or organizing your jewelry, then this is a great time to tackle it. Try a new recipe. Search online for recipes until you find one that sounds tasty to you. Cook a new meal or bake a new dessert and see how it turns out. Not only will you be making delicious food for yourself and maybe even for others, but cooking and baking can help you stay occupied and entertained for a while. Pick up a few phrases in a foreign language. You can't learn a language in one day, but you can learn how to say, "Hi, my name is..." and "How are you?" in just a few minutes. Pick a foreign language you've always wanted to learn and study it for a few minutes or longer. Try keeping a phrase-per-day calendar on your desk at work, at home, or in your backpack. Take five minutes every day to read the phrase silently and out loud. This will give you a break and give you something to look forward to each day. Consider using an app like Google Translate to help you with learning a new language. Respond to old emails. Do you have a backlog of emails that are just waiting for your response? If so, it may be time to turn on your computer and answer all of those people -- professors, friends, business contacts -- who have been waiting to hear from you. You'll feel relieved that you got this communication out of the way when you had nothing better to do. Make origami. Focusing on the intricacies of making origami may also take your mind off of the time. There are endless varieties of origami creations that you can make, and if you get really into it, you can make an entire origami zoo, or bouquet. Try making a paper football and play with it. Or, make an origami jumping frog with a friend and have a race to see whose frog leaps the furthest. Draw. Do a self-portrait, a caricature of someone nearby, or create a cartoon. If you don't like the way you draw, close your eyes and try to draw something simple without lifting the pencil or pen once. The results may be interesting and unexpected, plus there'll be no pressure to produce a masterpiece (though you might surprise yourself). You can also look into a mirror and draw a self-portrait. Download a free sound editing system onto your computer. Edit people's voices to sound like a chipmunk or a gorilla, or make a singer sound like a child. You could also go further and try to create a cool song to share with your friends. You can also post the result on Facebook. Make a collage. Get some old magazines and cut up any cool-looking pictures. Then, make a random collage out of letters, people's heads, cute kitties, commercials for Bud Light, or whatever. You can write your sister a fake ransom note or create a sexy superhero out of the body parts of different celebrities. Or put the face of a celebrity on a fat, hairy body. When you're done, hang up your masterpiece or give it to a friend. Write a poem about something that happened yesterday. It doesn't have to rhyme or sound like Robert Frost. It can be funny, quirky, sad and serious, or whatever you want it to be. Describe the hamburger you had for lunch in overly-poetic language, or write a serious poem about your relationship with your mom. Who knows, maybe you'll find that you were a poet and didn't even know it! If you're happy with your creation, post it on Poetry.com. Finish a Pinterest project. Sure, you've pinned those cute polka dot sock puppets, the Jack-o'-lantern that looks like Jennifer Aniston, and the DIY tinfoil wedding dress, but when will you ever get around to completing these innovative projects? Now, obviously. Go through your list of projects, or find a new one on Pinterest, and see which one you can do in just a few hours. And then have at it! If this sounds like too much of an effort, the simple act of browsing Pinterest can kill hours of your time. Take some artsy photos. Grab your old camera or your phone and go around your house and back yard taking photos with interesting lighting and eye-catching furniture or objects. You may find that you have a passion for photography and can use this skill all the time. You can even walk around your neighborhood or office building to take pictures and get some exercise in the process. | Take a walk. Meditate. Take a nap. Write in a journal or start a blog. Hang out with your friends. Listen to music. Watch an old favorite TV show or movie. Play games on your phone. Work on something that you will enjoy. . Do your homework. Organize your room. Try a new recipe. Pick up a few phrases in a foreign language. Respond to old emails. Make origami. Draw. Download a free sound editing system onto your computer. Make a collage. Write a poem about something that happened yesterday. Finish a Pinterest project. Take some artsy photos. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Onion-Rings | How to Make Homemade Onion Rings | To make homemade onion rings, start by peeling an onion and cutting it into 1/4-inch thick slices. Then, separate all of the rings and soak them in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes. Next, while those are soaking, combine flour, salt, baking powder, egg, milk, and vegetable oil to make the batter. Finally, dip the onions in the batter and fry them in vegetable oil on the stovetop until they're golden brown. | Peel the onion and slice it 1/4-inch (6. 35mm) thick. Separate the onion rings. Add the onion rings to a bowl of ice water and let stand for 30 minutes. Place the rings onto paper towels to dry. Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a mixing bowl and set aside. Separate the egg. Add the egg yolk to a small bowl and lightly beat. Add the beaten egg yolk, milk and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the flour mixture. Add the egg white to another mixing bowl and beat until stiff. Fold the egg white into the batter. Do this gently. Preheat 1-inch (2.5cm) of vegetable oil to 375ºF/190ºC. Dip the onion rings in the batter. Carefully place the dipped rings in the hot oil. Cook the onion rings until golden. Remove the onion rings using tongs or a similar long-handled implement. Drain the onion rings on paper towels. Once drained, they're ready to serve with the rest of your meal. Finished. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy. | Peel the onion and slice it 1/4-inch (6. Add the onion rings to a bowl of ice water and let stand for 30 minutes. Place the rings onto paper towels to dry. Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a mixing bowl and set aside. Separate the egg. Add the egg yolk to a small bowl and lightly beat. Add the beaten egg yolk, milk and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the flour mixture. Add the egg white to another mixing bowl and beat until stiff. Fold the egg white into the batter. Preheat 1-inch (2.5cm) of vegetable oil to 375ºF/190ºC. Dip the onion rings in the batter. Cook the onion rings until golden. Remove the onion rings using tongs or a similar long-handled implement. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Box-Braids | How to Do Box Braids | To do box braids, start by parting your hair down the center into 4 equal sections. Clip 3 of the sections so they're out of your way, and leave 1 section down to start with. Then, working 1 section at a time, braid strands of synthetic hair that are 1-2 inches thick into small strands of your natural hair. Once you've finished braiding synthetic hair into all 4 sections, dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them. | Shampoo and condition your hair. Start by washing your hair with your normal shampoo in the shower or bath. Then, apply a moisturizing conditioner so your hair does not become frizzy when you dry it. Use a leave-in conditioner if your hair tends to be very dry or frizzy. You should shampoo and condition your hair even if you are going to use hair extensions for the braids, as this will ensure the hair extensions attach properly to your natural hair. Detangle your hair with a comb. Let your hair air dry completely if it is straight and fine, and then use a plastic wide-tooth comb to gently remove any tangles or knots. Start combing your hair at the ends, and work your way up the strand, gently removing knots and tangles as you go. Do not tug or pull at your hair too hard, as you do not want to tear or rip your hair. Try to remove as many tangles as you can so your hair is easy to braid. Blow dry your hair straight if it is very curly. Apply a heat protectant gel or spray to your hair before you blow dry it. Use a brush to blow dry your hair in sections so it lays flat and straight. This can make parting your hair for the braids easier, especially if you have very curly hair. If your blow dryer comes with a comb or pick attachment, you can use that. You can also flat iron dry hair with a hair straightener if you'd prefer. Make sure you apply heat protectant before you straighten your hair. Trim the ends of your hair if they are dry or split. If you have ends that feel dry when you rub them or appear flat and frizzy, you may trim them carefully. Trimming the ends can help to prevent fuzziness at the ends of the braid and keep the braids locked in for a longer period of time. Trimming the ends is especially important if you are using synthetic hair to create the box braids, as synthetic hair tends to attach better to fresh, clean ends. Divide your hair into 4 box shaped sections with a wide-tooth comb. Create 4 sections by dividing your hair down the center from your forehead to your neck, then from ear to ear. Leave the first section you plan to work on undone. Make sure the sections are evenly parted, with a clear straight line at the roots, forming a box shape. Use 3 large hair clips to keep the remaining 3 sections out of the way. Make sure your hair is evenly divided between each section. You may need to do the parts in front of a mirror to get a better sense of their shape. Apply hydrating gel or cream to the ends of your hair to prevent frizz. Use your hands to run a small amount of hydrating gel or cream on the ends of your hair, rubbing in the gel well. This will help to keep the ends of your hair moist, reduce frizz, and make it easier for the synthetic hair to blend in with your natural hair. Look for hydrating gel or cream at your local beauty supply store or online. Gels and creams that contain coconut oil and argon oil are usually good options. Part your hair into a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section with the pointed end of a rat tail comb. Take the pointed end of the comb and run it through 1 of the front parts you made earlier in your hair. Section out a.5 inches (1.3 cm) section of hair above your ear if you are doing small to medium-sized braids. If you are creating jumbo box braids, section out 2 inches (5.1 cm) of hair. Make sure the part above the section of hair is straight. Use the comb end of the comb to brush away any flyaways above the part so the part is straight and clean. Tie back the rest of the hair in the section so it is out of the way. Get 6-8 packs of synthetic hair for long, thick braids. Use synthetic hair, rather than human hair, for the box braids, as it will not frizz. Shorter, thinner box braids may require fewer packs of hair. Look for synthetic hair that is smooth and soft at your local beauty supply store or online. When in doubt, get more hair than you think you might need. You can then use any leftover hair for another style later or return it, if the retailer allows returns. Soft-pressed Kanekalon Expression hair and pre-stretched Kanekalon hair are the most common types of synthetic hair used for box braids. You could also use human hair or yarn hair. Take 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of synthetic hair. Place the hair extensions between your fingers in a staggered line. Break the hair into 3 sections. Place 1 section of the hair extensions between your pointer and middle finger. Then, take the next section and place it between your middle finger and ring finger 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the first section. Hold the third section between your ring finger and pinkie 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the second section. Staggering the hair in a line will give the ends of the braids a feathered, rather than blunt, look, making the hair appear more natural. Remove ⅓ of the hair. Set it aside, as you will not be using it to form the braid. You can use it later when you make new sections of hair for your braids. Form a loop with the remaining hair. Take 1 section of hair and place it over the remaining section of hair so they interlock into each other to form a loop. Make sure 1 section has more hair than the other. The 2 pieces of hair should create a loose loop, where the smaller section hangs over the bigger section. You should now have 3 even sections of synthetic hair to work with. Place the synthetic hair over your natural hair at the roots. Turn your hand so your palm is facing inward. Then, hold the synthetic hair at the middle section with your thumb and pointer finger and place it over your natural hair right at the roots. Hold the synthetic hair in place with your fingers, lining up the synthetic hair with your natural hair. Allow your natural hair to fall in the middle section of the synthetic hair. You should have 3 strands of hair, 2 strands on the outside and 1 strand in the middle. Your natural hair should fall underneath the synthetic hair in the middle section. Braid your natural hair in with the synthetic hair. Hold tight to the middle section and reach underneath to 1 of the outside sections. Pull hair from the outside section to the middle. Then, reach underneath again and pull hair from the other outside section to the middle. This is the start of the braid, with your natural hair tightly integrated into the synthetic hair. Begin your braid tight near the scalp so that it will look new. Maintain a firm grip on the synthetic hair and your natural hair with your fingertips so the synthetic hair does not slip off. Continue braiding the hair all the way to the ends, reaching underneath the middle section to place the hair sections on top of each other. You don't need to braid your hair tightly to get it to stay. Braiding your hair too tight can actually lead to damage. Keep even, firm pressure as you braid so the braid appears uniform and smooth. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic, if needed. If the synthetic hair is thick, you may not need a hair elastic to secure the end of the braid, as it may stay in place on its own. If the hair is thin or fine, use a non-snag elastic to keep the braid in place. Elastic bands can cause frizzing, so only use one if you need it. Braid each section one at a time, taking breaks as needed. Work section by section, parting a small, smooth section of your natural hair. Then, section the synthetic hair and attach it to your natural hair to braid it in. It may take several hours to do your entire head in box braids so take breaks between each section, or as needed. Make sure you create each braid quickly and evenly, as braiding your hair too slowly can cause frizziness. Apply the same amount of pressure so the braids all have the same thickness and shape. Trim off any flyaways with scissors. Once you have braided your entire head, use scissors to remove any flyaways at the ends. Snip them as close to the braids as possible so the braids appear smooth, being careful not to snip any of your natural hair. Dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them. Pour boiling water in a bowl and dip each braid from the midsection to the ends in the water. This will help to remove any remaining flyaways and frizziness on the braids, along with sealing the braids and preventing them from unraveling. You can remove the hair elastics once you have sealed the braids if you prefer not to have elastics on the braids. Cover your braids with a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizziness. Tie the scarf around your braids at the scalp. If your braids are longer than the scarf itself, you can loosely pin the braids up before wrapping the scarf, effectively shortening them while you sleep, or leave the ends exposed. You can also sleep on a silk or satin pillow cover to keep your braid smooth and frizz free. Wipe your braids with witch hazel 2-3 times a week to keep them clean. Dab a damp cloth with witch hazel and wipe down the braids one at a time. This way, they stay clean without having to get too wet in the shower or bath. Box braids can feel incredibly heavy when wet and are prone to frizziness when they are soaked in water. Wash your scalp with shampoo and water to prevent itchiness. Part the braids and clip them up, exposing your scalp. Wash your scalp one section at a time, being careful not to get water on the braids. You can try washing your scalp 3-4 times a week, rather than every day, so you do not risk getting the braids wet. Massage natural oils into your scalp once a week to keep it hydrated. Coconut oil, almond oil, and shea butter are good options. Using a cotton pad or cotton ball, or clean fingers, rub a generous dab of oil over your scalp in sections. Try to cover as much of your scalp as possible without getting any oil onto your braids. Take the braids out within 2 months to prevent hair damage. Box braids usually last for 6-8 weeks, but even if they still look great past that point, take them out so your hair stays healthy. Keeping your hair braided for too long can cause it to break away from the scalp, leading to long-term damage to your hairline and your scalp. Use your fingers to gently unravel the braids from the spot where the synthetic hair attaches to your real hair. Avoid using a fine-tooth comb when taking your braids down, as this can lead to rips and tears in your hair. Ask friends or family to help with the unbraiding process in order to cut down the time and effort needed. Throw away the extensions once you have removed them. Wait 3-4 weeks to put new box braids in so your hair can recover. | Shampoo and condition your hair. Detangle your hair with a comb. Blow dry your hair straight if it is very curly. Trim the ends of your hair if they are dry or split. Divide your hair into 4 box shaped sections with a wide-tooth comb. Apply hydrating gel or cream to the ends of your hair to prevent frizz. Part your hair into a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section with the pointed end of a rat tail comb. Get 6-8 packs of synthetic hair for long, thick braids. Take 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of synthetic hair. Remove ⅓ of the hair. Form a loop with the remaining hair. Place the synthetic hair over your natural hair at the roots. Allow your natural hair to fall in the middle section of the synthetic hair. Braid your natural hair in with the synthetic hair. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic, if needed. Braid each section one at a time, taking breaks as needed. Trim off any flyaways with scissors. Dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them. Cover your braids with a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizziness. Wipe your braids with witch hazel 2-3 times a week to keep them clean. Wash your scalp with shampoo and water to prevent itchiness. Massage natural oils into your scalp once a week to keep it hydrated. Take the braids out within 2 months to prevent hair damage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-With-Amazon-Affiliate-Program | How to Make Money With Amazon Affiliate Program | To make money with the Amazon Affiliate Program, you first need to set up a blog or website that's popular. You can generate traffic to your website by posting quality content and staying active on social media. Then, once you have a good following, go to Amazon's Affiliate Program's website and click the "Join Now for Free" button. Amazon will ask you for some information about your website and web traffic. Once you're signed up, you can select items from Amazon to feature on your website and earn a commission on those sales! | Begin an online effort. The best Amazon Affiliates are bloggers or websites that add links to Amazon along with quality content on their own site. Consider starting one of the following online sites: Start a free online blog using Blogger, WordPress or a similar site. Since you start these blogs for free, the cost is only the time you spend designing and adding content. Choose something on which you are passionate so that you can add interesting content and develop followers. Set up a website. Professional or business websites can also use the Affiliate program. However, they are best used with people who do not sell similar products on their website, since Amazon's marketplace can drive business away. If you have a website promoting different products, a club, a non-profit or a service, then you can recommend quality products on your site and make money doing it. Set up social media accounts for your blog or site. This is a great way to improve search engine ranking, stay in touch with your readers and increase the amount of links that you share. You can post Amazon links on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn when you want to make a recommendation. Post quality content consistently. You garner readers by the value of your content, so post at least once per week on your blog/website. Gain loyalty. People who think they are being pitched to are unlikely to return. Include affiliate links as recommendations, best of lists and preferred vendors, rather than an obvious pitch to make money off readers. The more fun you have with posting links, the more likely you are to get sales. For example, you may want to post a best-of blog for the year's most innovative new products or the best non-fiction books of the year. You can include links to Amazon products and people will use the link as a reference and as a way to buy. Go to affiliate-program.amazon.com. Read through the information carefully before signing up. You should understand what products are eligible, how to post and how to get paid before starting an account. Amazon Affiliates rewards advertising fees, or commissions, that vary depending upon the type of product. Your advertising fees can also increase after you start to refer more than 6 purchases every month. Click on the "Join Now for Free" button when you are ready to start. Sign in using your Amazon username and password. Select your official payment address from a list or input it at this time. Fill out the information about your website, web traffic and online monetization. You will be asked to enter all of the sites you will use to post Amazon links. Verify your identity before continuing. Start looking through products on Amazon's Associates Central. Choose a few products to integrate into your blog posts. It is a good idea to use the "Bestseller" filter to find the bestselling products in any category. Post the link inside your website. You can choose to post an image, an image and text or a text link, depending upon how you want it to look. Use the Amazon Associates site stripe, the toolbar at the top of the page, to capture links for products you want to post. Optimize your earnings by posting links regularly. This means that you should look for creative ways to incorporate product recommendations into your blog posts while still letting the reader know you are offering them expertise on your website subject. Amazon Affiliate links, once clicked on by a potential buyer, are active for 24 hours. This means that they expire for that particular user after 24 hours. Fresh links means new chances to earn money. Build links to many different types of products over time. Amazon pays you an advertising fee based on the entire purchase that the person makes, not just the product you advertised. The important thing is getting to people to Amazon using their link, so that they can make all the purchases they have been waiting to make using your referral link. Use your referral link when sending information via email or to family members. You can receive commission on anyone's purchase, except your own, if they use the referral link within 24 hours. Trade Amazon Associates referral links with a friend or family member. Make your own purchases using their link, so that they can reap some benefits and ask them to do the same. Although this is not likely to be your main way of making money, it can improve your commission structure at times. Add widgets to your site. Amazon Associates has widgets and online stores that you can add to your website template. List several recommended products in your sidebar. Advertise products over $100. The more expensive the product your reader buys, the more commission you will make, so make sure you recommend higher priced products with good value. Use lists. Most online stores keep lists of popular products. Make your own recommendation lists every month or quarter on a new topic, because they are valuable to you and your readers. Post seasonal content with Amazon Associate links. People buy more near Christmas, so post recommended products before Thanksgiving to take advantage of sales that Amazon is going to make anyway. If you haven't started creating a seasonal schedule for your blog posts and marketing, start now. There are dozens of holidays, such as Halloween, Easter, St. Patrick's Day and Valentine's Day that can produce more sales, if the advice and links are timely and interesting. Optimize your blog or website. Adopt search engine optimization practices, such as keyword density, short URLs, and backlinks to increase web traffic to your site. The more people who read, the more clicks you will have on your Amazon Associates links. | Begin an online effort. Post quality content consistently. Gain loyalty. Go to affiliate-program.amazon.com. Click on the "Join Now for Free" button when you are ready to start. Sign in using your Amazon username and password. Fill out the information about your website, web traffic and online monetization. Start looking through products on Amazon's Associates Central. Choose a few products to integrate into your blog posts. Post the link inside your website. Use the Amazon Associates site stripe, the toolbar at the top of the page, to capture links for products you want to post. Optimize your earnings by posting links regularly. Build links to many different types of products over time. Use your referral link when sending information via email or to family members. Add widgets to your site. Advertise products over $100. Use lists. Post seasonal content with Amazon Associate links. Optimize your blog or website. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mercury-Glass | How to Make Mercury Glass | To make mercury glass, start by spraying some glass with a light coat of mirror-finish paint. Then, let the paint dry for 2 minutes, and fill up a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Next, spray the glass with the diluted vinegar so the mixture beads on the glass but doesn't drip. Finally, blot the glass with a paper towel, and let it dry for 10 minutes before applying a final coat of paint. | Get a can of mirror-finish spray paint. You can buy this paint from a craft store. It is different from silver spray paint in that it has a reflective, mirror-like finish. Some brands call it "looking glass spray." Clean your glass item with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. A vase or mason jar would work the best, but you can use other items too, like a glass lamp shade. Spray the item with glass cleaner, then wipe it down with a lint-free cloth. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the item. Mask off the side of the item that you won't be painting. If you plan on painting the inside of the item, cover the outside with masking tape. If you will be painting the outside of the item, then stuff the item with newspaper. Painting the inside will give you a nicer finish, but you won't be able to use it as a vase. Painting the outside will leave some texture, but you'll be able to use it as a vase. Fill a spray bottle with water and white vinegar. Choose a spray bottle that has a mist setting--do not use the kind with a jet stream. Fill the bottle halfway with white vinegar and the rest of the way with water. Close the bottle, then shake it up to mix the solution inside. Apply a light coat of mirror-finish paint in a well-ventilated area. Go outside or into a well-ventilated room. Shake the can of spray paint, then hold it 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) away from the glass item. Apply a light, even coat of spray paint using a sweeping, side-to-side motion. Some people like to spray the glass with the vinegar-water first, let it dry for 1 minute, then apply the paint. The paint will look cloudy when you first apply it, but it will eventually turn more reflective. Let the paint dry for 2 minutes, then spray it with the vinegar-water. Apply a light, even coating of your vinegar-water solution to the item. Use enough vinegar-water to bead the glass, but not so much that it starts to drip. You should do this even if you applied the vinegar-water before the paint. Blot the glass with a wadded up paper towel. Crumple up a paper towel, then press it against the wet glass. The paper will pick up the excess water and paint, and leave behind a crinkled texture. Press lightly to remove less paint, and firmly to remove more paint. Don't rub the paper towel across the glass or you will get streaks. To make the mottling effect more controlled, dampen the paper towel with the vinegar-water first. Repeat the process to get the look you want. Mirror-finish paint is very thin, so 1 coat may not be enough to get the coverage you want. If the glass is too translucent for you, simply spray the glass with more mirror-finish paint, mist it with vinegar-water, then blot it. Plan on doing 2 to 3 more coats of paint. For a more distressed look, apply a coat of flat, black paint to the inside of the item, then blot it with a crumpled up paper towel. Apply a final coat of paint if you want a smoother finish. Let the paint dry for 10 minutes, then apply a final misting of mirror-finish spray paint. Do not spray it with vinegar-water or blot it. This will help give you a smoother finish. Wait for the paint to dry before using the glass item. Most spray paint takes 15 to 20 minutes to dry to the touch, but it can take longer if you live in a cold or humid area. Once the paint has dried completely, remove any newspaper or masking tape. Display the item as desired. Some paints have a curing time of several days. Check the label to be sure. If you painted the outside of the vase or jar, you can fill it with water and use it as a vase for fresh flowers. Wash and dry a glass vase or jar. Wash the glass with warm, soapy water, then rinse it off. Dry the glass with a towel. To help the paint stick better, it would be a good idea to wipe the glass down with rubbing alcohol too, although that is not absolutely necessary. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar. Fill the bottle halfway with water, and the rest of the way with white vinegar. Close the bottle, then shake it to combine the solution. Choose a spray bottle that has a mist option; don't use a bottle that squirts water out like a water gun. Pat silver acrylic craft paint onto the glass with an old toothbrush. Pour some of your paint onto a disposable tray or palette. Dip the brush into the paint, then tap it on a paper towel to get the excess off. Pounce or tap the brush against the glass to apply a patchy layer of paint. Hold the vase or jar from the inside so that you don't get your fingers dirty. Spray the glass with your vinegar solution before the paint dries. Work quickly, as acrylic paint only takes a few minutes to dry. Hold the vase or jar from the inside, and spray it with your vinegar solution. Apply a light, even coating; you want the solution to bead on the glass without dripping. Don't wait for the paint to set up like you would with spray paint. The acrylic layer is thin, so it will dry fast. Dab the solution off with a crumpled up paper towel. Take a paper towel and crumple it up into a ball. Pat the glass dry with the paper towel; do not rub the towel across the glass. The paper towel will remove some of the paint and leave behind a crinkled texture. Repeat the painting, spraying, and dabbing process, if desired. Keep applying layers of paint, spraying it, and dabbing it until you get the coverage you want. With each layer, you'll notice the glass becoming more and more opaque. Allow each layer to dry first before doing the next one, however. Consider using gold paint for your second layer. This will help make it look more realistic and antique. Allow the paint to dry completely. Most acrylic craft paint will be dry to the touch within 15 to 20 minutes. If the paint still feels tacky, you might have gotten enamel or all-purpose craft paint. This means that the paint needs to cure for several days. Check the label on your bottle of paint for complete drying instructions. | Get a can of mirror-finish spray paint. Clean your glass item with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Mask off the side of the item that you won't be painting. Fill a spray bottle with water and white vinegar. Apply a light coat of mirror-finish paint in a well-ventilated area. Let the paint dry for 2 minutes, then spray it with the vinegar-water. Blot the glass with a wadded up paper towel. Repeat the process to get the look you want. Apply a final coat of paint if you want a smoother finish. Wait for the paint to dry before using the glass item. Wash and dry a glass vase or jar. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar. Pat silver acrylic craft paint onto the glass with an old toothbrush. Spray the glass with your vinegar solution before the paint dries. Dab the solution off with a crumpled up paper towel. Repeat the painting, spraying, and dabbing process, if desired. Allow the paint to dry completely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-the-Appearance-of-Stretch-Marks | How to Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks | While there's no guaranteed way to make stretch marks disappear completely, you can reduce their appearance with skincare products that moisturize and promote healing. Moisturize your stretchmarks daily with a natural product like aloe or coconut oil, which can help fade the marks and keep your skin supple. You may also be able to minimize the marks and help your skin heal with an ointment containing hyaluronic acid or retinoids. If you're not getting the results you want with topical products, talk to a dermatologist about dermabrasion or laser therapy to smooth your skin. You can also prevent stretch marks from getting worse by protecting them from the sun, keeping yourself hydrated, and avoiding habits that hurt your skin, like smoking. | Try a natural moisturizer. There are many natural, over-the-counter creams people use to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. These can be used throughout pregnancy and beyond to keep the skin supple and fade stretch marks. There is no conclusive research showing that any one ingredient can fade stretch marks. However, the following natural products are said to be helpful: Aloe vera, which is said to reduce scarring and stretch marks Coconut oil or butter, which keeps skin supple when applied daily Shea butter, used around the world to help fade stretch marks Egg oil (Oleova) helps prevent stretch marks when applied twice daily over the entire abdomen from the first trimester of pregnancy until six months after delivery. Use a gel that contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body. When applied topically, it has the effect of reducing the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. There is no research proving that hyaluronic acid drastically changes the appearance of stretch marks. However, some have found that treating stretch marks a gel containing hyaluronic acid may help to to fade them. Gels containing hyaluronic acid may be ordered online or purchased in specialty beauty stores. Apply the gel according to the manufacturer's instructions. Try a retinoid cream. Retinoid is a substance that is known to stimulate collagen growth in the skin. When applied to stretch marks, it may help renew the skin and cause the stretch marks to fade in appearance. Retinoid cream is available by prescription. Talk with your dermatologist about whether it's a good choice for your skin. Retinoids may take weeks or month to have a significant effect on the skin. Even after that much time, they are unlikely to completely erase your stretch marks. Retinoids should not be used while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. There is not enough research to determine whether retinoids have a negative effect on a developing fetus or newborn. Physicians advise avoiding retinoids until after you've given birth and are no longer breastfeeding. Consider dermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is the process of removing the top layer of skin cells using a small exfoliating tool. Since stretch marks affect more than just the top layer of cells, many do not find that the treatment makes a significant difference. However, some believe that microdermabrasion can help fade the appearance of red stretch marks. Talk with your dermatologist before choosing dermabrasion. He or she may be able to advise you as to whether it's a good choice for your stretch marks. Dermabrasion treatments are normally conducted at salons or spas. These treatments usually cost between $100 and $150 for one session. Consider laser therapy. There is no conclusive research showing that laser therapy works to remove stretch marks, but many women have had satisfactory results. A high-energy ultraviolet laser is used to remove the thin layers of skin around the stretch marks. After the treatment, the skin is renewed and the stretch marks are faded in appearance. If you're interested in laser therapy, talk with your dermatologist about the risks before proceeding. In some cases, laser therapy causes scarring. The healing process after laser therapy usually lasts about one week. Protect stretch marks from the sun. Stretch marks usually fade from a deep red to a pale silver over time. You can help them fade faster and to a less noticeable color by protecting your skin from sun damage. The sun's rays can weaken the skin and cause the stretch marks to look worse. Use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher each time you expose your stretch marks to the sun. Be sure to reapply it regularly. If you get a light burn, treat it with aloe vera to help heal the skin as quickly as possible. Keep the area moisturized. Keeping your skin moisturized won't directly fade stretch marks, but it can help your skin stay healthy and supple. Skin that is dry tends to lose elasticity, which can make stretch marks and other blemishes stand out all the more. While there is no definite way to prevent stretch marks, some say that keeping your skin moisturized keeps them from looking too severe. Regularly exfoliate your skin before bathing, then apply a rich moisturizer to the area where you have stretch marks to keep your skin from getting dry. If you have very dry skin, try using a room humidifier to keep the air in your home moist. Aim to keep the humidity between 30 and 50 percent for soft, well-moisturized skin. Stay hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, your skin tends to show wrinkles more easily. The same goes for stretch marks. Hydrating your body makes your skin look healthy and supple, helping to make the appearance of stretch marks less severe. Drink water when you feel thirsty. Try carrying a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day so you'll always have a drink on hand. Replace alcoholic and caffeinated drinks with water whenever possible. Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke deteriorates the skin. Any skin blemish you have will only worsen if you're in frequent contact with cigarette smoke. To keep your skin looking young and healthy, take measures to quit smoking as soon as possible. Get a safe tan. Once your stretch marks have faded to a slightly silvery color, it isn't difficult to help them blend in with the rest of your skin. One way of doing this is by using fake tanner to give yourself a light tan. This is a good solution in the summer when you want to bare stretch marks on your belly and sides. Purchase a gradual tanning lotion and use it to even out your skin tone. Don't get a "real" tan by sunbathing. The sun's rays could cause skin damage and ultimately make your stretch marks look worse. Follow the instructions on the packaging to get a realistic-looking tan. There's no need to go overboard. Just tanning a shade or two darker will help to hide your stretch marks. Use makeup. If you want to temporarily hide your stretch marks, you can use the same makeup you use to hide blemishes on your face. This works best for stretch marks that are on a part of your body that won't rub against clothing. Choose foundation the same color as your skin tone. Follow these steps for a natural-looking appearance: Apply a light layer of foundation over the stretch marks and the surrounding skin. Blend with a foundation brush. Apply a layer of translucent powder to set the foundation. | Try a natural moisturizer. Use a gel that contains hyaluronic acid. Try a retinoid cream. Consider dermabrasion. Consider laser therapy. Protect stretch marks from the sun. Keep the area moisturized. Stay hydrated. Stop smoking. Get a safe tan. Use makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Farmland | How to Buy Farmland | Before looking at farmland, contact the county courthouse to make sure the area in which you plan to purchase land is zoned for farming. Look for property with loam soil if you plan to grow crops, or land with a bluestem variety of forage if you will be raising livestock. Evaluate the facilities and infrastructure to ensure they are in good shape and will meet your needs. Then, meet with a realtor to help you navigate the offer, appraisal, and closing. | Identify the purpose of the farm. The land you need will differ depending on what crops you want to grow or what livestock you want to raise. Take some time to carefully consider what kind of farm you plan to run. What do you intend to do with the land? What crops or animals does the land need to support? What kind of buildings, fencing, equipment, and irrigation will you need? Knowing the purpose of the farm will help you target exactly what kind of land you'll need. Determine how much land you’ll need. If you plan to grow crops, think about what kinds and how many acres you'd need for each. Similarly, if you plan to raise animals, decide what kind, how many you'll have, and how much land you'll need to support them. Keep these figures in mind when viewing properties, and avoid visiting locations that can't support the type of farm you plan to run. For instance, if you plan to raise cattle, you'll need 1.5 to 2 acres per head. Set a realistic budget. Factor in the cost of the land, property taxes, upkeep, and maintenance. You may also need to add buildings (like barns or stables), fencing, and irrigation or purchase equipment and make other upgrades. Estimate your income from running the farm, taking into account crop or meat prices, to help you determine how much financing you may need to get the farm running. Work with a certified realtor. To find a certified realtor in your area, visit https://www.realtor.com/. A realtor will have tons of information that can help you make an informed decision. Plus, they are paid by the seller, so there is no up-front cost to you. Realtors can help you navigate the offer, appraisal, and closing and ensure you understand all parts of the transaction. Choose a certified realtor who has experience with rural properties and farmland in the area you plan to make a purchase. Choose a location in which to purchase the land. It's a good idea to have a general location in which you wish to purchase the land. Consider the average weather conditions for the area and find out if it is prone to natural disasters, like fires, tornadoes, or floods. Find out the average property values and taxes for the area and determine if you'll be close enough to work, school, grocery stores, medical offices, and the like. Contact the county courthouse to ensure the area is zoned for farmland. Once you have determined where you would like to own farmland, you'll need to identify the zoning regulations for that specific county. Contact or visit the county courthouse where the property is located and ask if the land is zoned for farming. If it's not, you'll need to search for land in another county. Purchase a farm with loam soil if you plan to grow crops. It's imperative that you know the soil composition before purchasing farmland. Ask the seller for a recent soil test, and if they haven't had one done, arrange for a laboratory to analyze the soil content. Loam is an ideal soil type for farmers as it holds water well. Clay holds too much water, and sand doesn't hold enough water, so these soil types would need to be amended. Look for high-quality pasture grass if you plan to raise livestock. Consider the forage type when buying farmland—western wheatgrass, blue maidencane, giant cane, switch cane, green silkyscale, and many varieties of bluestem are suitable forage for cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. Find out how much of the land is grazeable, and how much is not. Look for less than 30% rock cover to ensure your livestock will have enough forage available. Evaluate the irrigation and drainage capabilities of the land. Ask the seller or realtor what kind of irrigation and drainage systems are in place. Look for access to a high-quality water source, such as a well or river for crop irrigation or watering livestock within 1 mile (1.6 km). You should also find out how much erosion damage the land has. Inspect the ditches to see if they are clean and find out if they are able to handle the average amount of precipitation. Ask about the field history. Field history refers to what kinds of crops have been grown as well as what kinds of herbicides have been applied to the land. If you plan to raise livestock on the farm, ensure that the herbicides used in the past won't affect the animals. Though most herbicides are safe to use on forage, you should still do an Internet search to find out if there are any grazing restrictions for the particular kind of herbicide used. If you plan to grow a certain crop, make sure it will work well together with what has previously been grown based on which nutrients the plants use the most. For instance, if beans were last planted on a plot, tomatoes would do well in the area but lentils would not. Inspect the facilities and infrastructure for damage. Take a close look at the fencing, buildings, pastures, lakes, ponds, wells, and roadways of the property. Determine if they are in good repair or if they will need fixed or upgraded. You should also evaluate whether the existing facilities, plumbing, and electricity will meet your needs or if you'll need to add new infrastructure. Determine ownership of the gas, mineral, and wind rights. Find out if the rights to gas, minerals, and wind have been severed from the surface rights of the property. The seller and/or realtor should be able to answer any questions you have about property rights. Ideally, gas, mineral, and wind rights should transfer to you as the buyer, but this isn't always the case. If the rights are already leased out, go over the terms of the contract with a lawyer to ensure you are happy with the agreement. Find out how much revenue the farm is making. The most important factor when evaluating farmland is the amount of revenue the farm is making. Chances are, if the farm isn't making money now, it won't make money for you in the future. Visit the nearest farm service agency (FSA) office to learn more about the farm's revenue. You'll be able to view past records for the property. Get the property professionally inspected and appraised. Though you'll have to pay to have this done, it's an essential step to protecting yourself as the buyer. The property, facilities, and infrastructure should be inspected and appraised by professionals so you can make an educated decision about the value of the property. They'll let you know if there are any issues with both the land and the facilities. Appraisals generally cost between $300 to $400, while inspections usually cost between $200 to $400, depending on the location and amount of land. Find out if you’re eligible for government farm loan program. The FSA provides farm loans to family-sized farms throughout the United States. There are a variety of loans available, such as for micro farms, young farmers, Native American tribes, new farmers, emergencies, or minority and women farmers. To find out more information and to apply for one of these loan programs, visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/. Meet with a rural property lender if you need financing. If you don't qualify for a government loan, you can get a private loan. Though big-city banks can assist you with plenty of transactions, it's best to speak with a rural property lender when buying farmland. They will be familiar with the specific intricacies regarding loans for farmland. Make a fair offer on the property you wish you purchase. Once your money or funding is secure, you can put in an offer on the property you wish to buy. It's best to start with a low—but fair—offer, such as 10% below the highest amount you'd be willing to pay, to leave room for negotiation. Your realtor can help advise you further and make the offer to the buyers. Negotiate the price and terms of the contract. The buyer may accept your offer or ask for more money. Your realtor can work with both of you until an agreement is made. Then, a contract will be drawn up and a lawyer and/or realtor can help explain the terms of the contract to you, if necessary. Now is the time to make amendments or ask for upgrades! Once you sign the contract, you'll need to put down earnest money until the deal is closed. Invest in title and flood insurance, if applicable. To protect your investment, you may want to purchase both title and flood insurance. Title insurance guarantees your right to the property at the closing price and will also let you know if the area has been used for hazardous waste dumping. If the property is in a flood zone, you'll be required to purchase flood insurance before closing on the property to protect yourself from losses due to flooding. Finalize the deal to take ownership of the property. Once both parties are happy with the contract, you can close on the property. Usually, you'll need to meet the realtor and seller at the title company to close. The deed will be transferred to your name, and any keys to the gates or buildings will be handed over. You'll be expected to provide the remainder of the money for the property at this time, usually by means of a certified check. | Identify the purpose of the farm. Determine how much land you’ll need. Set a realistic budget. Work with a certified realtor. Choose a location in which to purchase the land. Contact the county courthouse to ensure the area is zoned for farmland. Purchase a farm with loam soil if you plan to grow crops. Look for high-quality pasture grass if you plan to raise livestock. Evaluate the irrigation and drainage capabilities of the land. Ask about the field history. Inspect the facilities and infrastructure for damage. Determine ownership of the gas, mineral, and wind rights. Find out how much revenue the farm is making. Get the property professionally inspected and appraised. Find out if you’re eligible for government farm loan program. Meet with a rural property lender if you need financing. Make a fair offer on the property you wish you purchase. Negotiate the price and terms of the contract. Invest in title and flood insurance, if applicable. Finalize the deal to take ownership of the property. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Deadlift | How to Do a Deadlift | Before you do a deadlift with a barbell, place the barbell on the ground in front of you and adjust the weights according to your strength and fitness level. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing forward. Reach down to grab the barbell, sitting back as you do so. Push your knees out and keep your back straight. Stand up and bring the bar up with you, keeping your abs tight and your back straight, then lower the bar again, sitting back once more. | Prepare the barbell. Place the barbell on the ground in front of you and add plates according to your strength and fitness level. If it is your first time performing the deadlift, start lighter. It is always easy to add weight later. You want to perfect your form before you test your physical limits. Secure the plates tightly onto the barbell with clips to keep them from slipping around. Beginners usually start lifting just the barbell, since a typical barbell weighs between 25 and 45 pounds on its own. In this case, you'll want to prop the bar up so it's as high on your shins as it would be if it had plates (approximately 6-8 inches). Otherwise, you'll be bending too far down to pull the barbell right off the floor and could injure yourself. When you prop the barbell, be carefully that it can't easily roll off. Set your stance. Step up to the bar so that your feet are approximately shoulder width apart, your toes are pointing forward or slightly outward, and the barbell is at the midpoint of your foot (as if it's dividing the front and the back of your feet in half). Sit back. Pretend there's a short stool behind you; bend your knees and hips and sit back as if you were going to sit on that stool, while you reach down to grab onto the barbell (hands shoulder-width apart). Actively push your knees out; don't let them collapse in. Keep your back as straight as you can. Bend from the hips rather than from your waist. Bend your knees and hips just enough to reach and grab onto the bar. This is the starting position for the deadlift. Your shins should be pretty vertical and touching the bar. This is a hard position to stay in. As you figure out your form and check all these criteria, sometimes you'll straighten your legs and allow your back to curve to take a little break from this position. If you watch people deadlift, you'll see them do this between deadlifts. Just make sure you get back into this position before you actually lift. Check your grip. Grasp the barbell with your hands slightly more than shoulder width apart, just outside of your legs. Keep your arms straight. Your palms should face your body, and be equally far from the ends of the barbell. It's not uncommon for people to use a mixed grip as they move onto heavier weights, as it affords a stronger grip, but it's generally better to keep things simple as a beginner. For Olympic lifting, some people use the hook grip, which is more secure but is painful at first. It is similar to the overhand grip, except that instead of the thumb over the remaining fingers, it is hooked underneath them. The underhand grip alone is not recommended because it can lead to the rupture of bicep muscle and connecting tendons, especially in people who do not have full flexibility in the elbow joint. Set your starting position. "Setting" here means creating tension in your body while you're in the starting position so you use your muscles when you pull the bar up. It's a bit like clenching your body; you don't want to be like a wet noodle at all because then you might pull a muscle or hurt a joint. Always make sure your back is completely flat and straight. If there is any kind of bend in your back, you need to do some flexibility work before deadlifting. If you have someone record you in starting position, you'll be able to see whether your back is straight or not. Some people hold their head in line with their back, others look straight ahead, and some people look up at the ceiling. Stand up and bring the bar up with you. Raise your hips and shoulders at the same rate while maintaining a flat back. Keep your abs tight during the whole lift. Begin the movement by pushing through your heels and straightening your knees. The bar should drag along your shins on the way up--that's why a lot of people who deadlift wear pants or knee-high socks, and if they don't, they often have bruises or scrapes to show for it. Come to a standing position with upright posture and your shoulders pulled back (don't let your shoulders cave forward, think of always pinching your shoulders back together and sticking your chest up and out). Don't bend backwards at all, just stand up straight. Engage (squeeze) your hamstrings and glutes to pull the bar up. Lower the bar. Keeping your back straight, return the bar to the starting position in a controlled manner. Push your butt out as if you are going to sit down in a chair. Do not arch your back or curl your tailbone under. Release the weight after it is on the ground. Place two dumbbells on either side of your body. The dumbbells should be slightly in front of your feet. Make sure that the weight of your dumbbells is appropriate for your strength. Position yourself properly. Your feet should be spread slightly wider than your shoulders. Point your toes forward. You could also point them slightly outward; the result will be the same. Squat down and grasp the dumbbells. You should squat with a flat, neutral back. Make sure that your shoulders are pulled away from your ears. Keep your head in line with your spine, though if it more comfortable you can tilt your chin up slightly. Make sure that your gaze remains straight ahead (if your eyes wander, so will your head, which will in turn shift your spine.) Make sure that your chest is lifted. Make sure that your heels stay firmly on the floor, and that your shoulders are slightly in front of the balls of your feet. Keep your core strong while you stand up. Your abs help stabilize your spine when you begin to lift the dumbbells. Straighten your knees and then your hips before coming to a fully upright position. Your elbows should be straight and the dumbbells should rest by your sides against your thighs. Your hips and shoulders should rise up and straighten at the same time. You should try to keep the dumbbells as close to your body as possible while you straighten up. Hinge at the knees to lower the dumbbells back down. Your hips should move backwards and down as you begin to squat back down to the ground. Try to avoid bending your knees so that they are far ahead of your toes. Keep your back straight and avoid curling your tailbone in or arching your back. Make sure to keep your abs strong and engaged while you lower back down. Keep your shoulders back and lowered while you do this lift and squat. | Prepare the barbell. Set your stance. Sit back. Check your grip. Set your starting position. Stand up and bring the bar up with you. Lower the bar. Place two dumbbells on either side of your body. Position yourself properly. Squat down and grasp the dumbbells. Keep your core strong while you stand up. Hinge at the knees to lower the dumbbells back down. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Straighten-a-Beard | How to Straighten a Beard | If you want to make your beard soft and straight, wash it with a shampoo specially designed for beards once or twice a week, since normal shampoos can dry out the hair. Apply a conditioner every day during your shower to moisturize your beard. After showering, blow dry your beard on the lowest setting and comb it downwards instead of letting it dry naturally, which can cause the hair to curl and dry out. Alternatively, use a small flat iron to straighten it out in downward strokes. You could also apply a beard balm, which will keep your beard hair straight for longer. | Wash your beard with a shampoo and conditioner specifically for beards. Normal hair shampoos tend to have chemicals that are too harsh for the beard. It can cause dryness in the beard hair that will make it curlier, less manageable, and possibly cause hair breakage. Unless needed, beards should only be washed and conditioned once a week for optimal results. Over-washing the beard can cause dryness and damage to the hair. However, you should use conditioner every day or so to moisturize and soften the beard. Blow dry and comb your beard. If you let your beard dry naturally, it will dry into tight curls.. Turn on the blow dryer with a comb attachment to low heat and comb your beard in a downward motion. This will help the hair dry faster and make all of your beard hairs dry in one direction. Use the blow dryer on a lower heat setting to prevent drying out the beard hair. This will cause it to frizz and can result in brittle hair with split ends. Some blow dryers do not come with comb attachments. In this case, turn on the blow dryer to a low heat setting and hold it close to your beard with one hand. Then use a beard comb to comb the beard with your other hand. You may also use a beard brush for this step. Straighten your beard with a small flat iron. Make sure your beard is completely dry before using the flat iron on the hair. Keeping the flat iron at least half an inch away from your skin, position the straightener at the top of your beard and place a small portion of your beard hair between the flat iron. Move the iron down the length of your beard in one motion to straighten the hair downward. Repeat for all areas of the beard until the hair is straightened. You should not keep the flat iron in any one place longer than 5 seconds. Over-exposure to heat can burn and damage your beard hair. Apply silicone cream while washing your beard. After using shampoo and conditioner, apply the silicone cream to your entire beard while the hair is still damp. Do not wash the cream out, just gently work it into the beard. Only use enough to cover your beard. Do not use more than needed as it will waste the cream. If you prefer not to use the silicone cream, you can also use a beard oil. Beard oils are moisturizers and leave-in conditioners. However, beard oils only make the beard soft and do not work as straightening agents. For very curly beards, using silicone cream is recommended. Blow dry and comb your beard. When the silicone cream sets while blow drying and grooming, your beard will be straight for the rest of the day. You will need to reapply the silicone cream the next day for the same results. Use a fine-tooth comb to make sure the silicone cream gets down to the roots of the hair follicles. Using a larger-toothed comb or a brush may not give the appearance of completely straight hair as the cream may not be applied to each individual hair. Apply beard balm to keep the beard straighter for longer. Beard balms are styling pomades that provide hold for beard styles and make beards appear fuller.. After your beard is dry, apply a small amount of balm, just enough to cover your beard, to hold your straightened hair in place all day. If your beard is able to be straightened temporarily without silicone cream, applying a beard balm directly after blow drying and combing your hair. This will hold the straightened beard in place for a few hours. A stronger form of beard balm is beard wax, which is beard bald made with beeswax for added hold and straightening ability. Wash your beard with beard relaxing shampoo and pat it dry with a towel. Two shampoos will come in a relaxer kit, and one is a specific relaxer shampoo. This shampoo is specialty designed to prepare the hair for the relaxer cream. Pat your beard completely dry with a towel. Do not rub your beard when drying as this may wash out the properties of the relaxer shampoo that help prepare and strengthen the hair. Part your beard into smaller sections with a comb. This will make it easier to apply the relaxer cream to all parts of your beard first before spreading the cream across to any hairs you missed. If necessary, you can use rubber bands to hold the sections of your beard in place. Remember that you will need to throw these rubber bands away after you're finished. Apply the relaxer cream to each beard section with disposable gloves. The relaxer cream contains compounds specific for hair that may irritate the skin. Be very careful to apply the cream only to your beard and avoid placing any cream directly on your chin or face. If you do experience any irritation sensations after a few minutes, wash the relaxer cream out of your beard and wait before trying the cream again. Check to make sure the skin is not tender to the touch. Beard relaxers do not harm the hair. They are made with ingredients like almond oil, shea butter, and beeswax that moisturize your hair follicles and promote healthy growth. Comb the relaxer cream through your whole beard. Use a fine-toothed comb to spread the cream throughout your beard to make sure it has been applied to the full length of the hair. Look to make sure all of your beard is covered. Look at the roots of your beard for total coverage. If you do not get the relaxer to your roots, the hair between your face and the top of your beard may still appear curly. Wait for 30 minutes and wash out the visible relaxer with only water. The cream needs time to be soaked up by the hair and break down your curls to make them more manageable. Relaxer cream that is soaked up by the hair will not be visible to the eye but will still be actively working. After 30 minutes, wash out the visible relaxer with water to remove the access product. Do not use shampoo as it will completely wash out the relaxer before it has finished breaking down the curls. If you feel any burning sensations before the 30 minutes has passed, immediately wash the visible relaxer out of your beard. Dry the beard with a blow dryer. Do not use a towel when doing this or you may remove the cream that is still actively working in your hair. Fully dry the beard with the blow dryer on a low heat setting. Comb the beard in a downward motion to begin the straightening. Straighten the beard with a flat iron to work out the curls. You will need to straighten the hair while the relaxer cream is still actively working before washing the cream completely out. This will make sure the beard is completely straightened and will remain that way after washing out the relaxer. Be sure to keep the flat at least half an inch away from your skin and straighten the hair in a downward motion. Do not let the flat iron sit in one place on the beard for more than 5 seconds as it can cause damage to your hair. Wash out the remaining relaxer with beard shampoo. After you have straightened and shaped your beard with the active relaxer cream, wash your beard with shampoo to fully remove the relaxer cream. Wash your beard thoroughly to make sure all of the relaxer is out. You should repeat this process 2-3 times to be sure that the cream has been washed away. The beard relaxer kit should come with a shampoo for this, but any beard shampoo will do. Apply beard conditioner and wait for 30 minutes. Heat can be damaging to the hair, especially when working out curls. Fully conditioning the beard will allow the hair to pick up any moisture it lost during flat-ironing. The relaxer kit should also include a conditioner, but you can use your own beard conditioner as long as it is not leave-in. Rinse out the conditioner and towel try your beard. Pat your beard down with a towel until it is fully dry. Use a comb to style your beard and put some beard oil in it for extra moisture all day. | Wash your beard with a shampoo and conditioner specifically for beards. Blow dry and comb your beard. Straighten your beard with a small flat iron. Apply silicone cream while washing your beard. Blow dry and comb your beard. Apply beard balm to keep the beard straighter for longer. Wash your beard with beard relaxing shampoo and pat it dry with a towel. Part your beard into smaller sections with a comb. Apply the relaxer cream to each beard section with disposable gloves. Comb the relaxer cream through your whole beard. Wait for 30 minutes and wash out the visible relaxer with only water. Dry the beard with a blow dryer. Straighten the beard with a flat iron to work out the curls. Wash out the remaining relaxer with beard shampoo. Apply beard conditioner and wait for 30 minutes. Rinse out the conditioner and towel try your beard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Dwarf-Hamsters | How to Care for Dwarf Hamsters | To care for a dwarf hamster, provide your hamster with fortified pellets in a shallow plastic bowl and add a seed mix as a supplement. You'll also want to keep the hamster's water bottle full and change the water every several days to avoid contamination. For bedding, put recycled paper or wood pulp into the cage so it has something to burrow in. You should replace the bedding every 1-2 weeks and clean the entire cage once a month to keep your hamster healthy. Additionally, buy your pet a hamster wheel, and hold your hamster daily so it gets used to socializing. | Pick out a hamster cage. Dwarf hamsters are only around 4 inches long, but they like having a lot of space to run around and play (the absolute bare minimum is 450 square inches). The cage should be big enough to give the hamster room to move around in addition to holding the hamster's food, water, and toys. Choose from the following housing options: A hamster aquarium. Buy a special aquarium made for hamsters or choose one designed for fish, which will do just as well. Glass aquariums protect hamsters from cold, drafty temperatures, and they provide an excellent view of the hamster's daily activities. The aquarium should have a mesh cover on top so the hamster can't escape. A plastic hamster home. These expensive hamster cages usually have several rooms connected with plastic tubing, so the hamster can spend his days and nights running from room to room. They are hard to clean and usually way too small for hamsters. Even by connecting several critter trails (or similar cages) together your hamster will not be happy as it does not have a big running space and you can not fit a lot into these cages. Additionally, they are hard to assemble and are usually not tall enough to add big wheels or enough bedding. A wire hamster cage. Especially when your hamster is a baby, make sure that it cannot squeeze through the wires. Hamster cages make a comfortable home for hamsters. These cages are well ventilated, but you have to be careful not to put your hamster in a drafty area. The area around wire hamster cages can get a little messy, since hamsters like to dig in their bedding and pitch it through the wire. Make sure NOT to get a wire cage with a wire bottom. It can hurt your hamster's feet. However, most wire cages sold by pet stores are way too small for hamsters., The best hamster cage is the biggest you can reasonably afford. The RSPCA recommend that the minimum size of cage for a Syrian hamster should be 75cm x 40 cm x 40 cm. (29 ½ inches x 15 ¾ inches x 15 ¾ inches). A great cage is the IKEA Detolf as it provides the hamster with a lot of space and allows you to easily see your hamster. It is also affordable for its size. Another recommendation for a wire cage is the Alexander hamster cage by Skyline. It allows enough space for toys, wooden tunnels and more, however, it may be hard to fit a wheel big enough for a Syrian hamster. The cage also may be too small for very active hamsters, depending on how much they like to run around. If you notice your hamster chewing the bars, you may need to switch to a bigger cage. Keep a single hamster alone in a cage. If you want two hamsters, do not put them in the same enclosure. There are a lot of people who say hamsters are social creatures, but studies have shown hamsters are actually solitary and could fight to the death with another hamster when given the chance. So if you want to make your hamster happy do not assume its social. Even in the wild a female hamster will chase a male hamster out of her territory when the breading is done. Buy hamster bedding. Dry bedding is essential for the health of a dwarf hamster. It keeps moisture away from the hamster's body and provides shelter and warmth. Choose bedding made of recycled paper, wood pulp, or recycled corncobs. Also make sure you provide a lot of burrowing space for your hamster to dig in. Ideally, you would have at least 15cm of bedding in at least one area. Make sure the bedding you use does not contain pine or cedar shavings. Pine and cedar contain phenols that are toxic to hamsters, since the fumes they produce are so strong. Some hamsters are allergic to certain types of bedding. If your bedding contains pine, cedar, or another allergen, he may start wheezing and sneezing. If you see this happen, switch the bedding to recycled paper or another hypoallergenic bedding. Never ever give your hamster cotton type bedding. It is very dangerous and can kill them. Hamsters cannot digest the cotton fibres in their digestive tract causing blockages. It also presents a choking hazard to your pets. Think about cage placement. Set up the hamster's cage and accessories in a comfortable room. Since hamsters are nocturnal, they should be placed in a room that gets dark at night. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature that veers toward the warm side, since your hamster can catch pneumonia if it gets too cold. Don't leave windows open in the room where the hamster lives. If you have other pets, make sure the hamster is an area where he won't be disturbed or threatened. Clean the cage often. A clean cage will help keep your hamster healthy. Scoop out the dirty bedding every 3 weeks, and wash the entire cage once a month. Spot clean every second day, removing bedding covered in urine and feces. Cleaning too often can stress your hamster and shorten its lifespan, as you are removing all familiar scents and moving its habitat around. In general, a medium spray bottle filled with 2 tbs of bleach or antibacterial dish soap and water will have the cleaning power to disinfect the cage without being too dangerous for your hamster. You can also use a white vinegar to clean the cage. Be sure to wipe down your hamster's toys, dishes, and exercise wheel too, but wait at least a week after washing your hamster's cage, so that the hamster has time to get accustomed to the new smells of his freshly cleaned cage. After cleaning, let the cage air dry for 10-15 minutes before you add 3-8 inches of new fresh bedding. 3-8 inches is the recommended amount. Remember that your dwarf hamster is a great burrower. If you don't give your hamster something to burrow in, it won't be as happy. While you are cleaning the cage, make sure you put your hamster somewhere safe, so he doesn't escape. Place him in a hamster playpen or a dry bathtub. Avoid placing the hamster in a cardboard box while he waits for you to clean his cage. Hamsters can chew through cardboard quickly. Buy your hamster a water bottle. Many hamster cages come with food and water dishes, but if yours doesn't, you'll have to buy your own. Hamsters drink water through bottles with a metal dispenser. Fill the water bottle with fresh water as it runs out. Don't let the water sit in the bottle for too long. If your hamster is slow to drink, refill the bottle a few times a week, and clean the bottle every now and then. Make sure the bottle doesn't leak. Your hamster can get sick if it gets wet, which is why they take their water through a bottle instead of an open container. You may also put a water bottle outside your enclosure because if your hamster escapes, he will search for water. If he does not get enough water, he'll become very weak. Buy hamster food. Serve your dwarf hamster food in a shallow plastic dish. This enables hamsters to access the food easily while keeping the cage clean. Hamsters like to nibble food all the time, so the food dish should be kept stocked with fresh food. Throw it out if it gets wet. Pet food stores sell a range of food for hamsters and most of it falls into the following categories: Fortified pellets or blocks, which should be the hamster's staple diet. Seed mixtures meant for hamsters, which may be added as a supplement. Hamsters also need to eat protein like meal worms (dried or alive), crickets etc. Buy chew sticks. Dwarf hamster teeth grow long and sharp. Your hamster needs something tough to chew on to keep its teeth at a comfortable length. Buy chew sticks or another tough chew toy meant for dulling hamster's teeth. Give your hamster treats. In addition to pellets and seeds, hamsters enjoy treats every once in a while. Vegetables, few fruits, and other fresh foods may be added to the hamster's diet in small doses. Be sure not to give your hamster too much, since you don't want him to have an upset stomach. Since hamsters are prone to diabetes, fruits should be not be used often and in small amounts when they are, in fact, given. Hamsters can have small bits of lettuce, carrots, apples, broccoli, and tomatoes. Your dwarf hamster will also eat oats, cooked meat, and plain yogurt. Avoid acidic and citrus fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving your hamster citrus fruits or sugar, which can make a hamster ill. Peanut butter is another food to avoid feeding your hamster, as it can choke on it. Provide toys and sources of entertainment. Your hamster will have a lot of energy and it'll like to exercise, especially at night. Provide your hamster with toys it can use with or without your help. Exercise wheels are the classic hamster toy. Make sure the wheel is stabilized at the bottom of the cage so it doesn't tip over when the hamster climbs on. Don't choose a wire wheel or your hamster can hurt its feet. The wheel should be big enough that the hamster won't bend its back while it runs on it. Hamster wheels can also be loud, so if you are a light sleeper, put your hamster's cage in a different room. Quiet wheels, usually marketed as silent spinners, are available. For Roborovski Dwarf hamsters the minimum wheel size is 5 inches (13 cm), and for Russian Dwarves (Djungarian/Winter White and Campbell's) and Roborovski hamsters, the minimum is 6.5 inches (17 cm). An alternative to exercise wheels are "flying saucers." They are basically just wheels turned sideways to allow for a flat running surface and quiet rotation. You should get about the same size of saucer as you would a wheel. Exercise balls are another popular choice. The hamster is placed inside a plastic ball, which rolls as the hamster runs around. Do NOT buy such a ball. The hamster is very susceptible to stress. They often panic in these balls and can hurt themselves if they run into objects. Hold him correctly. In the first few days of getting a new dwarf hamster, do not attempt to pick it up. Just put your hand in its cage and let it sniff you to get used to your scent. Don't grab or otherwise roughly handle your hamster, since it has a very fragile body. Always pick a hamster up from the bottom or else it will feel threatened. Start off by sitting on the floor and holding it near the floor. If it senses an easy escape route, it'll be less likely to bite or squirm. Hold your hamster every day. If your dwarf hamster doesn't socialize frequently, it may stop being as friendly when you want to play. Gently lift your hamster from his cage and let him scurry around your lap at least once a day. Help your hamster stay clean. Dwarf hamsters are very clean animals and rarely need intervention from their owners to maintain good hygiene. However, once a week you can pour some small animal sand into a bowl and allow your hamster to take a sand bath, which imitates the type of substance hamsters use to keep clean in the wild. If your hamster is very dirty, get a small brush that humans use to dye their hair roots or a toothbrush. Wet it and gently stroke your hamster with it. Dab dry with a rag. Never bathe a hamster by submerging it in water. This will cause the hamster to become very ill. Identify a healthy dwarf hamster. In general, dwarf hamsters have thickset bodies, large cheek pouches, and short tails. Make sure it does not have any nasal or eye discharge, nor any other signs of illness. Russian dwarf hamsters are particularly prone to diabetes. A hamster suffering from this condition will drink a lot of water and urinate more frequently than other dwarf hamsters. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your hamster has diabetes. Check for wet tail. A recently weaned or an extremely stressed out dwarf hamster may come down with a disease called “wet tail.” Your hamster experiences diarrhea — the excessive moisture from this causes its tail to become literally wet. Consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Tyzzer's disease causes diarrhea in young or stressed hamsters. This is a disease that needs veterinarian treatment. Certain antibiotics can cause and exacerbate this condition, so don't treat your hamster on your own. Look for signs of parasites. Like dogs and cats, dwarf hamsters can suffer from parasites like tapeworms. Tapeworms are the most predominant, so be on the look out. When you clean out your hamster's cage, be on the lookout for signs of diarrhea and little white rice-like worm segments. If you suspect that your dwarf hamster has a tapeworm, see a veterinarian. Bring a stool sample with you. With the help of a microscope, your vet will be able to properly diagnose your hamster. Your vet will prescribe a dewormer for you to use. It will come in either a topical or an oral form. Follow the instructions on the product in order to administer. Check their eyes and nose regularly. Dwarf hamsters are susceptible to cold viruses just like humans. Occasionally, this can escalate to pneumonia. A dwarf hamster with pneumonia will have eye and nasal discharge. It will also stop eating. This is serious. Call your veterinarian immediately. Look for abscesses too. Dwarf hamsters are prone to abscess formation as well, often caused by their teeth. This is most common around their head and cheek pouch areas. Abscesses are essentially infected pockets of puss that will appear underneath your hamster's skin and fur. If present, they will be sensitive to touch. Your hamster will resist your inspection. Contact your veterinarian about how you should proceed. In many cases, the abscess will heal on its own, but if it gets too bad, your vet will probably have to lance and treat the spot. | Pick out a hamster cage. Keep a single hamster alone in a cage. Buy hamster bedding. Think about cage placement. Clean the cage often. Buy your hamster a water bottle. Buy hamster food. Buy chew sticks. Give your hamster treats. Provide toys and sources of entertainment. Hold him correctly. Help your hamster stay clean. Identify a healthy dwarf hamster. Check for wet tail. Look for signs of parasites. Check their eyes and nose regularly. Look for abscesses too. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-EBITDA | How to Calculate EBITDA | To calculate “EBITDA”, or your company's earnings before income, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, start by gathering the income statement, cash flow statement, and profit and loss report for your business. On the income statement, find your company's operating profit, or “EBIT,” or calculate it by subtracting the total expenses for the year from the total sales revenue. Then, add the depreciation and amortization expenses from the profit and loss report or cash flow statement to the operating profit. The total is the EBITDA for the company. | Obtain your company's income statement, cash flow statement, and/or profit and loss report. EBITDA is fairly to simple to calculate with just a few of your company's important operating metrics. To calculate EBITDA, you'll want verifiable information regarding your company's earnings, tax and interest expenses, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Usually, earnings, tax, and interest figures are included on a company's income statement, while depreciation and amortization figures are found in the notes to a company's profit and loss report or on its cash flow statement. Find the operating profit (EBIT) on the income statement. This is the company's revenue minus its expenses (without taking taxes and interest into account). The expenses include amortization and depreciation. To calculate EBIT manually, subtract your expenses (besides interest and taxes) from your sales revenue. For example, let's say we own a construction company whose revenue for the past year was $68,000,000. However, our operating expenses were $45,000,000. In this case, our company's operating profit (EBIT) = revenue - expenses = $68,000,000 - $45,000,000 = $23,000,000. Expenses include: depreciation, amortization, salaries, rent & utilities, cost of goods sold, selling, general and administrative expenses. Sum any expenses due to depreciation. Assets that a company owns can decrease in value over time through natural wear and tear and through fluctuating market conditions. Expenses incurred in this way are known as expenses due to depreciation. Usually, depreciation expenses are listed on a company's profit and loss report or on its cash flow statement. Find and add up any itemized depreciation expenses to obtain a single total for your company's depreciation expenses. Record this value - it will be needed to calculate EBITDA. For example, let's say our construction company purchased several buildings a few years ago and that their combined value was $8,750,000. These buildings have an estimated useful life of 35 years. In this case, assuming linear or straight-line depreciation, the cranes will collectively depreciate $8,750,000/35 = $250,000 per year. Sum any expenses due to amortization. Amortization is related to depreciation but is not technically the same. Amortization refers to expenses incurred from the acquisition of an intangible asset over the length of the asset's life, whereas depreciation refers to tangible assets. Usually, amortization expenses are listed along with depreciation expenses on a profit and loss report or on a cash flow statement. Add up any itemized amortization expenses to obtain a single total and record this value. For example, let's say that a few years ago, our company spent $100,000 to obtain certain industry trademarks. Let's say that this amount of money bought us the rights for five years. In this case, the expense due to amortization would be $100,000/5 = $20,000 per year. Calculate EBITDA via the formula EBIT + depreciation + amortization = EBITDA. Add your total expenses due to depreciation and amortization back to your company's EBIT. EBITDA is a measure of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Since depreciation and amortization were already deducted to find EBIT, you need to add them back in to obtain EBITDA. In our construction company example, let's assume that the depreciation and amortization expenses calculated above are the only ones our company incurred (in real life, obviously, we may have to add multiple depreciation and/or amortization expenses to obtain a total value). In this case, we could calculate via the formula EBIT + depreciation + amortization = EBITDA. $23,000,000 + $250,000 + $20,000 = $23,270,000. Our company's EBITDA is $23,270,000. Don't use EBITDA as the sole measure of your company's financial health. EBITDA has some usefulness in financial analysis. For instance, it's an easy way to define how much money your company has to pay off outstanding debts in the short term - if a company that has $2,000,000 in interest payments but $3,000,000 in EBITDA, it can be argued that the company has plenty of money to pay off its debt. However, because EBITDA doesn't account for important expenses and because it's easily manipulated, it's unwise to use it as the only measure of your company's vitality. EBITDA isn't necessarily a good indication of whether your company is losing money or making money. It's possible, for instance, for a company to have a positive EBITDA but a negative operating cash flow. Because of this, EBITDA can make a company look much healthier than it actually is. Don't purposefully manipulate your company's EBITDA. EBITDA can be manipulated by unscrupulous accounting practices. For example, because depreciation and amortization are determined relatively subjectively (via projections, estimates, and experience), it's possible to change a company's EBITDA by altering depreciation and amortization schedules. Though depreciation and amortization are non-cash expenses (cash has already been exchanged for the depreciating/amortizing assets), but they exist for a reason. Eventually, equipment fails and intangible assets expire. When this happens, very real cash expenses result. As a real-world example of EBITDA manipulation, some airline companies have altered the depreciation schedules on their aircraft to make their EBITDA appear larger. Don't use EBITDA data to misrepresent your company. One of the biggest reasons that EBITDA has come under fire as a useful metric is that it can be used to misinform investors and lenders. For instance, in certain industries loan limits are sometimes set as a percentage of EBITDA , so, by manipulating their company's EBITDA, business owners can mislead lenders into giving larger loans than they normally would. Fraudulent practices like these designed to swindle a company's stakeholders are unethical and can even be illegal. | Obtain your company's income statement, cash flow statement, and/or profit and loss report. Find the operating profit (EBIT) on the income statement. Sum any expenses due to depreciation. Sum any expenses due to amortization. Calculate EBITDA via the formula EBIT + depreciation + amortization = EBITDA. Don't use EBITDA as the sole measure of your company's financial health. Don't purposefully manipulate your company's EBITDA. Don't use EBITDA data to misrepresent your company. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Describe-Pain | How to Describe Pain | To describe your pain, try using a scale of 0-10, where 0 is no pain and 10 is unimaginable pain. You can also use descriptive words, like sharp, throbbing, or burning, to help explain your pain. In addition to describing the intensity of pain, try to show where you hurt by pointing to the area of your body if you don't know the name. Say whether the pain is on your skin or internal, where your muscles are. You should also describe how long the discomfort lasts and how often you feel it to give an idea of how it comes and goes. | Look at the pain scale. The pain scale is used by doctors to help determine the severity of your pain. The pain scale is numbered from 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the most severe pain. You can rank your pain on the scale by choosing a number on the scale. The scale is as follows: 0 - No pain, feeling perfectly normal. 1 - Very mild pain. 2 - Discomforting pain that is minor. 3 - Tolerable pain that is noticeable but not overwhelming. 4 - Distressing, strong pain that you cannot adapt to. 5 - Very distressing, strong pain that gets in the way of your normal lifestyle and routine. 6 - Intense, strong pain that affects your senses and clouds your thinking. 7 - Very intense pain that dominates your senses and is debilitating. 8 - Utterly horrible pain that overrides your senses, your thinking, and your personality. 9 - Excruciating, unbearable pain that require painkillers or surgery. 10 - The worst pain you have ever experienced. Identify if your pain is minor, moderate, or severe. Based on the pain scale, your pain is considered minor if you fall within 1-3. Your pain is moderate if you fall within 4-6, and your pain is severe if you fall within 7-10. Your doctor may find it useful if you describe your pain as minor, moderate, or severe using the pain scale, as they can then more easily classify your pain as a symptom. Keep in mind that people have different levels of pain tolerance, so your idea of minor pain may be someone else's idea of moderate pain. Pain is a subjective experience, but your doctor can use your pain scale rating to understand how you're feeling. Chose an illustrated face on the scale. In most cases, the pain scale comes illustrated with cartoon faces that move from 0 to 10. The illustrated face at 0 is smiling and pain free, while the face at 10 is weeping in agony. You may be able to describe your pain best to your doctor by pointing at a certain face on the scale. The illustrated faces on the scale are often most useful for people who respond visually to pain. This can also be very helpful in a crisis situation where someone is unable to talk, or in small children who have difficulty describing their pain. Keep in mind the subjective nature of the pain scale. The pain scale is widely used by doctors, but it is also not the only way for you to describe pain. Sometimes, it can be hard to place your pain on an exact number on the scale or within a certain range. Your “5” on the scale could be someone else's “7.” Your doctor should keep the subjective tolerance of the pain scale in mind when they are using it to diagnose and treat your issue. Describe where the pain is located. You can also describe pain based on its location on your body. Point to where it hurts on your body. Use a graphic of a human figure to indicate where the pain is concentrated in your body. The doctor may also ask you to note a difference between pain that is on the surface of your skin and pain that is under surface, or internal. For example, you may experience pain on the surface of your hand and pain under the surface of your wrist, where the joints and tendons are. Your doctor will likely be able to tell the difference between surface pain and internal pain, such as by palpating the area. Discuss how often you experience pain. It can also helpful to consider the pattern of your pain. You may experience pain once a day or several times throughout the day. The pain may be ongoing throughout the day at varying levels of severity. Ask yourself, “When do I experience pain?” “How often do I experience pain?” “Do I experience pain in lesser or greater degrees throughout the day?” “When does the pain occur? Does the pain occur when I am walking, exercising, or eating?” If your pain has only persisted for 6 weeks or less, it's considered acute pain. It's subacute pain if it's lasted anywhere between 6 weeks and 3-6 months, and chronic pain is anything that's lasted more than 3-6 months. Chronic pain can be caused by structural or biochemical issues, as well as stress or other emotional issues. Determine how long the pain lasts. You can also describe the duration of the pain to your doctor. Consider if the pain lasts for a few minutes or a few seconds. Maybe the pain lasts for one hour or is very severe for a few minutes and then reappears a few minutes later. Ask yourself, “How long do I feel pain?” “Does my pain come and go throughout the day?” Discuss other symptoms you experience besides pain. You may experience symptoms like blurred vision, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, gas, or vomiting. These symptoms could be due to the pain or due to a medical condition that is causing your pain. Ask yourself, “What other symptoms am I experiencing besides pain?” Share them with your doctor so they can make note of them. Describe pain using adjectives. Sometimes it helps to describe pain using vocabulary that is descriptive and vivid. Try using adjectives that connect back to your senses. Consider how your pain feels, smells, sounds, tastes, and looks. There are many adjectives you can use to describe pain, such as “sharp,” “stabbing,” “throbbing,” “numb,” “tingling,” “intense,” “scalding,” and “pulsing.” For example, you may tell your doctor, “The pain is pulsing through my arms and legs” or “The pain is numbing my hands and making them feel tingly.” Use a metaphor or simile to describe pain. You can also compare the pain to other experiences of pain in your life. This can help your doctor get a sense of the severity of your pain. Use a metaphor, where you compare one object to another, or a simile, where you compare one object to another using “like” or “as.” For example, you may use a metaphor like, “My pain is a laser beam along my spine” or “The pain is small daggers in my arms and legs.” You can also use a simile like, “My pain is as bad as when I gave birth to my child” or “My pain is like the time I fell out the window onto the pavement as a kid.” Keep a pain journal. Use the journal to write down how the pain feels in the moment. Describe the pain using adjectives, metaphors, and similes. You can then show the journal to your doctor to help them get a sense of your pain. In the journal, you can also take note of how often you feel pain and how severe it feels day to day, or hour by hour. Mark down the time and date so you can track the pain and use your notes to describe it in detail to your doctor. | Look at the pain scale. Identify if your pain is minor, moderate, or severe. Chose an illustrated face on the scale. Keep in mind the subjective nature of the pain scale. Describe where the pain is located. Discuss how often you experience pain. Determine how long the pain lasts. Discuss other symptoms you experience besides pain. Describe pain using adjectives. Use a metaphor or simile to describe pain. Keep a pain journal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/End-a-Friendship-with-Your-Best-Friend | How to End a Friendship with Your Best Friend | Ending a friendship with your best friend can be a hard decision, but if you're unhappy spending time together then it might be the best thing for you both. One way to end your friendship is to distance yourself a bit. Take a few days to get back to them if they contact you, or make excuses why you can't hang out. For example, if they ask what you're doing over the weekend, try telling them something like “I'm pretty busy. I have plans with my family.” If you prefer to be more direct with your friend, then suggest that you meet up in a neutral spot, like the park or coffee shop, and tell them why you don't want to be friends anymore. For instance, you might say something like “I think we should take a break from each other. It makes me sad when you criticize my looks and pressure me to change things about myself.” Listen to their response, but stay firm in your decision, and try to end things on a positive note, like “I wish you the best.” | Take a few days to get back to them if they contact you. Your bestie might not understand or accept what's happening, so it's possible that they will start calling, texting, and messaging you more when you stop communicating with them. If this happens, don't pick up the phone and don't respond to texts or social media messages right away. Wait a few days to get back to them, and then keep your responses brief. If they ask a question that can be answered with a yes or a no, respond this way and don't offer any other information. If they ask you something requiring a longer response, keep it as brief and impersonal as possible. Make excuses for why you can’t hang out. Your best friend might try to make plans with you when you start distancing yourself from them. If this happens, make an excuse for why you can't. Say you already have plans, you don't feel well, you have homework, or anything else you can think of to get out of it. Don't offer an alternative time either, just make the excuse and leave it at that. For example, if they ask what you're doing over the weekend, try saying something like, “I'm busy this weekend. I have plans with my family.” If they try to get you to suggest a time to hang out, try saying something like, “I've got a lot going on right now, so I can't really make any plans.” Be less accommodating towards them if you can’t avoid hanging out. Your best friend might be used to you doing whatever they want. If this is the case and you can't get out of seeing them for some reason, then flip the script on them and become very unaccommodating. This may cause them to dislike spending time with you and decrease their interest in doing it again. For example, if you usually meet them at their house, say that they need to meet you at your house instead. Stick to neutral, impersonal topics when you can’t avoid conversation. Bumping into people can be opportunities for connection and intimacy, so it's important to maintain your distance if you encounter your best friend unexpectedly. Stick to neutral topics and keep information about yourself to a minimum. For example, if they ask what's new with you, try saying something like, “Not much.” If you don't want to talk with your ex-bestie at all, you can always just keep walking. A polite smile and wave is fine, too, if you want to be friendly. Stop contacting them via phone, text, and social media. If you have resolved to break up with a friend, you will need to stop contacting them altogether at some point. After you have distanced yourself from them for a few weeks, stop contacting them. Don't call them, text them, or message them on social media. If you often bump into them on your way to work or school, take a different route. If you attend the same school or work together, ask to sit somewhere away from them. Choose a neutral place to meet up for the conversation. Avoid meeting up at their home or yours to talk, but you may also want to avoid meeting in a crowded public place, such as the school cafeteria. Instead, pick a place that is neutral, such as a café or park. This will help to ensure that neither of you has an advantage. You will also both be able to go your separate ways after the conversation, rather than one of you having to leave the other person's space. Telling them face-to-face is preferable, but you can text them if you're worried about their reaction, such as if they have a bad temper and you're afraid they might lash out at you. Use “I” statements to tell them you don’t want to be friends any more. Reflect on your reasons for wanting to end the friendship. Then, tell the person why you don't want to remain friend based on these reasons. Avoid starting sentences with “you” when you do this as this may cause them to become more defensive. For example, you might say something like, “I don't think we should be friends any more. I feel hurt when you never ask me about what's happening in my life.” Or, you might say, “I think we should take a break. I feel sad when you criticize my looks and pressure me to change things about myself.” “I” statements are less likely to cause your bestie to feel defensive, so it's important to craft what you want to tell your best friend in this format. Listen to their response, but remain firm in your decision. After you have said how you feel, they might want to respond. Be willing to listen to them, but stick with your decision. Don't allow them to sway you if you've made up your mind about breaking up with your best friend. Make eye contact with them, nod your head to show you're paying attention, and put away anything that might distract you, such as your phone. Try to keep your body language open while you listen to them, too, such as by facing them, keeping your arms at your sides, and leaning in towards them. Avoid getting into a back-and-forth about who did what. It is possible that your best friend will want to hash out the details of why you are breaking up with them, but this is unlikely to resolve anything. If they start to drag out past arguments or a list of their perceived wrongs, stop them and excuse yourself. For example, you could say, “I don't want to get into this because I don't think it will solve anything.” End the conversation on a positive note. Try saying something to indicate that you mean the person no ill will, even though you don't want to remain friends. You can say something to indicate that you'll cherish your memories together or that you will still be polite and friendly when you encounter them. Try saying something like, “I'll always remember the good times we had together,” or “I wish you the very best!” Talk with a trusted friend or family member about what happened. Ask another friend or a supportive family member to meet up with you to talk or call them up. Tell them what happened and how you're feeling. If the person is friends with your ex-bestie, make sure that they feel comfortable talking with you about the breakup first. After breaking up with your best friend, you might need to talk things over with someone you trust. Eliminate them from your social media feeds. To protect yourself from seeing your friend's images and posts, unfriend them or at least unfollow or mute them on social media. They will likely do the same with you, so don't feel bad about it. You might even consider taking a break from social media for a few weeks or longer. This will eliminate the chance that you'll stumble on a post they're tagged in or a post that reminds you of them. Seeing your ex-best friend's pictures and posts every day will make getting over the breakup even harder on you. Make plans with other people to keep yourself busy. Make plans with other friends and family members to occupy your newfound free time. Plan fun activities that you will be excited about doing. For example, you could arrange for a group of friends to go bowling or mini-golfing with you over the weekend, ask your family to accompany you on a hike, or join a local club or special interest group to make some new friends. Having things to look forward to will help you to feel better and keep you busy. Avoid gossiping about your ex best friend. Your other friends might be curious about why you and your best friend broke up, but there's no need to get into it. This could lead to awkwardness and make your other friends feel like you expect them to pick sides. Instead, come up with a simple way to explain what happened if people ask. Try saying something like, “We just don't spend that much time together anymore.” Set a goal that you can work towards to occupy free time. Try setting a personal, professional, academic, or fitness goal for yourself and identify ways that you can work towards it. For example, if your goal is to finish writing a book that you started, commit to writing every day for 30 minutes. If you want to get a promotion at work, take on extra tasks and volunteer for special projects to set yourself apart from your coworkers. Having a goal can be a good way to focus your attention and avoid dwelling on what happened between you and your best friend. Look for any lessons you can learn from the experience. Reflect on the friendship and what killed it to identify things you might do differently in the future. For example, if you broke up with your friend because they were really negative and it rubbed off on you, you might gravitate towards more positive people in the future. Or, if you broke up with your friend because they were really clingy and you needed space, then you might seek out friends who are more independent. Breaking up with your best friend is a difficult process, but you can learn and grow from it like any other experience. | Take a few days to get back to them if they contact you. Make excuses for why you can’t hang out. Be less accommodating towards them if you can’t avoid hanging out. Stick to neutral, impersonal topics when you can’t avoid conversation. Stop contacting them via phone, text, and social media. Choose a neutral place to meet up for the conversation. Use “I” statements to tell them you don’t want to be friends any more. Listen to their response, but remain firm in your decision. Avoid getting into a back-and-forth about who did what. End the conversation on a positive note. Talk with a trusted friend or family member about what happened. Eliminate them from your social media feeds. Make plans with other people to keep yourself busy. Avoid gossiping about your ex best friend. Set a goal that you can work towards to occupy free time. Look for any lessons you can learn from the experience. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stipple | How to Stipple | To stipple an image, replicate it on a piece of paper by using a pen or pencil to create a series of small dots or points that look like the image. For darker portions of the image, place the dots close together, and for lighter sections, space the dots further apart. As you're stippling the image, start with the basic outline and major shapes. Then, move on to the smaller details to finish your drawing. | Evaluate the image you are recreating. Although you can certainly create a stippled drawing from an imagined image, it is much easier to do so with a hard copy to examine as you draw. Outside of determining where figures and objects are in the composition, you'll need to look for a few other important elements. With your drawing laid out in front of you, look for: The light source and the direction of the light. The light will determine what areas need more stippling and what areas need less. The value of the drawing. This is where on the grayscale each of the colors (or shades) lie - how dark or light the colors are. Value is closely related to light. The shapes in the drawing. You'll be creating all the figures and objects without using any lines, so pay attention to the shapes that compose the figures, and recreate them with your stippling. Decide on your medium. Because stippling is just the process of creating hundreds of tiny dots that make up an image, you can use many different media for creating the dots. Higher quality pointillism pieces are done with more dots per square inch, meaning that they were made with a drawing utensil that allowed for very small dots to be made. Keep this in mind, because although you can use about any medium you want to create your image, the smaller the mark that is made, the more realistic your image will look. Possible media for stippling include: A fine point pen. Most artists who do high-quality stippling use a pen with a.03 or.005 inch (0.0 cm) nib. This allows for tiny dots and plenty of shading. Pencils - colored or otherwise. Although by using pencil you run the risk of smearing the graphite and blending the color, you can use it to create small dots. Colored pencil is less likely to smear than graphite, and will add a bit more interest (and difficulty) to your image. Paint. Paint is typically considered the most difficult medium to stipple with, because it is much easier to accidentally create a stroke/line than it is with pen or pencil. Decide how dense you will make your dots. Before you start making any dots, you need to decide how dense you will draw them. A more detailed image can be made with a higher density of dots. Keep in mind that an image with lots of dark values will need more stippling than an image with plenty of light. Try doing a set of dots on a piece of test paper, creating different shades of gray (or colors, if you're using colored pencil) by spacing out the dots different amounts. You can then reference this test paper as you create your final project. The higher the density of dots, the more time it will take to recreate an image. If you don't want to put a lot of time into the project but still need dark values, try using a pen with a larger nib (such as.1) or a different medium that creates larger spots. Choose a starting point. Looking at the original image, decide where you will begin your stippling on your drawing. Typically, it is easiest to choose the darkest point on your drawing. That is because you have more room for mistakes in the dark sections, because you can just add more dots to cover up anything you might do wrong. Begin stippling. Carefully lift and press your pen (or other utensil) onto your sheet of paper. The closer you place your dots, the darker the area on the paper will appear. Start with the darkest point, and then work around the image, filling in all the dark areas. Eventually, begin adding in the lighter areas by adding dots that are spaced further apart from each other. As you're stippling, remember to: Keep all the dots evenly spaced. Although you can put some dots close together and others far apart, the finished work will look more attractive if the dots are evenly spaced. Avoid making dashes. Nothing will ruin your stippling project faster than adding dashes instead of dots. Be careful to always lift your pen (or other utensil) completely off the paper before setting it back down. Move slowly. Speed is not your friend when stippling. You'll be much more likely to create a significant mistake if you're working quickly, than if you are patient and take your time. Stippling is a very time-intensive practice, so be prepared to put many hours (or weeks!) into a single project. Add in detail. As the major shapes begin to appear, start adding small dots in patterns to form lines and shapes. From far away, these dots will appear to be lines. Close-up though, you'll see them as they really are. You can also choose to begin stippling your image in a more dramatic pattern. For example, stipple all your dots in rows/columns or diagonal lines. These patterns will only be noticeable close-up and in the light (emptier) spaces. Finish your project. Stippling can take a very long time to complete, so don't rush your work. When, however, you believe you are finished with your work, take a step back and look at it from afar. The true test of pointillism is its ability to create shapes and figures at a distance, not just when you're standing close. If your stippling is dense, from far away the dots should look like shapes that were drawn, rather than just dots. | Evaluate the image you are recreating. Decide on your medium. Decide how dense you will make your dots. Choose a starting point. Begin stippling. Add in detail. Finish your project. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Bid | How to Write a Bid | Before writing a bid, calculate the costs for all supplies and expenses involved with the job, such as time spent on the job, travel, lodging, meals, and subcontractors. When writing the bid, place all cost information in line-item form so the client knows exactly what the bid includes. Also, make sure to include any limitations or stipulations, such as specific safety requirements. Finally, list your contact information, company name, payment requirements, and a list of references. | Ask your client for references. You need to know up front if the potential client is a good credit risk and whether you ought to request payment up front. If you discover that the client has a record of not paying his bills, do not bid the job. It will only be a waste of time. Determine what type of work the job will require. Examine the working conditions or space. Analyze the difficulty of the work. Some jobs are not worth the time it takes to write a bid if the work is so difficult or time-consuming it won't allow you to make a profit. Try to determine your chances of being the winning bidder. If you know that another contractor or company that consistently underbids just to win a job is bidding, strongly consider whether or not you want to spend the time writing up the bid. Ask the potential client about all aspects of the job. Find out the details about expectations and what the final product should reflect. If applicable, review the current condition of anything you'll be working on. For instance, if you're repairing a porch, check its condition before writing up the bid. If you're consulting with a company about its marketing campaign, request its current branding and positioning statement. Physical inspection of site is always wise when bidding any job. Check for bid requirements. Some companies might prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) which details requirements and conditions for job and bid process. In such cases, the requirements should be followed exactly. These are especially prevalent for government contracts. Calculate the costs for all supplies and expenses. Once you determine what the job entails, add up all the supplies needed, other expenses, labor costs and the amount of time you expect to spend on the job. Supplies include any materials needed to do the job. Expenses are any travel, lodging or meal costs, as well as subcontractor or equipment rental fees. Some companies may require minimum pay for labor or the use of minority contractors for a portion of the work. For example, if you are preparing a bid to install new windows you would include the cost of the windows, wood for the frames if required, and the number of workers needed to complete the job with their per day cost. Subcontractor costs might entail hiring a carpenter if extensive repair work is required for the window frames. Include how many days it will require to complete the job. Review all information. If you notice that you have missed anything, add it now. Check to make sure you are making a profit from the job and that all expenses, including any overhead costs, are calculated into the bid. Overhead refers to business expenses that are not related to direct materials or labor. Overhead expenses must be paid no matter what the volume of your business is. These can include insurance, rent and utilities. Overhead must be built into any bid or you risk not making a profit on the job. For the new windows bid you might need to include a portion of the salary of an administrative assistant, rent or mortgage for office space, worker's compensation insurance and cost of utilities. Usually, these expenses are built into the retail price of the windows rather than itemized separately. Just don't forget to include them when you are preparing your bid. In addition, you should always add a contingency budget equal to 5%-10% of the total estimated cost. Write your bid proposal. All cost information should be in line-item form so that your client knows exactly what the bid includes. Specify any limitations, exclusions or stipulations for the bid, like limiting hours of work, specific safety requirements, etc. Your contact information, company name and payment requirements should appear prominently on the bid proposal. Include a list of references with contact information in your bid. Your bid could look something like this: Windows in A Day, Inc. 400 South St, Pittsfield, MA 800-222-5512 Remove and dispose of 20 current windows at 100 Main St, Anytown, MA. Install 20 windows, part number WI2379, $250 per window = $5,000 Repair all rotted wood along the window frames, $100 per window Existing windows become property of Windows in A Day and will be disposed of upon job completion. Prices include 3 laborers for 3 days Work is guaranteed for 10 years. We are fully insured with certificates available for inspection. Payment is due one week from the completion of the job. A 1% service fee will be added for every week beyond the payment due date. References: John Smith, 800-225-7980 or Edward Lang, 888-253-4367 Print and submit your bid proposal. This should be printed on company stationery with your logo or type in your company name and address on plain white paper. Your bid should look professional and be accurate. Proofread it several times before printing the final copies. Present your potential client with two copies and keep one for your file. Re-read the business's RFP if one was provided. Check to see that your bid meets the requested formatting and submission requirements. Make sure you submit the bid before the deadline. It would be a shame to go through all the preparation and then lose the bid because you were late in submitting. If possible, obtain a receipt from the potential client stating the date your bid was received. Ask former clients to recommend you. Perhaps a former client was very pleased with your work and would be willing to make a call to the decision maker for your current bid. You could also ask a former client to post a review on such online sites as Angie's List. Your bid should include these references, particularly if they are for similar work. Follow all directions and requirements. If you are writing a bid proposal in response to a Request for Proposal, be sure to answer all questions and content requirements set forth in the document. In addition to references, most proposals include an executive summary, a documented explanation of work entailed in the bid proposal and other contractual information that makes it more specific than just a bid. For example, your executive summary for the windows project could state "Windows in a Day, Inc. has been selling and installing top quality windows in both commercial and residential properties for the past 20 years. All work is guaranteed to last for 10 years." The work section could state "Install 20 windows, part number WI2379, at 100 Main St, Anytown, MA. Remove and dispose of current windows. Repair all rotted wood along the window frames." Analyze successes and failures. Keep track of bids that were won in the past and look for trends. Perhaps you won more with small vs. large businesses, the bid amounts were relatively small, or they were long vs. short term projects. Also find out who you are losing to and the reasons why. | Ask your client for references. Determine what type of work the job will require. Ask the potential client about all aspects of the job. Check for bid requirements. Calculate the costs for all supplies and expenses. Review all information. Write your bid proposal. Print and submit your bid proposal. Ask former clients to recommend you. Follow all directions and requirements. Analyze successes and failures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tame-Pigeons-to-Be-out-of-Cage-Permanently | How to Tame Pigeons to Be out of Cage Permanently | Before you tame pigeons to be out of their cage permanently, give them a week to settle in and adjust to their new home. Then, start spending more time near your pigeons' cage so they grow comfortable with your presence. You can feed them treats, sing to them, or coo softly when you're around to bond with them. Once your pigeons are comfortable enough with you to eat out of your hand, you can start letting them out of their cage. | Adopt or buy young birds for easier taming. The younger your birds, the more quickly they'll adjust to you and your home. Younger birds will only ever be familiar with you and your space, and they shouldn't have to overcome any bad experiences with previous owners. Mature domesticated pigeons should eventually learn to trust you as well, but they may require a little more time and patience. Pick pigeons in pairs or groups to keep your birds happy. Pigeons are extremely social birds who need constant companionship. If your pigeons choose to court and mate, they'll be together for life. Plan on keeping at least two birds. If you have room, consider creating a small flock of four to six pigeons. If you end up with a mated pair, you may need to keep the pigeons from breeding. Female pigeons lay eggs every month. Once they've laid two eggs, remove the eggs and replace them with warmed-up wooden eggs. Both pigeons will continue to sit on the wooden eggs until they realize they won't hatch. Destroy the real eggs by leaving them outside for other animals to eat. This process will need to be repeated each month. If your female bird is sitting on a fake egg, it won't continue to lay eggs. Laying eggs too often can result in calcium deficiency and death. Any female bird can lay eggs, though without a male bird they will be infertile. You can find fake eggs online. For example, try http://theeggshop.com/. Adopt your pigeons to save homeless pets. There are many domesticated pigeons without homes located at animal or bird shelters and rescues. While adopting may not allow you to choose the exact age or breed of pigeon that you'd like, you'll be helping out a bird in need. Adoption is also a generally less expensive option than purchasing birds through breeders. Most adoption services will cover any initial vet bills. They sometimes also allow you to foster your birds to see if you make a good match. Adopting may provide you with birds that either require more time before they're tamed, or that never become fully comfortable being touched or handled by you. Be ready to spend lots of time building trust. Find a breeder online to buy a specific type of pigeon. Find reputable breeders by contacting them directly. Ask how long the breeder has been operating, and see if they'd be willing to send photos of their facility to make sure their birds are well treated. Breeders can allow you to choose younger birds, or racing, homing, and other types of unique pigeons. They'll also be able to provide you with a pair of birds that's used to spending lots of time with people. Birds from breeders may be ready to be handled more quickly than rescued birds. However, they'll likely cost more than rescued birds. Avoid adopting wild pigeons. If you find a lost or injured wild pigeon, take the bird to a wildlife rescue that won't kill the bird. While wild pigeons may eventually become comfortable as pets, they'll likely never be as tame as domesticated pigeons. It's also not fair to the wild bird to prevent it from enjoying its previous lifestyle. Before you take the pigeon to the rescue, call the facility to be sure they're prepared to care for and then safely release the pigeon. You can find a map of bird-safe rescues located in the United States here: http://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/some-pigeon-dove-friendly-rescues-in-the-us/ Most animal rescues will not kill the bird unless it is beyond saving or has a low quality of life. Build a large and safe aviary for outdoor birds. Unlike indoor birds who can be let of of their cages, outdoor pigeons will be spending all of their time inside the aviary to keep them safe from predators. For 2-4 birds, create a 7-foot (2.13-m) by 4-foot (1.22-m) space that's at least 6-7 feet (1.83-2.13 m) high. Make a solid, sloped roof to keep out the weather and provide a “attic” for roosting. You may want to leave a small area of the roof exposed to the elements by covering it just with your wildlife-proof mesh. This will brighten up your aviary and allow your pigeons to play in the rain. Enclose the sides of the aviary in wildlife-proof mesh with with openings of an half-inch (1.27 cm) or less. Pigeons prefer long, rectangular spaces that make it easier for them to fly around. Avoid circles or hexagons. Note that some larger types of pigeons, such as King Pigeons, require outdoor aviaries. Make your aviary easy to clean by laying down drain rock. Line your aviary floor with cement and 1.5-inch (3.81-cm) drain rock. A covering of drain rock will make it simple for you to clean your aviary. You'll need to clean pigeon poop off cement or wooden floors daily, while drain rock can be hosed down or raked every week or so. The rocks and pebbles need to be larger than 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to keep your birds from swallowing them. A cement floor is crucial for keeping out digging predators. If you can't lay down cement, line the floor with hardware mesh with openings of an half-inch (1.27 cm) or less. Your mesh will need to be covered with earth or drain rock to protect your birds' feet. Locate your aviary in a sunny outdoor area. Place your aviary in a spot where it can benefit from plenty of sunshine, as pigeons love the light. Since pigeons do coo and make some noise, ask your neighbors where they'd be most comfortable with the aviary. This will keep you from becoming your neighbors' new worst enemy. Choose a spacious and safe cage for indoor birds. Two birds require a cage that's no smaller than 42 inches (106.68 cm) wide, 27 inches (65.58 cm) deep, and 30 inches (76.2 cm) high. Cover the bottom of the cage with a pigeon-friendly and easy-to-clean liner, such as a plastic or yoga mat that's cut to size. Widely-spaced bars will work for cages in homes without other pets, but you'll need thinly-spaced bars that keep out snouts and teeth if you have other furry critters in your home. Pigeons usually require 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) to 5/8 inch (1.59 cm) bar spacing because they have small heads (they shouldn't be able to stick their heads out between the bars). Good cage liners also include newspapers or bird litter. Locate your cage away from fumes and near natural light. Pigeons have poor vision in low light, and indoor spaces will always be dimmer than the outdoors. Locate your cage in an area that gets plenty of sunshine and that receives additional lighting from a mounted full spectrum light. Keep the cage away from the kitchen to prevent the birds from inhaling any damaging cooking fumes, and don't smoke, light candles, or use air fresheners inside your home. Be sure to avoid cooking with Teflon or non-stick pots and pans, as these give off toxic fumes that could injure or kill your birds. If you can't mount a full spectrum light in the room where your birdcage is located, place a full spectrum lamp near, but not directly next to your birdcage. Stay patient with new birds as they adjust to your home. Most birds will need about a week to get used to their new space. Keep their environment quiet during this time, and ensure that you and everyone else in your family give the birds the time and space they need during this adjustment period. Keep pets away from the cage or aviary to avoid traumatizing your new birds. It may be a good idea to keep young children away from your new pigeons during the first week or so. Children may not fully understand why they have be quiet or calm around the birds, and this may cause the birds to think they're predators. Keep your movements and voice calm around your pigeons. As your pigeons get used to you and their new home, it's important that they don't become scared of you. Keep your hands behind your back whenever you approach the cage, and avoid sudden movements. Speak, sing, or coo softly to the birds to comfort them and make them familiar with the sound of your voice. Spend time near your birds' cage or aviary to introduce yourself. As your birds begin to become more comfortable with your presence, spend more time with them. If your birds are still hiding or cowering when you're near their enclosure, give them more time. If not, study or read next to their cage or aviary for a few hours each day. Feed your birds treats while they're in their enclosures. Reach through the bars or wire mesh of the birds' cage or aviary to provide treats. At first, simply place the treats on the ground. This will let the birds know that you're a source of food and care. Slowly, the birds should begin to take treats directly from your hands. Stay outside of their enclosure the first few times you do this. The security of the cage or aviary will let the bird know they're safe. Once they've eaten out of your hands a few times, either open the cage door or let yourself into the aviary to feed them more directly. Let indoor birds explore your home once they're comfortable. Once your indoor birds are responding to your presence and eating out of your hand, they're probably ready to be allowed out of their cage. Indoor birds need to spend time outside of their enclosure daily to keep their minds and bodies healthy, so start this process as soon as you feel the birds are ready. If you're worried about getting pigeon poop in your house, use pigeon diapers, also known as pigeon pants. They're adorable and practical. Clipping the birds' wings could make it easier to tame them and may be safer because the birds will be less likely to fly into ceiling fans, walls, or out-of-doors. However, some consider this practice to be inhumane. Avoid free-flying any domesticated pigeons. Neither indoor or outdoor pigeons should be let outside for free flights. Once they're domesticated, they're extremely vulnerable to attacks from predators. Pigeons protect themselves in flocks in the wild, and your pair or small group of birds will be unable to do this. Your birds also may not be able to find their way back to your home if they fly too far away. Let your birds come to you. Allow your birds to set the pace of your relationship. Rather than reaching for the birds or picking them up, let them hop into your hands. This will keep the birds from getting scared of you, which could cause setbacks in the taming process. Eventually, your birds should become affectionate and playful. Keep your birds safe from other pets and predators. Other animals pose a constant threat to your pigeons. Beyond ensuring that you've set up a cage or aviary that can fully protect your pigeons from pets and predators, be extremely careful when you close your birdcage or aviary. Use a carabiner to secure outdoor aviary locks, and zip-ties for indoor cages. This will keep the birds in, and pesky creatures out. You can also find bird cage locks, which are available online and in pet stores. Give your pigeons shelves, perches, and mirrors. Birds need spaces and tools to both rest and play. Pigeons use shelves for lounging and perches for sitting and watching the world go by. A mirror will act as a sort of television for your birds, as they'll recognize themselves in the surface and watch their own movements. Outdoor birds will also need nesting boxes to keep them warm and dry during wet or cold weather. Give your pigeons a bathtub. Pigeons thoroughly enjoy bathing and playing in water. Place a large ceramic casserole dish or plant saucer filled with clean water in their aviary or cage. Change the water daily, or more frequently as needed. Healthy birds are very conscious of their cleanliness, so if your bird isn't bathing, they may not be feeling well. Mist your bird with water and see if having damp feathers inspires them to bathe. If not, contact your vet. Ensure that your birds always have clean, fresh water. It's very important for pigeons to stay hydrated. Your birds should have constant access to clean water in bowls that won't tip over when they use them. Provide ceramic bowls filled with water, and change the water daily. Feed your pigeons bird seed and leafy greens. Start by providing 2 tablespoons (28.36 g) per bird of pigeon-appropriate bird feed each morning. Check if any is left the next morning, and decrease by a small amount of feed each day until you've found the measurement of feed that your bird can fully consume in 24 hours. You should also provide a small bowl of chopped-up carrots, broccoli, snap peas, kale, cauliflower, and/or romaine lettuce 3-4 times per week. Good-quality pigeon or dove feeds will contain a mixture of safflower seeds, crushed oyster shells, bird-safe grits, and a few other seeds and grains. | Adopt or buy young birds for easier taming. Pick pigeons in pairs or groups to keep your birds happy. Adopt your pigeons to save homeless pets. Find a breeder online to buy a specific type of pigeon. Avoid adopting wild pigeons. Build a large and safe aviary for outdoor birds. Make your aviary easy to clean by laying down drain rock. Locate your aviary in a sunny outdoor area. Choose a spacious and safe cage for indoor birds. Locate your cage away from fumes and near natural light. Stay patient with new birds as they adjust to your home. Keep your movements and voice calm around your pigeons. Spend time near your birds' cage or aviary to introduce yourself. Feed your birds treats while they're in their enclosures. Let indoor birds explore your home once they're comfortable. Avoid free-flying any domesticated pigeons. Let your birds come to you. Keep your birds safe from other pets and predators. Give your pigeons shelves, perches, and mirrors. Give your pigeons a bathtub. Ensure that your birds always have clean, fresh water. Feed your pigeons bird seed and leafy greens. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-a-Shimano-Front-Derailleur | How to Adjust a Shimano Front Derailleur | To adjust a Shimano front derailleur, start by making sure it sits at 1-3 millimeters above the large chain ring. Use a tape measure or a penny, which is 1.5 millimeters, to estimate the height. If it needs adjustment, make sure your bike is in its lowest gear so there's not too much tension on the inner wire. Then, loosen the derailleur clamp bolt by turning it clockwise, adjust the derailleur, and tighten the clamp bolt back up. Once you do this, shift to your middle front chainring to make sure the derailleur cage is at the right height. If not, shift back into low gear and readjust it with the positioning clamp. After you've made your adjustments, shift through all the gears on your bike to make sure everything moves smoothly. | Make sure your derailleur sits at the correct height. The derailleur should fall around 1 to 3 millimetres (0.039 to 0.118 in) above the large chain ring. When the derailleur cage sits too far above the chainring, this can cause the bike to shift poorly. If it is too far below, the derailleur will rub against the chain rings. Fixing the height is a subtle adjustment, based on a difference of millimeters. You will need to be precise. Having your bike on a repair stand can make this work easier. You can use a penny to try and estimate if you have adjusted to the right height, as a penny is 1.5 millimetres (0.059 in) thick. Adjust the height with the positioning clamp. This clamp is what connects the derailleur to the frame of your bike. Loosen the derailleur clamp bolt by turning it clockwise and adjust the height as necessary. Then, tighten the bolt back up. This should be done while your bike is on its lowest gear so that there is not too much tension on the inner wire. Check to make sure the derailleur cage is at the right height. Shift to your middle front chainring and see if the cage is sitting properly. If not, shift back into low gear and re-adjust the height with the positioning clamp. Check to see if the angle of the derailleur is parallel to the chainrings. The derailleur cage and the chainrings should be parallel. If they are not, you will have to make adjustments. It is easier to see what adjustments you have to make while you are looking down at the derailleur from above. Envision an alignment between the center of the cage and the centerline of the bike frame. Readjust the bolt to the correct positioning. Loosen the bolt that is attaching the frame of the bike to the derailleur. Shift to the lowest gear of the bike and turn the derailleur to the right position. Once you have the angle set in the proper place, you can tighten the positioning clamp. Loosen the front derailleur barrel adjuster. Turn the barrel adjuster completely clockwise in order to release tension in the cable. This can be readjusted later on. Set the inner limit screw to prevent the derailleur cage from moving past the inner chainring. Shift the rear derailleur into the largest cog in the back and front derailleur into the smallest cog. Using a screwdriver, twist the inner limit screw until the inner part of the cage is as close to the chain as possible without touching it. You can try spinning the crank to make sure the chain is not catching. The inner screw of the derailleur is usually the one closer to the frame that controls the lower limit. This screw is sometimes marked as "L." Adjust cable tension. Loosen the cable that is attached to the derailleur at the anchor bolt. Tighten this cable as much as possible and then make the anchor bolt tight again. It can be helpful to use needle nose pliers while doing this, but you don't have to. Set the outer limit screw to stop the derailleur cage from moving past the outer chainring. Shift the front derailleur up into the largest chainring and the rear derailleur into the smallest cog. Turn the outer limit screw with a screwdriver until the outer derailleur cage is as close to the chain as possible without touching it. Setting this limit will make sure that the chain does not over-shift and fall out again. The outer or second screw is the one that controls how far the derailleur shifts outwardly. This screw is sometimes marked as "H." Test to see if the derailleur is shifting correctly. Shift through the whole range of gears on your bike. The derailleur should be able to shift into small and large chainrings without rubbing on the chain. Use the barrel adjuster to tweak the position of the derailleur. Try twisting the barrel adjuster a few quarters of a turn counterclockwise to fine-tune the position. This will increase the tension so that it shifts into the larger chainring. If you can push the derailleur out, it can mean your cable tension is not right. Turn the barrel adjuster to fix this. Start trimming while you are riding. Trimming means making small adjustments while you are riding your bike. Doing this will help to protect the chain from rubbing against the derailleur. This will prevent the derailleur from coming out of alignment again. Shimano bicycles come with a half-click on the lever so that you can make these adjustments easily. Ride your bicycle as you normally would. Things should be running smoothly now! If the derailleur becomes misaligned again, you may have to do a more thorough job in fixing it next time. If you feel like you can´t fix it yourself, you can ask a bike mechanic for help. | Make sure your derailleur sits at the correct height. Adjust the height with the positioning clamp. Check to make sure the derailleur cage is at the right height. Check to see if the angle of the derailleur is parallel to the chainrings. Readjust the bolt to the correct positioning. Loosen the front derailleur barrel adjuster. Set the inner limit screw to prevent the derailleur cage from moving past the inner chainring. Adjust cable tension. Set the outer limit screw to stop the derailleur cage from moving past the outer chainring. Test to see if the derailleur is shifting correctly. Use the barrel adjuster to tweak the position of the derailleur. Start trimming while you are riding. Ride your bicycle as you normally would. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Nose-to-Stop-Running-With-Allergies | How to Get Your Nose to Stop Running With Allergies | To get your nose to stop running with allergies, boil water, salt, and baking soda to make a saline “cure.” When the mixture has boiled, pour it into a bowl, lean over the bowl with a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. You can also fill a Neti pot with saline solution and tap water that you've boiled and let cool. With the Neti pot filled, tilt your head to one side over a sink, pour the solution in one nasal passage, and let it come out the other nasal passage. Then repeat the process on the other side. | Take an antihistamine. As the name suggests, antihistamines prevent the body from producing histamines, which cause your nose to run. Antihistamines dry out the mucus membranes in your nasal passages. You can try over-the-counter antihistamines that contain agents such as loratadine or diphenhydramine. Common antihistamines are Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Phenergan, and Clarinex. Benadryl is likely to cause some sedation, while Claritin tends to cause the least. Take the necessary precautions when using a medication that may cause drowsiness. Visit a doctor. Your doctor will be able to prescribe an allergy medicine. He or she will prescribe either an antihistamine, a corticosteroid (nasal spray), various decongestants, a leukotriene inhibitors, or allergy shots. These shots are sometimes recommended if you cannot avoid pollen or other allergens. The goal is to acclimate your body to the presence of certain allergens. Remember that prescription-strength antihistamines are indeed stronger, and they also come with stronger side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, and even insomnia. Studies show that daily use of corticosteroid nasal sprays can be very effective in reducing nasal symptoms caused by allergies. Some sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort, are also available without a prescription. Don't overuse decongestant nasal sprays. rebound congestion of the nasal mucosa when you try to stop using them, and this may cause a dependency on nasal sprays. Visit your doctor if you have severe allergy symptoms, increased wheezing or coughing, or if your symptoms do not respond to treatment. Clean out your nose. Use a saline nasal spray. Saline nasal sprays can help keep the mucus membranes moist. They are available over the counter without a prescription, and they work both to keep the mucus membranes moist and flush irritants out of your nasal passages. Some people prefer to make their own saline spray. Sprinkle some salt in a cooking pan with 1 cup of water, 1/2 tsp of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. Then bring your concoction to a boil. Once it has begun boiling, pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and put your face over the bowl, but not too close or you may burn yourself on the steam. Breathe in the steam. Adding some eucalyptus oil/salve can help soothe your raw sinuses. Use a Neti pot. Fill the pot with 240 milliliters (8.1 fl oz) (8 fl oz) of lukewarm distilled, filtered, or previously boiled water. Try to avoid using tap water unless it has been properly boiled and cooled down. Distilled water is recommended. You can add your own mixture of saline solution or use over the counter products. Tilt your head to one side while standing near a sink. Position the spout of the pot in one of your nasal passages and then pour half of the solution, allowing the solution to come out of the other nasal passage. Repeat with your other nasal passage. Clean and disinfect the Neti pot after each use. Drink lots of water. Although your nose probably won't stop running the second you put down the empty water glass, it's important to stay hydrated when you are experiencing allergy symptoms. Blowing your nose over and over and taking medication with dehydrating side-effects will dry out your mucus membranes. Drinking a 16 ounce glass of water every couple of hours can help to reestablish your system's equilibrium. Try herbal remedies. Several at-home herbal remedies exist that act as antihistamines. Mustard oil. It has antihistamine properties. Take a dollop of mustard and heat it up in a kitchen pan with a little water. When the solution is thin enough to be sucked into an eye dropper, transfer a small amount into one of your nostrils. Breathe it in deep. Because mustard has such a strong scent, it can take a few seconds to recover from the initial blast. Turmeric. This herb has long been valued by Indian culture for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Soak a small amount of Turmeric powder in pure linseed oil, which can be purchased at most health food stores. Hold the linseed-oil-laced Turmeric over a heat source until it begins smoldering. Gently inhale some of the smoke. Humidify your air. Buy an air humidifier or two. There are several kinds to choose from. Although it seems counter-intuitive, allergies tend to inhibit the body processes that keep the nasal passages moist. When you first come into contact with your allergic trigger, the body produces chemicals called histamines that cause the mucus membranes to swell and dry up. And then, when more air-born particles enter this dry environment—often the same particles such as pollen that triggered the allergic reaction in the first place—the body starts up the runny nose in an effort to expel them and reestablish the system's equilibrium. Humidifiers distribute moisture into the air which helps keep nasal passages moist. The ideal humidity in your house should be between 30 and 50 percent. Any lower and it will be too dry for your nose. Any higher and your room will seem stuffy. It could also breed mold and bacteria. Most humidifiers are not powerful enough to treat your entire house. Place them in the room or rooms where you spend the most time in order to have the greatest effect. When you exit the humidified environment, however, your mucus membranes will start to dry up again. Find out what you are allergic to. A doctor can run an allergy test, which will help narrow down and even pinpoint exactly what allergen you are suffering from. Sometimes, they come back inconclusive or will indicate several allergies. The more information you can gather about your allergy, the better. Once you have a general idea of what causes your runny nose, you can start avoiding exposure to those allergens. Avoid triggers. Environmental irritants and allergens like pollen, pet dander and hair, dust, and cigarette smoke can all dry out nasal passages and start the runny nose cycle. Use an air purifier in your home to remove these irritants from the air, but recognize that it is virtually impossible to avoid all triggers unless you seal yourself inside an air-tight container. One of the most common airborne allergens in the United States is ragweed pollen, and there are over 17 varieties. Although it is almost impossible to avoid exposure to ragweed completely, you can learn where high concentrations are likely to be located in your local environment. Avoid these locations as best you can. Avoid going outside during peak times, such as early morning, and close your windows when pollen counts are high. Reduce dust mites in your home by minimizing the presence carpeting, blankets, and stuffed animals. Use dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows. Cover your face. This is probably the most extreme way to protect yourself from the allergens that produce a runny nose. If the particles can't get into your body, they can't cause a runny nose. If you go outside during allergy season, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. A protective face mask can do an even a better job. Wash your hands frequently. This will prevent allergens from spreading. Use soap and water. Any soap will work because you are only trying to remove allergens, not kill bacteria. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse and dry your hands on a clean towel. Wash your face after coming into contact with allergens. If you are allergic to pet dander, wash your face after petting a dog. If you are allergic to pollen, then wash your face when you come indoors after being outdoors for a while. This will help reduce your exposure to allergens. | Take an antihistamine. Visit a doctor. Clean out your nose. Use a Neti pot. Drink lots of water. Try herbal remedies. Humidify your air. Find out what you are allergic to. Avoid triggers. Cover your face. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your face after coming into contact with allergens. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Bath-When-Pregnant | How to Take a Bath When Pregnant | While taking a bath when pregnant is usually safe and relaxing, you'll want to take a few simple precautions to keep you and the baby healthy. To avoid slipping and falling as you get in and out of the tub, ask your partner or a family member to help you. Since a bath that's too hot can lead to health issues for the baby, use a thermometer to keep the temperature at or below 98 degrees Fahrenheit. For a calming soak, add epsom salts and apple cider vinegar to the water, but limit bubble baths to no more than twice a month since they can lead to vaginal irritation and infection. Don't stay in the tub for more than an hour since this can also increase your risk of infection. | Have someone available to help you get in and out of the tub. To avoid slipping and falling as you get in the full tub, ask your partner, a family member, or a friend to assist you as you lower into the tub. You should also ask for help getting out of the tub so you don't accidentally fall or trip. Make sure the water is no warmer than 98 °F (36.7 °C). A bath that is too hot can lead to possible health issues and complications, so keep the bathwater warm but not scalding hot. Check the water with a thermometer to confirm the temperature is no higher than 98°F. If you have to "ease in" to the bath, it's too hot. Let it cool off or add some cold water. Use a bath mat and a towel to avoid slipping hazards. Prepare for your bath by laying down a bath mat by the tub and keeping fresh towels close by. This will cut down on slipping or tripping hazards as you get in and out of the tub. Look for a plastic mat with grips that will stick to the bathroom floor. Use adhesive plastic grips at the bottom of the tub to help you retain traction while bathing. Add epsom salts and apple cider vinegar to the water. To create a calming soak, you can add a few tablespoons of epsom salts and a ¼ cup apple cider vinegar to the water. According to health specialists, these natural substances will not harm your baby or affect your pregnancy. Limit bubble baths to twice a month. Regardless of being pregnant, taking too many bubble baths a month can lead to vaginal irritation and infections. Limit your use of bubble bath when taking a bath while pregnant, and avoid using bubble bath more than twice a month. Soak for no more than one hour. Avoid staying in the bath for more than one hour to cut down on your risk of infection. Enjoy a one hour soak to ease swollen limbs and relax your pregnant body. Allow someone to help you get out of the tub. Rather than risk tripping or falling, especially when wet, ask your partner or a family member for help before getting out of the tub. Use a fresh towel to wipe off to avoid slipping on the bathroom floor. | Have someone available to help you get in and out of the tub. Make sure the water is no warmer than 98 °F (36.7 °C). Use a bath mat and a towel to avoid slipping hazards. Add epsom salts and apple cider vinegar to the water. Limit bubble baths to twice a month. Soak for no more than one hour. Allow someone to help you get out of the tub. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Select-a-Gift-for-Your-Best-Male-Friend | How to Select a Gift for Your Best Male Friend | To select a gift for your best male friend, choose something that's related to his hobbies and interests. If there's a band he's really into, for example, get him a concert DVD or some band merchandise. Alternatively, pick something he'll find funny or amusing, like a novelty T-shirt or knick-knack. You can also try making him a gift such as a painting, a knitted scarf, or his favorite dessert if you're short on cash. | Get him something that caters to his interests. Since this person is presumably your best friend, you should probably have a good idea of his hobbies and interests. Giving your guy friend something that reflects these interests or, better yet, something that helps him perform his hobby, is almost always a safe bet. These sorts of gifts will usually be warmly received — you're giving something he likes and will actually use while also showing him that you put some thought into the gift. If you aren't sure what your guy friend likes to do, a quick trip to his house or apartment should clue you in — just look at what he has lying around and what's on his walls. For instance, if you see a stack of Nintendo magazines, there's a good chance he's a gamer, so a new game or some Nintendo memorabilia would be a good option. Along the same lines, if you see a Metallica poster on his wall, there's a good chance he's a fan of the band's music, so a concert DVD or some band merchandise may be in order. Pick something he'll find amusing or funny. If you're worried about your ability to choose a gift your friend will like, err towards something that he'll find lighthearted or humorous — after all, it's hard to read too deeply into a gift when you're laughing your head off! You may want to play off of an inside joke the two of you share or just simply go for something that's funny in a more general sense. The latter is a little more impersonal, but also a little less likely to give the wrong impression, so use your judgment. Below are just a few ideas to get you started: Comedy movies and standup recordings. Novelty gifts — T-shirts with funny slogans, strange knick-knacks, crass board games, and so on. Prank gifts — things you know he hates (like a jersey for his favorite sports team's rival), things that are amusingly out of style (like ugly 70s sunglasses), bizarre nonsequiturs (like a sack of potatoes), and so on. Something clever that plays off of his name — e.g., if he's named Brian, you might consider a Life of Brian movie poster. Get him something functional. One sure-fire way to please your guy friend while steering well clear of awkward misunderstandings is to give him something that's purely functional — that is, something that's useful to him, but not necessarily very "warm" or intimate. For instance, if this guy friend spends lots of time lifting weights at the gym, you might consider getting him a pair of fingerless weightlifting gloves, some gym shorts, or even a few weights for his home. These sorts of gifts show that you pay attention to what your friend likes to do but are usually very low-risk because they aren't likely to offend him or come across as overly affectionate. The potential problem with these sorts of gifts, of course, is that they can sometimes come across as cold. Giving a plain, functional gift to someone you've known your whole life may lead to hurt feelings if your guy friend is sensitive about this sort of thing, so be aware of this possibility. You'll also want to keep in mind that certain functional gifts can send unintentionally rude messages. For instance, while a subscription to a health food magazine may be useful , it may send the unfortunate message that you think your recipient needs to lose weight. Get him something he can use with his friends. Another great way to show your appreciation for your friend without sending the wrong signals is to make your gift all about your guy friend and his circle of friends (which includes you, obviously, though you don't necessarily need to pick a gift that you would enjoy personally.) For example, if your guy friend is in a band with a few of his other buddies, a great gift would be to give him a custom-designed T-shirt with his band's name on it. You might alternatively want to get him a rhythm-based music game like Guitar Hero — this way, you all can play it together. If your guy friend has an S.O., the same principle applies, so you might want to consider getting something for the two of them. For instance, two tickets to a show put on by the couple's favorite local band is a fantastic way to give your guy friend an entertaining night out with his favorite sweetheart (with or without your presence — it's your decision.) This is also a great way to ease tensions if you've recently had a disagreement with some of his other friends. If you get him something that you, him, and the other friends can use together, you're basically offering an olive branch and saying, "I want us all to get along." Get him a "manly" gift. Getting your guy friend something that appeals to his sense of masculinity or his image as a gentleman is usually a fairly safe choice. Things like pocket knives, watches, driving accessories, and so on make memorable gifts and are suitable for most young and old men alike. Below are just a few more ideas: Ties Tools Belt buckles Shaving accessories Wallets — many guys go long periods of time without buying themselves a new wallet, so this gift will probably be especially appreciated. Save cash by making something yourself. Your gift doesn't necessarily have to be very expensive for it to make a big impression. Making your own gift from scratch is a great way to show you truly care about your friend, and while these sorts of gifts are often much less costly than a similar gift purchased from the store, the time and care you put into the gift will usually be extra-meaningful. Below are just a few fun DIY gift ideas to get you started, but don't be afraid to get creative and make your own! A piece of art created by you (like a painting, drawing, or sculpture) A handmade craft item (like a piece of furniture, skateboard, laptop stand, etc.) A handwoven piece of clothing (like a knit hat or mittens) Some homemade food (like cookies or brownies — non-perishables are best) A song written and performed by you (if you're truly bold!) When in doubt, give a gift card. If you're really worried about giving your guy friend the wrong gift, let him choose it for himself! Gift cards and gift certificates are good choices for acknowledging that you care for your guy friend without the risks of more personalized gifts. Many people even prefer gift cards to normal gifts. In face, statistically speaking, the more general-purpose the gift card, the better someone is likely to appreciate it. Best of all, these gifts are very convenient to buy — you can usually pick them up at chain grocery stores on the way to your friend's birthday party. Don't be afraid to ask. Guys are often reluctant to tell people what they want as a gift, especially for birthdays, Christmas, and so on. Some guys feel shy about asking other people for things, while others simply don't care much about what they get. This can be frustrating when you're shopping for presents, so don't hesitate to press your friend for details (respectfully, of course.) Usually, even guys who keep quiet about what's on their wishlist still secretly have something they'd like, so start digging! Steer away from "lover's" gifts. No matter your intentions, certain gifts come with romantic "baggage" that's hard to ignore, so you'll definitely want to avoid them. As a very general rule, anything you might consider giving your sweetheart on Valentine's day should be off-limits for platonic friends. The consequences for breaking this rule can be dire (especially if your friend has an S.O.), so beware! Below are a few examples of gifts considered "romantic" that you should avoid: Cologne or personal fragrances Flowers Cufflinks or other jewelry Fancy chocolates or other fine sweets (especially those in stylish, elegant boxes) Expensive accessories (e.g., Rolex watches, fine pens, etc.) Provocative clothing (Funny T-shirts are fine, but silk boxers, terrycloth robes, stylish jackets, and so on are too personal for platonic friends) Event tickets for just you and him Be goofy or crude in your card. Often, it's not the gift itself that makes a guy think that you're sending him signals, but the message included with it. It can be easy to mistake friendly tenderness and affection for something more serious, so you may want to avoid this entirely by keeping things very non-serious in your card. Some overeager guys may see romantic signals in even the goofiest of cards, but the risk is much smaller than with a genuine, heartfelt message. Below are just a few sample ideas for making your gift message pleasantly irreverent: Write in SMS-speak (e.g., "Hope u had gd bday. Thx fr bein a gd friend.") Be condescending in a funny way (e.g., "I don't know if you know this, but it was really hard to pick out this card. I was actually hoping I could have it back so I could re-gift it for Amy's birthday next week. Oh yeah, happy birthday.") Include a dopey acrostic of his name (e.g., for a friend named David: D — Daring / A — Amazing / V — Very cool / etc.) Draw crude or bizarre doodles in the margins. Be a little impersonal about giving him the gift. It's not all about what you give your guy friend — it's also about how you give him the gift. Gushing over your friend's reaction to your gift can raise awkward questions even if the gift is something casual, like a new phone case. On the other hand, coolly and casually giving your friend his gift as if it's not terribly important to you what he thinks of it will allow you to escape unscathed. There's a tricky balance you want to maintain here, however — being too impersonal can come across as rude. For example, leaving an unmarked package containing his present on his porch and not mentioning it to him for a week might make it appear like you don't care about your friend very much. You know your friend better than almost anyone else, so try to keep his sensitivities in mind. When in doubt, consider chipping in for a group gift. Teaming up with a few other people to cover the cost for a gift isn't just one way to save cash on an expensive gift — it's also the perfect method to avoid "sending the wrong signal." It's very hard to make a group gift come across as a personal, romantic gift from you to your friend. After all, there's a good chance you didn't even pick it out! Best of all, a simple, polite message on the card is the only personal touch a group gift needs, so you don't need to risk the pitfalls of a longer, more personalized message. If all else fails, drop copious hints that you're just friends. If you're seriously worried about your gift being taken the wrong way, use your card as an opportunity to define your relationship in purely platonic terms. Go out of your way to refer to yourself and your guy friend as just that — friends. Use words like "buds," "pals," "homies," "dudes," and so on. Avoid terms that can be construed as romantic, like calling yourself his "special friend" or ending your letter with "Yours,". Unfortunately, for some guys, not even this will be enough. In these cases, you may need to simply ignore your friend's puppy love until he loses interest. If he's becoming too distracting to ignore, most relationship guides will recommend being blunt — in other words, telling him directly that you don't want to ruin your friendship with romance. See our article on the subject for more information. | Get him something that caters to his interests. Pick something he'll find amusing or funny. Get him something functional. Get him something he can use with his friends. Get him a "manly" gift. Save cash by making something yourself. When in doubt, give a gift card. Don't be afraid to ask. Steer away from "lover's" gifts. Be goofy or crude in your card. Be a little impersonal about giving him the gift. When in doubt, consider chipping in for a group gift. If all else fails, drop copious hints that you're just friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Discipline-Cats | How to Discipline Cats | To discipline a cat, identify its key motivator, which is typically a delicious food or treat, and use it to reward good behavior. When your cat misbehaves, remove it from the situation or isolate it in a separate room. Avoid yelling, but use a special tone of voice to correct bad behavior so your kitty learns to recognize it. Be firm and consistent with your techniques for the best results! | Recognize the complications. Cats can be easy or difficult to train. Dogs are more eager to please their owners, which makes them generally easier to train than cats. However, cats can be trained as long as you understand how cats think and interact with their humans. Training a cat takes a lot of patience, especially since it is so hard to motivate him. Find your cat’s motivator. Every cat has something that will make him learn to listen to you. This key to training is called your cat's motivator. This generally means the tastiest treat that he absolutely loves and goes crazy over. For some cats, this can be flakes of tuna while for others, a tiny taste of cooked chicken will do the trick. Whichever treat you use, have it on hand and ready to reward the moment your cat obeys your command. Never strike a cat if he doesn't do what you want him to do. He will end up resenting you for it and refuse to listen to you. Love your cat. The first step to disciplining your cat is first to make him listen to you. This won't happen unless you develop a warm, loving relationship with your cat. This cannot be stressed enough. It's important to set up a good rapport with your cat from the beginning of your relationship. This will ensure that he respects you, will want to please you, and will listen to your commands. If you are just acquiring a cat, give him lots of attention. Spend time cuddling with him if he responds to that. If not, try to talk to him and pet him as much as you can, and give him treats once in a while. This may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on how long he takes to warm up to you and his new environment. Take your time with a kitten. Although it's important to discipline your cat as soon as any bad behavior starts, take the time to consider who you're dealing with. There are some cat specific factors that may affect how your pet reacts to your attempts at discipline. If you have a kitten, you should expect him to be very rambunctious, curious, and inexperienced. It may take longer for a kitten to learn right and wrong, so be patient as he figures it out. On the other hand, having a kitten can be a benefit. If you're the only owner the kitty has ever had, then you can exert more influence over his actions. Deal with older cats. If you are just getting a new cat who is older, if you adopt an older cat, or if the cat you have had for a while and need to discipline is older, remember that an older cat may be set in his ways. He may be used to a certain form of discipline and you'll have to work harder to show the cat what is wrong and right. However, older cats can be more mellow, understanding, and may not be as eager to misbehave. Consider your pet’s prior experience. Before you discipline your cat, think about what kind of life your cat had before you got him. If your cat or kitten is coming from a breeder and is used to good treatment, being groomed, and being well-fed, then your cat should not act out from past trauma. If the cat was taken out of an abusive home or spent a long time in the pound, you may have to work a bit harder with your cat. Remember that adopted or abused cats may be scared and suspicious of new environments and you, depending on his past experiences with other owners. Pay attention to your cat's personality. The personalities of cats can be just as diverse and complicated as the personalities of their owners. Ask yourself a few questions to understand your cat's personality. What kind of a cat do you have? Would you describe him as squirrelly, eager-to-please, lazy, or loving? Your cat's unique personality can help you decide how to react in certain circumstances. Easily scared or frightened cats will take a more delicate touch when disciplining. You will need to first work on gaining his trust before attempting discipline. An aggressive cat will need to be evaluated by an animal behaviorist so you don't get hurt when attempting to discipline the cat. Provide outlets for his needs. To keep a cat from getting into trouble, provide your cat with means and ways to express his natural cat behavior. Cats love to run, bite, scratch, and explore by nature, so it's important to give your cat friendly options to play with so he has an outlet for his needs. This can also prevent many disciplinary issues that will arise because he will be more content overall. There are many ways you can help your cat express his inner feline needs. Provide a scratching post for your cat. Make sure to have one or multiple scratching posts around the house so your cat can scratch those. This will prevent him from scratching your furniture, the walls, or other objects he shouldn't. Have toys for your cat to chew and bite. Chew toys, little balls, and stuffed mice can help your cat use his inner instincts without biting or harming you in the process. This can also deter him from eating other objects that you don't want him to chew on. Create a kitty space or playground in your house that he can use all day long. Cats love to jump, climb, and explore, so get a cat jungle gym or establish a corner of your house that is cat friendly so he can run around without ruining your property. Reward good behavior. It's important to let your cat know when he does something good. This will help him learn that this behavior should be repeated. Good behaviors can range from using the litter box properly, eating and drinking his food appropriately, using his scratching post instead of the furniture, and playing with his toys instead of your belongings. It's also important to be consistent. Reward your kitty for positive behavior as often as you can so he knows he's on the right track. Treats are common ways to reward your cat. Don't overdo it, however, because it can cause your cat to gain weight. You can also reward your cat by giving him attention. Speaking to your cat in a soothing voice, petting him, or letting him cuddle with you can help let him know that you appreciate what he's doing. Play with your cat. A way to help your cat act appropriately and also as a way to reward him is to play with him. When both of you are around the house, bring out an interactive cat toy that he needs you to play with. For example, many cats love dangling toys, such as sticks with feathers or shiny objects at the bottom. Take some time to play with the dangling toy whenever you can. Your cat will get some great exercise and will feel loved. An option for the lazier owner is the laser pointer. Some cats go absolutely crazy for the laser pointer and you can move it all over one room from the comforts of your own couch. Some people protest that the laser pointer is cruel because the cat never gets to catch the red dot, while others would argue that it's more about the chase. Use a special tone of voice. There are times when your cat will behave in a way that needs disciplining. Just as it's crucial to let your cat know he's doing something right, it's equally important to show him what not to do. It's important to be consistent, so your cat recognizes his actions as bad behavior every time. Use a special tone of voice when your cat acts badly. There's no need to shout or yell because this may scare your cat too much. Instead, establish a harsh tone that lets your cat know he has done you wrong. He'll recognize it every time he acts badly. For effect, add his name to your complaint, such as saying "Bad Spike!" in a particularly harsh, even tone. This will help your cat recognize that he has erred, the downside of this method however, is that your cat may associate his name with bad behaviour. Remove your cat from the situation. There are two ways that you can remove your cat from a situation where he is misbehaving. You can isolate your kitty. If your cat is prone to eating your dinner, for example, you can exile him to your bedroom during dinner time. Though his meowing by the door may break your heart, it'll teach him not to repeat his mistakes. You can also remove him from the room after grabbing scruff of his neck. If your cat is being feisty with you and biting or scratching, you can grab him by the scruff of the neck and say “no.” If he keeps being bad, pick him up and take him to a different room, still saying no. Never pick a cat up by the scruff. It may hurt your cat and he may be able to hurt you by scratching you. Be aware that cat bites can quickly turn into a dangerous infection. Use the water aversion method. To get your cat to stop doing a particular action, use a well-timed squirt of water from a water bottle to deter unwanted behaviors. This can include behaviors like jumping on counters or biting plant leaves. This should be done stealthily so the cat does not know that the squirt came from you. Try squirting the cat when he isn't looking at you or his back is turned from you. Otherwise, the cat will associate you with the water and be wary or fearful of you after an ill-timed squirt. Some people think aversion therapy does not work on cats, but it can be effective, depending on your cat. Set booby-traps. You can set traps for your cat to prevent him from indulging in bad behavior. For example, if your cat is prone to attacking your toilet paper roll, place an empty water bottle on top of the roll, so it will fall and scare him if he tries to play with the roll. If your cat is prone to jumping on the kitchen table, set up double-sided tape or tinfoil over the surface, so he associates it with an unpleasant sensation. These physical scares may give him the discipline he needs. There are even scat mats which can be purchased, which send a gentle electrical tingle through the cat's feet when they are stepped on. Be firm and consistent. No matter what punishment you give your cat, it's important to be firm. Though you may have the cutest cat in the world, it's important to show him that you're serious about his bad behavior. You also need to be consistent. Each time the cat does something that is not acceptable, you need to quickly react so he associated the bad behavior with the punishment. If you leave the punishment for later, he won't know why he is getting punished and may become afraid of you. | Recognize the complications. Find your cat’s motivator. Love your cat. Take your time with a kitten. Deal with older cats. Consider your pet’s prior experience. Pay attention to your cat's personality. Provide outlets for his needs. Reward good behavior. Play with your cat. Use a special tone of voice. Remove your cat from the situation. Use the water aversion method. Set booby-traps. Be firm and consistent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Homemade-Cookies-Soft | How to Keep Homemade Cookies Soft | To keep homemade cookies soft, let them cool for 2-3 minutes after they come out of the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack for 10-20 minutes, and make sure they've cooled completely before storing them. Put the cooled cookies in an air-tight container and store them in the fridge to preserve their softness. You can also place a slice of bread on top of the cookies before sealing the container, which helps them stay fresh and soft. | Add some extra butter to the recipe. Consider your sugar to butter amount carefully. If you have more sugar than butter, you will usually have a harder, flatter cookie, but if you have a little extra butter, you will have a softer, more chewy cookie. Even though it's a little more calories to add to your system, they will stay much softer. If you are worried about calories and whatnot, get unsalted butter or put in a little more oil instead. Don't let them burn. If cookies burn, they will start off hard, not just turn hard. Take them out a little after they turn golden brown. If you make them perfectly, you can keep them soft for a while. Make sure they're not raw. Just be sure that you don't leave them in too long. Find the perfect time for you to bake them. Let the cookies sit for a little while. Allow the cookies to cool for about two or three minutes, and after, transport them to a cooling rack for about ten to twenty minutes. By doing this, they can dry quicker and stay fresh. Make sure that they are totally cooled before you put them away. Add some applesauce. If you use applesauce for about one quarter of the amount of oil called for in the recipe, your cookies will stay a bit softer and give your cookies a little fruity taste. Store your cookies correctly. Keep your cookies in an air-tight container and shut it tight. If air gets in because it isn't closed correctly, the cookies are more likely to harden. Put the container in the refrigerator (it will keep them cold; just be sure to let them defrost for a few minutes before eating them), but shut the container correctly before placing it in. Add a slice of bread. This is a classic trick used for many cookies. Adding half a slice of bread to the cookies' container makes them absorb the moisture of the bread and stay fresh and soft. It will become hard in a few days though, so be sure to change it. Apple slices work just as well, but they will continue to rot, so you will have to change them every day. However, if you aren't adding applesauce to it, it will give it a bit of a fruity flavor. | Add some extra butter to the recipe. Don't let them burn. Let the cookies sit for a little while. Add some applesauce. Store your cookies correctly. Add a slice of bread. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rub-a-Dog%27s-Tummy | How to Rub a Dog's Tummy | Your dog probably loves to have its tummy rubbed, but you should only rub it when your dog rolls over on its own. Never force your dog to lay on its side for a belly rub because this can make it anxious and upset with you. If you think your dog wants its belly rubbed, you can actually start by petting its chest, and if it growls or snarls, stop petting right away. If not, keep rubbing down to its belly in slow, sweeping movements, and talk to it quietly to help keep it relaxed. Even though it might look cute, avoid rubbing a spot if your dog starts to kick its leg because that's actually a reflex it has when its skin gets irritated. | Observe your dog’s posture. Before you start rubbing your dog's belly, look at his posture. If his body looks fluid and loose, then he's feeling pretty relaxed and happy. If he looks tense, then he may not be very receptive to having his belly rubbed. If your dog is sleeping, let him sleep rather than waking him up to rub his tummy. Determine if your dog is being submissive. Approach your dog. If your dog rolls onto his back as soon as you get closer to him, he is likely demonstrating submissive behavior. This submissive behavior may be accompanied by other submissive actions, such as licking the lips and tucking the tail. To the untrained eye, these actions look like an open invitation by your dog to rub his belly, but this is not necessarily the case. If your dog becomes submissive when you approach him, he may actually be intimidated by you and will not want you to rub his tummy right away. To make him more feel comfortable with you, get on the ground a small distance away from him. Call out to him and let him come over to you. When you call him, do not reach out to get him to come closer. Understand why your dog presents his belly. Your dog may present his belly as a form of submission, but he may also be showing that he trusts you or wants to play. It is not always obvious what type of behavior your dog is showing. If you are unsure if your dog is being submissive versus being trusting or playful, your veterinarian can help you more fully understand the differences. When a dog lies on his back, he is putting himself in a vulnerable position. Provided that you and your dog have developed a close bond, he will probably be comfortable with allowing you to rub his tummy. Gain your dog’s trust. If you and your dog have already established a trusting relationship, then you are well on your way to rubbing your dog's tummy with ease. However, if your dog doesn't fully trust you yet, there are a few things that you can do to gain his trust. Be calm when you approach him. If your dog hasn't quite warmed up to you, staying calm as you approach him will help him see that you are not threatening and that he can trust you. Approach him from the side, rather walking towards him from the front; approaching him from the front could be intimidating for him. When you reach his side, kneel down or sit in the same direction that he is facing. Do not make eye contact, since direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat. When he is more comfortable with you being close to him, you can sit by his side and gently pet him. Talking to him in quiet and soothing tones will reduce anxiety that he may have with you touching him. Observe if your dog rolls over. If your dog does not roll over on his own, he probably does not want to have his tummy rubbed. It is very important that you never force your dog to lie on his side; this can make him anxious and upset with you. Be respectful of his wish not to have his tummy rubbed. Pet your dog’s chest. Before rubbing your dog's his tummy, start by petting his chest. If he growls or snarls when you start petting him, stop petting him right away. He's giving you a very strong indication that he does not want to be petted. The growls and snarls can also be signs of aggression. A number of things, such as pain or behavioral disorders, could cause the aggression. Your veterinarian can conduct various medical and behavior tests to determine the cause of the aggression. If your dog is not showing signs of displeasure when you start petting him, continue to pet his chest. You can even weave your fingers through his fur to get him to be more comfortable. Rub your dog's tummy. When your dog has become comfortable with you petting his chest, move your hand down his body to start rubbing his tummy. By now, he should be very relaxed. Use slow and sweeping movements. Talking to him in quiet and soothing tones will help to keep him relaxed. Your dog may start kicking his back leg when you rub his tummy. Contrary to what many people think, this is not a sign that you hit your dog's ticklish spot. His leg-kicking is actually an involuntary response called the scratch reflex. The scratch reflex occurs when nerves that are connected to your dog's spinal cord are activated under the skin. Your dog will kick his leg automatically because his body perceives the nerve activation as an irritant on the skin. If you see your dog's leg start to kick automatically, stop rubbing him in that area of his tummy and move to another area. If your dog seems to be enjoying the tummy rub, but then gets up and walks away, he is letting you know that he no longer wants his tummy to be rubbed. This is completely normal behavior, so there is no need to be concerned. If you feel his body tensing up when you rub his tummy, but then relaxes after you stop, he is giving you another indication that now is not the right time for a tummy rub. | Observe your dog’s posture. Determine if your dog is being submissive. Understand why your dog presents his belly. Gain your dog’s trust. Observe if your dog rolls over. Pet your dog’s chest. Rub your dog's tummy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sit-at-a-Computer | How to Sit at a Computer | To sit at a computer with good posture, keep your back straight, put both feet flat on the ground, and keep your arms tucked near your sides. Pull your chair up to the desk so you're close to the keyboard and be sure to keep your head elevated and chin up, even if you have to look down to see the screen. Remind yourself to breathe deeply and take 1-2 minute breaks every half hour so you can stand, stretch, or walk around to release muscle tension! | Sit using ideal posture. Many office and personal desk chairs have adjustable backs, seats, and even lumbar support. Since the type of chair that you use will vary, try to keep the following criteria in mind: Your upper legs should be flat against the bottom of the chair. Your lower legs should form a 90 degree angle at the knees. Your feet should be at a flat 90 degree angle to your lower legs. Your back should be at between 100 and 135 degrees in relation to your legs (if possible). Your arms should be tucked near your sides. Your shoulders and neck should be relaxed. Your eyes should be able to view the screen comfortably without having to stretch, crane, or strain your neck or your eyes. Adjust any support for your chair. If your chair has lumbar support, a customized cushion, adjustable arm rests, or any other type of specialized support, adjust it as needed. It's okay to remove things like arm rests and cushions if they interfere with your posture. Sit close to your keyboard. Your keyboard should be directly in front of your body; don't twist or bend your body in order to reach your computer. Ideally, your computer's screen will be at least one arm length away from you. Keep your head elevated. You may be tempted to slouch your neck, thus bringing your chin close to your chest; this will lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain, so keep your head up even if you have to look down at the screen. One possible fix for this is adjusting your monitor's height so that it sits at your actual eye height. Take deep breaths. It's easy to take shallow breaths when sitting down, but doing so will eventually lead to other problems. Make sure to take deep breaths often—especially if you find yourself experiencing a headache or lightheadedness—and try to hold a few deep breaths in once every hour or so. Shallow breaths can cause you to adjust unconsciously your posture, while deep, diaphragm-level breaths will help you center your posture. Arrange any documents and items around to your computer. If you have enough space on your desk to accommodate your documents, phone, and other accessories, make sure that they're arranged around the computer; your computer should be the center item on your desk. Some computer trays have different levels for different items (e.g., documents, keyboard, writing implements, etc.). If you do not have a fully adjustable keyboard tray, you may need to adjust your workstation height and the height of your chair, or use a seat cushion to get in a comfortable position. Take small breaks during your workday to release some of that muscle tension. Studies have shown that constant sitting is very damaging to your health. Try walking around for a couple minutes, standing and doing stretches—anything to break up a full day of sitting is good for you! Take short 1-2 minute stand, stretch , and/or walk breaks every 20-30 minutes. If you have lunch breaks or meetings, try to keep them as far away from your computer as possible, and stand when you're able. Avoid eye fatigue. While your eyes may not seem like they have much to do with your back and posture, eye fatigue can cause you to slouch, lean in closer to your computer, and more. Simply looking away from your screen for a few seconds every 30 minutes or so should do the trick. A good way to prevent eye fatigue is by using the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet (6.1 m) away for 20 seconds. You can purchase blue light filter glasses (e.g., computer glasses), which will both decrease your eye strain and improve your sleep at night, for as little a $10. Exercise your hands. Aside from your eyes, your hands are the most active part of your body when you're using a computer. You can prevent carpal tunnel by pushing on the joints of one hand while bending the fingers back, as well as by using squeezing resistance movements (e.g., squeezing a tennis ball). Remember to prioritize your posture. You should arrange your computer and keyboard to fit your posture, not the other way around! When adjusting your computer interaction, refer back to Part 1 of this article to ensure that you're positioned correctly. Determine the type of computer you're using. A Desktop computer has a monitor separate from the keyboard, while a Laptop computer has a screen attached directly to the keyboard. Desktop computers often have adjustable monitors and keyboards, but you'll have limited options when it comes to adjusting a laptop. Consider buying a riser or a similar item for your monitor if it isn't adjustable. You can buy an angled slap on which your laptop can sit in case you need to adjust the tilt of the keyboard while keeping the screen flat. Leave 4 to 6 inches of space between your keyboard and the edge of the desk. Regardless of the computer that you're using, it's best to keep a decent amount of space between the keyboard and the edge of the desk in order to encourage natural posture for your arms and wrists. If this isn't possible for your desk, consider moving your chair back, or reclining slightly. Adjust the monitor height and tilt if possible. Ideally, your monitor will sit at eye height, though this may not be possible for your computer. Likewise, you may need to tilt up or down the monitor to prevent your neck and eyes from straining. If you can, position the top of the monitor approximately 2 to 3 inches above your seated eye level. If you wear bifocals, lower the monitor to a comfortable reading level. Adjust the keyboard tilt if possible. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and your hands should be in line with your wrists and forearms; if this isn't possible while maintaining proper posture, you may need to angle your keyboard down or lower its overall height. You should be able to adjust the tilt of a desktop keyboard based on your sitting position: use the keyboard tray mechanism or keyboard feet to adjust the tilt. This isn't really possible with a laptop, though you may be able to buy an angled rest on which your laptop can sit. Avoid using wrist wrests or cushions. Unless your keyboard sits significantly higher than your desk level, wrist wrests or cushions can compromise proper arm position, leading to fatigue and eventual injury. Wrist wrests can also cut off circulation in your hands. Keep all commonly used equipment close and on the same level. Your keyboard, mouse, pens, documents, and other implements should all be on the same level (e.g., your desk top), and they should be within arm's reach. This prevents you from changing your posture to reach for an item. | Sit using ideal posture. Adjust any support for your chair. Sit close to your keyboard. Keep your head elevated. Take deep breaths. Arrange any documents and items around to your computer. Take small breaks during your workday to release some of that muscle tension. Avoid eye fatigue. Exercise your hands. Remember to prioritize your posture. Determine the type of computer you're using. Leave 4 to 6 inches of space between your keyboard and the edge of the desk. Adjust the monitor height and tilt if possible. Adjust the keyboard tilt if possible. Avoid using wrist wrests or cushions. Keep all commonly used equipment close and on the same level. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Erase-Colored-Pencil | How to Erase Colored Pencil | Colored pencil is harder to erase than normal pencil, but there are several simple ways to do it. The most effective way is to buy a colored pencil eraser from a dollar store or craft store. Then, rub the eraser gently over the area you want to remove as you would with a normal eraser. Alternatively, you can use a kneaded eraser, which is made out of a putty-like substance, or simply use wall putty instead. Remember that you'll need to clean the eraser after using it to stop pigment getting on your paper the next time. You can also use a piece of tape to erase colored pencil. Just place the tape gently over the area, then push down on the spot you want to erase with the point of a pen or pencil. Finish by peeling off the tape. | Purchase a colored pencil eraser. A colored pencil eraser can be bought at most stores: dollar stores, an arts and crafts store, etc. You should not need to pay more than about five dollars for a colored pencil eraser. A colored pencil eraser should work on all types and brands of colored pencil. Test the eraser on a small area. It is best to test an erasing method before starting to erase large portions. Erasing can cause streaking. By testing first, you can ensure that you will not ruin your picture. Rub gently in a small circle to test. If you notice streaking, rub more gently. If you notice streaking, consider trying another method. Try to choose a peripheral spot to test the eraser. If it does smear or streak, you do not want it to ruin the central part of your image. Simply use the colored pencil eraser as you would use a standard eraser. Rub gently; colored-in portions of paper are more fragile than paper you've simply written on. Be careful, colored pencil erasers are somewhat more firm than normal erasers. They have a rough, coarse feel to them and can tear paper. Be patient and continue to rub gently, checking your progress every few seconds. It may take some time to fully erase the colored pencil. If you get impatient and try to rub more vigorously to speed up the process, you are likely to rip the paper. Buy a kneaded eraser. Kneaded erasers are made from a slightly sticky, putty-like substance that makes them very easy to shape and use. You can find kneaded erasers in most art supply shops. Kneaded erasers are best for when you need to lighten, rather than fully erase, colored pencil. You can approximate the effect of a kneaded eraser using wall putty, which is a very similar material. Create the shape you need. Because kneaded erasers are very malleable, you can and should make the shape that is easiest for you to handle and use. For large areas, you can flatten and stretch a kneaded eraser out over the area you want to erase. For small areas, shape the eraser into a pencil-like point. Test the eraser on a small area. It is best to test an erasing method before starting to erase large portions. Erasing can cause streaking. By testing first, you can ensure that you will not ruin your picture. Rub gently in a small circle to test. If you notice streaking, rub more gently. If you notice streaking, consider trying another method. Try to choose a peripheral spot to test the eraser. If it does smear or streak, you do not want it to ruin the central part of your image. Rub the eraser on the page to pick up pigment. You can rub the page rather hard with a kneaded eraser, because they are soft and unlikely to tear the page. After your rub some of the pigment off the page, pick up the eraser and fold the eraser over itself. This will help to prevent the pigment from rubbing back off on the page. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all or most of the colored pencil. Rub, fold, rub, fold. Continue until you are happy with the results. Still, be careful. Although you are unlikely to tear the page, you may crease it. Clean the kneaded eraser. Unlike other types of erasers, kneaded erasers need to be cleaned after using them. To clean the eraser stretch it thin and fold it back over. Repeat several times if necessary. You may need to rub the kneaded eraser on another surface to get pigment out. Buy a vinyl eraser. Unlike kneaded erasers, which you might be able to fashion out of material you have around, you will likely have to buy a vinyl eraser. You can buy vinyl erasers in many different shapes. Try to find the one that is best for your needs. Buy an “eraser. ” Erasers are the type of eraser that comes in pencil form. Erasils can be held and used like a pencil. They are vinyl and should be used carefully, like any vinyl eraser. Test the eraser on a small area. It is best to test an erasing method before starting to erase large portions. Erasing can cause streaking. By testing first, you can ensure that you will not ruin your picture. Rub gently in a small circle to test. If you notice streaking, rub more gently. If you notice streaking, consider trying another method. Erase the colored pencil by rubbing very gently. Be very careful. Vinyl erasers are the hardest, stiffest type of eraser. It is very easy to accidentally tear through paper when using them. The edge of a vinyl eraser is the most effective part. Use the edge of the eraser for the best results. If you need to completely remove all of the colored pencil, erase gently until the colored pencil is totally removed. Erase the area with normal pencil eraser. Be very gently and do not apply too much pressure. Erase very lightly. The goal here is to just slightly bring up the pigment from the page, in order to help the tape pull it up more easily. This helps prepare the area for the tape. You do not need to try to fully erase the colored pencil with the normal pencil eraser. Cut off a small strip of tape. Even if you need to erase a larger area, you are better off using several small pieces of tape. You can use masking tape or clear tape. Test the tape on a small area. It is best to test an erasing method before starting to erase large portions. Erasing with tape can cause damage to the paper. By testing first, you can ensure that you will not ruin your picture. Try to choose a peripheral spot to test the tape. If it does start to tear the paper, you do not want it to ruin the central part of your image. Gently put the strip of tape on the paper, and rub it gently. Do not rub too hard, it may damage the paper when you peel it off. Use a pen to write on the tape over the part you want to erase most thoroughly. By using a fine pointed stylus, like a pen, to put pressure on the tape you will encourage the colored pencil to stick to the adhesive. Make sure you do not press too hard and rip through the tape. This works better with masking tape than with clear tape. Peel the tape off the paper. There should be some of the pigment sticking on the tape. Be careful when peeling the tape back from the paper. This is the step that has the greatest chance of ripping or tearing the paper. Each time you repeat this step, you increase the chance the paper will tear. Gently erase of the paper again with a regular pencil eraser. If there is still pigment left that you want to remove, repeat the entire process. This can help to erase small, remaining amounts of pigment that are left on the page. | Purchase a colored pencil eraser. Test the eraser on a small area. Simply use the colored pencil eraser as you would use a standard eraser. Buy a kneaded eraser. Create the shape you need. Test the eraser on a small area. Rub the eraser on the page to pick up pigment. Clean the kneaded eraser. Buy a vinyl eraser. Buy an “eraser. Test the eraser on a small area. Erase the colored pencil by rubbing very gently. Erase the area with normal pencil eraser. Cut off a small strip of tape. Test the tape on a small area. Gently put the strip of tape on the paper, and rub it gently. Use a pen to write on the tape over the part you want to erase most thoroughly. Peel the tape off the paper. Gently erase of the paper again with a regular pencil eraser. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Speaking-So-Loudly | How to Stop Speaking So Loudly | To stop speaking so loudly, try relaxing your throat before you speak since tension in your throat can make you talk louder. To relax your throat, drop your jaw, take a big breath, and slowly release the air with a gentle hum. Also, when you're talking, try to speak and breath from your diaphragm instead of your chest, nose, or mouth, which can help make your voice softer and quieter. You can also try recording yourself speaking and practicing at different volumes to get an idea of how loud you are. | Practice listening more than you speak. Take the competition out of your conversations by being an active listener. Truly engage with what the other person is saying. Avoid interrupting. Listen to what they are saying instead of thinking about what you want to say next. This way you will not feel the need to raise your voice to be heard over theirs, but can be involved in the conversation on an even playing field. Control your environment. Do your best to change the elements in your environment which may cause you to increase the volume of your voice. The more you can adjust the environment to be ideal to hearing what you are saying, the less need you will feel to speak loudly. Get rid of exterior sounds by closing windows and doors. Move closer to the person or people you are talking to. The more distance between you and your audience, the more likely you will feel the need to raise your voice to fill the void. Speak in a small room. Large rooms eat up sound, and you may feel the need to speak up. Choose small rooms for quieter communication. Be assertive using communication skills instead of volume. Your opinions are valid and deserve to be heard. If you feel that the other person isn't listening, practice communicating assertively without raising your voice. Meet the other person where they are at. Try to understand where they are coming from and let them know that you get it by saying something like, “I understand you have been under a lot of stress lately,” or, “I know that you are busy right now, so I will be quick.” Stay positive when you are speaking negatively. Even though you disagree with a person, it doesn't necessarily mean that you dislike the person. There is certainly no need to disrespect them. Say “no.” Sometimes it's as simple as just learning to say, “no.” If there does not seem to be a solution in sight, you can end the conversation and walk away rather than escalating the argument and raising your voice. Assimilate with the group. When speaking with a group of people, there is an urge to talk over others, one-up the other people, or hijack the conversation. As people continue to make these mistakes in a group, the entire group will increase in the volume of their speech. Wait for your opportunity to be heard rather than speaking over someone. Use body language to indicate that you would like to speak. Try raising a finger, nodding, or shaking your head. When you do have the floor, make your point quickly, before someone else jumps in. Breathe from the diaphragm. Place one hand at the top of your stomach and the bottom of your rib cage. Inhale into this area and attempt to make your hand rise using your breath. This will put your breath in the right place rather than pushing speech from your nose, chest or mouth. Forcing breath from these places can be grating and loud. Once you have the breath in your diaphragm, try vocalizing from the place where you are resting your hand. Relax your throat. Having tension in your neck can lead to trying to force the sound out of your throat. Relax your throat in order to relax your voice. Place one hand on your neck and speak normally to assess the tension in your throat. Drop your jaw as low as you can and take in a large yawn. Release the air slowly with a gentle hum. Repeat this several times until you begin to feel your throat relaxing. Once your throat is relaxed, continue dropping your jaw, then exhaling with words like “hang, harm, lane and loam.” Massage your neck throughout this process if you feel it tightening. Vary your volume level. This will help you be heard as well as hearing yourself. Speaking at the same volume, tends to have the effect of the listener tuning the speaker out. This could lead to frustration and tempt the speaker to be even louder. Experiment with varying your volume level. Creating variety in your volume will allow you to be more conscious of your volume and see the effect on your listener. Try speaking at almost a whisper. Make your voice quieter until someone asks you to speak up. Try raising your volume only on the word you would like to emphasize. “That pizza was the BEST!” Enlist the help of someone else. It can be difficult to hear yourself. Ideally you would hire a coach to be an outside ear. They can assess your volume and your needs, then lead you through some exercises which will help you learn how to control your voice. I this is not an option for you at this time, ask a friend to give you feedback. Voice coaches can lead you through some breathing exercises, as well as running through the range of pitch and volume with your voice. If you are working on your own, ask a friend if they have noticed a difference. Give them permission to point out when you raise your voice. When they do point it out, don't get angry. Remember that they are trying to help you. Listen to yourself speak. There are two ways that sound reaches the inner ear, through air and bone. Usually, the sound you hear when you speak is a combination of these two pathways. Some people are more sensitive to one or the other. Listening to a recording of yourself eliminates the bone-conducted sound as there is no vibration from the vocal chords to create this pathway. This is why your voice sounds different when you are listening to a recording of yourself. Try wearing earplugs to eliminate the sound conducted by air. Some abnormalities of the inner ear can lead to extra sensitivity of the the bone transfer of sound to the point where you can hear the automatic systems of the body like breathing and moving your eyes. See if eliminating one of these pathways has a significant effect on your hearing. Test your hearing. Speaking too loudly can be a sign of hearing loss. Other signs of sensorineural hearing loss are difficulty hearing when there is a lot of background noise, and understanding what people are saying with clarity. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your physician and get your hearing checked. Assess your competition. People in positions of power are often trained to speak loudly and with authority, but it also comes naturally to some who have been assigned or consider themselves to be in a high position of power. Where do you place yourself in rank of power? What effect is this having on the people around you? Would it benefit you to reduce your vocal intensity to better communicate on the same level? Question your motives. Some people speak loudly because they feel that they are not being heard. Another reaction to this feeling is constantly repeating yourself. If you find yourself doing these things, the cause of speaking loudly could be related to your need to have your thoughts heard. | Practice listening more than you speak. Control your environment. Be assertive using communication skills instead of volume. Assimilate with the group. Breathe from the diaphragm. Relax your throat. Vary your volume level. Enlist the help of someone else. Listen to yourself speak. Test your hearing. Assess your competition. Question your motives. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dance-With-a-Girl-in-a-Club | How to Dance With a Girl in a Club | Dancing with a girl at a club may seem daunting, but if you play it cool and put yourself out there, you'll find a girl to dance with in no time! Although you may feel scared, it's perfectly normal to say “Hi” to a girl at the bar or on the edge of the dance floor and introduce yourself. If she seems interested, invite her onto the dance floor. Alternatively, start dancing on the dance floor yourself and look out for a girl who's dancing by herself. When you find a girl you want to dance with, smile and make eye contact to initiate a conversation. If she reciprocates, simply nod towards the dance floor or ask her to dance. | Strike up a conversation with a woman at the bar or edge of the dance floor. The secret to finding a dance partner isn't a secret at all -- it's simply conversation. Look her in the eye, say hello, and introduce yourself. That may seem terrifying, but it is far easier, and more effective, then trying bad pick-up lines or hoping she comes up to you. If she smiles back or seems interested in talking, get to know her a bit and invite her onto the dance floor. While it seems cliche, confidence really is the best way to meet women. Simply put yourself next to her and start talking -- you're already ahead of 90% of the other men. If you're having trouble making conversation, just go out onto the dance floor and start dancing, usually with friends. Again, this just shows the kind of confidence that will make it easier to find women. You will get rejected sometimes -- but it is not personal. A girl may have a boyfriend, want to be with her friends, or just not feel great. Rejection is inevitable, so move on and find someone else. Head down to the dance floor to see if anyone wants a partner. If you're worried about striking up a conversation or it's too loud to talk, just go to the dance floor and start enjoying yourself. As you dance, look around for women who are dancing by themselves or in a small group. You don't want to rush at them, but any women looking for a partner will likely have her eyes up as well. If you're uncomfortable dancing, just sway back and forth with the rhythm of the drums. Lift each arm individually with the beat and keep your joints loose and relaxed. You'll blend right in. If a woman is with a group of friends, dodges eye contact, or seems busy with another man, just move on. Plenty of people go to clubs to find someone to dance with, so don't waste everyone's time chasing a girl who doesn't want the attention. Make eye contact and smile to see if she wants to dance. The near-universal sign of attraction is eye-contact and a smile. Whether you meet on the dance floor or at the bar, good eye contact and a natural smile is the key to sparking a connection. In fact, smiling is proven to be the most effective form of flirting, so look happy. If she reciprocates, you can: Nod your head towards the dance floor. Ask "care for a dance?" Offer her your hand to her and playfully pull her towards the floor. Move in closer while you dance. Don't spend your whole night searching for women. This isn't just a bad way to spend an evening, it's not going to work. If you seem like you're hunting for a woman to dance with, trying everything to get one to like you, you're going to come off as desperate. Again, though it seems easier said than done, be confident, cool, and collected. You are there to have a good time, but you should remember that you don't need a woman to enjoy yourself. Talk to your friends, start a conversation at the bar, and go dance when you want to dance. You'll be surprised how attractive this personal confidence can be. Never try and juggle multiple "options" throughout the night. Chances are good it will backfire, and you'll justifiably look like a jerk. Keep your movements simple and low-key. Don't try to impress anyone with spastic, difficult moves you can't pull off. Simply feel the groove and get moving. Above all, try to do all the following moves fluidly, not as fast as you can or with large, expressive accents. If you want to practice, make sure that you have some music on. A mirror can help too, helping you see exactly what you look like to try and improve. Dancing is all about feel, not showing off. As long as you stay on the beat (follow the drums if you get lost) you'll be fine. Repetition while dancing is fine! Don't feel like you need to change things up every 30 seconds. Learn the two-step to get through any song at any club. This simple dance staple can be used for at any song, anywhere. To do it, start with both feet roughly shoulder-width apart. Count out the beats on the drum: 1,2,3,4 - 1,2,3,4, - etc. Step your right foot out to the right on the first beat. Then follow with your left foot, tapping your left toe down by the right foot on the second beat. One the third beat, step your left foot to the left. Then follow with your right foot, tapping the toe down on the last beat. You'll be right back where you started, so keep repeating it. Variations include: Keep your arms up, snapping, clapping, or pumping them to the beat as well. Just don't leave them glued to your side. Rotate and swing your shoulders with the beat to get your upper body involved. On the second and fourth step, try landing with your heel out in front of you instead of your toe, or placing your tow behind your planted foot. As you get better, trying moving forward, backward, or around as you do the two-step. Bump and grind if a woman moves in closely, so that your hips are touching or close by. Grinding is perhaps the most common and intimate partner dance that happens in the clubs. Luckily, it is also incredibly easy to do. Place your hands on her hip, and stagger your feet with hers so that you're not constantly bumping knees. From there, simply swing your hips back and forth together on the beat. She will likely take charge, so just lock into her rhythm and move with her, keeping your hips swinging from side to side. You can add some simple variations by: Removing one hand and raising it in the air, or clasping on of her hands. Bending your knees together and going down low, especially if the song is calming down before a drop. Spinning her around and trying face to face, especially if there is good chemistry between you both. Bounce to the beat if you're lost or unsure what to do. It is the easiest dance move possible, but also perfectly acceptable in the club. Just bend your knees slightly to the beat, rocking your shoulders back and forth as you do. Keep your hands up, snapping or clapping as you do, so that your whole body appears loose and relaxed. If you've got nothing else, this will always keep you moving. Remember to move to the drum beat. Rhythm is easy, just follow the "boom-clap, boom-clap" found in the drum section of 99% of club songs. Mix and match simple movements together to appear like an amazing dancer. Dancing well is not as complicated as it looks. Of course, complex moves take years of training to get right, but in the club all you need are two or three staples that you can string together. Once you can do the two-step and bounce confidently to the beat, try adding the following slight movements together, doing them for 4-8 beats and then switching it up. Bob or turn your head to the beat. Rotate one of your knees back and forth. Turn and twist your shoulders back and forth, bending down with the beat. Pivot or twist on one toe. Extend your arms out in front of you, crossing and uncrossing them. Pay attention to the drum beat to dance with rhythm. It doesn't matter how good or bad you are-- if you stay in time, you'll be fine. Luckily, club music is easy to dance to, since the drums will count out your steps for you. Move your feet, shoulders and arms in time with the " boom - chick' " of the drum beat. Every time you hear the "snap" of a snare drum, touch a foot down. This should be all the rhythm you need. Step one foot to the side, then bring your other foot to meet it. Then move back to the other side. This quick "two-step" looks natural no matter what is playing. Do not try and change or adapt your tempo to fit her if you feel off; this just makes it harder for both of you to find time together. Just listen to the music and sync your body up with that -- she will do the same without your help. Let the "leader" of the dance come out organically. In older forms of dance, a male typically led the female across the floor in complex patterns. Club dancing requires no such bravado, especially if you're not a natural dancer. So, instead of trying to be something you're not, just let go and enjoy yourself. Follow her lead for a bit. Take her hand and spin her. Bend your knees and go down low together when the beat slows down. Move slightly away and bust a move, even if it's corny. Instead of trying to come up with the perfect dance "plan," just have fun -- chances are it will rub off on her. If you are a good dancer, and you feel confident, go ahead and take the lead. Don't pinch or otherwise make childish grabs at her. You'll destroy whatever chemistry there was between the two of you. Play it safe and follow her lead until you're perfectly clear on what she wants. Let her initiate any increase in touching. Some ladies will want to increase the intensity while others want to take it slow. Don't rush into it, and definitely do not start grabbing or holding onto her. Depending on the situation, there are comfortable, non-confrontational places to put your hands, and let her dictate what she wants from there. Realize, however, that these are just suggestions -- the two of you should feel comfortable setting and respecting boundaries together. If she likes something, it's fine -- if she rejects it, you need to stop. If you're grinding, dancing back-to-front and up close, you can start with one hand high on her waist, at about the top of her hipbone. If you're leading her to the dance floor, you can hold her hand or lightly place yours on in the middle of her back. If you're dancing face to face, you likely won't start with a lot of physical contact. But grabbing her hand and taking her for a quick, playful spin is a great way to bridge the gap. Focus your attention on her, not other women. Once you're dancing with a woman you should be having fun with her, not off looking for another conquest. The reasons are numerous, but the most important one is that it is rude. If you're not enjoying the woman you're dancing with then stop dancing with her and actually find someone else -- otherwise you should be in the moment with her. Mix up your moves as you get more comfortable. As the songs change, do the same thing with your moves. Get down low. Put your arms around different parts of her body (within reason, unless she suggests otherwise). Incorporate hand gestures on occasion. Above all -- do it with a smile on your face. You don't need to make a fool of yourself, you just need to have fun. So open up a little bit, make her laugh, and keep dancing. If you're looking to broaden your dancing move set, check out: Learn to Dance Dance Some Basic Moves Dance at the Club. Don't look at dancing as a competition or "test" you need to win. Most women do not go to the club to find the single best dancer there and take them home, even though most men seem to think they have to be the greatest moon walker since Michael Jackson. In reality, the best partners are fun, confident, and able to stay on a beat. The lights are low, drinks have been poured, and the music is bumping. So stop worrying about getting everything perfect and have a good time -- you'll get a lot more dances as a result. | Strike up a conversation with a woman at the bar or edge of the dance floor. Head down to the dance floor to see if anyone wants a partner. Make eye contact and smile to see if she wants to dance. Don't spend your whole night searching for women. Keep your movements simple and low-key. Learn the two-step to get through any song at any club. Bump and grind if a woman moves in closely, so that your hips are touching or close by. Bounce to the beat if you're lost or unsure what to do. Mix and match simple movements together to appear like an amazing dancer. Pay attention to the drum beat to dance with rhythm. Let the "leader" of the dance come out organically. Let her initiate any increase in touching. Focus your attention on her, not other women. Mix up your moves as you get more comfortable. Don't look at dancing as a competition or "test" you need to win. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Go-to-the-Bathroom-in-the-Woods | How to Go to the Bathroom in the Woods | To go to the bathroom in the woods, start by finding a cluster of bushes or a large tree trunk a good distance away from trails, since you don't want to be interrupted by other people out walking. Choose a flat piece of ground if you're going to urinate. If you have a bowel movement, you'll need to dig a hole about 6 inches deep. Then, squat down low and make sure your clothes are out of the way so you don't soil them. After you've done your business, use nearby leaves to clean yourself up. You should also fill in the hole if you dug one to avoid contamination. | Bring a bag with the essential toilet materials. This includes any wiping materials such as toilet paper, tissues, or baby wipes as well as a small trowel, hand sanitizer, and plastic sealable bags. It's a good idea to choose a bag for these supplies that is colored or isn't see-through. Look in camping stores or online for plastic bags designed for storing used toilet paper. Stay at least 200 feet (61 m) from water, trails, and campsites. This is to prevent water contamination and the spread of disease and ensure you don't disrupt the trail or other hikers. Before picking a spot, look around and make sure you're not near bodies of water like streams, lakes, rivers, trails, or campsites. Walking 75 paces should ensure that you're far enough away. Find a secluded spot. A cluster of bushes or a tree with a large trunk will provide you with some privacy while you're using the bathroom. Look for a spot that isn't entirely out in the open and is on relatively flat land. You may need to walk farther into the woods to find a secluded spot, so pay attention to your location. A large rock is another privacy option. Watch out for poison ivy, ant hills, and bee nests. These are things you definitely want to avoid when choosing a bathroom spot. It's also a good idea to look out for any other dangerous or poisonous plants or animals when picking out a bathroom location so that you don't have to worry about getting hurt. Spot poison ivy by looking for plants with clusters of three leaves. Stand on even ground if you’re urinating. Look for a flat spot, especially if you have to squat. If you can't find a flat spot, at least make sure you're facing the downward slope to avoid getting in the way of any runoff. It's not necessary to dig a hole if you're peeing, although you can if desired. Dig a cathole at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep for a bowel movement. The hole should be about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) across as well. Use a small trowel to dig the hole or try using a rock or study stick if you don't have a trowel. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the hole is at least as deep as your hand is long. If you're in the woods in the snow, the hole should extend 6 inches (15 cm) below ground level, not just the snow. Squat low and ensure your clothing isn’t in the way before you do your business. Squatting as low as you can will make it easier for you to defecate. If your clothes are slightly below your knees, they shouldn't get in the way. If you can't hold a squat, position yourself part way on a rock or log. Wipe using toilet paper or baby wipes. If you brought these supplies with you, remove them from your toiletry bag. If you don't have toilet paper, tissues, or wipes with you, look for a smooth leaf (making sure it's not poisonous) to use instead. If you're not sure whether a leaf is poisonous or not, it's best not use it. Avoid burying the used toilet paper in the hole. Instead, place your used toilet paper or baby wipes in a sealable plastic bag. If you'll be out in the woods for several days, either bring several individual, empty plastic bags or one larger one to contain all of your used paper. Animals will dig up the used toilet paper which is why you shouldn't bury it. This bag should be kept in your toiletry bag. If you're using leaves that you found nearby, these can go directly into the hole. Fill the hole with soil using the trowel. When you're finished, you'll want to make sure that you cover the hole and your business with the soil you scooped out. Make sure the ground is nice and flat so it won't attract the attention of any animals. Your trowel should never touch any waste, so only use it to scoop soil back into the hole. Try walking on the hole to compact the soil. Place a stick upright where you dug the hole. This is to indicate to others that this is the spot where you used the bathroom. The stick doesn't need to be very big - 6 inches (15 cm) is long enough. Place it vertically in the soil, ensuring that it won't fall over. Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands once you’re done. This will ensure you don't have lingering germs on your hands. Use just a drop or two of the hand sanitizer. It's a good idea to put the hand sanitizer in its own small plastic bag inside your toiletries bag to ensure it stays germ-free. | Bring a bag with the essential toilet materials. Stay at least 200 feet (61 m) from water, trails, and campsites. Find a secluded spot. Watch out for poison ivy, ant hills, and bee nests. Stand on even ground if you’re urinating. Dig a cathole at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep for a bowel movement. Squat low and ensure your clothing isn’t in the way before you do your business. Wipe using toilet paper or baby wipes. Avoid burying the used toilet paper in the hole. Fill the hole with soil using the trowel. Place a stick upright where you dug the hole. Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands once you’re done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-While-Pregnant | How to Sleep While Pregnant | If you're having trouble sleeping during your pregnancy, try cutting back on the fluids you drink an hour or two before bedtime so you don't have to get up to go to the bathroom. Once you go to bed, take several slow, deep breaths and focus on your breathing, which will help you relax. When you're in bed, place a pillow under your abdomen or between your knees if you're feeling any discomfort. Since heartburn is a common problem during pregnancy, try elevating your head with an extra pillow. You should also try to avoid eating large meals before bedtime, which increases the risk of digestion problems. | Sleep in the position that is most comfortable for you. Sleeping on your left side during pregnancy can help to promote blood flow to your baby, and some women find it more comfortable than sleeping on your back. However, you can sleep in any position that you find most comfortable, whether it is on your left side, right side, or on your back. For added comfort, try to bend one or both of your knees. If you suddenly feel light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, or unwell, then this is a sign you need to change positions and turn to your left side. These symptoms should resolve shortly after changing to the left side position. Use pillows for support. You can use a pillow for support in a variety of ways. Use a firm, strong pillow that can support a lot of weight. Try placing a pillow between your knees or tucking it under your abdomen. You may also want to keep a pillow behind your back. This can increase comfort when sleeping. Consider purchasing a specialty pregnancy pillow. These are pillows specifically designed to support the bodies of pregnant women. A pregnancy pillow may work better for your needs than a regular pillows. Elevate your head. Heartburn is a frequent problem for pregnant women. You can lessen the symptoms of heartburn by elevating your head during sleep. Simply prop up your head on a pillow before nodding off. Get on a sleep schedule. A solid sleep schedule is good for anyone's sleep hygiene, and may help improve rest when you're pregnant. You will fall asleep and wake up easier if you get yourself on a sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day, even weekends. When your body is on a regular sleep/wake cycle, you'll get tired at night and then energetic in the morning. Avoid heavy meals before bed. Indigestion and nausea are common problems during pregnancy. You can exasperate these issues if you eat a heavy meal before bed. Try to stick to light snacks in the hours leading up to bedtime and don't eat within two to three hours of going to bed. It may help to schedule your big meals around lunch and dinner. Eating a big breakfast and a heavy lunch can stave off feelings of hunger at night. If you're feeling hungry or nauseous before bed, try having a few plain crackers. This can fill up your stomach and may prevent nighttime nausea. It is important to avoid eating within two to three hours of going to sleep because this can increase your chances of developing heartburn. Limit liquid intake close to bedtime. When you're pregnant, you will urinate more due to the baby pressing down on your bladder. It's a good idea to cut back on liquids in the hours leading up to bedtime. Fluid intake throughout the day is important, so do not neglect water during daytime hours. Simply cut back on fluids close to bedtime. Caffeinated beverages, like teas and coffees, are a particularly big culprit in keeping you awake at night. As you should limit your caffeine intake when pregnant, it may be a good idea to cut out caffeinated beverages altogether during your pregnancy. Practice relaxation techniques. If you're having trouble sleeping, try relaxation exercises. They can get your mind off of the stress of your pregnancy, as well as any bothersome physical symptoms. You can try a breathing exercise. Breathe in and out in slow, steady breaths. Focus on the air going in and out of your lungs. If there is any tension in your body, release that tension as you breathe. If your mind starts to wander, bring it back to the breath. Try guided imagery. Imagine a relaxing scenario, like a childhood home or an ideal vacation. Take a mental vacation to that place and try to let go of other thoughts. Imagine all aspects of your imagined getaway, including sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Make sure you have a solid sleep environment. Where you're sleeping can have an impact on the quality of your sleep. If you're struggling to sleep while pregnant, evaluate your room and make any necessary changes. Try dimming the lights in your room before bed. This will alert your body that it's time to sleep. Make sure your room environment is relaxing. A room should be calm and peaceful. If your room is cluttered, this can make sleep difficult. Reduce any bothersome noise. If you live in a noisy neighborhood, use a fan or a noise machine to block out unwanted sounds. Keep your windows closed at night to reduce outside sound. Remove any blue light sources from your bedroom as well, such as TVs, computer screens, tablets, digital alarm clocks, and cell phones. Exercise. Exercising every day can help to regulate sleep during pregnancy as well. Get some physical exercise in every day. Try to get your exercise in the morning or early afternoon because exercising too close to bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep. If you want to do something physical in the evening, do something relaxing like yoga. This may have a positive impact on your sleep. Try taking a 30 minute walk when you wake up in the morning or after eating lunch. Exercise is safe for most pregnant women. However, talk to your doctor first if you have any health issues, or have had difficult pregnancies in the past. You want to make sure exercise is safe for you and your baby. Eat a healthy diet. As nausea and heartburn are a major culprit in sleepless nights when pregnant, work on regulating your diet. If you feed your body healthy foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, this may lessen symptoms of nausea associated with pregnancy. Avoid acidic and spicy foods, as these can make heartburn worse. Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Strive for lean proteins and complex carbs like whole grain bread, rice, and pasta. Have bland snacks throughout the day. Make sure to snack throughout the day, but go for bland foods like plain crackers. Such foods can help lessen nausea, which often keeps pregnant women awake during the night. Watch your calories, however. It's healthy to gain weight during pregnancy, but only up to a certain amount. Many types of crackers and bland snacks contain a lot of empty calories, so keep an eye on portion size to avoid overeating. Take daytime naps on occasion. Naps are usually not advised as they can make it difficult to sleep at night. However, if you're pregnant, naps can actually be helpful. Even when taking the proper steps to better your sleep, some nights will still be difficult during pregnancy. It's important for your health to get enough sleep. Take daytime naps on occasion if you're feeling particularly drowsy. | Sleep in the position that is most comfortable for you. Use pillows for support. Elevate your head. Get on a sleep schedule. Avoid heavy meals before bed. Limit liquid intake close to bedtime. Practice relaxation techniques. Make sure you have a solid sleep environment. Exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Have bland snacks throughout the day. Take daytime naps on occasion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Your-Energy-Consumption | How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption | To reduce your energy consumption, turn off all lights and electronics when you're not using them. You can also reduce energy consumption by 75% by replacing incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs. If you're buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star label to significantly decrease your energy usage. Finally, to save both energy and water, limit your shower time, turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, and only wash full loads of laundry. | Make a habit of turning off all lights and electronics when not in use. Institute a “switch off when done” policy for all computers, televisions, telephones, air conditioning units, lights, and other electronics when you're not using them. This can help you save hundreds of dollars in energy bills and reduce your energy consumption. Unplug any seldom used electronics or appliances, like a mini fridge in a meeting room that's rarely used or an old coffee grinder in your kitchen. If you are going away on vacation, unplug your electronics and appliances. If your fridge is full, empty it or leave it on so that the food doesn't spoil. Switch your incandescent lightbulbs to LED bulbs. LED lightbulbs are affordable and easy to find at your local hardware store. These lightbulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lightbulbs and come in a variety of shapes and light levels. You can find these in just about any store that sells lightbulbs and lamps, including home improvement stores. Use power strips for multiple gadgets. If you have lots of electronics or appliances that require an electrical outlet, plug them into a power strip. When these items are not in use, you can switch them all off at once to prevent “phantom” energy loss. Power strips are a great choice if you have multiple appliances grouped together in the same area, such as a computer, printer, scanner, etc. Turn off your computer when it’s not in use. It is important that your computer is set to go to sleep or power down when not in use. If you plan to take a short break and go back to using your computer, allow it to hibernate rather than display a screen saver, which is a big energy waster. This should also apply to all your other computer accessories, such as printers and scanners. Adjust your thermostat based on the temperature outside. It's most efficient to keep the temperature in your house between 77 and 80 °F (25 and 27 °C) in the summer. Lower your thermostat to between 64 and 68 °F (18 and 20 °C) in the winter. Keep your windows covered during summer days to keep out the heat and allow natural light in during winter days to heat up the room. Recycle all recyclable materials. Recycling paper, plastic, glass, and other items can reduce your energy consumption significantly. Set up recycling bins in your home and office to encourage others to recycle rather than trash their items. Add recycling pickup to your trash service if you don't already have it. You can also recycle things like plastic bottles into craft projects, such as coin purses. The recycling rules will vary from city to city, so check with your city. Some places require you to sort items while others do not. Decorate your space in light colors. Choosing pale colors for your walls, ceilings, and floors will actually reflect more light into the space. Select a high-gloss paint for walls to reflect even more light! These steps will allow you to take advantage of natural daylight, as well as use lower-wattage lightbulbs when you need to turn the lights on. This also has an advantage in the summer, because the walls won't absorb as much heat. Use a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be controlled from an application on your mobile phone or tablet, allowing you to change the temperature when you're away from the house. They also have multiple sensors that provide a better overall reading of the temperature in your home and heat or cool your home more efficiently than regular thermostats. Smart thermostats also send you reports about your energy usage so you can be more in tune with how much energy you are using. Choose energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label on appliances like refrigerators, freezers, ovens, dishwashers, desktop computers, laptops, printers, and scanners, which indicates that these appliances are energy efficient. Switching your electronics to those with an Energy Star label can significantly reduce your energy consumption and therefore your energy bills. An Energy Star label signifies that an appliance is more energy-efficient than 75% of other appliances, therefore saving energy and money. If you live outside the U.S., contact appliance manufacturers or local government officials to find out about similar ratings or programs in your area. Use your refrigerator and oven efficiently. Adjust your refrigerator temperature to 38 to 42 °F (3 to 6 °C) and your freezer temperature to 0 to 5 °F (−18 to −15 °C). Check that the seal on the oven door is intact and avoid peeking in the oven more than necessary, as this lets out heat and increases the cooking time. If your fridge has a power-save switch, make sure it is on, and always check that the door seals tightly. Use your microwave, rather than your oven, for reheating small items. Use your washing machine and dryer efficiently. Set your washing machine to wash your clothes in cold water, which can save you up to 50 cents per load while still cleaning your clothes effectively. Always clean the lint out of the filter of the dryer after each use, and remember to dry heavy and light fabrics separately. Use the highest spin cycle on your washing machine, as the high spin speeds remove more moisture and reduce the time needed to dry clothing. If possible, invest in a front-loading washer as they save more water and energy than top-loading washers. Consider buying a high-efficiency washing machine. These are designed to save water and require less detergent. Ensure your home is well-insulated. Having a well-insulated home will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the area. Check the insulation around your home, especially in your attic. If needed, add more insulation to your roof/ceiling, attic, or basement to ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. If your home is not well-insulated, it will trap more heat in the summer, and lose heat in the winter. This will require you to spend more energy on heating and air conditioning. Draught-proof your home. Having gaps or cracks in your walls or your windows can lead to drafts, which can let out cool air and lead to wasted energy use. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home so you can reduce your heating and cooling bill. Make sure your windows are draught-proof and energy efficient, especially if you live in a colder climate. Reduce your water usage. Saving water also reduces the amount of energy needed to purify or heat it. Limit your shower time and turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth. You can also make sure to wash only full loads of laundry and dishes in order to save water and energy used to heat the water. Installing low-flush toilets and low-volume faucets will also dramatically reduce your water usage. Avoid pre-washing your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Limit the amount of time sprinklers are on, and make sure to only water grassy areas, rather than overspraying onto sidewalks or parking lots. Shut down all equipment at the end of the day. Turn off copiers, fax machines, computers, and other electrical equipment every night when you leave the office. Don't forget to turn off the lights in bathrooms, meetings rooms, and offices. Gently remind your coworkers to do the same. You should also do this when leaving for the weekend or vacation. Say something like: "These computers use a lot of energy when we aren't using them. Let's try turning them off for the night to save energy and electricity bills." Buy or lease computer monitors with energy-saving features. Many newer computers will have built-in energy-saving features that can reduce the amount of electricity used by your office. If you've been using the same desktop for many years, consider upgrading to a new version that has energy-saving features. When not in use, allow your computer to power down or hibernate rather than display a screen saver. Reduce paper waste by printing only what is necessary. Avoid printing out emails, memos, and other information unless absolutely necessary. You'll reduce energy consumption by using the printer less, which will, in turn, extend its life. If you do need to print something, use both sides of the paper. For example, send memos around the office by email or use a tablet for your presentation notes. Save any memos that you print out and post in the break room. Use the blank side to print the next memo on. This way, you can use the same sheet of paper twice! Recycle old electronic equipment. Rather than tossing out old phones, computers, and copiers, recycle these items instead. This saves energy because materials for new electronics can be repurposed and recycled from old ones, rather than made from scratch. You may have to perform an Internet search to find e-waste recycling programs in your area. Ask your supervisor about switching to GreenPower. GreenPower is a program offered by some energy providers to reduce your home or office's carbon footprint in Australia, the United States, and Canada. GreenPower providers are part of a government accredited program to use clean, renewable electricity in homes and offices and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Your supervisor can contact your office's energy company and ask them if they can provide GreenPower to the office to reduce the office's energy consumption on a daily basis. Organize a carpool, ride your bike, or take public transit to the office. You can cut down on your energy use by adjusting your daily commute. Carpooling with coworkers will keep one more car off the road and reduce the amount of energy you use via fuel. Public transit is also a great way to limit your energy consumption, and many city buses run on eco-friendly fuel. Walking or biking to work every day is a great opportunity to get in some exercise. Bring a change of clothes, or even toiletries if you can shower at the office, in case you get sweaty or dirty on the commute. Plant trees as holiday gifts. Rather than giving traditional gifts to your clients, plant a tree in their name instead. Planting trees reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for materials that would be used for traditional gifts and wrapping paper, and is also great for the environment. If you plant them near the building, the shade provided can even reduce the amount of air conditioning needed to cool the office in the warmer months! | Make a habit of turning off all lights and electronics when not in use. Switch your incandescent lightbulbs to LED bulbs. Use power strips for multiple gadgets. Turn off your computer when it’s not in use. Adjust your thermostat based on the temperature outside. Recycle all recyclable materials. Decorate your space in light colors. Use a smart thermostat. Choose energy-efficient appliances. Use your refrigerator and oven efficiently. Use your washing machine and dryer efficiently. Ensure your home is well-insulated. Draught-proof your home. Reduce your water usage. Shut down all equipment at the end of the day. Buy or lease computer monitors with energy-saving features. Reduce paper waste by printing only what is necessary. Recycle old electronic equipment. Ask your supervisor about switching to GreenPower. Organize a carpool, ride your bike, or take public transit to the office. Plant trees as holiday gifts. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Act-Lovably-Weird | How to Act Lovably Weird | If you want to act lovably weird, simply focus on being your kind and friendly self without making anyone uncomfortable. When you're out in public, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone new or share an unexpected compliment. You might even greet them in a quirky way, like bowing or curtsying. Always keep an eye out for other weird people you could befriend. It's important to have friends who appreciate your weirdness and enjoy doing offbeat activities with you! For instance, you could pull pranks together, say random stuff, or even burst into song together. Additionally, if you have strange hobbies, be proud of them! Whether that's keeping an ant farm, writing fanfiction, or watching old movies, you'll be more loveable for your enthusiasm. | Act friendly and outgoing around other people. When you're out in public, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone new, or share an unexpected compliment and put a smile on their face. When you're around people you know, try greeting them in a quirky way. Use a bow or curtsy or say “hello” in another language. Even if you're introverted or shy, try to be open and approachable when you're in a group. Start by smiling at other people when they make eye contact, or asking a simple question to break the ice. Go with something amusing like “What's your favorite type of sandwich?” Kindness is what separates lovable weird people from unsettling ones. Aim to be sociable and kind rather than creepy. Spend time with people who appreciate your weirdness. Always keep an eye out for fellow weird people who you could try befriending. Assemble a group of friends who support your goals, laugh at your silly jokes, and enjoy doing offbeat activities with you. Join clubs and meetup groups to find your tribe. If you're interested in a lot of different things, try to find multiple tribes, so you can obsess over all of your interests with fellow enthusiasts. Avoid hanging around with people who criticize you or try to make you feel bad about yourself. Most likely, these people are too self-conscious and threatened by your ability to be your true self. Always be polite and respectful. Quirks like showing up late, interrupting your friends, or talking only about yourself are rude, not lovable. Speak expressively with big gestures and facial expressions. Let your excitement and enthusiasm show! Twist your face into goofy or dramatic expressions as you speak. Sweep your arms around in big, animated gestures or act out what you're describing. Try out silly voices and exaggerated impressions when you're telling stories. For example, if you're telling your friend a story about something that you did with your brother and sister, use a super deep voice to represent your brother and a squeaky high-pitched one for your sister. Aim to be silly rather than mean-spirited with your impressions. Invite others to do fun and unusual activities with you. Think outside the box when it comes to planning what to do with your friends. Don't just stick to the movies or the mall. Try to offer creative suggestions instead. They might seem a little unusual but, in the end, you'll all be having a great time. If you're working on a group project, propose that you do a skit instead of a poster presentation. Rather than going to the mall with your friends, suggest that you all do a photoshoot session where you all dress up and take turns playing photographer. Ask a friend to attend a sword-fighting class or a Baroque dance workshop with you. Remember that while suggesting offbeat activities can be fun, pressuring someone into trying them isn't okay. Don’t hold back part of your weird self to fit in with others. If you try to act like someone else or squeeze yourself into a box, you'll be leaving most of your lovable weirdness out. Instead, try to recognize all of your quirks, follow all of your passions, and express yourself in the most authentic way. Speak your mind by sharing opinions or conversational topics even if they're a little offbeat. If someone asks what you're reading, tell them enthusiastically about your favorite obscure book series instead of dismissing it with something like, “Oh, just a sci-fi series. It's nothing, really.” Don't worry too much about others' opinions of you. Not everyone will get along with you, and not everyone will want to hang out with you, but this is perfectly normal and okay. You wouldn't want to spend time with people who can't deal with your true, authentic self anyway. Dress however you want to. Don't follow the latest trends if you don't want to. Instead, pick out clothes and accessories that make you happy. Style your hair however you want to. Wear lots of makeup if you like, or don't wear any at all. Instead of thinking about how clothes make you look, focus on how they make you feel. Others will immediately see your joy and charisma come through and they'll want to be around your positive energy. Cultivate your own personal style, no matter how unconventional it is. Wear sparkly shoes to school or sport a cowboy hat instead of a typical baseball cap. It doesn't matter if you're overdressed for the situation. If someone asks why you're wearing what you're wearing, just smile and say, “Because I love this and it brightens up my day!” Don’t apologize for your natural gifts and traits. If the things you do naturally make you feel weird, own those qualities and traits. Don't try to hide your abilities or distract from them. Instead, consider these your best features. Find outlets and environments where you can showcase them. If you can't stop singing, belt out your favorite songs whenever you want to. Consider joining a choir group or band. If you're naturally very intelligent, have fun with school projects and don't dumb yourself down just to make people like you more. If you're really high-energy all the time, get involved in sports or another high-energy environment, like debate club, that you'll thrive in. If you have a unique appearance – say you're really tall or you have super curly hair – consider these your best features! Play them up with long flowy dresses or vibrant headbands. If you have a health condition that makes you feel a little weird or different, don't worry. Just be aware of your unique situation and its limitations and focus on ways to get the most out of your day-to-day life. Pursue unusual hobbies and passions enthusiastically. Find quirky hobbies and niche topics you're interested in, then dive deep into them. Whether you keep an ant farm at home, write fanfiction, dress like it's the 1960s, or watch obscure old movies obsessively, have fun exploring your interests. Share your obsessions with friends as well – tell them about your latest discoveries or invite them to join you. Take this approach with little everyday habits as well. Dunk your fries into your soda instead of ketchup if that's what you like to do. Don't try conventional hobbies and activities if you don't genuinely like them – but don't avoid any that you enjoy. If you don't like playing basketball but you love learning how to play the accordion, go for it! If you don't like certain unconventional activities, don't try to force yourself to do them just to be weird. Focus on finding hobbies you enjoy. Let yourself be silly and playful. Crack goofy jokes and puns, kiss people's hands, and make silly noises when you feel like it. Don't be shy about busting a move in public. If you're out on the dancefloor, let loose and have fun. Sing along even if you don't know the words, and get others to dance and sing along with you. Be as spontaneous and adventurous as you wish. Try acting on your silly ideas with little pranks and jokes as long as they're safe and well-intentioned. Try making a funny word pun or turning all the books on your friend's bookshelf upside-down. When you think of something random, try saying it out loud. Don't say anything that would be cruel or hurtful, though. Approach the world with a lighthearted, glass-half-full energy and don't take life too seriously. Show courage in being your true self despite what others might think. Don't be afraid to show off your authentic and quirky self, despite the possibility of being judged. If someone points at you and sneers, don't let it bother you. Shrug it off and give them a wave and a smile. It takes a lot of courage to be weird and vulnerable around other people, so work on building up your self-confidence and self-esteem. Turn any negative thoughts into positive ones. Try to face your fears and overcome them. Confidence and bravery are really likable qualities. Other people will feel comfortable enough to be their own true selves around you. If you're nervous about performing your outrageous song-and-dance routine in the school talent show, practice in front of a mirror or your family members to gain some confidence. If something negative pops into your mind, like “The other kids are going to laugh at my talent show costume, aren't they?” try to turn it around into a positive: “Of course they are, and I'll be laughing along with them! My costume is hilarious and I can't wait to see everyone's reaction!” | Act friendly and outgoing around other people. Spend time with people who appreciate your weirdness. Speak expressively with big gestures and facial expressions. Invite others to do fun and unusual activities with you. Don’t hold back part of your weird self to fit in with others. Dress however you want to. Don’t apologize for your natural gifts and traits. Pursue unusual hobbies and passions enthusiastically. Let yourself be silly and playful. Show courage in being your true self despite what others might think. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-out-if-Your-Husband-Is-Cheating | How to Find out if Your Husband Is Cheating | To find out if your husband is cheating, keep an eye on his phone in case he gets a suspicious message from someone you've never heard of. You can also check his Facebook if he leaves it logged in on a computer. If you're sure he's cheating and want evidence, consider following him in a friend's car to see where he's going. Alternatively, check in on him when he's working late or watching the game at a friend's house to catch him lying to you. When you've spotted signs that convince you he's cheating, ask him if he's been cheating on you to see how he reacts. | Look for a change in your man’s sex drive. There are two changes to look for here. The more obvious one is that if your man is seeing someone else, he may not be excited about sex anymore. If your sex life has been dwindling for a while, then not having much sex doesn't mean your man is cheating, but if he used to be excited about getting into bed with you and isn't anymore, it may be a sign that he's getting it elsewhere. Another change you may notice is that suddenly your man has an insatiable sexual appetite. This may mean that his sex drive has become more intense because he's sleeping with another lady. See what he's like in bed. Is he suddenly much more adventurous than before? Has he always stuck to the same routine and is he now trying to spice things up every time you get into bed? He may be getting his moves from another woman. You should also see if he's suddenly shy with his body around you and doesn't want you to see him with his shirt off. If he only wants to have sex in the dark, then it may be because he does not feel right about sharing his body with two women. See if your man is suddenly showering you with kindness. He may be much nicer to you because he feels guilty for being unfaithful. If he's been distant or uncommunicative, or if he just isn't a very demonstrative person, but he's suddenly being very kind and sweet, and always telling you nice things, then it may be because he's trying to compensate for seeing someone on the side. But then again, he could just be being nicer because you are going through a rough patch and he is trying to make it up to you. If he suddenly brings you flowers, chocolate, and sweet cards, he could just be trying to be bringing back that loving feeling. Alternatively, he may be compensating for cheating. See if he is suddenly much more helpful. If your husband is not normally too handy around the house, but now he's doing the dishes, doing the grocery shopping, or even doing the cooking, then something may be up. He's certainly trying to compensate for something, and it may be cheating. But again, maybe he's just trying to be nice suddenly, or wants something else from you as a result. Still, when he completely changes his household habits, you should be on the alert. Look for changes in your man’s mood. If your man is usually moody and is suddenly walking on sunshine, or if he's normally stable and now goes through erratic ups and downs, then something may be up. If he's grinning ear to ear and looking off into the distance like he's thinking of someone else, then his good mood may have nothing to do with you. Also, look out if he storms home and looks upset, and then tries to blame it on work or something that never made him upset before. If you see his mood change after he takes a “quick phone call” or reads a text, then another woman may be the reason. See if he’s changed his habits around his phone. If he used to leave his phone out on the table for hours, or if he was the type of man who would leave the house and forget his phone all the time, but suddenly he and his phone are inseparable, then something may be up. If he never leaves his phone out anymore, panics when he can't find his phone, and doesn't check his texts around you or just acts every shady around his phone, then you may have reason to worry. If he suddenly put a password on his phone but never cared for privacy before, then something may be up. If he steps out to take a phone call and comes back looking either upset, excited, or apologetic, you may start to wonder who's on the other line. If you walk in when he's on the phone and he abruptly ends the conversation, then he may be talking to another woman. If he used to be diligent about answering his phone, and now you can go hours without getting in touch with him, then he may be spending that time with another woman. If he shuts off his phone for hours and he never used to do that, it is not a good sign. Check out his behavior near his computer. If he never cared for the computer much before, but is suddenly spending all of his time online, it may be because of another woman. If he stays up late on the computer after you've gone to bed suddenly, or if he abruptly shuts his computer when you walk in, it's a bad sign. If you see him on the computer, and his face suddenly lights up, as if he's talking to a crush, then it may mean he's cheating. If he does not go on the computer when you are in the room, then he may not want you to see what is on the screen. Pay attention to his excuses. If you and your husband spent most of your free time together, and he's suddenly never around for suspicious reasons, then he may be spending his time with another lady. If he's always having a "guy's night," spending every night late at work, or has suddenly found a passion for a new sport and is spending all of his free time at the gym, then he may be using these excuses to get away with his mistress. Of course, he could genuinely have picked up a love for a new sport, or he may really have to stay late at work every night, but if he's never done either of these things before and has shown several other suspicious signs, then it may mean that he's cheating. Notice what he says. Several things that your man can say may indicate that he is cheating on you. Here are some things to look out for: If he used to complement you all the time, but never complements you anymore, it may be because he is thinking of someone else. If he wasn't much of a sweet talker before, but is always suddenly complementing you, he may be doing it to compensate for being with someone else. If he just sounds different, using words you've never heard before, laughing in a new way, or just phrasing his words differently, he may have picked this up from another lady. Look for a change in your man’s grooming habits. If your man was never an obsessive shaver or hair-cutter and now he's always shaving his face, maintaining his hair, and checking himself out in the mirror, then he may be getting ready for another woman. You should also check to see if he's starting to shower more often, especially if he does it right when he comes home. This may be because he wants to wash another lady's scent off of him as soon as possible. See if he’s paying more attention to his body. If your man never cared much about his physique before, but he's suddenly going to the gym every day, running, or lifting weights in the basement, this may mean that he's trying to get his body in shape for another lady. Of course, you should consider other factors: maybe he is having a mid-life crisis and wants to look good again, or maybe he just became motivated to care more about his body. You should also look out to see if he is suddenly obsessed with his diet. This could also indicate that he is paying a lot of attention to his body for another woman. See if he smells different. This is a big red flag. If your man smells different suddenly, it may be because his body chemistry has changed from being with another woman. And if he just smells like perfume, girly lotion, or anything else feminine, then this definitely says that he's been spending time with another woman. Notice his body language. Your husband's body language can also say a lot about whether he is cheating on you. Even if he says the right things, his body could betray him. Here are some signs that something has changed for him: Note the amount of eye contact he gives you. If you used to always look into your eyes when you spoke but now always looks away, he may be doing it out of guilt. Note a lack of affection. If he used to kiss you, hug you, put his arm around you, and let you know how much he cared through his touches but never touches you any more, then something may be up. See if he turns away from you when you are talking. If he crosses his arms, turns away from you, and does not face you with his body, then he may be retreating because he is uncomfortable. Notice if he shows you affection when you are alone, but not when you go out. If he is all over you when you are home but he is distant the second you step out the door, it may be because he is afraid his mistress will catch him with another woman. Look through his things. Though looking through your husband's things is a quick way to break his trust, if you are sure he is cheating and want concrete evidence, you can try this maneuver. If you really want to know if he's cheating, here are some places to look: His phone. If he's savvy, you won't be able to find evidence of him cheating on your phone. But if he's not, you can look for an exchange with a woman you've never heard of. He may even not have plugged his mistress' number in his phone -- look for texts and calls to unidentified numbers. Search his computer. If you really want to know if he is cheating, check out his email or Facebook messages. You can wait for him to step away from his computer when he is logged into email. If he also has started meticulously deleting his emails, that can be a sign that he is hiding something from you. Search through his stuff. Go through his suitcase, desk, wallet, or even the pockets of his pants for clues. Check his bank statements. Look out for any time he has spent large sums of money at a restaurant you have never heard of. Check out the dates and think about where he said he was; if he said he was working late one night but spent a lot of money on a fancy dinner right then, which is a reason to worry. Follow him. If you are afraid to ask if he is cheating or have not found enough evidence, you can try following him to see where he really goes. Again, this is another way to lose his trust very quickly. Here are some ways to pull this off: Don't follow him in your own car. Borrow a friend's car so he does not notice that you are behind him. Keep a safe distance. Whether you are on foot or in a vehicle, don't get too close, or he'll spot you. Check in on him when he is not expecting it. If he says he's working overtime or watching the game at a friend's house, "drop in" unexpectedly and see if he's really there. Just make sure you have a good excuse for why you just showed up. Ask if he is cheating. After you have seen enough signs that he is not being faithful, it will be time to talk to your husband about it. Though the conversation will be painful, it's better not to delay it if you really want to have the truth. Here's how you can find a way to ask your husband if he's being unfaithful: Ask him when he's not expecting it. As long as you are in a private place, you can have the conversation. Don't tell him you want to have a big talk, or he may know exactly what you have in mind and will already be prepared to make excuses. Tell him that you want the truth. Remind him that he is not doing you any favors by being dishonest. Show him that he is really hurting you. Let him see how upset the idea of him being unfaithful makes you. | Look for a change in your man’s sex drive. See if your man is suddenly showering you with kindness. See if he is suddenly much more helpful. Look for changes in your man’s mood. See if he’s changed his habits around his phone. Check out his behavior near his computer. Pay attention to his excuses. Notice what he says. Look for a change in your man’s grooming habits. See if he’s paying more attention to his body. See if he smells different. Notice his body language. Look through his things. Follow him. Ask if he is cheating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Audition | How to Audition | In order to ace an audition, make sure to display confidence as you walk into the room by smiling and making eye contact with your auditioners. If they say that you seem nervous, reply that you're excited to seem more confident than you may actually feel. Then, stand up straight and stay in place once the camera is set, since directors watch the footage before making their final decision. Once you start, don't say “sorry” or ask for do-overs if you miss a word. Instead, take a quick pause and get right back into character to show that you're a professional. | Do your homework on the gig. Look on the website to see what the directors are looking for from the audition. When auditioning for a theater company, make sure you know some background information (past shows, date established, awards won, etc.) on the company. The casting people will be pleased to hear something different than "Not much" if they ask you what you know about the company. Some things to look for include: Overview of the show/event: If you can, learn as much about the play, commercial or scene as possible. Being able to talk convincingly about why you want the part will help you get the part. The Director/Casting Agent: You're not going to get details on their personal life, but learn about their requirements and expectation of you. You need to know what the director or casting agent expects from you and give them more then they expect from you. Your Role Are you supposed to be funny? Dark and serious? Oftentimes this is said up front, but you may need to do some character research, especially if it is a play or event that's already been shown. The Logistics: When are you needed for practice or performances? Nothing hurts your reputation like earning a role, but turning it down because you can't actually play the part. Run through the materials back and forth, until you can perform the audition without a script or notes. Know that, in the room, it is okay to check your notes every now and then, but you'll always be more convincing if you have the words mostly memorized. This lets you focus more on acting and less on reading. If the audition requires you to memorize a monolog, make sure you have it completely memorized and are ready to act it out. If the part has multiple characters, get a few friends to practice with you. While you could just practice your lines, having someone to help with timing and reactions will make you stronger. Don't just read the lines blindly -- pick a way to read the lines (cold, happy, funny, depressed, professional, etc.) that fits the character and practice reading the script in this tone. All good monologues have movement -- meaning the character is in a different place emotionally than when they finish than when they started talking. If you can practice this transition the role is yours. Practice reading monologues from scratch, or "cold reading" to get used to auditioning under pressure. A cold read is when the crew give you a piece to audition that you've never read and has you perform it on the spot. Cold reads are tricky, but just remember that everyone starts from scratch, too. The best way to nail a cold read is to practice -- grab a book of monologues, pick one at random, and just start acting. You can even practice with magazine or newspaper articles. Focus first on reading each word clearly and calmly. Your first goal is to make sure all the lines get out clearly. When given a cold read, pick a mood or tone and just roll with it. Don't try to get the perfect mood, just trust your guts and commit. Get a good night's sleep before the audition and make sure you eat something in the morning. You don't want to yawn or have your stomach rumble during the audition. If you are singing, avoid dairy, caffeine or anything else that you know will dry out your voice or cause phlegm. If this audition includes singing or speaking it is recommended to stay away from chocolate and dairy products that will make your mouth too moist. Instead, try to drink some warm tea with lemon and honey. Wear presentable, neutral clothing. Aim to look professional and make a good first impression. A clean buttoned shirt and jeans or a plain dress are good choices. Don't try to make a statement or match the character's clothing -- your goal is to blend into the character before their eyes, and the more unique your clothing, the harder this will be. Some auditions require dance, so wear something comfortable to move in. For shoes, you can wear running shoes or flats. Make sure you're comfortable! Also, if there is dancing, you may want to bring jazz or character shoes. Do not change your appearance for an audition. For example, even if you think the character would look better blond/brunette, etc., don't dye your hair or cut it. Many things can be done to "reshape" you later if they think this is necessary. If you'd like, add your willingness to make changes on your written audition paper, but don't do something radical before you've even gotten the part. At best, you'll make it a little easier on the makeup department if you get the part, but at worst you'll present a version of the character that doesn't even match the directors, instantly losing the part. If you are underage, ask your parent or guardian if it's okay for you to make changes should you get the role. Don't just "assume" that your super cool mom will say yes. There is nothing worse than having an angry director because your parents wouldn't let you do the thing you said you would. Have an idea what to expect to avoid any surprises. Read the notice for the audition and make sure to check out any scripts or contracts you're sent fully. If this is your first audition, know that the procedure is pretty simple. You check in when you arrive, and will be called in when it is your turn. There may be one person watching you, there could be five, but they will all be kind and supportive. Depending on the audition, you may be asked to: Deliver your prepared monologue Perform a song of your choosing Cold read a brand new scene or monologue Improvise line with others Be considerate of other actors who are auditioning. Do not approach them to talk unless invited or it is an emergency -- many actors like quiet time to prepare for the role before they go in. In general, it's best not to talk at all, lest you lose focus before you go before the auditioners. Bring a copy of the script or a monologue and brush up on your materials -- you never know what you'll find. Be kind but confident -- walk into the room like you own it. When your name is called, walk in with a hello and a smile. Don't fidget, ask for advice, or creep in with hesitation -- you're there to command an audience's attention, and the casting crew is the first audience you have. Be sure to make eye contact, act friendly, and seem like a nice person to work with. Act like you're meeting new coworkers -- cordial and kind but still professional. Don't bother asking for advice or direction -- if they have some, they'll give it. Do not try to make too much conversation with the casting officials; they have others auditioning, too. If the auditioners ask you if you are nervous, respond no. Instead, say that you are excited. This way, you seem more confident that you may actually be. Stand up straight and stay in place once the camera is set. Most auditions have a small home movie camera set up to record all of the auditions, which allows the director to rewatch when making his/her final decision. Once you've taken your place, plant your feet and keep them there. While you can move slightly to be expressive, you'll show true professionalism if you stay on camera. It's called public solitude as an actor to be able to be on stage or in front of a camera and to not be distracted by either. Once you've started, commit fully. Don't ask for apologies or do-overs -- once get going, let yourself fall back on your practice and training. If you miss a word or need a quick pause, that is okay. What is most important is not to say "sorry," "can I try that again," or "let me have a do-over." Casting directors aren't just looking for the role, they are looking for a serious, professional co-worker, and this confidence will put you ahead of many other actors who are worried about being "perfect." If the casting director wants to see another take, they'll ask, so don't fret and worry that you blew your own chance on a missed word they may not have noticed. Attempt to show growth and character depth by evolving as you act, no matter how small the part. This doesn't mean you always start with a smile and end with tears. It simply means you find an arc, however small, in your character's role. A good scene, song, or commercial ends in a different place then it started, and your job as an actor is to help show this. All roles are different, but there are some common ways to show growth: Rising Emotion: Basically, you let your energy grow as the scene does, which makes the ending the most energetic or momentous moment of the audition. This can help you both selling cars in a commercial or expressing your passion for an unrequited love. Sudden Turn or Realization: Find the line or moment when your character seems to shift gears, ideas, or emotions. This line is often the most crucial of the whole audition, as it requires you to naturally shift your acting from one emotion or the other. Shift and change your body language: Maybe your character is under pressure in the scene and they slowly start to fidget more. Maybe, as they keep talking, they grow confident, sitting up straighter and straighter as they go. Treat any audition partners or readers with respect and attention. Some auditions have another person in the room with you, a casting agent who acts out other roles in the play to see how you handle dialogue. No matter who is helping you, give them everything you've got as if you were acting across from Meryl Streep. Never blame a reader for a tough audition. Like most people trying to act, they will only give back as much energy as you give them. If you're in the role and committed, they will be too. Stick to your choices and ideas unless told otherwise by the director. Don't try to change your game plan last minute after seeing another actor, or because you suddenly feel like you are wrong the role. Remember that your confidence and practice are more important than reading a director's mind, and you'll only get in your own head if you show up to please someone. Trust yourself and your choices and focus on you. The rest will fall into place. Be understanding and gracious to the staff and director. If you did not get the part, job, or whatever you were trying out for, be gracious to the director or other casting officials. They had to see and reject many others just like you. It doesn't mean that you are any less talented than the person who got the job, sometimes it just comes down to something as simple as your height or way you move. If you like, you could ask them why they rejected you to see how you could improve. Stay pleasant. You never know when the initial casting might go wrong or they need someone extra and they remember the very gracious, pleasant you who was ranked number 2 selection on their list. Don't do anything to sour the good impression that they had of you; always leave the doors wide open. There are many different reasons why you might not get a part, but it is rarely "your fault." Directors often have specific ideas in mind for their characters, and it's not your fault if you don't fit them. Understand that you may have tried out for more roles than you think. Oftentimes, casting directors have general monologues that they like to get a feel for actors, even if you are (unknowingly) auditioning for different parts. Other times you'll try out for a part and do well, but will fit better for another role. If you get your heart set on one particular role it may be hard to get ready for a different part. However, you should be thankful for and approach any role you're given with professionalism. The casting director clearly saw something in you that they like. Leave your headshot and resume with the casting director or agency. You never know when a director is looking for someone just like you for another project. Many casting directors like to keep records of actors they like, building relationships even if this particular part isn't right to you. Make sure that the headshots you have were professionally taken. While it may be tempting to simply ask a friend to take the photos, at the highest level you really need your headshots to pop. Prepare new monologues, songs, or work for any call-back auditions. Call-backs are a way to winnow down the field. 100 people may try out for the first round, but only 10 may be called back for a second round. If you get called back, be sure to prepare new material to perform, preferably showing a slightly different side of yourself and not a similar monologue to the last one. Generally, always have at least two tonally contrasting monologues prepared to perform. Be sure not to pick monologues that are frequently performed (like ones that pop up when you search "best monologues"), or ones that are famous. Keep going to auditions to get better and get more roles. Even if you are sure that you will not get the job, there is no harm in going to an audition just to practice auditioning. It is almost impossible to get the job every time, so why not practice for when that show or spot in the company finally opens up? You are more likely to get in if you have more experience under your belt. Eventually, you are sure to be cast in something! | Do your homework on the gig. Run through the materials back and forth, until you can perform the audition without a script or notes. Practice reading monologues from scratch, or "cold reading" to get used to auditioning under pressure. Get a good night's sleep before the audition and make sure you eat something in the morning. Wear presentable, neutral clothing. Do not change your appearance for an audition. Have an idea what to expect to avoid any surprises. Be considerate of other actors who are auditioning. Be kind but confident -- walk into the room like you own it. Stand up straight and stay in place once the camera is set. Once you've started, commit fully. Attempt to show growth and character depth by evolving as you act, no matter how small the part. Treat any audition partners or readers with respect and attention. Stick to your choices and ideas unless told otherwise by the director. Be understanding and gracious to the staff and director. Understand that you may have tried out for more roles than you think. Leave your headshot and resume with the casting director or agency. Prepare new monologues, songs, or work for any call-back auditions. Keep going to auditions to get better and get more roles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Spades | How to Play Spades | Spades is a strategic card game that's played with two teams of two. The goal of the game is to be the team that reaches 500 points first. To score points, try to win the number of tricks that you and your teammate bid at the beginning of the round. To start the game, each player draws a card. Whoever draws the highest card deals first. Have the dealer deal 13 cards to each player. Then, take a look at your cards and estimate how many tricks you think you can win that round. To win a trick, you need to have the highest card in the suit that leads. Keep in mind that spades trump every suit, regardless of what suit leads. Let each player announce how many tricks they think they'll win, which is called their bid. Add up you and your teammate's bid. This number is called your contract. Once both teams have a contract, the round starts with the player to the left of the dealer. That player can play a card in any suit from their hand. However, players can't lead with spades until a spade has been used to trump a leading suit. After the first player leads, the rest of the players take turns playing a card in the same suit if they have one. If you don't have a card in that suit, you can play any card from your hand. Once all 4 players have gone, the player with the highest card in the suit that led wins the trick. If the leading suit isn't spades, and one or more spades have been played, the player with the highest spade wins the trick instead. The winner of the trick collects the 4 cards, then plays the next leading suit. Keep playing like this until everyone is out of cards. At the end of a round, if you and your partner managed to win at least the number of tricks in your contract, multiply the number of tricks in your contract by 10 points. For every trick you won above the total in your contract, add 1 point to your total. If your team fails to make your contract, subtract 10 points for every trick you bid from your total score. Continue playing rounds like this until one team reaches 500 points and wins! | Split the players into teams of 2. Spades should be played with 4 players. These 4 players should be divided in 2 teams of 2. If you have extra players, play a tournament and have the winning team meet new opponents for each new game. Figure out what the winning score will be to end the game. Before starting to play, decide what score will determine the winner and end the game. This score is usually 500, or another is usually a multiple of 100. Players can determine it to be lower or higher than 500 depending on how long they want the game to last. Remove the jokers from your deck and deal the card evenly. Spades should be played with a regular deck of cards with the jokers removed. Deal the remaining 52 cards evenly between players. Each player should have 13 cards. Standard spades etiquette is that all players refrain from picking up their cards before all the cards are dealt out. Give players a few moments to assess their respective hands. After all the cards are dealt, leave a few moments for players to look over their hands. Each player can take the opportunity to assess how good their cards are and organize them as they wish. During this time, players can double-check how many cards they have to ensure they have 13. Players should be sure to conceal their hands from their opponents. Assess your hand to see how many tricks you can win. As a general rule, a hand with higher cards has the potential to win the most tricks. Note how many good cards you have to decide what your individual bid should be. You should also note how many spades you have, as they will beat all other suits. In spades, the cards are organized from highest to lowest in this order: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. You have a very good hand if you have high cards (A, K, Q, J) that are spades. Decide on a "contract" bid with your partner without discussing your hand. The rules of Spades allow you to exchange general information about your hand with your partner so the two of you can place a joint "contract" bid. You can tell your partner how many tricks you know you can win, and how many others you have a chance of winning. Once you each disclose your winning potential, choose a combined bid and write it down. A "trick" is a round where each player puts down one card, and the player with the best card wins. If you decide that you will not win any tricks, you can bid "nil". Play the game in a clockwise direction. In each round, one player will play a card of the suit of their choice. To try to win the trick, other players must play a card of the same suit in increasing order. If you do not have a card of the same suit to play, discard a higher card from a different suit or play a spade. Discarding a card from a different suit will not win the trick. For example, if player 1 leads with the 7 of clubs, each other player, if possible, must put down a club this round. Collect cards for every trick won. Tricks are won by the highest card played, or the highest spade played if applicable. When you win a trick, take all 4 cards from that round to tally your score later. You will have to divide the number of cards by 4 to find out your score at the end of the game. Keep these cards to the side to add up your score at the end of the game. Tally your scores after all 13 tricks have been played. Count the total number of tricks you won with your partner. If you met your "contract" bid, multiply that number by 10. If you did not meet that number, penalize your team by that amount of points. Successful "nil" bids earn 100 points, while unsuccessful bids will result in a penalty of 100 points. | Split the players into teams of 2. Figure out what the winning score will be to end the game. Remove the jokers from your deck and deal the card evenly. Give players a few moments to assess their respective hands. Assess your hand to see how many tricks you can win. Decide on a "contract" bid with your partner without discussing your hand. Play the game in a clockwise direction. Collect cards for every trick won. Tally your scores after all 13 tricks have been played. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Aquarium-Gravel | How to Clean Aquarium Gravel | Before you clean your aquarium gravel, unplug your tank's heater, filter, and pump. Then, place a bucket under the aquarium and lower your aquarium vacuum into the tank. Next, place your finger over the other end of the vacuum tube and put it into the bucket. To start vacuuming, push the submerged end of the tube down into the gravel before releasing your finger from the end in the bucket. When the water runs clear, cover the end of the tube to stop the flow. Repeat this process in other parts of your tank to clean the rest of the gravel. | Unplug the heater, filter, and pump. Before you do anything to your tank, you must unplug the heater and turn off the filter and pump. Don't worry, the cleaning process is quick, so your fish will be fine. Do not remove your fish, decorations, or plants from the tank. Get out your aquarium vacuum. There are two tools aquarium hobbyists will use for cleaning their gravel. Aquarium siphons usually have a thick, plastic tube or "siphon" with a thin, flexible, tube attached to one end. Some of these may have a priming ball attached to one end. Plastic, flexible tubes can also be used to clean gravel. These are ideal for smaller tanks. Place a bucket below the aquarium. The bucket must be beneath the water level. It will catch the old water. Start the vacuum by submerging it. Slowly lower the entire siphon into the tank so that all of the air gets out of the tube. Cover the end of the tube with your thumb and take it out of the tank; keep the other, open, end submerged. Place the covered end in a bucket. If you release your thumb, the water will begin to flow; if you cover the end again with your thumb, the water will stop. Start the vacuum with a priming ball. Some aquarium vacuums come with a rubber ball attached to the end of the siphon. Stick the end of the siphon into the aquarium and lower the end of the tube into a bucket. Plug the end of the tube with your finger, and squeeze on the priming ball. Slowly let go of the ball, but keep the end of the tube plugged. Water will begin to fill the siphon, sort of like an eyedropper or turkey baster. When you unplug the end of the tube, water will start to flow into the bucket. Know how to start up a Python, and other similar types of vacuums, if you are using one. These types of gravel vacuums are different from all others. They do not require a bucket. Instead, they need to be hooked up to a water faucet. Simply plug the end of the Python vacuum to your water faucet and place the entire vacuum into the aquarium. When you turn the faucet on, the vacuum will begin to siphon. Place the end of the vacuum into the gravel. Simply stick it straight down, as far as it will go. Your thumb should still be blocking the end of the tube, and that the end of the tube is in the bucket. Once you let go of the tube, dirty water will start flowing out. If you have very fine-grit gravel, such as sand, don't stick the vacuum all the way down. Instead, place the mouth just over the top of the sand. Let go of the tube. With the end of the tube still in the bucket, slowly pull your thumb away from the end of the tube. This will start creating the siphoning effect. Dirty water will flow out of the end of the tube and into the bucket. The gravel will shake and rattle inside the tube. If you are using a Python, or a similar type, simply turn the water on the begin siphoning. Cover the end of the tube once the water starts to run clear. How long this takes will depend on how dirty your aquarium is to begin with. When you recover the tube, the gravel will settle once again. If the gravel starts to go too far up the vacuum, just cover the end of the tube and let the gravel settle. Then, uncover the tube and let the water flow again. If you are using a Python, or a similar type, simply turn the water off the stop siphoning. Remove the vacuum from the gravel, but not out of the water. Try to keep it as straight as possible, so that you don't dislodge the adjacent debris. Move the vacuum to the next patch of dirty gravel and repeat the process. Push the vacuum straight down into the gravel, and slowly release the end of the tube. When the water runs clear again, cover the tube back up and carefully lift the vacuum out. If your tank has any caves, rocks, logs, and other nooks and crannies, be sure to give those special attention. These areas tend to get the most waste. If your tank has any live plants, leave a 2 inch (5.08 centimeters) radius around the stems. Plants love organic waste. If you remove this waste, the plants won't have anything to eat. Do not clean all of the gravel. Keep vacuuming until the water level is two-thirds of the way full. By now, you will have cleaned one-fourth to one-third of the gravel. This is perfectly fine. You do not want to clean more than that at one time. Aquarium gravel hosts a lot of good, helpful bacteria that is important for the health of your tank. You can continue cleaning the gravel the next time you do a partial water change. Take the temperature of the tank's water. You have just removed a lot of dirty water, and you will need to replace it. Fish are very sensitive to water changes, so the new water will have to be the same temperature as the old. Most tanks should have a thermometer, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to stick a clean, glass thermometer into the water. Fill a clean bucket with water that is the same temperature as your tank's water. Make sure that the bucket never came to contact with any chemicals or cleaners. Any residue left behind can be extremely deadly for your fish. Fill the bucket with water that is the same Treat the water, if necessary. Most tap water is not aquarium safe. Use any necessary water conditioners to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals. You can buy these from an aquarium store or in the aquatics department of a pet store. Place the bucket above the water level of the aquarium. You will be reverse siphoning the water back into the tank. The bucket must be above the water level, or the water will not siphon back properly. Simply pouring the water back in might seem easier, but this can cause debris to rise up and cloud the water. Stick the entire rubber tube into the tank and plug on end up with your finger. If you are using a gravel vacuum with a plastic siphon, see if you can pop the flexible tube off. Leave the uncovered end in the bucket and place the covered end in the tank. Slowly let go of the tube. The water should start flowing back into the tank. Remove the tube from the tank when the water level is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the top edge. This space is important. Fish need oxygen, and if you don't leave that space, the water won't get enough oxygen for your fish. Re-plug the heater, filter, and pump. Once your aquarium is all set up again, plug the heater back in, and restart the filter and pump. Take note of when you cleaned your tank, and make a note on your calendar for the next cleaning date. Only clean gravel before putting it into your tank for the first time. This is the only time you should be cleaning the gravel. Once your gravel is in the tank, you should only vacuum it. Gravel hosts a lot of good, helpful bacteria that are beneficial for your aquarium. Rinsing your gravel will get rid of that bacteria. Open up the bag that your gravel came in. Store-bought gravel must be cleaned. It often contains dust and dirt that can be harmful to your fish. If you picked your gravel up from elsewhere, you will want to clean it as well. Get a colander or mesh strainer. The smaller your gravel is, the tighter the weave you will need. Make sure that you are not using this colander or strainer for any other purpose. Also, make sure that the colander/strainer never came into contact with soap or other detergents. If you are cleaning sand, consider using a piece of cotton instead. Fill the colander or strainer with gravel. If you have a lot of gravel to clean, you may need to work in smaller batches. The gravel should enough room in the colander/strainer to move around without spilling over the edges. Place the colander/strainer into a sink and turn on the water. Use a warm or hot water setting. This will help kill any bacteria. Do ' not add any soap, detergent, or bleach. Doing so can kill your fish. Move the gravel about until the water runs clear. Shake and jiggle the colander/strainer. Stick your hand into the gravel, and sift it about. Keep doing this until the water runs clear. Transfer the gravel to your aquarium. Turn off the water and give the colander/strainer a final shake to get rid of any excess water. Spread the gravel along the bottom of your tank. If you still have more gravel to add, repeat the whole cleaning process for each batch. | Unplug the heater, filter, and pump. Get out your aquarium vacuum. Place a bucket below the aquarium. Start the vacuum by submerging it. Start the vacuum with a priming ball. Know how to start up a Python, and other similar types of vacuums, if you are using one. Place the end of the vacuum into the gravel. Let go of the tube. Cover the end of the tube once the water starts to run clear. Remove the vacuum from the gravel, but not out of the water. Move the vacuum to the next patch of dirty gravel and repeat the process. Do not clean all of the gravel. Take the temperature of the tank's water. Fill a clean bucket with water that is the same temperature as your tank's water. Treat the water, if necessary. Place the bucket above the water level of the aquarium. Stick the entire rubber tube into the tank and plug on end up with your finger. Leave the uncovered end in the bucket and place the covered end in the tank. Remove the tube from the tank when the water level is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the top edge. Re-plug the heater, filter, and pump. Only clean gravel before putting it into your tank for the first time. Open up the bag that your gravel came in. Get a colander or mesh strainer. Fill the colander or strainer with gravel. Place the colander/strainer into a sink and turn on the water. Move the gravel about until the water runs clear. Transfer the gravel to your aquarium. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Right-Sunglass-Lens-Color | How to Choose the Right Sunglass Lens Color | To choose the right sunglass lens color, consider your needs and style preferences. Gray, brown, and green lenses decrease glare and eyestrain without distorting colors. Yellow, amber, and orange lenses increase contrast but can distort colors. Pink or rose tinted glasses increase contrast but also distort color more than other shades. When trying on sunglasses, you shouldn't be able to see your eyes in the mirror, which means they're blocking enough UV rays. If you need sunglasses for driving, go for gray or brown lenses. If you need them for boating or fishing, try pink or rose-tinted glasses. You should also factor in your local weather. Brown, amber, and gray are great for sunny or overcast weather. Greens are good for most weather, including rain. Reds and pinks are best for snowy and misty conditions. | Try on different colors. You might find that certain colors are more comfortable for your vision than others. While shopping for new sunglasses, you should try on pairs with various lens colors. Many opticians and sunglass stores will carry lenses in various shades that you can try on. You may find that there are certain differences between these colors, such as: Gray, brown, and green lenses are neutral. They decrease glare and eyestrain without distorting colors. Yellow, amber, and orange lenses increase contrast, but they may distort color. They also block out blue light, which some believe may be harmful for the eyes. Red or rose tinted glasses increase contrast, but they distort color more strongly than other shades. Consider photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses are those that change colors based on how much light they are absorbing. These glasses can adjust from bright conditions to dim ones, although they do take a few minutes to adjust. They are also more expensive than a normal pair of prescription glasses, although they eliminate the need for a separate pair of sunglasses. If you wear prescription glasses, you might consider investing in a pair so that you do not have to switch between glasses in middle of activities such as driving. Typically, photochromic glasses will darken into neutral colors such as gray. Go for medium darkness. You should aim for a tint that is about medium darkness; if you can see your eyes when looking in a mirror, they may not be dark enough. You do not need to buy the darkest lenses unless you live in a very bright area. Darker lenses do not necessarily block more UV rays, but they may make it more difficult for you to see. It is important that you get glasses you can see clearly in. Invest in several pairs. If you need different types of colors for different activities, you might consider buying a few pairs of glasses in different shades. You might have one pair for driving and another for sports. If you play several sports, you might find that you have a different pair for each activity. Think about when you use sunglasses. The type of activity you're doing may determine the right color of sunglasses for you. Consider when you wear your sunglasses most. While every shade of sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays and help you see during bright days, certain colors may improve the efficiency of certain tasks. For driving, gray and brown work best to block out colors. Yellow and amber are not recommended because they may distort the color of traffic signals. For pilots, gray, green-gray, or brown lenses are recommended. If you need glasses for boating or fishing, try wearing pink or rose-tinted glasses. Factor in your local weather. Think about the climate where you live. Different colors or shades will be more effective in different types of weather. If you live in a tropical area, you might want a color that is better for bright sunny days. If you live in the north, you might find that you need a good pair of sunglasses for snowy weather. Brown, amber, and gray are great for sunny or overcast days. Greens are good for most weather conditions, including rain. Yellows are great for foggy or hazy conditions, including heavy air pollution. Reds, pinks, blues, and purples are good for snowy and misty conditions. Match your sunglasses to your sport. Certain colors may give you an edge if you play sports. Finding the right color lens for your sport can help filter out obtrusive colors and help you notice minute details. Some good options include: Tennis: gray, brown, or yellow are best. Golfing: yellow, amber, and brown are good for general games. Red and rose may be good for the putting green but not on the fairway. Skiing: amber, yellow, or orange are are generally recommended. Rose colored lenses may help in low-light conditions.. Running: Brown, yellow, or rose are good options, although neutral colors such as gray and green work well too. Baseball: amber, brown, or green are recommended. Ask your doctor for advice. If you have any eye conditions—such as glaucoma or cataracts—, you should speak to your doctor about what color lens is right for you. You may be advised to find a neutral lens that will block out harmful UV rays without distorting color very much, or you might be recommended a yellow or amber lens to improve your contrast. For glaucoma, mirror coatings can be helpful. These are shiny outer coatings that reduce glare but do not distort colors. They come in almost every color, but unlike normal lenses, the color of the mirror coating has no effect on your vision. If you have macular degeneration, amber lenses may help while outdoors. While driving, you should stick with gray lenses, however. Consider your complexion. If you have a cool complexion, you will want a different color lens than someone who has a warm complexion. Determine your skin tone. If you have pink or blue undertones, you have a cool complexion. If you have yellow undertones, you have a warm complexion. Cool complexions might want to choose blue, purple, rose, gray, or green tinted lenses. Warm complexions may want to choose red, yellow, brown, amber, or orange colored lenses. Stay classic with a neutral tone. If you want a vintage or classic look, you should stick to neutral tones such as brown, gray, dark gray, or green. These colors do not go out of style, and they draw the attention to the shape of your glasses instead of to the tint. Add some flash with a mirror-coated lens. A mirror-coated lens has a shiny outer layer that gives your sunglasses a polished gleam. Mirror coatings can reduce glare without distorting any color. You can choose almost any color for your mirror-coating without it affecting your vision. Some even come in multiple colors. You can buy glasses with mirror coating already applied or you can ask your optician to fit your frames with mirror-coated lenses. Try soft, pastel lenses. If you do not like how dark sunglasses are, pastel lenses are another option. These stylish lighter shades may not block out much light, but they will give you a cool, summery look. Lighter shades can still block out UV rays so look for a pair that is labeled as providing 100% UV protection. Some shades that you might consider are: Light orange Rose Lavender Soft blue Light gray | Try on different colors. Consider photochromic lenses. Go for medium darkness. Invest in several pairs. Think about when you use sunglasses. Factor in your local weather. Match your sunglasses to your sport. Ask your doctor for advice. Consider your complexion. Stay classic with a neutral tone. Add some flash with a mirror-coated lens. Try soft, pastel lenses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Real-Estate-License-In-Virginia | How to Get a Real Estate License In Virginia | To get a real estate license in Virginia, you'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. If you meet these requirements, you should enroll in the required real estate courses that have been approved by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Once you've completed 60 hours of coursework, you must pass both the state and national exams offered by the Virginia real estate board. If you pass the exam, you can fill out an application and apply for your real estate license. | Know the requirements. Before you can begin the process of becoming a real estate agent in Virginia, understand each state has different requirements for who is eligible. In Virginia, in order become a real estate agent you must: Be at least 18 years of age. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, like a GED. Pass both the state and national PSI exams, the Virginia real estate board's testing service. Have successfully completed 60 hours of course work, approved by Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, on the principles of real estate. Have completed an application and paid the appropriate fee. Find and enroll in approved courses. Before you can take the real estate exam, and before you have a chance at passing, 60 hours of specific coursework are required. Make sure the course you enroll in is approved by the DPOR, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. If it isn't, the 60 hours you complete won't qualify you to take the PSI exam. The course should advertise itself as DPOR approved and you can search the DPOR website to find a list of approved coursework. If you are unsure, phone the DPOR during office hours and ask them about the course you're considering. The courses you take will provide a basic overview of real estate practices, laws, and policies in addition to the basics of sales, negotiations, and closings. You also learn real estate vocabulary and math. You can either take courses online or in-person, depending on your preference. Online courses can save time and money, but require more self motivation than in-person courses. In-person courses are often more expensive and more cumbersome to get to, but many find face-to-face interactions ideal to a learning environment. Get experience in the field. While you're taking the proper courses, which can take a long period of time, try getting some experience in the field. This will give you a glimpse into the industry to make sure it's right for you before you launch your career. Get an internship or office job at a real estate firm. This way, you can make a connection in your field - which can lead to jobs down the line - and get a feel for the world of real estate. Ask a real estate agent if you can shadow them for a day or a week. This can provide invaluable on-the-field information on your career path. Engage in test preparation. Even after you complete your training, you might still feel under-prepared for your exam. The exam is comprehensive and follows a specific format, and knowing the format can be as vital to successfully passing as knowing the information itself. Online, many sites allow you to take practice exams for free. Taking a series of practice exams in the weeks leading to the test can be a great way to prep as you'll know what to expect and where you weak areas are during the exam. Books are available for purchase online or from Amazon that contain valuable information on vocabulary and exam questions and also have practice tests you can take at home. Kaplan University and other outlets offer online test prep courses and products for the Virginia real estate exam. These can be a bit pricey, however. At Kaplan, for example, it's $99 to take a test prep course but it might be worth it if you prefer a more structured environment for studying. Apply to take the exam. Before you can enroll in a state certified PSI exam, you must be approved by the Real Estate Board. You will be required to fill out an application to assure the course work you took was DPOR approved and pay a small application fee, usually in the range of $50 to $60. There is no application deadline to take the exam in Virginia, as exams are administered daily. The processing time for your application is around two weeks. Schedule your exam time and place. Once your application is approved, you can take the real estate exam. In Virginia, PSI exams are administered on a daily basis at a variety of locations. Phone the PSI center, open 24 hours, at 1-800-733-9267. The PSI center will help you select a time and location that works for your schedule. The locations are: Charlottesville Falls Church Richmond Roanoke Tyson's Corner Virginia Beach Johnson City, TN Salisbury, MD Know the protocol for the exam. There are rules about what you can and cannot do during the real estate exam. Make sure you know these rules before going into the exam room. You should arrive at the exam center at least 30 minute early. This extra time is used for sign in and identification. You must provide two valid forms of identification. Personal electronic devices, personal items like notebooks and backpacks, and hats and visors are not permitted during the exam. No conversing is allowed during the exam. Only non-programmable calculators that are silent and battery operated are allowed. You may not leave the room during the exam. No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted during the exam. Take the Virginia Real Estate Exam. There will be two sections: a national real estate test and a Virginia test. You will need passing grades on both. Take only the Virginia section if you have a valid real estate license from another state. Expect about 120 questions, which will need to be answered in about 2.5 hours. Before you begin the exam, there is a brief tutorial explaining how to use the computer during the exam. You allowed up to 15 minutes to view the tutorial. That time does not count towards you time spent taking the test so read the instructions carefully. Questions are multiple choice and each question has 4 possible answers. Receive a passing grade on your exam. In order to be eligible to apply for a license, you need a passing score on the exam. A passing score is a minimum of 56 on the national portion of the exam and a minimum of 30 on the state portion. If you take the exam by computer, your score will be given to you immediately. If you pass, you will receive a notification that you passed. If you do not pass, you will receive a notification you did not pass alongside diagnostic information about your strengths and weaknesses you can use when retaking the test. You can schedule retesting at any time. If you take the exam by paper, an official report will be handed out at the examination center. Undergo a fingerprint and background check. Before you can apply for your license, a fingerprint and background check is required. Electronic fingerprinting should be conducted at one of the testing sites, and once this and the subsequent background check are complete they are valid for 45 days. Use this time to submit your application. Apply for your license. Once you have successfully passed the exam and completed the background check, you must apply to the Board of Real Estate to obtain an official license to practice. You can get the application in person by visiting your local branch of the board or obtain an application online through the DPOR website. Fill out and submit the application. The application should be submitted within 1 year of passing the test, but sooner is better as your background check/finger printing is only valid for 45 days. Understand your privileges and responsibilities. As a real estate agent in Virginia, you're allowed to join a number of real estate boards in the state, have access to exclusive databases for real estate agents, and are able to market, buy, and sell homes for your own monetary gain. However, you must live up to standards of conduct outlined by the real estate board. Disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions during the application process, and when renewing your license. Maintain a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing. Take a board approved pre-licensing course within your first year. All new salespersons must complete a 30 hour board-approved course within one year of obtaining their license. The following eight courses are included: Fair Housing, ADA, and Civil Rights (2 hours) Real Estate Law and Regulation (8 hours) Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours) Current Industry Issues and Trends (2 hours) Agency Law (3 hours) Contract Writing (6 hours) Risk Management (3 hours) Escrow Requirements (3 hours) Complete 16 hours of continuing education. Once you've been in the game for awhile, you will be required to take 16 hours of continuing education to renew your license when the time comes. Eight of those credit hours are elective, and the other eight must be the following: Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours) Fair Housing (2 hours) Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (1 hour) Real Estate Agency (1 hour) Real Estate Contracts (1 hour) | Know the requirements. Find and enroll in approved courses. Get experience in the field. Engage in test preparation. Apply to take the exam. Schedule your exam time and place. Know the protocol for the exam. Take the Virginia Real Estate Exam. Receive a passing grade on your exam. Undergo a fingerprint and background check. Apply for your license. Understand your privileges and responsibilities. Take a board approved pre-licensing course within your first year. Complete 16 hours of continuing education. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Moisture-to-Your-Hair | How to Add Moisture to Your Hair | To add moisture to your hair, try using a leave-in conditioner. Rub it thoroughly into your damp hair and leave it to dry. Or, massage liquid coconut oil into your hair. Alternatively, use a hair mask. Work some mashed avocado, bananas, honey, or mayonnaise into your hair. Then, cover it with a shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes before you rinse it out. Use a leave-in conditioner, oil, or a hair mask every 2 to 3 days to keep your hair moisturized throughout the week. If you shampoo every day, try cutting back to every 2-3 days, since shampooing can strip moisture from your hair. | Do a deep treatment on your hair. Apply your favorite deep treatment hair mask to wet hair. For example, you might rub mashed avocados or bananas, honey, or mayonnaise into your hair to add moisture. Once your hair is covered in the hair mask, put on a shower cap and let the treatment sit for 30 minutes. Rinse out the hair mask with warm water. If you're short on time, you can skip the deep treatment, but your hair won't get as much moisture. Massage liquid coconut oil into your scalp. Fill a plastic squeeze bottle with liquid coconut oil. Squirt the coconut oil directly onto your scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp and the hair closest to your scalp. This will immediately add moisture to the hair. If you're worried about squirting too much oil onto your scalp, you can squirt the oil onto your fingertips instead. Run your fingers through your hair to moisturize the hair and scalp. Wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. Fill a spray bottle with fresh water and spray all over your hair until it's wet. Apply your favorite leave-in conditioner. To do so, squirt the conditioner on your hands. Rub the leave-in conditioner closer to your scalp and work in through your hair. Ensure that you rub the leave-in conditioner to the very tips of your hair. Spraying your hair with water adds instant moisture to your hair and makes it easier to detangle. Divide your hair into sections and moisturize them with oil. Portion your hair into 4 or 5 parts using hair clips. You should have one section of hair near the front of your head and 3 or 4 sections of hair near the back of your head. Moisturize each section of hair by rubbing olive oil through the hair and scalp. If you don't want to use olive oil, you could use another preferred oil or conditioner. For example, consider using castor oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter. Detangle each section of your hair. Squirt a cream moisturizer (like a curl defining cream) into the palm of your hand and rub it through your hair. Ensure that each section of hair is evenly moisturized. Take a rubber brush and slowly brush from the tip of your hair towards your scalp to detangle the hair. This will prevent damage to your hair. If you have dry curly hair, consider detangling your hair with a Denman brush. The rubber can help spread moisturizing products evenly through your hair as you brush. Twist your hair. If you have curly hair, twist each hair section on the back of your head tightly. You should be able to make a couple of twists from each section of hair. This is a protective style that will keep your moisturized and detangled hair out of your face as you moisturize the front of your hair. For an even tighter twist, consider twisting the very tip of each strand of hair so that it's tightly wound around itself. Do edge control along the front sections of hair. Bring the front section of hair down onto your forehead. Rub edge control gel into the edge that separates the front section of hair with the back sections of hair. Work the gel into the edge along your scalp. Brush the hair back and apply edge control along the edge of hair where it meets your forehead. Edge control will help smooth and hold any flyaway strands of hair and will add moisture to the hair near your scalp. Finish twisting the front section of your hair. Once you've applied edge control gel to the front section of hair, twist it into a protective side plait or braid. The end of the twist should be one one side of your face. This way, you can tuck it behind your ear, if your hair is long enough. If you want the plait twist to lay flat, ensure that you twist it under rather than over itself. Pin your hair and lay your edges down. Use bobby pins to pin the front plait or braid twist of hair to the side of your head. Take the edge control gel and use your fingertips to carefully lay your edges down. Dab the gel with your fingertips to the small wisps of hair along your scalp and forehead. Laying down your edges will prevent flyaways and keep the small hairs along your scalp moisturized. Moisturize your hair several times a week. Keep your hair moisturized throughout the week. Try to moisturize your hair every 2 or 3 days or as soon as you notice your hair drying and frizzing. For a quick moisturizing routine, just remove your hair from the twists and spritz it with water. Rub through a leave-in conditioner and brush your hair. Rub through olive oil for extra moisturizer. You can leave your hair down or re-twist it into a protective style. For the most moisture, do a deep moisturizing treatment once a week. Avoid shampooing your hair too often. Dry hair is often caused by removing the natural oils from your hair. If you currently wash your hair every day, start waiting a day or two in between shampoos. This will give your hair a chance to stay moisturized from its own oils. When you do shampoo, choose a gentle shampoo that contains aloe vera or apricot kernel oil. These ingredients can help your hair stay moisturized. Protect your hair. Your hair may dry out more quickly if it's exposed to wind, sun, chlorine, dry air, or saltwater. If you'll be encountering any of these, cover your hair with a scarf or hat. You should also increase your conditioning before and after coming into contact with these damaging elements. If you'll be in the sun, you can also spray your hair with a protective spray that blocks UV rays. Cut out the chemicals. Even the most moisturized hair can dry out if you use too many drying treatments. Coloring your hair or getting perms, relaxers, and chemical smothers can all dry out your hair. Consider doing these rarely to avoid drying out your hair. If you do color or highlight your hair, choose chemical-free or ammonia-free treatments since they're less damaging to your hair. | Do a deep treatment on your hair. Massage liquid coconut oil into your scalp. Wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. Divide your hair into sections and moisturize them with oil. Detangle each section of your hair. Twist your hair. Do edge control along the front sections of hair. Finish twisting the front section of your hair. Pin your hair and lay your edges down. Moisturize your hair several times a week. Avoid shampooing your hair too often. Protect your hair. Cut out the chemicals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Serious-Burn | How to Treat a Serious Burn | If you have a serious burn, you should call emergency services if it has penetrated the top layer of your skin. You should also put out any fires on your body and remove any hot liquid, chemicals, or electrical components from your skin. Then, remove any of your clothes or other materials from the burned area to reduce further injury. You should then hold the wound under a cold tap or apply a cool compress for up to 20 minutes, especially for a chemical burn. | Assess burn damage. Check to see if the burn is a first, second, or third-degree burn. If the burn was caused by chemicals, an electrical shock, or molten tar or plastic, understand that burn will require different first aid than a burn caused by a thermal source such as fire. First-degree burns only impact the top layer of skin. These burns do no blister. Though they may be painful, they often heal in under a week, and do not scar. Second-degree burns extend beneath the top layer of the skin into the dermis. These burns usually blister, and cause pink, moist injuries that may heal with some scarring. Third-degree burns extend all the way through the dermis. They may or may not have blisters, and often appear white, brown, bright red, or black. They may or may not peel. When evaluating people with severe body burns, you have to assess the burn damage. This is accomplished by the rule of 9's. This helps guide clinical decisions such as fluid resuscitation and pain control. Clinicians use this in severe traumatic third degree burns over a large surface area of the body. Remove the burning agent. No matter what type of burn a person is experiencing, the first step in treating it is to smother or remove the burning agent. This means putting out the fire, or otherwise removing any hot liquid, steam, chemicals, or electrical components from the person's skin. If a person has contact with fire, get them out of the way of the fire source. If necessary, help them “stop, drop, and roll” to extinguish the flames. Chemicals should be removed with care. Gloves and protection for the eyes, mouth, and nose should be worn while handling chemicals that may cause burning. Never put an alkali on an acid burn, and never put an acid on an alkali burn. Use copious amounts of water to dilute the alkali or acid/chemical burn. Electrical components should be handled with care, as well. If possible, allow a professional to intervene in the situation. In most situations, it is unlikely that you will have to pull someone away from an active electrical component. Remove any hot, charred, or smoldering material. Remove any clothes and other material from the burned area. If fabric is sticking, cut around it to expose as much of the burn as possible.[[Image:Treat a Serious Burn Step 1.jpg|center] Do not try to remove sticking fabric or embedded objects from the skin. Leave this to a trained medical professional so as to avoid further injury. Remove all restrictive clothing such as jewelry and belts, and loosen ties, shirt cuffs, and collars. Burns can cause rapid swelling, and restriction may cause further injury. Cool the skin. Cool the burned skin using cool water or a cool compress. Avoid applying ice or near-freezing water to the burned area, as this can constrict blood flow to the burn and worsen the injury. If possible, cool the burn by placing it under clean running water for up to 20 minutes at a time. If running water is not practical, the burn may be placed in a bowl or tub of cool water. A cool compress may be used to treat first degree burns if a constant running water source is not available. You may find one in a first-aid kit, or make one using cool water and a clean towel. Hold it over the burn for no more than 20 minutes. Cover the burn. Apply a protective covering to the burn such as a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or a clean cloth. Do not use an adhesive bandage or previously-used gauze. Avoid applying ointments or other treatments to the burnt area, as this may cause infection. Wrap dry gauze or a burn dressing loosely around the burnt area. Do not apply too much pressure or constrict the burn with the dressing. Care for blisters. Do not pop any blisters that may have resulted as a part of the burn. Wrap the blisters loosely in the same way as the rest of the burn, and keep them from any stress that may cause them to rupture. If a blister does pop, keep it wrapped in a sterile dressing. Do not apply an ointments or other treatments, as these may cause infections. Prevent shock. Keep the burn victim in a position that helps prevent shock by laying the person down and elevating their legs and the burn area above the level of their heart, if possible. Use props or furniture to help the individual hold the pose, and cover them with a coat or blanket. Do not move the individual if they have injuries around the head and neck or spinal area unless you have been trained to do so by a reputable first-aid program. Moving them incorrectly with such injuries could result in permanent damage to the body or brain. Shock is one of the more serious concerns of a large 2nd or 3rd degree burn and should be dealt with in a burn unit or ICU, or the burn victim may die. Manage the pain. An over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the pain for a first-degree burn. Take as recommended on the manufacturer's packaging. If an over-the-counter medication does not work to alleviate the pain, contact your doctor for further recommendations. You can also apply pure aloe gel to reduce the inflammation around your burn. Follow up with your doctor. All burns should be seen by a doctor, even first-degree burns. Follow up with your doctor when you can get an appointment. Request expedited service if you or the burnt individual believe a tetanus booster is necessary, or if you notice symptoms like: Oozing Swelling Fever Worsening redness Increased pain Call emergency services. First-aid can be administered to help third-degree burns while waiting for medical attention, but such severe burns always require treatment by a medical professional. Call emergency services, such as 9-1-1 in the US, and let them know a severe burn needs treatment. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher your location, what happened to cause the burn, and about the severity of the burn. Request an ambulance be sent immediately. It is not advisable for untrained individuals to transport someone suffering from a severe burn unless absolutely necessary. Protect the burn. Loosely cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage such as gauze or a burn dressing. If the individual has sustained a large burn, a clean, lint-free sheet or other non-linting fabric may be used. Use a sterile dressing to separate burned fingers and toes in addition to any other dressings being applied to the burn. Do not soak or cool the burn prior to dressing it, and do not use any ointments or topical treatments on the burn. These may lead to infection. Do not remove any clothing or other material stuck to the burn area. Avoid shock. Lay the person down flat and elevate the legs slightly and the burned area to above the level of the heart, if possible. Use props to help them keep this position without exerting great effort. Do not move the person if they have sustained additional injury to their head, neck, or spine. Cover the person with a blanket or jacket once they are in position. Monitor the person's heart rate either on their wrist or on their neck, if possible, and watch for a rising and falling chest to indicate breathing. Do this until emergency help arrives. Get to a hospital. Emergency services should bring the burn victim to a local hospital. There, doctors can treat the burn and additional injuries, as well as provide fluids and oxygen as necessary. Once the individual has been treated, ask the doctor about what is expected for aftercare, as well as follow-up visits. Try asking, 'What kind of aftercare will be required to make sure the burn heals properly? When will the burn need to be seen by a doctor again?" Stick to the doctor's prescribed aftercare routine and medicines as precisely as possible. Keep all follow-up appointments during recovery. Care for a chemical burn. Chemical burns are generally best cared for by removing the victim from the contaminated area and removing contaminated clothing. From there, dilute the chemical on the skin by washing it consistently with fresh, running water. Wash the affected area for at least 20 minutes. Chemical burns can be caused by a number of products, including household cleaners such as drain cleaners which contain sulphuric acid, refrigerant which contains hydrofluoric acid, and bleach. If available, use a chemical shower or eye rinse station to rinse the burn. Use copious amounts of water to dilute the chemical burn. Even if the burn is small or isolated, contact a doctor immediately to assess whether the victim should come in for care and to discuss treatment. Manage an electrical burn. Unplug the source of the electrical shock if possible, or stand on a rubber mat in a dry area and use a dry wooden object to push the person away from the electrical source. Once contact with the electrical source has been broken, check for a heartbeat and see if the individual responds to talk or touch. After the individual has been safely removed from the electrical source, call emergency services immediately. Major electrical burns may come with other complications that need immediate medical treatment. Even minor electrical burns should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Never directly touch a live electrical source or a person caught in such a source yourself. Deal with a plastic burn. If a burn results from molten plastic or tar, immediately cool the plastic or tar by running it under cool water. Do not peel off the plastic or tar. Instead, use mineral oil to see if you can remove it. Then, treat the burned skin by washing it with cool water and loosely bandaging it in a clean dressing. Contact your doctor if you cannot gently remove the plastic or tar from your skin, or if you experience excess pain from the burn. Do not dress the exposed burn with any ointments, as these may cause infection. | Assess burn damage. Remove the burning agent. Remove any hot, charred, or smoldering material. Cool the skin. Cover the burn. Care for blisters. Prevent shock. Manage the pain. Follow up with your doctor. Call emergency services. Protect the burn. Avoid shock. Get to a hospital. Care for a chemical burn. Manage an electrical burn. Deal with a plastic burn. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Beached-Animal | How to Care for a Beached Animal | To care for a beached animal, call local law enforcement and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for help. If there are any lifeguards present, you can alert them as well since they may be qualified to help. While you're waiting for help to arrive, try to keep children, pets, and crowds away from the animal to avoid stressing it out. You can also try to keep the animal cool by splashing water over its skin or applying wet clothes to its body. After helping the beached animal, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to minimize the chance of picking up an illness. | Call for help. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintains a network of volunteers and professionals to respond in cases of stranding. Alert local law enforcement as well. Do your best to keep the crowds away. Lifeguards might also be qualified to help a beached animal. Bring the situation to the attention of nearby lifeguards, if any are present. Contact the stranding network near you by searching the NOAA database at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. Approach with care. Marine animals can be dangerous for many reasons. Sharks and dolphins have sharp teeth which can easily hurt you. Dolphins and whales may thrash about unpredictably while beached, and their powerful tails and snouts may cause injury. Marine animals also carry diseases which can transfer to humans. For these reasons, you should always keep at least 150 feet away from beached animals unless specifically instructed to do otherwise by a trained professional. Do not allow children or pets near beached marine animals. This can add undue stress to the animal. If a trained professional requests your aid, remove watches and jewelry which might damage the animal's skin before approaching. Apply zinc oxide-based sunscreen when possible. Slather the sunscreen across the skin of dolphins. Be careful not to get any in the blowhole. Zinc oxide can also be smeared around the blowhole of whales to keep it clear. Since dolphins and whales are not usually exposed directly to the sun for long periods, they will need the protective coating that zinc oxide provides. Do not apply suntan oil or other lotions to the animal. Do not use zinc oxide on sharks. Keep the animal cool. Splash water over its skin and apply wet t-shirts or towels to it. Do not cover the animal's dorsal fin, pectoral flippers, or flukes. Cut a slit in a wet t-shirt and ease the fin, fluke, or flipper through the slit so that the fabric rests on the animal's body, not the fin. Wrap ice packs in a cloth or t-shirt and apply them to the fins and tail. Do not apply ice directly to the animal's skin. Use an umbrella or tarp to keep the animal in shade. Do not get water in the blowhole. Stay focused on helping the animal. For instance, do not take pictures with a whale or dolphin. Dolphins and whales dehydrate quickly when out of water and should be returned as soon as possible. Spending time taking personal pictures or inviting others to pet the animal will minimize the time spent helping it, cause the animal to feel stressed, and put other people at risk. Taking pictures of beached animals for scientific purposes is encouraged, but it should be done with care from a safe distance. Pictures of a beached animal's location, tags, lesions, wounds, and other signs of human interaction like entangled fishing nets should be photographed. Wash your hands after touching a marine animal. This will minimize the spread of illnesses from the animal to you. Take a shower if you leaned against the animal with your body or legs. Keep the animal upright. Blowholes on whales and dolphins should be pointing straight up and out of the surf. Avoid getting water in the blowhole while rinsing the animal. Dig a pit beneath the animal's body and fill it with water to reduce pressure on the lungs. You should also dig water-filled pits beneath the animal's tail and flippers. Make sure fins and flipper are directed out and away from the animal in a natural way, not crushed beneath the body. Turn the animal upright. If the animal is not upright, and you feel confident enough to move it, get the help of one or two other people to assist you in gently turning the animal upright. Larger animals like whales might require four to six people to help turn it upright. Use caution when rolling an animal. If the animal is too big, do not risk overexertion by trying to right it. Pour water over sharks. Sharks, unlike whales and dolphins, need water in their mouths and gills to breathe. Pour a bucket of water slowly and steadily over the shark's gills, and carefully pour some over the shark's snout, allowing it to dribble into the shark's mouth. Do not bring your hands too close to the shark's mouth, as a bite can be deadly. Identify “problem” animals. Problem animals are those which were sick, confused, or injured, and may have led others to become stranded as well. Returning problem animals that carry an illness could cause their podmates to become infected as well. Wait for marine experts to decide what to do with problem animals. Some beached animals are brought to zoos or aquariums while being nursed back to health. Determine the possibility of returning a beached animal. Once on land, and unsupported by the weightlessness of water, whales might crush their own internal organs and skeletons Sperm whales and whales of even larger sizes are almost impossible to return to water. Dolphins and sharks have a greater chance of being returned to water, but the decision should be made by a qualified marine expert. Do not drag or push a beached animal back to water. Dragging the animal might cause it serious injury. Instead, wait for expert help to arrive. Chances are that a beached animal ended up beached because it was ill, and should be given medical care before returning it to the sea. | Call for help. Approach with care. Apply zinc oxide-based sunscreen when possible. Keep the animal cool. Stay focused on helping the animal. Wash your hands after touching a marine animal. Keep the animal upright. Turn the animal upright. Pour water over sharks. Identify “problem” animals. Determine the possibility of returning a beached animal. Do not drag or push a beached animal back to water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Alopecia | How to Treat Alopecia | To treat alopecia, massage your scalp for 4 minutes each day to make your hair appear fuller. Alternatively, brush your hair with a soft-bristled brush to protect your hair. You should also eat foods containing iron and zinc, such as spinach, lean meats, or tofu, which can help reduce hair loss. Additionally, apply minoxidil to your scalp 1 to 2 times a day for 3 months to help encourage hair growth. | Get corticosteroid injections every 4 to 6 weeks. If you have mild alopecia areata, a dermatologist will inject corticosteroids directly into the area where hair has fallen out. The corticosteroids will prevent your immune system from attacking the hair follicles, and you can expect hair to begin growing about 4 weeks after your last injection. Corticosteroids are also available as a topical treatment, which make them easier for children with alopecia areata to use. Apply minoxidil 1 to 2 times a day. Mild alopecia can be treated by spreading minoxidil on the skin for about 3 months. If you have more severe alopecia or your hair doesn't respond to the minoxidil, ask your doctor about using it along with another alopecia treatment. Minoxidil is often used along with topical corticosteroids. Anthralin is another topical treatment that you might be prescribed. You'll need to apply the cream or lotion and wash it off after 30 to 60 minutes. Hair can begin growing back within 8 to 12 weeks. Rub medication to cause an allergic reaction over the bald skin. If you have inflammation and extensive alopecia, the doctor can prescribe diphencyprone (DPCP), which can trick your immune system and restart hair growth. A clinician will rub a highly concentrated amount of DPCP over your skin, which you'll leave on for 2 to 3 days. Once you've had a reaction, the clinician will apply a weaker solution of DPCP on the area once a week. You'll need to use DPCP for 3 months for the hair to regrow. Take oral corticosteroids for severe alopecia areata, totalis, or universalis. Oral corticosteroids can improve your condition by suppressing your immune system. Because of the risk for side effects, doctors usually prescribe them to be used for a short period of time. Side effects include glaucoma, swelling in the logs, high blood pressure, behavioral issues, and weight gain. Young adults are less likely to experience side effects while taking short courses of oral corticosteroids. Apply topical immunotherapy for severe alopecia, totalis, or universalis. The dermatologist will spread medication directly onto the balding skin. Your immune system will send white blood cells to the area, which can cause hair to regrow. Side effects of topical immunotherapy include redness, itching, and rash because your immune system is reacting to the medication. Massage your scalp for 4 minutes every day. Research shows that briefly massaging your scalp every day can make your hair thicker. Although massage won't make your hair grow faster, it will make it appear fuller. For a basic scalp massage, rub your fingertips in a circular motion across your entire scalp. To help you remember to massage your scalp every day, do it when you shampoo or condition your hair. Talk to your doctor about including essential oils in your massage. You can use an essential oil like thyme, rosemary, or cedar wood mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba. Adopt an autoimmune-friendly diet. There are certain changes you can make to your diet that can help lessen the symptoms and severity of your alopecia. Since alopecia is an autoimmune disease, you'll want to avoid foods that can make autoimmune diseases worse. Try eliminating dairy and gluten from your diet. Eat organ meats, like liver and heart, to get more vitamins and minerals. Incorporate foods that contain probiotics into your diet, like kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt. Include more iron, biotin, and zinc in your diet. If you have alopecia that's caused by a nutrient deficiency, add leafy greens, beans, lean meat, and tofu to your diet. These will add iron, biotin, and zinc, which are thought to improve hair quality and reduce hair loss. Good leafy greens include spinach, kale, and chard. If you have alopecia areata, talk to your doctor about getting these nutrients through the dietary supplement quercetin. Protect your hair when you brush and style it. Choose a brush made of natural or flexible bristles, instead of metal or plastic bristles, which can damage your hair. To prevent more damage to your hair, don't use a hot heat setting if you use a blow dryer. If you do blow dry your hair, use a low setting or even air dry your hair before styling it. Protecting your hair shafts won't speed up hair growth, but it will make your hair look fuller and healthier. Consider getting acupuncture treatments. Although research is needed to determine how useful acupuncture is in improving hair growth, some people believe that 4 to 5 sessions of acupuncture can stimulate the hair follicles. If you choose to try acupuncture, assess the results after a few sessions to decide if you should continue them. Protect your scalp or skin. Hair protects the skin on your scalp from exposure to the sun, while hair near your eyes keeps dust or dirt from getting into them. To protect your skin, apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and protect the top of your head from the elements. You may want to wear hats, scarves, wigs, or caps to keep your head warm and protect your skin from UV rays. If you've lost the hair inside your nostrils, apply a light, water-based ointment inside them to keep them moisturized. Avoid using fat-based ointments like petroleum jelly and mineral oil. Look for small patches of hair loss to diagnose alopecia areata. If you're losing small round patches of hair on your body, you may have one of the most common forms of alopecia. Alopecia areata may cause: Loss of hair and regrowth of hair in different places A lot of hair loss in several days or weeks Hair loss on just one side of your scalp Tiny rows of dents on your fingernails Examine your scalp to determine if you have alopecia totalis. Look at your scalp and decide if you're gradually losing the hair there. Alopecia totalis is a total loss of hair that can begin as alopecia areata. You may not have hair loss in other areas of your body. Alopecia totalis is thought to be an autoimmune condition. Although it can't be cured, the hair may begin to regrow on its own. Check the rest of your body for hair loss or skin problems. If you've been losing all of the hair on your body (including around your eyes and pubic area), you may have alopecia universalis. Other signs of alopecia universalis include: Itching or burning of the skin Autoimmune disorders Atopic dermatitis Dents or pitting on your fingernails Talk with your primary care physician. If you think you have alopecia, ask your doctor to confirm a diagnosis. The doctor will examine you and discuss your hair loss to determine what type of alopecia you have. If the doctor suspects that you have alopecia universalis, they may want to do a scalp biopsy to examine the hair more closely. The doctor may refer you to a dermatologist depending on your diagnosis. | Get corticosteroid injections every 4 to 6 weeks. Apply minoxidil 1 to 2 times a day. Rub medication to cause an allergic reaction over the bald skin. Take oral corticosteroids for severe alopecia areata, totalis, or universalis. Apply topical immunotherapy for severe alopecia, totalis, or universalis. Massage your scalp for 4 minutes every day. Adopt an autoimmune-friendly diet. Include more iron, biotin, and zinc in your diet. Protect your hair when you brush and style it. Consider getting acupuncture treatments. Protect your scalp or skin. Look for small patches of hair loss to diagnose alopecia areata. Examine your scalp to determine if you have alopecia totalis. Check the rest of your body for hair loss or skin problems. Talk with your primary care physician. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Less-Sensitive | How to Be Less Sensitive | To be less sensitive in the moment, try taking a few deep breaths to relax yourself and calm your emotions. You can also try distracting yourself by shifting your thoughts to something else, calling a friend, or switching to a new task. However, if you feel your emotions mounting, excuse yourself for a moment to take a few minutes to calm down. For example, you might go to the bathroom and splash cold water on your face to regroup. Long term, you can work on managing your emotions by addressing some lifestyle issues, like making sure you get enough sleep since you're more likely to be overly emotional when you're tired. In addition to sleep, try to get 30 minutes of exercise a day to boost your mood and control your emotions. | Take a deep breath to relax yourself. Breathe slowly through your nose, counting to 5. Hold your breath for a count of 5, then slowly exhale. Repeat 5 times to help your body relax. As another option, simply focus on your breath. Notice your lungs filling as you slowly inhale, then observe how you feel as you slowly exhale. Name your emotions so you can release them. Denying your emotions won't make them go away. The best way to work through your emotions is to acknowledge how you feel and let it pass. You can feel something without letting your emotions control you. You might say to yourself, “I'm feeling angry because my coworker took credit for my work. I have a right to feel this way.” Then, imagine that the emotion is a bird that's flying away from you, or picture the emotion as a rock that you are throwing away. Reframe your perspective on the situation to reduce your negative emotions. Try to look at things in a more positive light. This might help you relieve your emotions. Here are some ways to reframe: Look at the situation from someone else's perspective. For example, imagine how your best friend might see it. Assign positive motives to people's words or actions. For instance, assume that your boss made your coworker the lead on a new project because your schedule is already busy. List the positives that could come out of a situation. As an example, you might think of ways the situation that's upsetting you offers opportunities to grow or try something new. Tell yourself a different story about the situation at hand. For instance, if you are doubting your abilities after a setback at work or school, you might turn your thoughts to how you will bounce back from the setback. Distract yourself from what’s bothering you to control your reaction. Shifting your thoughts can help you calm yourself down. Change the subject if you're talking to someone, or think about something else. As another option, you can read positive quotes, take a coffee break, or switch to a new task. For example, if your boss gives you a piece of criticism, you might distract yourself by listing off the next few tasks you want to accomplish. Practice mindfulness to ground yourself in the moment. Being in the present can help you feel less emotional because it helps reduce your stress. Engage your 5 senses to ground you in the moment. Here's how to do it: Sight: describe your environment to yourself or look for everything blue. Sound: notice what you hear or listen to calming music. Touch: observe how your feet feel on the ground or feel the texture of something in your environment. Smell: pick out the scents in your environment or sniff an essential oil. Taste: sip on a cup of coffee or savor a small snack. Excuse yourself if you need a moment to calm down. Don't tell anyone what's going on with you. Instead, go to the restroom or pretend you need to retrieve something from elsewhere. Once you get there, take a few moments to calm down. For example, you might go to the restroom and splash cold water on your face. Do something that boosts your mood to get your mind off the issue. When you're feeling negative emotions, give yourself a reason to perk up. This can help you reduce your sensitivity in the moment. Try one of these pick-me-ups: Drink a cup of your favorite tea. Call or text a friend. Look at your favorite meme. Eat a small piece of candy. Go for a brief walk. Step outside into the sunshine. Recognize the role of criticism is to help you improve. It's normal to receive constructive feedback from teachers, bosses, coaches, family members, and friends. At times, this criticism is going to seem negative because its purpose is to help you better your performance. Don't view criticism as an attack because it's really meant to help you. Don't just focus on the negative criticism. Hear the positives, as well. For example, your coach might point out that you're repeatedly making the same error during games. They aren't trying to make you feel bad or telling you that you aren't good. They want to you to know what to work on for next time. Ask for clarification if you aren’t sure what the criticism means. Don't try to figure out what someone else is thinking. Talk to them about what they meant and ask how they would have done things differently. Be open to seeing things from someone else's point of view. Say, “I want to incorporate your feedback, but I'm unsure what you meant when you said I need to open up more. How would you suggest I do that?” Look at the criticism from the other person’s perspective. This can help you realize the person's true purpose so you can decide if the criticism is worth taking. Think about where they're coming from, as well as the reason they're giving the criticism. Additionally, consider what they might be seeing that you don't, as well as what you know that they don't. In some cases, seeing the criticism from the other person's perspective can also help you realize that they aren't attacking you. Being told that you need to improve on something can really hurt, but if no one ever gives you criticism, you'll never grow. Are they speaking from a positive place? If so, think about how you can use their criticisms to improve. If you think they're speaking from a negative place, such as out of jealousy, you might decide their criticisms aren't valid for you. Stop the critical voices in your head. Chances are, you're your worst critic. Don't let your own critical thoughts about yourself make other people's helpful criticisms seem worse than they are. Switch out your negative thoughts for positive self-talk. When you notice a negative thought, acknowledge it. Then, turn it into something positive. For example, after a presentation you might tell yourself, “I'm no good at public speaking.” You can replace this thought with, “Every speech I give gets better, and I'm proud of my progress.” Build up your confidence to make you less vulnerable to criticism. Having low self-confidence makes you more vulnerable to criticism. On the other hand, recognizing your value helps you accept criticism and use it constructively. Here are small ways to improve your level of confidence: Make a list of your strengths. Do something each day that allows you to be successful. Celebrate your daily accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognize your past achievements. Notice your efforts, not just the results. Tend to your needs, not just your partner's. Don't make your life revolve around your partner, as this is a sure-fire way to make you more sensitive. They can't be responsible for all of your needs, just as you shouldn't take responsibility for theirs. Give yourself the love and attention you need rather than demanding it from your partner. It's normal for you and your partner to do things out of love. However, you can't and shouldn't try to do everything for them. Don't expect someone to notice what you need. If you're feeling unfulfilled, speak up. Remind yourself that not everything is about you. There are going to be days when your partner is upset or angry. Don't automatically assume it's about you. Instead, ask them about their day and be aware of what could be causing their emotions. Don't take things personally. People are usually focused on their own issues and aren't thinking about you. Talk to your partner if you have relationship worries caused by sensitivity. Your concerns about your relationship may be accurate, but you won't know for sure until you talk to your partner. You may find out that it's all a misunderstanding. It's okay to question things sometimes, but don't try to guess at what might be wrong. Bring up your concerns with your partner and ask how they feel. Then, listen to what they have to say. You might say, “You've seemed really distant lately. Are you comfortable talking about it?” Challenge any feelings of rejection and jealousy. Your sensitivity may make you feel rejected or jealous when your partner doesn't give you the attention you want. This can make you feel upset and anxious, plus it threatens your relationship. Working through these feelings can help you feel better. Here's how you can challenge these feelings: Ask yourself if the feelings hold any truth. List other possible explanations for the reason you feel jealous or rejected. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings and get their opinion. Consider where the feeling might be coming from. Have you been cheated on? Is there any reason to not trust your partner? Ask yourself what you need from your partner in order to trust them. Talk to your partner about these needs. Set boundaries to protect your emotions. It's normal for people who are sensitive to take on the feelings of others. You might also agree to do things you don't want to do just to make your partner happy. Over time, putting their needs above yours like this can trigger your negative feelings and leave you feeling upset. Instead, set boundaries by doing the following: Be direct when telling them what you need. For example, tell them if you need time to yourself or need for them to spend more time with you. Tell your partner what you can and cannot do for them. For instance, you might be willing to cook dinner every night but want them to clean the kitchen. Set communication boundaries if you need to. For example, you might put your phone on silent during your self-care time or when you go to bed. Celebrate the positives of being a sensitive person. Being sensitive isn't a bad thing. It's part of who you are and can even be a big asset. Instead of getting down on yourself, think about the positives of being sensitive. Here are some common traits of people who are very sensitive: Better developed intuition. Awareness of the world around you. Empathy for others. Passion for life, your beliefs, or your career. Creativity. Appreciation for beauty, nature, and the arts. Identify and avoid your triggers. Notice when you start to feel angry, sad, frustrated, or anxious. Consider what might be making you feel this way. Keep a list of these potential triggers and minimize them in your life. This will help you manage your emotions. Replace your triggers with things that make you feel positive. For example, let's say watching the morning news makes you feel anxious for the next several hours. Instead of watching the news, you might listen to a podcast about living your best life. Manage your hunger to help regulate your emotions. Being "hangry" is a real issue for people who feel sensitive. Feeling hungry makes it harder to manage your emotions and makes you more likely to react negatively to stressors. Eat regular meals and always carry a healthy snack with you. For example, you might carry a protein bar with you to help you control your hunger. As another option, you might munch on some trail mix or eat a small container of yogurt. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to boost your mood. Exercise releases endorphins in your body that help you feel better. This may help you control your emotions when someone or something triggers your feelings. Choose an activity that you enjoy so that exercise is easier to fit into your day. Here are some ideas: Walk around your neighborhood or the park. Swim laps or do a water workout. Take an aerobics class. Do yoga. Take a dance class. Do a video workout. Manage your stress levels. People who are sensitive can become easily stressed. Unfortunately, feeling stressed makes you more emotional, so you may become even more sensitive. Taking time to relax and take care of yourself can help you reduce your stress levels and be less sensitive. Here are some ways to manage your stress: Engage in your hobbies. Journal. Talk to someone you love. Spend time with your pet. Read a book. Do something creative. Soak in a bathtub. Meditate for at least 5 minutes. Spend time outside. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you aren't well-rested, it will be harder to control your emotions. Feeling tired will make you more vulnerable to your triggers. Use good sleep hygiene to help you sleep well every night: Avoid caffeine after noon. Relax for 1 to 2 hours before bed. Cut off screens at least 1 hour before bed. Turn down your thermostat to make your bedroom cool. Choose comfortable bed linens. Make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Talk to a therapist if being sensitive greatly impacts your life. A therapist can help you identify your triggers and learn how to cope with them so you don't react emotionally. They can also help you identify events in your past that might make you feel more sensitive now. This can help you be less sensitive. You can find a therapist online. | Take a deep breath to relax yourself. Name your emotions so you can release them. Reframe your perspective on the situation to reduce your negative emotions. Distract yourself from what’s bothering you to control your reaction. Practice mindfulness to ground yourself in the moment. Excuse yourself if you need a moment to calm down. Do something that boosts your mood to get your mind off the issue. Recognize the role of criticism is to help you improve. Ask for clarification if you aren’t sure what the criticism means. Look at the criticism from the other person’s perspective. Stop the critical voices in your head. Build up your confidence to make you less vulnerable to criticism. Tend to your needs, not just your partner's. Remind yourself that not everything is about you. Talk to your partner if you have relationship worries caused by sensitivity. Challenge any feelings of rejection and jealousy. Set boundaries to protect your emotions. Celebrate the positives of being a sensitive person. Identify and avoid your triggers. Manage your hunger to help regulate your emotions. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to boost your mood. Manage your stress levels. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Talk to a therapist if being sensitive greatly impacts your life. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ice-a-Cake | How to Ice a Cake | To ice a cake, first make your icing by combining confectioner's sugar with boiling water, then stirring until it gets to your desired consistency. Flavor it with vanilla and add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Place a spoonful of icing on top of the cake and spread it evenly across the top and sides. For a smoother layer, dip your knife in warm water, shake off the excess drop, and run it over the icing surface. Place your iced cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set, then enjoy! | Set the cake on a platter. It's best to ice the cake on the same dish you plan to use to serve it, since after the cake has been iced it will be difficult to transport it to a different plate. Allow the cake to cool completely. If you try to ice the cake before it's cool, the icing may melt, ruining the texture. Let it sit at room temperature until you don't feel warmth when you touch it with your finger. Place some confectioner's sugar in a bowl. For a cake that is 9 inches (22.9 cm) in diameter, you will need a cup or so of confectioner's sugar. You can always mix up more if you need it. Do not use granulated sugar, as it is not fine enough, and will result in a grainy-textured icing. Other sugars, such as brown sugar, are also not acceptable to use in icing. Boil a cup of water. Pour a teaspoon of boiling water over the sugar, and stir the water with the sugar until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you find the icing too thick or lumpy after the first teaspoon of water has been stirred in, add another teaspoon of water. Keep stirring and adding tiny amounts of water till you get the right consistency. If you add too much water and the icing becomes runny, add more confectioner's sugar. If it's too thick, add more water. Add color and flavor. If you wish to customize your icing to a certain color or flavor, add a few drops of food coloring and flavoring. Stir them in thoroughly, and continue adding color and flavor until the icing has reached the color and taste that you desire. Vanilla, almond, hazelnut, peppermint, and other flavored extracts are popular choices. These can be purchased at many grocery stores, and even large selections are offered at baking stores. Be careful not to add too much, since a little color and flavor go a long way. Add two or three drops, stir it in, and taste and look at before you decide to add more. Spread the icing on the cake. Use a spoon to place some icing on the top of the cake. Spread it evenly with a butter knife, using the same motion you'd use to spread butter onto a piece of bread. Remember to spread icing on the sides of the cake, as well as the top. Create a smoother layer of icing by dipping the knife into warm water, shaking off the excess drops, and using it smooth out the icing. Decorate the cake. Add sprinkles, marzipan models, plastic characters, birthday candles and so on. Baking supply stores offer endless possibilities. Let it set. Put the cake in the fridge to give the icing time to completely set. After half an hour, it will be ready to eat. Bake two cake layers of the same size. You may choose round or square cakes, but it's important that the dimensions be exactly the same. Allow the cakes to cool completely. Turn one cake onto a platter. Since the cake will be unwieldy once it is layered and iced, it's best to use the same plate on which you plan to serve the cake. Use a long serrated knife to trim off the rounded top of the cake. Hold the knife parallel to the brim of the cake and slice about ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) off the top. Be careful to slice straight across, holding the knife level as you go. Try to create a flat, even surface. This will serve as a base for the second layer. Remove the rounded top of the cake and discard it, or save it to eat. Don't attempt to cut off the top of the cake with a small knife, as this will result in an uneven surface. Cover the cake layer with filling. Spoon the filling of your choice onto the bottom layer of the cake. Use the spoon or a knife to spread it around until it covers the entire layer. Raspberry, lemon curd, cream, or chocolate are popular cake fillings. Try not to let the filling drip over the edges, since you don't want it to mix with the icing. Place the second layer of the cake on top of the first. The flat side of the second layer should be down, and the rounded side should be the top of the cake. If you want the finished cake to have a flat surface instead of a domed one, repeat the process of slicing off the rounded top of the second layer with a serrated knife. Place the cut side down, so that the smooth, flat bottom of the second layer forms the top of the cake. Use a paper towel to wipe away filling that squeezes out when you add the second layer. Ice the cake with a crumb coat. For a professional-looking cake, you'll be adding two layers of icing, starting with a "crumb coat" that serves as a base to catch all the crumbs, so the second layer looks clean and crumb-free. Use the recipe above or your own icing recipe to ice the cake with a butter knife. The crumb coat needn't have flavor or color, unless you'd like it to. You can use plain white icing. Be sure to ice the entire cake, including the sides. Take care not to get too much filling mixed in with the icing. It's OK if the crumb coat doesn't look perfect - the point is simply to cover the entire cake and trap in the crumbs. Allow the crumb coat to set for half an hour before continuing. Ice the cake with a final layer of icing. Using the recipe above or your own icing recipe, ice the cake once more with a final pretty layer. If desired, add flavor and color to the batch of icing you use for the final layer. Decorate the cake with cut fruit, flowers, or other toppings, then allow it to set before eating. Finished. | Set the cake on a platter. Allow the cake to cool completely. Place some confectioner's sugar in a bowl. Boil a cup of water. Add color and flavor. Spread the icing on the cake. Decorate the cake. Let it set. Bake two cake layers of the same size. Turn one cake onto a platter. Use a long serrated knife to trim off the rounded top of the cake. Cover the cake layer with filling. Place the second layer of the cake on top of the first. Ice the cake with a crumb coat. Ice the cake with a final layer of icing. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fall-Back-Asleep | How to Fall Back Asleep | If you're struggling to fall back asleep, try taking long, slow deep breaths, which can help slow your heart rate and prepare your body to sleep. You can also try lying on your back and tensing your toe muscles for 10 seconds, which will help relax your body. Repeat this 10 times with your eyes closed, then try to drift off to sleep. If you're feeling anxious or distracted, close your eyes and say “Om,” holding onto the “O” sound for as long as possible, which will help focus your mind on relaxation. Additionally, lower the temperature in your bedroom by turning down the heat or opening a window, since a slightly cooler temperature can help you sleep. If you're still awake after 20 minutes, get up and do something, like reading a book or listening to music, until you start to feel tired. | Practice deep breathing exercises. By concentrating on your breath and controlling it, you can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, thus prepping your body to get back to sleep. While lying down on your back, relax all the muscles in your body as much as you can. Inhale slowly through your nose, concentrating on filling the bottom of your chest cavity with air. You should see your stomach rise instead of just your chest. Do this in a slow, controlled manner, taking 8-10 seconds. Hold your breath for 1-2 seconds. Relax and let the air escape your chest at a natural rate. Repeat this process until you feel yourself drifting back to sleep. Practice progressive relaxation. Progressive relaxation is a technique that asks you to focus on each of the major muscle groups in your body individually, relaxing them one by one. Even though we live in our bodies, most people actually find it very difficult to conceptualize the whole body at once. When we lie down and try to relax for sleep, we may be keeping certain parts of our body tensed up. Instead, try the following: Lying on your back, close your eyes and focus on how your body is feeling in the present moment. Focus on your feet, relaxing all the muscles in them and letting them sink into the mattress. Try to imagine the individual muscles in your feet, from your toes to your ankles, and unclench them. Move up into your calves and knees. Working your way up from the ankles, relax any tension you might be holding in your muscles and simply let your legs lie there. Move up into your thighs, doing the same. Move on to your buttocks, then your lower back. Spend some time on your chest and abdomen. Focus on your breathing — deepen your breaths and concentrate on the inhalation and exhalation processes. Move on to your hands. As you did with your feet, imagine all the many small muscles in your hands and relax them one by tone. Begin with your fingers, then your palms, then your wrists. Move on to your upper arms, then your shoulders. Relax the muscles in your neck, where many people carry much of their tension. Relax the muscles in your jaw, which you may be keeping clenched unconsciously. Move on to your eyelids and cheeks. Let you whole skull sink back into your pillow. Once you've done a relaxation inventory of your entire body, try to drift back to sleep. Do toe-tensing exercises. Though it may seem as though flexing muscles repeatedly might keep you awake, toe-tensing exercises actually relax the rest of the muscles in your body and prepare you for rest. Lying down in bed, close your eyes and concentrate on your toes. Flex your toes backwards, toward your face. Hold that position for ten seconds. Relax them for ten seconds. Repeat the process ten times, then try to drift off to sleep again. Use a calming mantra to ease anxiety. A mantra is a sound that's repeated in an effort to focus attention away from distracting thoughts. The most common mantra is the sound "Om," though you can use any sound that is relaxing and simple. Mantras draw your focus to 1) the action of producing the sound, 2) the tactile feeling of producing the sound with your mouth and throat, and 3) the soothing sound produced. Lie down in bed and close your eyes. Take a deep breath to fill slowly fill your lungs, drawing air into the bottom of your chest cavity. You should see your belly rise, not your chest. Say "Om," holding the "o" sound for as long as is comfortable. Focus solely on the three dimensions of the mantra — action, feeling, and sound. Think about those three things until everything else falls away. Rest for one second in silence. Repeat until your anxiety has waned. Confront negative thoughts. If you wake up in the middle of the night paralyzed by anxiety or stress, you won't be able to get to sleep again until you deal with the negative thoughts that are taking over your mind. Ask yourself, "Are these thoughts productive? Will they help me reach my goals, or are they just useless, circular, obsessive thoughts?" If they are productive thoughts, let them work their way out. You may feel relaxed, having worked toward a solution to a problem you had during the day. If they are negative thoughts, don't let yourself indulge them. Acknowledge that thinking these thoughts will have no positive effect on your life, and force yourself to stop thinking them. This is very difficult, and will take a lot of practice and will power. You may not be successful at first, but over time, with effort, you can learn to control whether or not you let negative thoughts keep you awake at night. Use positive affirmations. You'll have a lot of trouble falling back asleep if you stay in a negative headspace, so positive affirmations — the technique of repeating positive thoughts to yourself until you feel less anxious — can be useful in the middle of the night. Begin with the more obvious, generic positive affirmations like "I am a good person"; "I believe in myself"; or "I will have a good day tomorrow" Repeat a handful of these affirmations to yourself until you feel slightly relaxed by the process of repetition. Move on, then, to more specific affirmations that pinpoint the root of the anxiety that is keeping you awake. Examples might include: "I will find the man/woman of my dreams." "I will find a better job soon." "I am happy with my body." Lower the temperature. Your brain unconsciously regulates your body temperature at all times, but it tries to achieve different internal temperatures when you are awake versus when you're asleep. Reducing the external temperature slightly will help your body gear down for rest. If your room is warm, turn down the temperature to 65-68 degrees fahrenheit. Kick your pet out of the bed. Though you may find it emotionally comforting to have your dog or cat snuggle with you at bedtime, studies show that 53% of pet owners who sleep with their pets say their furry friends interfere with their sleep patterns throughout the night. Your pet doesn't have the same sleep cycle as human beings, and won't feel compelled to keep still or quiet on your account. Keeping your pet out of the bedroom may be the key that allows you to sleep through the night. Get up and do something after twenty minutes. If you get too used to laying in bed wide awake, your brain might start making an unwanted connection between your bed and wakefulness. To jar your brain out of making such associations, get out of bed if you can't get back to sleep after twenty minutes, and perform some kind of light activity until you feel ready for sleep again. Read a book or listen to relaxing music, but avoid the bright light of a television or computer screen, as those can stimulate your brain and keep you from falling back to sleep. Get checked and/or treated for a sleep disorder. Though some disorders (such as narcolepsy, in which people fall asleep unexpectedly during waking hours) are obvious and observable, you may suffer from a disorder that you don't even know about. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people stop breathing in their sleep, causing them to wake up throughout the night, never understanding what woke them up. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that of the 22 million Americans believed to suffer from sleep apnea, 80% of sleep-disruptive cases go undiagnosed — so get yourself checked! Get checked and/or treated for other medical conditions which may disrupt sleep. Even if you don't have a sleep disorder, there are any number of underlying medical conditions which may be waking you up intermittently throughout the night. For example, people who suffer from acid reflux often suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Men who suffer from enlarged prostates will wake throughout the night with the urgent need to urinate. Describe your sleep disruption to a medical professional and ask for their advice on what medical condition might be causing your problem. This will likely involve a blood test, and if the doctor discovers a medical issue, their suggested treatment might range from a simple change in your diet to surgery. To avoid acid reflux, skip foods like citrus, chocolate, fatty and fried food, garlic, onion, tomato, spicy foods, and drinks containing caffeine. Over the counter medications for acid reflux or heartburn will not treat the underlying cause of the problem, but will spot-treat the symptoms if taken before bedtime. Keep a sleep diary. The best thing you can do to figure out what your body needs for healthy sleep is to keep track of it through a sleep diary. With time, you'll be able to figure out which habits keep you from getting a good night's sleep and which ones ensure it. Use the National Sleep Foundation's template for a sleep diary. Take a few minutes every day to fill it out, making sure to be thorough and to not skip any days. Analyze the data from your sleep diary. Look for any patterns: do you sleep through the nights on the days you exercise? Does watching TV before bed result in interrupted sleep? Are particular medications causing sleep interruptions during the night? Change your day-to-day habits based on the patterns you pick up to set yourself up for regular, uninterrupted sleep. Keep to a regular bedtime. Depending on your schedule, both personal and professional, you may have an erratic schedule that requires you to stay up late one night, then affords early retirement the next. However, to prevent unhealthy sleep patterns that result in frequent sleep interruptions throughout the night, set strict parameters for your sleep schedule. Make it a priority to get to sleep at the same night every night, even if that means you have to rejig your schedule throughout the day. Follow a nightly pre-sleep routine. By following the same steps before bedtime every night, you'll train your body and brain to anticipate a restful night. Do the same things every single night in the hour leading up to sleep. An example might be: Take a bath or shower. Read a book or listen to relaxing music. Meditate. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Research suggests that the bright light from phone, computer, and television screens disrupts the body's production of melatonin, which is a hormone used to regulate the body's internal clock. Don't look at any screens for one to two hours before you're going to go to bed every night. Don’t consume caffeinated drink before bedtime. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine that others — you'll know best how your body responds to coffee or soda. If you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after lunch, just to be on the safe side and ensure that nothing remains in your system to interfere with your sleep at night. Develop a soothing sleep environment. A cool temperature will help lower your body temperature and keep you asleep throughout the night. If you have street lights outside of your windows, get thick curtains (blackout curtains) to prevent any light from disturbing you throughout the night, and do your best to maintain a quiet environment free of background noise. If background noise is unavoidable — for example, if you live in an apartment with thin walls and noisy neighbors — try sleeping with a soothing, regular background sound that will drown out the irregular noise. A whirring fan will do the trick, as will phone or computer apps that play soothing sounds like rain falling or the ocean's waves breaking on the shore. | Practice deep breathing exercises. Practice progressive relaxation. Do toe-tensing exercises. Use a calming mantra to ease anxiety. Confront negative thoughts. Use positive affirmations. Lower the temperature. Kick your pet out of the bed. Get up and do something after twenty minutes. Get checked and/or treated for a sleep disorder. Get checked and/or treated for other medical conditions which may disrupt sleep. Keep a sleep diary. Keep to a regular bedtime. Follow a nightly pre-sleep routine. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Don’t consume caffeinated drink before bedtime. Develop a soothing sleep environment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Seconds-Into-Hours | How to Convert Seconds Into Hours | To convert seconds into hours, divide the number of seconds by 3,600, which is how many seconds are in 1 hour. For example, if you wanted to convert 2,400 seconds into hours, you would divide 2,400 by 3,600 and get 0.6667. Therefore, 2,400 seconds is equal to 0.6667 hours. If you want to convert your answer to minutes, just multiply it by 60. In this example, 0.6667 × 60 equals 40, so 2,400 seconds is equal to 40 minutes. | Determine the number of seconds you have. This information should be given, or it should be a figure you calculated yourself. For example, you might be converting 2,400 seconds into hours. Divide the number of seconds by 3,600. Note that there are 3,600 seconds in one hour. So, if you have more than 3,600 seconds, your conversion will be greater than 1 hour. If you have less than 3,600 seconds, your conversion will be a fraction of an hour. For example, 2 , 400 3 , 600 = 0.6667 {\displaystyle {\frac {2,400}{3,600}}=0.6667}. So, 2,400 seconds is equal to 0.6667 hours. As another example, 5 , 600 3 , 600 = 1.5556 {\displaystyle {\frac {5,600}{3,600}}=1.5556}. So, 5,600 seconds is equal to 1.5556 hours. Convert your decimal to minutes. This step is helpful if you are working with a number of seconds equal to less than an hour, so that you can gauge how long a certain decimal is. To convert the decimal to minutes, multiply it by 60. For example, 0.6667 × 60 = 40 {\displaystyle 0.6667\times 60=40}. So, 2,400 seconds is equal to.6667 hours, or 40 minutes. For your second example, you have 1 whole hour, plus 0.5556 of an hour. So, you only need to convert 0.5556 to an hour: 0.5556 × 60 = 33.336 {\displaystyle 0.5556\times 60=33.336}. So, 5,600 seconds is equal to about 1 hour, 33 minutes. Set up a table with two columns and two rows. Label the first row “seconds” and the second row “minutes.” Write the unit rate in the first column. A unit rate is a rate with a denominator of 1. In this instance, you are comparing 1 minute to a number of seconds. 1 minute = 60 seconds. So, your unit rate is 60 seconds 1 minute {\displaystyle {\frac {60\;{\text{seconds}}}{1\;{\text{minute}}}}}. To show this in the chart, write "60" in the top row of the first column, and write "1" in the bottom row of the first column. Fill in the number of seconds you are converting. This value should go in the first row of the second column. For example, if you are converting 9,000 seconds to hours, write “9,000” in the first row, second column of your table. Determine the factor of change. In this instance, you are trying to find out how much the number of seconds you are converting changed from the number of seconds in the unit rate. To find the factor of change, divide the number of seconds you are converting by 60, the number of seconds in the unit rate. Note this factor, but do not write it in your chart. For example, if you are converting 9,000 seconds, you would calculate 9 , 000 60 = 150 {\displaystyle {\frac {9,000}{60}}=150}. So, the factor of change is 150. Multiply the number of minutes by the factor of change. Since the number of minutes is only 1, you really only need to write down the result of the number of seconds divided by 60. This will show you the conversion of seconds to minutes. For example, 1 × 150 = 150 {\displaystyle 1\times 150=150}. So, 9,000 seconds is equal to 150 minutes. Convert the number of minutes into hours. To do this, set up another conversion table, using minutes and hours instead of hours and minutes. The unit rate is 60 minutes per 1 hour. Use the number of minutes you are converting, instead of the number of seconds, in this table. For example, if you converted 9,000 seconds to 150 minutes, you are now converting 150 minutes to a number of hours. In your table, you need to find the factor of change from 60 minutes to 150 minutes. Since 150 60 = 2.5 {\displaystyle {\frac {150}{60}}=2.5} , your factor of change is 2.5. Multiply this by 1 hour. 1 × 2.5 = 2.5 {\displaystyle 1\times 2.5=2.5}. So, 9 , 000 seconds = 150 minutes = 2.5 hours {\displaystyle 9,000\;{\text{seconds}}=150\;{\text{minutes}}=2.5\;{\text{hours}}}. Convert the following into hours: 12,400 seconds. Divide 12,400 by 3,600, the number of seconds in 1 hour: 12 , 400 3 , 600 = 3.4445 {\displaystyle {\frac {12,400}{3,600}}=3.4445}. Convert the decimal of an hour to minutes. To do this, multiply the decimal by 60:.4444 × 60 = 26.664 {\displaystyle.4444\times 60=26.664} , or about 26 minutes. So, 12,400 seconds is equal to about 3 hours and 26 minutes. Convert Kristin's time to hours. She ran a 100 m sprint in 14 seconds. Divide 14 by 3,600: 14 3600 =.0038889 {\displaystyle {\frac {14}{3600}}=.0038889}. So, Kristin ran the sprint in about 4 thousandths of an hour. Convert 5,000 seconds into hours by first converting to minutes. Set up a table. In the first column, write the unit rate of 60 seconds per 1 minute. In the second column, write the number of seconds you are converting: 5,000. Find the factor of change by dividing the number of seconds you are converting by 60: 5000 60 = 83.3334 {\displaystyle {\frac {5000}{60}}=83.3334}. Set up another table. In the first column, write the unit rate of 60 minutes per 1 hour. In the second column, write the number of minutes you are converting: 83.3334. Find the factor of change by dividing the number of minutes you are converting by 60: 83.3334 60 = 1.38889 {\displaystyle {\frac {83.3334}{60}}=1.38889}. So, 5 , 000 seconds = 83.3334 minutes = 1.3889 hours {\displaystyle 5,000\;{\text{seconds}}=83.3334\;{\text{minutes}}=1.3889\;{\text{hours}}}. | Determine the number of seconds you have. Divide the number of seconds by 3,600. Convert your decimal to minutes. Set up a table with two columns and two rows. Write the unit rate in the first column. Fill in the number of seconds you are converting. Determine the factor of change. Multiply the number of minutes by the factor of change. Convert the number of minutes into hours. Convert the following into hours: Convert Kristin's time to hours. Convert 5,000 seconds into hours by first converting to minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Cat-Hairballs | How to Prevent Cat Hairballs | To prevent cat hairballs, start by grooming long-haired cats daily and short-haired cats weekly to limit the amount of loose hair you cat ingests. Use a rubber brush to grip the loose fur and drag it out of the coat. Then, wipe its coat down with a clean cloth to remove the remaining loose fur. In addition to brushing, look for foods that offer “hairball control,” which prevent your cat from shedding so much. You can also let your cat snack on cat grass, use a hairball lubricant, and give it plenty of fresh water to help its digestion. | Groom even if your cat has healthy grooming habits. Your cat may be a very fastidious groomer, but this can actually lead to the increased frequency of hairballs. By allowing your cat to handle all of her grooming herself, she ends up collecting all of the loose hair in her coat, which she then swallows and can eventually vomit up in the form of a hairball. By doing some of the grooming yourself, you limit the amount of loose fur your cat can swallow. This is especially true of long-haired cats, which are at the greatest risk of developing hairballs. The longer fur on these breeds of cats is more likely to knot together in the stomach, leading to increased hairballs. Note that it's still completely normal for even short-haired cats to get hairballs, so don't think you can prevent them simply by adopting a shorter-haired cat. Use an appropriate brush. A rubber mitt or a brush (such as a Zoom Groom) will grip the loose fur and drag it out of the coat. Be gentle if you use a brush with metal tines since these are more likely to irritate your cat's skin than a rubber brush. Whichever option you choose, ensure that it will reach the undercoat and not just the top layer of your cat's coat. You should also brush in the direction of the fur growth rather than against it. If you have a long-haired cat, use a comb to gently remove any tangles before using the brush to avoid pulling on healthy fur and irritating your cat's skin. You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of talcum powder on a tangle to help remove it. Cats have unique personalities and often take to a specific type of brush. You may have to try a couple of options before your cat finds the brush she likes and with which she'll sit through a grooming session. Wipe your cat down after brushing. Brushing can pull up a large amount of loose fur that doesn't necessarily come off onto the brush. After a good brushing session, you should also wipe your cat's coat down with a dry, clean cloth that will attract the remaining loose fur. Brush often. Grooming your cat will be a never-ending battle, so prepare to do it often. If you own a long-haired cat, you should brush daily to reduce the risk of hairballs. For short-haired cats, you should brush at least weekly and more often whenever possible. Note that you should increase brushing for outdoor cats between spring and fall since they're likely to shed more during summer months. However, indoor cats can shed constantly all year long. Look for a food that offers “hairball control”. Many premium cat food manufacturers make a "hairball" control diet. This is usually a dry kibble that contains fiber. The fiber attaches itself to the hair in the stomach and pulls the hair with it through the bowel to be passed. This is most effective when fed as the cat's main food. These formulas also contain vitamins and nutrients to improve your cat's coat, reducing the amount your cat will shed. Hairball control foods are not so useful for helping your cat pass an existing hairball. You may need to use a lubricant to help with the latter, and then continue with a hairball control diet to prevent recurrence. Let your cat snack on cat grass. Cats love to snack on plants—often ones you wish they wouldn't. Indoor cat grass is another good source of fiber for your cat, and it's cheap and easy to take care of. Consider keeping some around for your cat to nibble at between meals. Provide plenty of fresh water. Water is highly important to your cat's digestion, and cats can be very picky drinkers. If your cat prefers running water, then provide a circulating fountain-style dispenser or a deep, pool-style reservoir dish. These options come with attachable tanks that ensure your cat has continuous access to fresh water even while you're away. Use a hairball lubricant if hairballs persist. You can find lubricants to help prevent hairballs in a couple of different forms. You apply some brands to your cat's food while others you apply directly to your cat's paw for her to lick off as she grooms. Regardless of the delivery method, the lubricant will coat the fur and help it pass more easily through your cat's digestive tract. You can find several brands of hairball lubricant at your local pet store. Most will suggest giving them to your cat once or twice a week, but you should always follow the manufacturer's directions. These formulations are most often petroleum based, which is safe for your cat at the suggested dosages. For existing hairballs, a lubricant can help your cat vomit up the hairball as well, so don't panic if your cat produces a hairball after you've started using the product. After the existing hairball is up, the product should help prevent future ones. A small amount of vegetable oil on dry cat food can help as well, but it may not work as effectively as a petroleum-based lubricant. Check with your vet for the proper amount for your cat. If you are using a lubricant and your cat stops eating, seems unwell, or strains in her litter box, then seek veterinary attention for the cat. Monitor your cat for obsessive grooming. If your cat obsessively grooms, she will groom to the point of damaging her coat. Her barbed tongue breaks the hair shafts, causing her to swallow healthy hair that has been barbered and broken off in addition to the loose fur. Check your cat for bald patches. Typically affected areas include the tummy, the back of the hind legs, and the flanks. You should not be able to see the skin, so if these areas lack fur and you can see the skin, the cat is likely to be obsessive-compulsive about grooming. Check for fleas. One of the reasons your cat may obsessively groom is due to fleas. This is because some cats are over sensitive to flea bites and have an allergic reaction to the presence of flea saliva. This creates an intense itch sensation on the skin, which triggers the grooming behavior. If you find fleas, apply an appropriate flea treatment (such as Frontline) as directed. These treatments often last for a month or more. You should apply to all pets in the house that can harbor fleas to prevent the resurgence of fleas after the treatment application. Provide new toys and more playtime. Some cats obsessively groom due to simple boredom. Try engaging your cat with more playtime than usual and some new toys. Anytime you notice your cat grooming for excessive periods of time, distract her from the behavior with playtime. Have your veterinarian test your cat for allergies. Just like humans, cats can have allergies that lead to itchiness and therefore excessive grooming. Allergies can range from pollen allergies to food allergies. If your cat obsessively licks her back or abdomen, allergies have a higher chance of being the culprit. See your veterinarian and discuss the symptoms. Your veterinarian may place your cat on a monitored hypoallergenic diet to test for a food allergy. Follow your vet's instructions to ensure that your cat maintains a well-balanced diet. Take environmental changes into account. Some cats over groom because of stress. Anything from stray cats in the yard to moving to the arrival of a new pet or baby can cause stress in your cat. Give your cat time to adjust, and try using a synthetic feline pheromones (such as Feliway), which can have a calming effect. See your veterinarian. Obsessive grooming can also be the result of medical conditions such as neurological disorders. If other steps haven't stopped your cat from over grooming, then you should see your veterinarian to rule out more serious conditions. If your cat has episodes of retching without producing the hairball, then you should also seek assistance from your vet. This can be a sign that a hairball has past into your cat's intestine—which can create a dangerous blockage—or it can also be a sign of a respiratory ailment such as asthma. | Groom even if your cat has healthy grooming habits. Use an appropriate brush. Wipe your cat down after brushing. Brush often. Look for a food that offers “hairball control”. Let your cat snack on cat grass. Provide plenty of fresh water. Use a hairball lubricant if hairballs persist. Monitor your cat for obsessive grooming. Check for fleas. Provide new toys and more playtime. Have your veterinarian test your cat for allergies. Take environmental changes into account. See your veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Buttercream-Frosting | How to Make Buttercream Frosting | To make buttercream frosting, start by cutting 1 cup (225 grams) of softened butter into cubes and putting it in a bowl. Then, beat the butter at a low speed until it's light and fluffy, which should take at least 5 minutes. Once that's finished, add 1 ½ cups (187 grams) of confectioners' sugar to the bowl, and mix it into the butter. When it's fully incorporated, add 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of cream or milk, and continue to beat everything at a low speed. Finally, add 1 ½ more cups (187 grams) of confectioners' sugar, and beat the frosting at a high speed until it's light and fluffy. | Cut softened butter into cubes and put it into a bowl. Cutting the butter smaller will make it easier to mix. Beat the butter at low speed for at least 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy, has reached a much lighter color (near white) and has doubled in size. You can use a handheld beater, an electric mixer, or a food processor with a whisk attachment. Add half of the sugar and mix it into the butter. You will be adding the rest of the sugar later; adding the sugar a small amount at a time will help prevent it from flying out everywhere. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue mixing at a low speed. Adding only 1 teaspoon of milk or cream will make the frosting more stiff and is perfect for designing using a frosting tip but if you prefer a more loose and 'spreadable' butter cream you can opt for 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml). If you're still uncertain with the amount of milk or cream to add, you can just add 1/2 a teaspoon first to check. You can also substitute the vanilla extract for 1 teaspoon of a different flavor. For more ideas, click here. For a lighter buttercream, consider using milk instead of whipping cream. If you would like to make your buttercream less sweet, then add a pinch of salt. Consider adding some coloring. You can leave the buttercream plain, or you can make it coloring by adding a few drops of food coloring or gel icing coloring. Keep in mind that some flavorings, such as cocoa powder, will already tint the icing darker, so the coloring will not show up. Add the rest of the sugar and beat the icing again using a high speed setting. This will give you frosting that is light and fluffy. You will need to beat it for about two to three minutes. If the cream is too thick, add some more cream, milk, or half-and-half. Start with one tablespoon, mix, then add more if necessary. If the cream is too thin, add a little bit more confectioner's sugar Store or serve the buttercream. At this point, you can spread the buttercream over a cake or some cupcakes , or you can store it in a plastic Ziploc bag or an airtight container until you are ready to use it. Buttercream will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Cakes and cupcakes frosted with buttercream will stay fresh for 3 days. Assemble a double-boiler and simmer the water over medium heat. Fill a pot with water and place a large bowl on top. The bottom of the bowl should not be touching the water. Turn the stove on and wait until the water starts to simmer. Add the chocolate to the double-boiler and let it melt. Spread the chocolate evenly across the bottom of the bowl and stir it often with a spatula so that it doesn't scorch. Take the melted chocolate off the double-boiler and set it aside. You have to let the chocolate cool before you add it to you buttercream, or it will cause the butter to melt. Beat the butter until it is smooth and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer, a handheld beater, or even a food processor. It will take about two to three minutes for the butter to reach the right consistency. Lower the speed and add the chocolate. If you have been using a higher speed in your mixer, now is the time to change it to a low setting. Add the chocolate and mix it some more. You may have to use a spatula to get all of the chocolate out of the bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on a medium speed. Do this until the buttercream has gets a smooth and even texture, and there are no streaks or clumps. If you do not like vanilla, consider substituting it for espresso or strongly-brewed coffee instead. Store or use the chocolate buttercream. At this time, you can either decorate your cakes or cupcakes using the buttercream, or you can put the buttercream into an air-tight container an store it in the refrigerator for about two to three weeks. Cut the butter into cubes and set it aside. Cutting the butter will make it easier to add it to your recipe later on. It will also make it easier to mix. Assemble a double-boiler and let the water begin to simmer. Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot filled with some water. The bottom of the bowl should not be touching the water. Set the pot on the stove and set the heat to medium. Add the egg whites and sugar and mix until the sugar dissolves. If you cannot tell whether or not the sugar has dissolved, you can rub the mixture between your fingers. If the mixture feels grainy, the sugar has not finished dissolving. Let the mixture heat until it reaches 160°F (72°C). This pasteurizes the egg whites and kills any salmonella-causing bacteria. Be sure to use an instant-read thermometer. Remove the mixture from the double-boiler and continue mixing it until the egg whites become stiff. At this point, you can use an electric mixer or transfer it to a food processor with a whisk attachment. Use a medium-high speed. After about ten minutes, the egg whites will start to form peaks and turn stiff and foamy. Reduce the speed and add the vanilla and butter. Turn the speed down to medium low, and add in the vanilla and butter. If you do not like vanilla, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of another extract, such as almond. Click here for more options. If you prefer your buttercream to be less sweet, then add a pinch of salt. Store or serve the buttercream. Once the buttercream has achieved a smooth consistency, you can spread the buttercream over a cake or some cupcakes. You can also put it into a plastic Ziploc bag or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use extract or flavoring oil to add some flavor. You can give your buttercream a more interesting flavor by adding some extract, flavoring oil, or milk. Keep in mind that flavoring oils have a much more intense flavor than extracts, so you won't need as much. Here are some suggestions: 1 teaspoon of an extract, such as: almond, lemon, peppermint, or vanilla A few drops of a flavoring oil, such as: butterscotch, lemon, orange, or raspberry Add some ground spices, instant coffee, or cocoa powder for extra flavor. Simply add the ingredients to the powdered sugar and mix well. Here are some suggestions: 1 to 2 teaspoons of a spice, such as apple pie, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie, will give you a more aromatic buttercream, perfect for those fall and holiday treats. 1 tablespoon instant coffee mixed with 2 tablespoons of water will give you coffee-flavored buttercream. You can also add in a pinch of cocoa powder for a mocha-flavored buttercream. Substitute ½ cup (50 grams) of the sugar for cocoa powder. This will give you chocolate-flavored buttercream. Substitute the whipping cream for another liquid. Instead of using whipping cream, milk, or half-and-half, you can use 1 to 2 tablespoons of another liquid instead, such as fruit juice. Here are some more options: Orange juice Lemon juice Strongly-brewed coffee Liquor, such as Bailey's, Kahlua , brandy, or rum Make a citrus-flavored buttercream. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon or orange juice instead of whipping cream, milk, or half-and-half. Once you have finished making the buttercream, stir in ½ teaspoon of lemon or orange zest. Use jams to flavor the buttercream. Add up to 1/3 cup (110 grams) of your favorite jam into the butter and beat it until it is smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and whipping cream, milk, or half-and-half as usual. Keep in mind that the jam will alter the color of the frosting. You can use any type of jam you want, but raspberry or strawberry jams will give you more traditional results. Finished. | Cut softened butter into cubes and put it into a bowl. Beat the butter at low speed for at least 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy, has reached a much lighter color (near white) and has doubled in size. Add half of the sugar and mix it into the butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue mixing at a low speed. Consider adding some coloring. Add the rest of the sugar and beat the icing again using a high speed setting. Store or serve the buttercream. Assemble a double-boiler and simmer the water over medium heat. Add the chocolate to the double-boiler and let it melt. Take the melted chocolate off the double-boiler and set it aside. Beat the butter until it is smooth and fluffy. Lower the speed and add the chocolate. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix on a medium speed. Store or use the chocolate buttercream. Cut the butter into cubes and set it aside. Assemble a double-boiler and let the water begin to simmer. Add the egg whites and sugar and mix until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture heat until it reaches 160°F (72°C). Remove the mixture from the double-boiler and continue mixing it until the egg whites become stiff. Reduce the speed and add the vanilla and butter. Store or serve the buttercream. Use extract or flavoring oil to add some flavor. Add some ground spices, instant coffee, or cocoa powder for extra flavor. Substitute the whipping cream for another liquid. Make a citrus-flavored buttercream. Use jams to flavor the buttercream. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Gerbil-Breed | How to Choose a Gerbil Breed | To choose a gerbil breed, keep in mind that the Mongolian gerbil and the fat-tailed gerbil are the only 2 breeds that can be kept as pets. If you're not sure which one to get, consider getting a Mongolian gerbil if you want one that's slightly bigger. Mongolian gerbils also come in more colors, and they tend to be more playful and energetic than fat-tailed gerbils. However, since Mongolian gerbils are bigger, you'll need to get a bigger tank and accessories. On the other hand, you might want to get a fat-tailed gerbil if you want your gerbil to live longer since they can live 2-5 years longer than Mongolian gerbils. | Decide what size of gerbil you want. Mongolian gerbils typically grow to 12 cm (4.7 in) to 14 cm (5.5 in), while fat-tailed gerbils are usually a bit smaller – about 10 cm (3.9 in). This means that a Mongolian gerbil may consume a bit more food on a daily basis than a fat-tailed gerbil. This could also mean that you might need to purchase a slightly larger tank for a Mongolian gerbil, and larger tunnels/tubes/wheels for it to play in. Get a fat-tailed gerbil if you want a pet that will live longer. Think about how long you want to invest in your gerbil. Having a pet is a big responsibility that lasts from the moment you bring it home to the moment it dies. Mongolian gerbils usually live for 3-5 years, while fat-tailed gerbils live to be 5-8 years old. If you want to get a pet gerbil that you can care for and enjoy for a longer period of time, consider choosing a fat-tailed gerbil. Make sure you have a stable enough home life to care for a gerbil before choosing to adopt one. Verify that keeping a pet gerbil is legal wherever you live. If you move to a new place with your gerbil, you should check animal regulations for the area before you take your gerbil there. Choose Mongolian gerbils for a variety of coat colors and textures. Mongolian gerbils have been bred into many different subgroups, with a variety of coat colors and textures. If you want to be able to choose a gerbil with a specific coat color, you should probably go with a Mongolian gerbil. Fat-tailed gerbils typically only have a grey-colored coat. Some of the most popular Mongolian gerbil coat variations include golden, black, lilac, sapphire, slate, ivory cream, grey, nutmeg, and saffron. Pick fat-tailed gerbils if you only want to get 1 gerbil as a pet. Mongolian gerbils are social animals, so they do better when they live in pairs or small groups. This means that your Mongolian gerbil will be happier if you get it another gerbil friend to live in the cage with it. Fat-tailed gerbils are social creatures too, but they are also quite content to live alone in their cages. If you want to get your fat-tailed gerbil a companion, that's fine. But your fat-tailed gerbil will also be happy only interacting with you, and playing alone with the toys in its cage. You might want to consider having 2 males or 2 females as cage companions to limit any breeding possibilities – unless you want to have a whole lot of gerbil babies! Remember that gerbils are less accepting of new companions as they reach maturity. So it's crucial that you introduce the gerbil friends when they are both young. Choose a Mongolian gerbil if you want a more active, playful pet. Fat-tailed gerbils are usually more docile and even-tempered than Mongolian gerbils. Mongolians spend more time being active and alert, while fat-tailed gerbils spend more time dozing and relaxing in their cage. If you want a gerbil that will be ready to play whenever you want, consider getting a Mongolian gerbil. Keep your budget in mind. Mongolian gerbils are much more common than their fat-tailed relatives. This means that fat-tailed gerbils usually cost quite a bit more than Mongolians. If you purchase a pet gerbil (rather than adopting), you'll have to pay more for a fat-tailed gerbil. Mongolian gerbils typically cost around $10-20, while Fat-tailed gerbils usually sell for around $25-40, and may be more difficult to find for purchase. Get a larger cage for a Mongolian gerbil. Mongolian gerbils are quite a bit larger than fat-tailed gerbils. This means that you may need to purchase a slightly larger tank, along with larger tunnel/tube attachments to accommodate the Mongolian's size. Fat-tailed gerbils are also lazier than their Mongolian relatives, and often fall off of exercise wheels that are too big for them. Pick a reputable pet store or breeder. The best way to ensure that you choose a healthy gerbil is by getting one directly from a breeder. Spend some time searching online for reputable breeders and ask a few if you can schedule a visit to look at their animals. This way, you can inspect the parents to make sure they're healthy. If you decide to purchase a gerbil from a pet store, make sure you speak with a knowledgeable employee who has experience with gerbils. It's also easier for breeders to correctly identify the sex of a gerbil pup than it is for pet store employees. The American Gerbil Society has a search feature on their website that links to various organization-approved breeders, grouped by state. Look for obvious wounds. Any open wounds, especially around the tail or rump, can be a bad sign for gerbils. This can mean that the gerbil is aggressive and gets in fights with other gerbils, or that it has some kind of underlying illness causing the wounds. Also watch out for bloody noses or wounds around the nose. This could be a big indicator that the gerbil is not well. Inspect the coat. A healthy gerbil, regardless of breed, will have a sleek, shiny coat. If your gerbil has ruffled or clumpy-looking fur, this could be an indicator that the gerbil is unwell and needs medical attention. If any of your gerbil's cagemates have strange-looking fur, you should also be wary. Notice how the gerbil sleeps. Healthy gerbils sleep together, all in a big gerbil pile. If your gerbil is sleeping by itself in the corner or in the middle of the tank, this is probably a sign it doesn't feel very well. Choose a gerbil that sleeps with its cagemates to ensure that you pick a healthy one. | Decide what size of gerbil you want. Get a fat-tailed gerbil if you want a pet that will live longer. Choose Mongolian gerbils for a variety of coat colors and textures. Pick fat-tailed gerbils if you only want to get 1 gerbil as a pet. Choose a Mongolian gerbil if you want a more active, playful pet. Keep your budget in mind. Get a larger cage for a Mongolian gerbil. Pick a reputable pet store or breeder. Look for obvious wounds. Inspect the coat. Notice how the gerbil sleeps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Strapless-Bra-Up | How to Keep a Strapless Bra Up | If your strapless bra keeps slipping down, you can keep it in place using safety pins. You only want to pin your bra to the lining of your clothing so the pins don't show through the material. Pin each cup to the lining while you're wearing the clothing so you can line it up properly. You can also put a pin or 2 in the back to help your bra stay in place, but you'll need to take the clothing off or get someone to help for this. Alternatively, if you have a bra with removable straps, you can use one of the straps to keep your bra in place. Just hook the strap to one side of the back of your bra, wrap it around your front, underneath the cups, then attach it to the hook on the other side of your back. | Pick a bra that’s one band size smaller than your regular size. For example, if you usually wear a 36B, buy a 34B for your strapless version. The bra band should be snug, but not cutting into your back. This makes up for the lack of support that straps would provide. Don't go too small: A band that's too tight will often slip down to the smallest part of your waist. Measure your band size yourself by wrapping a measuring tape tightly just below your bust. If you get an even number, add 4 inches (10.2 cm) and if you get an odd number, add 5. For example, a 32 on the measuring tape means your band size is 36 whereas a 29 means you should wear a 34. Many stores like Nordstrom offer free bra fitting and measuring services. Even if you've been measured before, your bra size can change often so ask the dressing room attendant if any fitters are available or call ahead to make an appointment. The band width matters, too. Larger busts, which are heavier, benefit most from a wider band. Check that the bra is snug on the loosest hook closure. Strapless bras have to work harder than regular bras, so they stretch out more easily. If a new bra is comfortable at the largest hook setting, you'll be able to tighten it to the lower settings as it loses elasticity. If you buy a bra that is most comfortable at the tightest setting, it won't last as long. This is because once it stretches out, you won't be able to adjust it any further. Look for a bra that has adhesive grips or silicone lining. These sticky strips often line the inside of the cups along with the edge of the bra band. They provide more grip between your skin and the bra. Do not use silicone grips if you have a silicone allergy or sensitive skin. You can make your own sticky lining by using double-sided fashion tape. Place a strip or two on the inside of each cup to stick to your skin. Press the cups firmly against your breasts after putting your bra on. Try a seamless bandeau instead of molded cups for more comfort. Made of stretchy nylon, bandeaus feel more like a sports bra and lie flat against your chest, so they often aren't visible through your clothes. They also stay in place much better than a standard strapless bra. You can get pretty lace bandeaus to show off under more revealing tops and dresses. Seamless bandeaus, however, offer less support and separation than cups since there is no underwire. If you have a larger bust, you might not find bandeaus as comfortable. Buy a strapless bra that comes with removable straps. Not only will you need one of these straps for this method, but having the option to add straps means you can get a lot more use from your bra. Bras typically last for 6 months to a year. If your bra is older than 1 year, you'll want to replace it. Hook a removable bra strap on one side of the back of the bra. Strapless bras typically have 4 hooks or sleeves: 2 on the back band and 1 on each cup in the front. You can attach the strap to the hook on either side in the back. Keep the other strap in your lingerie drawer so you can find it easily when you need it. Wrap the bra strap around your back and front, underneath the bra cups. Keep the strap as close to the bottom edge of the bra as possible, making sure it is laying flat. Pull it snugly against your ribcage. You shouldn't be able to fit more than 1 or 2 fingers beneath the strap. The tighter you make the strap, the more of a push-up effect you'll get with the bra cups. Attach the bra strap to the hook on the other side in the back. Loosen or tighten the strap as needed to be able to comfortably reach the other hook on the back of the bra band. So if you started on the left hook, you'll finish on the right hook. Before getting dressed, make sure your breasts are properly situated by leaning forward slightly and using your hands to adjust them inside the cups. Line the bra up where you want it to sit on the dress or top. Do this by trying on the bra and clothing together to see where the clothing naturally hits the bra. For strapless dresses or shirts, this is often right at the top of the clothing. You can use an old bra for this, even if it's super ratty. It will be hidden inside the dress. Pin the bra cups to the lining of the clothing to hold them in place. Once you determine where you want the bra to intersect the clothing, use safety pins to secure it to the inside lining only. You'll need at least 2 pins (1 for each cup), but you can use more for more support. The important thing here is to make sure your safety pins don't poke through to the front of the clothing. This is to keep them hidden. You can pin it carefully while still wearing the bra and dress or top, or take them off first. Pinning the bra and clothing while they're on your body will give you the most accurate results. If you take them off, you risk losing the right spot. Secure the band in the back to the clothing with pins if necessary. While the back of the bra usually isn't the part that slides around, it can still help to pin it as well. Ask a friend to place 1 or 2 pins in the back, or do it yourself by removing the clothes and bra first to avoid pricking yourself. When placing the pins, only grab 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so of fabric in the pin. Too much will cause the clothing to bunch up, but too little won't hold the bra in place well. | Pick a bra that’s one band size smaller than your regular size. Check that the bra is snug on the loosest hook closure. Look for a bra that has adhesive grips or silicone lining. Try a seamless bandeau instead of molded cups for more comfort. Buy a strapless bra that comes with removable straps. Hook a removable bra strap on one side of the back of the bra. Wrap the bra strap around your back and front, underneath the bra cups. Attach the bra strap to the hook on the other side in the back. Line the bra up where you want it to sit on the dress or top. Pin the bra cups to the lining of the clothing to hold them in place. Secure the band in the back to the clothing with pins if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Save-Orphaned-Newborn-Puppies | How to Save Orphaned Newborn Puppies | To save orphaned newborn puppies, keep them in a nesting box that's lined with newspaper, and place the box in a room that's around 90 degrees Fahrenheit so they're warm enough. You can hang a heat lamp over the box to keep the puppies warm. Keep the humidity in the room around 60 percent, and use a humidifier if necessary. You should take the puppies to the vet within 48 hours after they're born. The vet can check them over for health problems and recommend the best milk substitute. After you bring the puppies home, you'll need to bottle feed them every 3 hours and massage them after each feeding so they eliminate. | Take them to the vet. A vet should check the puppies within 48 hours of birth. The vet will examine them for cleft palates, birth defects, or other health issues. The vet may also be able to give you advice on how best to raise the orphaned puppies. Ask your vet if they recommend a certain puppy milk substitute or if they can teach you how to properly feed the puppies. Usually, the puppies would receive colostrum from their mother in the first 24-48 hours of birth. This important type of milk builds their immunity and gives them important nutrients. If they were unable to get colostrum from their mother, tell the vet. The vet may be able to provide them with blood plasma or serum from a healthy dog to have a similar effect. Weigh them periodically. A puppy's weight can tell you how often to feed them, how much to feed them, and how well they are developing. Normally, a puppy will double their birth weight in the first eight to ten days. To weigh puppies, use an electronic kitchen scale or a postal scale. Weigh them once a day for the first two weeks. After that, weigh them on a weekly basis. The puppy may lose a little weight in the first 24 hours, but if any weight loss occurs after that period, you may want to contact a vet. Keep a chart of each puppy's weight so you can see whether they have gained or lost weight. Supervise them. Puppies require constant care and supervision. Health problems can develop quickly and often require immediate supervision. Make a schedule for yourself so that you remember to feed and massage them at the proper times. You should also remind yourself to check their temperature often. Don't be afraid to handle the puppies. Picking up and giving them a light massage is not only relaxing, but it helps you determine if they are too cold. It can also help socialize them. Raising puppies by hand is a full time job. You may want to ask other family members, friends, or volunteers to help you so that you can rest. Isolate them from other animals. Puppies are extremely susceptible to viruses from other animals during this time, especially from other dogs. While it is treatable in adult dogs, canine herpesvirus can be fatal to puppies. Even if you don't think your adult dogs are carrying any diseases, avoid introducing them to the puppies until they are five weeks old. Find a foster mother. Raising a puppy by hand is extremely difficult, and it can cause socialization problems with the dogs later in the life. If you can, try to find a foster mother for your puppies. This would be a mother dog that has had puppies around the same time that these puppies were born. You can contact local breeders, vets, animal shelters, and rescue organizations to see if they know of a dog that might work. If you find a potential mother, you should slowly introduce her to the puppies to see if she accepts them. If she does, she may even let them nurse from her. If she is aggressive or dismissive towards the puppies, remove them from her. Provide a nesting box. A nesting box should be large enough for the puppies to turn around in with sides high enough that they do not fall or climb out. You can use a cardboard box, which is easy to replace if soiled, or you can build a wooden nesting box. If you bred the orphan puppies, you may already have a whelping box from when they were born. This can also double as their nesting box. Keep this box in a dry, secluded area. Do not place it in the way of air conditioning drafts or too close to cold windows. Some decide to build smaller, separate boxes for each puppy. The benefit of this is that it allows you to care for each puppy individually, and it helps make sure that you do not forget a puppy. That said, by keeping the puppies in one box together, it may be easier to keep them warm and to socialize them. Decide which system works best for you. Line the box with newspaper. The puppies will not be housetrained, and they will soil the nesting box. Line it with newspapers so that you do not have to repeatedly clean the bottom of the box. You might also line it with a blanket that you can remove and wash. You will need to change the newspaper or blanket lining on a daily basis; you may need to change it more often if the puppies soil it. Make sure there are no loose threads or holes in the blanket, which could trap the puppy. Do not use more than one blanket, for the same reason. Warm the room. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own temperature. You will need to keep the nesting box and room warm so that their temperature does not drop. Keep the room around 90 °F (32 °C) until the puppies are one week old. Lower it to 85 °F (29 °C) for the second week, then drop to around 75 °F (24 °C) after that. Instead of heating the entire room, hang a heat lamp over the nesting box. This will keep the puppies sufficiently warm. to prevent overheating, keep the heat restricted to one part of the nesting box, and make sure the puppy cannot touch the heat source directly. If the puppies are scattered around the box, it may be too warm. If they are huddled in a heap, it may be too cold. Humidify the room. To prevent dehydration, puppies will need an environmental room humidity of about 55-65% (more if they're sickly or weak). You can place a humidifier in the room with the puppies to increase the humidity. You can also stick a damp towel in one side of the nesting box. Create a feeding schedule. You will need to feed the puppies every three hours; if the puppies are weak or at a low weight, you may need to feed them every two hours. Write down a feeding schedule for yourself so that you do not forget. You may even want to set alarms on your phone to remind you. Puppies will often start to cry when they are ready to eat. Decide between tube feeding and bottle feeding. There are two ways to feed puppies by hand: bottle feeding and tube feeding. Bottle feeding is easier, but it takes much more time. Tube feeding is recommended for weak puppies. It takes less time, but it must be done properly. Discuss with your vet the best options for your litter. Bottle feeding takes more time per puppy. That said, bottle feeding may be a much safer and easier alternative for those with no prior experience with puppies. Tube feeding is a faster method, and it is ideal for puppies with certain conditions, such as an inability to latch or a cleft palate. It delivers food directly to the puppy's stomach via a syringe and tube. That said, if done improperly, it can cause respiratory problems. It is highly advised that you have a vet demonstrate how to tube feed before you try it yourself. Fill the bottle or syringe with a puppy milk substitute. Puppies cannot live off of cow's milk. They will need a solution that is nutritionally similar to their mother's milk. You can buy commercial puppy milk substitute, such as Just Born, Nurturalle, or Ilsaac, at a pet store. Commercial varieties come in both canned “ready to feed” and powdered forms. Powdered milk substitute is cheaper, but you will have to mix it with warm water first. Before feeding, warm the food in the microwave for three or five seconds until it is warm, but not hot. Newborn puppies under 8 ounces (230 g) may have to be fed one cc of milk per ounce of weight while puppies above this weight can be fed one and a half ccs of food per ounce. Only prepare enough food for the day. Milk kept for longer than a day can attract bacteria. If you can't get a commercial product, make your own by mixing ten ounces of goat milk, one tablespoon light corn syrup, one cup of plain white whole milk yogurt, and one egg yolk. Only use this as a temporary food source until you can pick up a more nutritionally balanced, commercially prepared puppy formula. Feed the puppy. When it is time to feed the puppies, take them out of the nesting box one at a time. Let them eat slowly. If you notice milk coming out of their nose or mouth, stop immediately. Wipe away the milk, and check that they are breathing normally before continuing. If they are wheezing or sneezing, they may have inhaled milk. Contact a vet in this case. If you are bottle feeding the puppies, set the puppy on your lap. Hold the bottle vertically, and let them suckle the milk. Do not squeeze the milk out; the puppy should naturally suck it out. The puppy will often stop eating when they are full. If you are tube feeding the puppy, you should attach a feeding tube to the syringe. Gently guide the tube to the back of the puppy's throat. Press down on the syringe slowly. It is highly recommended that you ask a vet to show you how to properly tube feed before you try it yourself. Burp each puppy. There is a chance air might have gone into the puppies' stomachs while they were feeding. This can cause stomach pain in puppies. To prevent this, burp the puppies after every feeding. There are two methods for burping puppies: You can place them on your hand and massage their belly until they burp. You can rest them against your shoulder and pat their back. Massage the puppy so they can eliminate. Puppies cannot defecate or urinate on their own at first. You will need to help them eliminate by massaging them either before or after each feeding. You can use a warm, damp cottonball, tissue, or washcloth. Gently rub around their anus and genitals until they defecate and urinate. You may want to wear gloves and an apron as you do this, as the puppies' waste can get on you and your clothing. Wean the puppies. The puppies should begin to wean off milk at about three or four weeks of age. Mix or blend a little bit of puppy food with the puppy milk substitute. It should be soft and easy to swallow. Stick it in their mouth with your finger. They should naturally start to eat it. Slowly increase the amount of solid food that you give them. Your puppies should be eating solid food only by six weeks. Hold them to look for hypothermia. Because puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature, they may quickly lose heat and become cold. If you notice a puppy shivering or if their skin is cold to the touch, slowly warm them using your own body heat. Hold them close to you in your hands. The puppy will start to wiggle and move around when they are warm enough. Do not feed a cold puppy milk. Warm them slowly before feeding. Warming a puppy too quickly can send them into shock. Watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar might occur in puppies who are not nursing from their mother. You may notice that the puppies are weak, limp, or cold. They may have bluish gums or twitching muscles. Take affected puppies to the vet to have dextrose administered to them. Check for dehydration. If the puppy has dry skin or sticky gums in the mouth, they may be dehydrated. You can prevent this by feeding the puppy regularly and providing a humid environment. If the puppy is severely dehydrated, take them to a vet immediately. Loss of skin elasticity is a major sign of dehydration. To check for this, pinch the puppy's skin. If it sticks and does not return to normal, they may be dehydrated. Begin deworming at two weeks of age. It is often recommended that puppies be dewormed for roundworm and hookworm beginning at two weeks. This first round should be followed up with subsequent dewormings at four, six, and eight weeks of age. Your vet will most likely give the puppy a shot that kills any worms living inside the puppy. Oral medication is also sometimes used. Vaccinate them. Puppies are usually vaccinated for the first time between six and eight weeks of age. Puppies typically receive shots for distemper, parainfluenza, and bordetella at this time. Orphaned puppies may be especially vulnerable to parvo if they did not receive enough colostrum, the early mother's milk that bolsters the immune system. The vet may decide to vaccinate them for parvo at five weeks of age, especially if it is a significant risk in your region. | Take them to the vet. Weigh them periodically. Supervise them. Isolate them from other animals. Find a foster mother. Provide a nesting box. Line the box with newspaper. Warm the room. Humidify the room. Create a feeding schedule. Decide between tube feeding and bottle feeding. Fill the bottle or syringe with a puppy milk substitute. Feed the puppy. Burp each puppy. Massage the puppy so they can eliminate. Hold them to look for hypothermia. Watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Check for dehydration. Begin deworming at two weeks of age. Vaccinate them. |
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