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https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Sticky-Price-Tag-Residue | How to Remove Sticky Price Tag Residue | If a price tag has left sticky residue on your new purchase, you can easily remove it with household items. If the sticky residue is on a hard surface, use a credit card, utility knife, or ruler to scrape off as much as you can. You can also remove excess glue with duct tape, unless your item is delicate. Just press the tape over the residue, then rip the tape off quickly. If there's any residue left, apply some rubbing alcohol, vegetable oil, or vinegar to it and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This should help break down the sticker residue. Then, rub the surface with a clean cloth and hot, soapy water. | Scrape off the majority of the glue. To start, use a credit card, utility knife, ruler, or plastic scraper to gently peel away large chunks of paper and glue that have been left on the surface. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle to the surface as you work. As you scrape and peel, stop intermittently to clean the edge of the scraper. Be careful using a sharp scraper since it could leave scratches on your surface. Remove more glue with tape. Take a strip of heavy-duty tape, such as duct tape, and wrap it around your index and middle fingers with the sticky side facing out (away from your fingers). Press the tape firmly against the adhesive, and then quickly pull your fingers away to rip the tape off. Repeat with different sections of the tape to remove as much leftover residue as possible. Skip this step if you are trying to remove adhesive from a delicate surface like paper or books. Choose a removal agent. To tackle any remaining sticky residue, you will need an oil-based substance, alcohol-based substance, or solvent. An oil-based product will help lubricate the surface of the adhesive and work to remove it, an alcohol-based product will dry out the adhesive, and a solvent will work to dissolve the glue. Alcohol and Goo Gone have had the most success removing adhesive residues, but if you try one product and it doesn't work, don't be afraid to try another. Other popular products include: Cleaning products, such as Windex, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, furniture polish, vinegar, or PVC pipe cleaner Beauty products, such as nail polish remover, toothpaste, hand lotion, hair spray, mineral oil, perfume, non-acetone nail polish, and aftershave Oil-based foods, such as margarine, cooking spray, peanut butter, and mayonnaise Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and vegetable oil Household products such as kerosene, paint thinner, petroleum jelly, and lighter fluid For paper products, books, or walls, you will need a pencil or art gum eraser Apply the cleaner to the adhesive. Using a clean cloth, cotton ball, or paper towel, apply your removal agent of choice to the affected area. Let the cloth and cleaning agent sit on the adhesive for five to ten minutes (or a couple of hours if you're using vinegar or mayonnaise). After the removal agent has had time to sit, use the cloth or a soft toothbrush to gently rub the area. As paper and glue are removed, use a clean towel to wipe them away. To remove adhesive residue from paper products or books, use the eraser to gently rub at the glue. Clean the area. Once the adhesive has been removed, you must clean away the excess cleaning product that you used. Use a clean cloth and hot, soapy water to wipe the area clean, and then rinse it with a clean cloth and plain water. Remove the majority of adhesive with tape. If there is any paper or sticker left on the fabric, peel off as much as you can with your fingers, and then remove more with tape. For fabrics, don't use duct tape; instead, try something less heavy duty, such as scotch tape. Duct tape could adhere to fabrics and cause pilling, warping, or pulls. Don't put the fabric in a dryer since it will make the adhesive solidify and make it more difficult to remove. Choose a removal agent. You typically want an oil-based substance for fabrics, so it's important that you only use this method on fabrics that can be laundered in the machine or by hand afterward. Perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area before trying the product on the adhesive. For clothing, popular removal agents include: Rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone Dish soap Peanut butter or vegetable oil WD-40 Avon Skin-So-Soft De-Solv-It, Crystal Wash, or Un-Du Massage the removal agent into the sticker residue. Use your fingers to saturate the adhesive with the cleaning product. Massage for several minutes, until you feel the adhesive starting to loosen. For stubborn marks, use a soft toothbrush to work the cleaner into the adhesive. As the glue loosens, use a clean cloth to wipe it away, making sure not to spread the cleaner around too much. For fabrics that can't be laundered (such as upholstery), saturate a clean, undyed cloth with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Lay the cloth over the affected area and let it sit for several minutes. Gently rub the area with the cloth to loosen and remove the adhesive. Remove any excess cleaner and glue with a clean cloth and water. Pre-treat the area with a stain remover. Be sure to use a grease-fighting stain remover or laundry detergent to cut through the oil-based cleaning product. Let the stain remover or detergent sit for 10 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. Launder the fabric. Either hand wash or machine wash the fabric as per the instructions on the care label. Do not put the garment in the dryer until you are sure the adhesive is completely gone. Melt it off. They say prevention is the best medicine, and this is also true of sticky adhesive residues: it's better to get the sticker and glue off in one shot than it is to peel off the sticker first and tackle the glue later. If you're in the middle of peeling off a difficult sticker, stop and take a few extra precautions before proceeding. Grab a blow dryer and set it to high. Hold it a safe distance from the surface (you don't want to melt anything other than the glue) and apply a stream of hot air to the sticker for 45 seconds. Once the glue is nice and hot, try peeling a corner of the sticker. If there's any resistance, repeat the heating for another 45 seconds. Use water to remove the sticker. Another method you can try is soaking a cloth with hot water and laying it over the sticker for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen the glue and wet the paper, which should help lift the sticker right off. Scrape it off. If you have a sticker that isn't coming off nicely and is still leaving glue and paper bits behind after heating it and wetting it, pull out the scraper now while the adhesive is still attached to the paper, and while the glue is still hot and wet. Scrape at the sticker at a 45-degree angle to remove whatever's left of the paper and adhesive. | Scrape off the majority of the glue. Remove more glue with tape. Choose a removal agent. Apply the cleaner to the adhesive. Clean the area. Remove the majority of adhesive with tape. Choose a removal agent. Massage the removal agent into the sticker residue. Pre-treat the area with a stain remover. Launder the fabric. Melt it off. Use water to remove the sticker. Scrape it off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Own-and-Love-a-Pit-Bull-Dog | How to Own and Love a Pit Bull Dog | Before you decide you're ready to own a pit bull, make sure you have the means to properly exercise and interact with it, since they are an active, social breed that forms strong bonds with their owners and requires care that will cost around $1,000 a year. If that is no obstacle, check your local laws on pit bull ownership, since some municipalities and countries have specific regulations on this breed of dog. Once you're certain you can legally own a pit bull, make sure your new dog gets enough exercise by taking it on runs, for example, and that you stimulate its mind with obedience training and tricks. Whenever you are outdoors, keep your pit bull safe by leashing it and never leaving it unattended. | Make sure you can properly care for your pit bull. Pit bulls can make great companions and wonderful additions to your family. However, you'll need to be able to meet the demands that proper pit bull care will call for. Make sure you have plenty of time and enough money to keep your pit bull happy and healthy in its new home. You'll need to spend a lot of time exercising and interacting with your pit bull. Pit bulls need a lot of room to run around in. If you live in an apartment, caring for a pit bull may be difficult. Ideally, you should have a large yard or a nearby park to let your pit bull play in. Because pit bulls are so active, they will usually eat more food than other dog breeds. Pit bulls are more likely than other breeds to suffer from parvo virus and dysplasia. Dealing with these medical issues can be costly. Caring for a pit bull will cost around $1,000 a year. Pit bulls will form strong bonds with their owners and will want to spend a lot of time together. Evaluate your level of experience with caring for dogs. Caring for a pit bull will require you to spend a lot of time working to train it. How much training and attention your pit bull will need will depend on its age and personality. You'll want to consider your level of experience with training and raising dogs before finding a pit bull that's right for you. Older dogs who have been properly raised may be a better choice for someone unfamiliar with pit bulls. Puppies can be a lot of fun to care for. However, raising a puppy properly can be difficult and time consuming. Make sure you are experienced with raising pit bulls if you want to adopt a puppy. Research your local laws regarding pit bull ownership. It's important to know that owning a pit bull isn't permitted in all areas. There are some areas that may forbid you from owning a pit bull, citing public safety as the reason for the law. Make sure that you are legally allowed to own a pit bull before you start to look for one. In the United States of America, laws will vary at the local municipal level. Many countries have banned or limited the ability to own or care for a pit bull. Owning a pit bull illegally can get you into legal trouble and may end in euthanasia for the dog. License your dog. Once you find a pit bull that you want to care for, you'll need to make sure that you license your dog. Registering or licensing your pit bull will help ensure that your dog has its current vaccinations and that it can be identified should it escape. Make sure you've properly registered and licensed your pit bull to help keep it safe. You'll need to submit proof that your dog has had its current and necessary vaccinations. There will likely be a fee to obtain your license and register your dog. Get plenty of exercise with your pit bull. Pit bulls are very active dogs and love to get in daily exercise. Pit bulls will enjoy a wide variety of activities and love to be challenged by new games or training. You can try some of these exercises to help keep your pit bull happy, healthy and strong: Take your pit bull for a run. Your pit bull may enjoy swimming. Going on long walks can be a good form of exercise. Try playing tug or fetch with your dog. Pit bulls will love learning new tricks and can benefit greatly from obedience training. Don't leave your pit bull unattended while it is outdoors. Pit bulls are smart dogs and tend to escape from most enclosures. Your pit bull may also eat something it shouldn't or may even be stolen if left alone outdoors. Always keep a close eye on your pit bull when it is outdoors to help keep it safe and comfortable. Pit bulls have short hair and won't be able to stay warm in cool weather. Never leave your pit bull outdoors for long when temperatures are chilly. If you do have an outdoor enclosure, make sure it is secure and will keep your pit bull safely inside. Keep control over your pit bull. Whenever you are outdoors with your pit bull, you'll want to keep it on its leash. Keeping control over you pit bull will help prevent it from wandering into a dangerous situation and can help keep it safe. Always keep your pit bull on a leash when outdoors or in a new situation. You may want to avoid taking your pit bull to a leash free dog park. Try keeping your pit bull on a leash when introducing it to new people or animals. Spay or neuter your pit bull. Unless you are planning on breeding your pit bull, you'll want to make sure it is spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering your pit bull will help prevent unwanted pregnancies and can cut down on the number of pit bulls in shelters. Before you take your pit bull home, ask the breeder, shelter or your veterinarian about spaying or neutering it. There are many pit bulls who are strays or stuck in a dog shelter. Spaying and neutering your pit bull can help reduce this problem. Neutering your male pit bull may help reduce levels of aggression. Put other people at ease around your pit bull. For many people, pit bulls have a bad reputation. People near you may be nervous about your pit bull and knowing how to dispel some of the common myths can help make them more comfortable with your dog. Take a look at some of these common misconceptions to help others get more comfortable with your dog: Pit bulls do not have locking jaws. Pit bulls do not want to fight people. Pit bulls who are aggressive towards other dogs won't necessarily be aggressive towards humans. Pit bulls won't attack for no reason. Pit bull attacks are often due to unrecognized health or behavioral issues. Pit bulls are not unfeeling fighting dogs. Pit bulls want love and affection, just like any other dog. Don't let your pit bull play with other dogs unsupervised. Pit bulls do not always get along with other dogs. Because of the pit bull's temperament, you'll want to to keep an eye on it as it interacts with other dogs. Watch for any signs of aggression and be ready to separate the dogs should they become uncomfortable with one another. Growling, hair standing up on end, snarling, barking and stiff body language can indicate aggression. Immediately separate your pit bull if it or another dog display signs of aggression. Pit bulls were originally bred as fighting dogs and may still retain some of those instincts. Supervise children that are playing with your pit bull. Pit bulls love people and this love extends to children. However, because each dog is unique, it's still a good idea to watch over your child and your pit bull as they play together. Watching over your pit bull and child can help build good relationships, keeping both of them happy and safe. Make sure your child is being kind and gentle when they play with your pit bull. Pit bulls can get excited and accidentally knock your child over. Make sure your dog isn't playing too hard with your child. Make sure there aren't any dog toys or treats laying around. Your pit bull may accidentally nip your child when playing tug or trying to get a toy or treat from them. | Make sure you can properly care for your pit bull. Evaluate your level of experience with caring for dogs. Research your local laws regarding pit bull ownership. License your dog. Get plenty of exercise with your pit bull. Don't leave your pit bull unattended while it is outdoors. Keep control over your pit bull. Spay or neuter your pit bull. Put other people at ease around your pit bull. Don't let your pit bull play with other dogs unsupervised. Supervise children that are playing with your pit bull. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Coroner | How to Become a Coroner | To become a coroner, keep in mind that the requirements for becoming a coroner vary greatly depending on where you live, so you'll want to look up what the laws are in your area. You may be required to go to medical school and become a physician in order to be a coroner. Or, you may only need to receive specialized training to get certified. Also, know that coroners are sometimes elected, not appointed, in certain localities. | Apply for a deputy coroner position. Chief coroners usually have to have previous experience in death investigation (or specialized certification that requires the same). Deputy coroners, on the other hand, may only need to meet a handful of far less stringent prerequisites. Apply for an entry-level position first. Exact prerequisites may differ between states, counties, and municipalities, but at a minimum you will need a high school diploma or GED. Other requirements may include: Valid driver's license Physical exam Drug/alcohol test Criminal background check College degree Be professional in your interview. Be aware that, as a deputy coroner, you will be expected to interact with other agencies and contractors, families of the deceased, witnesses, and officers of the court. Anticipate that your interviewer will be assessing your ability to do these tasks based on how you present yourself in the interview. Put your best foot forward by doing the following: Take care of your physical appearance. Groom yourself well. Dress professionally–in this case, as you would for a court appearance. Listen carefully. Prove your ability to collect and remember important information by paying close attention to what your interviewer says. Watch your body language. Make sure you sit and stand up straight. Maintain direct eye contact. Shake hands firmly but not aggressively. Use the right terminology. Speak in professional terms. Avoid slang that may offend people or display insensitivity to the nature of the job. Complete your probationary period. Receive hands-on training that may last a year or more. Expect to work under intense supervision during this period. Duties that you will perform may include but are not limited to: Identifying victims. Informing family of victim's death. Researching victim's medical history. Investigating scenes. Interviewing witnesses. Coordinating with other offices and/or contractors. Testifying in court. Receive certification. At some point during or after your probationary period, you will probably need to pass the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). This is a general exam given to professionals working in law enforcement. You will also likely need to apply for certification as a death investigator through organizations like the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). Afterward, you will have to take and pass the Registry Examination. However, requirements vary by state, county, and/or municipalities. POST exams test your skills in such areas as math, grammar, writing, and reading skills. To apply for the Registry Examination, you must provide the ABMDI with professional references, as well as notarized proof that you have worked a minimum of 640 hours as a death investigator for a coroner or medical examiner. All 640 hours must be completed within one jurisdiction. If you move in the meantime, you must complete a total of 640 hours with your new employer. Registry Examinations test your ability to investigate deaths, communicate with families and other agencies, and handle evidence, plus your knowledge of science, ethics, and law. the difference between the two offices. Although these two positions are similar in some ways, they differ from each other considerably. While the duties and prerequisites for a medical examiner may be more consistent from one locality to the next, those of a coroner vary a great deal. Know the difference between the two to decide which position adheres the most to your ambition. Medical examiners are typically appointed. To be appointed, you need to be a licensed physician with a specialization in forensic pathology. Your primary purpose would be performing autopsies when needed and disclosing your conclusions to law enforcement. Coroners may be elected or appointed. Depending on local laws, you may need to have the same qualifications and perform the same duties as a medical examiner. Or you may serve as more of an administrative head who contracts outside help, in which case the qualifications for your office may require less medical training. Research local laws and hiring processes. For any particular place where you wish to find employment, find out what prerequisites are demanded by the state, county, and municipality. Know what higher education, previous experience, and specialized training is required for that particular office. Determine whether you will have to run for office or simply apply for the job. Find out if your state even offers coroner positions. States mandating that you must be a physician : Kansas; Louisiana; Minnesota; Ohio. States demanding that you receive specialized training : Alabama; Colorado; Georgia; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Mississippi; Montana; Nebraska; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; West Virginia; Wyoming States without coroner offices : Alaska; Arizona; Connecticut; Delaware; District of Columbia; Florida; Iowa; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; Oklahoma; Oregon; Rhode Island; Utah; Vermont; Virginia Consider becoming a medical examiner. If you are serious about pursuing death investigation as a lifelong career, improve your chances of finding well-paid employment by becoming a medical examiner. Whether a chief coroner position is filled by appointment or election, set yourself apart from other candidates with an impressive resume that is most relevant to the job in question. Increase your mobility with the necessary prerequisites to find employment elsewhere should you fail to be hired for a specific office. Start early. Begin your journey as early as high school. Research undergraduate and graduate schools that offer the best science and medical programs. Find out what they require for acceptance of applicants, including but not limited to: grades, activities, and volunteer work. Plan your high school career accordingly. Pursue courses such as biology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, first aid, and health. Apply for Advanced Placement courses, particularly in science and math, if your school offers them. Take college prep courses and tests. Earn a bachelor’s degree. Once you enroll in a four-year college or university, pursue a Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in pre-medicine. If you are already well on your way to obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, be sure to fulfill and excel at all of your requisite courses in the sciences. Fill your free electives with as many related subjects (biology, chemistry, etc) as you can, or, if possible, double-major in pre-medicine or another science to improve your chances of advancing to medical school and/or being hired as a coroner in the future. Decide a major. While some schools specifically offer “pre-med” as a major, others do not. Biology and chemistry majors are often pursued in absence of one. Though a science degree will better prepare you for med school, the exact nature of your major is less important than your performance, so whatever you major in, excel at it. Challenge yourself. Even if you are able to cash in an AP credit earned in high school and thus skip a required course in college, take the course anyway. Cover the material over again to prepare yourself for future courses and tests. material that may not have been covered in your high school class. Stand out as someone who is willing to skip the easy path when you apply to med school later on. Get an advisor. Although you may not technically need one in your first or second year, still meet with one as soon as possible. Map out a timeline for you to follow regarding which courses to take and when, prepping for the MCATS, and improving your future resumes and applications with plenty of volunteer- and research work. Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). In addition to obtaining a bachelor's degree and a high GPA, take studying and prepping for the MCAT very seriously. Aim to score a 30 or more to improve your chances of being accepted into a medical school. If needed, take it multiple times. You may take the MCAT three times in one testing year, four times in two back-to-back testing years, and seven times in total. Medical schools may consider your highest score, your most recent score, or your average score. Complete medical school. Take required courses in anatomy as well as medical and administrative practice. Complete the mandatory hours of on-the-job training and clerkship (approximately 100 hours). Specialize in forensic pathology to how to identify the causes of death. Make sure the school's program has been approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and/or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Specializing in forensic pathology will often involve you training and working with local coroners and/or medical examiners. Use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the job itself, from personal stories of how these professionals obtained their positions, and make connections. Complete your residency. After you finish medical school, join a residency program to finish your training. Residencies may last up to three years. Work with coroner and medical examiner's offices to earn personal certification with the American Board of Pathology to become an officially recognized pathologist. You can become certified for either Clinical Pathology (CP), Anatomical Pathology (AP), or both (AP/CP). | Apply for a deputy coroner position. Be professional in your interview. Complete your probationary period. Receive certification. the difference between the two offices. Research local laws and hiring processes. Consider becoming a medical examiner. Start early. Earn a bachelor’s degree. Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Complete medical school. Complete your residency. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rollerblade | How to Rollerblade | When learning to rollerblade, first find your standing position. Feet should be shoulder-width apart and weight should be balanced over the wheels. Next, take baby steps, keeping your feet directly under you. Slowly shift these steps into glides by moving your legs in a forward and out motion. Use your upper body to maintain balance by tucking your arms in at your sides or letting them swing in rhythm with your feet. If you lose balance, lean to one side and let your body gradually collapse so your butt and thighs absorb the impact. | Wear proper safety equipment. Put on a helmet and some knee and elbow pads to protect yourself from bumps, bruises, and scrapes. New skaters who are just starting out will also want to get a pair of wrist guards, which will allow you to break your fall without hurting yourself. Keep your safety gear (especially your helmet) on the entire time you're skating. Strap on a pair of rollerblades. Slip your feet into the boots and press the tongue of the skates up against your lower shins. Pull the adjustable straps across the front of the boots and through the buckles on the opposite side. Tighten the skates until they fit snugly but comfortably. If the skates wobble or slide around on your feet, they're too loose. If they feel rigid or they're cutting off your circulation, they're too tight. Make sure you're wearing skates in the correct size. Most skates are sized just like sneakers and other types of shoes. Stand up. Use a nearby object like a wall or chair to help you get to your feet. If there's nothing around to use for assistance, pull one foot up under you and place both hands on the ground in front of you. Climb to your feet one at a time, being careful not to lose your balance. Be careful not to let your feet roll out from under you. Practice standing up on grass or carpet before you make the jump to concrete. The plush surface will help steady the skates. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Once you're upright, assume a stance similar to how you ordinarily stand. Stay right on top of the wheels and don't let your ankles lean one way or the other. Your toes should be pointed straight ahead—if they happen to stray inward or outward while you're skating, your legs will move with them and you'll fall down. Balancing successfully on rollerblades is all about constantly making small adjustments with your feet and ankles to stay poised over the wheels. Pay attention to where your feet are at any given time. Remember: you'll go in whatever direction your skates are pointed. Practice leaning, pivoting, and crouching. This will help you get used to the kinds of movements you'll be using later to turn and generate speed. Bend your knees slightly and keep your hips and ankles nice and loose. Once you've got the hang of a few basic leg movements, try picking up one foot at a time and balancing on one skate. While skating, you want to keep your center of gravity a little lower than when you're walking around normally. Move to the pavement. When you feel confident, find a flat, level stretch of ground where you have plenty of room to move around. Paved surfaces are ideal for skating, since they allow the wheels to roll smoothly. If possible, set yourself up close to a wall or rail that you can hold onto for balance. Sidewalks, parking lots, and garages all make good places to learn the basics of in-line skating. Make sure there are no pedestrians, drivers or other people around when you're taking your first steps. Start walking slowly. Pick up one foot and set it down in front of the other. Then, repeat with the other foot. Take baby steps at first and avoid putting too much weight on each foot until it's directly underneath you. From here, you can build up to gliding. Challenge yourself to walk from one point to another a short distance away without falling down. Turn your steps into smooth strokes. Continue putting one foot in front of the other, only now rather than dropping your foot straight down, push it forward and out. Transfer your weight over your leg to begin gliding. Lift your skates just enough to set them down for the next stroke, letting your momentum carry you forward. It can help to turn your back skate at an angle to give you something to push against. By the time you get the hang of gliding, you should barely be picking up your feet at all. Use your upper body to maintain your balance. On your first few passes, hold your arms out to your sides and make small adjustments when you feel yourself tipping. Once balance is no longer an issue, you can bring them down closer to your sides. When skating at full speed, you'll swing them in an alternating rhythm with the movement of your feet, similar to an exaggerated run. Don't bring your arms up higher than your head or let them cross over in front of your body. Pick up speed. To accelerate on rollerblades, simply do the same thing you've been doing, only faster. Lean your torso forward, bend at the knees, and pump your legs back and forth, gliding over one skate then the other. Remember to keep your skates moving in a slight 'V' formation. Only skate with as much speed as you can handle. Remember, it will get more difficult to control your movements the faster you're going. You can also play around with changing the length of each stride. Some skaters use long, smooth leg motions, while others prefer to take lots of short, quick strides to build speed. Progress at your own pace. For your own safety, don't try to go too fast right off the bat. Take things slow and easy until you start to get a feel for the movement. With each session you'll find yourself growing more and more comfortable on your rollerblades. Structure your sessions to focus on a single skill or technique. For instance, you might just practice starting and stopping during one session, then work on turning during the next. Try to get a little practice every day, even if it's only for a few minutes at a time. Learn how to fall correctly. As soon as you feel yourself losing your balance, lean slightly to one side and let your body collapse gradually, keeping your head away from the ground. That way, your butt and thighs will be absorbing most of the impact. Avoid falling straight forward or back, as this could lead to a nasty bump. You won't always see a fall coming, so it's best to be prepared to react quickly. When you're first learning how to rollerblade, expect to fall down. A lot. Once it happens a few times, your fear will start to fade, and you can concentrate on improving your skills and having fun. Never try to use your arms to catch yourself. There are lots of small bones in your arms that can easily be broken if you happen to land wrong. Lean your body to steer. Start skating at a safe speed and place your feet side-by-side. Shift your weight over the right edge of both skates to veer to the right, allowing your ankles to flex. To make a left turn, lean to the left. The circular force created by riding the edge of the skates will cause you to change direction with ease. This technique is referred to as an "A-frame turn," and it is the most common steering method used by skaters. Practice wide, gentle turns at first, and tighten them up as you get more comfortable with the motion. Pick up your feet for beginner turns. If you find it difficult to change direction, you can give yourself a little help by pivoting on the skate that's on the side you want to go and arching your other skate around to follow its lead. This may feel a little clumsy at first, but it's a good way to work up to smoother high-speed turns when you're first starting out. Lift your back wheels to pivot, not your front ones. You'll have an easier time maintaining your balance that way. When you can pivot with no problem, start tweaking the movement to transfer your momentum into an A-frame turn. Master the crossover step for sharp turns. Lift one skate and place it just ahead of the other on the far side. Pick up the rear skate and reposition it in the direction you want to go, then push off with your opposite skate. Repeat this motion until you've completed the turn. Overlapping your feet makes it possible to take sharp curves and corners quickly. Don't let your skates run into one another. Since your feet will be crossed momentarily, it can be easy to trip yourself up if you're not careful. Practice the basic heel stop. When it comes time to slow yourself, first bring your legs together and stagger them slightly for greater stability. Bend your knees and push the brake skate forward, tilting it back so that the brake scrapes against the ground. Let yourself come to a halt gradually—if you dig in too much, you could lose control. On most rollerblades, the brake will take the form of a small plastic peg on the back of the boot. Some pairs of rollerblades have a single brake, usually on the right heel. Others may have brakes on both heels. Skates designed for extreme sports often have no brake at all. Work your way up to the “hockey stop. ” The hockey stop is a faster, more agile method of stopping used by many advanced skaters. To do it, plant one foot perpendicularly to your body. Bring the other foot around and turn it so that it's parallel with your back foot. The rapid change of direction will allow you to kill your momentum almost instantly. Most of your weight should be over your front foot, with your upper body leaning back to avoid pitching forward. Both movements need to be done quickly in order to work. Otherwise, you'll just throw yourself into a spin. The hockey stop is a high-level skating technique. You should already be proficient at gliding, maneuvering and performing normal heel stops before attempting to learn it. | Wear proper safety equipment. Strap on a pair of rollerblades. Stand up. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Practice leaning, pivoting, and crouching. Move to the pavement. Start walking slowly. Turn your steps into smooth strokes. Use your upper body to maintain your balance. Pick up speed. Progress at your own pace. Learn how to fall correctly. Lean your body to steer. Pick up your feet for beginner turns. Master the crossover step for sharp turns. Practice the basic heel stop. Work your way up to the “hockey stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Court-Hearing | How to Dress for a Court Hearing | To dress for a court hearing, wear something professional, like slacks, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. Or, wear a blouse or dress shirt paired with a knee-length skirt. If you choose to wear jewelry, wear subtle, tasteful items so you don't draw too much attention to them. You should also remove any facial piercings, like nose rings or eyebrow studs, to maintain a professional look. Keep your hair clean and tidy, just like you would for a job interview. If you have long hair, tie it back in a pony tail or bun. | Wear long pants and a shirt. If your pants have loopholes for a belt, then wear a leather belt. Make sure to tuck your shirt in, as you want to look neat and tidy. Your shirt should have a collar—not a T-shirt or tank top. Try to get a long-sleeve dress shirt that buttons up. If you don't have a dress shirt, then you can wear a nice polo shirt, but make sure to wash it correctly so you look clean. You should wear a tie with your dress shirt. Aim for something neutral looking. A solid-colored or check-patterned tie is best. Avoid “fun” ties—ties that have Santa Claus, naked women, etc. If you have a sports coat to wear, then wear that as well. Avoid baggy pants, shorts, pants that hang down below your hips, and torn jeans. Find appropriate shoes. Wear dress shoes if you have them instead of sneakers. Always wear socks with your shoes. Make sure that your socks match the color of your pants or shoes. Try to avoid flashy colors, like red. Do not wear flip flops or sandals under any circumstances. If you don't have dress shoes, try to borrow a pair that fit from someone. Otherwise, wear black sneakers which, from a distance, look like shoes. If you live in Texas, you can get away with cowboy boots. People in other states shouldn't try to, however. Trim facial hair. Comb your hair and trim back untidy beards or goatees. If you nick yourself while shaving, try to stop the bleeding before leaving for court. Don't show up to court with pieces of tissue covering your face to stop the bleeding. Men should also aim for a conservative haircut. Wash out any dye if the dye is an unnatural color (for example, blue or green). If, for religious reasons, you have long hair or a beard, then that will be okay. You do not have to shave or get your hair cut. Nevertheless, you should appear as tidy as possible. Should your religion prohibit trimming beards, then you need to be aware that a judge might find an untrimmed beard odd. Aim for comfort. Whatever you choose to wear, you should make sure that you feel comfortable, especially if you are scheduled to testify at court. Judges will notice when someone is uncomfortable. You don't want them to mistakenly attribute your discomfort to you lying. Be careful with brand names. In some areas of the country, certain brand names are associated with gang activity. This is not the impression you want to make on a judge. For example, a judge might associate brands like Timbaland and Sean John with criminal activity. It is best not to wear these brands of clothing when you show up in court. Discuss appropriate attire with your attorney. Wearing pants with a tucked-in shirt is generally sound advice, regardless of what type of court you appear in. However, your lawyer might recommend different clothes depending on the situation. You should talk to your attorney about what wardrobe would be appropriate given your situation. For example, if you are in criminal court, then you may want to wear a suit. The more that you look like an upstanding professional member of the community, the better. If you are being sued for alimony, you might want to show up to court wearing less professional clothes. Doing so can signal to the judge that you are hard-pressed for money and can't afford to pay alimony to your ex-spouse. Wear a skirt or slacks with a blouse. The skirt should not be too short. Ideally, it will fall at least two inches above the knee. Avoid mini-skirts or any skirt that is too tight. Your pants should also be full-length pants, not capris. Pair your skirt or slacks with a nice blouse or dress shirt. You may also wear a clean sweater. Instead of pants or a skirt, you might wear a dress. Make sure that the dress is not too revealing. No slits up the thigh. Make sure that the dress is not a shiny cocktail dress or anything provocative like that. If the dress shows off your arms or shoulders, you should pair it with a sweater or another shirt. Choose nice shoes. Don't wear flip-flops or anything similar. Avoid sneakers. Instead, wear a nice pair of shoes. The shoes do not need to have a heel. If the shoes have a heel, make sure it is not too long. Check for fit. You want your clothes to fit you properly but not be too revealing. Depending on your wardrobe, this could be difficult. As a general rule of thumb, if you wore something out to a club or on dates, then it might not be appropriate for a court hearing. You do not want anything too provocative. Do not wear low-cut shirts or super-tight clothes. Watch out for plunging necklines on dresses. You're not trying to date the judge. Imagine what your grandmother would say if she saw you in your outfit. If grandma would not approve, then neither will the judge. Style your hair appropriately. Avoid “messy” looking hair. Instead, aim to keep your hair out of your face. You can wear your hair in a neatly brushed ponytail or put your hair in a bun. Use clips and barrettes, if need be, to keep the hair out of your face. Needless to say, if you need to use barrettes or an elastic for a ponytail, make sure that they are conservative. Boring is best. No “Hello Kitty” or flashy rhinestone barrettes are needed. Keep makeup conservative. You do not need to wear makeup if you do not want to. Simply make sure to wash your face. If you choose to wear makeup, less is more. The same principle applies to nails. Try to avoid long acrylic nails or nails painted in flashy colors. You don't want to give anyone a reason to think you are anything but a boring, upstanding member of society. Avoid loud or large jewelry. Jewelry should not be flashy or make noises when you move. For this reason, you should not wear a column of bracelets that jangle against each other as you move your arm. You should also remove loose change from your pockets. Anything that makes a loud noise as you walk should be removed. The less jewelry you wear, the better. Other than a watch and a wedding ring, you probably don't need to wear any other piece of jewelry. Cover tattoos and piercings. Take out nose rings or any other studs that you had implanted on your face. Anything that you got because it was “edgy” or “different” will work against you in court. If you can't remove earrings, try to cover your ears with your hair. You can use a piercing filler for any piercings. Cover up tattoos with clothing. A long-sleeved shirt can cover arm tattoos, and long pants will cover leg tattoos. If you have a tattoo on your face or neck, then use makeup to conceal it. Remove your hat. You should not wear a hat in the courtroom; it is considered disrespectful. If, for religious reasons, you wear a headscarf, turban, kippah or other headgear, then that should be fine. However, courts are undecided whether or not you can wear a full-face veil if you need to testify to the judge. You should consult with a lawyer if you wear a veil. Also remove sunglasses when you enter the courtroom unless there are medical reasons that you need to wear them. If you do need to wear dark glasses for medical reasons, try to bring a note from a doctor to that effect. Leave cell phones in your car. Do not bring into the courtroom anything that can beep or ring. Check your watch to make sure it does not make a noise at a certain time. Do not signal your political affiliation. Because you want to avoid giving the judge a reason for disliking you, then you should not wear anything that shows your political leanings or other affiliations. Avoid political buttons, college rings, and religious symbols if possible. | Wear long pants and a shirt. Find appropriate shoes. Trim facial hair. Aim for comfort. Be careful with brand names. Discuss appropriate attire with your attorney. Wear a skirt or slacks with a blouse. Choose nice shoes. Check for fit. Style your hair appropriately. Keep makeup conservative. Avoid loud or large jewelry. Cover tattoos and piercings. Remove your hat. Leave cell phones in your car. Do not signal your political affiliation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grill-Salmon | How to Grill Salmon | To make grilled salmon, season the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place the salmon in a marinade of lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil. Marinate the salmon for at least two hours, then light the grill to a medium temperature and lightly brush the grill grate with vegetable oil. Once the grill is warm, place the salmon on the grate for 6 to 8 minutes, turn it, then let it cook for 4 to 6 more minutes on the other side. Finally, place the salmon on the hottest part of the grill for 1 minute on each side to sear. Then, simply serve your salmon and enjoy. | Season the salmon. Blend the dry seasonings—garlic powder, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl, and dust the salmon evenly with that. Marinate for a couple hours. Blend the lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until it is well blended and the sugar is dissolved, and then pour into a large Ziploc plastic bag with the fish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and no more than 4. Turn occasionally to mix things up. Fire up the grill. For a charcoal grill, heap the coals to the side so you have a hot area and a warm area. Consider using real wood charcoal, as the briquettes impart a chemical taste to delicate meats. For a gas grill, set the temperature to medium heat: 325° F (160° C). Lightly brush the grill grate with vegetable oil. Place the salmon on the warm part of the grill. Discard the marinade. Turn the salmon over after six to eight minutes and allow it to cook on the other side for another six to eight minutes. Sear it. Place the salmon on the hottest part of the grill to get grill marks on it—it only takes a minute or so on each side. Serve and enjoy! Fire up the grill. For a charcoal grill, heap the coals to the side so you have a hot area and a warm area. For a gas grill, set the temperature to medium heat: 325° F (160° C). Lightly brush the grill grate with vegetable oil. Baste the salmon. With a small brush or paper towel, lightly apply mayonnaise onto both sides of the salmon. You may use olive oil, if you prefer. Grill it slow. Place the salmon on the warm part of the grill. The mayonnaise keeps the fish from sticking, and will burn off. Before you flip it, coat the visible side of the salmon with more mayonnaise so it will not stick. Turn the salmon over after three to five minutes and allow it to cook on the other side for about three minutes. Sear it. Place the salmon on the hottest part of the grill to get grill marks on it—it only takes a minute or so on each side. Serve and enjoy! Do this as the salmon marinates. It takes about an hour to make, mostly unattended. Fill medium saucepan with port. Reserve about 1/4 cup port. This will be used near the end. Add all but 2 tablespoons of blueberries. These will go in near the end. Bring to a simmer. Do not boil. Stir every 10 minutes or so. When the sauce has reduced down far enough so it's starting to get thick (about 1 hour), strain the solids from the sauce with a sieve and return the liquid to the saucepan. Add the remaining port, and continue reducing until the sauce is thick and syrupy. If you still have a while until dinner, you can either remove the sauce from the heat, or add more port if you like. About 10 minutes before serving, add in the reserved blueberries. Serve over the grilled salmon. Options. You can add other flavors to the reduction sauce, too. Some flavors that go well with this sauce include black peppercorns, rosemary, or chocolate. Experiment! | Season the salmon. Marinate for a couple hours. Fire up the grill. Lightly brush the grill grate with vegetable oil. Place the salmon on the warm part of the grill. Turn the salmon over after six to eight minutes and allow it to cook on the other side for another six to eight minutes. Sear it. Serve and enjoy! Fire up the grill. Baste the salmon. Grill it slow. Turn the salmon over after three to five minutes and allow it to cook on the other side for about three minutes. Sear it. Serve and enjoy! Do this as the salmon marinates. Fill medium saucepan with port. Add all but 2 tablespoons of blueberries. Bring to a simmer. Serve over the grilled salmon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Japanese-Rice | How to Cook Japanese Rice | To cook Japanese sushi rice, strain the rice by placing it in a saucepan with just enough water to fully submerge the rice. Then, swish the rice around for 2-3 minutes before straining it. Repeat this process 3-4 times, or until the water runs clear. Once the rice has been strained, place 1 1/2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice in a saucepan. Boil the rice for 5 minutes, and then simmer it for another 20 minutes before turning the heat off and letting it sit for 10 minutes. In another saucepan, combine rice vinegar, vegetable oil, white sugar, and salt. Cook the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then stir it into your rice before serving. | Measure the amount of rice you want to cook. 1 cup (8 oz) of uncooked rice makes about two cups of cooked rice. Start with at least 1 cup (8 oz) of rice, as smaller amounts do not cook evenly.Depending on how much rice you want to make, measure your rice out and pour it into a stove pot. Fill a pot with cold water. Add enough water to cover the rice completely. Do not add enough water in to fill the pot. The rice should be wet and submerged but not floating in the pot. Use your hand to swish the rice around for 2-3 minutes. Swishing the rice gives it more contact with the water so that the grains can absorb more moisture. This will prevent your rice from going mushy as they cook. Pour out the water while using a strainer to catch the rice. The water poured out should be a milky white color. If the water is still clear after your first time, you may not have swished around the rice enough. Swish the rice again for a longer time to attain the right color. Strain the rice again 3 to 4 times until the water poured out is almost clear. Watch the water drain as you strain the rice again. Each time, you should notice a lighter color. Do not stop straining the rice until it is clear or translucent. Pour your rice into a strainer after the fourth time. Let all the excess water drain out of the pot, then transfer the rice back in. This will keep the rice from getting too sticky as you cook it. Keep the rice sitting in the pot for 3-5 minutes until continuing to cook your rice. Add water to the pot for boiling the freshly-strained rice. For every 1 cup (8 oz) of rice you cook, you will need 1 cup (8 oz) plus 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) (1 oz) of water. Follow this ratio precisely to avoid brittle or mushy rice. If you prefer drier rice, only add 1 cup (8 oz) of water. Let the rice sit in the pot for 10 minutes before cooking. If the rice absorbs water, it will cook at a more even pace. Wait at least 10 minutes before boiling the rice to avoid under- or overcooked rice. Place a lid over your pot and turn the stove to high heat. Do not open the lid while your rice is cooking, as the rice needs steam to cook. Opening the pot lid releases steam and will prevent your rice from cooking. You'll know when the water is boiling by listening to the pot. If you have to, lift the lid to check if the water is boiling before covering the lid. Turn your stove to low heat after about 5 minutes of boiling. Let the rice cook on low heat for about 5 more minutes, which should give the water enough time to absorb. Listen for the water to change from a loud boil to a soft simmer to make sure the water temperature lowers. Turn the heat off after 5 minutes but keep your rice covered for 10 more minutes. This will give your rice a softer texture. After 10 minutes have passed, stir the rice for about 30 seconds and serve. Let the strained rice soak in a bowl filled with water for 30 minutes. The water should completely cover the rice. This will give your rice a softer, more even texture as it steams. After 30 minutes, drain the water out of the bowl with your strainer. Transfer the rice to your rice cooker. Check your rice cooker instructions for the right rice-to-water ratio as well as how to use your specific rice cooker. Close the cooker after adding the water, and let your rice cook for 15-20 minutes. Set the rice cooker's automatic timer for a precise cooking time. Let your rice steam for 5-10 minutes after it is done cooking. Waiting 5-10 minutes will give your rice a softer texture. If you prefer firm rice, open the rice cooker closer to 5 instead of 10 minutes. Use a rice paddle to fluff your rice before serving. Open the rice cooker after 5-10 minutes have passed. Keep your hands and face away from the rice cooker as you open it to avoid steam burns. Then, fluff your rice with a rice paddle and serve it as desired. Combine the strained rice with water in a saucepan. Transfer the rice to a saucepan and add water. For every 1 cup (8 oz) of water, you should add 1.5 cups (12 oz) of water. Your saucepan should have large sides to keep the water from spilling as it boils. Let the rice sit for about 3-5 minutes before turning on your stovetop. 5 minutes of sitting will allow your rice to cook evenly as it absorbs water. Do not cover your saucepan when you turn on the heat. Sushi rice does not need to be steamed until the saucepan is boiling. Cover your saucepan with a lid and bring it to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn the stove to high heat and let your rice boil for about 5 minutes. Avoid opening the lid while your rice boils. When you open the lid, steam escapes from the pot. Turn the stove to low heat. Keep the rice boiling for an extra 20 minutes. Again, keep the lid closed—if you cannot resist the temptation to peek, try using a clear lid so you can watch the rice as it cooks. Turn off the heat and let your rice sit for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, take off the lid and check the rice's texture. It should be soft and tender when it has absorbed enough water. Transfer the rice to a bowl and leave it to cool. Combine rice vinegar, vegetable oil, white sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Add 1/4 cup (2 oz) vinegar, ⁄ 2 tablespoon (7.4 ml) (1/4 oz) vegetable oil, 1/8 cup (1 oz) white sugar, and a pinch of salt into your saucepan. Cook it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. The ingredient amounts above are for cooking 1 cup (8 oz) of sushi rice. Adjust the amounts as needed, depending on how much sushi rice you make. Stir the mixture into your rice after the sugar has dissolved. Let the mixture cool 5-10 minutes, then pour it into your bowl of rice. The mixture should get your rice wet without pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Keep stirring until the rice absorbs the mixture, then let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes. Serve the sushi rice or prepare your sushi after 5 minutes. Finished. | Measure the amount of rice you want to cook. Fill a pot with cold water. Use your hand to swish the rice around for 2-3 minutes. Pour out the water while using a strainer to catch the rice. Strain the rice again 3 to 4 times until the water poured out is almost clear. Pour your rice into a strainer after the fourth time. Add water to the pot for boiling the freshly-strained rice. Let the rice sit in the pot for 10 minutes before cooking. Place a lid over your pot and turn the stove to high heat. Turn your stove to low heat after about 5 minutes of boiling. Turn the heat off after 5 minutes but keep your rice covered for 10 more minutes. Let the strained rice soak in a bowl filled with water for 30 minutes. Transfer the rice to your rice cooker. Let your rice steam for 5-10 minutes after it is done cooking. Use a rice paddle to fluff your rice before serving. Combine the strained rice with water in a saucepan. Let the rice sit for about 3-5 minutes before turning on your stovetop. Cover your saucepan with a lid and bring it to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn the stove to low heat. Turn off the heat and let your rice sit for about 10 minutes. Combine rice vinegar, vegetable oil, white sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Stir the mixture into your rice after the sugar has dissolved. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Epoxy-Countertops | How to Clean Epoxy Countertops | You can clean your epoxy countertops with a few simple household cleaners. As soon as you notice a stain, sprinkle a little baking soda onto it to absorb the moisture and prevent it from staining your countertop. Then, use a washcloth and a little dish soap, glass cleaner, or mineral oil to clean the surface. For stubborn stains like red wine and coffee, apply an acetone-based nail polish remover and buff the countertop in circular motions with a clean cloth. You might have to apply some pressure if the stain doesn't come out at first. | Clean spills immediately when they happen. Wipe away any food spills with a washcloth or paper towel. Apply baking soda or a mild countertop cleaner to your washcloth to help prevent the spills from staining. To clean spills with baking soda, make a paste by mixing your baking soda with water in a ratio of 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water for ½ cup (104 g) of baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, and wipe it off with a washcloth. Epoxy countertops stain easily. Cleaning spills as you notice them will keep it in its best condition. Wipe your countertop with a streak-free glass cleaner or dish soap. You can use a cleaner marketed as leaving no streaks or pH-balanced dish soap. Put a few drops of cleaner on a washcloth or dip the cloth in warm water. Wipe the countertop with the washcloth to help maintain its natural shine. You can find pH-balanced dish soaps by checking the label or searching for balanced dish soaps online. Shine your countertop with a mineral oil. Pour a dime-sized amount of food-safe mineral oil on a washcloth. Rub it into your countertop using a circular motion until you give the entire surface an extra gloss. Don't apply too much mineral oil to the washcloth, as this can cloud your countertop's surface. You can wipe away excess mineral oil with a dry cloth. Only use mineral oil once a week maximum or else it could create a haze on your countertop. You can buy mineral oil, also known as finish oil, online or at most home improvement stores. Remove any stains with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Nail polish removers containing acetone can remove stubborn food stains like coffee, red wine, and berries. Dip a washcloth in nail polish remover and rub the stain away in circular motions. If the stain doesn't lift easily, apply more pressure as you rub. Check the nail polish's label to make sure it contains acetone. Nail polish remover can make the fabric dye come off of your washcloth. Use a white rag to prevent staining your countertop with fabric dyes. Avoid using bleach to remove stains, as bleach can stain epoxy countertop. Remove mild marring with dish soap or acetone. Apply dish soap to a washcloth and rub at the marred surface in circular motions. For persistent marring, apply acetone to a sponge or light-duty scrubber and use mild pressure to remove the marring. Marring refers to rough patches or light scratches on your countertop. Never use abrasive pads or cleaners to remove scratches, as they can dull your countertop's shine. Put on safety goggles and a respirator. Your goggles and respirators will protect your eyes and lungs while you polish the countertop. If you're sensitive to loud noises, put in earplugs as well. Apply coin-size circles of polishing paste to the countertop's surface. Dab polishing paste in a circular motion along the surface of the epoxy countertop. Do not rub the polish into the surface yet, as you will do so while buffing the countertop. Choose a polishing paste specifically made for epoxy or laminate countertops. Add extra polishing paste onto the countertop scratches. For scratches in your epoxy countertop, apply a polishing paste along the width of the scratch in several dots. The dots should have the same approximate diameter as the scratch. You can buy polishing pastes from most home improvement stores. Polish your epoxy countertop with a buffer attachment. Purchase or rent a polishing buffer drill attachment and attach it over your drill bit. Turn the drill on to a low or medium speed and polish the surface in circular motions. Using circular motions will prevent the buffer from leaving a pattern on the surface. Move the drill back and forth in even motions to work the polishing paste into the scratch. If you don't have a drill or buffer attachment, you can also hand-buff the countertop. Take a dry cloth and apply heavy pressure while wiping the countertop in a circular motion. Wipe away the polish residue with a damp cloth. After buffing the countertop, get a washcloth wet with warm water and dish soap. Use it to spot clean any excess polish that the buffer didn't remove. Dry the countertop with a cloth. Leaving the countertop to air dry can result in unsightly watermarks. Use a dry cloth to get rid of residual water after you've removed all of the polish. Apply a coating of liquid countertop polish after drying the countertop. Liquid polish helps retain the surface's luster after buffing and protects against stains or scratches. Spray the liquid polish along its surface and wipe away the excess with a dry cloth. Generally, you will only need to apply one coating of countertop polish. Reapply the liquid polish every few weeks. Countertop polish generally wears off and must be applied every several weeks. Spray more liquid polish whenever the first coat wears off or your countertop looks dull. | Clean spills immediately when they happen. Wipe your countertop with a streak-free glass cleaner or dish soap. Shine your countertop with a mineral oil. Remove any stains with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Remove mild marring with dish soap or acetone. Put on safety goggles and a respirator. Apply coin-size circles of polishing paste to the countertop's surface. Add extra polishing paste onto the countertop scratches. Polish your epoxy countertop with a buffer attachment. Wipe away the polish residue with a damp cloth. Dry the countertop with a cloth. Apply a coating of liquid countertop polish after drying the countertop. Reapply the liquid polish every few weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Help-a-Dog-Pass-an-Obstruction | How to Help a Dog Pass an Obstruction | To help your dog pass an obstruction, first note if your dog is vomiting, weak, bloated, or showing signs of pain. If this is the case, then seek veterinary care immediately as your dog may need surgery to remove the obstruction. Schedule a vet appointment if your dog ate a sharp or rough item, like glass, or something too big to pass, like a tennis ball. Otherwise, if your dog's breathing, appetite, and mood are normal, you can simply wait for it to pass the obstruction. To be sure that the obstruction has cleared your dog's system, check its vomit and stool for foreign objects. | Check your dog for common symptoms of a blockage. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn't but it seems generally healthy otherwise, then you may elect to treat the possible obstruction at home. However, if your dog is acting ill, then it requires more immediate treatment. Some symptoms that indicate that your dog needs immediate veterinary treatment include: Vomiting. Weakness. Diarrhea. Loss of appetite. Signs of pain. Dehydration. Bloating Decide whether it's even possible for the dog to pass the obstruction. If your dog eats something that it shouldn't, on rare occasions the animal may be able to pass it through its gastrointestinal system without trouble. However, there are items that cannot physically pass through a dog's digestive system because they are simply too big, too rough, or too dangerous to remain in your dog. It's best to have your dog evaluated by a vet, who can determine if the dog needs surgery. Items such as small pieces of crayon or paper can typically pass through a dog's digestive system without issue. If your dog eats a rough or sharp item, such as glass, you should get it veterinary care immediately. You won't always know what your dog has eaten when it has a bowel obstruction. However, if you do know then you have the ability to assess the situation more clearly. Think about additional risks. A full blockage is not the only risk to your dog's health when it eats something it shouldn't. For example, items that are not food can also pose a poisoning risk and the risk of internal injuries. For example, if your dog eats string, that string can cut into the intestines while it is moved around by the muscle contractions in the gut. Monitor your dog's vital signs. If you are committed to letting your dog pass an obstruction naturally, then you need to be vigilant about watching the animal's health and vital signs. Monitor the dog's breathing, heart beat, appetite, bathroom schedule, and general demeanor. If any of these aspects changes for the worse, you should have your dog seen by a veterinarian immediately. An obstructed digestive system can be a life-threatening condition. If you suspect that your dog is not passing the obstruction and its condition is not improving quickly, then you should get the animal veterinary treatment. If your dog is not eating due to the obstruction, is vomiting, or is lethargic, you should get your pet immediate veterinary care. Watch for vomiting. If your dog eats something that it shouldn't, the animal may vomit it up. Large objects can sit in the stomach for a long time and then eventually the dog will expel them with no detrimental side effects on the animal's health. Vomiting itself is a symptom of a wide variety of health problems in pets. If your dog has vomited this in and of itself is not a sign that your pet has a gastrointestinal blockage. Look for evidence that the obstruction has passed through the dog's system. If you are sure that your dog has ingested something it shouldn't have, be on the lookout for the evidence that it has passed out of the animal's body. Look at your dog's stool every time it goes to the bathroom in order to spot the item in question. Items that your dog eats can sit in its body for a long time or can be expelled quickly. The amount of time it will take to pass a potential obstructing object can vary. Take your dog to the vet. If your dog is acting unwell and you think that it has eaten something that is obstructing its digestive system, it's a good idea to have the animal seen by a vet. The vet can do an x-ray, ultrasound, or endoscopy to assess whether there is indeed an obstruction in your dog's system. An endoscopy is a procedure in which the vet puts a camera down the dog's throat and into its digestive tract to look for an obstruction. With an endoscopy, your vet may also be able to remove a small obstruction with tools connected to the scope. Discuss treatment options. If your dog does have an obstruction and it is making the animal ill, then immediate veterinary treatment is necessary. Talk to the vet about the treatment options open to you, which usually include endoscopic and/or traditional surgical removal. Your veterinarian will also need to give your dog fluids and medications to stabilize its system before operating. Give post-treatment care. After your dog has surgery it will need special care at home. This care typically includes tending to the incision site, feeding an adjusted diet, and giving lots of love and attention. After your dog has recovered, try to stop it from eating foreign and indigestible objects in the future. | Check your dog for common symptoms of a blockage. Decide whether it's even possible for the dog to pass the obstruction. Think about additional risks. Monitor your dog's vital signs. Watch for vomiting. Look for evidence that the obstruction has passed through the dog's system. Take your dog to the vet. Discuss treatment options. Give post-treatment care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Consulting-Company | How to Start a Consulting Company | To start a consulting company, start by picking an area in which you have a lot of knowledge and experience. Next, examine your personality to see if you have the traits needed to have a consulting company, such as organization, networking, creativity, and flexibility. Then, obtain any necessary certifications or licenses you may need to practice your profession. As you prepare to set up your company, do some market research to find your niche, develop a business plan, and determine your financial goals. | Evaluate your expertise. Your expertise, or what you know about a certain field, is the fundamental reason why clients will hire you. Choose a consulting area where you have a lot of knowledge and experience. A good consultant has the expertise to anticipate what questions and problems a client will have. You should not have to be told what needs fixing. If you are passionate about a field but aren't entirely up to date in it, get that training now! It's much better to figure out where you are before you set up your firm than when a client comes to you with a problem you can't tackle. Some of the top areas for consulting include the following: accounting, advertising, marketing, communications, grant-writing, public relations, and writing and editing. Consider your skills. As a consultant, you will need to be able to explain why your services are the best. Many people may have the same knowledge as you, and this is where skills come in. For example, you might be great with numbers and a "people person." This skill would give you an advantage over a consultant who is great with numbers but not a good communicator. Determining what skills you have will help you present yourself to clients and set you apart from the competition. Consider: Are you good at being objective? Are you an excellent writer? Skilled at communicating problems without sounding too harsh or judgmental? A creative problem-solver who can come in and fix issues? Good at teaching or training others? These are all roles that consultants frequently fill. Think broadly about your skills, and you might even find that you have some that surprise you! Examine your personality. Think about what your priorities and needs are. Some people will be better suited to being their own boss than others because of their personality traits and life goals. To succeed at consulting, you should have the following personality characteristics: A strong sense of organization A love of networking The ability to think creatively The ability to motivate and supervise yourself The ability to handle risk and unpredictability Your needs and goals may also help determine whether consulting is right for you. Being your own boss can give you freedom and flexibility. It can also mean that you don't always have a reliable, steady income, especially when you're first starting out. You may also not keep a regular work schedule. If these things seem unappealing to you, consulting might not be the right choice. Determine whether you need special certifications or licensing. In addition to your small business license, you may also need to file other paperwork to practice consulting in your area. For example, in most states, financial planners, real estate agents, and fundraising consultants need some sort of certification or licensure. The last thing you want to do is establish your firm, set up a network of clients, and then get shut down because you forgot to get the appropriate credentials. Certification usually involves meeting education and work experience requirements. There is usually an exam and a fee. Even if certification in your field is not required, its prestige could give you a competitive advantage in finding work. Do some market research. Look for coverage gaps are in your area of expertise. What are other companies already doing? Is there a niche in your area that you can fill? What clients and companies could benefit from your knowledge and skills? Can you target a particular audience to make yourself stand out? What are the going rates for services like yours? Think about how you'll distinguish your services from others. For example, imagine you're a marketing consultant. Your market research shows that all the other marketing consultants in your area specialize in big business. Focus your company on working with small businesses instead. Suddenly, you're the only expert in the neighborhood! Many businesses, non-profit agencies, government departments, and individuals hire consultants, especially during “crunch-times” like just before large trade shows or during tax season. Develop a business plan. It's important to write a business plan to help you figure out how to turn your knowledge and skills into profit. If you have to find investors for start-up capital, you'll need to show them a solid business plan to convince them to invest. A basic business plan will include the following: A mission statement: who are you and what does your company stand for? What are your goals? Market research on demand for your skills: who needs your services? Who is likely to buy them? Advertising and marketing plan: how will you attract clients? How do your competitors do so? Financial projections: how much money will you need to set up your company? How much money will you need to keep your business running? Decide on a location. Many consultants operate their companies from home offices. This can be a great choice, because you don't have to find a separate location, pay rent, or think about a commute. Once your business expands, you may need to find a different location. When you're just starting out, keeping your expenses to a minimum will help your bottom line. Make sure to keep your home office separate from your personal living space as much as possible. If you use a spare bedroom, for example, don't also use it as a guest room. Keeping your home office on its own will make your life much easier when tax season comes around. Determine your financial goals. You need to have an idea of how much money your company will need to stay operational, including travel expenses, any business overhead, and your own salary. Writing your business plan will help you nail this information down. Use this to determine your hourly rate or consulting fees. It can be hard to get information on your competitors' rates, but you may be able to ask someone in your professional network for advice. Websites such as Careers in Business can also help you find out what other consultants in your area earn. Surprisingly, new consultants tend to undercharge. This can be bad for business for several reasons. Fees that are too low may not give your clients confidence that you are the top person in your field. Charging too little can make it hard for you to keep your business afloat. There are many ways to organize your fees. You can charge by the hour or by the project. You can work “on retainer,” where a business or client pays you a set monthly fee for your continual services. If you're just starting out, it may be more comfortable for your clients to start with an hourly fee. The business you're in may also help determine how you charge for your consulting services. IT consultants often charge by the hour, while management or marketing consultants often charge by the project. Financial planners and accountants often work on retainer. Register your business. Although it's not always required, registering your consulting company with state and local offices can provide several benefits. For example, a registered business can get a tax identification number from the IRS. This number will allow you to qualify for business bank and credit accounts, among other things. Talk to a lawyer or accountant to find out how to register a consulting company, as the process varies by state. You may also want to consider incorporating your business, especially if you need to limit your liability (i.e., make sure that your personal assets aren't up for grabs if you're sued or take a loss). Consult with a securities attorney and an accountant to help you decide whether incorporation is right for you. Decide how to handle administrative tasks. Determine whether you have time to do it yourself or if it would make more sense to hire an employee to do tasks like mailing sales brochures, answering the phone and setting up appointments. You may be able to find a service that offers temporary administrative assistance, such as a secretarial support firm. This could be a good option if you only have an administrative crunch a few times a year. It could also be helpful if you just need someone to handle administrative tasks while you get your company up and running. Hiring an employee to officially work for your company usually requires that you have certain business and tax procedures in place. Check with your accountant before you hire an official employee. Create your brand. Particularly if you're just starting out, a strong brand identity will help communicate who you are and what you do to potential clients. Purchase professional business cards, create a website, and maintain social media accounts like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It's important to keep your accounts up to date! Post regularly to show that you're committed to staying in touch with the developments in your field. Consider starting a professional blog. This can be a great way for you to show off your extensive knowledge and experience. It will also help potential customers get to know you. Engage in networking activities. Join local business associations and professional groups to market your services. Attend trade and industry shows in your field. Speak at public events. Teach aspects of your field via local adult education classes. Hold seminars or training sessions to showcase your professional consultant skills. Networking will help you connect with other business experts in your area. These people may end up having connections that can help you out! Be generous with your time and advice, and others will usually want to help you in return. Invest enough time into networking to keep your business running! Some experts suggest that “close rates” (the number of clients who hire you after your sales pitch) are between 10% and 20% for consultants. This means that you will need to constantly go after new business, meet new people, and market your services. Practice effective time management and organization. Adjust your schedule to have enough time for sales and networking activities as well as actual consulting. Keep your schedule and work areas well organized to make it easier to take care of tasks and manage your time. If you're bad about wasting time on things like social media sites, try making yourself do tasks in short, concentrated bursts. The “Pomodoro Method” involves having yourself set a time for a short period of time, such as 20 or 40 minutes. You will focus exclusively on your task during that time (no interruptions!). Then, you take a quick break before doing your next task. Techniques like this can help you boost your productivity. Do cold calls. Unlike traditional sales services, where you usually have a distinct product that people want (doughnuts, cars, dentistry), your skills are the product in consulting. Your clients may not even be aware that they need your services, but cold calling can let them know how much you could help them. Plan ahead! Do a little research on the potential clients you plan to cold-call. Having a little information on the person/company will help you target potential clients that could really benefit from your services. You'll also feel more knowledgeable and confident when you cold call if you've done a bit of groundwork first. Cold calls should have a "script" that introduces you and your services. This shouldn't sound overly formal or rehearsed. You should show that you respect your prospect's time by having a statement like "I know you're busy and I respect your time, so I'll be brief." Have a "hook." This should be a compelling fact or reason that will get your prospect's attention. For example, "My firm just saved Lucky's Doughnuts $4,000 on powdered sugar by revamping their shipping plan. I'm reaching out because I wanted to see if there's a way my services can benefit your company too." Invite them to talk. If you can get your prospect to talk about their business by asking them a question or two, they're more likely to stay on the line. Think past the phone. You can also use email and LinkedIn to introduce yourself and your services. In fact, it's a good idea to send a “warm call” first via email or LinkedIn to tell a prospective client that you'll be calling them in a few days. Keep emails and messages short! Don't be pushy. While you definitely do want to close the sale, you don't want to come across as being pushy or overly aggressive. Focus on the personal service relationship you can create between your company and the client. How can you help them? That will help you come across as trustworthy, rather than a shill. Promote your company. Some consultants view traditional advertising, such as buying print ads in newspapers or having TV ads, as a bad idea for a consulting company. These advertising types may seem to cheapen your brand. Instead, create original, helpful content in your field of expertise that's easily found online. Write online and print articles and publish them on your blog, in the local paper, and in various trade magazines. Keep your social media profiles up to date with great information about your field. When customers see your expertise displayed this way, they'll feel good about hiring you. Advertising in publications by your professional association and trade journals or magazines can be a good idea. These publications are already targeted to a specific audience and ads in them are less likely to be seen as amateurish. Good informative brochures can also be a great advertising tactic. A brochure should tell your potential clients who you are, exactly what services you offer, why they should hire you, and a bit about your successes. Maintaining a newsletter is another great way to keep prospective and current clients informed about your services and your skill set. Keep your newsletter simple and provide a few great pieces of information every month. You can look at newsletters published by other companies by examining newsletter directories such as the Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters and Hudson's Newsletter Directory, both of which should be available at your local library. Remember that word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful advertisements for any company. Do a great job and treat your clients like people, not profits, and they will be happy to refer their friends to you. Ask for referrals. You may feel awkward about doing this at first, but keep in mind that if you've done your job, your customers should be comfortable recommending your services to people they know. If you're worried that your clients wouldn't be comfortable referring you, then you might want to consider why. Is it because you're not used to taking a direct approach, or is it because you're genuinely worried that your services aren't good enough? If you're not asking for referrals just because you think it's somehow odd, you're missing out on a huge opportunity. | Evaluate your expertise. Consider your skills. Examine your personality. Determine whether you need special certifications or licensing. Do some market research. Develop a business plan. Decide on a location. Determine your financial goals. Register your business. Decide how to handle administrative tasks. Create your brand. Engage in networking activities. Practice effective time management and organization. Do cold calls. Promote your company. Ask for referrals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Absinthe | How to Make Absinthe | To make absinthe, you'll need a variety of herbs and miscellaneous ingredients, including wormwood, hyssop, Chinese star anise, anise seed, fennel seed, lemon balm, coriander, calamus, veronica, cardamom, thyme, lavender, sage, mint, and angelica root. To get started, chop, crumble, or grind all of the ingredients and add them to a mason jar with a bottle of 100 proof alcohol. Then, store the jar in a dark room for at least 2 weeks before straining all of the herbs out of the alcohol. | Decide what kind of absinthe you want to make. Absinthe is always made with what is referred to as "The Holy Trinity" which consists of wormwood, anise, and fennel, but authentic wormwood can be chosen that does not contain thujone. Absinthe that does not contain thujone should be much safer than absinthe that contains thujone. Choose a final absinthe color. Color is imbued to the absinthe during the herbal maceration. Green absinthe is made using green herbs such as mint and petite wormwood. The chlorophyll from these herbs is extracted into the absinthe. Red absinthe can be made by excluding the green herbs and using red herbs such as paprika which gives it a more spiced flavor as well. The oils from the anise and fennel seeds will contribute to the louche effect (the cloudiness produced when water is added to absinthe). Prepare your ingredients and the place where you'll be preparing the absinthe. Use about 1/3 cup or less of herbal ingredients per 750ml alcohol base. Wash your hands, the surface you'll be working on and your herbs. Chop, crumble, or grind the herbal ingredients. The wormwood can be chopped or crumbled (if not ground). A mortar and pestle can be used for grinding herbs such as anise seeds. The herbal constituents will be more efficiently extracted from herbs that have been ground up or finely chopped. Add the ingredients and the alcohol to mason jars or similar glass vessels that can be sealed. Store the bottle in a dark warm room for 2 weeks to 2 months to let the Artemisia absinthium and other herbs infuse adequately into the alcohol. This process is called maceration, and the duration will directly influence the flavor. Too long, and the flavors will be muddy and bitter; too short, and there won't be enough flavor. Take your mixture and strain all of the herbs from it with a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or similar material. The resulting liquid will most likely be brown and bitter. In order to make 'real' absinthe, a distillation process is necessary to boil away the bitterness. The distillate will be clear and have much less flavor. Once you have this "absinthe blanche", you can make it your own with a second maceration process. This second maceration will give the absinthe its true flavor and color. Use much less wormwood, preferable petite (to minimize bitterness). Since this will not be distilled, it will add strong flavors and natural color. Be creative, add flavors you enjoy. Macerate to taste, not two months. Too much maceration will bitter your batch. It's easier to make a separate batch of "flavor absinthe" instead of putting the herbs directly into the distilled absinthe. This way, you can even make an "anise" alcohol, "fennel" alcohol, and "mint" alcohol, and mix them independently to personal preference. This way, you can alter the recipe in 'real time' as you taste it. Otherwise, you have to wait another week or so for the maceration. The mixing process is of utmost importance. You will mix your distillate with your flavoring, at the same time diluting the mixture with either vodka or water. Mix it up, taste a little, and then mix whatever is necessary. Too much alcohol (distillate) and the concoction will burn like a strong liquor. Too much flavor (macerate) and the drink will be too bitter as the flavor sticks to the tongue. You can also sweeten the absinthe at this time, with anything from sugar to sweet-n-low to corn syrup. Bottle, and, since you probably don't know how to age it, enjoy. Enjoy using your preferable absinthe ritual. | Decide what kind of absinthe you want to make. Prepare your ingredients and the place where you'll be preparing the absinthe. Add the ingredients and the alcohol to mason jars or similar glass vessels that can be sealed. Store the bottle in a dark warm room for 2 weeks to 2 months to let the Artemisia absinthium and other herbs infuse adequately into the alcohol. Take your mixture and strain all of the herbs from it with a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or similar material. Use much less wormwood, preferable petite (to minimize bitterness). It's easier to make a separate batch of "flavor absinthe" instead of putting the herbs directly into the distilled absinthe. The mixing process is of utmost importance. Bottle, and, since you probably don't know how to age it, enjoy. Enjoy using your preferable absinthe ritual. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Volume-of-a-Pyramid | How to Calculate the Volume of a Pyramid | To calculate the volume of a pyramid with a rectangular base, find the length and width of the base, then multiple those numbers together to determine the area of the base. Next, multiply the area of the base by the height of the pyramid. Take that result and divide it by 3 to calculate the pyramid's volume! | Find the length and width of the base. In this example, the length of the base is 4 cm and the width is 3 cm. If you're working with a square base, the method is the same, except the length and width of the square base will be equal. Write down these measurements. Remember, V = 1 3 l w h = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}lwh={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know l {\displaystyle l} and w {\displaystyle w} first. l = 4 cm {\displaystyle l=4\,{\text{cm}}} w = 3 cm {\displaystyle w=3\,{\text{cm}}} Multiply the length and width to find the area of the base. To get the area of the base, simply multiply 3 cm by 4 cm. Remember, V = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know A b {\displaystyle A_{b}}. You can find this by plugging in l = 4 cm {\displaystyle l=4\,{\text{cm}}} and w = 3 cm {\displaystyle w=3\,{\text{cm}}} from the previous step. A b = l w {\displaystyle A_{b}=lw} A b = ( 4 cm ) ( 3 cm ) = 12 cm 2 {\displaystyle A_{b}=(4\,{\text{cm}})(3\,{\text{cm}})=12\,{\text{cm}}^{2}} Multiply the area of the base by the height. The area of the base is 12 cm and the height is 4 cm, so you can multiply 12 cm by 4 cm. Remember, V = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know A b h {\displaystyle A_{b}h}. You can find this using A b {\displaystyle A_{b}} from the previous step. A b = 12 cm 2 {\displaystyle A_{b}=12\,{\text{cm}}^{2}} h = 4 cm {\displaystyle h=4\,{\text{cm}}} A b h = ( 12 cm 2 ) ( 4 cm ) = 48 cm 3 {\displaystyle A_{b}h=(12\,{\text{cm}}^{2})(4\,{\text{cm}})=48\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} Multiply your result so far by 13{\displaystyle {\frac {1}{3}}}. Or, in other words, divide by 3. Remember to state your answer in cubic units whenever you're working with three-dimensional space. Remember, V = 1 3 l w h = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}lwh={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h}. You can plug in A b h = 48 cm 3 {\displaystyle A_{b}h=48\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} from the previous step. V = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} V = ( 1 3 ) ( 48 cm 3 ) = 16 cm 3 {\displaystyle V=({\frac {1}{3}})(48\,{\text{cm}}^{3})=16\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} Find the length and width of the base. The length and width of the base must be perpendicular to each other for this method to work. They can also be considered the base and height of the triangle. In this example, the width of the base is 2 cm and the length of the triangle is 4 cm. If the length and width are not perpendicular and you don't know the height of the triangle, there are a few other methods you can try to calculate the area of a triangle. Remember, V = 1 3 l w h = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}lwh={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know l {\displaystyle l} and w {\displaystyle w} first. l = width of pyramid base = base of triangle, or b = 2 cm {\displaystyle l={\text{width of pyramid base}}={\text{base of triangle, or}}\,b=2\,{\text{cm}}} w = length of pyramid base = height of triangle, or h = 4 cm {\displaystyle w={\text{length of pyramid base}}={\text{height of triangle, or}}\,h=4\,{\text{cm}}} Calculate the area of the base. To calculate the area of the base, just plug the base and height of the triangle into the following formula: A b = 1 2 b h {\displaystyle A_{b}={\frac {1}{2}}bh}. Remember, V = 1 3 l w h = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}lwh={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know A b {\displaystyle A_{b}}. You can find this using b {\displaystyle b} and h {\displaystyle h} from the previous step. A b = 1 2 b h {\displaystyle A_{b}={\frac {1}{2}}bh} A b = ( 1 2 ) ( 2 cm ) ( 4 cm ) {\displaystyle A_{b}=({\frac {1}{2}})(2\,{\text{cm}})(4\,{\text{cm}})} A b = ( 1 2 ) ( 8 cm 2 ) {\displaystyle A_{b}=({\frac {1}{2}})(8\,{\text{cm}}^{2})} A b = 4 cm 2 {\displaystyle A_{b}=4\,{\text{cm}}^{2}} Multiply the area of the base by the height of the pyramid. The area of the base is 4 cm and the height is 5 cm. Remember, V = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h} , so you need to know A b h {\displaystyle A_{b}h}. You can find this using A b {\displaystyle A_{b}} from the previous step. A b = area of triangular base = 4 cm 2 {\displaystyle A_{b}={\text{area of triangular base}}=4\,{\text{cm}}^{2}} h = height of pyramid = 5 cm {\displaystyle h={\text{height of pyramid}}=5\,{\text{cm}}} A b h = ( 4 cm 2 ) ( 5 cm ) = 20 cm 3 {\displaystyle A_{b}h=(4\,{\text{cm}}^{2})(5\,{\text{cm}})=20\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} Multiply your result so far by 13{\displaystyle {\frac {1}{3}}}. Or, in other words, divide by 3. Your result will show that the volume of a pyramid with a height of 5 cm and a triangular base with a width of 2 cm and a length of 4 cm is 6.67 cm. Remember, V = 1 3 l w h = 1 3 A b h {\displaystyle V={\frac {1}{3}}lwh={\frac {1}{3}}A_{b}h}. You can plug in A b h = 20 cm 3 {\displaystyle A_{b}h=20\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} from the previous step. V = ( 1 3 ) A b h {\displaystyle V=({\frac {1}{3}})A_{b}h} V = ( 1 3 ) ( 20 cm 3 ) = 6.67 cm 3 {\displaystyle V=({\frac {1}{3}})(20\,{\text{cm}}^{3})=6.67\,{\text{cm}}^{3}} | Find the length and width of the base. Multiply the length and width to find the area of the base. Multiply the area of the base by the height. Multiply your result so far by 13{\displaystyle {\frac {1}{3}}}. Find the length and width of the base. Calculate the area of the base. Multiply the area of the base by the height of the pyramid. Multiply your result so far by 13{\displaystyle {\frac {1}{3}}}. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Motivate-Yourself-to-Go-to-the-Gym | How to Motivate Yourself to Go to the Gym | If you're tempted to put off going to the gym, there are a few ways you can help motivate yourself. Make a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to listen to while you're in the gym. Remind yourself of the main reasons you want to work out, like getting in shape and improving your confidence. You can also choose a reward for going to the gym, like buying yourself a treat or going to see a new movie. If you have a gym membership, remind yourself of the money you'll lose if you don't go. Always keep your gym bag packed near the door so all you need to do is grab it and head out. | Purchase an audiobook that you commit to listen to only at the gym. Research has shown that only being able to listen to an audiobook while at the gym motivates people to go to the gym more often. Choose an audiobook that you are very interested in listening to so that this will actually motivate you. If audiobooks aren't your thing, then try making a list of movies you want to watch and only allow yourself to watch them while you are working out, such as while walking on the treadmill or using the elliptical machine. You may also consider making a gym-only music playlist. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and commit to only listen to them during your gym workouts. Another alternative to audiobooks is to find a podcast that you will only listen to at the gym. Choose upbeat tracks to help make your workout more fun. Set up a reward system. Knowing that you have something that you are working towards may also help you to stay motivated to go to the gym. Take some time to establish rewards for going to the gym a certain number of times weekly and monthly. For example, you could reward yourself with a new nail polish or movie rental for going to the gym 5 times in 1 week. You could also reward yourself with a pedicure or a trip to the movie theater for hitting the gym 20 times in a month. Choose rewards that will motivate you and commit to give them to yourself only if you meet your gym visit goals. Calculate the cost of not going to the gym. Gym memberships are not cheap, so not using your membership is a waste of money. If losing money motivates you, then take some time to calculate how much money you will be losing by not going to the gym or not going often enough. For example, if your gym membership costs $60 per month, and you don't go for a week, then you will be wasting $15. If you only go to the gym 2 times in a month, then it is like you are paying $30 per visit. Pledge money that you will go to the gym or donate to charity. If the idea of losing a larger sum of money than you are spending on your gym membership sounds like it would motivate you, then try making a pledge that you will donate $100 dollars or more to charity if you don't go to the gym a certain number of times in a month. For example, you could pledge to go to the gym 20 times in one month or donate $100 to your local animal shelter. Or, if you think you'd be motivated if the money went to a cause you do not support, then you could pledge to give the money to that cause if you don't meet your goal. Think about your biggest motivation to go to the gym. You may want to get fit to look better in your clothes, to feel more confident, or to improve your health, but these reasons may not be specific enough to motivate you. Instead of focusing on general reasons, try to come up with something very specific and personal to motivate you to go to the gym. For example, if you have a child, then your motivation might be something like, “I need to go to the gym regularly to be a good example to my son.” Or, you could go even further and say something like, “I want to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, so I am going to the gym today.” You can also base your motivation on an upcoming special event. For example, you might say something like, “I want to look amazing at my 10 year high school reunion, so I need to go to the gym today.” Set goals for yourself. Having a realistic fitness goal can be a great way to stay motivated to go to the gym regularly. Try setting a SMART goal that you can accomplish by going to the gym. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-based. For example, your goal could be to reduce your 5k time by 2 minutes by the end of the next month. This is a specific goal that is measurable and achievable. It is also something that you will clearly know when you have accomplished it (results-focused) and it has a deadline, so it is also time-based. You could work toward this goal by running a 5k course on the treadmill at your gym 3 times per week. Participate in exercise routines and classes that you enjoy. Working out will always seem like an unpleasant chore if you force yourself to do activities that you do not enjoy. Instead, find an activity that you enjoy doing to help make visiting the gym something you look forward to. Try different classes at your gym, such as spinning, step aerobics, kickboxing, and high intensity interval training (HIIT). If you don't like one class, then take a different one. Showing up a little early for class can help you make friends and feel more invested in your workouts. Use different machines, such as the treadmill, step machine, stationary bike, and elliptical walker. If your gym has a circuit training station, try it out to see if you like it. Get to know the trainers and regulars at your gym. Taking some time to chat with the trainers and regulars at your gym is a good way to make going to the gym a more pleasant experience. It will also help to keep you accountable because if you stop showing up, people will notice. Try saying "hi" to the trainers and regulars you encounter each time you visit the gym. After a few visits, you might want to introduce yourself to the trainers and regulars. For example, if you encounter a regular or trainer on your way into the gym, say something like, “Hi! My name is Chris. I don't really feel like being here today, but I am here! How are you doing today?” You may also consider getting an accountability buddy. This can be someone you meet at the gym or a friend who also needs help sticking to their gym visits. Send each other texts throughout the week each time you go to the gym, or plan to meet the person at the gym a few times each week. Get some comfortable workout clothes. Feeling good about the way you look may be an end goal of regular gym visits for you, but having some workout clothes that you like wearing now may help you achieve this goal. If you have been hitting the gym in old or uncomfortable clothes, buy yourself a few new items to wear to the gym. For example, you could buy a new pair of leggings or shorts, a new workout t-shirt or tank top, and a comfortable new pair of running shoes. Go to bed early to ensure that you will have enough energy to work out. Feeling tired is a major reason why some people skip the gym. To avoid feeling too tired to work out, force yourself to go to bed a little earlier than you normally do. Even getting an extra 30 minutes of sleep may make the difference between feeling run down and feeling energized when you head to the gym. For example, if you normally go to bed at 11:00pm, try going to bed at 10:00 or 10:30pm. Keep your gym bag packed and ready. Setting yourself up to head to the gym at a moment's notice may be good motivation. You will have less of an excuse to skip the gym if you are totally prepared to go. Pack your gym bag and stow it somewhere handy at all times. For example, if you like to go to the gym after work, then keep your gym bag in the trunk of your car or in your office at work. Make sure it is stocked with your workout clothes and shoes, a water bottle, a towel, and a snack. If you want to hit the gym in the morning before you head to work, stow your gym bag right by your front door. Wear your gym clothes in the morning and stock your gym bag with a water bottle, toiletries, a towel, and a change of clothes for work. | Purchase an audiobook that you commit to listen to only at the gym. Set up a reward system. Calculate the cost of not going to the gym. Pledge money that you will go to the gym or donate to charity. Think about your biggest motivation to go to the gym. Set goals for yourself. Participate in exercise routines and classes that you enjoy. Get to know the trainers and regulars at your gym. Get some comfortable workout clothes. Go to bed early to ensure that you will have enough energy to work out. Keep your gym bag packed and ready. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Trim-Trees | How to Trim Trees | To trim a tree, cut off any low-hanging branches and suckers so there's more space at the base of the tree and the main stem isn't competing for nutrients. You should also remove any dead or diseased branches so the rot doesn't spread to the rest of the tree. If there are any branches that are overlapping or growing in toward the main stem, prune those off as well to help give your tree a healthy-looking shape. | Wear safety goggles, helmet, and purchase a step ladder. Safety goggles and a helmet or hard hat will protect your head and eyes as you prune adult trees. You may also need a small step ladder to reach higher branches. However, if the branch is located high in the air and requires an extension ladder, consult a professional instead of trying to do it yourself. Purchase this equipment online or at a hardware store. Trim off suckers growing at the base of the trunk. Cutting lower hanging branches will allow clearance for walkways and lawns and will prevent the main stem from having to compete for nutrients with the suckers. This will also raise the crown, or top, of the tree. The lowest hanging branch should be around 40% of the tree's height. Most fully grown trees should have around 8 feet (240 cm) of clearance under it. Remove dead or diseased branches. Curtailing disease in branches will prevent it from spreading to the rest of the tree. Look for branches that look dead or weak and use a saw to cut them away. You can prune dead or diseased branches during any time of the year without affecting the health of the tree. You should also remove any branches that have been damaged by the weather or animals. Cut away unwanted or hazardous branches. Branches that hang too low or are growing in the direction of a structure should be removed. Trimming these branches before they become a hazard is easier than doing it later. Contact a professional if the branches are located over power lines. Trim overlapping branches that rub together. Cut branches that are growing vertically or inward, towards the main stem of the tree. These branches can rub together and damage the tree over time. Prune the tree in the winter to shape it. Trees grow the most during the spring and pruning them during a high growth period could be detrimental to their health. Avoid trimming the tree in the spring or summer and prune it in the winter instead. For example, orange trees start flowering during the spring. Thus, you can trim them in February or March to contain their growth. Remove about 1/3 of of the tree when you trim. Cut a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) notch into the bottom of the branch. Measure 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) from the leader, or the main vertical stem of the tree, then place your hand or pruning saw against the underside of the branch. Move the saw back and forth to cut a notch 1/3rd through the underside of the branch you want to cut. Cutting a notch in the branch will protect the bark from breaking apart. If you're cutting smaller branches you don't have to cut a notch and you can use hand pruners. Cut through the branch 6 inches (15 cm) from the notch. This relief cut will prevent the branch from breaking and splintering when you make your final cut. Measure 6 inches (15 cm) down from the notch and use a saw to cut off the end of the branch. After making your relief cut, your branch should be a nub with a notch cut into it. Make sure that the area under the branch is clear of people and objects. Cut the branch off the leader. Find the branch collar, which is area of the branch where the rough bark turns into smooth bark. This should be a couple of inches away from the leader. Keep the branch collar intact when you trim so that the tree heals fully. Use your handsaw to cut off the remaining portion of the branch. Don't cut the branch too close to the leader or it won't heal properly. Don’t prune more than 10%-15% of the foliage per season. Over-pruning the tree could weaken it. Whether it's a young or mature tree, avoid cutting away a lot of the branches at once. If you want to cut down a tree significantly, you'll need to spread the pruning out over several seasons. Cut lower hanging branches after transplanting a tree. When transplanting a young tree, use a pair of hand pruners to snip away smaller lower hanging branches. Pruning young trees helps the root system take hold and promotes growth of their crown, or the top of the tree. Cut branches that are growing vertically or towards the leader. Use hand pruners and snip any smaller branches growing inward towards the leader. These branches rub against the tree as they grow and will damage it over time. Branches growing towards the leader don't get enough sunlight to stay healthy. Snip away branches that are growing too close to each other. For young trees, it's best if their branches are spaced 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart from each other. Over-pruning can damage the tree, so make sure that you leave at least 2/3rds of the branches each time you prune it. Prune the tree to shape it but don't cut the leader. Pruning outgrowing branches should start as soon as you plant the tree. This will keep it aesthetically pleasing and promotes healthy growth. Cutting the leader when the tree is young will inhibit the tree's growth. Pruning trees when they are young is much easier than pruning adult trees. | Wear safety goggles, helmet, and purchase a step ladder. Trim off suckers growing at the base of the trunk. Remove dead or diseased branches. Cut away unwanted or hazardous branches. Trim overlapping branches that rub together. Prune the tree in the winter to shape it. Cut a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) notch into the bottom of the branch. Cut through the branch 6 inches (15 cm) from the notch. Cut the branch off the leader. Don’t prune more than 10%-15% of the foliage per season. Cut lower hanging branches after transplanting a tree. Cut branches that are growing vertically or towards the leader. Snip away branches that are growing too close to each other. Prune the tree to shape it but don't cut the leader. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Already-Trained-Dogs | How to Buy Already Trained Dogs | To buy an already-trained dog, try searching for trained dogs on websites like Petfinder and ASPCA. You can also reach out to local animal shelters and let them know you're interested in adopting a trained dog. If you're OK with adopting an older dog, consider getting a retired work dog, like a former police or military dog, since they're well trained. Also, ask local vets and dog trainers if they know of anyone who's looking to rehome their trained dog. | Look online. There are many places online where people can post ads for dogs that need homes. Many of these dogs will have had previous homes, and they may be trained already. Enter keywords such as "trained dog," “adult dog,” or “housetrained” into the search field to view a list of trained dogs being sold or offered new homes in your local area. Some websites you might try include: PetFinder Adopt a Pet ASPCA Call local breeders. If you are looking for a puppy, your options may be more limited. You may have some luck, however, calling the breeders in your area and asking them if they housetrain their puppies. While some breeders expect the new owners to train the puppies, there are some who will train the puppies from a young age. Call local breeders in your area to find out what options are available to you. Consult with animal rescue organizations. Some rescue organizations will train their dogs to help find them new homes. Contact rescue organizations in your area to see if they offer obedience training to their dogs. Even if they don't train the dogs themselves, let them know about your interest in a trained dog. They may have dogs that were trained before joining them. Adopt a retired work dog. Working dogs are those employed by agencies for security or detection work. These dogs may be adopted from the organizations that once employed them. As they are retired dogs, they may be a little older. Military Working Dogs were trained for use in the army. They have been deemed safe to live in a normal household environment and may be adopted for free from the Military Working Dog School in Texas. Occasionally, police departments or security organizations, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will offer retired work dogs for adoption. Service dog training organizations occasionally have younger dogs who were trained but who did not fulfill all of the requirements of their certification. They usually have been trained well enough to live in a normal home. Ask a vet or trainer. Occasionally, vets or trainers will know of people who are looking to rehome their dogs. You can ask your vet or call a local dog training academy to see if they know of anyone who needs a home for a trained dog. While training academies typically do not sell trained dogs themselves, they can still point you in the right direction. Furthermore, by contacting them, you might find a good trainer to help you if you do end up buying an untrained dog. Research adoptable dogs online. Most shelters will post profiles of their dogs on their website. Before you visit the shelter in person, read through their website so that you can identify dogs who might be a good fit for you. Some may even let you search for trained dogs. You might look for a dog advertised as being housebroken, leash trained, or good with children. Talk to the staff. Inform the staff members at an animal shelter that you are looking for a dog that has already been trained. In most cases, the staff members will be familiar with the personality and history of every dog that resides in the shelter. They can introduce you to dogs that are trained. You might ask them: Do you have any dogs that are already housetrained? Which dogs are good with children? May I see dogs that are leash-trained? Are there any dogs that have been crate trained already? Which dogs have lived in a house or apartment before? Are there any dogs that already respond to their name? Which dogs are responsive to commands? Was this dog a stray or surrendered by their owner? If they were given up, why? Look at older dogs. Older dogs are more likely to be house and leash trained, and they may even know some basic commands. They will also be easier to take care of than younger dogs, as they will not have the behavioral or chewing problems of puppies. When at the shelter, consider adopting a senior dog. Keep in mind that older dogs may have more health issues than younger dogs. It may take a few weeks for your dog to feel comfortable around you after adoption. This does not necessarily mean that they are poorly trained, but rather that you will still need to take the time to bond with and interact with your new pet. Visit with the dog. Many shelters will have an area where you can visit and play with the dog to see if their temperament suits you. This is a good opportunity to test the dog's training. Try out a few commands with the dog, such as “come here” and “sit.” Get to know the dog, so that you can make an informed decision. Remember that the dog may respond to many different commands. Try several out to see which they answer to. For example, say “sit,” “down,” “lie down,” and “stay” to see which one works on the dog. Older dogs may be anxious around new people. You may never know what happened to them before they came to the shelter, and living in a kennel can be traumatic. Remember to keep an open mind and be patient with these dogs. With time and care, they may turn into a loving pet. Locate a service training organization that fits your needs. There are many different types of service dogs, all trained to deal with different emotional and physical needs. Search online for service dogs who can help you with your daily needs. You can consult with a vet, doctor, or physical therapist for recommendations. The American Kennel club offers a listing of approved service dog organizations. Contact the organization. Each organization will have a unique set of procedures for adopting a trained dog from them. You should contact as many of these organizations as you can to find a dog that is best-suited for your lifestyle and needs. Furthermore, many organizations have waiting lists, so you should factor time into your decision. When you contact them, you should ask: “How long is your waiting list?” “Do you offer training programs to the new owners to help them bond with the service animal?” “Why type of certification and documentation do you offer for the dog?” “How are the dogs trained? Are they housebroken? Crate trained?” “How much will it cost to buy a service dog from you?” “How old will the dog be when they are released to me?” “What are the procedures for adopting?” Fill out the application. Once you have determined which organization you want to adopt from, you will normally have to fill out an application. You may be asked to do a background check before being placed on the waiting list. Once you have submitted the application, you will have to wait for your turn to receive a dog. In some cases, it can take up to two years to receive a dog. Save up money to purchase the dog. It is very expensive to train a service dog. Some organizations do not charge for service dogs while others may request several thousand dollars to cover training and costs. Once you are given an estimate of the cost for your service dog, you can begin saving your money and looking for financial assistance. The Assistance Dog United Campaign is a charity that helps raise funds so that eligible people can afford their service dogs. You may have some luck using a crowdfunding website, such as GoFundMe or YouCaring, to help raise the money. You can claim any expenses toward buying or taking care of a service dog on your taxes. | Look online. Call local breeders. Consult with animal rescue organizations. Adopt a retired work dog. Ask a vet or trainer. Research adoptable dogs online. Talk to the staff. Look at older dogs. Visit with the dog. Locate a service training organization that fits your needs. Contact the organization. Fill out the application. Save up money to purchase the dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Apartment-Before-Moving-Out | How to Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out | To clean an apartment before moving out, start in the kitchen by cleaning the stove, oven, sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Next, hit the bathroom and scrub out the shower, tub, toilet, and sink. Then, wipe down all of the surfaces in the apartment, including the walls, windows, and fixtures. Finally, mop the hard floors, clean the ceiling fans, vacuum the carpets, and take out the trash. If you have a porch or patio, don't forget to tidy it up before you leave! | and stove. Clean the oven Buy one or two cans of oven sprayable cleaner and read the safety directions carefully, as many oven cleaners require protective equipment (gloves & goggles) and strong ventilation. Place newspaper in front of the oven, slightly underneath the door or drawer, to protect your floor from dripping cleaner. Evenly apply both cans to the inside of the oven, the grates, and the broiler sheets. If you want to avoid the chemicals in oven cleaners, use a dilution of 100g baking soda in 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of water and spray onto the surfaces. For a dirtier oven, increase the amount of baking soda so that the solution is more of a paste than a liquid. Leave for one hour, then use an ice scraper to remove the burnt carbon and spray any remaining in the oven. Repeat the process until the oven is completely clean. Make sure the oven is turned off before starting to clean. Clean up the stove. Use an abrasive cleaner and tough sponge to scrub at any spots on the stovetop. For stubborn spots, spray some oven cleaner and let it sit. Clean the vent above the stove and be certain that the light bulb in the overhead hood is in working condition. Using a sponge and paper towels, wipe down all surfaces. Rinse with clean water. Soak drip pans and other removable parts in hot water with dish soap for at least 30 minutes, then scrub them. Repeat as necessary. Make sure the gas and stove are turned off before you start to clean. Disinfect the dishwasher. Pull out the bottom rack and clear out the drain area. Empty the dishwasher, then fill a dishwasher-safe cup with vinegar, place it on the top rack and run a cycle with the hottest water setting. This will sanitize and wash away grime in the dishwasher, as well as remove any odors. When the cycle finishes, remove the cup and sprinkle baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher. Run through another short cycle on the hottest water setting. This will remove any remaining stains and odors. Use a rag and cleaning spray to clean drawers and counter surfaces. Unplug and remove all appliances and items left in the drawers. Make sure to get into the corners of drawers and countertops. Wash out the sink. Use a gentle soap, soft cloth and warm water on the faucets, drain and outer rim. Run hot water down the drain. Use a toothbrush to scrub around the edges of the sink. For a deeper clean on the surface and drain of a stainless steel sink, mix baking soda and lemon juice together and scrub it onto the surface, then pour the rest down the drain. For a porcelain sink, spray the sink with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to a few hours. The longer you let it sit, the more stains it will remove. Rinse away with warm water, scrubbing if needed to remove further stains. Avoid cleaning the sink until you're sure you won't have to use it again. Remove all the food from your refrigerator. Give away food that will go bad, like milk or meat, to a neighbor, and store or throw away the rest. This will allow you to defrost and clean the refrigerator without anything in the way. Unplug the refrigerator and let it defrost. Pad the inside with newspapers or towels and lay some on the floor around the bottom of the refrigerator to catch any water runoff. Let refrigerator and freezer defrost for several hours and dry the interior completely before you start cleaning it to prevent mold from growing. Clean the freezer. Use a rag or sponge with soapy water to clean the interior and the rubber door seal. Wipe it down one last time with a clean rag or paper towel. . Clean the refrigerator Scrub down the exterior, starting on the top and working down. Pull out the refrigerator shelves and wash them with soap and water, leaving them out to air-dry afterwards. As the shelves are drying, clean out the interior of the refrigerator with a clean rag. Wipe down the walls, counters and ceiling with all-purpose cleaner. Use a damp rag or sponge, or a mop if you have trouble reaching into high corners. Use a stepstool or ladder if necessary. Bathroom paint is typically semi-gloss, so it should be fine to get it wet, but avoid scrubbing the walls or using abrasive cleaners. and tub. Scrub the shower Use a cleanser or cleaning powder and elbow grease, starting at the top of the shower or tub and moving down to the floor. If you have tile on the floor of the shower, use a toothbrush and cleaning agent to scrub down the grout. Clean out the drain with a drain claw or chemical drain cleaner. Clean the drawers, mirrors and windows. Remove any toiletry items still left inside the cabinets or vanity and wipe the areas clean with a damp rag. If you have lots of small pieces of grit or dirt, try using a vacuum hose. For the windows and mirror, use a window cleaner and a clean rag to get rid of any water stains or dirt. Remember to clean in the window tracks as well. Clean the toilet. Put on clean rubber gloves and wipe off the exterior with a damp, hot sponge. Squirt toilet cleaner along the inside of the toilet's rim and scrub down the bowl with a toilet brush. Flush it all down when you're done. Wash the bathroom sink. Use a gentle disinfectant spray and a soft rag, or clean a ceramic sink naturally with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. For tougher stains, shake some baking soda onto the area and scrub it gently with a sponge. Mop the floors. If your bathroom is small, clean the floor by hand with a wet rag. If it's larger, use a small mop. To get into the grout between the tiles, use a toothbrush or small brush. Wipe down ceiling fans, furniture, and walls. Use a disinfecting spray and a rag to dust off ceiling fans and the tops of doors and windows, and clear out any cobwebs you see. To clean painted walls, use a damp rag and wipe lightly to avoid damaging the paint. Use a ladder or stepstool if necessary. Wash the windows. Open them up and clean the tracks first, spraying with an all-purpose cleaner and using a sponge to get into the crevices. Close the window, then spray a window cleaner and wipe down with a paper towel repeatedly, until the towel comes back clean. Finally, wipe the surface once more with a clean, dry towel to avoid making streaks. Clean the window blinds by soaking them in warm, soapy water. Remove the blinds and place them in a bucket or sink of warm water with dish soap. Let them sit for half an hour, then drain the water, rinse them and hang them to dry. This will save you the effort of cleaning the blinds by hand. Clean the floors if you’re done using the room. Spot clean tough stains with a spray-on carpet cleaner first, then vacuum if you have a carpet. Use a broom and mop or damp sweeper for hardwood or tile. This doesn't need to be done by a professional cleaning company unless your apartment complex requires it. If you need to patch holes in the carpet or flooring, either leave the holes or hire a professional. You may make the problem worse if you attempt to do it yourself. Remove any items you’ve left outside. This might include hanging decorations like chimes or bird feeders, children's toys, or personal deck chairs. Cut the grass and pull the weeds if you have a yard. If you finish cleaning the interior of the house early, focus on the yard, cleaning up fallen leaves and pulling any large weeds. The inside of the house should be your priority, but you'll get bonus points from your landlord for taking care of the yard as well. Sweep and hose down the porch or balcony. Scrub porch steps with soap and a heavy-duty brush. For a deeper clean on a concrete patio, squirt some dish soap onto the cement and scrub it into the concrete with a broom, then rinse it off again with the hose. For a stone deck, use a gentler solution of one cup of brown soap or soap crystals in a bucket of water and pour it over the patio, scrubbing it in with a broom. Sweep out your garage. Remove any remaining items stored there and sweep the ground thoroughly. Open the garage door and spray down the floor, aiming your hose toward the open garage door than the house. Take out the trash. Check under the sink and in the bathroom and bedrooms so you don't miss any bags. Remove nails, screws and tacks from the walls. You can use tools like a hammer or cat's paw, or carefully pull out loose nails with your hands. Patch up any holes by putting a small amount of lightweight spackle on your finger or a putty knife and smoothing it onto the hole. Wipe away excess with your finger and let it dry for an hour. Carefully clean all light fixtures, switches, and outlets. Wipe off any fingerprints or dirt marks with a rag and some disinfectant cleaner. Mop or vacuum the whole house. Start from the furthest point of the house and work your way to the front door so that you don't walk on the clean floor. Take a picture of the cleaned, emptied apartment. This will prove that the apartment is clean and in good repair if the landlord or new tenant reports a problem early on. Make sure your camera or phone records the date and time that the picture was taken. | and stove. Clean up the stove. Use a rag and cleaning spray to clean drawers and counter surfaces. Wash out the sink. Remove all the food from your refrigerator. Unplug the refrigerator and let it defrost. Clean the freezer. . Wipe down the walls, counters and ceiling with all-purpose cleaner. and tub. Clean the drawers, mirrors and windows. Wash the bathroom sink. Mop the floors. Wipe down ceiling fans, furniture, and walls. Wash the windows. Clean the window blinds by soaking them in warm, soapy water. Clean the floors if you’re done using the room. Remove any items you’ve left outside. Cut the grass and pull the weeds if you have a yard. Sweep and hose down the porch or balcony. Sweep out your garage. Take out the trash. Remove nails, screws and tacks from the walls. Carefully clean all light fixtures, switches, and outlets. Mop or vacuum the whole house. Take a picture of the cleaned, emptied apartment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Skin-Polish | How to Skin Polish | Before polishing your skin, soften dry and dead skin by applying a moisturizer, such as olive oil. For best results, put on warm clothes for between 20 and 40 minutes so your skin pores open up. In the bath, put soap-free cleanser on an exfoliating cloth and rub your skin in a circular motion. For especially dry skin, like on your heels, try using a pumice stone. After rinsing with water and drying off, finish by buffing your skin with cotton and polishing with silk gloves. For tips on improving your skin quality, including foods you should eat, keep reading! | Up your water intake before polishing. It's important your skin is as hydrated and healthy as possible when you go into the polishing process. To help with this, up your water intake. Aim to drink anywhere between 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Do this for about a week before you plan to polish your skin. Eat foods rich in vitamin E and A. Vitamin E and A can help with your overall skin health. While you work your way up to the skin polishing, eat things like wheat germ, soy, nuts, eggs, and yellow, orange, and dark green vegetables. This will help your skin tolerate the polishing well. Moisturize daily. In order to keep your skin healthy and also diminish signs of wear or aging, it is important to moisturize each day immediately following your shower or bath. This helps keep your skin extra smooth and in optimal condition for polishing. Be sure to use a body oil or lotion daily that is dermatologist recommended. If you would prefer something less processed, try some of the following: Olive oil Unpasteurized and unfiltered coconut oil Shea Butter Go soap-free. Soap is alkaline in nature and, especially for sensitive skin, can cause irritation, flaking, and cracking of the skin. To prime your skin for polishing, avoid soap. Go for non-soap cleansers instead or simply rinse off unwanted dirt and debris with water. Choose a store bought polish. You can use a skin polish from a beauty salon or buy one online. Store bought polishes tend to be pricey, and they may not work for all skin tones, but it can save you the hassle of making one yourself. As some polishes may irritate some skin types, try buying a sample size first and testing it on a small patch of skin to make sure you react to it properly. If you have a bad reaction, try a different polish or make one at home from natural ingredients. Try a baking soda polish. Mix one part baking soda with one part of your regular face wash to make a baking soda rub. The natural grains in baking soda help remove dead skin cells and replenish and polish your skin. Use enough baking soda/face wash to form a thick paste that can be applied all over your body. Use sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and lavender oil. Mix four tablespoons of sea salt, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and half a teaspoon of lavender oil. This mixture can help cleanse the skin and also has a pleasant odor. Avoid using this mixture if your skin is sensitive to essential oils. Mix brown sugar with jojoba oil. Mix a cup of brown sugar with half a cup of jojoba oil. Also, add in a tablespoon or orange juice and five vitamin E capsules. This mixture is great if your skin is dry, as jojoba oil is a natural moisturizer. Try a mixture of apples and sugar. Mix two tablespoons of granulated and brown sugar together. Then, add about a tablespoon of apple pulp and a quarter tablespoon of cinnamon. Apples provide a great source of vitamin A and B, which are great for skin health. Open your pores with a hot bath. Before you apply your skin polish, a nice bath is necessary. This helps relax you and open up your pores, allowing your skin to be adequately cleansed and polished. There is no precise time frame for you to be in the bathtub, but 20 minutes should be adequate. Apply the polish to your face. Dab the polish onto your face, focusing on the cheeks, chin, elbows, and nose. Use your fingers to rub the polish into your face in circular motions until the polish is distributed evenly throughout your face. Rinse your face off with warm water before proceeding. Exfoliate rough areas with a pumice stone. Before applying your polish to rough areas, you should remove callouses and dead skin. This can be done with the assistance of a pumice stone, which you can purchase at most department stores. Gently rub the stone against rough areas, like the heels and elbows. Apply enough pressure to wear down callouses and rough skin, but not so much pressure that you feel in pain. Apply polish all over the body in gentle, circular motions. You want to make sure all your skin is targeted during the skin polishing process. Work the polish in throughout your body. It can help to move from head to toes or vice vera. When applying your circular motions, use some force so you can lift dead skin. However, do not push to the point you feel pain. If you have any areas on your body that are extra sensitive, avoid applying skin polish here. Treat rough areas. After polishing your full body once, revisit the areas you treated earlier with the pumice stone. Apply a bit more polish here, just to exfoliate and moisturize the skin a bit more. Rough areas tend to need a little more care during the skin polishing process. Rinse off the polish. You can rinse in the bath or shower, using warm water. Make sure you get any traces of polish off your skin. When you're done, gently pat your body dry with a towel. Moisturize your body. Skin polish can help remove dead skin cells, but it can also leave your skin feeling a little dry. Apply your regular moisturizer all over your body after skin polishing. If you have body-specific moisturizers, such as moisturizers for your feet and face, use these after polishing. Polish your skin only once a week. As skin polishing is an intense form of exfoliation, it should not be done every day. Exfoliation is generally recommended to be done only once a week. If your skin reacts negatively to polishing, cut back that amount further. | Up your water intake before polishing. Eat foods rich in vitamin E and A. Moisturize daily. Go soap-free. Choose a store bought polish. Try a baking soda polish. Use sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and lavender oil. Mix brown sugar with jojoba oil. Try a mixture of apples and sugar. Open your pores with a hot bath. Apply the polish to your face. Exfoliate rough areas with a pumice stone. Apply polish all over the body in gentle, circular motions. Treat rough areas. Rinse off the polish. Moisturize your body. Polish your skin only once a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Boggle | How to Play Boggle | Boggle is a word game that can be played with 2 or more players. The goal of the game is to find words within the random combination of letters on the dice in the game tray. To play, first each player is given a piece of paper and a pencil. Set 16 dice up in the plastic tray and place the plastic cover on top. Then, shake the tray to mix up the dice. Remove the plastic cover and make sure each cube on the tray has one die in it. Now, turn the hourglass upside down to start the 3-minute timer. Each player has 3 minutes to write down as many words as they can make using the dice in the tray. Words must be at least 3 letters long, and the letters used to form the word must connect horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. You can form words by moving in more than one direction when chaining letters together, as long as all the letters in the word are connected. No dice may be used more than once when forming a word. Once the 3 minutes are up, each player stops and reads the words they've written down. Any words that appear on more than 1 player's list are crossed out and do not count toward a player's score. Each player is awarded 1 point for words that have 3 or 4 letters, 2 points for words with 5 letters, 3 points for words with 6 letters, and 4 points for words with 7 letters. A word made of 8 or more letters is worth 11 points. The dice with “Qu” printed on it counts as 2 letters. Whoever has the highest number of points wins! | Put the game together. Getting ready to play Boggle only takes a minute or two. Start by putting all of the letter dice in the game board (it looks like a square-ish grid), then put the dome-shaped cover on top. Give every player a pencil and paper. Any basic scratch paper will work well. If you're worried about cheaters, you can have each player write on a clipboard or a stiff book. Boggle is for two players or more. Scramble the letters. Pick up the grid with the dome on top and the cubes inside. Turn the domed grid upside down and shake to scramble the dice. Turn the grid right side up and give it a few gentle shakes until all of the dice fall into place. You want each letter die in its own space before you start. Set a time for three minutes. The mini hourglass that comes with Boggle is pre-set to run out of sand in three minutes time. Let all the sand fall to the bottom, then, when you're ready to start, flip it and the game will begin! You can also use a watch or digital timer set to three minutes — the hourglass isn't essential. Find words by "chaining" letters. The goal of Boggle is to score points by finding words in the random letters in the grid. The letters you use must be touching vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in a chain. You can't skip or "jump" across letters. When you find a word, write it down on your paper. At the end of the round, you'll use all of the words you found to figure out how many points you've scored. Words must be at least three letters long. Very short words, like "I," "an," and so on are not allowed. The same letter can't be used twice in the same word. When you're making a word, you can only use each die once. For example, if you make the word "neon", you can't use the "n" at the start of the word again at the end of the word. You can (and should) use the same letter multiple times in separate words. For example, if you find the word "tear," you can use the "a" in words like "apt," "part," and so on. Words can go in any direction. The words you find don't have to go right-to-left. They can go up, down, backwards, forwards, and diagonally as long as all of the letters are connected in a chain and each letter is used only once. Count each word only once. It's common for simple words to appear on the Boggle board several times. However, you may only write each word once on your piece of paper. In other words, you're trying to see how many different words you can find. This rule is also true when a word has more than one definition. For instance, "tear" (a drop of water that comes out of your eye) and "tear" (the act of ripping something) count as the same word. Any word found in an English dictionary is allowed. It's a good idea to have a dictionary handy when you play Boggle to settle disputes. If you can find a word in the dictionary, it's "fair game." Plural forms of words count as separate words. For example, if you see the word "apples," you are actually allowed to write down two words: "apple" and "apples." Words-within-words are allowed. For example, if you see a word like "Webster," you can also write down "web" "webs." This is an excellent strategy for scoring as many points as possible. Know which sorts of words are usually disallowed. Some players choose not to allow the types of words listed below. However, these words are not specifically mentioned in the official Boggle rules provided by Hasbro, which only say that words have to be in a dictionary to count. Proper nouns (i.e., names of specific people, places, etc. that start with a capital letter). Examples: "Mary," "Cairo," "Microsoft." Abbreviations and contractions (i.e., words that use periods or apostrophes to take the place of letters). Examples: "can't," "A.C.L.U." Words borrowed from languages other than English. Examples: "tete," 'bushido," "mazeltov." Stop writing when the timer runs out. As soon as the three minutes are over, all players must set their pencils down. Even if you notice new words after this point, they can't count towards your score. Have each player read off his words. Starting with the player who shook the Boggle grid, all players take turns reading the words they wrote down. As other players read their words, look at your own list and see whether you wrote down any of the same words. Whenever two or more players have written down the same word, all players cross this word out. The word will no longer be able to score points for any player. When it's your turn to read your words, ignore words that you've already crossed off. You're only trying to name words that there's a chance no one else noticed. Count up the letters in your scoring words. When all the players have narrowed their lists down to only the words that no one else has, have them count the number of letters in these words. The number of letters determines how many points each word is worth. Score each word by its number of letters. The official Boggle scoring rules are as follows: Three or four letters: One point Five letters: Two points Six letters: Three points Seven letters: Five points Eight letters or more: Eleven points The "Qu" cube counts as 2 letters even though it takes up one space in the grid. Total up all players' points. Have all the players add up the points from their scoring words. The winner for the round is whoever has the most points overall. Alternatively, you can play multiple rounds and have the winner be the first person to reach 50, 100, or more points. The official Boggle rules suggest both game styles. Find longer, less common words to score more points. As a general rule, it's wise to spend your effort finding a few long, difficult words than it is to look for lots of short, easy words. Not only are longer words worth more points — they're also less likely to be found by other players, which means there's a better chance you'll score points from them. As an example, scoring a tough eight-letter word like "acquaint" means your opponent has to find eleven unique three- or four-letter words to match your score. Since these easy words are more obvious, it will be much harder for her to find eleven that no one else has found. Make the most of plurals. The letter S is your best friend in Boggle. Sticking it at the end of a noun or many verbs will instantly get you an extra word that's one letter longer. It's easy to forget this simple trick, so racking up lots of plurals is a great way to find words that your opponents will overlook. Other common prefixes and suffixes can be used in a similar way. For instance, an "-ed" at the end of most verbs will give you a separate word that's two letters longer. Other combinations to look for are "er," "est," "ier," "de," "re," and "es." Use anagrams to get lots of short words. Short words may not be the most effective way to get points, but if you're crafty, they can push you over the edge to victory. A good way to find short words that other people won't is to use anagrams — different words made from the same letters. You may be surprised how many words you can make from a handful of five or six letters. For instance, if you have the letters H, E, A, R, and T in a cluster, "heart" is the obvious word that everyone will notice. However, it's not as likely that everyone will notice "earth," "rate," "tear," "rat," "heat," "tea," "hater," "art," and the other words made from these letters. Use the Boggle challenge cube to boost your score. Some Boggle sets come with a "challenge cube" that you can use in place of one of the other letter dice (chosen at random). Successfully making a word with the challenge cube gives you five extra points for that word, which makes it a great scoring opportunity. Be careful, though — everyone else will be looking to make words with the challenge cube, so look for difficult words that others are unlikely to find. When you're playing with the challenge cube, the standard Boggle scoring rules are a little different. See below: Three letters: One point Four letters: Two points Five letters: Three points Six letters: Four points Seven letters: Five points Eight letters or more: Six points | Put the game together. Give every player a pencil and paper. Scramble the letters. Set a time for three minutes. Find words by "chaining" letters. Words must be at least three letters long. The same letter can't be used twice in the same word. Words can go in any direction. Count each word only once. Any word found in an English dictionary is allowed. Plural forms of words count as separate words. Words-within-words are allowed. Know which sorts of words are usually disallowed. Stop writing when the timer runs out. Have each player read off his words. Count up the letters in your scoring words. Score each word by its number of letters. Total up all players' points. Find longer, less common words to score more points. Make the most of plurals. Use anagrams to get lots of short words. Use the Boggle challenge cube to boost your score. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tail-Whip | How to Tail Whip | To tail-whip on a BMX bike, start a jump on a quarter-pipe to launch into the air and make a quarter-turn in the direction you want to whip. Next, push off the bike frame with your foot, right under the seat, to ease to bike frame around. Then, rotate your arms around in the direction of your turn and use your wrists to whip the bike around quickly as you continue turning in the air. Finally, catch the bike under you with your foot and push down to get both feet back on the pedals. | Practice your jumps and airing out. To do a BMX tail-whip, you'll need some serious air. It's hard (though not impossible) to tail-whip from the ground, so practice on a quarter-pipe or other jump that you can get up off the ground high enough to whip the bike around safely and have a chance of landing it. Practice getting big air and turning around clockwise to aim forward as you land. One good exercise when you're trying to learn is to kick off your far leg. If you're turning to your right, practice lifting your left foot off the pedal and bringing your knee up while you picture yourself tail-whipping. Then, bring your foot back to the pedal for the landing. This will help you get the timing right and practice your form. The steeper the transition, the easier the trick. For some BMXers, it's easier to transition between a quarter-pipe and a wedge to land more safely. Do some experimenting and perfect getting good air before you try to tail-whip. Wait until you've completed a quarter-turn to kick the bike. As you're transitioning, it's usually good to kick the bike when you're just starting to turn around in the air, not quite to parallel, but in between your jump and your transition. It'll take some work to get the timing right, but you want to make sure you've got enough time to get the pedals controlled under you before you come crashing down. Kick the bike with your turn. If you're transitioning to the right, you'll kick the bike with your right foot, and vice versa. Usually, the best place to kick the back is on the frame, right under the seat. It's also less of a "kick" and more of a push, using your motion and gravity to follow through and ease the bike around. Most of the "whip" is done then with the wrists. Do the "washing machine. " Keeping the corny dance-move called the "washing machine" in your mind is actually a good way to get the proper arm motion down for doing a tail-whip. You want to rotate your arms around in the direction of your turn (clockwise, if you're going right) and, keeping a firm grip on the handles, whip the bike around as quickly as possible as you continue turning in the air. Catch the pedal with your left foot. The hardest part of the trick is catching the bike under you and getting your feet back on the pedals. If you can catch it and push it down, you'll also be able to quickly find the other pedal with your other foot. Ideally, you'll get the pedals under you for the safest and most comfortable landing. If you want, though, you can try a one-footed landing if you can't get it situated in time, and you can use the seat some if you need to. If you need to bail, just letting go of the bars should usually lets gravity do its work. The bike will continue on it's trajectory away from you, and you can use your knee-pads to land safely and Guide the bike where you want it to go. When you're trying to wrangle the bike back into position, use your arms as much as possible to fight gravity. Make it go where you want it to go to ensure a successful landing. Bring it back and under you to position it correctly and nail it. Keep practicing, and you'll get it eventually. Practice bunny-hops first. If you start immediately with the tail-whip, chances are you'll hurt yourself. It's important to practice the little things first to build the skills necessary to complete a tail-whip. It'll be much easier to teach yourself slowly, practicing the steps leading up to a successful tail-whip. To do a bunny hop, stand on your scooter and bounce straight up, keeping your feet on the board at all times, and landing safely on two feet. Practice landing smoothly to get used to the feeling of landing on the wheels and controlling it. To land a tail-whip, you'll have to be able to do this in your sleep. Practice kicking the scooter out. Another good skill-building exercise is to practice stepping off the scooter and kicking it as you would in a tail-whip, except that you'll be standing on the ground. To do this, ride the scooter slowly and then step off the board with your right foot on the left side of the board, and kick the scooter around (counterclockwise) with your left foot. Practice stopping the board with your kicking foot to get a feel for how to control the spin with your wrists, and how to stop it safely. Practice jumping and whipping, but land on the ground first. The next step in slowly learning to tail-whip is to combine the two skills you've already practiced, but basically bail-out and land on the ground. It's harder than it seems like it might be to jump and whip at the same time, so don't force yourself to try to nail the landing in addition to learning those necessary skills. Scootering at a slow speed, do your bunny hop and kick the scooter around with both feet, holding onto the bars and controlling the spin with your wrists. Land flat on the ground with both feet and practice bringing the scooter down firmly in front of you, in the proper position for you to land on it. You might start trying to land with one foot, or at least stopping the scooter with one foot before you try a full-on landing. Try to land. It'll take a lot of practice to put it all together, but you can start by trying it standing still, doing a bunny hop and tail whipping around to try to land, but it's actually a little easier to do it in motion. Go at slow speed and don't be afraid to bail if it doesn't quite work out. Keep practicing. This is the foundation for lots of scooter tricks, so it's worth sticking it out and trying to learn it, no matter how long it takes. Don't give up! | Practice your jumps and airing out. Wait until you've completed a quarter-turn to kick the bike. Kick the bike with your turn. Do the "washing machine. Catch the pedal with your left foot. Guide the bike where you want it to go. Practice bunny-hops first. Practice kicking the scooter out. Practice jumping and whipping, but land on the ground first. Try to land. Keep practicing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Clarisonic | How to Use a Clarisonic | Before using your Clarisonic, make sure to charge it for at least 24 hours. Once it's charged, prep your skin by removing any makeup from your face and wetting your skin with warm water. Then, add a generous amount of facial cleanser to the Clarisonic brush head or directly to your face. To clean your face, gently move the Clarisonic over your skin in small, circular motions, focusing on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. | Charge your Clarisonic for 24 hours before your first use. Plug the USB cable into the handle of the Clarisonic, then put the other end into a computer or a wall socket. Wait until the LED light in the handle turns green, which means that your device is fully charged. Once you charge your Clarisonic, it should last for 20 to 30 uses before you have to charge it again. When the light on your Clarisonic flashes red, that means the battery is low. If you hear beeps and pulses, that means the battery is empty. Take off your makeup with makeup remover. The Clarisonic brush is too harsh for the sensitive, thin skin around your eyes, and it isn't great for taking off a full face of makeup. Use a makeup remover on a cotton swab to take off any makeup you're wearing before you start cleansing your skin. Wet your face and the brush head, then dab cleanser onto your skin. Bend over the sink and splash some warm water all over your face and the head of the brush so the cleanser you use can suds up. You can use a Clarisonic cleanser or a mild face cleanser that you already have. Rub a liberal amount of it onto your cheeks, nose, and forehead in a circular motion with your hands. Try to use a cleanser made for your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, pick up a moisturizing cleanser. Or, if you are prone to acne, grab a cleanser that won't clog your pores. Turn the brush on and select the speed you’d like. Hit the gray ON/OFF button on the handle of the Clarisonic. If your model has multiple speeds, you can choose whichever one feels best. Start on low speed and work your way up if you feel like it isn't cleansing your skin enough. Most Clarisonic models have 2 speeds: Low and Normal. If the brush makes your skin red or irritated, turn the speed down. Spend 20 seconds cleansing your forehead in a circular motion. Try not to press into your skin or dig into your face with the brush head. Instead, hold the Clarisonic lightly against your skin so that it just touches, and move it in a circular motion along your forehead. If you push the brush head into your skin, it won't work as well and can cause irritation. Don't worry about keeping track of time—the Clarisonic will beep when you need to move to the next area of your face. Use the brush for 20 seconds on your nose and chin. Hold the brush flush against your skin and move it in a circular motion. Spend 20 seconds on your nose and 20 seconds on your chin to remove dirt and oil. This is also called your T-zone, and it usually secretes the most oil throughout the day. Cleanse each cheek for 10 seconds at a time. Keeping your brush in a circular motion, move it to your cheeks and spend 10 seconds on each side. Your cheeks don't secrete as much oil as the rest of your face, so they don't need as much time. The Clarisonic will beep to let you know when to move from cheek to cheek. When 60 seconds is up, the Clarisonic will automatically turn itself off. Rinse your skin with warm water and moisturize. Now, you can wash off all the cleanser from your face. Pat your skin dry with a towel and then moisturize your face or follow the rest of your skincare routine. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it's especially important to apply moisturizer after you wash your face to prevent it from drying out. Use the Clarisonic once or twice per day. The Clarisonic is a mild enough brush that you can use it to wash your face every time you need to. If you notice that your skin is irritated or breaking out more, switch to using the Clarisonic once a day instead. If you start breaking out right after using the Clarisonic, it may just be your skin purging itself, or getting rid of oil and pus that was already there. Stick with it for a few weeks to see if your skin clears up. Rinse the brush head every time you use it. To avoid a buildup of soap and oil on your brush, give it a quick rinse under warm water after every use. You can also rinse down the handle if any soap ran down during your cleanse. If you forget to rinse your Clarisonic, that's okay. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse it before you use it next time. Dry the brush head against a towel after every use. Before you store your Clarisonic, rub it against a towel for 5 to 10 seconds. Then, leave it in a place where it can air dry, like out on your counter. If you don't dry your Clarisonic, it could develop mold or mildew. Remove the brush head and wash it once a week. Push down on the brush head and twist it counter-clockwise to take it off the handle. Run it under warm water and use soap to scrub the bristles and rid them of buildup or residue. Giving your Clarisonic a deep clean will help remove buildup so your brush cleanses your skin instead of making it dirtier. Wash the handle with soapy water once a week. While your brush head is off the handle, run it under warm water and use soap to wash it off. You don't need to worry about getting water into the charging port, because the Clarisonic handle is waterproof. Reconnect the handle and the brush head by pushing the brush onto the handle and turning it clockwise. Keep the Clarisonic in a cool, dry place. The Clarisonic is an electronic, so try to keep it away from moisture and water. Make sure it's out of the direct sunlight so it doesn't get too hot. Try putting your Clarisonic in a towel closet or kitchen pantry. Although your bathroom may be a convenient place to keep the Clarisonic, it's a little too humid because of the steam from showers and baths. Replace your brush head every 3 months to avoid soap buildup. The brush heads will eventually get a buildup of soap residue and oil that can't be washed away. To keep your Clarisonic in the best shape, try to attach a new brush head every 3 months. If you don't use your Clarisonic every day, you can replace the brush head less frequently. Push and twist the brush head counter-clockwise. Hold the handle firmly in one hand and use the other hand to push down on the brush head. Turn it counter-clockwise until the brush head pops loose. If you've been cleaning your brush head once a week, you can just do the same motion to pull the brush head off the handle. Pull the brush head away from the handle. Once the brush head is loose, you can pull it away from the handle. Throw away the old brush head and grab your new one as a replacement. Push and twist the new brush head clockwise onto the handle. Holding the handle firmly in one hand, push the new brush head onto the top and turn it clockwise. Make sure it locks into place and doesn't feel loose. You can purchase new Clarisonic brush heads online or from a beauty supply store. | Charge your Clarisonic for 24 hours before your first use. Take off your makeup with makeup remover. Wet your face and the brush head, then dab cleanser onto your skin. Turn the brush on and select the speed you’d like. Spend 20 seconds cleansing your forehead in a circular motion. Use the brush for 20 seconds on your nose and chin. Cleanse each cheek for 10 seconds at a time. Rinse your skin with warm water and moisturize. Use the Clarisonic once or twice per day. Rinse the brush head every time you use it. Dry the brush head against a towel after every use. Remove the brush head and wash it once a week. Wash the handle with soapy water once a week. Keep the Clarisonic in a cool, dry place. Replace your brush head every 3 months to avoid soap buildup. Push and twist the brush head counter-clockwise. Pull the brush head away from the handle. Push and twist the new brush head clockwise onto the handle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Your-Bra-Size | How to Measure Your Bra Size | To measure your bra size, first stand in front of a mirror with a non-padded bra on. Then, wrap some soft measuring tape around your torso directly under your bust, where your bra band is. If this measurement is even, add 4 to get your band size. If it's odd, add 5 instead. Next, measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the measuring tape is level with the ground. Once you have both numbers, subtract your band size from the cup measurement you took to get your cup size. If the difference is less than 1 inch (2 1/2 cm), your cup size is AA. If the difference is 1 inch (2 1/2 cm), your cup size is A. Two inches (5 cm) is B, 3 inches (7 1/2 cm) is C, 4 inches (10 cm) is D, 5 inches (12 1/2 cm) if DD, 6 inches (15 cm) is F, and 7 inches (18 cm) is G. | Know that cup size is not absolute. This is the biggest myth about bra sizes: that a D cup looks the same on every band size, or that having small breasts automatically means you're an A cup. Actually, cup size is proportional to band size — meaning it's dependent on your band measurement. For instance, a 32 D will fill out less volume than a 36 D, but they're both D cups. The cup size (the letter) is determined by the difference between your underbust and bust measurements. A 32D would mean you have a 32 inch underbust and a 36 inch bust, whereas a 32A would mean you have a 32 inch underbust and a 33 inch bust. Understand how a correctly fitted bra should look and feel. There are a few tell-tale signs that indicate whether or not a bra fits you. Here's what to keep an eye out for as you're measuring yourself and trying on different sizes: A snug band: The band is what should do the majority of the work supporting your breasts, not the straps. You should be able to put one or two fingers under the band, but no more. Straps falling off your shoulders or your band riding up are signs you need a smaller band; straps digging into your shoulders can be a sign it is too small. Sufficient side coverage: You shouldn't have any tissue coming out from the sides of the cups, beneath your armpits. On an underwire bra, you can assess side coverage with the underwire: if the end of it is pointing toward the middle of your armpit, you're good to go. A flat gore: The gore (the part of the bra band that's between the cups) should sit flat against your chest, without digging into your skin uncomfortably. If it doesn't, you're wearing the wrong bra. A smooth curve: Avoid the dreaded "quad-boob" that results from the top of a too-small cup cutting into breast tissue above the bra. Instead, look for a fit that results in a clean silhouette with no stray tissue. Be aware of different breast shapes. So what happens if you find a bra in your size, but it still fits wrong? You're probably not picking the right bra cut for your breast shape. Try these solutions to common shape issues: Shallow breasts: If your breast tissue is evenly spread over a wider area, with less projection, you probably have a shallow shape. (Another tell-tale sign: having breast tissue near your collarbones despite being relatively small-busted.) Shallow breasts fit best in balconette or demi-cup bras, with a cup that's open on top and cut horizontally. Avoid plunge styles. Pendulous or tuberous breasts: If the base of your breast is relatively narrow, but the actual tissue hangs down quite a bit, don't despair! Instead, look for bras that have underwires, well-separated cups and fuller breast coverage. Avoid demi cups and plunge bras. Know about sister sizes. If you find a bra that's close to a perfect fit but not quite there, try a sister size. It might provide just enough variation to correct the slight differences between manufacturers. Go down a sister size: Reduce your band size by two, but take your cup size up one interval. For instance, you might go from a 36 C to a 34 D. Go up a sister size: Increase your band size by two, but go down one cup size. For instance, you might go from a 36 C to a 38 B. Once you find your true bra size, some women may still chose a sister size in certain scenarios, such as with a difficult to find bra size. If you chose to do this, know that going up or down by more than one size usually results in a band that is much too large or too small. Navigate different fitting styles. Currently, there are two different bra fitting styles (outlined below). The modern measurement is being adopted by more manufacturers, though some still use the traditional style. Unfortunately, it's difficult to know which system individual designers and labels use. Here's how to hedge your bets: If you're trying on bras in a store, it's a good idea to know what your size is for both styles. If you're ordering online, try to find a site that has a flexible return policy. Be wary of professional fittings. Asking for a seasoned professional to measure you is a great idea if you're starting from square one — she'll probably be able to suggest cuts and styles that could work for you. However, being fitted comes with a few caveats: Avoid stores that carry a limited range. A fitter at one of these shops might try to incorrectly sell you a size that they have on-hand, instead of your true size. Before you commit to a fitting, make sure the store carries smaller band sizes (such as 28 and 30) and larger cups (DDD and up). Good choices in the US include department stores like Nordstrom and Dillard's. Ask to be fitted with both measurement systems. That way, you have an idea of what size to try if one style produces a completely wrong fit. Don't leave your current bra on. If your fitter tries to measure you with your bra still on, it's probably not going to be the correct measurement. If you're concerned about modesty, wear a thin but close-fitting tank top to your fitting, and simply remove the bra underneath. Measure your band size. This is the easiest part of the process — your band size should be fairly stable and straightforward. Run a tape measure all the way around your body just underneath your breasts and take a measurement in inches. Make sure the tape measure is horizontal and fairly snug. Your arms should be down. Write down this number. If this measurement is an odd number, then you should try out bras in both the size below your measurement and the size above. For example, if you measured 31 inches (78.7cm), your band size could be 30 or 32. If your measurement is already an even number, this is almost always your band size, but you may need a smaller or larger size depending on your body type. For example, if your band size is smaller than 28, you may want to go up a band size since these sizes run quite tight. If you do this, you should go down a cup size so your cups will have the same volume (known as a 'sister size'). So if you are a 26C, you may find a 28B is more comfortable. Determine your cup size. Remember, your cup size isn't an absolute measure — it's in proportion to your band size. Bend over so that your chest is parallel to the ground. This is so that you'll be measuring all of your breast tissue — not just what protrudes outward when you're standing up. Measure around your torso, so that the tape is over the fullest part of your breasts. Don't pull the tape too tightly — it should be tight enough that it doesn't evenly move, but not so tight that's pressing into your breast tissue. Write down the number. Make sure your tape measure is level to the ground. It shouldn't be a few inches down your back, or you'll end up with an uneven measurement. To combat this, try to measure yourself in front of a mirror, or ask your partner or close friend to help you. Calculate your cup size. To do this, you'll subtract your band measurement from the cup measurement you just took. The difference between the two numbers determines your cup size: Less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) = AA 1 inch (2.5 cm) = A 2 inches (5 cm) = B 3 inches (7.5 cm) = C 4 inches (10 cm) = D 5 inches (12.5 cm) = DD 6 inches (15 cm) = DDD (E in UK sizing) 7 inches (18 cm) = DDDD/F (F in UK sizing) 8 inches (20.5 cm) = G/H (FF in UK sizing) 9 inches (23 cm) = I/J (G in UK sizing) 10 inches (25.5 cm) = J (GG in UK sizing) The majority of leading brands use UK cup sizing: AA, A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K, KK, L, LL. If you're shopping in the US you might see cup sizes such as DDD or DDDD. These are equivalent to E and F. If you're in any doubt, particularly with larger cup sizes, you can refer to an international bra sizing chart. Try on a bra with the band and cup size you've arrived at in these steps. You should not regard this as your definitive size until you have tried on a few bras, and even then you will often find you need a different size in different brands or styles of bra. Put on the bra on correctly. Known as the "scoop and swoop," this is a more correct way to make sure all of your breast tissue is in the bra: After taking the bra off its hanger the shoulder straps will need to be lengthened. Put your arms through them and lean forward slightly so that your bust falls into the cups. Fasten the bra on the largest set of hooks and eyes. Don't worry if it's tricky to fasten, if you're trying a smaller back size you will notice that you need to stretch it around you to make the hooks and eyes meet. Still leaning forward, take hold of the underwires and give them a wiggle from side to side to make sure you're settled comfortably into the cups. For each side in turn, slip your hand into the side of the cup and lift each breast towards the centre. You will probably have to adjust the length of the shoulder straps. Slip them off your shoulders and adjust the sliders so that the straps are short enough to stay in place but don't cut in. Check the band size. The correct band size is the smallest you can comfortably wear. (This might be smaller than your underbust measurement-bra bands are quite stretchy, especially at 42+.) It needs to be firm enough that the bra is still fairly supportive without weighing down heavily on the shoulder straps. You should be able to run your fingers around the inside of the band, but not much more. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit no more than a fist under the back of the bra where your spine is at. It should fit on the biggest adjustment, but will probably be too tight if you try to fasten it on the smallest size. Bras are designed to fit like this so that you can tighten the band as the elastic starts to wear out. If the band is roomy enough for you to be able to comfortably fasten it on the tightest adjustment, try a smaller band, for example if a 32D is too loose, try a 30DD. Remember that the cup size has to be changed when you move to a different band size - for every band you go down, you must go up by one cup size in order for the cups to remain the same capacity and vice versa. If you find the band painfully tight you should try going up a cup size because too small of cups can make a band which is too big or the right size seem ill fitting. If going up a size, maybe even several does not work, then try going a band up and a cup down, e.g. 28G to 30FF. However, try the first method before the latter. Check the cup size. The correct cup size should be completely filled out with no wrinkling of the fabric or space in the cups, but any spillage or "double boob" means the cup size is too small, even in low cut or pushup bras. Check around the cups for any bulging, not only at the front but also at the sides under your arms. Make sure the underwire encloses your whole breast and lies flat against your rib cage. Check at the sides under your arms to make sure the underwires are sitting on your ribs, not on soft breast tissue. If they're cutting into the sides of your breasts then you need a larger cup size. Also be aware that if you have been wearing a bra with a too big band and too small cups, you may have ended up with migrated tissue, which will seem to be armpit rolls, or back rolls. This can be fixed after getting a well fitting bra. If the underwires are pressing painfully against your breastbone at the centre front you may need a smaller cup size or you could try a plunge style with a lower centre front (this is more likely to be an issue with the cups than the band.) Or you might just be human, and it's the shaping of your ribcage. In that case, wait for the bra to be "broken in" and see how it fits then, or go with the lower centre front. If you think the cups might be too small but you're not sure, try on a bigger cup size as well to double check. It will usually be obvious if the smaller size fits better. See how it looks with your top on. You've found a new bra that fits well, maybe in a different size or style to the ones you're used to. Now it's time to see what it does for your figure! If you're trying a t-shirt bra it's also important to make sure it gives you a smooth line under fitted clothes. If you look side on to the mirror , you should be able to see that your bust is approximately halfway between your elbow and your shoulder. In a well fitting bra, your bustline will be supported at the right level. A lot of people find that their clothes fit a lot better, and they discover a waist that could never be seen before! If your bustline had previously been quite low because of a poorly supporting bra, you may even find that you need to wear a smaller dress size. A fitted t-shirt will show up any bulges from cups which are too small, and likewise a moulded bra that is not filled out will show lines at the bust where the edge of the cups are visible. It's also useful to make sure that the colour of your bra is not showing through a thin or light coloured top - if you need to make your bra invisible, go for seamless cups which match your own skin colour rather than the colour of your top. It is a common concern that wearing a smaller band size will make a big bulge around your back. However, these bulges are actually caused by the back of the bra riding up when it is too large. You should find that when the band sits lower at the back, it fits firmly and remains horizontal, rather than pushing upwards creating a bulge. Measure your band size. Wrap a tape measure around your ribcage, just beneath where your breast tissue ends. Then: If the measurement is even: Add 4 inches (10 centimeters). If the measurement is odd: Add 5 inches (12.5 centimeters). Be aware that most brands no longer use this band measurement system. The "add four" method was popularized by Warners in the 1930s when bra design was in its infancy and it simply doesn't work with modern bras. Still, it's good to be aware that it's out there. Measure your cup size. Stay standing up, and wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts. (Keep the tape as horizontal as possible — make sure that it's not sagging around your back.) Subtract your band size from this new number to calculate your cup size: Less than 1 inch = AA 1 inch (2.5 cm) = A 2 inches (5 cm) = B 3 inches (7.5 cm) = C 4 inches (10 cm) = D 5 inches (12.5 cm) = DD 6 inches (15 cm) = DDD (E in UK sizing) 7 inches (18 cm) = DDDD/F (F in UK sizing) 8 inches (20.5) = G/H (FF in UK sizing) 9 inches (23 cm) = I/J (G in UK sizing) 10 inches (25.5 cm) = J (GG in UK sizing) | Know that cup size is not absolute. Understand how a correctly fitted bra should look and feel. Be aware of different breast shapes. Know about sister sizes. Navigate different fitting styles. Be wary of professional fittings. Measure your band size. Determine your cup size. Try on a bra with the band and cup size you've arrived at in these steps. Put on the bra on correctly. Check the band size. Check the cup size. See how it looks with your top on. Measure your band size. Measure your cup size. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Pants | How to Hang Pants | To hang pants using a normal clothes hanger, start by folding your pants vertically so the seat of the pants faces outwards. Hang your hanger from something stable, like a rod, then drape the pants over the horizontal bar so the waistband is touching the cuffs. If you have a hanger with clips, clip the pants by the waistband to the hanger. To protect leather or soft fabrics, try placing an index card on the inside of each side of the clip. | Get a standard clothes hanger. A standard clothes hanger will be shaped like a triangle. It has two diagonal bars, and a horizontal bar at the bottom. The method works great for any type of pants, but the pants are more likely to slip off. Consider adding a strip of velvet, moleskin, or hot glue across the bottom bar. This will create some friction and keep the pants from sliding to the side or falling off. Whatever you choose to put on the bar, make sure that you put it on the top part, as this is the part that will be in contact with the pants. If you want to use velvet, cut a piece of velvet to the length of the bottom bar. Glue the velvet to the bar using hot glue or fabric glue. If you want to use moleskin, simply cut a piece of adhesive moleskin to the length of the bottom bar. Fold the moleskin over the top of the bar and run your finger over it to seal it. If you want to use hot glue, simply draw a zigzag or squiggly line down the center of the bar. Fold the pants in half vertically. Make sure that the hand pockets are on the inside, and that the seat of the pants is on the outside. Hook your hanger over something stable, such as a rod. This will leave both of your hands free. Drape the pants over the horizontal bar in the hanger. Slip the pants through the hanger, and drape them across the bar by the leg part. When you are done, the waistband should be touching the cuffs. Adjust the pants so that they balance right and don't slide off. If you notice that the pants are slipping off the hanger, you will need to adjust them. Either tug on the waistband or on the ankles. Do this until the pans hang across the bar without slipping. Place the hanger inside your closet. If your pants keep sliding off, you can secure them with a clothespin. Simply clip a clothespin or two across the horizontal bar. Get a hanger with clips attached to it. If you can't find one, then buy some clips to fit over the bottom/horizontal bar of a regular hanger. You can also use large binder clips or clothespins as well. These hangers are suitable for most types of pants, but they may leave some imprints in leather or pleather pants unless you use cushioning (such as index cards). Consider folding your pants if they are too wide or too long. If your pants are too wide for your hanger, fold them in half vertically. If you do not have a lot of vertical space in your closet, fold your pants in half vertically, then horizontally. You will be clipping them by the knee part. Clip the pants by the waistband to the hanger. Each clip should be about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the outside edge of the waistband. The clips on most hangers are adjustable. They can slide across the bar back and forth. Move the clips around as necessary. Consider using index cards to protect fabric and leather from getting imprints. Many pant clips have little grooves or teeth on them. These can leave marks and imprints in soft fabrics, such as leather and pleather. Find four index cards and place two inside each pant clip. Place the fabric between the cards. The cards will cushion the fabric, and protect it from the teeth. You can also use business cards, playing cards, or even pieces of cardstock. Place the hanger inside your closet. Consider hanging them so that the curved part of the hook is facing you. Get a clamping pants hanger. These are usually made out of wood, and consist of two horizontal bars that pull together. They are ideal for suit pants. Fold the pants in half vertically. The hand pockets should be on the inside, and the seat of the pants should be on the outside. Open the hanger. Grip the hook part of the hanger and pull it towards you. The two horizontal bars should open up. Place the cuffs between the bars. You will be hanging these pants by the cuffs. You don't want to hang these pants by the waistband when using this type of hanger. This is because bulky things, such as buttons and zippers, get in the way. They prevent the hanger from closing together all the way. Close the hanger and place it in your closet. Push the hook part back down towards the hanger and away from you. Get a standard clothes hanger. It is the one that looks like a triangle. It has two diagonal bars, and a horizontal bar at the bottom. This method is great for dress pants. Hold the pants upside down by cuffs. Your thumbs should be touching the inseams. Your fingers should be touching the outer leg seams. The inseams should be facing each other. Place the hanger between the pant legs. It might be easier to place the hanger on a rod first. The horizontal bar should be between the two pant legs. You should still be holding the pants by the cuffs. Drape one leg across the horizontal bar. Pull the leg through the hanger, and fold it across the bar. Tug the leg down so that the cuff touches the crotch part of the pants. Let go of the cuff. Drape the other leg over the first one. Pull the other leg through the hanger and drape it across the horizontal bar. Tug the leg down until the pants hang evenly. Place the hanger in your closet. The pants now won't slip off the hanger, no matter how much you shake it. | Get a standard clothes hanger. Consider adding a strip of velvet, moleskin, or hot glue across the bottom bar. Fold the pants in half vertically. Hook your hanger over something stable, such as a rod. Drape the pants over the horizontal bar in the hanger. Adjust the pants so that they balance right and don't slide off. Place the hanger inside your closet. Get a hanger with clips attached to it. Consider folding your pants if they are too wide or too long. Clip the pants by the waistband to the hanger. Consider using index cards to protect fabric and leather from getting imprints. Place the hanger inside your closet. Get a clamping pants hanger. Fold the pants in half vertically. Open the hanger. Place the cuffs between the bars. Close the hanger and place it in your closet. Get a standard clothes hanger. Hold the pants upside down by cuffs. Place the hanger between the pant legs. Drape one leg across the horizontal bar. Tug the leg down so that the cuff touches the crotch part of the pants. Drape the other leg over the first one. Place the hanger in your closet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Golden-Retriever-to-Shed-Less | How to Get Your Golden Retriever to Shed Less | To get your golden retriever to shed less, brush it every day, or at least three times a week, to help remove its loose fur. On top of this, you may want to use a special de-shedding tool once a week to remove any hair that doesn't come out from regular brushing. Since bathing can also help get rid of your dog's dead hair, give it a bath in warm or lukewarm water once a month. When choosing a dog shampoo to use during its bath, ask your vet for recommendations since you want one that removes dirt but doesn't dry out its skin. | Brush your Golden Retriever as much as you can. Brushing your furry friend will help remove loose fur from your Golden. While this won't prevent or reduce the amount of shedding, it will definitely help manage the shedding problem. Consider: Brush your friend every day. Brush your friend at least three times a week, if you can't do it every day. Spend as much time as it takes to brush your dog's entire body. Brush with the grain, rather than against the grain of your dog's hair. Use a de-shedding tool once a week. De-shedding tools are special types of brushes that are designed to remove loose hair from your dog's coat. Using a de-shedding tool will remove hair from your dog's coat that might not come out during a normal brushing. Consider the following: Set aside 15 to 30 minutes to use your de-shedding tool. Use the de-shedding tool in the direction of your Golden's fur. Do not de-shed against the grain. There are a number of de-shedding tools on the market. Do a little market research before buying to figure out which is best for you. You might find that premium de-shedding tools like the FURminator are well worth the extra money. You might also find that a little known brand might be just as effective for a substantially lower cost. Using a de-shedding tool should not be a substitute for brushing. If you choose to use a de-shedding tool, continue your brushing regimen. De-shedding tools are much more abrasive on your dog's skin, so don't use them more than one a week. Bathe your dog every few weeks. Bathing your dog will help remove dead hair and prevent extra shedding. It will also help keep your dog's coat healthy. Dogs with healthy coats shed less. Consider: Use warm or lukewarm water. Try to bathe your friend every month if you can. Bathing your dog too often can result in dry skin. Get a good dog shampoo. Good quality shampoos are extremely important in hair and skin health. For dogs with healthy hair, you want a shampoo that will clean dirt and grime out, while not drying your dog's skin. Some dogs might require a prescription shampoo geared towards health and skin problems. But regardless of your dog's overall health, a quality shampoo is very important in managing shedding and skin health. Contact your vet if your dog has a special condition or medical needs. Many people recommend a good oatmeal shampoo. There are a wide variety of shampoos on the market, so visit your local pet store. Have your Golden Retriever professionally groomed. As shedding dogs, Golden Retrievers do not need to have their hair cut. However, professional groomers can do a few things that might possibly cut down on the amount of hair your dog sheds in your house. They will: Trim the hair around your dog's ears. Trim the hair around your dog's pads. Trim and groom your dog's tail. Remember, as shedding dogs, Golden Retrievers should never be shaved. Watch for allergies. Allergies are a major source of pet shedding. Allergy related shedding is often related to your dog's scratching his irritated skin, which not only damages the skin, but loosens his hair. As a result, pay special attention in the spring and summer, when certain allergens might be irritating your Golden and causing increased shedding. Contact your vet if you think your Golden has an allergy. Be aware of certain medical conditions that might cause your dog to shed more. There are a wide variety of medical conditions and chronic ailments that will cause your Golden to shed more than normally. As a result, you need to monitor your friend closely to make sure that he does not show any of the signs of chronic or life threatening diseases which have shedding as a symptom. If your dog has patches of fur missing inexplicably, contact your vet. If your dog's hair is thinning and not regrowing properly according to seasonal changes (more hair in winter, and shedding in spring and summer), contact your vet. Talk to your vet about any other changes with your dog's skin, hair or general health. Control fleas, ticks, and other parasites on your dog. Flea, ticks, and other parasites on your dog will irritate him and cause him to scratch himself. This will damage your dog's skin and as a result cause more shedding. Controlling fleas and parasites on your dog will help reduce the amount of loose hair you'll have to deal with in your home. Keep your dog on a regular anti-flea and tick medication (consult your veterinarian). Investigate any scratching your dog might be doing. It could be caused by fleas or other parasites. Bathe your dog regularly, and if needed, use a shampoo that repels or kills fleas or ticks (consult your veterinarian). Create a calm and stable environment for your dog. Dogs tend to shed more when they are stressed out. If you create a calm environment for your friend, your friend will shed less. There are a number of factors that might stress your Golden out. Consider: A change in your family structure. This might mean the addition of a family member, like a new baby. It could also mean the death of a loved one. A move. If you move, your friend might be unsettled and this could cause him to shed more. In this case, your Golden will probably start to shed less as he gets used to his new surroundings. Parties, house guests, or other commotion in the house. Generally anything that is different at your home might stress your friend out. If you're worried about shedding, try to limit such changes. Provide your dog with plenty of clean water. Making sure your dog has plenty of water and is properly hydrated is key to preventing excess shedding. This is because a dehydrated dog might have dry skin, which will reduce hair quality and result in more shedding. As a result, a dog that has constant access to clean fresh water will often shed less. Feed your Golden Retriever food that meets his nutritional needs. A good diet will result in a healthier dog and a healthier coat. Some of the essential elements of a healthy diet are: This will help reduce shedding. Your food should have necessary vitamins and other nutritional requirements. Your food should be rich in digestible protein. Your food should have plenty of fatty acids. Contact your vet on age-specific food for your Golden Retriever. Give your Golden omega-3 oils to supplement his diet. Omega-3 oils are essential elements in improving the health and quality of your Golden's skin and coat. Omega-3 oils, then, will help reduce shedding. Contact your vet for more information. | Brush your Golden Retriever as much as you can. Use a de-shedding tool once a week. Bathe your dog every few weeks. Get a good dog shampoo. Have your Golden Retriever professionally groomed. Watch for allergies. Be aware of certain medical conditions that might cause your dog to shed more. Control fleas, ticks, and other parasites on your dog. Create a calm and stable environment for your dog. Provide your dog with plenty of clean water. Feed your Golden Retriever food that meets his nutritional needs. Give your Golden omega-3 oils to supplement his diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Jump-from-a-Moving-Car | How to Jump from a Moving Car | To jump from a moving car, first try to slow the car down to 25-30 mph by distracting the driver with loud noises, or wait for a turn when the car naturally slows. Then, look for a soft place to land, like a patch of grass without road signs or other obstructions. When you're ready to jump, open the door completely so it doesn't hit you. Finally, land on your back and tuck your arms in so they don't break, and roll to distribute the impact. | Improvise some padding. Jumping from a moving car is very dangerous, so if you must do it, you need to protect yourself. Grab any soft materials you can find in the car—e.g., clothing, newspaper, a stuffed animal—and stuff it into your clothes. Any little bit of padding can go a long way toward helping to break your fall. Assess your speed. Before you leap from a moving car, you need to make sure you can survive the fall. 30-35 miles per hour should be about the maximum speed for jumping. Another way to determine the speed of the car is to watch the mile markers and count the length of time it takes to travel each mile. (If it takes 120 seconds to travel one mile, then you are going around 30 mph). Find a way to slow down. If the car is traveling faster than 30-25 mph, you need to find a way to slow the car down. Think of a way to distract the driver, such as pointing out something on the side of the road, or making a very loud noise. Any small distraction may cause the driver to remove their foot from the gas pedal. Wait for a turn. Another way to jump at a slower speed is to wait for the car to turn. In order to turn, the driver will need to slow down quite a bit, creating an opportunity for you to jump. If you are planning to jump from the left side of the car, wait until the car is making a right-hand turn. Conversely, if you plan to jump from the right, wait until the car is making a left-hand turn. Look for a soft place to land. Scope out the area around you and try to locate a soft place to land. A field, a patch of grass, or a pile of leaves is probably your best bet. Look for a place that is “five seconds” away from you (meaning you could count to five before you reach it). In addition to finding a soft place to land, you must find a place that is free from obstructions. You want to jump without crashing into a road sign or fence, and you want to avoid landing on broken glass or other objects. Open the door completely. When you swing open the door, it is crucial to make sure you open it all the way. You need space to jump with conviction, and you do not want the door to hit you on your way out. Jump away at an angle. When you jump from a moving car, you want to be sure that you won't be run over by it. So jump backwards and away from the car. Try to propel yourself at a 45-degree angle from the rear of the vehicle. Jump far to avoid the car and make sure your head is pointed further behind the car than your feet. You will be less likely to roll towards the vehicle using this method. Tuck your body. As soon as you exit the vehicle, tuck your body into a tight ball. This is the safest way for you to land. Hug your arms around your body and scrunch up your legs. Try to land on your back. Position yourself so that your back is what hits the ground. It is important to land on the center of your back, not your shoulder! The center of your back is a large area, which means the force of the impact will be distributed, and you will be less likely to get hurt. Don’t try to break the fall with your hands. Whatever you do, do not try to break the fall with your hands! Do not put your arms out! This is a very common instinct, but you must avoid it. If you put our your arms, could break your wrists. Roll when you hit the ground. As soon as you feel the impact of the ground, allow your body to roll. You will be traveling at a high speed, and even when you land you will experience forceful inertia. Allowing yourself to roll helps to distribute the impact and prevents you from sliding. An alternative method is to slide on your back with your head tucked forward. This will distribute your weight and the abrasive force over a wide area. This works best for motorcycle races crashes on flat race tracks. | Improvise some padding. Assess your speed. Find a way to slow down. Wait for a turn. Look for a soft place to land. Open the door completely. Jump away at an angle. Tuck your body. Try to land on your back. Don’t try to break the fall with your hands. Roll when you hit the ground. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Reverse-Crunches | How to Do Reverse Crunches | To do reverse crunches, start by lying flat on your back with your arms facing palm-down on the floor beside you. For a harder ab workout, keep your legs straight, but for an easier workout, you can bend your knees. Then, draw your knees toward your head and contract your lower abdominal muscles while your legs come up. Once your knees are level with your gaze, lift them upward so your back and buttocks come off the floor before lowering your legs back to your starting position. | Lie flat on your back. Fully extend your legs, with your toes pointing upward and keeping your gaze focused on the ceiling or sky. Your body should form a straight line from head to toe. Relax your shoulders and neck to minimize the tension in your upper body. Stretching out on a lightly cushioned surface like a yoga mat or a carpeted section of the floor can make performing the exercise more comfortable. Place your arms down beside your body. Reach your fingertips toward your feet on either side of your thighs. Press your palms firmly into the floor to create stability. If you don't feel quite stable enough in this position, try sliding the backs of your hands beneath your buttocks to anchor your arms closer to your body. Bend your knees if you need to do so. The straighter your legs, the more of an ab workout this exercise gives you. If you're just starting out, though, or if you have limited mobility, you may find it helpful to bend your knees in the beginning. Lift your feet and pull your knees back until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. Then, tighten the muscles in your hips and thighs to lock your legs in place. They should remain at this angle throughout the entire movement. With your feet elevated and your knees bent, the tops of your shins should be roughly parallel to the floor. Draw your knees toward your head. Contract the muscles of your lower abdomen and bring your bent knees straight back until they're just in front of your face. Make sure your hips and butt are firmly rooted to the floor. They'll act as a hinge for your thighs to swivel over. Don't forget to breathe. You'll exhale sharply as you bring your knees up and exhale as you lower them down. Lift your knees upward at the top of the movement. As your knees come level with your gaze, push them up in the direction of the ceiling. This should cause your lower back and buttocks to come off the ground by an inch or two. This extra lift increases the overall range of motion, making the crunch more effective. Avoid rocking into the movement or extending your back too forcefully. You're just looking for a tight vertical tilt to briefly engage your middle and upper abs. Lower your knees back to hip level. Let your lower body come down in a slow, controlled manner, stopping when your thighs are once again perpendicular. Reverse the motion of your legs and raise your knees again to start the next repetition. You've just completed your first reverse crunch! Pause briefly before beginning your next rep. When you return to the starting position, take a split second to steady yourself and neutralize any momentum you've built up. That way, you won't be tempted to cheat when transitioning into the next crunch. Your core muscles alone should initiate the movement. Pausing momentarily will also give you a chance to catch your breath and assess your technique. Aim for 8-12 crunches per set. A low-moderate rep scheme will offer just enough of a challenge when you're first starting out. For best results, make an effort to perform each crunch with proper form and a full range of motion. Your abs will thank you for it! Feel free to pick a higher or lower number to suit your individual fitness level. It's okay if you don't get the same number of reps every set. You might be able to complete 12 crunches while you're fresh, but only grind out 8 by the time you reach your final set. Increase your total number of repetitions. Once you get to the point where you can do 8-12 reps with ease, gradually work your way up to 15 reps. Keep working until you get up to 3 sets of 15 reps. If you're looking for further intensity after that, try a variation of the exercise such as leg lifts. The number of sets you do will depend on your individual goals and the way the rest of your workout is structured. Remember, though, that too many reps of any type of spine crunch can be dangerous long-term. Quality is more important than quantity. You'll only be doing yourself a disservice by letting your technique break down in order to get more reps in. Incorporate a standard crunch. Place your hands above your head or rest your fingertips on your earlobes. Then squeeze your upper abs until your head and shoulders are off the floor. You can either maintain this position as a static hold while doing your reverse crunches, or raise both your upper and lower body simultaneously for a blistering total ab workout. Make sure your core stays tightly contracted throughout the entire movement to steady yourself and keep both halves of your body moving in sync with one another. Try them on a decline bench or chair. Lie on a decline or sit-up bench, or a sturdy household chair, so that your head is higher than your legs and grip the upper end with both hands for support. Then, pull your knees up and back just like you would for a regular reverse crunch. The slight change in angle will introduce a whole new element to the exercise. A decline bench with variable height settings will allow you to make the movement slightly easier if you're fatigued or struggling to make it through a full range of motion. However, a sturdy chair will work just as well if you don't want to invest in new equipment. Performing reverse crunches on a decline forces you to engage the muscles of your lower abs even more. | Lie flat on your back. Place your arms down beside your body. Bend your knees if you need to do so. Draw your knees toward your head. Lift your knees upward at the top of the movement. Lower your knees back to hip level. Pause briefly before beginning your next rep. Aim for 8-12 crunches per set. Increase your total number of repetitions. Incorporate a standard crunch. Try them on a decline bench or chair. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Make-Someone-Say-Carrot | How to Make Someone Say Carrot | If you want to perform a mind trick that will make someone say carrot, start by telling someone you can see into the future and predict their responses to a series of questions. Then, announce that you're using your psychic powers to see the future before writing the word “Carrot” on a piece of paper and placing it upside-down so no one can read it. To start the trick, ask the person to say the number “6” 10 times while looking you in the eyes. For the next step, ask them to solve 10 simple math problems that all have an answer of “6.” Finally, ask them to name any vegetable. Believe it or not, most people will say “carrot” when they're asked this question! If the person says “carrot,” reveal your piece of paper and act like you knew it all along. | Find a willing participant. One of the most important parts of making this trick a success is finding the right person to play it on. This can be a friend, a casual acquaintance, or even a stranger. Ideally, however, you want someone who will go along with the trick, follow your directions, and generally be a "good sport" about things. This person should also be able to give you his/her full attention — try not to pick someone who's busy or distracted by something else." Explain the rules of the game. Say something along the lines of the following: "In this trick, I will show that I can see the future and predict your responses before you even think of them. In a few moments, I am going to ask you a series of questions. Answer each question as quickly as possible. I am not trying to trick you with these questions — the answer to each should be clear and straightforward. Pay attention to me only. Don't look for help from the audience. Are you ready to begin?" Here, it's a good idea to "ham things up" a little. For instance, you can make a big show for the audience by saying something like: "Ladies and gentleman, I confess that I've been deceiving you this evening. My real name is not (your name here). In fact, I am the Great Zambini, master illusionist and psychic. In a few moments, you will join me as we journey into the strange world of the paranormal..." On a piece of paper, write the word "Carrot. " Pull out a small, blank notepad, index card, or scrap of paper. Show the audience that it is a normal, ordinary object. Say to the audience something like, "I will now use my psychic powers to predict the brave volunteer's behavior." Write "carrot" on the paper but don't let anyone see what you're writing. Lay the paper face-down in front of you. Ensure the paper is in full view your volunteer and the rest of your audience for the entire trick. You don't want to be accused of cheating after pulling off the trick. Ask the volunteer to say the number "six" 10 times. The volunteer should go as fast as possible while still saying "six" clearly. Have him/her maintain eye contact with you while counting. If your volunteer loses concentration or starts to giggle, calmly direct him/her to start over. You can even use a showy line like "The psychic bond between us has broken. Start again." This trick works best if the volunteer is focusing on you completely. Ideally, you want to get the volunteer into a trance-like state from the repetitive action of saying "six" while staring into your eyes. Ask the volunteer to solve 10 math problems with the answer "six. " Ask simple math problems so that your volunteer can answer them almost instantly. For example, you might ask, "What's 1 + 5? 2 + 4? 3 + 3? 12 - 6? 6 + 0? 10 - 4..." and so on. The important thing is that the volunteer must be able to answer the questions quickly, saying "six" each time. Say “Name any vegetable. " Don't give this question any extra importance. Just ask it quickly after the final math problem in the same tone of voice you've been using. Most of the time, the volunteer will respond with "carrot." It's not clear why this works. It may be that the repetition of "six" causes the volunteer to think of a six-letter answer, or it may simply be that carrots are the most "obvious" vegetable to most people, so it's the first one they think of when they are in a hypnosis-like state. Flip the paper over. If you predicted "carrot" correctly, your audience will be wowed. For an impressive effect, you can try saying something mysterious like, "Ah, my child, your mind is like an open book to me." Congratulations! Your trick is complete. Remember: magicians never reveal their secrets. If your volunteer said a different vegetable, you have two options. The first is to simply drop the act and say something like, "Ahhh, shoot!" as you turn over the paper. If you do this, be a good sport and laugh along with the audience. Your other option is to maintain your act by saying something like, "Your mind is cloudy today." You can either turn over the card or tear it up, but be ready for some light-hearted jeers from the audience! | Find a willing participant. Explain the rules of the game. On a piece of paper, write the word "Carrot. Ask the volunteer to say the number "six" 10 times. Ask the volunteer to solve 10 math problems with the answer "six. Say “Name any vegetable. Flip the paper over. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Loving-Someone | How to Stop Loving Someone | To stop loving someone, do your best to distance yourself by unfollowing them on social media and seeing them as little as possible. It may seem mean to cut off contact, but it's an important step which will allow you both to move on. Besides distancing yourself, you should remove reminders of them from your house, such as old photographs and clothing, so you don't have to think about them. Although it may be tempting to isolate yourself, you'll feel much better if you talk to a friend about what you're going through. Take some time to hang out with those people who are always there for you, no matter what! | End the relationship if you're still together. If you're trying to stop loving someone who you're currently with, it's time to break up with them. Whether this person doesn't love you back or if your relationship has taken a turn for the worse, sit them down and break the news gently but firmly. Say “Though I love you very much, it's time for me to move on. You told me that you don't love me, and I'd like to have a relationship with someone who cares for me as much as I care for them.” You can also say “Though I love you very much, we haven't been happy for a long time. I cry more than I smile and I don't think this is healthy. We can talk about it more, but I have made my decision.” Limit seeing the person you love. When you're trying to move on from someone, spend as little time around them as you can. Drive a different route to work or walk an alternative way to class. If you have mutual friends, hang out with them less if you know the one you love will be around. If you work or have class together, only talk when necessary. Unfollow, unfriend or block them on social media. Remember: out of sight, out of mind. Avoid seeing the person you love both in person and online. Block them from all your social media accounts so neither of you has access to one another. If you don't want to block them, at least unfriend or unfollow them so you don't have to see their posts in your newsfeed. Cut off any unnecessary communication with them. Avoid speaking to this person even if they reach out to you. The less you communicate with them, the quicker you can fall out of love. However, it's necessary to communicate in some instances. If you have a child together, are working on a project at work, or if they are asking for their things back, you will need to talk. If you must talk, do so in a neutral location that won't bring up old feelings, like a coffee shop. Be civil with them but avoid being too friendly. When you talk, it's okay to be polite and ask how they've been, but get to the point of the conversation quickly. Say something like “I'm glad you're doing well! So let's talk about Josiah now. His first day of Pre-K is tomorrow and we need to make a schedule for picking him up every day.” Avoid all your old spots. If the place where you first kissed or had your first date brings back memories, stay away from it. Though you can't ever forget these times, there's no need to bring up old memories that might make this process more difficult. Take a vacation if possible. If you can, get away for a bit. This will ensure that you don't have to see the person you love at all for a few days. Take a solo vacation somewhere or go on a trip with friends or family. If money is tight, take a day trip instead. Go to a local beach or to a big city nearby to sightsee. Remove reminders of them from your environment. Have pictures of the two of you in your room? Throw them out or put them away. Have an old sweater of theirs that you keep in your closet? Donate it to charity. These little reminders can make it hard to get over someone, so box them up or toss them. Focus on their flaws instead of the good times. You might be thinking of the laughter and fun that you shared with the one you love; instead, remember the not-so-good times. There's a reason you don't want to love this person anymore. Focus on what led you to this decision. Think about the time they were rude to your mother, made you cry on your birthday, or how selfish they were in general. Meditate daily. It's likely that thoughts of the one you love are in your mind all the time. Meditation is a tool that you can use to clear your mind and bring peace to your life. Pick a time each day to sit down in a quiet space for at least ten minutes. Focus only on your breathing during this time. If you're inexperienced with meditation, you can download apps like Headspace or Calm. Get support from your friends. Letting go of the love you have for someone is tough, but with a little help from your friends and family, you can do it. Rather than isolating yourself, call up a friend to talk. You can talk through your feelings for the person you're trying to fall out of love with or just catch up on other things in your lives. Try not to call them too often upset about the relationship ending, however. No matter how good a friend they are, they won't want to hear sad news all the time. Talk to a therapist if you think you're depressed. If you've been trying to get over this person for months but can't shake your feelings, consult with a therapist. If you feel that you can't get out of bed or that you aren't enjoying things like you used to, you might be depressed. Address it now so you can beat the blues. Make lots of changes in your life. When trying to stop loving someone, reinvent yourself. View the old you as the person who was in love and create a new version of yourself who doesn't have these same feelings. Update your wardrobe, home, and set new goals for yourself. Consider the following changes: Throwing out any clothing you haven't worn in years and replacing it with new, stylish outfits. Moving or rearranging or updating your furniture. Updating your resume and applying for a higher ranking position. Exercise to improve your mood. Not only is exercise good for the body, but it's good for your mental health, too. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters. Though letting go of love for someone is a sad process, hitting the gym will make you feel better. Do workout classes or run around your neighborhood with a friend. Hang out with friends. Letting go of love for one person doesn't mean that you can't still show love to your family and friends. Spend some time connecting with them weekly to hang out, see a movie or get a drink. Getting out and about again will help you feel better and move on quicker. Find a new hobby. During this process, keep yourself busy with fun activities. Try something you've always wanted to do or rededicate yourself to an old hobby. Use all the free time that you'll have from letting go of this person to invest in your own fun. You can do things like dance, read, ride horses, cook, or paint. Go out on dates again. Once you've fallen out of love and no longer think of the person every day, get back out there. Ask your friends to introduce you to other singles they know or consider an online dating service. And remember, no matter how tough this is, you got it! Though new relationships are exciting, avoid rebounds. Don't start going out on dates until you have moved on completely. Some signs that you've moved on are crying less often, not thinking of them when you wake up or go to bed, and not getting emotional when you hear your old songs. Be patient. Getting over someone you once loved takes time and a good amount of emotional effort. You should limit the time you spend thinking about the relationship, but if thoughts of the person creep in now and again, don't panic. You're only human. | End the relationship if you're still together. Limit seeing the person you love. Unfollow, unfriend or block them on social media. Cut off any unnecessary communication with them. Avoid all your old spots. Take a vacation if possible. Remove reminders of them from your environment. Focus on their flaws instead of the good times. Meditate daily. Get support from your friends. Talk to a therapist if you think you're depressed. Make lots of changes in your life. Exercise to improve your mood. Hang out with friends. Find a new hobby. Go out on dates again. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Less-Tired-When-You-Wake-Up | How to Look Less Tired When You Wake Up | To look less tired when you wake up, try de-puffing your eyes by placing two spoons in your freezer while you get ready and then holding them over your eye sockets for about five minutes. You can also gently massage your under-eye area with a cool, wet washcloth for 5-10 minutes to reduce dark circles. Similarly, try applying a cold compress to your eyes for 5-10 minutes to reduce red eyes. You can also try taking a cold shower in the morning, which will constrict the blood vessels in your face and make you look better rested. | Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated throughout the day will help you look better and feel better. Going to bed even mildly dehydrated will not only disturb your sleep cycle, but it will also cause you to look more tired in the morning. Staying hydrated will help your skin achieve an even tone and can help you avoid dark under-eye circles, which will make you look tired even if you had a full night of deep sleep. If drinking more water throughout the day makes you get up to use the restroom at night, drink earlier in the day and stop drinking water two hours before bedtime. Limit caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Both caffeine and alcohol are extremely dehydrating, so drinking too much of either throughout the day can counteract all the water you drink to stay hydrated. Alcohol also causes the blood vessels in your body and face to dilate, which can lead to flushed, puffy skin when you wake up in the morning. Drinking either of these before bed will make you look even more tired in the morning, so definitely avoid these the night before any important day. Wind down before bed the night before. Feeling and looking tired in the morning can be caused by a number of factors, but one of the most common factors is poor sleep hygiene. Sleeping well is not just about how long you sleep, it is also about how well you sleep. Many people just jump into bed and shut the light off, but this is not the proper way to wind down after a long day. Before settling in for the night, try to take the time to clear your mind of any stressors. Be sure to turn off the TV and any bright lights as well. Maximize the benefits of sleep by helping your brain get to the ultra-relaxing deep sleep stage by starting your night off with a relaxed mind. Get enough sleep. Most sleep experts agree that the average adult should get 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night. For many, this number may seem like a lot, but that's because hardly any adults get that much sleep. In fact, about 40% of adults get less than 7 hours of sleep each night. Sleep experts say this means that almost half of adults are starving for sleep, so it's no wonder so many of us feel and look tired in the morning. To help you look less tired in the morning, be less tired in the morning by getting enough sleep the night before. Stick to a consistent bedtime to help set your body's internal clock, and you'll be on your way to a fresh face in the morning in no time. Stop using electronic screens about an hour before going to sleep. Screens interrupt the cues that tell your body that it's time to get some shut-eye, and tapering off on their use before going to sleep will make it easier to get a good night's rest. Sleep on your back. To help you look your best in the morning, experts also recommend sleeping on your back to reduce sleep lines upon awakening. Sleeping on your back can also help to reduce face puffiness and the formation of early-onset wrinkles. You can also try sleeping with more pillows under your head, propping up your body at a 25-30 degree angle, which some research finds reduces dark circles formation by eliminating blood pooling in the tiny vessels of the face during sleep. Avoid hitting the snooze button. Whether you hit the snooze button constantly in the morning, or even only delaying getting up by five minutes, using the snooze button at all will make you feel more tired. Sleep experts say that hitting the snooze button disrupts the inertia of your sleep, which in turn will make you feel (and look!) more tired throughout the morning. When you first wake up in the morning and feel like you want to go back to sleep, that is normal sleep inertia; however, allowing your body to go back to sleep and having to repeat the process again a few minutes later will cause your brain to feel this pronounced grogginess longer after you do finally get up. If you want to feel and look more awake right away, avoid post-snooze sleep and the snooze button! Don’t get ready in the dark. Your body's internal clock is extremely sensitive to light and darkness, so try to avoid confusing it by telling it to be awake when you're still in the dark. A hefty dose of sunshine when you first wake up in the morning is one of the best ways to trick your body into waking up. And if you feel like you're awake, you will look like you're awake. If you open the curtains to overcast skies or you wake up before dawn, turn on a very strong light in every room you get ready in. For best results, try using the type of lightbulb used to treat the seasonal affective disorder. Stretch and lightly exercise every morning. If you have the willpower to wake up and do your full workout, that's great! For many people though, just getting up in the morning is hard enough. Even if you feel extremely tired in the morning, another great way to perk up your appearance is to get the blood moving by taking a brisk walk around your room, doing a couple of jumping jacks, or stretching for about 5 minutes. This light exercise and stretching will help wake up your mind and body, and it will give you an alert look and a rosy, healthy glow. Take a cold shower. When you wake up feeling tired it can be tempting to skip the shower altogether for a few extra minutes of sleep; however, taking a shower is a great way to wake up in the morning. Adjust the water temperature to be as cool as you can handle it, and use an exfoliating scrub on your face and body. Exfoliating will scrub off the grime and bacteria from the previous day and brighten the skin, which will help you look more awake. Coldwater also causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces redness and swelling, so your face will look more rested. Be sure to put moisturizer on afterward since dehydrated skin will look unhealthy and make you look tired. Eat breakfast and drink a large glass of cold water. Sleep experts say that waking up and immediately reaching for your coffee is one of the worst ways to wake up. It gets your body in the habit of needing caffeine and makes your body think that it can't possibly wake up without it when in fact it can. This means that on days when you don't have enough coffee or any coffee at all, you will look way more tired than you really are because you've tricked yourself into thinking you're sleepy. Instead, reach for a large glass of cold water and drink it briskly. This will wake you up and hydrate your skin, helping you look awake. Also don't forget to eat breakfast rich in fiber and protein, which will set you up for a day of productivity. Get rid of under-eye bags. It may seem strange, but one of the most tried and true remedies to look awake and refreshed in the morning is to use cold spoons to de-puff your eyes. Place two spoons in your freezer while you get ready in the morning. Once they have cooled, gently press the spoons (the curved side in) to your eye sockets. The combination of the cold and the pressure will make under-eye bags disappear, which will make you look wide awake and well-rested. Keep the spoons on your eyes until they are no longer cold, about 5 minutes. Make your eyes look white and bright. Red eyes are a sure sign that you are fatigued, so taking measures to make your eyes look white will immediately make you look less tired. There are several ways to do this depending on how much extra time you have in the morning: Use over-the-counter eye drops to clear up bloodshot eyes. Apply a cold compress to your eyes for 10 - 15 minutes in the morning to help shrink the blood vessels around your eyes. If you wear makeup, apply eyeliner that matches your skin tone to the inner lash line, called the waterline, of your lower eyelid. This will make the veins in your eyes less noticeable and the whites of your eyes will look brighter. Get rid of dark circles. Many people suffer from dark under-eye circles even when they are well-rested, but still, these circles are associated with fatigue. In fact, dark under-eye circles are not caused by a lack of sleep, these shadows are just more apparent when you're tired because a lack of sleep makes you paler and more hollow-eyed. Whether the circles are chronic or because you pulled an all-nighter, there are ways to reduce their appearance and help you look less tired: Applying cold compresses (especially cold spoons!) will help get rid of dark circles as well as puffy eyes. Try using saline washes or sprays to rinse away any nasal congestion, which can affect your blood pressure and pool blood in the veins and capillaries under your eyes. Take a moment and gently massage your under-eye area with a cool wet washcloth or a frozen cotton swab for about 5 - 10 minutes. This will help disperse any blood pooled in the veins and capillaries under your eyes. If you wear makeup, use a thick concealer with a yellow undertone to hide dark under-eye circles. Apply a refreshing moisturizer to your skin. On days where you need a little more help to look less tired in the morning, reach for a moisturizing product designed to perk up your skin. Look for products that contain refreshing ingredients like caffeine or green tea, which will help awaken your skin up from the inside out. To enhance the effectiveness of these products further, try keeping them in the refrigerator to that they are extra cool and refresh when applied to the skin. | Drink plenty of water. Limit caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Wind down before bed the night before. Get enough sleep. Sleep on your back. Avoid hitting the snooze button. Don’t get ready in the dark. Stretch and lightly exercise every morning. Take a cold shower. Eat breakfast and drink a large glass of cold water. Get rid of under-eye bags. Make your eyes look white and bright. Get rid of dark circles. Apply a refreshing moisturizer to your skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Discuss-a-Former-Employer-in-an-Interview | How to Discuss a Former Employer in an Interview | When an interviewer asks you about a former employer, the best thing you can do to sell yourself is discussing your accomplishments in order to accentuate the positive. Showing negativity will raise concerns in the interviewer, so cast even the worst experiences in a positive light. One exception to this rule is comparing your previous job slightly less favorably to the one you are interviewing for. For example, it's okay to say that your previous work lacked sufficient responsibility and chances for advancement—this shows your ambition and maturity. | Sell yourself. Questions about your previous job are more about you than about your former employer. The interviewer is trying to gauge your skills and professionalism, not the virtues or vices of your previous boss. The goal of any answer about a previous job should be to make yourself look good, not your previous position look bad. Answer questions about previous jobs by discussing your accomplishments in those positions. Consider key phrases from the description of the job for which you're interviewing, such as "strong supervisory skills," and consider how you can frame your experience in your previous job to emphasize that you have what it takes for the new position. Whenever possible, go beyond buzzwords and give examples from your previous job. Pivot from a generality, such as "self-motivated," by saying, "I know you've probably heard that before, so let me give you an example." Then have a brief two-to-four sentence anecdote from a previous job prepared that demonstrates your self-motivation. Don't badmouth. It's not a good idea to be negative in a job interview about anything, and that's especially true when it comes to discussing your former employer. An interviewee badmouthing his or her former employer raises a red flag in most Human Resource departments. You should cast even the worst previous employment experience in a positive light. Negativity raises questions about you, not your previous job. If you say bad things about your old boss, the interviewer will wonder: 1) what the other side of the story is, 2) whether you will be a "whiner" or a "complainer" in your new job if they hire you, and 3) if you will speak ill of them if you eventually leave their employ. Ultimately, speaking ill of your previous employer just makes you look unprofessional. No matter how much you disliked your old job, find something positive to say about it. Think of the office environment, training seminars, break room, flexible hours or anything else that appealed to you. Make the positive aspects of your old job the focus of your answer. Pivot to the present. The one time that it's okay to say something less-than-positive about your previous position is in comparing your fit for your previous job with your fit for the one for which you're interviewing. If, for instance, you were promised an exciting, challenging position at your last job and instead found yourself in a boring, repetitive desk job, you may want to mention this to the interviewer. Make sure that your description of your old job draws out the distinctions between that position and the one for which you're interviewing. More generally, it's okay to tell an interviewer your old job was a bad fit because you wanted more of a challenge, wanted more or different responsibilities, or wanted more opportunities for advancement. The key is to pick the phrase that best describes the job for which you're interviewing. Finish your comment with a phrase like “I'm excited about this opportunity because…” that will allow you to further outline the opportunities in the new position that were lacking in your past position and why you're excited for the new challenge. Keep it simple. Brevity is often the best way to avoid negative or unprofessional answers. Answer the questions you are asked, but be careful not to volunteer too much information. This tip should be applied to all aspects of your interview, but especially to any references to your previous employer.The shortest answer is usually the best answer. Leave emotion out of your answers. No matter how personable the interviewer may seem, a job interview is a business interaction, and your words should reflect that fact. Don't be a quitter. "Quit" is a "four-letter word" to most employers. Instead, use more neutral language and emphasize the positive reasons you left a job. For example, when describing a transition from one job to another, simply say "I joined another company." Never give unnecessary detail unless asked. Saying too much might prompt the interviewer to follow-up with uncomfortable questions that would be better left alone. Use generalities strategically. If prompted for more detail, explain your departure from a previous job in general terms that don't cast you or your old boss in a bad light. For example, saying you left a job to spend time with family or reevaluate your priorities before choosing your next career move are acceptable reasons for leaving a job in the eyes of most interviewers. Only offer more detail if it can cast you in a positive light. For example, you might want to talk about how a change in culture or management at your old job caused you to leave if it allows you to highlight how you're a good fit for your new job. You might say, "After some management changes, it became clear that the company was moving in a direction that didn't align with my strengths and goals." Continue by talking about your strengths and goals and how they align with the position for which you're interviewing. Steer clear of office politics. If personal conflicts in the workplace caused you to leave your previous job, don't discuss them. Your new employer wants to know you can be a professional. The interviewer doesn't want to hear why you didn't get along with your old boss or coworkers. Instead, if a personality conflict with your old boss was at the heart of your departure, simply say you had “differing professional attitudes." Don't be afraid of fire. People get fired every day. Employers understand its part of business. If you were fired from your previous job, be honest and try to frame the reason in as positive terms as possible. If a force beyond your control — reorganization, change in management, merger, downsizing, recession, etc. — caused you to be let go, be sure to explain that as simply and straightforwardly as possible. If you were fired because of your performance, minimize your discussion of it. Unless the reason was criminal, it will not appear on your background check. When in doubt, say that you “were not a good fit” for your previous position, then explain why you're a great fit for the new position. Always emphasize your positive attitude in response to the setback. In many cases, you can even turn the reason you were fired from your previous job into a discussion of the skills you developed. Make yourself, not your old employer, the focus of your response. For example, if you couldn't work the inconsistent hours that your previous job demanded, say so. Then add that the situation helped you improve your time management and explain how what you've learned will help you succeed in the position for which you're interviewing. Prepare your responses. Always plan exactly what you will say about each of your former employers if asked by the interviewer. Never let yourself get caught off guard, resulting in a potentially inappropriate or insufficient answer. Begin by taking notes on all of your previous jobs. Think back and analyze each carefully. Think about your responsibilities and the skills you developed, along with any awards, accolades or recognition you may have received. Write a script. Use notes on your previous jobs to develop a response "script" for each job. The goal of this script should be to clearly and concisely convey what you gained from and accomplished in the position in a few sentences. Practice your job scripts until you have them memorized. If possible, have a friend or family member pose as your interviewer, rehearse your response scripts with him or her, and ask for feedback. If no one is available to rehearse with, you can record yourself. Try to put yourself in the shoes of an interviewer while you listen to your answers. What can be improved? Select your references strategically. Don't list someone who won't say good things about you. If you're not sure what a former employer will say about you, ask. It's better to have an awkward conversation with a former boss than a bad reference. Pick the boss that liked you best. In most companies, there are several supervisors who can legitimately be called your “boss.” Whenever possible, choose the one with whom you left on good terms. Even if you're forced to list a boss with whom you parted on less-than-positive terms, you should be reassured to know that most bosses are not anxious to badmouth you. Not only do employers fear defamation lawsuits, but they also want to keep the interaction professional in order not to harm their own reputation with their peers in the industry. Contact your references. You should always alert a former employer that he or she is listed as your reference. Contacting your references as soon as possible in the job application process will allow for any potential delays in their response and give them time to think about what they will say if contacted by your potential employer's HR department. Giving your references advanced notice works to your advantage, too. If a former employer is caught off guard by a phone call from your interviewer, he or she may unintentionally provide a reference that isn't as positive as it would have been if he or she was prepared. | Sell yourself. Don't badmouth. Pivot to the present. Keep it simple. Don't be a quitter. Use generalities strategically. Steer clear of office politics. Don't be afraid of fire. Prepare your responses. Write a script. Select your references strategically. Contact your references. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-Tortoise | How to Bathe a Tortoise | To bathe a tortoise, start by filling a shallow container with enough lukewarm water to reach your tortoise's chin. Then, place your tortoise in the water and let it soak for 20 minutes to rehydrate its body. After 20 minutes, gently scrub your tortoise with an old, clean toothbrush, getting its shell, legs, arms, and head. When you're finished scrubbing, rinse off your tortoise with water and dry it with a towel. Repeat this process at least once a week. | Fill a shallow container with water. The container should be small enough on the sides that your tortoise should be able to climb out of it. Add lukewarm water to it. Make sure the tortoise's head pokes above the water when he's in it, but it should be about chin deep. You can also place one end of the tub on a book to create a slight angle, making a shallow end and a deep end. Place the tortoise's head at the shallow end. Let the tortoise soak. The tortoise will spend time in the water, using it to rehydrate his body. Tortoises use water to rehydrate their bodies. They absorb it through a vent in the tail know as the cloaca. Wait for the tortoise to rehydrate. The tortoise needs to soak for at least 20 minutes, but he will generally let you know when he's done by trying to climb out. Take the water out. Once the tortoise has soaked, you can take the water out. Discard the water in the toilet to avoid spreading any germs. You can also take the tortoise from his cage to put him in a basin and simply take him out when he's done. Dry the tortoise off. Make sure the tortoise is dry when he goes back to his cage. Use a towel to gently sponge him off. Start with the shell, gently rubbing the water off. Also, pat off the head, arms, and legs, being sure to get in all the cracks. Give the bath at least once a week. How much water you need to provide depends on the type of tortoise, the time of year, and whether he's inside or outside. Inside, you may need to do it as often as once a week, especially if the humidity is low. Outside in the heat, the tortoise will need it twice a week, and you can let the water dry up in between. It's especially important to provide a bath when the tortoise is coming out of hibernation, as the tortoise will need to rehydrate. When the tortoise is hibernating and inside, you may only need to provide water about once a month. Let the tortoise soak first. Allow the tortoise time to fill up its water reserves before you try to scrub it. Give it a 20-minute soak in clean water. Tortoises need soaking more often than they need baths. You shouldn't need to actually scrub your tortoise very often. Scrub the tortoise gently. Next, use an old, clean toothbrush to scrub the tortoise all over. Start with the shell, being sure to get in all the cracks. Move on to the legs, arms, and head. Be sure not to scrub too hard, especially on the places without scales. Wash away the dirt. Use the water to wash off the dirt you've scrubbed clean. Gently pour it over the tortoise to get the grime off. While you're washing, make sure to look for any injuries, nicks, or an unhealthy shell. If you notice any abnormalities, it may be time to take your pet to the vet for a check up. Dry the tortoise off. Use a towel to pat the tortoise dry. You don't want him to be wet when he goes back to his enclosure. Don't use soap. Soaps, detergents, and shell cleaners are not good for tortoises. In fact, they can be harmful, even killing your pet. Stick with plain water to clean your tortoise. | Fill a shallow container with water. Let the tortoise soak. Wait for the tortoise to rehydrate. Take the water out. Dry the tortoise off. Give the bath at least once a week. Let the tortoise soak first. Scrub the tortoise gently. Wash away the dirt. Dry the tortoise off. Don't use soap. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Insulate-Walls | How to Insulate Walls | Before insulating your walls with fiberglass insulation, measure the walls and the width between the studs to figure out how much batting you'll need to purchase. Once you've purchased your insulation, put on protective gear, including gloves and a face mask, and cut your batts to the appropriate height. Then, push each batt into the gaps between the studs and secure it to the studs with a staple gun. Finally, apply a layer of vapor-retardant poly film over the insulation to maximize the insulating potential of the batting. | Measure the total area of the walls to be insulated. Before you buy fiberglass insulation batting, you need to find out how much you'll need. To do this, you'll need to take measurements of the total area of the individual walls to be insulated, and also the width of the space between the studs. Count up the number of wall gaps you have that need insulation and buy insulation batts accordingly. For the most part, studs will be built at uniform spacing, and batting is manufactured to fill those gaps. It should be the perfect width. Still, it's a good idea to count up the number of spaces you have and take a measurement to make sure you don't come home with the wrong size. Choose fiberglass insulation batting. The grade of batting will vary, depending on the wall that you're insulating. There are various grades of insulating batting for different locations in the house, so you'll need a different insulation for interior, exterior, attic or basement walls. The R-value of the batt measures the thermal resistance, so the higher the R-value, the more effectively the batt insulates. Typically, for interior walls, R-13 batts are used for 2 x 4 studs and R-19 batts are used for 2 x 6 studs. Note there are two R-value scales; US customary and metric. The US scale is approximately 5.68 times the metric scale, so R-13 in the US is equivalent to R-2.3 elsewhere. You'll also need to choose between faced batts, which have a paper "face" on one side that will cover the insulation to the outside, and un-faced batts, which are just the fiberglass. Consider “greener” alternatives. While fiberglass is actually up to 40 percent recycled material, there's still a common complaint about the health-risks regarding airborne fibers of spun glass in your living space. Fiberglass is safe and the most inexpensive form of insulation, but it's certainly not the only kind. You might consider alternatives, like: Cotton. Recycled denim is regularly turned into a kind of insulation that's quite effective, and without the microfiber air problems that some people complain about with fiberglass. Mineral and sheep wool, cementitious, and cellulose-based insulation's are also common alternatives to fiberglass. You need to only use materials that have a thermal resistance rating. Insulating with things like egg crates and other recycled materials is a dangerous practice that can result in a fire. Get other tools necessary to complete the job. To install fiberglass or other insulating strips into your walls, you'll just need a few basic tools and the proper safety equipment. Make sure you've got: A staple gun Utility knife Protective gear (gloves, mask, long sleeves and pants) Cut batts to the appropriate height. You should have purchased insulation of the appropriate width, but you'll have to cut it to size for every space you want to fill, in terms of height. Lay the insulation out, then carefully use your utility knife to cut through the face (if you've purchased faced insulation). It's kind of hard to cut through the insulation itself, which has the consistency of tenacious cotton candy, but you can pull it apart once you get it started. When you get your insulation home, keep it wrapped up until you're ready to use it. Cutting fiberglass insulation sends lots of little fiberglass particulate up into the air, which can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems. It's also extremely itchy, and can cause rashes in some people with sensitive skin. Never touch fiberglass batting with your bare hands and always wear breathing equipment when handling it. If you come into contact with fiberglass insulation, don't scrub your hands or face with water, which can cause micro-abrasions. Dust yourself off outside and wash your clothes immediately. Push each batt into the gap between each stud. When you get it cut, just shove it in to the space, with the face pointing back outward, if you're using it. Try to handle it by the edges as much as possible, to keep the floating particles down. Gently tug each batt outward so it fills the gap entirely. Secure the lip of the batting to each stud. Use your staple gun to secure the paper lining to the stud, roughly every 7 inches (17.8 cm). It's helpful to have an assistant hold the insulation in place, if necessary. Staple each piece securely, then move on to the next row. If you're looking for sound-dampening, it's a good idea to apply a thin line of caulk between the top plates, at the bottom plate, and around the floor of each batt. This will create a more secure seal that will keep sound from coming through. Apply vapor-retardant poly film over batting for exterior walls. To make external walls extremely insulated, it's common to apply a layer of vapor-retardant film over the insulation, to make it more secure. This will help to maximize the insulating potential of the batting, and you can find this at most home retailers. To install, you'll simply pull the film tight over the batting, stapling to the studs every foot or so, with the staple gun. Trim the excess with the utility knife. Make sure you have a suitable space for spray foam. If you want to insulate an area in your crawl space, attic, or basement, spray foam insulation might be appropriate for the job, using a low-pressure sprayer and the proper safety equipment. For the most part, roofs and other major renovation jobs require a lot of spray foam to insulate, meaning that it would probably be more cost effective to hire professional insulators with a spray rig, high-pressure applicators, and safety gear. Use spray cans of insulation for small jobs, like gaps between windows and doors, around dryer vents, fan outlets, and other plumbing. Spray cans are good for fixing small leaks, but not cost effective for insulating a wall. Get a low-pressure sprayer. Generally, disposable and refillable spray insulation tanks are sold as part of a spray foam insulation kit. It's not cheap, but you'll be able to quickly and easily insulate a small area. Each manufacturer will vary slightly in its You'll also need protective equipment. This means you'll need eye protection and a respirator. A full work suit would be ideal, but long sleeves and pants will also do in a pinch. Choose between open and closed-cell insulation spray. Closed-cell insulation is rigid and dense, with a higher R-Value than open-cell. Most closed-cell spray is rated around 6.6, with open-cell insulation rated around 3.9. The advantage of open-cell is that it's super-fast and cheap, included in most individual small spray cans of foam. In wall-insulation, small holes are usually made in the drywall, into which the sprayer nozzle is inserted to fill the cavity with the spray inside the wall. For this method, open-cell is most often used, especially for ceilings and interior walls. It's sound-proof and used in the same locations as fiberglass. Closed-cell is usually used on external walls. Prepare the area for insulation. Remove exposed nails, debris, and other impediments from the walls to be insulated. Identify drafting areas–seams where you feel air leaking, see daylight, or see a gap. Mark these areas with tape, or a pen to make sure you address them with the insulation. It's a good idea to cover nearby furniture or finished flooring with plastic tarp to avoid getting any of the insulation on it. It's difficult to get out. It's best to apply spray insulation when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees F. Apply the spray from about two feet away. Attach your sprayer to the canister or bucket of insulation and start spraying, as if you were washing a window or car. Don't get too close, but stand a few feet back and spray as evenly as you can, back and forth across the area to be insulated. If you're spraying inside a wall, count to three, then stop and examine your progress to make sure that you aren't over-filling the wall. Insulation needs to be kept in a layer no deeper than an inch. Over-applying foam insulation can stress the walls and can also clump up and fall off the surface. If you miss, or get insulation somewhere you don't want it, don't panic. Stop and allow the insulation to dry and scrape it off the surface with a putty knife later. Trying to smear it now will make it worse. If you need to add multiple layers, because you're spraying an external wall or want extra sound-proofing, wait until the first layer has dried before going back over it as you did before. This will build up the R-Value of the insulation accordingly, and should stick perfectly well. Fire-sheath spray-insulated walls. Spray foam is not a finished surface and will ignite quickly in the event of a fire. After applying, it's common to drywall over the insulated area to finish the job. | Measure the total area of the walls to be insulated. Choose fiberglass insulation batting. Consider “greener” alternatives. Get other tools necessary to complete the job. Cut batts to the appropriate height. Push each batt into the gap between each stud. Secure the lip of the batting to each stud. Apply vapor-retardant poly film over batting for exterior walls. Make sure you have a suitable space for spray foam. Get a low-pressure sprayer. Choose between open and closed-cell insulation spray. Prepare the area for insulation. Apply the spray from about two feet away. Fire-sheath spray-insulated walls. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Dent-in-Car-With-a-Hair-Dryer | How to Remove a Dent in Car With a Hair Dryer | To remove a dent in a car with a hair dryer, start by applying heat to the dent with a dryer held 5-7 inches away from the car. Then, place a sheet of aluminum foil over the dent, and put on a pair of thick rubber gloves. Pick up a piece of dry ice and rub it over the dented area for 30-50 seconds. Remove the aluminum foil to inspect the area, and repeat the process of heating and cooling if the dent is still present. | Find your car's dents. This is an especially useful method for removing small-to-medium-sized dents, and you may have more of these then you think. Examine your car carefully to find them all. Evaluate the dents. Dents can typically be removed using this method if they are located on the metal panels of the trunk, hood, doors, roof, or fenders, and are not right along the edges on broad flat surfaces. To achieve the best results, use this method on shallow dents that do not contain major creases or paint damage, and that cover a surface area with a diameter of at least 3 inches (7.62 cm). Obtain the materials needed to remove the dent. You will need a hair dryer, heavy-duty or thick rubber gloves for safe handling of the dry ice or compressed air in its liquid format, aluminum foil, and either a package of dry ice or a can of compressed air. You will need some of the following: Heavy-duty insulated rubber-coated gloves. A full (or nearly full) can of compressed air. A package of dry ice. A hair dryer with adjustable temperature settings, such as "Low," "Medium," and "High," or "Cool," "Warm," and "Hot." Aluminum foil. Apply heat to the dented panel. Turn on the hair dryer and use it to blow hot air over the dent and the surrounding area for one to two consecutive minutes. The hair dryer should be set to medium and should be held between 5 and 7 inches (12.7 and 17.78 cm) away from the car's surface. Do not overheat the area in order to prevent the paint from becoming damaged due to overheating. Insulate the dented area of the panel (if applicable). Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the top of the dented area. This step should only be performed if you are using dry ice instead of compressed air. The purpose of this step is to keep the area warm while also protecting the paint from the dry ice, which can potentially damage the topcoat. Put on the heavy-duty gloves. The gloves will protect you from frostbite and other injuries that can occur when your skin comes into contact with dry ice or liquified compressed air. Apply the dry ice or liquified compressed air. The rapid change in temperature from warm to cold will cause the surface of your vehicle to first expand (when heated) and then contract (when cooled). If you are using dry ice, grab a block of the ice with one hand, then gently rub it over the aluminum foil resting on top of the dented area. If you are using a can of compressed air, turn the can upside down, and spray the surface of the dented area to cover the area with a layer of liquid ice. There are some basic principles of science at work here: the pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas are all interconnected. While normally the can loses temperature as the gas is released, if you spray the can upside down the gas itself is cooled. Either method will only require a brief application. The surface panels of most modern vehicles are made of relatively thin and lightweight material and they will cool very quickly. You will likely not see any change after the first 30-50 seconds of application (or probably even sooner than that). Wait for a little while. A few moments after you have applied the dry ice or compressed air, you may hear a popping sound that will indicate the dent has been removed. The rapid temperature shift will usually make the material reform its original shape. If you used dry ice, remove and dispose of the aluminum foil after the dent has been removed. If you applied liquid ice by means of compressed air, wait for the white foam to dissipate from the surface of the car, then wipe residue away with a gentle cloth. Repeat the process as needed. For certain dents a single application may not be enough. If you see improvement but a dent is still noticeable, you can begin the process of heating and cooling again. However, do no overuse this process (especially in a single day). While the rapid temperature changes can reshape your car exterior, the extreme cold is potentially hazardous to the paint. | Find your car's dents. Evaluate the dents. Obtain the materials needed to remove the dent. Apply heat to the dented panel. Insulate the dented area of the panel (if applicable). Put on the heavy-duty gloves. Apply the dry ice or liquified compressed air. Wait for a little while. Repeat the process as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Steak | How to Make a Steak | Before you cook a steak, season it on both sides with salt and pepper and let it come to room temperature. To begin cooking, place a skillet on medium-high heat and coat it with canola oil. Then, place one steak in the skillet at a time to make sure it cooks evenly. Fry each side for 6 minutes, or less if you like it rare or medium rare. Remember to remove the steak before it's ready, since meat continues to cook after it's off the heat. Finish by testing your steak for doneness, which you can do by pressing it with your finger to see how much it gives. | Choose fresh thick-cut steaks with lots of marbling. Good steaks should be very pink in color and fresh-looking, with little to no odor about the meat. Any off-smell or gray color on the meat is a bad sign. Good steaks will be streaky with white fat. That's a good sign that means flavor. Very lean meat can also be cooked to taste delicious, but sometimes you'll need to add some fat to make up for the leanness. If you're grilling , strip steak or rib eye are great choices. If you're cooking in a pan, go for a sirloin, New York strip, or a porterhouse. Most steak cuts can be cooked in basically the same way. Don't be too intimidated by the different varieties. Experiment with different cuts and see what you like best. Salt the steak about an hour before cooking. Season both sides of a steak with coarse salt, black pepper, and other seasonings or spice rubs you like to use. Read the last section for some specific ideas about seasonings and marinades. There's some debate about when to season steak. Some people think that you shouldn't salt steak until it's about to go on the heat, because it draws out the water on the meat and makes it dry. Others think the earlier you salt the meat (up to 24 hours before cooking) the more flavor and juiciness in the meat. Both methods are common. Put salt on the steak ahead of time, but wait on pepper and other spices. These will burn and taste bitter if you put them into the high-heat skillet. Don't completely smother the steak in salt, as it can just make the steak super salty. A light coating on each side (enough for the steak juices to rinse off while cooking) is ideal. Avoid making it like a sugared donut. Bring the meat up to room temperature before cooking. Take your steak out of the refrigerator at least an hour or two before you cook it, giving it time to gently come up to room temperature. If you throw a cold steak on the grill or stove, the inside will be very cold while the outside gets cooked. It's very difficult to cook a cold steak properly. Cook steaks over high heat. Good flavor comes from the golden-brown crust on the outside of steak. The only way to do this is to cook it over fairly high heat, then reduce the heat to finish the inside, or finish the steak in the oven, depending on how done you want it. Cooking steak at a lower temperature will take longer and make the stake quite a bit tougher. If you have a tough cut you want to tenderize, consider braising or otherwise tenderizing the meat before you cook it. Take the meat off the heat before it's done. Meat will continue cooking while it rests, which means you should take it off direct heat when it's just under (within 15 degrees or so) of the doneness you're looking for. Use a meat thermometer, or the finger test. Beef steaks are done at the following temperatures: Blue-Rare or Very Rare: 110° F (43.3° C) Rare: 120° F (48.8° C) Medium-rare: 130° F (54.4° C) Medium: 140° F (60° C) Medium-well: 150° F (65.5° C) Well Done: 160° F (71.1° C) Test for done-ness with your finger, if you don't have a thermometer. Sometimes called the "thumb method," you can test to see how done your steak is by pushing on the meat gently with your finger and seeing how much it gives. Then, touch your forefinger to the thumb of one hand, and press into the underside of your thumb, the fleshiest part, with your other hand. This is what a rare steak feels like. Continue with each of the fingers for progressive levels of doneness: Rare: Forefinger Medium-Rare: Middle Finger Medium: Ring Finger Well Done: Little finger Cut into the meat if you're concerned about doneness. Lots of people get worried that their meat is underdone or overdone. Some people love a rare steak, while others won't touch meat with any pink in the center. If you're cooking for a picky eater, or just want to make sure your steak is right, just cut into it and check. You're not cooking at a restaurant. It'll still taste great. Always cover the meat and let it rest. Remove the meat to a plate, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into the meat. This allows the meat fibers, which contract during cooking, to relax and redistribute the juice throughout the meat. Steak will be juicier and tastier if you let it rest. Use a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The best skillets for cooking a steak on the stove are cast iron skillets, which get very hot, distribute the heat evenly, and create an even crust on the meat. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use the skillet or pan with the thickest bottom that you have. Use a high-heat oil to coat the skillet. Olive oil has a low smoke point, and will smoke very quickly and taste somewhat bitter. You want an oil that will get hotter without smoking too much. Grapeseed, gram, or canola are all ideal. Some people like to add a little butter to the skillet as well, for an added nutty flavor. You can add it at the beginning, or wait until you flip the steak. Cook one steak at a time. Don't crowd the skillet with too many steaks, or the temperature will lower in the pan and the steaks will cook unevenly. Steaks don't take long to cook, so take your time and do them one at a time. When the skillet it hot, lay in the seasoned steak, dropping it into the skillet away from you to avoid splatter. If the skillet isn't hot and the meat doesn't sizzle, take the meat out and wait. Putting a piece of steak into a cold pan will make a tough steak. Cook 4-6 minutes on each side. Put the meat in the skillet and leave it alone for about five minutes. Let it caramelize on that side. You don't need to prod at it, check on it, or do anything. Just let the meat cook. Don't push on the steak or press it into the skillet. There's no need to do this. Cook thinner steaks for no more than four minutes and thicker steaks for up to six, depending on how done you like your steak. Flip the steak to the other side when it's ready. Flip the steak with tongs or a fork. If you have them, tongs are great for cooking a steak, because you don't have to pierce the meat. Forks are also fine, though some people prefer not to pierce the meat before slicing it. It's not a huge deal, either way, and some people swear by either method. Lower the heat and finish the steak, if necessary. If you like a steak on the rare side, it should be done with a few minutes on each side, and 10-15 minutes of resting while covered. But if your steaks are very thick, or you like them a little more done, the best way to cook them is by finishing them in the oven. Spoon extra butter over the steak and plate in the center of the oven at 275 degrees F. Finish it for 5-10 minutes, until the temperature shows where you want it on the thermometer, or it feels the firmness you're looking for. Use hard-wood coals. Sometimes called "lump charcoal," hardwood burns at high temperature for a short amount of time, making it ideal for cooking steaks. It's easy to light without lighter fluid, so just use a charcoal chimney and some newspaper to get it started. Arrange a sear-side and a warm side by putting the coals to one side of the grill. This means you can cook steaks to a variety of levels of done-ness if necessary, giving you more control. If you use a gas grill, turn the flame on medium-high. You'll probably end up having to cook the steaks a little longer on gas, but it'll still be great. Brush oil and seasoning on both sides of the steaks. Prepare the steaks as if you were cooking them in any other way, bringing them to room temperature and seasoning them a bit ahead of time. Instead of greasing the skillet or the grate, though, you'll brush some cooking oil onto the meat itself. Some people will skip this step, but it's a nice way to get a crust on your meat. Alternatively, some people like to put a dab of butter on the meat, after flipping it. Let the grate heat up and put the steaks on. Once the coals are ready, replace the grill grate and the lid of the grill, to give it enough time to come up to heat. The coals cook the grill, but the grate gives it it's tasty crust and grill-marks. When the grill gets hot and the coals are ready, put the steaks over the hot part of the grill, so they sizzle. Some people prefer cooking the steaks over the cold part of the grill first, then searing at the end. This works fine for cold steaks. If your steak is room temperature, like it should be, sear it first. Cover the grill and let the meat cook. Put the steak on the grill, put the lid on the grill and let the hardwood smoke flavor the meat and cook it. Wait for about 4-5 minutes until you do anything. Nothing bad is going to happen to the steak. Just keep an eye on the timer and let the grill cook the steak. Flip the steak to the other side and let it sear and cook for another five minutes. Depending on your cuts and the temperature of your steak, it should be done after about 10 minutes total. Lot of people like to be hands-on with a nice piece of steak. Some people swear by the "don't touch it" method, while others prefer flipping regularly to cook the steak evenly. The truth is that neither method is wrong and they're both great ways to cook steak done properly. Flip it early and often, if you want. You're not at a restaurant and you don't need to rush. Move the steak to the cooler part of the grill. After searing the steak, it should be just about done, if it's not done already. Use your thermometer or your finger to check for doneness and move the steak to a cooler part of the grill if you want to cook it longer. When the steak is done, remove from the heat, put it on a plate, and rest it covered for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Make a simple grilling marinade. In a bowl, mix two cloves of fresh minced garlic, one eighth of a cup of your favorite steak sauce, a few dashes of Worcestershire, 4 tbsp of olive oil and a cup of dry red wine. Mix the marinade up in a plastic Ziplock bag, add the steaks, and marinade overnight in the refrigerator. Don't forget to let the meat get back to room temperature before grilling. Some people favor marinades as diverse as Italian salad dressing, barbecue sauce, soy sauce and mustard. If you'd put something on a steak, use it as a marinade beforehand. Make a simple dry rub. If you prefer, a dry rub of herbs and other seasonings can be a great addition to a cut of steak. Green herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can be great on steak, while red pepper flakes, black pepper, coriander, and mustard seed can be surprising additions. Use flavors you like. For something surprising and unusual, try mixing up a tablespoon each of fresh-ground or crushed fennel seed, anise, cinnamon, peppercorn, and clove, along with salt to taste. Lots of commercial dry rubs are available as well, which you can experiment with. They're easy to use and can be quite good. Make an herbed butter for topping the steak. Take one half-stick of butter, softened, and mix well with peeled, chopped garlic, chopped herbs, and lemon zest. Form into a log and refrigerate. Generously season your steak with salt and pepper on both sides and sear the steak in olive oil. In the last minute of cooking, take the log of compound butter and slice a nice thick piece to place on top. Top sliced steak with chopped herbs. After grilling, resting, and slicing steak, chop up a handful of fresh parsley, cilantro, thyme, or rosemary to top the meat before serving. Fresh herbs make for an excellent addition to grilled meats, added at the last minute. They add aromatic flavor and bright color to the dish. Serve grilled steak with a lemon wedge. In Mediterranean regions, grilled meats are rarely served without slices of lemon on the side, to squeeze over the top. Lemon can add a brightness and tanginess to grilled steak, especially with some chopped cilantro on top. | Choose fresh thick-cut steaks with lots of marbling. Salt the steak about an hour before cooking. Bring the meat up to room temperature before cooking. Cook steaks over high heat. Take the meat off the heat before it's done. Test for done-ness with your finger, if you don't have a thermometer. Cut into the meat if you're concerned about doneness. Always cover the meat and let it rest. Use a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Use a high-heat oil to coat the skillet. Cook one steak at a time. Cook 4-6 minutes on each side. Flip the steak with tongs or a fork. Lower the heat and finish the steak, if necessary. Use hard-wood coals. Brush oil and seasoning on both sides of the steaks. Let the grate heat up and put the steaks on. Cover the grill and let the meat cook. Move the steak to the cooler part of the grill. Make a simple grilling marinade. Make a simple dry rub. Make an herbed butter for topping the steak. Top sliced steak with chopped herbs. Serve grilled steak with a lemon wedge. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Low%E2%80%90Calorie-Vodka-Drinks | How to Make Low‐Calorie Vodka Drinks | To make low-calorie vodka drinks, use a low-calorie vodka, like one made by Skinny Girl Cocktails, which has about 25 percent fewer calories than regular vodka. Alternatively, make your vodka drink with a low-calorie mixer, such as diet soda, diet iced tea, or lime juice. You can also reduce the calories in your drink by having a plain vodka shot or vodka over ice. For extra flavor without any extra calories, try using a vodka infused with flavors, like lemon or cucumber, for your vodka shot or vodka on the rocks. | Drink straight vodka. This is the simplest choice and cuts out the calories found in many mixers. Because this option requires absolutely no other ingredients, you won't need to worry about having a stocked refrigerator or pantry—just pour and enjoy! There are a couple of common ways to enjoy vodka straight. You can drink it very quickly, as a shot. Or, you can put it over ice and sip it (this is called "on the rocks"). For even fewer calories, consider brands that market a lower calorie vodka. Skinny Girl Cocktails makes a few different reduced-calorie vodkas. A 1 ⁄ 2 fl oz (44 mL) serving has 75.6 calories, compared to typical vodkas which have 96 calories per 1 ⁄ 2 fl oz (44 mL) serving on average. This can definitely add up! Do note that most reduced-calorie liquors achieve lower calories by reducing the proof. So, you would need to drink more to achieve the same effects as regular liquors. But, depending on the reason for your alcohol consumption, this may not matter to you. Try flavor-infused vodkas. Flavor-infused vodkas are flavored vodkas without any extra calories. Many brands of vodka sell infused varieties, including Absolut, Belvedere, Burnett's, and Gray Goose, and it's been a trend for years in the vodka world to come out with different flavors of infused vodkas. Infused vodkas can make for a more flavorful and interesting experience when drinking vodka straight and can also eliminate the need for various traditional higher-calorie mixers like juice. Many of the infused vodkas sold in stores are infused with things you might expect, like lemon or berries or cucumber. But there are also exotic infusions like horseradish, bacon, and smoked salmon. It's also very easy to make your own infused vodka! You can use most types of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some people even infuse their vodka with coffee beans or candy, like toffee. Simply place your flavor in a canning jar and pour vodka inside. Wait a few days and then strain the liquid out and voila: flavored vodka! You can make your own delicious watermelon-infused vodka. Fresh watermelon or watermelon-flavored candy will do the trick. Combine vodka with low-calorie mixers. Diet Coke and other diet sodas are popular mixers that add zero calories to vodka. Other common options are plain water, soda water, light cranberry juice, diet iced tea, diet lemonade, and lime juice. Because the calories in vodka tend to be pretty standard across the board (unless you opt for reduced-calorie vodka) the only way to have a cocktail without a lot of calories is to be mindful of what you mix in with your alcohol. Sugar is the main culprit for calories in mixed drinks. This is why so many of the options for low-calorie mixers are low in sugar or have switched out the sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Sweet'n Low. There's even sugar-free Triple Sec. If you're using mixers that do have a fair bit of calories, simply use less. It may end up tasting different that you're used to, but it can still be delicious. However, using a small amount of a caloric mixture doesn't have to affect the taste. In fact, a traditional vodka martini uses dry vermouth but uses so little that it doesn't make the drink very high in calories. Mix vodka with club soda and Mio. Add 1 shot to vodka to an 8 fl oz (240 mL) glass with ice; then fill with fresh club soda. Top with 2 squeezes of your favorite flavor of Mio, stir, and garnish with a lemon. The fresher the club soda, the more bubbles you will get! Alternatively, skip the Mio and squeeze in a lime wedge to try a cocktail known as a "Skinny Bitch" or "Sportsman." Try vodka with Crystal Light and lime. Make Crystal Light in your preferred flavor beforehand and put it in the fridge for a few hours. Place ice into an 8 fl oz (240 mL) glass, add 1 shot of vodka, then fill with Crystal Light. Squeeze a lime wedge in and stir. Crystal Light only has 5 calories per serving and comes in a variety of flavors (lemonade, strawberry, orange, etc.), so you can tweak this drink depending on your mood or your individual taste buds. Blend a raspberry cocktail. In a blender combine ice cubes, 8 fl oz (240 mL) of Minute Maid Light Raspberry Passion, and 1 ⁄ 2 fl oz (44 mL) of vodka. Garnish with fresh raspberries. This drink only has 115 total calories, so you can splurge on two! Make a strawberry citrus vodka cocktail. Gather 2 strawberries, 1 sprig of mint, ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of light agave nectar, 1 ⁄ 4 fl oz (52 mL) of citrus vodka, and ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of lemon juice. Muddle together the strawberries and mint in a shaker. Then add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously for 20 seconds with ice. | Drink straight vodka. Try flavor-infused vodkas. Combine vodka with low-calorie mixers. Mix vodka with club soda and Mio. Try vodka with Crystal Light and lime. Blend a raspberry cocktail. Make a strawberry citrus vodka cocktail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Mint-Leaves-Fresh | How to Keep Mint Leaves Fresh | To keep mint leaves fresh, first gently rinse off the leaves in a strainer. Then, cut off the ends of the stems at a slight angle with scissors, which will help them absorb water and stay fresh. Place the mint leaves in a jar or glass and fill it with enough water to submerge the stems. Cover the top of the jar with a plastic bag and store the mint in the fridge for up to a month. Change out the water in the jar every few days to keep it clean. You can also keep mint fresh with a wet paper towel. Wet a long paper and squeeze out the excess water. Lay the mint leaves flat on one end of the paper towel, then roll them up inside of it. Place the wrapped mint leaves in an airtight bag or container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. | Wash the mint gently. Run the mint under a stream of cold water, being careful not to damage the delicate leaves. Shake off any water droplets clinging to the leaves and stems and set the mint on a layer of paper towels. Herbs should always be washed before use or storage, as they can contain traces of dirt and bacteria or residue from pesticides and fertilizers. Turn the faucet on to a light drizzle so that the stream of water is not so heavy. Cut off the lower portion of the stems. Use a pair of scissors to snip off the ends of the mint stems. This will allow the herbs to soak up water more easily. Be careful not to cut the mint sprigs too short, or they may not be able to sit properly in the container. Cutting the stems at a slight angle will improve their water intake. Submerge the ends of the mint in a few inches of water. Fill a small vase, jar or another shallow container about one-third of the way full. Insert the bundle of mint stems-first into the container so that the snipped ends are completely submerged. The mint will now have a constant supply of water to draw from, increasing its shelf life. Change the water in the container every few days to keep it clean. For even more pristine preservation, use distilled or mineral water. Cover the mint loosely with plastic. Drape an empty grocery bag or piece of saran wrap over the top of the mint bundle to keep the herbs from being exposed to the air. Twist the plastic wrap around the base of the container and use a rubber band to secure it. You can then store the mint vertically in the refrigerator, if you have room, or out in the open in the corner of your countertop. When properly covered and given lots of water, your mint will last for weeks, or possibly as long as a month. Refrigerated mint will usually last a few days longer than mint that's kept at room temperature. Wet a layer of paper towels. Tear off 2-3 connected towels and triple them over on themselves to form a thick sheet. Run the paper towels under cold water, then wring out the excess moisture. They should be damp but not totally saturated. Quilted types of paper towels will hold up better to wetting and wrapping. Too much moisture can cause herbs to rot quickly. For this reason, it's important that the paper towels not be overly wet. Place the mint sprigs flat on the paper towels. Straighten out the paper towels and lay them flat on the countertop. Arrange the mint vertically in an even row across one-half of the paper towels. If necessary, trim the herbs to fit the width of the paper towel layer. If you need to preserve a large amount of mint, wrap a few smaller bundles individually. Roll the paper towels with the mint inside. Fold the uncovered half of the paper towels over to envelop the mint. Then, roll the paper towels up from the edge with the mint inside. The mint will be pressed against the damp paper towels on all sides, which will provide vital moisture and prevent air exposure. Roll width-wise, going across the stems, rather than lengthwise from stem to leaf. Wrap the mint loosely to keep from mashing or tearing the leaves. Place the mint in the refrigerator. Slide the wrapped mint bundle into a plastic Ziploc bag or lidded Tupperware container. Stash the container in the refrigerator, taking it out whenever you need to add a few fresh mint leaves to an appetizer, cocktail or dessert. Mint refrigerated in a damp paper towel will retain its color, flavor and crisp texture for at least 2-3 weeks. If you don't have a separate container to store the mint in, you can wrap the bundle in an extra layer of dry paper towels and stick it in your refrigerator's produce crisper drawer. Remove the mint leaves from the stems. Wash the mint with cool water. Pluck the leaves by hand or use a sharp kitchen knife to cut them right below the stems. Set the leaves on a dry paper towel to soak up excess moisture. This is a great way to process leftover mint, or you can preserve a whole bundle as soon as you get it home from the store. You can also go ahead the chop the mint leaves. That way, all you'll have to do is thaw them out when you're ready to cook, bake or mix up drinks. Press the mint leaves into an ice cube tray. With the tip of your finger, smooth the leaves flat against the bottom of the tray. Use one or two leaves per ice cube slot. For trays that make large or oddly shaped cubes, you may be able to use an additional one or two leaves. Fill the ice cube tray with water. Drizzle the water into each slot slowly, leaving a little space at the top of the tray for the cubes to expand as they solidify. Don't worry if some of the leaves float to the top—as long as they don't poke out of the tray, it shouldn't be a problem. If your mint ice cubes are destined for drinks, you can also add a spritz of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cane sugar or honey. Freeze the mint and thaw it as needed. Freezing your mint will keep it fresh almost indefinitely. When you're ready to put it to use, just pop out a few cubes and thaw them out in a strainer under lukewarm water. You can also add the mint cubes whole to drinks or smoothies for a zesty, refreshing infusion of flavor. Yum! Try chilling a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade or iced tea with mint ice cubes. After thawing the mint leaves, press them lightly between a layer of paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture. | Wash the mint gently. Cut off the lower portion of the stems. Submerge the ends of the mint in a few inches of water. Cover the mint loosely with plastic. Wet a layer of paper towels. Place the mint sprigs flat on the paper towels. Roll the paper towels with the mint inside. Place the mint in the refrigerator. Remove the mint leaves from the stems. Press the mint leaves into an ice cube tray. Fill the ice cube tray with water. Freeze the mint and thaw it as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Chicken-Pox | How to Treat Chicken Pox | To treat chicken pox, stay at home and rest for at least 5 days, which is how long the virus is contagious for. You can take an over the counter medication, such as paracetamol or acetaminophen, to combat fever that often accompanies the infection. It's important not to scratch at the pox as this will irritate them further. Not scratching might be hard, but you can take antihistamines to relieve itching so it's easier. It might also help to cut your fingernails or wear gloves to minimise scratching. Additionally, wear loose, cotton-based clothes to reduce irritation of the skin and keep cool. | Take an over the counter medication. When you or your child has chickenpox, it will likely be accompanied by a fever. To combat fever and reduce any pain, use over the counter fever reducers such as paracetamol or acetaminophen. Read all packaging information before taking any medication. If you are not sure if the medication is safe to take, do not give or take it before talking to a medical professional. Do not give aspirin or aspirin-containing medication to treat fever or other symptoms of the chickenpox. Taking aspirin while you have the chickenpox can cause Reye's syndrome, which affects the liver and brain and can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about ibuprofen use. In rare instances, it can cause adverse skin reactions and secondary infections. Try over the counter antihistamines. The major symptom of chickenpox is intense itching at the site of the pox. There may be times when the itching is unbearable or causes too much discomfort. When this happens, take over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin to help relieve the itching. Talk to your doctor about dosing of these medications for children; they may be especially helpful at night when you want to sleep. If you find that you or your child are in severe pain or discomfort, see a medical professional. The doctor might be able to provide a prescription strength antihistamine. Stay hydrated. It is important to stay hydrated while you have the chickenpox. There is a possibility of dehydration while you have the chickenpox. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also drink other hydrating liquids, such as sports drinks. Popsicles are a great way to help children stay hydrated if they don't want to drink enough water. Eat soft, gentle foods. Sores may develop on the inside of the mouth when you or your child get the chickenpox. These can be very irritating and cause you pain, especially if you eat the wrong foods. Try soft, gentle foods such as warm soup, oatmeal, pudding, or ice cream. If there are especially painful sores inside the mouth, avoid eating foods that are salty, spicy, acidic, or too hot. You or your child can occasionally suck ice cubes, popsicles, or suckers to ease the pain of sores inside the mouth. Stay home. If you or your child has chickenpox, stay at home or keep them at home as much as possible. Do not go to work or school or let your children who are infected go to school. You do not want to spread the virus to anyone else — chickenpox is easily spread through the air or contact with the rash. Plus, you do not want to make the symptoms worse through overexertion. Once the sores have scabbed over and dried up, the virus is no longer contagious. This generally takes five to seven days. Don't scratch. The most important thing to remember about chickenpox is that you or your child shouldn't scratch the pox. Scratching them will make them worse and cause even more irritation and possible infection. If they are scratched too much, the sores can develop into scars that might remain after the chickenpox has cleared up. This will be hard, but you have to try or make your child try. Cut the fingernails. Although you should avoid scratching or letting your child scratch the sores in general, it is typically difficult to avoid all the time. Since you or your child will likely scratch yourself, keep the fingernails short and filed smooth. This will help prevent the nails from scratching the sores, which can open the skin, prolong the healing process, be more painful, and possibly cause infection. Cover the hands. If you or your child is still scratching with short fingernails, consider covering the hands with gloves or socks. This will help to prevent injury. If you or he attempt to itch with covered hands, there will be minimal irritation and problems because the fingernails will be covered. Even if you or your child are good about not scratching during the day, cover the hands at night because it is possible to scratch the skin while asleep. Dress appropriately. The skin will be sweaty and irritated during the chickenpox. To avoid skin irritation, don't wear tight-fitting clothing. Choose looser, cotton-based clothes that keep the body at a comfortable temperature and that will move softly against the skin. These are best to prevent discomfort. Don't wear harsh fabrics such denim and wool. Stay cool. The skin will get aggravated and hot during the chickenpox, both from the fever and the sores. Stay away from locations that are too hot or humid because this will make you or your child hotter and make the skin itch even more. This means you or your child shouldn't go outside in hot or humid weather and you need to keep your house at a cool temperature. Also avoid activities that will increase body temperature and cause too much sweating. Apply calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is a great remedy for itchy skin and can help heal the sores. Apply it as often as needed if the itchiness and pain are too uncomfortable to handle. The lotion will soothe the skin and provide an element of relief. You can also try other types of skin cooling gel to help with the pox. You can put hydrocortisone cream or ointment on bumps that are especially red, itchy, or inflamed for a few days Do not use lotion with Benadryl in it. Frequent reapplication can cause toxicity as too much of the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Take a cool bath. To help ease the itchiness of your or your child's skin, take a cool or lukewarm bath. Do not use soap that might irritate the sores. If your or your child's fever is bad, make sure the water does not cause discomfort and that it will not induce shivering. Add uncooked oatmeal grains, baking soda, or oatmeal bubble bath to the water to help soothe the sores and calm the irritation. After the bath, apply skin calming lotion or moisturizer before reapplying calamine lotion. Apply cool compresses to extra itchy areas of the skin between baths. Visit your doctor if you are older than 12 years old or if your child is less than 6 months old. Chickenpox will generally run its course without medical help if the infected individual is under the age of 12. If you are older than 12, however, you need to see a doctor as soon as you notice the pox appear. Major complications can arise. Your doctor will likely prescribe you Acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication that helps shorten the duration of the virus. Try to see your doctor within the first 24 hours after the pox appear for this medicine to be the most effective. An 800 mg pill of it should be taken four times a day for five days, but the dose may be different for smaller or younger teenagers. Antivirals may be particularly helpful for people with asthma or eczema, especially children. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen. There are certain situations where you need to see a doctor, no matter how old you are. If you have a fever for more than four days, have a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, if you develop a serious rash that oozes pus or gets near or in your eyes, become confused, have a hard time waking up or walking, have a stiff neck, have a severe cough, vomit frequently, or have difficulty breathing, you need to see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will examine you and decide the best course of action. These symptoms may be from a severe form of chickenpox, a bacterial infection, or another virus. Seek immediate medical attention if you are pregnant. You are at risk of secondary infections if you are pregnant and get the chickenpox. You also may pass it to your unborn child as well. The doctor may give you Acyclovir, but you also may be prescribed immunoglobulin treatment. This treatment is a solution of antibodies from healthy individuals that is injected to help people who are at high risk of getting a severe case of the chickenpox infection. These treatments can also help prevent the mother from spreading it to the unborn child, which can have serious effects on the baby. Get checked out if you have immune issues. There are individuals need to get special treatment from the doctor if they get chickenpox. If you have an immune disease, are immunocompromised, have HIV or AIDS, or are being treated for cancer or with steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs, you should get checked out immediately. Your doctor may give you intravenous acyclovir, but immune disorders may cause you to be resistant to the medicine. If you are resistant, your doctor will give you foscarnet as a substitute, but the dosage and length of treatment will depend on your case. | Take an over the counter medication. Try over the counter antihistamines. Stay hydrated. Eat soft, gentle foods. Stay home. Don't scratch. Cut the fingernails. Cover the hands. Dress appropriately. Stay cool. Apply calamine lotion. Take a cool bath. Visit your doctor if you are older than 12 years old or if your child is less than 6 months old. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen. Seek immediate medical attention if you are pregnant. Get checked out if you have immune issues. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mojito | How to Make a Mojito | To make yourself a mojito at home, put some fresh mint, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and the juice of half of a lime in a tall, sturdy glass. Then, press the mint and sugar down to the bottom of the glass using a muddler or the back of spoon until you can smell the mint. Add 3 fluid ounces of rum and a few ice cubes, then top it off with club soda. Garnish your drink with a lime wedge or a sprig of mint and enjoy! | Find a tall, sturdy glass. A short glass will make your drink look sloppy and crowded, and a glass with fragile sides may break when you begin muddling. If you are worried about a watered-down drink, you can add more rum later. Just keep in mind this cocktail is a cooler, so it's meant to be sipped over time and not chugged. A pint glass or collins glass work well for Mojitos. Pint glasses are usually a little thicker, but you may prefer the straight cylinder of the collins glass. Add mint, 2 teaspoons sugar, and lime juice to the glass. You should have enough lime juice to completely cover and wet the sugar. Because limes don't all hold the same amount of liquid, 1/2 lime may not be enough. Squeeze in more juice from the remaining half. Hierba buena (or yerba buena) is the variety of mint used in a traditional Cuban Mojito , but spearmint may be easier to find. You can also try peppermint or pineapple mint. Super fine granulated sugar is the classic sweetener in a Mojito. The granules help open up the mint when you muddle, and a fine sugar dissolves better in liquid than a coarse sugar, like Turbinado. You can also use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. This will ensure your drink is sweet throughout and there won't be any grit from undissolved sugar. Press the round end of a muddler into the glass and gently twist several times. You should stop when the room smells of mint, before the mint begins to tear apart. You're not trying to pulverize the mint--the purpose of muddling is to release the oils in the mint leaves, which only requires a little crumpling or bruising. If you shred your leaves, the veins will release chlorophyll and your Mojito will taste bitter and grassy. You may want to slice the juiced half of the lime into wedges and add it to your drink to be muddled. The peel can add a little extra lime flavor and complexity to the drink. Make sure you don't smash the pith (the white layer between the flesh and the peel)--it's very bitter. If you don't have a muddler, you can use the back of a spoon (wooden, preferably) or the handle of a rolling pin. Muddlers should be made of unvarnished wood (so no resin makes its way into your drinks) and should have a round side and a side with teeth. Unless you are using the hierba buena variety of mint, make sure you do not have any stems in your drink. In spearmint, the flavor is concentrated in the leaves--the stems only contain bitter chlorophyll and can ruin your drink. If you are using hierba buena mint, you'll want to put in two full springs, stem and all. The flavor from the hierba buena comes from the stems, and is more citrusy and herbal than other types of mint. Add 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of rum. A white Cuban rum will provide the most authentic flavor, but may be difficult to find in some countries. Otherwise, any light (white or silver) rum will work. A crisp, white rum will highlight the flavors of the lime and mint, whereas a darker or spiced rum might overpower them. If you like your drink a little stronger, add more rum now. This is preferable to using a short glass to make a more concentrated drink, since you can still leisurely sip on your tall Mojito. Add four ice cubes and top with club soda. Ice cubes are preferable to crushed ice--crushed ice melts faster (which will make your drink colder) but will water down your beverage. Some people prefer the dilution they get from using crushed ice in a mojito, so experiment to see what you like. Club soda has a clean and unobtrusive flavor that will not affect the taste of your Mojito. You can mix things up with a lemon-lime flavored soda or a local mineral water. Garnish with a lime wedge, sprig of mint, or a sugar swizzle stick. Add mint, sugar, lime juice, and strawberries to a tall, sturdy glass. It is especially important you use a tall glass with the strawberry Mojito, since the strawberries add some volume to the cocktail. Make sure you layer your drink in this way, so the mint leaves are protected from the muddler and are less likely to shred. If you're not into the texture of muddled strawberries, you can also puree them in a blender and add with the rum. Your cocktail will be a little smoother, and you can even strain out the little seeds if you want. Make sure your strawberries are hulled (the stems removed). Because the strawberries are naturally sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar. (A classic Mojito uses about two teaspoons of sugar, this recipe cuts that in half.) Press the muddler into the glass and twist. If your muddler has an end with spikes on it, you can use that side to crush the strawberries--just make sure the mint leaves are on the very bottom of the glass so they don't tear. Muddle until the strawberries are crushed and have released their juices. To avoid releasing bitter chlorophyll from the mint, use the leaves only and discard the stems. Don't shred the leaves when you muddle, they should appear crumpled when you're finished, not torn and smashed into oblivion. The texture of the sugar will help release the flavorful oils from the mint. The sugar will absorb the oils, plus the flavor of the strawberry, making your cocktail even more delicious. Add 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of rum and stir, blending all your flavors together. A white (or light or silver) rum is preferable, especially a Cuban rum if you can find it. A dark rum will add extra spice and a strong molasses flavor, which may not be welcome in a Mojito. A darker rum will also affect the color of your beverage--you want the liquid to be clear to highlight the crisp green and pink of your ingredients. If you decided to puree your strawberries, add the puree to your drink now. You can also add a few small slices of strawberry if you like the look of fruit in your glass. Add ice cubes and top with club soda. Use enough ice cubes to fill the glass about 3/4 of the way to the top. Garnish with a strawberry and sprig of mint. Put the mint leaves, 2 teaspoons sugar, lime juice, and 1 oz. (30 ml) cream of coconut into a tall, sturdy glass. Make sure you shake the can of cream of coconut well, as it can settle while sitting in the can. Coconut milk and cream of coconut are not interchangeable, so don't try to substitute. Coconut milk is too thin and doesn't have the rich thickness of cream of coconut. There is a difference between "coconut cream" and "cream of coconut". Coconut cream is unsweetened, and cream of coconut is very sweet, almost like condensed milk. If you can only find coconut cream, you will have to sweeten it quite a bit before it is suitable for a cocktail. If you can only find cream of coconut in powder form, mix it with a little water so it is thick and has the consistency of condensed milk. Taste it before you add it to your drink to make sure it is sweet enough. Press the round end of a muddler into the glass and twist gently. The room will fill with the aroma of mint when the essential oils are released. This will signal you to stop muddling. Take care not to press too hard or be too vigorous in your muddling. If the mint leaves are shredded and the veins tear, your drink will be bitter and taste like grass. If you don't have a muddler, use the back of a metal spoon or the end of a wooden spoon or rolling pin. If you are nervous about muddling, you can hold the mint leaves in the palm of one hand and clap your other hand on top of them. It won't be as effective, but this will bruise the leave enough to release some of the mint flavor. Allow your ingredients to sit for a few moments after muddling so the sugar can absorb the mint and coconut. Pour in 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of coconut flavored rum. The cream of coconut will already give the drink a nice, refreshing taste of coconut, so if you want to keep it subtle, you can use an unflavored white (or light or silver) rum instead. Mix the drink to incorporate all the flavors and prevent the cream of coconut from settle on the bottom of the glass. Your drink should turn a milky white. Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint, a wedge of lime, or even a pinch of shredded coconut. | Find a tall, sturdy glass. Add mint, 2 teaspoons sugar, and lime juice to the glass. Press the round end of a muddler into the glass and gently twist several times. Add 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of rum. Add four ice cubes and top with club soda. Add mint, sugar, lime juice, and strawberries to a tall, sturdy glass. Press the muddler into the glass and twist. Add 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of rum and stir, blending all your flavors together. Add ice cubes and top with club soda. Put the mint leaves, 2 teaspoons sugar, lime juice, and 1 oz. Press the round end of a muddler into the glass and twist gently. Pour in 2 jiggers (3 oz or 88 ml) of coconut flavored rum. Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with ice and top with club soda. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tune-a-Guitar-Without-a-Tuner | How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner | To tune a guitar without a tuner, start by fretting the low E string at the fifth fret, which is the lowest and thickest string on your guitar. Next, play the A string and tune it up or down until it matches the sound from the E string. Then, match the D and G strings to the E string. For the B string, tune it up or down until it makes the same sound as the G string at the fourth fret. Finally, return to the fifth fret and match the high E string to the sound of the B string. | Fret the low E string at the fifth fret. The low E string, also called the sixth string, is the lowest and thickest string on your guitar. If you're holding your guitar in playing position and looking down, it will be the top string closest to you. The note at the fifth fret of the low E is the same as the open A string, the next string over from the low E. For this method, it isn't necessary to first tune your low E string. Even though your instrument may not be to concert pitch or absolute pitch, the strings will be tuned to each other. Anything you play will "sound right," as long as you're playing by yourself and not with another instrument tuned to concert pitch. Match the open A string to the low E string at the fifth fret. Listen to the sound coming from the low E string, then play the open A string. Tune the open A string up or down until it matches the sound coming from the low E string. If the open A string is higher than the A you play at the fifth fret of the low E string, tune it down and then bring it back up. Repeat the same process to tune the D and G strings. Once you have the A in tune, fret it at the fifth fret and pluck it. This is a D. Pluck the open D string, and tune the it up or down to match. When the D string is in tune, fret it at the fifth fret to play a G. Pluck the open G string and compare. Tune it up or down to match the sound. Fret the G string at the fourth fret to tune the B string. The process changes somewhat for the B string, because there is a shorter interval between G and B. Fret the G string at the fourth fret to play a B. Pluck the open B string and compare the sounds. Tune the open B string up or down until it matches the sound produced on the G string. Return to the fifth fret to tune the high E string. Once you have the B string in tune, fret it at the fifth fret and pluck to play a high E. Tune the open high E string up or down to match the sound coming from the B string. If the open high E string is higher in pitch than the high E played on the B string, tune it down and then bring it up to pitch slowly and gradually. The high E string has a lot of tension and will snap easily. Strum a few chords to test your tuning. If you're getting ready to play a particular song, you may want to check your tuning with chords from that song to make sure it will sound okay. Listen carefully and adjust up or down as needed. You can also use a tune-checking chord, made up of E's and B's, to tell if your guitar is in tune with itself. To play this chord, bar the fourth and fifth strings with your index finger at the second fret. Fret the third string at the fourth fret and the second string at the fifth fret. Play both the first and sixth strings open. If your guitar is in tune, you will only hear 2 notes. Touch the string lightly to play harmonics. Natural harmonics can be played at the twelfth, seventh, and fifth frets. Touch the string just above the fret, without applying any pressure. Strike the note with your picking hand, releasing the string at the fret at almost the same time you pluck it. If you've never experimented with harmonics before, it may take a little practice before you can play them consistently. When you hear a bell-like sound, you know you've done it right. Harmonics is a relatively quiet method of tuning. You may not be able to use it if you're in a place with a lot of background noise. Play the harmonics at the twelfth fret to check your guitar's intonation. If your guitar's intonation is off, the harmonics won't match the pitch of the same note when you actually fret the note and play it. Choose a string and play the harmonic at the twelfth fret, then fret the twelfth note to play the actual note. Compare the sounds. Repeat this with each string, since it's possible that intonation could be perfect on some strings but off on others. If your intonation is off, try changing your strings and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn't, you may want to take your guitar into a shop and have a tech look at it. Compare harmonics to tune the A string to the low E string. Play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the low E string, then play the harmonic on the seventh fret of the A string. Listen carefully. You may have to play them several times. Tune the A string up or down until the harmonic exactly matches the pitch of the harmonic played on the low E string. If you haven't tuned your low E string to a reference note, your guitar will be tuned to itself but not necessarily tuned to concert pitch or absolute pitch. Repeat the same process with the D and G strings. Once your A string is in tune, play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the A string and compare it to the harmonic on the seventh fret of the D string. Tune the D string up or down as necessary to match the pitch. To tune the G string, play the harmonic on the fifth fret of the D string and compare it to the harmonic on the seventh fret of the G string. Play the harmonic on the seventh fret of the low E string to tune the B string. The harmonic on the seventh fret of the low E string produces the same pitch as the open B string when you strum it. You don't need to play harmonics on the B string, just strum the open string. Tune the B string up or down until it matches the pitch perfectly. Tune the high E string using the harmonic on the seventh fret of the A string. The process for tuning the high E string is similar to the process you used for the B string. The open high E string should match the pitch produced when you play the harmonic on the seventh fret of the A string. When you've tuned your high E string, your guitar should be in tune. Play a few chords to make sure everything sounds right. Use a tuning fork or other reference to tune your D string. If you want to get your guitar closer to concert pitch but don't have a tuner, you can use a reference note to get one string in tune, then tune the other strings to that string. A piano or keyboard can also give you a reference note. If you find a reference note for the D string, you can tune both your low E and high E strings quickly using octaves. You can use other strings as a reference. However, if you use the D string your guitar will be more in tune across the whole range of the instrument. Fret the D string at the second fret and compare to the low E string. The note at the second fret of the D string is an E, but it is an octave higher than the pitch produced by the open low E string. Tune the open low E string up or down until they are playing the same pitch an octave apart. When the string is in tune, the sounds of the two strings will fit together, producing one rich sound. Even though the notes are an octave apart, you should still be able to hear when they are in tune. If you have a hard time hearing it, use another tuning method until your ear is more developed. Compare the same note to the high E string. The E on the second fret of the D string is one octave lower than the open high E string. Carefully tune the high E string up or down until the two strings are in tune, an octave apart. The strings will sound together as one, without any wobbling. If the high E string on your guitar is higher than it should be, tune it down first. Remember that you're tuning it one octave higher than your reference note – the E on the second fret of the D string. Be careful not to tune it too high, or it will snap. Match the same note to the fifth fret on the B string. The E at the fifth fret on the B string is the same note as the open high E. Play the E on the second fret of the D string. While fretting the B string at the fifth fret, tune the string up or down until it is playing the same note one octave higher. While you can also tune the B to the open high E string, your guitar will be better tuned if you tune as many strings as possible to one string. Tune the A and G strings using relative tuning. From this point, the easiest way to tune the A string is to fret the low E string at the fifth fret and match the pitch of the open A string to that note. Then use the note at the fifth fret of the D string to tune the G string. By following this method, you have tuned 5 of your 6 strings to the D string. Play a few chords to make sure your guitar sounds right, making adjustments where necessary. | Fret the low E string at the fifth fret. Match the open A string to the low E string at the fifth fret. Repeat the same process to tune the D and G strings. Fret the G string at the fourth fret to tune the B string. Return to the fifth fret to tune the high E string. Strum a few chords to test your tuning. Touch the string lightly to play harmonics. Play the harmonics at the twelfth fret to check your guitar's intonation. Compare harmonics to tune the A string to the low E string. Repeat the same process with the D and G strings. Play the harmonic on the seventh fret of the low E string to tune the B string. Tune the high E string using the harmonic on the seventh fret of the A string. Use a tuning fork or other reference to tune your D string. Fret the D string at the second fret and compare to the low E string. Compare the same note to the high E string. Match the same note to the fifth fret on the B string. Tune the A and G strings using relative tuning. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Good-Manners | How to Have Good Manners | To have good manners, address people politely with phrases such as “please,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me." Additionally, practice basic courtesy, like holding the door open for others, or giving up your seat on public transportation to someone who's elderly or struggling to stand up. When eating with others, make sure to chew with your mouth closed, and ask someone to pass you a dish or seasoning instead of reaching across the table. If you need to leave the table, say "Excuse me," or ask "May I be excused?" if you're a child or teenager. | Use “please” and “thank you” when you’re asking for something. Whenever you make a request or you need to ask for something, start by saying “please.” That way, it doesn't sound like you're demanding the other person to do things for you. Once someone completes the task that you asked them to do, respond by saying “thank you” so the other person knows you're grateful for what they just did. For example, you may say, “Can you please hand me that book?” Once they hand you the book, say, “Thank you.” Say “thank you” whenever someone helps you in a small way, such as a person ringing you up at a store or a person taking your order at a restaurant. If someone says “thank you” to you, respond with “you're welcome” to stay polite. Introduce yourself by name when you meet someone for the first time. If you're getting together with someone and you haven't met before, introduce yourself by name and ask them what their name is. When they say their name, repeat it so you have a better chance at remembering it later on. Offer your hand for a handshake and use a firm grip, but not so firm that you hurt the other person. For example, you can say, “Hi, my name is James. What's yours?” Different cultures and countries have different manners when it comes to introductions, so make sure you're familiar with the etiquette where you are. If you're with another person and you run into somebody you know, be sure to introduce them to one another if they haven't met before. For example, you may say, “Hi John, this is Melissa. Melissa, this is John.” Listen to other people without interrupting them. When another person starts talking, make eye contact with them and pay attention to what they're saying so you can carry on the conversation. Avoid trying to talk over them or cutting them off since you'll come across as rude. Once the person is done speaking, respond to what they just said so they know you were listening to what they were telling you. If you and another person start talking at the same time, stop and ask them to continue to show that you care about what they have to say. Avoid using bad language. Inappropriate language can come across as rude, especially when you use it in public conversation. Do your best to try and eliminate curse words from your vocabulary while you're talking with other people. Rather than saying the word, try to find a replacement or just pause during your conversation to recollect your thoughts and plan out what you're going to say. For example, you may use the words “dang” or “darn” in place of harsher curse words. You may also find more descriptive adjectives in place of bad words. For example, instead of saying something is “f***ing great,” you may say it was “amazing” instead. Offer to help other people to show that you’re respectful and courteous. If you see someone in need of help, ask if there's anything you can do for them. If the request is reasonable and you can do it easily, take the time to assist the other person. This could be as simple as holding a door open for someone or helping someone carry a heavy item. For example, you can approach the person and say, “Would you like any help carrying that?” Sometimes you may not need to ask to help someone. For example, you can hold a door open for someone who's coming in behind you or you may offer your seat on a bus to someone who needs to sit down. Respect other peoples’ personal space. People often don't like to be touched when they aren't expecting it and it can make them feel uncomfortable. Be aware of how close you're standing or sitting next to other people and watch their face and body language to determine how they feel about it. If they don't look like they're comfortable around you, then give them more space and apologize to them. If you accidentally bump into someone, say something like, “Excuse me, I'm sorry.” Congratulate people on their accomplishments to be a good sport. Being a good sport shows that you're respectful and know how to acknowledge someone's success. If one of your friends wins something or gets a promotion, say something like “Congratulations!” or “That's great!” to them so they know you care about them. Don't make someone else's success about you. For example, if someone won a game against you, don't say, “It's only because I made some bad plays.” Instead, say something like, “You did a great job. You had a really good strategy.” Write thank-you notes when someone gives you something. In addition to saying “thank you” in person, reach out within a few days with a thank-you note if they give you a gift or do something special for you. In your note, tell them how much you appreciate what they've done and let them know how it affects you. At the end of the note, use a closing such as “Warm regards” or “Best” before signing your name. For example, you may write, “Dear Jane, Thank you for the journal you got me for my birthday. I can't wait to write in it and keep it with me every day. I really appreciate it! Best, John.” Keep any devices off the table so you don’t get distracted. Avoid setting your phone or tablet on the table while you're eating with other people since it distracts you from the conversation. Set your phone to silent or vibrate, and keep it in a pocket or bag throughout your meal. Don't answer it unless there's an emergency. If you need to respond to a text or take a phone call, excuse yourself from the table first by saying something like, “Excuse me, I need to take this. I'll be right back.” Wait until everyone else has been served before you start eating. Don't start eating immediately as you sit down since it's rude to start if people don't have their food. Instead, patiently wait in your seat while everyone else serves themselves or gets served before you take your first bite. That way, you can all enjoy your food at the same time and experience your meal together. This goes for eating at home or at a restaurant. Hold your utensils properly. Hold your fork and knife like you're holding a pencil rather than holding them in your fist. When you need to cut something, hold the knife in your right hand and your fork in your left. Once you cut your food, you can either use your fork in your left hand or set your knife down so you can use your fork with your right hand. Be sure to use the proper silverware for your meal. If you have multiple knives and forks, use the outermost ones first before using the others for additional courses. Don’t chew with your mouth open. Chewing with your mouth open or talking while you're eating is usually considered rude since no one wants to see the food in your mouth. Take small bites of your food and chew them completely with your mouth closed before swallowing or speaking. If someone is talking to you while you're eating, wait until you've swallowed your food to respond to them. Cut your food into smaller pieces so your mouth isn't too full and so you can chew your food easier. Ask someone else at the table to pass things to you. Avoid reaching across the table since you can get in other people's way and it would be considered rude. Address the person closest to the thing you want on the table and ask them to pass it to you. Once you receive the item you want, be sure to thank them to show that you're polite. For example, you may say, “Julia, could you please pass me the butter?” If there's no room on the table in front of you to put the item down, ask the person if they could put it back for you. For example, you may say, “Can you please set the bowl back down for me? Thank you.” Avoid putting your elbows on the table while you’re eating. You may keep your elbows on the table before and after your meal as well as between courses while you're talking. Once you have your food, keep your hand in your lap when you aren't using it so you aren't resting your elbows or arms on the edge of the table. Cover your mouth if you need to get something out of your teeth. If you get something stuck in your teeth, cover your mouth with either your napkin or your hand so other people can't see. Try to be discrete while picking anything out of your teeth so you don't draw attention to yourself. Once you get the food out of your teeth, put it on the side of your plate or wrap it in your napkin. If you aren't able to get the food out of your teeth within a few seconds, excuse yourself from the table so you can go to the bathroom. Excuse yourself from the table if you need to get up. If at any point during the meal you need to go to the bathroom, check your phone, or leave, say “excuse me” before standing up so others know you need to go somewhere. You don't need to give the reason why you're leaving as long as you come back and sit down again. For example, you may say, “Excuse me, I'll be right back,” when you get up from the table. Don’t say negative or offensive things on social media. Before you post anything online, take a few minutes to consider if it's something you would say in person or to someone's face. If it's not something you would share, then avoid posting it on your profile since it could come across as negative or offensive to other people who see it. Try writing out angry or negative posts in a different document rather than on social media sites. That way, you can come back to them later and determine if it's something you really need to post. Talk directly to people rather than posting an angry or offensive status about them. That way, you can work through the problem privately so you don't post anything publicly. Avoid posting or tagging pictures of other people without their permission. It may seem funny to post an unflattering picture of a friend and tagging them in it, but it could hurt their feelings if it appears on their profile. Talk to the person directly before posting anything to make sure it's okay with them. Send them the picture you want to post so they know what to expect. If they ask you not to post it, respect their decision and don't share it. Tagged photos usually show up prominently on someone's social media account, so other people could see the photo and judge the person you tagged for it. Think about if you would want your friend to post a picture of you in a similar situation. If you wouldn't want the picture of you posted online, then chances are your friend wouldn't want the photo posted either. Don’t overshare personal information on your social media accounts. Oversharing can be writing posts with private information or just posting too many things throughout the day. Think about if you want the information you're sharing online to be publicly available before you post it. Social media sites like Twitter are more acceptable for posting multiple times throughout the day as opposed to sites like Facebook or Linkedin. Never post personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or passwords online since you could get hacked or scammed. Write your posts in regular sentence case rather than in capital letters. Using capital letters online usually comes across like you're yelling at the people reading your posts. When you write your posts, only use capital letters when you're starting a sentence, including a proper name, or abbreviating a phrase. That way, people will read your posts in a regular tone of voice. For example, “PLEASE READ MY NEW POST!” reads much more aggressive than, “Please read my new post!” Don’t send unsolicited messages or pictures to someone. It may be tempting to send messages or pictures to people you don't know, but it can make them feel uncomfortable if they don't want them. Use the same conversational manners as you would if you were speaking in real life so you don't come across as rude. If you don't know the person, introduce yourself and wait for a response. If they don't respond, don't spam them with more messages since they may just not want to talk. Check your social media settings so you can limit who sends you things if you're worried about receiving unsolicited messages. | Use “please” and “thank you” when you’re asking for something. Introduce yourself by name when you meet someone for the first time. Listen to other people without interrupting them. Avoid using bad language. Offer to help other people to show that you’re respectful and courteous. Respect other peoples’ personal space. Congratulate people on their accomplishments to be a good sport. Write thank-you notes when someone gives you something. Keep any devices off the table so you don’t get distracted. Wait until everyone else has been served before you start eating. Hold your utensils properly. Don’t chew with your mouth open. Ask someone else at the table to pass things to you. Avoid putting your elbows on the table while you’re eating. Cover your mouth if you need to get something out of your teeth. Excuse yourself from the table if you need to get up. Don’t say negative or offensive things on social media. Avoid posting or tagging pictures of other people without their permission. Don’t overshare personal information on your social media accounts. Write your posts in regular sentence case rather than in capital letters. Don’t send unsolicited messages or pictures to someone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Baby-Bunnies | How to Prepare for Baby Bunnies | To prepare for baby bunnies, provide your pregnant rabbit with a nest box lined with 1 to 2 inches of cedar or pine shavings for padding. Additionally, fill in the rest of the nest box with straw to keep the bunnies warm when they're born. You should also create a small burrow in the straw at the top of the box to show your rabbit that the box is for nesting in. Then, place the box into the rabbit's cage, and check daily to see if it has given birth. | Get a nest box for your pregnant doe. Your doe will need a nest box 28 days after mating to begin nesting in preparation for the baby bunnies. You can use a variety of materials, including a shoebox for the doe to use for the nest. Buy a commercial nest box if you’re using a wire cage. You can get a metal, wood, or wire box to provide your doe with her nest box. Wood or wire may be better in colder climates, whereas metal may be a good option in warmer climates. Your nest box should be relatively close the the following dimensions: 18 inches (45.7 cm) long X 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide X 6–10 inches (15.2–25.4 cm) tall. Clean your nest box thoroughly after purchasing. Try a 1:10 bleach to water ratio for an easy cleaner. If you do use bleach, but make sure all germs and cleaner have been removed before giving it to your pregnant doe. Provide 1-2 inches of pine or cedar shavings for the bottom of the nest box. Your pregnant doe will need some cushioning whether you buy or make their nest box. Less shavings are better in the summer, whereas more should be used in the winter. Make sure to measure your shavings quantity with either a tape measure or using your finger up to the second knuckle. If you use cedar shavings, they should be kiln-dried, which makes sure that the resins in cedar have been neutralized and will not be harmful to your doe or baby bunnies. Use straw to fill in the rest of the nest box. This will help keep the baby bunnies warm once they are born. Additionally, the doe will likely chew or eat some of it as well. When you are filling the nest box with straw, pack it loosely so there will be space for the doe to burrow space for her babies. At the top of the nest box, try some field hay or timothy hay. This hay is more delicate and can help your doe's digestion. Create a small burrow at the top of the nest box. This burrow will tip your pregnant doe off that this is a nesting box. Additionally, it may make it easier for them to burrow a place for their baby bunnies. The burrow can be made with your fist and needs only to be about the size of your hand. It gives the doe the starting point for creating their own larger burrow. Put the nest box in the doe’s cage. You'll need to check on the baby bunnies regularly, so make sure the nest box is easy for you to get to. Give the doe time to get used to the nest box, since they may not know what to make of it at first. Eventually, the doe will make its way to the nest box. Watch your pregnant doe during her pregnancy. They are usually pregnant between 28-31 days. If the pregnancy last longer than 33 days, take her to a vet, since there may be a problem with her pregnancy or the baby bunnies. Look for the signs of birth. Your doe will have mixed her own fur in with the material in the nest box. If you see some movement under the fur, your doe has likely given birth. Remove any stillborn baby bunnies. They may begin rotting after a few days, so it's important to get them out quickly. Additionally, your doe may cannibalize the stillborn babies if you do not remove them. Leave any placentas in the nest box alone. Your doe will eat the placentas, since they supply your doe with hormones necessary to feed her babies. If placentas are left alone by your doe, then remove them. This means she will not eat them, especially if she has already started nursing. Count the number of baby bunnies. Rabbits can have anywhere from 1-15 babies. Not all of them will survive, especially some that have a harder time feeding. If some of them do, you can take them out of the cage and attempt to supplement their diet yourself. Only touch any baby bunnies that you think are in danger of not getting enough to eat. Does may eat their young if they think baby bunnies are in danger from predators, including you. Let the doe feed her baby bunnies. Does will nurse their baby bunnies about one or twice a day. Unless there is a problem, this should provide the baby bunnies with enough food. Look at the health of the baby bunnies. Baby bunnies that are getting fed have warm, plump bellies that are slightly distended. If your baby bunny looks malnourished, you may have to feed them yourself or bring them to the vet. Malnourished baby bunnies have sunken stomachs, are wrinkled from dehydration, and are generally weak. Baby bunnies need to be warm to process their food. Make sure they are protected in the nesting box and are warm enough. Examine the doe for signs of lactation. If many of the baby bunnies are malnourished, there may be a problem with the doe's lactation. You can look at her nipples, which should be slightly swollen. Additionally, most of the fur will be removed near the teats to provide space for the babies to nurse. A small amount of pressure near the teats should produce milk from the doe. Bring the the doe to the vet immediately if there are problems with lactation. Your vet can give the doe oxytocin to help stimulate milk production. However, after 48 hours, the oxytocin will no longer be effective. Does will occasionally not feed their babies until late on the first day. If the problem extends into the second day, it may be time to bring them into the vet. Feed malnourished baby bunnies. You can give them Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat milk. Rabbit milk is very high in calories, so it's important to get a good replacement. Add in one tablespoon of 100% heavy whipping cream without sugar to increase the fat content of the milk. Increase their formula amount a little per week. Baby bunnies should be fed twice per day.They should be weaned at 6-8 weeks, but will need to be fed exponentially more each week. The following amounts should be a good guideline: Newborn to 1 week: 4-5 cc formula 1-2 weeks: 10-15 cc formula 2-3 weeks: 15-30 cc formula 3-6 weeks: 30 cc formula Use a syringe to feed your baby bunny. You can use the syringe to measure the formula quantity and for the baby bunny to suckle carefully on when feeding. Baby bunnies feed on their backs and should suckle milk from the syringe. Don't squeeze the syringe, since this can cause the baby bunny to suffocate. Make the baby bunny uses the bathroom before feeding. This will make sure the intestinal tract and urinary system are running smoothly. Use a warm cloth or cotton ball to stimulate your bunny's genitals until they begin using the bathroom. The stool should be soft, green, and yellow. If the urine is brown and gritty, rather than yellow, bring the baby to a vet immediately, since they may be severely dehydrated. Wean babies at 6-8 weeks depending on strength and weight. You can bring them hay and pellets, but not yet fruits or vegetables. Put them out for your baby bunny to reach if they are curious and ready. Remove the father of the baby bunnies from the cage as soon as possible. While the father will not harm the babies, he may try to impregnate the doe again shortly after birth. Additionally, he will try to impregnate female baby bunnies as soon as they reach maturity. Keep your doe’s nails clipped. If your doe has long nails, she may accidentally injure the baby bunnies. Make sure you clip her nails thoroughly before she gives birth. Observe the nerves of the mother. Some very young does may be especially nervous and not understand what has happened. This may lead some of them to abandon their young and not feed them. If this happens, bring the mother and her babies to the vet immediately. Know that the mother rabbit may “ignore” her babies when not feeding. This does not mean she has abandoned them, but instead is staying away from the nest to not attract predators. This is a normal thing for new mothers to do. Stay away from the babies initially. While it's not common, it's possible that does will eat their young if they feel they are in danger. Most domesticated rabbits will not do this, since they are used to humans. For the first 24 hours, it's probably best to avoid handling the babies as long as they are living and look healthy. Have the mother and babies checked by veterinarian. Once the baby bunnies have been weaned, it's best to bring them in for a check-up. If possible, bring them along with the father of the bunnies, since it will help the mother and father bond. | Get a nest box for your pregnant doe. Buy a commercial nest box if you’re using a wire cage. Provide 1-2 inches of pine or cedar shavings for the bottom of the nest box. Use straw to fill in the rest of the nest box. Create a small burrow at the top of the nest box. Put the nest box in the doe’s cage. Watch your pregnant doe during her pregnancy. Look for the signs of birth. Remove any stillborn baby bunnies. Leave any placentas in the nest box alone. Count the number of baby bunnies. Let the doe feed her baby bunnies. Look at the health of the baby bunnies. Examine the doe for signs of lactation. Bring the the doe to the vet immediately if there are problems with lactation. Feed malnourished baby bunnies. Increase their formula amount a little per week. Use a syringe to feed your baby bunny. Make the baby bunny uses the bathroom before feeding. Wean babies at 6-8 weeks depending on strength and weight. Remove the father of the baby bunnies from the cage as soon as possible. Keep your doe’s nails clipped. Observe the nerves of the mother. Know that the mother rabbit may “ignore” her babies when not feeding. Stay away from the babies initially. Have the mother and babies checked by veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Marinate-a-Steak | How to Marinate a Steak | If you want to marinate a steak before you cook it, cut nicks into the steak about halfway through the meat so the marinade can permeate it more quickly. Place the meat into a container and add your favorite marinade, making sure it covers the steak completely, and refrigerate for 2-24 hours, depending on the strength of the marinade. When you're ready to cook, shake off any excess marinade and let the steak come to room temperature, then prepare the steak however you like it! | Select a cut of meat. Tougher and/or low-fat cuts like flank steak, sirloin, skirt, flat iron, round, and hanger steaks are best for marinating. The marinade soaks into the meat, adding flavor and helping to tenderize the meat. Don't ruin expensive steaks by marinating them; quality cuts like rib-eye, porterhouse, T-bone, filet mignon, and NY strip are great as they are don't need to be marinated. For more info, see How to Understand Cuts of Beef. Cut nicks into the steak that penetrate about halfway through the thickness of the meat so the marinade can permeate more quickly. Marinade works because acids break down muscle and connective tissue, which is a slow process; if the meat is thick, the outside can get sour by the time the marinade actually penetrates the core. In general, the more surface area that's exposed to the marinade, the better the marinade will do its job. Mix your marinade. A basic marinade consists of an acidic liquid (which will break down muscle fibers), oil, and other flavorings, such as sweeteners, herbs, and/or spices. Marinades can be sweet and salty, Italian flavor, barbecue flavor - if you have a taste for it, chances are you can make it into a marinade. Choose a bottled marinade or mix your own using one of the ingredient lists in this article. Most marinades use one of the following acidic liquids as a tenderizer: wine , vinegar, or lemon juice. However, don't go overboard: while acidic marinades work by breaking down (denaturing) protein bonds, putting a steak in a highly acidic marinade (pH around 5 or lower) for more than two hours has the opposite effect, tightening the protein bonds, drawing out moisture, and making the meat tougher. There are also tenderizing enzymes in ginger , kiwi, papaya, and pineapple. It's possible to go overboard with these, too, turning the steak into mush. Dairy products like Greek yogurt and buttermilk can also have a tenderizing effect, although the way this works is not fully understood. Most likely, it's due to the lactic acid content. Place the meat into a container and add a marinade. You can use any type of plastic, glass or ceramic food storage container. Pour enough marinade over the meat to cover it entirely. Don't worry about adding too much. Marinating a flat cut of meat in a large ziploc bag can be very useful since you will need less marinade to completely cover it here than you would inside a bowl. If you're running low on time, you can work in the marinade by massaging the meat. Otherwise, time will do the work. Refrigerate the meat and marinade. Put the sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 24 hours, depending on the strength of the marinade. Cook the meat. Shake off excess marinade, let the meat come to room temperature, and grill, bake, fry, or otherwise cook the meat according to your recipe. Make a balsamic marinade. This is a classic steak marinade that brings out the best flavors in the meat. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will make your mouth water. Mix together the following ingredients to make your marinade: 2 medium shallots, minced 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves 3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup vegetable oil Try a salt and pepper marinade. Marinating the steak in salt and pepper overnight causes the flavors to seep into the cut of meat, so you'll taste savory heat all the way to the center of the meat when you cook it. Here's what you'll need for this marinade: 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil 2 tablespoons of white vinegar Make honey Italian marinade. This marinade is perfect for steak, but you can also use it for chicken or pork. It's easy to throw together. Mix the following ingredients well, then pour the marinade over raw steak: 1 1/2 cups steak sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/3 cup Italian-style salad dressing 1/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder | Select a cut of meat. Cut nicks into the steak that penetrate about halfway through the thickness of the meat so the marinade can permeate more quickly. Mix your marinade. Place the meat into a container and add a marinade. Refrigerate the meat and marinade. Cook the meat. Make a balsamic marinade. Try a salt and pepper marinade. Make honey Italian marinade. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Smoothly-with-a-Manual-Transmission | How to Drive Smoothly with a Manual Transmission | To drive smoothly with a manual transmission, start by moving the gearstick in between third and fourth gear to put the car into neutral. Next, push your foot all the way down on the clutch, start the car, and push the gearstick into first gear. Then, gradually release your foot off the clutch as you slowly push down on the accelerator at the same time. Continue this process until the clutch pedal is fully raised, then accelerate as normal. | Keep your left foot resting on the clutch at all times. The clutch is the pedal all the way on the left and is what allows you to transition between gears. Knowing how to use the clutch when you change gears is key to driving smoothly when you're operating a manual transmission. To make sure you can engage the clutch whenever you need to, keep your left foot on it without applying any pressure. The pedal on the left is the clutch, the pedal in the center is the brake, and the pedal on the right is the accelerator or gas pedal. Press the clutch to the floor to put the engine in neutral. The neutral gear refers to the stage where no gear is engaged. The vehicle's engine must be in neutral in order for you to transition between the gears. Push the clutch pedal to the floor in a smooth and controlled fashion to put the engine in the neutral gear. Don't stomp or slam on the clutch or you could damage the pedal. Be careful not to press the clutch to the floor after you try to move the gear shift or you could stall the engine and cause the vehicle to jolt and shake. Release the clutch slowly when you use the gear shift to transition smoothly. The gear shift is the stick in the center console of the vehicle that allows you to choose the gear you want to transition to. When it comes time for you to change gears, press the clutch to the floor to put the engine in the neutral gear, and slowly release the clutch as you switch the gear shift into another gear. Practice shifting gears in an empty parking lot or a quiet road so you can get used to releasing the clutch and transitioning smoothly. Let the clutch all the way up once the gear is engaged. After you've moved the gear shift to the gear you wanted to transition to, fully disengage the clutch by releasing your left foot. Keep your left foot gently pressed against the clutch so you can engage it when you need to change gears again. Don't rest the full weight of your foot on the clutch or you could accidentally engage it if you suddenly stop and the engine will be put in the neutral gear. Press the clutch to the floor when you’re ready to change gears. When it comes time to shift gears, use your left foot to engage the clutch by pushing the pedal to the floor. Push the pedal down smoothly rather than stomping it. This will put the engine in neutral so you can transition between gears. Do not engage the clutch until you're ready to change gears or you could cause the car to lurch and make for an uncomfortable ride. Move the gear shift into the neutral position. The gear shift in the middle console has a center position that allows you to put the engine in the neutral gear. You'll know you're in the neutral position when you can wiggle the stick freely from side to side. The clutch must be engaged in order for you to move the gear shift into neutral. Shift into the next gear when the RPM reaches 2500. RPM refers to revolutions per minute and it's a measurement of how fast your engine is operating. On your dash is a gauge that shows the RPMs. When you're driving and the RPMs reach the 2500 range, it's time for you to shift into the next higher gear. Shifting when it's the right time will make the vehicle drive smoother. Release the clutch slowly and gently press on the accelerator. After you've moved the gear shift into the gear that you want, slowly release your left foot from the clutch as you gently apply pressure to the accelerator pedal. With practice, you will feel the engine change gears smoothly. Every engine is a little bit different. Practice changing gears to make the transition smoother. Remove any pressure from the clutch once the gear is engaged. Once the engine has transitioned to another gear and the accelerator is pressed, you can let up on the clutch. This will fully engage the engine in the gear you've shifted to. Keep your foot near the clutch in case you need to change gears again. Avoid removing your foot from the accelerator suddenly, if possible. The accelerator is what controls the engine's RPMs and the speed of the vehicle. If you suddenly release all of the pressure from the pedal, the car will jolt forward and could cause the passengers to lurch forward in their seats. Press on the accelerator gently to smoothly increase the vehicle’s speed. When the engine is in gear, to increase your speed smoothly, continue to apply pressure with your right foot to the accelerator pedal. Continue to press until the RPMs get to the 2500 range on your dashboard display. Don't slam on the accelerator or the vehicle will launch forward and feel uncomfortable to anyone inside of it. Release the accelerator gently when you want to change gears. Once the RPMs have reached the 2500 range, it's time to change gears. Slowly pull your right foot off of the accelerator so the engine doesn't continue to ramp up RPMs as you place it in neutral gear to transition. If the RPMs are too high when you change gears, the engine will make a rattling sound and the vehicle will shake. Avoid releasing all of the pressure from the accelerator at once or the car will jolt forward and will feel unpleasant to the passengers. Apply a small amount of pressure to the accelerator as you release the clutch. After you shift the gear stick into a different gear, gently apply pressure with your right foot while you release pressure with your left foot on the clutch. Finding the balance as the gear takes hold is important to make the vehicle drive smoothly. Slow down ahead of speed bumps and turns. To keep your vehicle moving smoothly, be sure to slow down well ahead of any speed bumps, turns, or stoplights that you approach. Engage the clutch to put the gear shift into the neutral position if you need to slow down to the point where you need to put the engine in a lower gear. Pay attention to road signs that will tell you when a speed bump or turn is coming up. Keep the vehicle in 1st gear in slow-moving traffic. If you're in traffic that's traveling at speeds up to about 10 miles (16 km) per hour, keep the engine in first gear so you can move forward steadily. The vehicle won't move forward if it's in the neutral gear. Shift the vehicle into second gear when the traffic gets up to about 15 miles (24 km) per hour. Be sure to keep at least 1 car length in front of you in case you need to stop suddenly. Put the gear shift in the neutral position when traffic stops or slows to a crawl. If you're moving too slow in 1st gear, the engine could stall. Engage the clutch, shift the gear shift into neutral, and release the clutch to keep the engine in neutral. Let the vehicle roll and use your breaks to slow it down or stop if you need to. Downshift while using the breaks to slow down from a higher gear. Don't put the engine into the neutral gear then coast while using your breaks to slow down or you could cause the vehicle to jerk or the gears to grind. Instead, shift back down through the successive gears until you're in the gear that's best suited to maintain the speed that traffic is moving in. Don't skip gears. For instance, don't shift from 4th gear straight to 2nd or it can cause the gears to grind and the vehicle to shake uncomfortably. | Keep your left foot resting on the clutch at all times. Press the clutch to the floor to put the engine in neutral. Release the clutch slowly when you use the gear shift to transition smoothly. Let the clutch all the way up once the gear is engaged. Press the clutch to the floor when you’re ready to change gears. Move the gear shift into the neutral position. Shift into the next gear when the RPM reaches 2500. Release the clutch slowly and gently press on the accelerator. Remove any pressure from the clutch once the gear is engaged. Avoid removing your foot from the accelerator suddenly, if possible. Press on the accelerator gently to smoothly increase the vehicle’s speed. Release the accelerator gently when you want to change gears. Apply a small amount of pressure to the accelerator as you release the clutch. Slow down ahead of speed bumps and turns. Keep the vehicle in 1st gear in slow-moving traffic. Put the gear shift in the neutral position when traffic stops or slows to a crawl. Downshift while using the breaks to slow down from a higher gear. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Female-Dog-Is-Ready-to-Breed | How to Know if Your Female Dog Is Ready to Breed | To know if your female dog is ready to breed, start by tracking her heat cycles to determine when she's fertile, and make sure she has experienced at least 1-2 cycles before breeding her. To figure out if she's in heat, check for a swollen vulva and watch out for blood or sharp-smelling discharge left behind on furniture, carpets, and bedding. She may also urinate more frequently when she's in heat. | Examine your dog’s genital area. When your female dog is going into heat, her vulva will begin to swell. You should notice that her genital area will appear enlarged and protruding outward. The tip of her vulva should move upwards to make it easier for a male dog to penetrate her. These are all signs that she is in heat. You can turn your dog over on her stomach to examine her genital area or observe her genital area from behind. You should be able to see her swollen vulva from behind. Check for blood or discharge. You should also notice your female dog is spotting around your home, such as on furniture, on her bed, or on any carpeting. The spotting or discharge may appear deep red, milky pink, or white. Your dog will be fertile around 12 days after she starts bleeding, as it gets thinner and lighter. You may also notice the blood or discharge has a distinct smell. The strong smell is meant to attract the attention of a male dog. Some female dogs will bleed very heavily when they are in heat while other dogs will only have minimal bleeding or discharge. Notice if your dog is urinating more often. You should also observe your dog's behavior and pay attention to how often she urinates. If she is urinating in small quantities more frequently, she is likely in heat. Her urine contains pheromones and hormones, which will help let males know she is interested in mating. You may notice that your female dog wants to be let outside more often to urinate than she usually does. This could be a sign she is experiencing the period in her heat cycle when she is most fertile. Make sure your dog is the correct breeding age. You should also confirm your dog is old enough to mate. Most female dogs should not breed with a male dog until they have had two to three heat cycles. They should be at least one to two years of age. Certain dogs that are prone to hip dysplasia should be x-rayed before mating. The x-rays should be sent to the OFA for interpretation. Your dog must be age 2 or older or the OFA will not accept the x-ray. If you are not sure your dog is mature enough to breed, ask your vet. Your vet should be able to tell you if your female dog is ready for breeding. Track your dog’s heat cycle. Dogs go into heat about twice a year, so track your dog's cycle to determine when she is ovulating (which means she is fertile). Female dogs have four different stages in their cycle: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and anestrus. You may need to track several of your dog's heat cycles to confirm each stage. The proestrus stage starts when the female dog's vulva begins to swell and starts to spot. It is usually nine days, but can last from four to 20 days. During this stage, your dog may attract males but not accept them for mating. The estrus stage begins next, and this is the period where the female dog can breed. This period usually lasts nine days, and she is most fertile for the first five days of it. She will become more social with males and allow them to mate with her. You'll know the fertile stage is complete when her vagina returns to its normal appearance and she no longer flirts with or accepts mates. The metestrus stage is usually 50 days, but can last from 80 to 90 days, and the final stage called the anestrus stage can last for two to three months. During the metestrus and anestrus periods, the female dog is at the end of her cycle and will not allow breeding. Get a vaginal smear done by your vet. You can confirm your dog is in heat by having your vet perform a vaginal smear on your female dog. A vaginal smear is done by examining vaginal cells from your dog under a microscope. It is a non-invasive procedure and does not harm your dog. Your vet will require a sample from your dog and may perform a test on several samples to confirm your dog is in heat. As part of the testing, your vet will look for changes in cells that show your dog is ovulating. The vaginal smear can also determine your dog's optimal breeding time. Have a serum progesterone test done on your dog. You can also determine your dog's ovulation by having your vet do a blood test to measure the progesterone level in your dog's blood. This test requires your dog to provide a blood sample. Your vet may need several samples to accurately predict your dog's ovulation period. This test is considered very accurate for determining the optimal mating time for a female dog. It is an ideal option if your female dog has a history of unsuccessful mating or if you want to be sure the female dog is ready before bringing her to a male dog for mating. Locate a suitable male dog for breeding. To breed your female dog with a male dog, you will need to find her a suitable mate. Look for a male dog of the same breed who is healthy and has no genetic faults or issues. You should meet with the male dog's owner beforehand or with the breeder and discuss the dog's health and medical history. You should also confirm the male dog's age. Most breeds should mate when they are between one year to seven years old. Make sure you talk with your vet before you mate your female dog with a male dog. Your vet should clear your dog of any health issues or problems before you start the breeding process. Bring the female dog to the male dog at the right time. Often, male dogs do better when they mate with a female dog on their territory or home area. You may discuss bringing your female dog to the male dog at the ideal breeding time with the male dog's owner. Set a mating date based on your female dog's heat cycle so the mating occurs when she is most fertile. Do not mate your dog on her first heat cycle. Wait until she has had one to two heat cycles to mate her. This will ensure she is healthy enough for mating. You may also arrange for two matings between the dogs, twenty-four or forty-eight hours apart. This can help to increase the likelihood of your dog getting pregnant. Create a stress-free environment for the breeding. Once the breeding date is set, you should bring the female dog to the male dog in a stress-free environment. The male dog's owner should set up a space that is clean and open for the breeding. If the female dog is in the right stage of her heat cycle, she should warm up to the male dog pretty quickly. She will show signs of attraction, and if the male dog follows suit, the breeding should occur rather naturally. If the mating is not successful, you may ask the male dog's owner about next steps. Professional breeders may offer a free service or mating session next time to make up for the failed breeding. | Examine your dog’s genital area. Check for blood or discharge. Notice if your dog is urinating more often. Make sure your dog is the correct breeding age. Track your dog’s heat cycle. Get a vaginal smear done by your vet. Have a serum progesterone test done on your dog. Locate a suitable male dog for breeding. Bring the female dog to the male dog at the right time. Create a stress-free environment for the breeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Trap-a-Backyard-Bird | How to Trap a Backyard Bird | To trap a backyard bird, you'll need to make a trap using a spring-loaded mouse trap and a box that's about twice the size of the bird you want to catch. Then, set up your trap by cutting a small hole in the box and using a piece of thread to attach the box to the spring. Next, balance the box on one edge by slipping it slightly under the mousetrap and bait the trap with some bread or birdseed. Finally, leave it alone for up to 12 hours, or until you see that the box has fallen. | Use two sticks, a cord, a rock, and your pocketknife to build to an Ojibwa Bird Pole. This trap has been used in Canada since prehistoric times. It looks a bit like an upside-down "L." Birds will perch on the smaller stick, which is rigged to a simple noose that tightens when a bird lands on the perch. While it requires some knowledge of knots, the Ojibwa Bird Pole is the simplest, easiest trap you can make in the wilderness. You'll need: A large branch, roughly the width of a few fingers and 5-6 feet long. A pencil-thin stick, roughly six inches long. A rock, roughly the size of your fist. A 3-4 foot cord or rope. This can be a shoestring, a sleeping bag cord, a sturdy vine, or twine. A sharp pocket knife. Sharpen both ends of the longer pole. The bottom end will be driven into the ground, and the top needs to be sharp so that birds perch on your trap, not the pole. Drill a hole through the pole near one of the ends. It doesn't need to be wide, just wide enough to push your thin stick through. Tie one end of the rope firmly around your rock. The rock acts as your counter-weight, holding the trap in place until a bird springs it. Any knot will do. Wedge the thin stick into the hole you drilled. It should be right next to the string, but the string should still move freely. You don't want to put the stick all the way in, just enough to keep it in place. This "perch" needs to fall under the weight of the bird in order to snare it. Thread the string through the hole and tie a small knot in it. The weight of the rock will try and pull the string back through your hole. You want to make it so that, combined, the knot and the stick hold the rope in place, with the rock hanging freely about halfway up the pole. This may take some trial and error since your hole and stick size will be different depending on your materials. The knot should be able to move freely through the hole in the pole when the stick isn't jammed in. Some trappers tie the small knot first, then put the stick in. Experiment with what works for you. You should have two feet of string or more on the other side of your knot. Tie a slip noose knot in the end of the string. Take the end of the string and make a noose big enough to fit your fist through. To make a slip noose: Double the string back on itself to make a U-shaped loop. Run the end of the string back towards the top of the loop. It will look a bit like a flattened "S." Wrap the end of the rope around the doubled line 2-3 times. Pull the rope tight, cinching the wrap around the doubled string. Run the end of the rope through the noose knot, back towards the pole. You'll be left with a circle of rope draped over your perch. The end of the noose will be at the end of the perch, and the noose knot itself will be close to the pole. You should have two semi-circles of rope draped off of the stick. Tie a simple overhand knot right where the two sticks meet. An overhand knot is simply when you create a loop and pull the string through. All you have to do is wrap the end around the rope near your hole, creating a circle, then run the end through that circle. This should be right at the point where your two sticks meet. Test the trap by gently pushing the perch down. As you do, the weight of the rock should pull the rope through the hole, which will quickly tighten the noose and grab your finger. Note, however, that these traps are very variable. Play with the size of the noose and the perch -- the closer they are to the same size, the more effective your trap will be. Also, try and tie the smallest knot possible in the beginning so that the rope can move freely through the hole -- you want it to snap shut quickly once the stick is removed. Place your trap in an open area, where it is the best option for a bird to sit. If you place this trap in the woods, you significantly decrease the chances a bird will land there -- there are plenty of good trees around. Place it in an open area where it is the only place for them to land for the best results. Note that this trap is a supplement for a survival diet, not a main source of food. Small birds, in general, only provide about 100 calories apiece. Unless you have 4-5 successful traps, there are much better returns on your investment when looking for food, including insects and game traps for rabbits and squirrels. Still, especially in the winter, these traps can be a viable source of nutrition when paired with other methods. Build a backyard trap using a mousetrap, a cardboard box, and some string. This simple trap will drop a box on the bird, containing it until you get to it later. It can also be used to catch small game, like rabbits and squirrels. Purchase a live rat or mouse trap. You want the "classic" kind -- a simple wooden board with a spring-loaded trap wire. You can find these traps at almost any hardware store. Cut a small hole in the middle of a cardboard box. The box should be about twice as big as the bird you want to catch. Nail the mouse trap into the ground. Place a nail in the center of the trap and hammer it into the ground. You should use a fairly long nail. It will secure the trap into the dirt so that it doesn't move when the bird lands. Balance the box on one edge by slipping it slightly under the mouse trap. Tie a loop in one end of the thread. Temporarily loop it around part of the mouse trap. Thread the other end through the hole in the top of the box. Later on, you'll attach this loop to the spring. But, for now, you just need it looped somewhere on the trap to create tension in the line. Tie a loop in the end of the thread opposite the mousetrap. Nail that end into the ground, pulling the nail out enough to tighten the line so that the box balances on one edge. The inside of the box should be facing the ground, with one side raised to allow birds to enter. Adjust the thread so that the highest edge of the box is only a foot or so in the air. The box needs to be high enough the a bird flies into it, but low enough that it can shut quickly. Tie the mouse-trap end of the string around the spring. Load the spring but not the arm. You want the string to be on the mechanism that spring when a mouse (or, in this case, bird) steps on it. When the bird releases the spring, the box will fall around the bird, trapping it. The tension of the string is holding the box in place. Make sure you tie the string so that it sits correctly. Place some bread or birdseed on the mousetrap as bait. Remember, you want the bird to land on the trap, springing it and releasing the string. It will cause the box to fall and allow you to trap the bird. Leave the trap alone for 6-12 hours. Constant human activity near the trap will scare birds away. If you see that the box has fallen, go check it to see if you caught anything. Always wear long sleeves and gloves when grabbing a live bird. To get the bird out of your trap, lift the box slightly, reach in, and grab the bird firmly around the body. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent any pecking or scratching wounds. There is always the chance that you'll catch a rabbit or squirrel as well with your trap since it is on the ground. Be ready for anything. Make sure the bird needs help. Sometimes adult birds simply need a moment to recover after running into something. Let the bird try to recover before you attempt to catch it. You may only injure it further as it tries to get away. Similarly, baby birds that have their feathers are often learning to fly, which is why they are out of the nest. Their parents are likely nearby, keeping an eye out, and they should be left alone unless they are injured. If you think a baby bird has been abandoned, call a wildlife rehabilitator. You can find one through your local veterinarian or wildlife agency. Humane societies can also help you find one. Once you call, the rehabilitator should be able to tell you what to do with the bird, such as leave it alone or bring it in. Put on gloves. Birds carry diseases, mites, and bacteria. They can also injure you as you try to catch one. Putting on a sturdy pair of gardening gloves is a safe bet to help protect your hands. If you are helping a bird of prey, upgrade to sturdy leather gloves. Come up behind the bird. If possible, come up out of sight of the bird. Birds can fly away even with injuries, so you can startle it into flight by coming from the front. Another method is to use a piece of cloth, such as a pillowcase. Come up behind the bird and drape the cloth over it. When you do pick up the bird, pick it up with the cloth around it. Have a box ready to safely store the bird. Use a small cardboard box. A shoebox works fine for this purpose. Poke holes in the top, and place something soft inside, such as a washcloth. Know how to hold the bird. Hold small birds in one hand and big birds in two. With one hand, the bird's head should come between the first and middle finger. Wrap the rest of your hand around the bird's body. Rest one hand on either side of the body. Hold the bird firmly, but don't squeeze too tightly. Transfer the bird to the box. Set the bird gently in the box and quickly put the lid in. Put the box in a quiet, dark area until you can call a wildlife rehabilitator. Call your vet or your local wildlife authorities. They will have information about finding a local rehabilitator. Rehabilitators are trained to care for injured birds, so once you call one in your area, she can share information on what to do next. | Use two sticks, a cord, a rock, and your pocketknife to build to an Ojibwa Bird Pole. Sharpen both ends of the longer pole. Drill a hole through the pole near one of the ends. Tie one end of the rope firmly around your rock. Wedge the thin stick into the hole you drilled. Thread the string through the hole and tie a small knot in it. Tie a slip noose knot in the end of the string. Run the end of the rope through the noose knot, back towards the pole. Tie a simple overhand knot right where the two sticks meet. Test the trap by gently pushing the perch down. Place your trap in an open area, where it is the best option for a bird to sit. Note that this trap is a supplement for a survival diet, not a main source of food. Build a backyard trap using a mousetrap, a cardboard box, and some string. Purchase a live rat or mouse trap. Cut a small hole in the middle of a cardboard box. Nail the mouse trap into the ground. Tie a loop in one end of the thread. Tie a loop in the end of the thread opposite the mousetrap. Tie the mouse-trap end of the string around the spring. Place some bread or birdseed on the mousetrap as bait. Leave the trap alone for 6-12 hours. Always wear long sleeves and gloves when grabbing a live bird. Make sure the bird needs help. Put on gloves. Come up behind the bird. Have a box ready to safely store the bird. Know how to hold the bird. Transfer the bird to the box. Call your vet or your local wildlife authorities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Level-the-Ground-for-a-Shed | How to Level the Ground for a Shed | It's important that the ground you're putting a shed on is level, or you could run into problems down the road. Fortunately, you can level an area within a few hours using the right tools. You'll need 4 by 4-inch posts, pea gravel, mason blocks, and topsoil. Once you have all your materials, you'll need to dig a hole the size of your shed, level it with a plank and spirit level, and fill it in with the topsoil and pea gravel. After that, just build a foundation on the level surface using the mason blocks and the 4 by 4-inch posts. The floor of your shed can go right on top of that foundation. | Gather the basic materials. To level the ground for a shed, you'll need plenty of different materials, all of which you can buy at the local hardware store. The basic tools you need are a hammer, screws, a drill, a shovel, a rake, a spirit level, measuring tape, a ground tamper, a pencil, and string. You will also need 2 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) posts that are the same length as your shed and 2 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) posts that are the same width as your shed. Get a long, flat plank of wood that you will use to make sure the ground is level. Get hardened steel, structural, No.9, 2.5 in (6.4 cm) long screws. Calculate how much pea gravel and how many mason blocks you need. The amount of these items you'll have to get depends on the size of your shed. The larger your shed, the more pea gravel you'll need to fill the foundation hole. The same goes for the mason blocks. To find the amount of pea gravel you need, multiply the length of your shed by the height of the hole (3 in (7.6 cm)) by the width of your shed. You will need enough mason blocks to lay around all 4 walls of the shed, so find the perimeter of the shed, and divide it by the length of each block to determine how many you need. Pick a relatively level area for your shed. Putting a shed on a hill or another slanted area is a very difficult process that might require heavy machinery. You will find it much easier to level a relatively flat area. Avoid areas with standing water because this will cause a lot of problems for your shed. The water will soften the soil over time and the weight of your shed will cause the soil to shift even more. This could cause big structural problems for your shed. Mark out the area of your shed base using wooden stakes. Find the measurements for the base of your shed on the side of the packaging. If you're making a shed from scratch, decide the measurements you want for your shed. Use a measuring tape to mark out this area on the ground. Plant wooden stakes at all 4 corners of the shed base. For example, if your shed is 15 ft (4.6 m) by 7 ft (2.1 m), measure the front of the shed first. Place 2 stakes at either side of the 7 ft (2.1 m) measurement. Then measure 15 ft (4.6 m) from both of your stakes and mark both of those spots with 2 more stakes. Join the stakes together using string. The string makes it easier for you to find out if the measurements of the shed are square later in the process. Use string, fishing line, or twine. Tie the string around 1 stake before moving to the next stake. Tie the string to all 4 stakes, with all of them connected by the string. Make sure the string is tightly wrapped to the stakes and that there's no slack in the line. Tie the string at the same height on each stake. Check to make sure that the layout is perfectly square. You can do this by using measuring tape on the stakes and string. Measure from the bottom left corner to the top right corner and note the measurement. Then measure from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. If both of these measurements are the same, your layout is square. Use a shovel to dig a hole the size of the shed. Generally, around half the length of the head of your shovel should be the right depth to dig. If the ground is especially soft, dig the full length of your shovel's head in depth. Use the back of your shoe near the heel to force the shovel into the ground. Try to dig neatly inside the stakes. Remove the topsoil and grass with your shovel from the area. Topsoil is much softer than other types of soil and it could cause problems for your shed if you don't remove it. Topsoil is browner in color than other types of soil. Keep digging the topsoil out of the hole and placing it in a pile on 1 side until you start to notice a lighter colored, more solid soil below it. Stop removing the soil when you reach this lighter soil. Level out the subsoil using a plank and spirit level. Place a long plank into the area. At first, judge where the ground is uneven by looking at the plank. Move the subsoil until the plank looks close to level. Lay your spirit level on top of the plank and keep moving the soil until the spirit level shows that the ground is even. Repeat this process across the entire surface of the hole. Fill the hole to 3 in (7.6 cm) below the top with topsoil. Now that the subsoil is level, use your shovel to add the topsoil back into the hole. While the topsoil is softer than the subsoil and can cause problems, you won't need to worry once the subsoil is level. You will fill the remaining 3 in (7.6 cm) with pea gravel later. If your topsoil contains grass, use your shovel to slice the layer of grass off the topsoil. Use a rake to break up lumps in the topsoil. The topsoil needs to be even before you add the pea gravel on top of it. Topsoil tends to have rocks and other items embedded in it that can make it hard to even out. Drag your rake across the topsoil, breaking up lumps as you go. Throw any rocks out of the area as you rake them up. Compress the soil using a ground tamper. A ground tamper is a heavy device with a flat head. Place it flat on the topsoil and push down on it to compress the soil. You can stand on it to create a downward force. Use the tamper to compress all of the soil in the hole. You can also use a vibrating whacker plate or another heavy, flat object that's easy to move. Level out the topsoil with the plank and spirit level. To level out the topsoil, use the exact same method that you used to level out the subsoil. Place the plank on the topsoil and remove or add topsoil until it looks level. Place the spirit level on the plank and adjust the soil until the spirit level says the plank is level. The bubble at the center of the spirit level will be inside the 2 lines when the spirit level is level. Lay the plank across the whole area of the hole to level it out. Fill the hole with your pea gravel and level it. Pea gravel will allow for water to pass into the soil under the shed. Use your shovel to fill the hole with pea gravel. Once the pea gravel is added and the hole is full, level it out using the ground tamper. The ground tamper will make the pea gravel level as you compress it. Place the mason blocks around the 4 outside walls of your covered hole. You can place the sides of the blocks by side or have a small gap between them. Lay the blocks along the sides of the covered hole in a line. These blocks will form the foundation for your shed. Push them down to move the pea gravel beneath the blocks. Lay 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) posts on the blocks and check if they're level. With the blocks laid down, place these wooden posts along the walls of the shed. Make sure that the posts are long enough to cover the length of the wall they're positioned at. Put your spirit level on top of the posts to check if they're level. If the posts aren't level, adjust the blocks or pea gravel accordingly. Keep adjusting until all 4 posts are level. Assemble the shed floor and fasten it to the wooden posts. Once all of your posts are level, you can assemble the shed frame. Follow the instructions that came with the frame to assemble it. If you're making the shed from scratch, it's up to you how you build the frame and shed. If you don't have experience in shed building, get help from a builder or woodworker. When the frame is built, get a friend to help you lay the frame on top of your wooden posts. Secure the frame in place by drilling screws through it and into the 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) posts. The base and frame of the shed should be perfectly level at this stage. You can build the rest of the shed on top of these foundation parts. | Gather the basic materials. Calculate how much pea gravel and how many mason blocks you need. Pick a relatively level area for your shed. Mark out the area of your shed base using wooden stakes. Join the stakes together using string. Check to make sure that the layout is perfectly square. Use a shovel to dig a hole the size of the shed. Remove the topsoil and grass with your shovel from the area. Level out the subsoil using a plank and spirit level. Fill the hole to 3 in (7.6 cm) below the top with topsoil. Use a rake to break up lumps in the topsoil. Compress the soil using a ground tamper. Level out the topsoil with the plank and spirit level. Fill the hole with your pea gravel and level it. Place the mason blocks around the 4 outside walls of your covered hole. Lay 4 in (10 cm) by 4 in (10 cm) posts on the blocks and check if they're level. Assemble the shed floor and fasten it to the wooden posts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Gasoline-Smell-Out-of-a-Car | How to Get the Gasoline Smell Out of a Car | If you want to get the gasoline smell out of a car and the stain is still wet, press a cloth onto the area to get as much of the gas out as possible. Then, roll the car's window's down and let it air dry for at least 4 to 5 hours. At that point, you can scrub soapy water onto the area and scrub it in. Next, dab the mixture up and let the car dry in the sun again. Use baking soda to control any remaining smells. | Locate the odor. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where the smell is coming from. Often, the culprit is where you've dragged gasoline in on your shoes or where gas has spilled out of a can in the back. Use your nose to sniff out the likely source of the smell. Soak up any gasoline. If the spill is new, press a cloth on the spill to get up as much gasoline as you can. It's best to use old rags, as you likely won't want to keep them once you're done. Let the gasoline evaporate. Once you've soaked up as much as you can, let the sun do the rest. Leave the car open in a sunny spot, so it will dry out the spot and draw the gasoline into the air. Try to leave it open for at least 4 to 5 hours. Make a cleaning solution. Create a simple solution of carpet shampoo and water. Use about 3 cups (720 milliliters) of tap water to 1/2 a cup (120 milliliters) of shampoo. Stir it gently until it is well combined. Another option is mixing together vinegar, baking soda, and water in equal parts. You can also dissolve a bit of dishwashing soap in water, and apply that instead. Scrub the mixture in. Using a nylon brush or a rag, apply the mixture to the spill. Scrub it in, applying more solution as you need it. Make sure to use a rag or brush that you don't mind throwing out. Dab the solution up. Once the stain seems to have lifted, dab at the solution with old rags. Make sure you are using different rags in each step. Get up as much as you can with the rag, then let it air dry in the sun. Rub in some coffee grounds. Some people have good luck using coffee grounds to eliminate gas smells. All you do is rub grounds into the affected area. After a week or so, vacuum up the coffee, and the smell should be lessened. Some experts recommend trying a short coffee treatment before you shampoo the area. Pour on the baking soda. Some people cover up the smell by dousing it in dry baking soda. They leave the baking soda on it all the time, switching it out monthly or so by vacuuming up the old and adding a fresh layer. You can also use baby powder instead of baking soda. Add a layer of kitty litter. Another option is kitty litter, which is designed to absorb moisture and smells. Pour it on the spill, and leave it for at least a day before vacuuming it up. You may need to repeat the process several times. Try an odor-eliminating spray. These sprays are designed for fabrics, so they may make a difference when it comes to a gasoline smell. Spray it on generously, and then allow it to air dry. Try using an air freshener or odor spray that has antibacterial properties. | Locate the odor. Soak up any gasoline. Let the gasoline evaporate. Make a cleaning solution. Scrub the mixture in. Dab the solution up. Rub in some coffee grounds. Pour on the baking soda. Add a layer of kitty litter. Try an odor-eliminating spray. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Dog-Bed | How to Clean a Dog Bed | To remove surface dirt and debris from your dog's bed, carry the bed outside and shake it. If any debris sticks to the bed, you can loosen it by hitting the bed with a broom. Once you've removed the loose dirt, go over the bed with a vacuum cleaner to get rid of more settled-in dust and grime. To loosen the most stubborn dirt or patches of dried on mud, place a damp towel or washcloth over the spot for 10-20 minutes and then gently scrub it with a cloth or an old toothbrush. | Shake it out. Remove any large clumps of dirt or other pieces of debris by shaking out the dog bed. This is best done outdoors or in an area you don't mind getting dirty, as it may result in dirt settling in the immediate area. Loosen stubborn pieces of dirt by gently beating them with a broom or stick. Vacuum the dog bed. Next, take a handheld vacuum or use a crevice attachment with your standard vacuum and vacuum out the dog bed. Focus on seams and folds in the bed, as this is where dust, debris, and other problems such as insects may hide and accumulate. You may want to use a dusting attachment to sweep over the larger, flat parts of the dog bed, then switch to the crevice tool to clean out the stitching. Soak stubborn areas. If you find there are patches of dirt or dried on mud that are particularly difficult to remove, treat them by placing a damp washcloth or paper towel over the area. Allow the towel to sit on top of the spot for 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe away the softened dirt using the back side of the towel. A toothbrush may also be helpful in flaking away stubborn patches of dirt, especially if they do not wipe off after soaking. Check for spots. If you notice spots or staining on your pet's bed, treat them before you wash the liner. In general, it is not advisable to treat cosmetic staining on the cushions of the bed using chemical spot treatments. This is because the treatment may not rinse thoroughly out of the filling and the residue can be irritating to your dog's skin. Only treat if you believe a stain has the potential to be harmful, such as blood or vomit from another dog. For cosmetic stains, simply rinse out the stain as best as possible using soap and water. Use a non-bleach spot treatment product as much as possible. These can easily be found at local markets and pet shops. Follow the directions for pre-treatment according to the product bottle. If you must use bleach, look for a chlorine-free bleaching agent, and remember to rinse thoroughly and completely before washing. Such bleaches can often be found at health food and natural food stores. Treat potential insect infestation. If you have any concerns regarding pests or insects in your pet's bed, treat immediately by soaking all parts of the bed in boiling water. Allow it to sit in the boiling bath for three to five minutes to fully kill any pests and their larvae. Watch your bed carefully as you boil it. Make sure it does not start breaking apart or disintegrating due to high temperatures. Do not leave your bed in a boiling bath for extended periods of time, as this could cause the filling to melt. Treat your dog for any infestation it might have before you allow it to use the bed again. Spray for odor. Once your bed is completely treated, use a pet-friendly odor absorbing spray to treat for any residual odor and to help decrease new smells. Spray the bed lightly with the product, as heavy application may bother your dog's sensitive nose. These products are readily available from your local pet store as well as your vet's office. Talk to your vet if your dog has any allergies or has sensitive skin. Remove the cover. While both the inside and the outside of the dog bed need to be cleaned, the cover sees the most wear and tear from your dog. Remove the cover, if possible, and re-zip the cover without the cushion to prevent the zipper from snagging during cleaning. If your dog bed does not have a removable cover, clean the entire bed the same way you would clean the inside cushion. Read the tag. Make sure your cover can be washed in a standard, household washing machine. If the cover says hand-wash only, remember to use a low, hand-wash setting on your washer, or otherwise manually wash the cover. Look for any restrictions regarding water temperature or drying the cover before you wash it. Wash the cover. Run your cover through the washing machine in accordance with the tag, using hot water and pet-friendly detergent. Look for a detergent that is environmentally-friendly and scent-free, or check with your local pet store to find products especially formulated for pets. If your pet has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, ask your vet for recommendations for proper products. If the tag on the cover states that it should be washed in warm or cool water, soak the liner in boiling hot water for 2 minutes before washing to disinfect it. Disinfecting for short periods is necessary to kill the microbes on the bed before washing the bed for an extended period at a cooler temperature. Watch carefully to avoid damage to the cover. Dry the cover. Dry the cover according to the laundry tag information. If possible, try to dry the cover on a normal or permanent press setting in your dryer. If the cover must be air-dried, hang it down from a rod or laundry line and pin it in place. Try not to fold an air-drying cover over onto itself, as this will increase drying time. Soak the cushion. If your dog bed cushion need washing, hand wash it with hot soapy water in your tub or a basin using a dog-friendly detergent. Begin by allowing it to soak in very hot water to disinfect it. Leave it in the basin until the water cools enough for you to comfortably work in it. Look for a detergent that is formulated for hand-washing. These are often available at local grocery and home goods stores, and will have indicators on the box. Agitate the bed. Once you are done soaking the bed, use your hands to gently agitate it. Squeeze and wring the bed under water to loosen any dirt that may have settled in the cushion. Be sure to get all parts of the cushion. There is no set time for how long you should agitate the cushion, but you should not stop until you see the dirt moving from the surface of bed. Treat all parts of the bed before rinsing. Rinse out the cushion. Wring out the soap and rinse with fresh water. Run the bed under a faucet of warm, fresh water and continue to wring and squeeze the cushion until it stops sudsing and all the soap has been removed. Then, wring the fresh water from the bed as much as possible. You will likely not be able to remove all water from the bed manually. However, the cushion should be damp, rather than wet, and no longer dripping before you stop wringing it and allow it to dry. Let air dry. Set the cushion out on a flat surface that you don't mind getting wet, or extend it fully across the top of a drying rack. Allow the cushion to air dry completely before re-covering it. This may take upwards of a full day. Check to see if the bed is dry by pressing down firmly in an area where the filling is thickest. If it spills out water or still feels damp, allow the cushion to continue to dry. If certain spots are drying slowly, use a hair dryer on a low setting to help dry them faster. Fluff and reassemble. Once both your cushion and your cover are dry, you can put the dog bed back together. Fluff the cushion by pulling gently at the filling with both hands in areas where it has become compact. Then, insert the cushion back in the liner, and the bed is ready for your pet to enjoy. Ensure that you fully close any zippers on your liner to prevent the excess accumulation of dust and keep out insects and pests that could bother your pet. | Shake it out. Vacuum the dog bed. Soak stubborn areas. Check for spots. Treat potential insect infestation. Spray for odor. Remove the cover. Read the tag. Wash the cover. Dry the cover. Soak the cushion. Agitate the bed. Rinse out the cushion. Let air dry. Fluff and reassemble. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Mortar-and-Pestle | How to Use a Mortar and Pestle | To use a mortar and pestle, start by placing the raw ingredients you want to grind up in the mortar. Then, hold the mortar in place with one hand and the pestle in your other. Press the end of the pestle against the ingredients and twist it back and forth until everything is ground up evenly. When you're finished, pour the ground up ingredients into your recipe or store them in a glass jar. | Pick the right material for your needs. Mortar and pestles are usually made in a matching set. The mortar is a small bowl and the pestle is a wand with a curve that's perfectly shaped to grind smoothly against the mortar. The instrument may be made from wood, stone or ceramic, and you'll want to choose your material based on your culinary needs and personal preferences. Ceramic mortar and pestles are capable of grinding spices very finely, but they're also more fragile than other types. Wood mortar and pestles are durable, but they're also slightly porous, and subject to stains. It's also possible for the flavor of one spice to stay present in the mortar between uses, tainting the flavor of the next spice you grind. Stone mortar and pestles also grind very finely, but unless they're conditioned properly, fine particles of stone can get ground into the spices. Choose the size you want. Do you want to crush large amounts of spices, seeds, and nuts, or only small amounts? You will find varying sizes from palm size to bowl size, and it may even be handy to have two different sizes if you have the space and budget for it. If you plan to grind a very large amount of spices, getting a spice grinder may be more suitable for your needs. A mortar and pestle is best for just enough spices to create whatever dish or spice mix you immediately want to use. Read the recipe for processing instructions. If you need something ground into a paste or powder, this is the ideal tool. Items that are good to grind or crush in the mortar and pestle include peppercorns, spice seeds, herb seeds, fresh herb and spice leaves, rice, nuts, other plant seeds, hard candies, sea salt, and so on. Anything used for baking or eating that can be crushed is likely to work in the mortar and pestle. If you need something chopped, pureed, or blended, you may be better off with another tool, such as a blender or processor. The recipe will often be a guide on this. Place the raw ingredients in the mortar. Measure out your whole peppercorns, cinnamon, or other ingredient and place it in the mortar. Fill the mortar no more than ⅓ full with raw spices; otherwise, it will be difficult to get an even grind. If you have too much to fit, it's fine to process the spices in batches. Use the pestle to process to your desired consistency. Hold the mortar in place with one hand, take the pestle in your opposite fist, and twist it against the ingredients in the mortar so that they are ground against its bottom and sides. Evenly grind, bash or crush all of the spices, using the pestle to mix and grind them until they are all reduced to the same consistency. Continue until the ingredients are as coarse or fine as you want. See below to learn specific techniques for grinding, crushing or bashing your ingredients. Each technique will result in a different consistency, and can affect the flavor and final outcome of your dish. Store or measure out the ingredients. You can either place the freshly ground contents of the mortar into a glass spice jar with a tight-fitting lid, or go ahead and measure out how much you need for your recipe. Use the mortar and pestle to grind. This is the ideal technique for most spices you'll use in baked goods, sauces and other dishes. You can grind to a coarse, medium or fine consistency. Place your ingredients in the mortar and hold it in place with one hand. Hold the pestle in your fist with a firm but comfortable grip. Press the rounded end of the pestle down onto the ingredients and roll it against the mortar while applying firm pressure. Grind until you've reached your preferred consistency. Use pounding for large spices and seeds. If the item resists or is simply large and needs this approach, use firm but gentle pounding, sometimes called bashing. This will crack the spices, allowing you to switch techniques to get a finer grind. Grind first. This action will catch the ingredients that crush easily and make the pounding easier. Pound or bash the ingredients. Use the broad end of the pestle and bring it down gently. Use short, sharp pounds to speed up the process and conserve your own energy. To avoid mishaps, cup your other hand (or a small cloth) over the top opposite side of the mortar and pestle to catch any of the bashed item that tries to bounce out. Grind again if needed. Once most of the ingredients have been crushed, a little end muddling may assist to finish off the crushing. Use crushing to keep spices intact. If your recipe calls for crushed, rather than ground, spices, that means they shouldn't be completely pulverized. Instead, you want to keep them mostly intact. This is also a suitable technique for processing garlic. Place the ingredients in the mortar. Roll the pestle across the ingredients so that they crush and burst. Continue until all of the ingredients have been crushed, but not finely ground. Clean your mortar and pestle after use. The cleaning approach is dependent on the material of the mortar and pestle. Check the instructions that came with the mortar and pestle you bought to ensure you clean it properly. Here are some broad advisories: For a dishwasher-safe mortar and pestle, simply place in the usual dishwasher cycle. If it is not dishwasher-safe (such as a wooden set), clean with warm water. Dry it completely before storing. For a dry grind, it may be sufficient to simply brush out with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don't use soap if you can help it. Since most mortar and pestles are a little porous, soap can leave an ill-tasting residue that can get mixed in with your spices next time you grind something. Wiping it out with warm water, then drying it thoroughly should do the trick. Try using dry rice for tough smells and stains. Sometimes it's difficult to remove smells and stains from strong spices. A good trick is to pour some dry white rice into the mortar, then use the pestle to grind it finely. The rice will probably take on the color and smell of the last spice you processed. Discard the rice, then repeat the process until the ground rice remains white and odor-free after the grinding. | Pick the right material for your needs. Choose the size you want. Read the recipe for processing instructions. Place the raw ingredients in the mortar. Use the pestle to process to your desired consistency. Store or measure out the ingredients. Use the mortar and pestle to grind. Use pounding for large spices and seeds. Use crushing to keep spices intact. Clean your mortar and pestle after use. Don't use soap if you can help it. Try using dry rice for tough smells and stains. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-a-Bottle | How to Wrap a Bottle | To wrap a bottle, start by wrapping it in paper that's several inches longer than the bottle at both ends. Then, twist each end of the paper and secure it with a ribbon tied in a knot. Alternatively, place the bottle in the middle of several sheets of tissue paper. Next, gather the layers at opposite corners, and tie them all together around the neck of the bottle. You could also wrap the bottle in cellophane before tying a ribbon around its neck. | Put the bottle in a gift bag. When using a gift bag, make sure it's firmly packed with tissue paper or newspaper. Bags can make bottles less steady, and padding will protect the bottle if the bag falls over. Many gift shops and convenience stores sell special bottle sleeves to better protect bottle given as a gift. Wrap the bottle like a piece of candy. Cut wrapping paper so it extends several inches beyond the neck and base of the bottle. Center the bottle in the paper. Roll the paper around the bottle tightly. Twist the ends closed and fasten them with ribbons tied in a simple knot. Fan out the ends of the wrapping paper to give the wrapped bottle a stronger resemblance to a wrapped piece of hard candy. When wrapped like this, it will be impossible to stand the bottle upright. Be careful when setting the bottle down. Hide the bottle in a wrapped box. A narrow box, like a shoebox, might fit your bottle perfectly. Boxes that are a little on the large side can be padded with tissue or newspaper. When the bottle is in the box, break out your wrapping paper, scissors, and tape to wrap the whole thing. A simple bow tied with a brightly colored ribbon can add a personal touch to box wrapped bottles. Gather several layers of tissue paper around the bottle. Lay out several pieces of large tissue paper one on top of each other. Set the bottle in the middle of the paper. Gather together all layers of tissue paper at opposite corners, then tie the corners together at the neck of the bottle. Add a ribbon around the neck to hold the tissue paper together and to add some style to your simple wrap. Wrap bottles in cellophane. Cut a piece of cellophane large enough to encase the bottle. Set the bottle inside and draw the corners together above the bottle. Tie off the corners with a ribbon or fasten it with tape. Cellophane comes in many bright colors that you can mix and match when wrapping. Create more complicated designs by using tissue paper and cellophane together. A layer of tissue paper under the cellophane might look neat. Cut your starting sheet of wrapping paper. Cut a sheet that's large enough to cover the bottle completely. More is better than less when starting out. When wrapping, it's easier to cut away extra paper than it is to add more. Fasten the bottle to the paper with two-sided tape. Position the bottle flat on its side and even with one end of the paper. Tape the paper along this end to the bottle with two-sided tape. Cut free excess paper. Roll the bottle loosely in the paper to gauge how much extra you have. You'll want enough to cover the bottle completely without overlapping too much. The top and bottom ends of the paper should be short enough to fold flat to the top and bottom of the bottle with no overlap. Re-roll the bottle in the cut paper and slit the top and bottom ends. After cutting excess paper, roll the bottle again in the paper. Where the ends of the paper overlap, fasten it with two-sided tape. Then use scissors to make three evenly spaced straight slits in the top and bottom ends of the paper. The slits should extend all the way to the bottle's bottom and top. Fasten the paper to the top and bottom of the bottle. Fold the wrapping paper to the bottom of the bottle at the slits you made. When you reach the last segment, put a piece of two-sided tape on top of the segments already folded down. Press the last segment onto the tape. Similarly fasten the wrapping paper to the top of the bottle by folding the paper in segments along the slits and fastening the folded paper with two-sided tape. Fasten a ribbon on top with two-sided tape. String a ribbon underneath the bottle so its ends meet at the top of the bottle. Put a piece of two-sided tape on the wrapping at the top of the bottle. Tie a simple bow and press it onto the tape to complete your wrapping. Buy a cardboard tube and plugs. These can be bought at most office supply stores, shipping stores, and through the postal service. The width of bottles will vary, but most will fit into tubes that are 3 inches (7.6 cm) to 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide. Measure and cut your cardboard tube. Slide your bottle into the tube. Mark the board about an inch above the top of the bottle. Remove the bottle, then use sturdy scissors, a utility knife, or shears to cut away excess cardboard at the mark. Sturdy cardboard tubes might require a handsaw to cut. Use caution when cutting. Insert and fasten the bottom cardboard plug. Press the plug into place at the bottom end of the tube. Use tape to fasten the outside of the plug. This will reinforce the bottom of the container so the bottle doesn't fall out. Some plugs may be difficult to insert. You may need to knock the plug against a hard surface, like a desk top, before it pops into the end. Cover the tube in wrapping paper. Fasten the end of your wrapping paper to the tube with two-sided tape. Roll the tube in the paper until it is tightly covered. Use two-sided tape to connect the paper where it overlaps slightly. Cut away excess paper and insert the bottle. Any wrapping paper sticking out from the top or bottom of the tube can be cut free. Insert the bottle into the tube. Add a second tube plug at the top of the tube; your bottle's almost ready to be given as a gift. Add a bow and other touches as desired. Ribbons glued to the top and bottom of the wrapped tube can add a stylish touch. Even a stick-on bow on the plug will add some flair. If you really want to make the wrapping pop, try decorating with glitter or sequins. | Put the bottle in a gift bag. Wrap the bottle like a piece of candy. Hide the bottle in a wrapped box. Gather several layers of tissue paper around the bottle. Wrap bottles in cellophane. Cut your starting sheet of wrapping paper. Fasten the bottle to the paper with two-sided tape. Cut free excess paper. Re-roll the bottle in the cut paper and slit the top and bottom ends. Fasten the paper to the top and bottom of the bottle. Fasten a ribbon on top with two-sided tape. Buy a cardboard tube and plugs. Measure and cut your cardboard tube. Insert and fasten the bottom cardboard plug. Cover the tube in wrapping paper. Cut away excess paper and insert the bottle. Add a bow and other touches as desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-the-Size-of-a-Door | How to Measure the Size of a Door | To measure the size of a door, first find the width by measuring from the left corner of the door to the right corner. Then, measure the height by running your tape measure along your door from the top corner to the bottom corner. To find the thickness of your door, measure the door jam or hold your tape measure across the inner edge of the door and record the number. In case it's not a perfect rectangle, take these measurements from a few different spots on the door to verify your numbers. If the amounts vary considerably, then use the largest measurement. | Measure the width of the door. Run a tape measure along your door from the left corner to right corner, and record this number. It is important that you only measure the door. Do not include any other elements, such as weather-stripping. Particularly with older doors, it is important to measure in more than one location, just in case the door is not perfectly rectangular. If the amounts vary, use the largest figure. Door widths of 30 inches (76 cm), 32 inches (81 cm) and 36 inches (91 cm) are considered "standard." Determine the height of the door. Run your tape measure along your door from the top corner to the bottom corner, and write this number down. You may need to use a chair and/or ask a friend to help you. Once again, measure only the door itself and no other elements, such as a door sweep. Once again, it is wise to measure in more than one spot on the door, just in case it's not a perfect rectangle. This is especially true for older doors. If the amounts vary, use the largest figure. The most common height for doors is 80 inches (200 cm). Figure out the thickness of the door. Hold a tape measure to the edge of the door and record its thickness. Measure this edge on the door frame (known as the jamb), as well. These numbers should be close to the same, but it can be helpful to know both of them. The most common thickness is 1.75 inches (4.4 cm). Measure the height and width of the framed door space. Just to be safe, measure the area where your door will go, too. Record the height and width of the door frame space. This will help ensure that you select the exact right replacement door. Measure the width of the door in 3 locations. Use the smallest figure as your measurement. Measure the height of the door right in the middle. Measure from the floor to the underside of the trim at the top of the door. If you must, it is always better to round down than round up. This helps to ensure that your door will fit. Take a picture of your door and print it out. When you go in to select a replacement door, you should bring along a diagram with all relevant characteristics and measurements. One easy way to do this is to photograph your door and print out the image. You can also simply draw a diagram with paper and pen. Label the swing direction of your door. Open your door. Position your body so that your back is against the hinges. If the door is on your right, it is a right-handed door. If the door is on your left, it is left-handed. Your door will also either be in-swing or out-swing. Determine both of these characteristics and record them on the diagram you made. An in-swing door opens into your house (or into a room), and an out-swing door opens outward. Record all of the measurements on your diagram. Write the height, width, and thickness of your door down on your diagram. Write down the the height, width, and thickness of the door frame, as well. Bring this diagram with you when you shop for doors. This diagram should make the process of replacing your door a lot simpler. Bring it with you any time you look at doors, and use it to guide your purchase. | Measure the width of the door. Determine the height of the door. Figure out the thickness of the door. Measure the height and width of the framed door space. Take a picture of your door and print it out. Label the swing direction of your door. Record all of the measurements on your diagram. Bring this diagram with you when you shop for doors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Breasts-Smaller | How to Make Your Breasts Smaller | If you want to make your breasts smaller, try eating a healthier diet, which can reduce the fat in your chest area. Avoid trans and saturated fats like soda, chips, and ice cream which cause weight-gain and fat buildup. Instead, eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. Additionally, exercise regularly, which will help you lose weight in your breast area. If you don't have time to exercise, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking on a treadmill while you work. Besides losing weight, you can wear minimizing clothing like a sports bra, which will flatten your chest. For an even flatter chest, consider purchasing a chest binder online, which is worn underneath your clothing. | Use a minimizing or sports bra. Minimizing bras are specialty bras which specifically add no bulk. They help a little and may be enough for your purposes, especially if you're just wanting to fit into particular clothes. Sports bras, however, not only provide support but also flatten your chest. These originally served the purpose of stopping breasts from moving during exercise, causing pain. Try a shaper or chest binder. You probably have heard of Spanx or other shapers. These are items you wear under your clothes that suck everything in. You can buy ones which cover all sorts of different areas of your body but for you, one which covers the chest will be the most helpful. You might find these sold online under the word shaper or chest binder, but they will usually both be roughly the same thing. Try chest binding. If you're desperate and none of the other options have worked for you, you can use chest binding as a temporary solution and last ditch effort. It only is really helpful for those with breasts in the US C-DD cup range, but you can use it outside of the range as well. Keep in mind that this may not be comfortable but it will get the job done if you just want to have some nice pictures taken or fit into a special dress. Be careful deciding what kind of binder to use. You can buy good, safe binders from many different sources online. Make sure any binder you wear is safe and will not cause any physical problems. Only bind with a specialized binder, do not use Ace bandages or any similar product. Ace bandages are meant to compress, and can cause breathing problems, bruises, rib fractures, or otherwise damage breasts if when worn for frequent and extended periods of time. Wear a bra and clothes that fit. Wearing baggy clothes will only make you look larger all over and increase the problem. Wear clothes that aren't tight, but fitted, and cover the breasts entirely to look good without attracting excessive attention. You'll want to do the same with your bra. Just wearing a bra that fits makes a huge difference in how your breasts feel. Avoid clothes that add bulk in the chest. Avoid cowl-neck sweaters and shirts, turtle neck shirts and sweaters, tops with puckers or gathers around the chest, ruffle-front shirts, and any other items which add volume to your chest. These will only make your chest look bigger. Instead, wear tops which are very minimal around the breasts. Wear dark tops and brightly colored pants or skirts. This naturally attracts the line of vision downward, leading eyes away from your breasts. For example, wear a black fitted tee shirt and a teal jersey skirt. Or wear a navy blue blouse and bright white pants. Accentuate your hips. If you want to naturally make your body look more balanced and draw attention away from your breasts, draw attention to your hips instead. Use pants with horizontal lines and full circle shirts to create the illusion of more volume in your hips, while also wearing tops that are plain and do not add bulk. This will make your breasts look smaller. Stop doing anything that makes your breasts larger. You should always start by stopping certain things that make your breasts bigger naturally. The most common culprit will be birth control pills, which can add up to two cup sizes to your breasts! You'll have to talk to your doctor about non-hormone based alternatives. A good alternative option to birth control pills is the copper IUD. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also natural causes of bigger breasts but you should not act against these states as they are natural and temporary. Create a calorie deficit. Calories are the fuel that our body uses and in order to burn fat (which is the main contributor to your bust line), you'll need to give it less fuel than it needs. This doesn't mean starving yourself, it just means balancing your activity level with the amount of fuel it needs. Lowering the amount of food you eat by a small amount while increasing your activity by a small amount can be enough to help you lose weight. Use an online calorie calculator to find out how to adjust your diet. This calorie deficit should only be temporary. Once you've reached a healthy target weight, balance your calorie intake with your activity level. Maintaining a healthy diet is more important than losing fat around your bust. If you are already at a healthy overall weight, losing additional weight to make your breasts smaller would be unhealthy. Maintaining a calorie deficit is only one factor involved in losing weight and excess fat. While this may have a limited short-term benefit, it's not the only thing that counts. Eat a healthier diet. You'll want to eat a healthier diet that puts your calorie intake to work for you! By eating few unhealthy items and increasing the nutritional value of the food that you do eat, you can make yourself feel more full with less food and easily decrease the number of calories you consume in a day. Add healthy items to your diet. Eat healthy foods like kale, spinach, broccoli, quinoa, whole grain oatmeal, potatoes, lentils, edamame, white beans, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, and many other foods. Skip on fruits, which add a lot of sugar to a diet and instead double down on vegetables and beans, as those listed above contain all of the same vital nutrients as fruit (often in greater quantities). Cut unhealthy items from your diet. Cut unhealthy items from your diet like trans and saturated fats, excessive salt, and sugar. All of these contribute to weight gain and fat build-up. You can find these things in items like soda, syrup-laden coffee drinks, bacon, pork rinds, chips, butter, ice cream, and other similar foods. Eat better portions. Most people eat way too much food at one time. If it seems like it's the size of a restaurant meal, then it's too much food. A good practice is to eat your meals on a side plate instead of a dinner plate, and go back for seconds only if you are still hungry 15 minutes after you finish eating your first portion. Take a half serving for your "seconds". Eating very small meals more often is also a good way to practice portion control. This will also keep you feeling full all day. Get active in your everyday life. There are lots of ways that you can get active in your every day life. None of these require taking too much extra time out of your normal schedule. The easiest way to get more active in your everyday life and start burning calories is to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park further away from wherever you need to go in order to make sure you're walking a greater distance. Beyond that, try things like standing or treadmill desks or using an exercise ball instead of a chair. All of these use your normal activities and turn them into exercises! Exercise efficiently. It's easy to get bogged down with the clichéd push-ups and pull-ups, but there are more efficient exercises that can fit into your day much easier. Good examples include squats, planks, and burpees, all of which you can learn how to do in the wikiHow on exercising. Try to choose one or more of these exercises and do them for at least 15 minutes at a time for at least 30 minutes day. Squats and planks are both core exercises. If you only do these, it's a good idea to also take our advice about walking more. Try to spend another 30 minutes total every day walking, and the more stairs and hills involved, the better. Stay motivated. Exercise needs to be consistent and prolonged in order to have any real effect. You'll have to make a real lifestyle change if you want the weight to stay off. This is why it's important to stay motivated. Having an exercise partner, a trainer, or someone else you're responsible to can really help. Listening to music while you exercise can also make it much more fun. You can also listen to audio books or podcasts too! Talk to your doctor. Please, talk to your doctor before putting too much consideration into breast reduction surgery and certainly before talking to a plastic surgeon (who may have too much of a vested interest in getting your money). There may be other factors that may contribute to your breast size, health factors that may make surgery dangerous, and potentially much easier and less dangerous solutions. Surgery is a particularly bad idea if you are young. Give yourself time: you may find you feel very different about your body in a few years. Surgery should also not be used just for cosmetic reasons or to help you fit into the clothes you like. Surgery is dangerous and the dress you wear should not be more important than your life. Do your research. Research the best plastic surgery facilities in your area. If there aren't any highly acclaimed or reviewed locations nearby, it may be worth your while to go out of your way to find one. Again, plastic surgery is risky, and you want the best treatment you can find. At the very least, your doctor should be certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have experience with the specific procedure you want done. Get a consultation. Get a consultation with a couple of different plastic surgeons. They will be able to advise you on the different methods of breast reduction and the results that can be achieved. They will also be able to advise on costs and other considerations. You should not choose any surgeon that seems untrustworthy or offers extremely cheap procedures. A poor surgeon can easily give you very bad looking breasts. Recognize the risks. There are a number of risks associated with breast reduction surgery, many of which are also carried with any other surgery: the basic risk of using anesthesia is present, since anyone at any time may develop a bad reaction to those drugs and die on the table. You may also develop an infection or blood clots. There are other risks as well: You run the risk of scarring, which may even go so far as to form keloids. You may end up with uneven or unusually shaped nipples. You may lose the ability to breast feed, complicating the situation if you ever plan to have children. Ask your doctor about your risk for complications and what can be done to lower your potential for problems post-surgery. Accept the permanence. Breast surgery cannot be undone. This is obviously a problem if the procedure is done poorly, but it is also important to remember that what's in fashion now or what you like now might not always be so desirable. You may come to love your body just the way it is and if you have surgery, you won't be able to get it back. Make sure you can afford it. Oftentimes, breast reduction surgery is considered an elective surgery across the board and so it will not be covered by health insurance. This can make it prohibitively expensive. Weigh your priorities to make sure that this is right for you, since spending the money on something like school might be more beneficial for you in the long run. Get the surgery. Once you've weighed all your options and have made a decision, you'll need to go and get the surgery. It is usually done at a hospital or surgical center, requires general anesthesia, and is completed in a few hours. Generally, you will be sent home the same day, so you'll need to have someone available to pick you up. Go through the aftercare. You'll have to be extremely vigilant as you go through the aftercare process. You'll need to stay home from work and avoid doing strenuous activities for at least a week. You may have a tube to drain fluids and blood placed in your chest and you'll certainly have stitches and bandages. All have to be kept clean and you'll have to stay fairly inactive, in order to let your body heal and prevent infection. You will likely be in pain and experience severe swelling and bruising. The stitches are usually removed after 1-2 weeks. | Use a minimizing or sports bra. Try a shaper or chest binder. Try chest binding. Be careful deciding what kind of binder to use. Wear a bra and clothes that fit. Avoid clothes that add bulk in the chest. Wear dark tops and brightly colored pants or skirts. Accentuate your hips. Stop doing anything that makes your breasts larger. Create a calorie deficit. Eat a healthier diet. Eat better portions. Get active in your everyday life. Exercise efficiently. Stay motivated. Talk to your doctor. Do your research. Get a consultation. Recognize the risks. Accept the permanence. Make sure you can afford it. Get the surgery. Go through the aftercare. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Nausea-Fast | How to Get Rid of Nausea Fast | To get rid of nausea fast, take a moment to sit still in a quiet place, since moving around can make you feel worse. As you rest, take some deep breaths to help your body relax and make your stomach feel better. You can also try making some ginger tea or eating candied ginger, since ginger is known to reduce nausea and stomach problems. If you're still nauseous, try taking an over-the-counter medicine like Pepto Bismol, which can help calm an upset stomach. Alternatively, if you have chronic nausea, consider getting an acupressure band that puts pressure on your wrist to relieve nausea. | Sit still in a quiet space. Nausea can be triggered or worsened by moving around. Try resting while sitting in a quiet space or room on a bed or a mat. If you still feel nauseous, gently ease yourself down to a lying position but prop your head up with anything but most preferably with a pillow (it is easier to get to sleep and much more comfortable). If you can relax well enough, a quick nap can also get rid of your nausea. You might feel better by the time you wake up. Breathe deeply. A breath of fresh air can clear your lungs, reduce anxiety, and make your stomach feel a bit better. Sit in a quiet space and close your eyes, try to think about anything else other than your nausea(to get your mind of the feeling). Get off all electronics, a headache can be obtained by too much time on electronics and you don't need to add a headache to your nausea. Take a deep breath through your nose and hold it. Then, slowly breath out your mouth. Repeat this several times. Place a cool compress on the back of your neck. Nausea can be caused by a fever, but even if it isn't, your temperature can rise as a result of moderate to severe nausea. Cool temperatures can help stabilize your body temperature. Take a clean washcloth and dip it in cold water. Press the compress under your neck if lying on your back. If you are sitting upright, wear it around the back of your neck. Take your mind off the nausea. Watch a movie, call up a friend, or do any other mild, light activity that prevents you from fixating on your nausea. Some nausea can be triggered or worsened by anxiety. Getting your mind off any other worries you may have can help the nausea to go away. Avoid activities that require intense focus. For instance, reading or writing that requires your eyes to focus on a block of text for a lengthy amount of time can cause eye strain. Under normal conditions, this strain may not affect you, but while you feel nauseous, any extra strain or stress can worsen your symptoms. Hold off on any high-intensity physical activities. While gentle movement can help your nausea, odds are, most physical activity will cause undue stress to your stomach, which can worsen your nausea. Avoid strong odors. Your sense of smell is connected to your digestive system, so a strong scent can send your stomach reeling and worsen your nausea(avoid paint at all costs). Do not cook, smoke, or put on perfume. In fact, if at all possible, you should remove yourself from an area in which anyone is cooking, smoking, or wearing strong perfume. Apply acupressure with your fingers. Acupressure is an ancient Chinese method that involves placing pressure on an area of your body, using your fingers. Acupressure, like acupuncture, works by changing the pain messages that nerves send to your brain. Take your middle and index fingers and form a “C” shape. Use this shape to press firmly down on the groove between the two large tendons on the inside of your wrist that start at the base of your palm. Hold them there for 30 seconds to a minute. Then, release your fingers from your wrist. You should feel your nausea lift or subside. Use an acupressure band. If you need to have your hands free, you can still try acupressure by purchasing an acupressure or motion sickness bracelet. These bands have a button that applies pressure to points on your wrist continually, providing you with relief throughout the day. Do yoga to stretch your back and neck. Sometimes, nausea is caused by discomfort in your back and neck. Gentle stretches can relieve your back and neck pain and help to relieve your nausea. To stretch your upper back, do a downward facing cross legged pose. Sit cross-legged on the floor and bend your body forward. Stop bending forward when your body is at a 45 degree angle with your legs. Rest your arms on a chair in front of you. If you are more flexible, you can also bend your body until your forehead touches the ground in front of you and your hands are stretched outward. To stretch your neck, sit down in a chair. Relax your shoulders and place your hands on your thighs. Tilt your head toward your shoulder and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Keep your opposite shoulder down. Take a deep breath and bring your head back to the center. Repeat this 2 to 4 times for each side. Another great anti-nausea yoga pose is putting your legs up against a wall. Lie on a yoga mat or carpet against a wall. Place your tailbone and buttocks against the wall and swing your legs up the wall. Remain in this position for at least 5 minutes, or 40-50 breaths. This pose should help to calm your nausea and reduce any stress or tension in your body. Eat food in small amounts, throughout the day. When your stomach is upset due to nausea, you need to eat small amounts of food and slowly drink small amounts of fluids to avoid overwhelming your stomach. It is important to eat and drink even when you feel nauseous. Hunger and dehydration can actually cause nausea or make your nausea worse. Consume bland and hydrating foods. While eating might be the last thing you want to do, an empty stomach will only make your nausea worse. To avoid upsetting your stomach further, try eating easy-to-digest foods. Good examples of bland foods include crackers, toast, potatoes, noodles, rice, and English muffins. If your nausea is only mild, you could also try baked or boiled chicken or fish. Good examples of hydrating foods include popsicles, clear broth-based soups, and Jello. Avoid foods that are greasy, salty, or spicy. For example, sausage, fast food, fried foods, and potato chips are your enemy while you suffer from nausea. These foods are all too heavy for your stomach to handle when it is feeling sensitive. Try not to mix hot and cold foods. The difference in temperature can send your stomach for a whirl, which is the last thing you want while fighting off nausea. As a general guideline, cold food is usually gentler on the stomach and proves more effective at calming nausea than hot food does. Hot food can have strong smells, which can make your nausea worse. Sip clear, cold fluids throughout the day. Hydration is vital during fits of nausea. Drinking water and fruit juices in small amounts throughout the day will help relieve your nausea. Use a straw to help you sip, rather than gulp, fluids. Water is your best option, but fruit juices like apple juice can work, as well. Flat soda, especially flat ginger ale, can help settle a nauseous stomach. If you have vomited, drink a sports drink that contains glucose, salt, and potassium to replace any of the minerals you could have lost. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol. Don’t lie down right after eating. This can slow down your digestion and lead to a stomachache, on top of your nausea. Wait at least half an hour to an hour before you lie down after you've had a meal to give your stomach time to digest. Eat ginger. Ginger tea, raw ginger, and candied ginger can all be used to help reduce a bout of nausea. Ginger root promotes the secretion of various digestive juices and enzymes that help neutralize stomach acid. The phenols in ginger also relax the muscles in your stomach, thereby reducing the amount of activity in your stomach while helping your intestines push toxins through your system faster. Make ginger tea with about 2 inches of ginger root. Wash the ginger root and peel it. Slice it into small pieces, or crush it by covering it with wax paper and using a spoon to smash it. Boil 2-3 cups of water over medium high heat. Then, add the ginger and let it boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea from heat and strain it if you don't want little bits of ginger in your tea. Then, pour it in a mug and add honey if you'd like. Sip it slowly. Use peppermint. Peppermint tea and hard peppermint candy have nausea-relieving properties similar to those of ginger. The scent of peppermint is also very effective at reducing nausea. Place a few drops of food-safe peppermint oil directly on the insides of your wrists or your gums. Make milk toast. Bland food can help to tame your tummy, including milk and bread. Bread absorbs excess acid, while milk coats your stomach and helps to settle it. You do not want to drink milk straight though, as dairy alone can upset your stomach, so make milk toast for a happy medium. If you have the stomach flu (or gastroenteritis), do not try this remedy, as the stomach flu reacts poorly to dairy. Heat 1 cup of milk until it's hot, but not boiling. Pour the milk into a bowl. Toast a piece of bread and spread a small amount of unsalted butter on it. Crumble the toast into the milk and stir it. Eat it slowly. Suck on a lemon. A cold or frozen lemon works best. The sharp smell and taste of citrus can help reduce your nausea. Cut a lemon in half and place it close enough to smell without it becoming overwhelming. If smelling the lemon does not work, cut it into wedges and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so. Once they are chilled or frozen, suck on the slice of lemon to relieve your nausea quickly. Use an over-the-counter medicine. If you can make a quick trip to your local convenience store or supermarket, pick up a non-prescription treatment labeled for use against nausea. Bismuth subsalicylate is a popular over-the-counter drug used to treat many forms of digestive upset, including nausea. Relief should be almost instantaneous after you take it. Generic "anti-nausea liquid" can be found at many drug stores and supermarkets. These medications are usually little more than a combination of dextrose, fructose, and phosphoric acid. Stay away from nausea-inducing medications. Many pain medications, for example, can trigger and worsen nausea. A quick, simple way to determine if a medication could worsen your nausea would be to check its common side effects. If “nausea” is listed as a possible side effect, that medication could be a possible cause of your nausea. Examples of nausea inducing over the counter medication include Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and Motrin. Get medical attention right away if you throw up three times or more in one day. You should also get medical attention if you cannot keep any food or water down, or are nauseous for more than 48 hours. You should also seek medical attention if you feel weak, have a fever, have stomach pain, or cannot urinate for 8 hours or more. If there is blood in your vomit, bright red or coffee grounds in appearance and if you have a severe headache or a stiff neck or severe abdominal pain, go see a doctor. Take your child to a doctor if her vomiting lasts more than a few hours, or she has a fever. You should also take your child to a doctor if she hasn't urinated in 4-6 hours, she has signs of dehydration, and she is experiencing diarrhea. Ask your doctor for an anti-nausea medication. There are several prescription medications that work to reduce nausea. Most begin working within 30 to 60 minutes. Promethazine hydrochloride is available as a tablet, syrup, injection, or suppository. Chlorpromazine is only available as a suppository. Prochlorperazine comes as both tablets and suppositories. Trimetho-benzamide hydrochloride is available as a capsule, injection, syrup, or suppository. Metoclopramide hydrochloride comes as a syrup, tablet, or injection. For relief from nausea connected to motion sickness, ask your doctor about scopolamine or Dramamine patches. | Sit still in a quiet space. Breathe deeply. Place a cool compress on the back of your neck. Take your mind off the nausea. Avoid strong odors. Apply acupressure with your fingers. Use an acupressure band. Do yoga to stretch your back and neck. Eat food in small amounts, throughout the day. Consume bland and hydrating foods. Try not to mix hot and cold foods. Sip clear, cold fluids throughout the day. Don’t lie down right after eating. Eat ginger. Use peppermint. Make milk toast. Suck on a lemon. Use an over-the-counter medicine. Stay away from nausea-inducing medications. Get medical attention right away if you throw up three times or more in one day. Take your child to a doctor if her vomiting lasts more than a few hours, or she has a fever. Ask your doctor for an anti-nausea medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Invisalign | How to Clean Invisalign | To clean your Invisalign tray, start by removing it from your mouth as directed by your dentist. Then, brush both sides of the aligner with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Next, rinse the Invisalign to remove the toothpaste, and let it dry on a towel before putting it back in your mouth. If you want to remove bacteria and build-up from your aligners, soak them for 15 minutes in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Finish by brushing the aligners with a soft toothbrush and warm water. | Remove Invisalign from your teeth. Take out the Invisalign according to the instructions you received from your dentist. Unlike metal braces which need to be cleaned around, Invisalign must be cleaned on the outside of your mouth. Brush the aligner. Use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, just as you would when brushing your own teeth. Gently brush away any food particles on both sides of the aligner. Clean it thoroughly. Rinse off the aligner. Run the Invisalign under a steady stream of lukewarm water to rinse off any toothpaste and mouthwash. Allow the Invisalign to dry on a clean towel before putting it back onto your teeth. Never rinse your Invisalign with hot water, as this could melt and permanently damage the aligners. Some dentists recommend not using toothpaste, as it often contains abrasive ingredients that leave scratches on your trays. Over time, the aligners become more visible. If this is a concern, brush with water only, or using a mild dish detergent. Brush and floss your teeth. While the Invisalign is out of your mouth to be cleaned, be sure to brush your bare teeth. Floss as well, to keep food particles and bacteria from hiding between your teeth. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy will help to keep the Invisalign pieces clean. Insert your aligners. Once the aligners have dried, you can reinsert them as directed by your dentist. Purchase a vibratory retainer bath. Sonic or ultrasonic cleaning systems work in conjunction with soluble crystals. They create a cleansing solution that agitates the aligners to dislodge microorganisms and kill bacteria that ordinary brushing cannot remove. Fill the sonic bath with warm water. Make sure you use the amount suggested in the product instructions. Put the appropriate amount of crystals (or a tablet) into the warm water. You may have to measure it, or the crystals may come pre-measured in packets or tablets that dissolve. Add your inserts and let them soak for 15 minutes. At this point, don't forget to brush and floss your own teeth. Your aligners are only as clean as your teeth. Remove the aligners and rinse thoroughly in warm water. The cleansing solutions are intended for your inserts, not your mouth. Rinsing afterwards helps reduce the chance of an allergic reaction from one of the ingredients. Rinse your hands and the sonic appliance as well. Reinsert your Invisaligns. Once they've dried, put your aligners back into your mouth. To remove bacteria, try a hydrogen-peroxide solution. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with warm tap water in a 1:1 ratio. Soak your aligners for at least 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Note that hydrogen peroxide will not remove plaque build-up. Remove tartar and kill microorganisms with a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water, and submerge your aligners. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes. After, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm water. The vinegar smell will disappear soon, don't worry. Remember to brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your Invisaligns. Whichever home soak you use, take advantage of the break to clean your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. | Remove Invisalign from your teeth. Brush the aligner. Rinse off the aligner. Brush and floss your teeth. Insert your aligners. Purchase a vibratory retainer bath. Fill the sonic bath with warm water. Put the appropriate amount of crystals (or a tablet) into the warm water. Add your inserts and let them soak for 15 minutes. Remove the aligners and rinse thoroughly in warm water. Reinsert your Invisaligns. To remove bacteria, try a hydrogen-peroxide solution. Remove tartar and kill microorganisms with a vinegar solution. Remember to brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your Invisaligns. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-The-Brake-Pads-in-Your-Car | How to Change The Brake Pads in Your Car | Before you change the brake pads in your car, make sure it has had time to cool down so the brakes aren't hot. Then, remove the wheel and the caliper to reveal the brake pads. Snap off the old brake pads and insert the new ones in the same position. If you want, you can spread anti-seize lubricant on the metal contact edges and on the back of the pads to prevent squeaking. Just don't put lubricant inside the brakes or they won't work. | Get the correct brake pads. Pads are available at any auto parts store or your local car dealership. Just let them know the year, make and model of your car and select a pad in your price range. In general, the more expensive they are, the longer they last. Some very expensive pads with a higher-than-desirable metal content may be aimed at the 'Rally' market for use with performance Rotors. You'll probably want to avoid these because they are likely to cause premature wear of standard Rotors. Also, some people find that less expensive pads are noisier than "brand name" pads. Make sure the vehicle is cooled down. If you have recently driven, you may be working with extremely hot pads, calipers and rotors. Be sure that these parts are safe to touch before moving on. Loosen the lug nuts. Using the lug wrench provided along with the car's jack, loosen each of the lug nuts that hold the wheels onto the car about two thirds of the way. Don't loosen all the tires at once. Generally, you'll change at least the two front pads or the two back pads, depending on your car and how evenly the brakes wear. So either start with the front or the back. Carefully jack the car up until it can be removed comfortably. Consult your owner's manual to determine the correct position for the car jack under your car. Put some blocks behind the other wheels to stop the car from rolling forward or back. Place a jack stand under the frame of the vehicle. Do NOT trust the jack alone. Repeat for the other side of the car so that both sides are securely supported. Remove the wheels. Finish loosening and removing the lug nuts when the car is raised. Pull the wheel straight out towards you to remove it. If the wheel rims are alloy and on the studs, you should clean the studs, stud holes, rotor mounting surface, and the rear mounting surface of the alloy wheel with a wire brush and apply anti seize compound before refitting the wheel. Remove the caliper bolts using the correct size of socket or ring-spanner. The caliper fits over the brake rotor like a clamp and its job is to slow the wheel using hydraulic pressure. The brake pads will create friction with the rotors to slow the vehicle to a stop. Calipers generally come in one-piece or two-piece designs, secured with between two and four bolts at the inside of the stub axle housing, where the tire fits onto the axle. Spray these bolts with WD-40 or PB Penetrating Catalyst to aid in removing them. Check the caliper pressure. The caliper of a car at rest should move back and forth a little bit. If not, the caliper is under pressure and it may fly off when you remove the bolts. Take extra precaution when checking to keep your body to the side of its path, even if it is loose. Check to see if there are any shims or performance washers fitted between the caliper mounting bolts and the mounting surface. If there are, remove them and keep track of them to replace later. You will need to refit the caliper without the brake pads and measure the distance from the mounting surface to the brake pad to replace them appropriately. Many Japanese vehicles use a two-piece sliding caliper that only requires the removal of two forward-facing slider bolts, with 12-14mm heads. You will not need to remove the entire caliper. Carefully hang the caliper with a small piece of wire to the wheel well. The caliper will still be connected to the brake line, so hang it up with a small piece of wire hanger or other scrap metal, so that it won't hang and put pressure on the flexible brake hose. Remove the old pads. Finally! Note how each brake pad is attached. They typically snap or clip in with attached metal clips. Remove both pads. They may take a little force to pop out, so take care not to damage the caliper or brake line while getting them out. Inspect brake rotors for warped, heat damage or cracks to surface and replace as needed. Rotors are recommended to be replaced or resurfaced during brake pad replacements. Put the new pads on. At this point, you can spread anti-seize lubricant on the metal contact edges and on the back of the pads. This will prevent a lot of squeaking. However, do not get any lubricant onto the inside of the brake pads. If any lubricant touches that material, the brake will not provide friction, and will be useless. Attach the new pads exactly the way the old ones were attached. Check the brake fluid. Check your vehicle's brake fluid level and add some if necessary. Replace the brake fluid reservoir cap when finished. Replace the caliper. Slide the caliper slowly back over the rotor, proceeding easily so as not to damage anything. Replace and tighten the bolts that hold the caliper in place. Put the wheel back on. Slide the wheel back into place and hand tighten each of the lug nuts snug before lowering the car. Tighten the lug nuts. When the car is back on the ground, tighten the lug nuts in a "star" pattern. Tighten one lug nut, then one across from it until each nut is fully tightened to torque specification. Check the owner's manual to find the torque specifications for your vehicle. This will ensure the lugs have been tightened enough to prevent the wheel coming off or over-tightening. Start the vehicle. Making sure the vehicle is in neutral or park, pump the brakes 15 to 20 times to make sure the pad is seated properly. Top off brake fluid levels or follow bleeding of brakes section to flush out old fluid and replace with new fluid. Test your new brake pads. Going no more than 5 mph (8.0 km/h) on a quiet residential street, brake like normal. If the vehicle seems to stopping normally, repeat the test and go up to 10 mph (16 km/h). Repeat several more times, gradually going up to 35 or 40 mph (56 or 64 km/h). Also check in reverse. These braking tests ensure there are no issues with your brake-pad installation, gives you confidence when driving on main streets and helps "seat" the brake pads into place. Listen for problems. The new pads may squeak a bit, but i you should hear a grinding, metal-on-metal sound, you probably have the brake pads reversed (i.e., the inside surface is incorrectly facing out). This should be corrected immediately. Remove the cap from the brake master cylinder. Brake fluid will become contaminated with dirt and other particulate from the air and the mechanics of the car. It will also absorb moisture from the air, dangerously lowering its boiling point. You'll need to bleed the brake fluid from the system before changing your pads and calipers, but you'll also (counterintuitively, perhaps) want to make sure the fluid is topped off before you do this. Check the fill line and add a little if you need to. Leave the cap off while you bleed the system. The reason you need to add fluid is that you're bleeding the fluid from the calipers themselves--the fluid trapped in the line--and you still need a steady supply in the master cylinder. Determine the sequence of the bleed. Generally, you want to bleed the brake most distant from the master cylinder first, so you'll need to check the owner's manual before you do this. All cars differ in the particular order. If you don't have the owner's manual, check with an auto parts store. Fit a small plastic hose to the bleeder nipple. Cheap aquarium tubes work well for this. Place the other end of the hose in a small bottle or pan to catch the fluid. To keep air from flowing back into the system, you should hang or hold the bottle above the calipers and keep gravity on your side. Have an assistant pump the brakes. With the engine off, have your friend continually pump the brakes until they experience resistance. They should shout to you to let you know they're feeling resistance, at which point you should unscrew the bleeder screw slightly and tell them to hold the brake down. The fluid should drain down the hose into the bottle or pan at this point. Screw the bleeder screw back in when your friend's foot touches the floor. Repeat this process until you see no air bubbles in the tube. Double check the system for air bubbles. If compressing the brake pedal results in the fluid gurgling in the master cylinder, there are still air bubbles in the system. Start bleeding them again before you continue. | Get the correct brake pads. Make sure the vehicle is cooled down. Loosen the lug nuts. Carefully jack the car up until it can be removed comfortably. Remove the wheels. Remove the caliper bolts using the correct size of socket or ring-spanner. Carefully hang the caliper with a small piece of wire to the wheel well. Remove the old pads. Put the new pads on. Check the brake fluid. Replace the caliper. Put the wheel back on. Tighten the lug nuts. Start the vehicle. Test your new brake pads. Remove the cap from the brake master cylinder. Determine the sequence of the bleed. Fit a small plastic hose to the bleeder nipple. Have an assistant pump the brakes. Double check the system for air bubbles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Dog-Live-Longer | How to Help Your Dog Live Longer | One way you can help your dog live longer is to feed it a high-quality, balanced dog food so it gets all the nutrients it needs. Not all commercial dog foods are healthy, so make sure you look for one that contains real, whole foods without any additives. If you're not sure, you can ask your vet for recommendations! Besides feeding your dog a healthy diet, exercise it every day by taking it on walks, bringing it to the dog park, and playing games with it at home, which will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and body. Don't forget to take your dog to the vet at least once a year, too, so the vet can check them over for any potential health problems. | Visit the veterinarian at least once a year. Dogs and all pets need professional healthcare to maintain their optimal level of health. Take your pup to the vet once or twice a year for checkups and vaccinations. This gives your vet an opportunity to check for signs of common health concerns, answer health or nutrition questions you may have, and offer recommendations for improving your dog's health. Recognize signs of potential problems that should be examined by your vet. Common indicators include bad breath or drooling; changes in appetite, activity levels, or sleep patterns; breathing troubles or congestion; digestive issues; and others. Also talk to your vet about common illnesses and symptoms for your dog's breed. Put together a pet first aid kit. This should include Neosporin, latex gloves, cotton balls, peroxide or rubbing alcohol, gauze, and a list of phone numbers of local veterinary and emergency clinics you can call. This ensures you're prepared to help your pup if it's injured or sick. Always let your vet know if your pup is hurt or unwell. You may think the concern is no big deal, but the smallest issues can develop into serious canine health concerns. Keep a dog first aid guidebook handy, or bookmark a website such as http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html. Spay or neuter your dog. Unless you plan to breed your pet intentionally, you should consider sterilization for their safety and to control the canine population. Spaying and neutering at a young age will not dramatically impact your pet's health, and once they're healed, they will not experience any of the common hormonal fluctuations and stressful bodily changes that accompany canine reproduction. Removing this bodily stress allows them to remain healthier longer. Some experts believe spaying or neutering reduces cancer risks, but there are also studies that indicate the opposite. It may be that “fixed” dogs live longer and therefore have greater odds of eventually developing cancer. Feed your dog healthy meals. You can purchase nutritionally complete dog foods that contain appropriate amounts of protein, fat, and vitamins based on your dog's breed, size, and age. Talk to your vet about what foods are available to promote your dog's health, and always read your pet food ingredients to ensure real, whole foods are listed rather than unrecognizable, chemical additives. You may also want to consider preparing meals for your dog at home. Again, the best place to start is with a visit to your vet for recommendations. Always have fresh water available to your dog to ensure they are hydrated. Don't give too many treats. They are often high in sugar, and over time, too many treats will lead to weight gain. A number of canine health concerns such as hip dysplasia and diabetes are exacerbated by excess weight. Include nutritional supplements with meals. There are a number of products made specifically for dogs, and you can also use those intended for human consumption in some cases. Talk to a vet before giving your pup any vitamins, minerals, or other supplemental health products. These supplements are typically available in liquid, chews, and pills. Include glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs with joint trouble. Provide fiber supplements for pets who have digestive concerns. Use prebiotics to improve your dog's digestive system and immune health. Omega fatty acids improve joint health, promote memory, and provide necessary calories to keep your dog active. Provide your pup with their own space. Dogs feel safest when they are enclosed, so giving them a dog house or crate that is comfortable and includes toys and treats that they like makes them feel secure. You can also give your dog their own bed. While it's not enclosed, having a place of their own where they feel comfortable is a great way to keep your dog happy. Crates or dog houses should not be used just for transportation or as a punishment. Make sure crates and beds provide adequate padding to protect your dog from putting too much pressure or strain on joints. Give your dog regular exercise. It's important to maintain your pup's healthy weight, muscles, and longevity. The stronger your pup is, the easier their movement will be, and the longer they'll live. Your dog doesn't need to do a special canine yoga class to stay in shape. A daily walk or a game of fetch is just as effective. However, Doga (dog yoga) can be fun too! Keeping larger dogs moving is essential to prevent common concerns like dysplasia in these big breeds. If weight is a concern, ask your vet about using weighted backpacks to assist your dog in losing extra pounds, or to make the most out of shorter walks. Tag or microchip your dog. Whether it is required where you live or not, take the time to attach or inject identifying information so that your dog can be returned to you if lost. A tag should be made of a durable material, attached securely to a sturdy collar, and include the dog's name and your name and contact information. Microchips are implanted under the dog's skin and can be scanned to provide identifying information; have your veterinarian do the implantation. Keep your dog on a leash or behind a fence when outside. Dogs who are allowed to roam free may run into traffic, encounter a wild animal or aggressive dog, or simply run away. If possible, start leash-training your dog as a puppy, and only let it loose if you are in an enclosed yard or dog park. Install home fencing that cannot be easily knocked over, dug under, or jumped over; electric (or “invisible”) fencing is another option, with proper training. Protect your dog from extreme weather conditions. If it is too hot or cold for you to be comfortable outdoors, you should limit the amount of time your pup spends out there as well. In hot weather, make sure your dog has constant access to shade and fresh water. When it's cold outside, make sure to provide a warm shelter and protective clothing and footwear. Watch out for aggressive dogs and fighting. Dogs can be seriously or even fatally injured during a fight. Reduce your own dog's aggression through desensitization training, and use a leash — and, if necessary, a muzzle — when walking your dog. Learn to recognize signs of aggression in other dogs, and try to avoid them whenever possible. If a fight does occur, try not to intervene directly, but rather distract the combatants. Treat any injuries immediately, and see your vet if needed. Detangle pet fur. If your pet has long or thick fur, check daily for any debris stuck in the coat, tangles, or mats and remove these carefully. If your pet has shorter hair, you're likely to see these items and be able to easily pluck them from the coat. Take a few minutes to run your hands through your dog's coat from head to tail. You're looking for burs, matted hair, sticks or debris, bugs and ticks, or any other foreign item your dog's coat has acquired. Brush your dog. You should do this for dogs of any coat length at least once each week. While this may not seem like a significant way to improve your dog's health and longevity, foreign debris caught in the fur can lead to a number of health concerns. For instance, an irritating substance in the fur like a bur can rub against the skin, causing rashes or sores that may lead to more serious issues, infections, or skin conditions. Use a slicker brush that has numerous, close together bristles to detangle long dog hair. These bristles are able to slip between hairs, detangling without pulling. Use detangling solution or mineral oil to soften stubborn tangles. Bathe your dog regularly. Cleaning dogs about once a month or every other month will help you keep their fur and skin clean and free of irritants. Dogs are susceptible to illness that can occur due to the presence of bugs, mites, ticks, and other irritants that access your pup through their skin. Bathing helps to prevent these issues, and gives you the opportunity to check your pup's fur and skin for potential issues. Keep nails trimmed. When they're too long, nails may get stuck, chip, or break. This can be extremely painful for your pup. There's also a large vein in pet nails called the quick, and when this vein is accessed, the result could be heavy bleeding, which can be very dangerous for your dog. To trim the nails, use baby nail clippers or clippers that are made for animals. If your pup has white nails, you'll be able to see the quick. It is the dark pink part of the nail. If your dog has darker nails, you will need to remove a small sliver of nail at a time. After each snip, look at the newly revealed part of the nail checking for a gray-colored area. This is the quick. Stop clipping when you can see the quick. Apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding if you nick the quick. Care for your dog's teeth and gums. Brushing your dog's teeth is very important. Many dog breeds suffer from oral health issues just like humans. Taking a few minutes a day or at least once a week to remove plaque is an important way to avoid these health risks. Simply apply pet toothpaste to a dog toothbrush. Then, lift your dog's lip to reveal the teeth. Carefully brush the outside and inside of each tooth. Purchase toothpaste that is made for pets. Rather than mint, these pastes are typically flavored like foods your pet enjoys. Do not use human toothpaste, as it may be harmful to your dog. Allow your pet to get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them smell or taste the paste. Start by simply brushing one or two teeth, and seeing how your pup reacts. Start brushing when your dog is young, so they're used to the activity when they reach adult maturity. Spend time with your pup. Go for daily walks and let the dog meet and greet with other dogs and people. You can even take your dog to new places like the beach, the park, or maybe even a pet spa for a special treat. There's no need to plan a special day though, just spend some time petting your dog, playing fetch or tug of war, or even just taking a nap with your pup. The most important thing is to give your pup plenty of love and attention that will relieve stress and make your dog happier, which can improve quality of life. Train your dog. Start early, and focus training on making sure your pup is safe and free from stress. For instance, train your dog to walk on a leash. This will prevent them from running away, which could lead to injury caused by cars or other dogs. You should also house train your pet. It's important to your health and your dog's that waste be excreted outside, so train your dog to use a dog door, ring bells to alert you they need to go outside, or use any other house training system that works for your unique needs. Take your dog on trips. Most dogs love riding in the car, so bring them along next time you run an errand. You can also plan a more extensive trip with your pup. For instance, you can take your dog camping or hiking. These types of outings increase your dog's overall happiness, and camping and hiking may even give your pet some extra exercise. Prioritize safety and comfort in the car. Practice with short trips first, and tire your dog out beforehand; provide familiar comforts like blankets and toys; plan lots of breaks; and use either a familiar crate, a dog guard, or a seat restraint for safety. Keep your pup busy while you're away. If you are out of the house for more than a few hours at a time, you'll need to give your dog something to do, and keep them in an area where they are safe. Bored dogs can become destructive, so make sure your pup has plenty of toys to play with. Consider puzzle toys that challenge your dog to get treats out or untangle them to keep your pet busy. You can also hide specials treats, toys or food around the home. Puppy proof a specific area for your pet where they will be unlikely to injure themselves or damage your belongings. Remove access to anything fragile, that your dog may rip up, or that may be harmful like sharp objects. Always allow your pet access to water. If your dog does not have a pet door or other access to the outdoors, make sure to have someone walk them regularly. Some puppy parents keep their pets in crates while they're at work. As long as your dog has been properly trained and is comfortable, this may be a valid solution. | Visit the veterinarian at least once a year. Recognize signs of potential problems that should be examined by your vet. Put together a pet first aid kit. Spay or neuter your dog. Feed your dog healthy meals. Include nutritional supplements with meals. Provide your pup with their own space. Give your dog regular exercise. Tag or microchip your dog. Keep your dog on a leash or behind a fence when outside. Protect your dog from extreme weather conditions. Watch out for aggressive dogs and fighting. Detangle pet fur. Brush your dog. Bathe your dog regularly. Keep nails trimmed. Care for your dog's teeth and gums. Spend time with your pup. Train your dog. Take your dog on trips. Keep your pup busy while you're away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Lighter | How to Fix a Lighter | If your lighter isn't working, check to see if the fuel tank is empty or the flint is gone, as these are simple to fix. Before you refuel your lighter, purchase a butane can, which can usually be found at a local hardware store. To refuel, turn your lighter upside down and put pressure on the fill valve with the butane can nozzle. Once the nozzle is inside, apply pressure until you feel the metal of the lighter get cold. Make sure to keep your lighter away from your face and anything flammable. If your lighter needs a new flint, twist the metal that surrounds the flame until it comes off and you can see a spring. Then, replace the flint attached to the spring and reassemble your lighter. | Ensure that it isn't shattered. If you broke the plastic part of your lighter then you'll need a new one. The pressure is compromised and you won't be able to use it anymore. Look for rust, debris, or dirt. If you've left a lighter outside for a long period of time the metal wheel on top might be rusted in place. If it won't spin, it won't light. If there is only dirt and debris inside the lighter you might be able to clean it out with your fingers or a pipe cleaner and get it going again. Check the fuel tank. Luckily the most common problem with these lighters is their incredibly small fuel tank. When this no longer holds enough fuel or enough pressure, it needs to be refilled. The most prone to mechanical and/or internal failure would be the non-reusable Bic lighters. Look to see if there is a spark. If there is no spark, that means that there is no flint. The flint is the piece of equipment that the wheel rubs against to create a spark. The spark lights the fuel and gives you a flame, so the flint is extremely important. Check to see if the flame is small, burns out, or isn't present at all. If the flame burns out then you could be running out of fuel. However, if you just recently bought the lighter there might be an issue with the fuel reaching the spark. Refuel your lighter. To do this for most lighters you'll need to buy a butane can. You can buy one of these at your local hardware store. Make sure you bleed all of the remaining fuel out of your lighter first. Turn the lighter upside down with the fill valve facing upwards. Put pressure on the fill valve and keep the lighter away from your face and away from anything flammable. Make sure the butane can nozzle fits in the hole in the bottom of the lighter. It has to fit in the upright position with the lighter on top of can. You'll want to insert the nozzle then flip the whole contraption upside down so that the lighter is under the can. Now apply pressure until you feel the metal of the lighter get cold. That means you've successfully gotten the butane inside. For a Zippo lighter you'll have to buy Zippo lighter fluid from the Zippo online store. Keep in mind, it's probably just easier to buy a new lighter unless you are attached to your current one. Replace your flint on a butane lighter. The flint is the piece of equipment that creates the spark. It's tiny black cylinder about a quarter inch long. To replace the flint, remove the metal surrounding the flame and the spark wheel. You'll have to twist it out of position. Once you have removed the metal you'll see that there is a spring. The spring should be about an inch to an inch and a half long. The flint is the small piece of equipment that is about a quarter inch. It will be black and cylindrical. The flint is used to make the spark. Remove the flint from this spring. Now put in a new piece of flint. Reassembling the lighter is easy - put the flint in, stick the spring back in the hole, and then place the top back on. You can buy a new flint for 75 cents online. Replace your flint on a Zippo lighter. To replace the flint, flick open the lighter, and pull up on the chimney. The chimney is the thing with five holes of each side of it. You'll want to pull until its all the way out. Under the chimney there should be a piece of what looks like cotton that is held in place by a screw. Carefully unscrew the screw and pull it out along with the spring and small piece of metal inside. Drop the new flint in, replace the spring, tighten the screw, and replace the box back in the lighter casing. You should be good to go. Remove the metal that surrounds the flame hole if it is small or burns out. This means you have a problem with your fuel release. You can do this with tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or anything else that works. Turn the nozzle from which the gas escapes counter-clockwise a few times. It might just be too tight. If that doesn't work you might might need to get yourself a new one. Luckily they aren't that expensive. | Ensure that it isn't shattered. Look for rust, debris, or dirt. Check the fuel tank. Look to see if there is a spark. Check to see if the flame is small, burns out, or isn't present at all. Refuel your lighter. Replace your flint on a butane lighter. Replace your flint on a Zippo lighter. Remove the metal that surrounds the flame hole if it is small or burns out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-With-HIV/AIDS | How to Live With HIV/AIDS | To live with HIV or AIDS, try to remember that your diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over, and nowadays people who have HIV or AIDS can live long, happy lives. Start by working with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan, which will likely consist of a combination of medications. If you take the medications consistently and your body responds well, you may reduce the virus to the point that it becomes undetectable! While it might not feel like it now, eventually you'll feel like your normal self again. In the meantime, try to focus your energy on taking care of yourself mentally and physically. If you need some extra support, talk to friends or family who love you, or consider joining a support group in your area. | Start treatment as soon as possible after your diagnosis. If you've tested positive for HIV , make an appointment with your doctor right away to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. The sooner you start treating your condition, the better chance you have of keeping the infection under control and enjoying the best possible quality of life. Your doctor will probably recommend running tests to determine how severe your infection is and what kind of treatment will work best for you. They may take samples of your blood to determine how much the virus has already damaged your immune system, how much of the virus is in your bloodstream, and whether the strain you have is resistant to any medications. Find a doctor who specializes in treating HIV/AIDs. If your primary care doctor doesn't have experience treating HIV/AIDS, ask them to recommend someone who does, such as an infectious disease doctor who treats patients with HIV/AIDS often. It's important to work with a doctor who understands the condition and current treatment options, and to follow up with them regularly to monitor your condition. See your doctor as often as they recommend, and don't hesitate to call then between appointments if your symptoms change or get worse. If you live in the U.S., you can find HIV care providers through the American Academy of HIV Medicine Referral Link website here: https://providers.aahivm.org/referral-link/referral-link-search?reload=timezone. If you have trouble remembering your appointments, use a planner or an app to help you keep track. Before your appointment, write down any questions or concerns that you want to discuss with your doctor so that you don't forget. Take antiretroviral medications to manage your infection. The most effective treatment for HIV/AIDS is antiretroviral therapy (ART). This consists of taking a combination of medicines that work together to block the virus from reproducing and attacking your white blood cells. Your doctor will probably prescribe 3 different medications, which you must take every day for the rest of your life. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, vitamins, or supplements, since some of these can interact with HIV medications and make them less effective. For example, cholesterol medications commonly cause interactions. Have a pharmacist review your entire medication list to check for possible interactions. If you take your medications consistently, you may be able to reduce the amount of HIV in your bloodstream so much that it becomes undetectable. This will not only help you stay healthier, but will also reduce your chances of passing on the infection to someone else. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble taking your medications. From forgetting to take your pills every day to dealing with unpleasant side effects, there are a lot of reasons you might have difficulty keeping up with your medications. It's vital to take your medications regularly to keep your infection from getting worse and to prevent resistance to the medications, so let your doctor know if you have any problems. They can help you come up with solutions and coping strategies. Tell your doctor right away if you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, muscle pain, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping. They may be able to adjust your medications or prescribe something to minimize the side effects. Work with your doctor to treat any other medical complications. If you have HIV/AIDS, you may also struggle with other medical conditions, such as secondary infections or organ damage. Work with your doctor to find out if you have any other health issues and figure out the best way to treat them. Your doctor may test you for a variety of conditions that can often occur along with HIV/AIDS, such as: Liver and kidney damage Other sexually transmitted infections Tuberculosis Hepatitis Toxoplasmosis Urinary tract infections Stay up to date on your immunizations. Staying up to date on your vaccinations can help to prevent diseases that could pose serious complications for you. The immunizations your doctor recommends may vary depending on your age, condition, and CD4 count, but some of the immunizations that you might need include: Influenza (Flu) Hepatitis A and B Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (TDaP) Pneumonia Meningitis Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (if you are 26 years old or younger) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Varicella (Chicken Pox) Create a daily routine for taking your medications. Keeping up with a daily medication regimen can be difficult. To help you stay on top of your medications, work on establishing a consistent routine. Try to take your medicines at the same time each day. You might also find it helpful to: Use a 7-day pillbox so that you can keep track of your daily doses throughout the week. Download an app that can send you reminders and help you track your medication use, such as the Medisafe Medication Management app or the Mango Health app. Ask a family member or friend to remind you to take your medication. If you plan to travel, make sure to take enough medication with you to last you through the trip. Eat a healthy diet. Eating well will increase your energy levels and help boost your immune system. To stay your healthiest, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (like white poultry meat, fish, and beans). Ask your doctor or a dietitian if you're not sure what foods are best for you. There's evidence that certain dietary supplements, such as whey protein and acetyl-L-carnitine, may reduce some of the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and strengthen your immune system. Talk to your doctor before trying any supplements, however, since some of them may interfere with your medications. Let your doctor know if you have any concerns about your weight or appetite. Avoid contaminated food or water. When you have HIV/AIDS, you have a greater risk of getting sick from eating foods or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Make sure any food you eat is properly washed, prepared, and cooked, and stick to drinking bottled or filtered water. You can also stay safe by: Avoiding raw foods, like sushi, raw eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products and juices. Staying away from raw sprouts, such as bean or alfalfa sprouts. Avoiding tap water or water from natural sources, such as rivers and lakes. Stay away from excessive alcohol or drug use. Drinking too much or using recreational drugs can weaken your immune system. They can also make the side effects from your medications worse. If you're dependent on drugs or alcohol , talk to your doctor about the best way to quit. Exercise regularly. Getting plenty of exercise can help you maintain strong bones and muscles, both of which can be weakened by the effects of HIV/AIDS and HIV medications. If you're able to do so, try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking, biking, or swimming) every day. If you're not sure what kinds of exercise are safe for you, talk to your doctor. Getting daily exercise can also lift your mood and help you manage your stress levels. Get plenty of good-quality sleep. Getting enough sleep can help your immune system stay healthy. Try to go to bed early enough that you can get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or 8-10, if you're a teen). Let your doctor know if you have trouble getting enough sleep. You can also improve the quality of your sleep by: Keeping your room dark, cozy, and quiet at night. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine a few hours before you go to bed. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each night. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, which might include reading, taking a warm shower, or doing a little meditation. Practice safe sex even if your partner is also infected. If your partner also has HIV/AIDS, they might have a different strain than you and contracting a different strain can pose additional challenges to managing your condition. Practicing safe sex will not only protect your partners, but can also prevent you from developing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use a condom when you have sex. You can also protect both yourself and your partner(s) by: Limiting the number of people you have sex with. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to get an STI or pass one on to someone else. Avoiding using drugs or alcohol before you have sex. These substances can impair your judgment and make you more likely to make risky decisions. Taking your HIV medications while you are sexually active. These will make you less vulnerable to new infections, and will also make it less likely for you to pass HIV on to your partner(s). Getting screened every 6 to 12 months for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis Establish a good hygiene routine. Good hygiene practices can help reduce your risk of developing an infection. A few good ways to protect yourself from diseases and infections include: Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water Brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent dental decay and gum disease Keeping your home clean and tidy Properly washing and disinfecting food preparation areas and utensils Washing your hands carefully after handling animals, pet cages, and litter boxes Practice stress-reducing techniques. Even though HIV/AIDS has become much easier to manage with current advances in medicine, being diagnosed with such a serious disease is frightening and stressful. It's normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, scared, sad, or even angry when you're coping with HIV. To help you deal with these feelings, try to focus on activities that you find enjoyable and relaxing, such as: Spending time with friends and family Working on hobbies or creative projects Doing meditation or yoga Exercising or spending time outdoors Reach out to your friends and family. When you're dealing with HIV/AIDS, having a good support network is important. If possible, talk to trusted friends or family members about what you're going through. Let them know if there's anything they can do to help, from providing a sympathetic ear to helping you get to medical appointments. If you don't have any close family or friends you can talk to, reach out to your doctor. They may be able to connect you with support services in your community. Work with a counselor who has experience helping HIV/AIDS patients. Many people with HIV/AIDS can benefit from talking to a counselor. If you're feeling emotionally overwhelmed because of your condition, ask your doctor to recommend a counselor or psychiatrist. They can help you develop coping strategies or possibly prescribe medications to improve your emotional symptoms. It's especially important to seek help if you experience symptoms of depression , such as persistent sadness, feelings of emptiness or hopelessness, anxiety, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, and lack of appetite. Some HIV/AIDS clinics have mental health professionals on staff. Join a support group to connect with others dealing with HIV/AIDS. Talking to others who are also struggling with HIV/AIDS can be very helpful. Not only will a support group help you feel less alone, but other members of the group can share advice and insights into how they handle the stresses of their condition. Look for a support group in your area online, or ask your doctor to recommend one. You can also find online support groups and discussion boards if meeting with a group in person isn't practical for you. Look into financial support resources for HIV/AIDS patients. Paying for HIV/AIDS medications and treatment can be difficult, especially if you live in the U.S. and don't have adequate health insurance. If you're having trouble paying for your treatment, talk to your doctor. They may be able to direct you to financial support services in your area. If you live in the U.S., you may qualify for financial support through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, which helps low income or uninsured patients across the country. The HIV Medicine Association also offers a list of patient assistance programs that may help: https://www.hivma.org/hivaids-resources/patient-assistance-programs/. Talk to your sexual partner(s) about your condition. Telling your partner that you have HIV/AIDS can be incredibly difficult. However, it's very important that you do so—both for their safety and yours. Sit down with them and have a direct, honest conversation about your condition. Do so before you have sex for the first time, if possible. Choose a time when you and your partner are both calm and you are not likely to be interrupted. Find a quiet place where you can talk privately. You might start by saying something like, “This is hard for me, but there's something important I have to tell you. I found out a year ago that I'm HIV positive.” Be prepared to answer your partner's questions. Try to stay calm and answer their questions openly and honestly. Ask your partner to discuss using PrEP medications with their doctor. Being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS doesn't mean you have to give up on having an active and healthy sex life. In addition to using condoms and taking your HIV medications, you can help protect your partner by suggesting that they take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medications. PrEP medications are antiretroviral medications that can prevent an HIV infection from developing. If your partner uses them consistently, they can reduce their risk of catching HIV by up to 92%. The current PrEP is Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine), which is a combination medication. Your partner will need to be screened for HIV and other STDs every 3 months while taking PrEP. Don’t share needles or syringes with other people. If you take injectable drugs or medications, it's very important that you do not share your needles or syringes with anyone else. Sharing needles can put them at risk of catching HIV, and can also increase your risk of picking up another infection (such as hepatitis). If you have already shared needles or injection equipment with anyone else, let them know about your HIV+ status. Always use a new, clean syringe if you need to give yourself any kind of injection. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant and have HIV/AIDS. If you're pregnant and HIV positive, there's a chance you could pass on the infection to your baby before or after delivery. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant so that they can take steps to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. You can help protect your baby by: Taking your HIV medications consistently throughout your pregnancy Having a C-section instead of a vaginal birth Feeding your baby formula instead of breastfeeding them Giving your baby antiretroviral medications prescribed by your doctor for several weeks after they are born | Start treatment as soon as possible after your diagnosis. Find a doctor who specializes in treating HIV/AIDs. Take antiretroviral medications to manage your infection. Let your doctor know if you have any trouble taking your medications. Work with your doctor to treat any other medical complications. Stay up to date on your immunizations. Create a daily routine for taking your medications. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid contaminated food or water. Stay away from excessive alcohol or drug use. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of good-quality sleep. Practice safe sex even if your partner is also infected. Establish a good hygiene routine. Practice stress-reducing techniques. Reach out to your friends and family. Work with a counselor who has experience helping HIV/AIDS patients. Join a support group to connect with others dealing with HIV/AIDS. Look into financial support resources for HIV/AIDS patients. Talk to your sexual partner(s) about your condition. Ask your partner to discuss using PrEP medications with their doctor. Don’t share needles or syringes with other people. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant and have HIV/AIDS. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-for-Herpes | How to Test for Herpes | If you are experiencing small red bumps or blisters on your genital, or lesions and arches on your mouth, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for herpes. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may be able to diagnose you on sight, or you may have to take a blood test. If you're diagnosed, make lifestyle choices to minimize the risk of an outbreak by doing things like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. | Recognize the symptoms of herpes. Before getting tested for either oral or genital herpes, observe the symptoms of the disease on your body. This can not only help you get a diagnosis and treatment more quickly, but may also save you from unnecessary medical tests. The symptoms of genital herpes include: pain or itching that begins two to 10 days after being exposed to an infected sexual partner, the formation of small red bumps or tiny blisters on your genitalia, ulcers that develop when the blisters or bumps rupture, scabs that materialize while the ulcers heal. It may also be painful to urinate or you may have flu-like symptoms such as fever or muscle aches. The symptoms of oral herpes include: itching, burning, or tingling of the lips and mouth; flu-like symptoms such as sore throat and fever; and the formation and subsequent breaking of blisters or a rash. Both oral and genital herpes may be accompanied by mild to severe pain on the affected area. See a doctor as soon as possible. If you recognize symptoms of either oral or genital herpes or even suspect you might have it, see your doctor as soon as you can. This can not only help confirm a diagnosis, but also help treat the outbreak quickly and effectively. Your doctor may be able to confirm a diagnosis simply by sight or may order additional tests. Observe a case of oral herpes. Your doctor may most likely diagnose oral herpes by simply looking at your mouth area. If this is the case, she may or may not prescribe medication for you. Undergo tests for oral herpes. If your case of oral herpes isn't conclusive, your doctor may order further testing. There are several different option from which she may choose, all of which can confirm a diagnosis and help you get treatment. Your doctor may conduct a DNA test called Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). Your doctor will swab the affected area and collect a sample. She'll run further tests on the sample to determine if you have herpes. The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most commonly used of the NAAT tests. Your doctor may also order blood tests to examine your blood for traces of the herpes virus. Blood tests usually cause only minor discomfort. In some cases, doctors may perform a Tzanck test, though they are rarely used now. A Tzanck test requires scraping the base of lesions and collecting a skin sample. After this, your doctor will examine the specimen under the microscope to determine if you have oral herpes. This test may cause some pain and discomfort. Conduct a physical examination. Like oral herpes, your doctor may be able to diagnose genital herpes by conducting an examination of your genitalia and anal area. She will likely order additional tests from a lab to fully confirm a diagnosis of genital herpes. Have laboratory tests to confirm genital herpes. There are several types of tests that can help detect genital herpes. From viral cultures to blood tests, these may help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Your doctor may collect a tissue sample by scraping your lesions and send the cell probe to a laboratory that can detect the herpes virus. This test may cause some discomfort or pain. Your doctor may run a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test. The PCR test involves getting a blood or tissue sample, or a sample of spinal fluid to test for the presence of the herpes virus in your DNA. Depending on the method in which your DNA is tested, you may experience some discomfort. Your doctor may conduct a blood test, which can detect herpes virus antibodies in your blood. This test may cause minor discomfort. Wait for confirmation of herpes. Once your doctor has conducted tests to confirm a diagnosis of herpes, wait for your diagnosis. This may take a few days. After you receive the test results, speak with your doctor and formulate a treatment plan if necessary. Leave the cold sore or blisters alone. If an outbreak of oral herpes, which consists of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, isn't too severe, you can leave it alone and not treat it. Your symptoms may go away within one to two weeks without treatment. Use this option only if you feel well and are not likely to come into contact with anyone. Take prescription antiviral medications. There is no cure for oral herpes and treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream like Penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills but are very expensive. Your doctor may advise using the medication only if you have symptoms or an outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present. Communicate with your partner or partners. An important part of living with oral herpes is communicating with your partner or partners that you have the virus. You can then decide the best ways to manage the virus as a couple. Oral herpes are very common and you shouldn't worry about feeling any stigma with them. Talk to your partner about the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks. Prevent transmission of oral herpes. Whether your oral herpes is dormant or you are having an outbreak of cold sores, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting oral herpes to you or your partner. Avoid skin-to-skin contact when you have blisters or cold sores. The liquid secreted from the lesions spreads the disease. Don't share items if you have blisters or cold sores. This includes eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balm, or bedding. Avoid oral sex if you have any cold sores or blisters. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with others. Be aware of possible social stigmas. Even though oral herpes is very common, some people may still experience social stigmas attached to a breakout, which may cause feelings of shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing possible stigmas and your own feelings can help you deal with having oral herpes. You may feel embarrassed when you are first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a completely normal initial reaction. Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. If you see the symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe. The symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may include: itching, burning, or tingling near or on the mouth and lips; sore throat; fever; trouble swallowing; or swollen glands. Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary. Gently wash the blisters. Wash any cold sores as soon as you notice them. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading. Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water and gently wash the blisters. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again. You can put a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine on blisters after you've washed them to relieve pain and itching. Relieve the pain of cold sores. The blisters or cold sores associated with oral herpes are often very painful. There are several different ways to help minimize the pain and discomfort of cold sores. If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort. Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain. Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters. Don't consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits. Prevent blisters and outbreaks. There are certain factors that may contribute to outbreaks of oral herpes. By taking proper precautions, you may help prevent or minimize recurrences. Apply sunblock or lip balm with SPF and/ or zinc oxide to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores from sun exposure. This will also you're your lips moisturized and less likely to have a flare up. Don't share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes. Get regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being relaxed will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak. Take prescription antiviral medications. Since there is no cure for genital herpes, treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. It's important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as you have symptoms of genital herpes, which may lessen the severity of the virus in the long term. Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may advise taking medication only if you have symptoms or an actual outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present. Communicate with your partner or partners. An important part of living with genital herpes is communicating with your partner or partners about the virus. It's the kind and responsible thing to do and may help avoid problems later. Do not blame your partner for anything. Remember that herpes can remain dormant in your body for years so it can be difficult to tell who infected you. Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks. Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner. Whether the disease is dormant or you are having an outbreak of lesions, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting genital herpes. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to you or your partner. Herpes is incredibly common. Have your partner tested for it, because they may already have it as well, and if so, you don't need to worry that you are going to pass it on. Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes. Use latex condoms with every time you have sex. If you're pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure to let your doctor know so that you don't transmit it to your unborn child. Be aware of social stigmas. Even though sexual politics have progressed, there are often still social stigmas attached to genital herpes. These stigmas can cause you shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing the negative connotations and your own feelings associated with genital herpes can help you move forward and lead a normal life. Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and they may even wonder if anyone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is common and you don't need to feel this way. Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings. Join a support group for genital herpes sufferers. Joining a support group of others who suffer from genital herpes can offer you unconditional support from others who understand what you're experiencing. It can also help you effectively deal with the various aspects of the virus. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. If you see the symptoms of a genital herpes recurrence, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe. The symptoms of an outbreak may include: herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence. Clean the blisters and keep them dry. If you have external blisters, clean the blisters with rubbing alcohol on the first and second days to kill any virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm, soapy water if the alcohol is too painful. Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading. Avoid breaking blisters, as this can lead to infection. Consult your doctor if you have an outbreak that is on the inside of your body. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and being hygienic will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Making sure that your maintain your overall healthy may reduce the likelihood of recurrences. Some people report that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger their outbreaks. Keep a daily food journal to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks. Make hygiene a priority. Sanitary conditions will promote cleanliness and reduce outbreaks. Showering, changing your clothing, and washing your hands can minimize recurrences or help heal ongoing outbreaks more quickly. Shower at least once daily, and consider taking two showers a day if you are showing symptoms of an outbreak. Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak. | Recognize the symptoms of herpes. See a doctor as soon as possible. Observe a case of oral herpes. Undergo tests for oral herpes. Conduct a physical examination. Have laboratory tests to confirm genital herpes. Wait for confirmation of herpes. Leave the cold sore or blisters alone. Take prescription antiviral medications. Communicate with your partner or partners. Prevent transmission of oral herpes. Be aware of possible social stigmas. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. Gently wash the blisters. Relieve the pain of cold sores. Prevent blisters and outbreaks. Take prescription antiviral medications. Communicate with your partner or partners. Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner. Be aware of social stigmas. Join a support group for genital herpes sufferers. Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly. Clean the blisters and keep them dry. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Make hygiene a priority. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Bacon-in-the-Toaster-Oven | How to Cook Bacon in the Toaster Oven | Cooking bacon in your toaster oven is a quick and easy alternative to using your stovetop or microwave. All you need to do is line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the bacon strips flat so they don't overlap. Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. | Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. To start, take out a baking sheet that will fit in your toaster oven. Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make clean up easier afterwards, as you can simply remove the foil and discard it. If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper instead. Place the bacon flat on the baking sheet. Keep the bacon separated. It should not be touching or overlapping. Lie the bacon flat on the bacon sheet so it cooks completely. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw bacon. Place a sheet pan under the wire tray in your toaster oven. You should find a sheet pan that fits on the bottom of your toaster oven. If any bacon drips during the cooking process, a sheet pan will catch this. It is easier to remove the pan and clean it than clean the bottom of a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). If you're not sure how to set the temperature on your toaster oven, refer to the instructions manual. Allow the toaster oven to heat completely before adding your bacon. Usually, a light goes on or off to indicate the oven is done heating. Cook the bacon for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks. It usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes, but thinner bacon may cook quicker. Bacon will curl and crisp slightly just before it's done. For crispier bacon, cook your bacon longer. Remove the bacon from the oven. After your bacon is cooked to your desired crispness, remove it from the toaster oven. Place some paper towels on a plate. Remove your bacon with a spatula and transfer it to the paper towels. These will remove any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool for a few minutes before eating. Store bacon you do not use for later. If you do not eat all your bacon, you can store it for later. Place the bacon in a plastic container. Then, place the container in the freezer. Cook the bacon in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Bacon thaws easily in the microwave. Once you're ready to eat your leftover bacon, put it on a microwave safe plate. Heat it up for 20 to 30 seconds. Season the bacon with salt and pepper. Bacon may lose some flavor after being stored. If your bacon's taste seems off, add some salt and pepper to taste. | Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the bacon flat on the baking sheet. Place a sheet pan under the wire tray in your toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Cook the bacon for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the bacon from the oven. Store bacon you do not use for later. Cook the bacon in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Season the bacon with salt and pepper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Intrinsic-Value | How to Calculate Intrinsic Value | To calculate the intrinsic value of a stock, first calculate the growth rate of the dividends by dividing the company's earnings by the dividends it pays to its shareholders. Then, apply a discount rate to find your rate of return using present value tables. Once you've calculated the growth rate and the discount rate, you can put these into the Dividend Discount Model to get the intrinsic value. The equation for the model is the dividend growth rate divided by the discount rate less the growth rate. | Look at your investment choices. Intrinsic value is used to measure the true value of an investment, so it's important to understand the basics of investing. A company has two ways to raise money to run the business. They can issue stock or bonds. Companies issue common stock by selling ownership in the business. When you buy stock, you are an owner (investor) in the business. Your shares of stock represent a small percentage of ownership in the company. A bond represents a company debt. Investors who buy bonds are considered business creditors. The bond owner receives interest income on the bond investment, usually twice a year. The original amount invested is returned to the bond investor on the maturity date. Consider how a business becomes profitable. Intrinsic value is based on the ability of a business to generate cash flow into the company and earn a profit. When a company's revenue (or sales) are higher than their expenses, the firm generates earnings. For this discussion, you can think of earnings and profit as the same thing. Companies must use cash to buy inventory, make payroll and advertise. That type of spending is considered a cash outflow. When customers pay for a product or service, the business has a cash inflow. The ability to generate more cash inflows than outflows over time indicates a valuable company. Choose an investment option. Investors have hundreds of investment choices. A bond investor, for example, expects a certain amount of interest income. A stock investor is interested in seeing the value of stock increase over time or in receiving a share of the earnings in the form of dividends. The intrinsic value formulas make assumptions about an investor's required rate of return You can think of this return as the investor's minimum expectation. If the investment cannot meet the expectation, it's assumed that an investor would not invest. Understand the definition. The dividend discount model (DDM) considers the dollar value of dividends paid to shareholders. This model also factors in a projected growth rate of the dividend. Dividends are discounted to their present value using a discount rate. If the dividend discount model values the stock at a higher price than the current market value, the stock's price is considered to be undervalued. The DDM formula is (Dividend per share)/ (Discount rate – Dividend growth rate). Consider the growth rate for dividends. A dividend is a payment of a company's earnings to shareholders. If a company's earnings are expected to grow, an analyst may also assume that the dividends paid to shareholders may grow. You should assume a growth rate for the DDM formula. Say, for example, that your company has earnings for the year of $1,000,000. You decide to pay $500,000 to shareholders in the form of a dividend. If your firm had 500,000 shares of common stock outstanding, you would pay a $1 dividend on each share of stock. Assume that the company earns $2,000,000 in the following year. The firm may decide to pay a larger dollar amount as a dividend- say $1,000,000. If the number of common stock shares is still 500,000, each share of stock would receive a $2 dividend. Apply a discount rate. The discount rate is the percentage rate used to discount future payments into today's dollars. Discounting payments to the current day allows the analyst to make a “apples to apples” comparison of cash flows from different periods of time. Remember that, for this formula, the discount rate is the rate of return required by the investor. It should take into account the stability of the dividend payment. For example, if the dividend payment is erratic, the discount rate should be higher. Assume that you expect to receive a $100 payment in five years. Assume also that the discount rate each year will be 3%. You can use a present value table to determine the present value factor for $100 received in 5 years, at a discount rate of 3%. The factor is.86261 (Other tables or calculators may be slightly different, due to rounding). The present value of the payment is ($100 multiplied by.86261 = $86.26). Input your assumptions into the DDM formula. The DDM formula is (Dividend per share)/ (Discount rate – Dividend growth rate). Dividend per share is the dollar amount of dividend paid for each share of common stock. Assume the dividend is $4 per share. The discount rate is the investor's required rate of return. Assume a 12% discount rate. Assume a 4% percentage rate of dividend growth each year. The DDM formula is ($4 / (12% - 4%) = $50). If the current market price of the stock is less than $50 per share, the formula indicates that the stock price is undervalued. In other words, the intrinsic value of the stock is higher than the stock's current price. Analyze the concept of dividend growth in perpetuity. Many companies grow their sales and earnings over time. If earnings grow, the firm has the option of paying more earnings to shareholders as a dividend. The Gordon Growth Model makes an assumption that dividends will grow at a specific rate forever. The formula is (Expected dividend per share, one year from today)/ (Investor required rate of return - Growth rate in dividend in perpetuity). Understand that a business can pay earnings as a dividend to shareholders, or can keep the earnings for future business use. Earnings kept by the company are referred to as retained earnings. A company's balance in retained earnings is the sum of all earnings less all dividends paid since the business started. Make some assumptions for the variables in the formula. Assume the company's expected dividend per share one year from now is $5. Decide on an expected rate of return required for an equity (stock) investor of 10%. Make an assumption that the annual dividend growth rate in perpetuity is 2%. Use the formula to calculate intrinsic value. The Gordon Growth Model would be ($5 / (10% - 2%) = $62.50). $62.50 is the intrinsic value of the stock, using this model. If the current market price of the stock is less than $62.50, the model indicates that the stock is undervalued. Look at book value per common share. Book value is defined as a company's assets – liabilities. It can also be defined as a firm's equity. If a company sold all of the assets and used the available cash to pay off all remaining liabilities, any cash left over would be considered equity (book value). Understand the concept of residual value. A company has book value as a starting point. The formula then adds new (expected) earnings that the company generates over and above a required rate of return. You're adding “extra value” to the existing book value of the stock. If the company can grow earnings at a faster rate than required, the firm will be more valuable. If the calculation's intrinsic value is more than the current market value, the stock is undervalued. Add in residual value. The formula for residual value has two components. It is the current book value of the equity plus the present value of future residual income. For example, suppose a company will earn $1.00 per share forever, and the company also pays out all of this as dividends, $1.00 per share. The equity capital invested (book value) is $6.00 per share. Because the earnings and dividends will offset each other, the future book value of the stock will always stay at $6.00. The required rate of return on equity (or the percent cost of equity) is 10 percent. Calculate the annual residual income with the formula R I t = E t − r B t − 1 {\displaystyle RI_{t}=E_{t}-rB_{t-1}} , where R I t {\displaystyle RI_{t}} = residual income in future periods; r {\displaystyle r} = required rate of return on equity, E t {\displaystyle E_{t}} = net income during period t {\displaystyle t}. If the net income is $1.00 per year, the book value is always $6.00 and the required return is 10 percent, the the annual residual income is $ 1.00 −.10 ( $ 6.00 ) = $ 1.00 − $.60 = $.40 {\displaystyle \$1.00-.10(\$6.00)=\$1.00-\$.60=\$.40} The present value of future residual income is R I t / r = $.40 /.10 = $ 4.00 {\displaystyle RI_{t}/r=\$.40/.10=\$4.00} The intrinsic value is the current book value plus the present value of future residual income. The equation is $ 6.00 + $ 4.00 = $ 10.00 {\displaystyle \$6.00+\$4.00=\$10.00}. The intrinsic value is $10.00 Learn the formula. The formula for the discounted cash flow method is: P V = C F 1 / ( 1 + k ) + C F 2 / ( 1 + k ) 2 {\displaystyle PV=CF_{1}/(1+k)+CF_{2}/(1+k)^{2}} … [ T C F / ( k − g ) ] / ( 1 + k ) n − 1 {\displaystyle [TCF/(k-g)]/(1+k)^{n-1}}. P V {\displaystyle PV} = present value C F i {\displaystyle CF_{i}} = cash flow in year i k {\displaystyle k} = discount rate T C F {\displaystyle TCF} = terminal year cash flow g {\displaystyle g} = growth rate assumption in perpetuity beyond terminal year n {\displaystyle n} = the number of years in the period including the terminal year. To understand the formula, you need to understand free cash flow, capital expenditures and weighted average cost of capital. Consider free cash flow. Free cash flow is defined as operating cash flow less capital expenditures. Operating cash flow is the cash inflows and outflows from your day-to-day business. That includes buying inventory, making payroll and collecting cash from customers. A capital expenditure represents your spending on fixed assets, such as machinery and equipment. Think about the assets you will use in your business over a period of years. Successful companies are able to generate most of their cash from operations. If you manufacture and sell denim jeans, for example, selling jeans should be your primary sources of cash. If you have free cash flow, you have the flexibility to spend cash on areas that can grow your sales and earnings. If a competitor's business was up for sale, for example, a firm could use their free cash flow to buy the operation and expand the company. Go over weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Capital represents money you raise to run your business. If you issue stock to investors, they will expect some rate of return on their equity investment. Bond investors want an interest rate paid on their bond investment. Issuing bonds (debt) and stock (equity) comes with a cost. We refer to that cost as the cost of capital. If the profit you expect to generate on a project is more than the cost of capital, it makes financial sense to raise capital for a project. The discounted cash flow method uses WACC in the formula. Plug in assumptions to the discounted cash flow (DCF) formula. Consider the valuation of Sun Microsystems in 2012. It was traded at $3.25. But the long-term growth rate was estimated to be 13 percent. This means the stock was valued at $5.50, making the $3.25 price a very good deal. Changes in the growth rate and interest rates have a huge impact on valuation. | Look at your investment choices. Consider how a business becomes profitable. Choose an investment option. Understand the definition. Consider the growth rate for dividends. Apply a discount rate. Input your assumptions into the DDM formula. Analyze the concept of dividend growth in perpetuity. Understand that a business can pay earnings as a dividend to shareholders, or can keep the earnings for future business use. Make some assumptions for the variables in the formula. Use the formula to calculate intrinsic value. Look at book value per common share. Understand the concept of residual value. Add in residual value. Learn the formula. Consider free cash flow. Go over weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Plug in assumptions to the discounted cash flow (DCF) formula. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Words-to-Wood | How to Transfer Words to Wood | To transfer words to wood, all you need is wax paper and an inkjet printer. To start, reverse the text you want to print in an image editing program. This way, it will read the correct way once it's transferred. Use a glue stick to secure a piece of wax paper to a sheet of printer paper. If you don't have wax paper you can also use freezer paper. Then, print your text onto the wax paper side in an inkjet printer. After it prints, place the paper text-side-down onto the wood, and use a credit card to scrape the back of the paper. This will transfer the text onto the wood. | Create your text using a word or image editing program. Since you won't be reversing the text, you can use whichever program you want. Create your text first, then select it and change the font size and font type to whatever you want. The color of the text does not matter. You can even use an option that just gives you the outline. You can also find pre-made text online or even sketch your own on a sheet of printer paper. Print your text on a sheet of printer paper. Do not reverse or mirror the text; just print it out on a piece of paper like you would any other document or homework assignment. The type of printer does not matter here, so you can use a laser or an inkjet printer. Make sure that you use printer paper; you can even use binder paper in a pinch. Don't use cardstock, however, or it will be too thick for the transfer to work. Skip this step if you sketched your own text. Cover the back of the paper with graphite. A thick, graphite stick will get the job done a lot faster, but you can use a pencil too. Be sure to press hard so that the graphite turns shiny. You do not need to cover the entire paper; just focus on the letters. It would be best to cover the entire letter rather than just the outline. You should be able to see the letters through the back of the paper. If you can't you could place the paper against a bright window, but this is not really necessary. If the wood is dark-colored, the graphite won't show up. Use chalk instead. You don't need a thick layer because it is so powdery. Tape the paper graphite-side-down on your piece of wood. Set the paper down so that the graphite is touching the wood, and the letters are facing up. Move the paper around until you are happy with the position, then tape down the corners. It does not matter what type of tape you use, as long as it holds the paper in place. Trace the letters with a pencil, pressing hard. As you trace, the pressure will cause the graphite under the paper to stick to the wood. Wherever you press with the pencil, the graphite will transfer. Lift the corner of the paper to check your progress. The lines will be faint, but you should still be able to see them. You do not need to fill in the letters since you'll be painting them anyway. Remove the paper, then go over the letters, if needed. The lines will be faint and ghostly, which is fine. If you are having troubles seeing the letters, trace over them with a pen or pencil so that you can see them more clearly. You'll be using these letters as stencils for the painting step. If you are using a pen, choose a color that matches the paint. Paint the letters with acrylic paint. Wide, flat brushes are ideal for block letters, while thin, pointy brushes work better for cursive. If you don't feel comfortable painting, you can use paint pens instead. If the wood is smooth, you may be able to color the letters in with permanent markers instead. The paint will cover the graphite/chalk marks, so don't worry. Let the paint dry. This should only take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the paint has dried, you can display your wooden piece. For a longer-lasting finish, coat it with a clear, acrylic sealer. Acrylic sealer comes in matte, glossy, and satin finishes, so choose wisely! Reverse your desired text using an image editing program. Open up an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop. Use the text tool to type out your desired message. Use the editing tool to reverse or mirror the text. It is important to reverse the text, otherwise it will come out backwards. Choose a nice font and font size. The text will come out lighter on the wood, so dark, bold, or bright colors will look the best. Do not use white. There is no such thing as white printer ink, so it won't print. If it doesn't print, then it won't transfer. Secure a piece of wax paper to a sheet of printer paper. Coat the printer paper with a glue stick, then press the wax paper on top. Trim off the excess wax paper, then fold tape over the edges. If you don't have wax paper, use freezer paper instead. Make sure that the waxy side is facing up. You don't have to tape every edge--just the edge that will be going into the printer first. Print the text onto the wax paper using an inkjet printer. Be mindful of how you feed the paper into the printer; the text must come out on the wax/freezer paper. Once the text prints out, handle the paper by the edges. Do not touch the ink, or it will smear. Don't wait for the ink to dry. It needs to be wet for the next step. If you have a bottom-loading printer, insert the paper wax-side-down. If you have a top-loading printer, insert the paper wax-side-up. Place the paper text-side-down onto the wood. Flip the paper over so that the wax paper is on the bottom. Position the paper over the wood, then press it down once you are happy with the placement. Tape down the corners so that it doesn't slide around. Make sure that the wax paper/printed text is touching the wood. Scrape the back of the paper with a credit card. If you don't have a credit card, you can use another thin, plastic card, such as a debit card or gift card. Press hard enough to burnish the text onto the wood, but not so hard that the paper tears. You may be able to use a spoon, but the results may not be as vibrant. Remove the paper to reveal the text. The text will have a faded, vintage-y look to it. If you want something more vibrant, paint over the text using acrylic paint. For a longer-lasting finish, coat your wood with a clear, acrylic sealer. You can apply the sealer directly over the printed text without using paint. Acrylic sealer comes in matte, satin, and glossy finishes, so choose one that you like the best. Reverse your text in an image editing program. Open up an image editing program, then create your desired text. Set the font size, color, and type to whatever you want, then reverse the image so that the letters are backwards. This is important. If you don't reverse the text, it will come out backwards when you transfer it to the wood. Print the text on transfer paper using a laser printer. You can buy transfer paper from the T-shirt and fabric paint section of a craft store or a fabric store. You may also be able to order it online. Make sure that you print on the textured side of the paper, not the papery side. If you only have an inkjet printer, you may be able to find transfer paper made specifically for inkjet printers. Read the labels. Choose paper made for light-colored fabrics. If you get the kind made for dark-colored fabrics, your text will have a white background. Place the paper face-down on your piece of wood. Make sure that the printed text is face-down and touching the wood. If you want to, you can secure the edges of the paper to the wood with pieces of tape. Iron the paper using a hot, no-steam setting. Turn on your iron to the cotton or linen setting and wait for it to heat up. Make sure that the steam setting is turned off , then iron the paper just like you would a shirt. Press and hold and hold the iron firmly against the paper. If you don't apply enough pressure, the text won't transfer properly. How long you do this for depends on the brand of paper that you are using. Most brands will require about 5 to 10 seconds, however. Peel the paper away to reveal your text. The transfer paper will have acted just like it would on fabric, or close to it. The text may have come out light, but this is due to the rough, porous texture of the wood. If the text did not come out dark enough, you can paint over it with acrylic paints. Coat your wood with a clear acrylic sealer in a matte, glossy, or satin finish to protect the transferred text. | Create your text using a word or image editing program. Print your text on a sheet of printer paper. Cover the back of the paper with graphite. Tape the paper graphite-side-down on your piece of wood. Trace the letters with a pencil, pressing hard. Remove the paper, then go over the letters, if needed. Paint the letters with acrylic paint. Let the paint dry. Reverse your desired text using an image editing program. Secure a piece of wax paper to a sheet of printer paper. Print the text onto the wax paper using an inkjet printer. Place the paper text-side-down onto the wood. Scrape the back of the paper with a credit card. Remove the paper to reveal the text. Reverse your text in an image editing program. Print the text on transfer paper using a laser printer. Place the paper face-down on your piece of wood. Iron the paper using a hot, no-steam setting. Peel the paper away to reveal your text. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-Silverware | How to Wrap Silverware | Wrapping silverware looks impressive and is a great way to give your table a final touch. For a simple rectangular wrap, place a napkin on a flat surface so that it looks like a square. Make sure the back of the napkin is facing up. Fold the bottom edge up by 2 to 3 inches to create a pocket for your silverware. Stack your silverware starting with the knife, then add the forks, and tuck them behind the fold, on the right side of the napkin. Take the top edge of the napkin and fold it down until it's the same height as the knife. The top edge should now touch the bottom fold. Roll the napkin tightly, starting from the right side, and add a napkin ring or ribbon to secure your wrap. | Place a napkin on a flat surface so that it looks like a square. If your napkin has both a front and a back, make sure that the back is facing up. If there isn't a front of back, then check the hems; make sure that the folded-under side of the hem is facing you. This method will create a skinny, elegant wrap with straight ends. The napkin needs to be about 3 times the height of your knife. Fold the bottom edge up by 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). The measurements don't have to be exact; they are there simply to create a pocket for your silverware. The napkin should now be twice the height of your silverware. This will create a soft of pocket for your silverware to slip into. Make sure that the pocket is the same width from left to right. The side edges need to match up. Tuck stacked silverware behind the fold, on the right side of the napkin. Make sure that your silverware is oriented vertically, so that it is sticking out from behind the napkin's pocket. Stack your silverware starting with the knife. Add the forks next, starting with the larger one and finishing with the smaller. Fold the top edge so that the napkin is the same height as the knife. Make sure that the bottom edge of your stacked silverware is nestled inside the napkin's pocket. Next, grab the top edge, and fold it down over the silverware. Like with the pocket, make sure that the top edge is nice, neat, and straight. Adjust the folds so that the top edge touches the bottom fold. Napkins and silverware come in different sizes, so what works for one size may not work for another. The top edge of your napkin should be touching the bottom, folded edge of the napkin. If it doesn't, adjust the width of the pocket until it does. For example: If the top edge doesn't touch the bottom edge, the bottom edge is too wide. Make it narrower, then fold the top edge back down. If the top edge extends past the bottom edge, the bottom edge is too narrow. Fold it up more, then pull the top edge back down. Roll the napkin tightly, starting from the right side. Take the right side of the napkin, and flip it over towards the right. Make sure that the silverware is tucked into the fold, then begin to roll it tightly towards the left side. Be sure to smooth out any ripples or wrinkles as you roll. Make sure that the top and bottom folded edges don't shift or move. Add a napkin ring or ribbon, if desired. You could even wrap a thin strip of colored paper around the middle of the napkin, then overlap and secure the ends with a drop of glue or a piece of double-sided tape, just like in a restaurant! If you don't want to add napkin rings, ribbons, or paper, set the bundle seam-side-down on the table. This will weigh it down and keep it from unraveling. Set a square napkin down so that it makes a diamond shape. One of the corners should be turned towards you. If the straight edge is facing you, then rotate the napkin. Make sure that the back/wrong side of the fabric is facing up. This method is similar to the first in that it will create a tightly-wrapped bundle. Instead of having a seam running down the length of it, however, it will have diagonal seams. Pick a napkin that is about 2 to 3 times the height of your knife. Fold the bottom corner towards the top to make a triangle. Make the crease nice and neat and be sure to smooth out any wrinkles. By now, you should have a straight, horizontal edge facing you, and a pointy top edge facing away from you. Place stacked silverware lengthwise along the middle of the folded edge. The entire side edge of your silverware should be aligned with the folded edge. There should be an equal amount of napkin sticking out to the left and right ends of the silverware. You are placing the silverware horizontally across the napkin, not vertically. Stack the silverware starting with the knife and finishing with the smallest fork. Fold the left and right corners over the silverware. Make sure that the bottom edges are aligned nicely. How much you fold the corners by depends on the length of the silverware. The ends of the silverware should be nestled right inside the folds. Do not crease these folds. Wrap the napkin into a tight roll, starting from the bottom edge. Take the bottom edge of the folded fabric, and fold it upward once. Next, begin to wrap the bundle towards the top edge, as tightly as you can. Go slowly and use your fingers to keep the stacked silverware in place. Don't let them slip around. Finish the bundle with a ribbon or napkin ring. A napkin ring may cause the bundle to loosen, but a tightly-wrapped ribbon will keep it together better. Alternatively, you can wrap a thin strip of paper around the bundle, and secure it with some glue or a piece of double-sided tape. If you don't want to secure the bundle with anything, set it seam-side-down on top of the table. Orient a square napkin like a diamond. If the napkin has both a front and back side, make sure that the back is facing up. This method will give you a flat, house-shaped pouch. If you want to make a non-pointed pouch, orient the napkin like a square, with one of the straight edges facing you. Use a napkin that is about twice the height of your knife. Center your silverware on top of the napkin so that it's touching the top corner. Do not stack the silverware. Instead, place the fork, knife, and spoon side-by-side on top of the napkin. Make sure that they are centered, oriented vertically, and touching the top corner. For a square pouch, have the silverware touch the top, straight edge instead. You should have an equal amount of fabric to the left and right sides of the aligned silverware. Fold the bottom corner of the napkin over the silverware. How many inches or centimeters you fold it up by depends on the length of the silverware. The bottom edge of the silverware should be nestled right inside the fold. You might end up covering the silverware all the way or partway. If you are making a non-pointed pouch, fold the bottom straight edge up instead. Bring the left corner of the napkin over towards the right corner. The left side of the napkin should be completely covering the silverware, with the leftmost utensil nestled right inside the fold. Depending on the width of the silverware, the left edge of the fabric will be a few inches/centimeters from the right edge. Fold the right corner of the napkin over towards the left edge. Pinch the stacked layers of fabric (left edge and right), and fold them across the silverware and towards the left side. Make sure that the rightmost utensil is nestled inside the right folded edge. The right edge of the fabric will extend past the left folded edge by a couple of inches/centimeters. This is fine. Tuck the right corner of the napkin under the pouch. Carefully lift the pouch up, keeping it parallel to the table so that it doesn't come apart. Fold the excess fabric on the left side under the pouch. You should end up with something that looks like a tall, skinny house. If you are making a non-pointed pouch, you'll end up with a skinny rectangle instead. Wrap a ribbon around the pouch, if desired. Cut a long piece of ribbon, and set it horizontally down on the table. Place the pouch vertically on top of it, so that they cross in the middle. Wrap the left and right ends of the ribbon across the front of the pouch, then tie them into a bow. Tie the ribbon loosely enough so that it does not distort the shape of the pouch. You want the pouch to remain flat, and not bunch up like a bowtie. | Place a napkin on a flat surface so that it looks like a square. Fold the bottom edge up by 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm). Tuck stacked silverware behind the fold, on the right side of the napkin. Fold the top edge so that the napkin is the same height as the knife. Adjust the folds so that the top edge touches the bottom fold. Roll the napkin tightly, starting from the right side. Add a napkin ring or ribbon, if desired. Set a square napkin down so that it makes a diamond shape. Fold the bottom corner towards the top to make a triangle. Place stacked silverware lengthwise along the middle of the folded edge. Fold the left and right corners over the silverware. Wrap the napkin into a tight roll, starting from the bottom edge. Finish the bundle with a ribbon or napkin ring. Orient a square napkin like a diamond. Center your silverware on top of the napkin so that it's touching the top corner. Fold the bottom corner of the napkin over the silverware. Bring the left corner of the napkin over towards the right corner. Fold the right corner of the napkin over towards the left edge. Tuck the right corner of the napkin under the pouch. Wrap a ribbon around the pouch, if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Fearful-Cat-from-Biting | How to Stop a Fearful Cat from Biting | To stop a fearful cat from biting, give your cat space and plenty of time to warm up to you and any new noises. Avoid forcing it to interact with you since you could scare it more and increase the chances of it biting. Additionally, make sure the cat always has a clear escape route so it doesn't feel trapped in the room. You can train your cat not to bite by gradually exposing it to the things it's afraid of, like loud noises, and giving it a treat when it remains calm. Remember not to pet it when it's fearful since this can reinforce that behavior. You may want to consider getting anti-anxiety medication from the vet or reaching out to a cat behavior specialist if your cat's fear is severe. | Act calmly. Do not respond wildly to a cat that is biting you out of fear. If you act out in shock and pain it is likely that the cat's fear will increase and its biting will increase in response. Instead, take a deep breath and move forward calmly with a plan to get the cat to let go. It can be hard to not respond strongly to a cat bite that you don't see coming. However, do your best so that the cat's bad behavior can eventually be overcome. Press into the bite. Instead of pulling away from the bite, which can make the cat bite down harder, press towards the cat. In many cases this will confuse the animal into releasing its grip. Pressing into the bite is the opposite response that prey in the wild would have to a cat bite. The idea is that this behavior will confuse the cat and encourage them to let go of this odd victim. Shock the cat into releasing its grip. If the cat refuses to release its grip then you can try to shock it into letting go. This can be done most easily by creating a loud noise that surprises the cat. For example, clapping very loudly can sometimes do the trick. You can also throw something across the room that will make a loud noise when it hits the floor. This should surprise the cat and give you a moment to get out of the cat's grip without resorting to force. Avoid physical punishment. Hitting a cat that has bit you or swatting at it will only serve to increase the cat's fear of you. It will do nothing to decrease future attacks and in fact it may even increase them. The same goes for screaming or yelling at a cat. This will increase the cat's anxiety and fear. Don't surprise the cat. Many cats that have a strong fear response bite when they are surprised. If you know your cat does this, or you are in a house that you know has a cat that does this, then you should try to avoid surprising the cat. Make noise as you move through the house so that the cat knows you are coming and can flee as you approach. Also, don't pet the cat if it is sleeping and does not know you are approaching it. This is a great way to get bitten. Leave the cat alone. If the cat is about to bite you because it is scared of you, then you should remove yourself from its area. In order to avoid getting bitten you should just leave it alone. Walk away and let the cat calm down on its own. Trying to win a skittish cat over with attention will only backfire. Cornering a cat that is fearful invites a fear response and will make their anxiety even worse. Instead, leave the cat a clear escape route, so that it has the option to run away. While exposure therapy can be used to get a fearful cat used to certain situations, this needs to be done with care and repetition. A one time visit with a scared cat where you will not leave the cat alone will not make the cat's behavior any better. Allow the cat to leave the room. A cat that responds to fear with biting should be allowed to flee situations that it finds stressful or scary. Don't try and keep a cat in an unpleasant situation to try and acclimate the cat to it. This will only heighten the cat's anxiety. Instead, put the cat in a room by itself. Provide food, water, and a litter box. Allow the cat to stay here until it wants to leave on its own. Acclimate the cat to new people slowly. Cats that are fearful need a gradual adjustment period to warm up to new people. In most cases, it's best to leave the cat alone, give it some space, and wait until it comes to the person instead of trying to force affection on to it. The new person should give the cat some space and ignore the cat, but should not leave the room when the cat starts getting upset. This will show the cat that its aggressive actions will not result in the desired outcomes. Use gentle exposure therapy. A cat that is deeply fearful needs a gentle approach to behavioral modification that allows it to very gradually face its fears. Allow the cat to have space and the ability to run away but bring new people and new noises into the house regularly so that the cat can get used to them. This means that you will need to gauge how far away the thing your cat is afraid of can be from the cat without your cat reacting, and then place that thing there repeatedly. For example, if your cat is afraid of loud noises but it does not run away if you make a loud noise in a room the cat is not in, you should do that daily to get the cat used to it. If the cat does not flee or show signs of fear to the stimuli, whatever it may be, then give it a treat. If the cat does show signs of fear, do not reassure it or give it a treat. Petting a cat that is fearful only reinforces that behavior. Provide stress-relievers for the cat. Give the cat plenty of hiding places and high perches, so that it can deal with fear by escaping from the situation and going somewhere it feels safe. Also, use a Feliway plug in diffuser in the main areas where the cat spends its time. These give off a synthetic cat pheromone that provides a sense of safety and emotional security for cats. Consider the use of medication. If your cat's fear response is so bad that it is affecting the cat's quality of life, and your ability to have friends and family in your home, then you may want to turn to medication. Take your cat to see its veterinarian and explain the situation. The veterinarian may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for the cat. There are a variety of medications that your veterinarian may prescribe, including benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, alprazolam, or clonazepam), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or doxepin), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine). Seek the help of a cat behavior specialist. If your cat is having severe anxiety and is prone to biting due to fear but no other solutions have worked, you may need to contact a behavior specialist. A good behavior specialist should be able to work with you and your cat to find treatment solutions that can decrease the cat's anxiety. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a good pet behaviorist or look at the website of an accredited organization of animal behaviorists to find one in your area. There are a wide variety of types of animal behaviorists, from animal trainers to veterinarians who specialize in animal behavior modification. Pick a type of behaviorist based on the severity of your cat's problems and how much money you can spend. | Act calmly. Press into the bite. Shock the cat into releasing its grip. Avoid physical punishment. Don't surprise the cat. Leave the cat alone. Allow the cat to leave the room. Acclimate the cat to new people slowly. Use gentle exposure therapy. Provide stress-relievers for the cat. Consider the use of medication. Seek the help of a cat behavior specialist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-20-Pounds-in-2-Weeks | How to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks | To lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks, replace unhealthy processed foods in your diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean meats like chicken and fish. Also, try to eat fewer calories every day, but make sure you're not skipping any meals—if you lose weight by not eating, you'll probably gain it all back after the 2 weeks is up. You should also try to do 3-4 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise every day, like running, cycling, and playing sports. | Switch to drinking only water. Water flushes out your system, removing unneeded toxins, making it easier to lose weight. Moreover, water is free of calories, making it a much better choice than sugary drinks. In fact, if you can limit yourself to only water, your odds of losing the weight will increase. If you need something flavored from time to time, choose unsweetened tea. This should be 24/7, apart from right before a workout. Then you can feel free to chug a cup of black coffee (or with a splash of skim milk). The caffeine blast is reported to give you a kick, making you work out a little bit harder. It turns out drinking water can up your metabolism, too, in addition to making you feel full. Recent studies show that drinking two glasses of cold water can up your metabolism about 40% for 15-20 minutes. Participants in these weight loss studies reportedly lost 15 pounds in three months, largely by drinking only water. Cut junk food from your diet. Cut it out completely. Someone following a standard diet can usually afford to fall off the junk food wagon once or twice without suffering major repercussions. For more extreme, short-term weight loss goals (like this one), however, junk food must be completely avoided. Stay away from greasy, fatty foods as well as those with a high sugar content. Anything battered, fried, covered in chocolate, packaged, or loaded up and preserved with sugar is a no-go. Be sure to read your labels. Even things like yogurt and granola bars can be powerhouses of sugar. While many people think of these as healthy, they're actually not. Cut out the white carbs. Everything from pasta to cookies is full of simple carbohydrates that are actually sugars in disguise. These little villains spike our insulin levels, upping our fat stores, and ultimately increase our body weight. To lower the spike, cut out the processed carbs – that means white rice, bread, and potatoes, in addition to cookies, cakes, donuts, chips, pretzels, and ice cream. You may be better off cutting out carbs in general. Let's face it: 20 pounds in 2 weeks is a tall order. To put your body in ketosis , where it's feeding off your fat stores and not your glycogen stores (because those have been depleted), you'll have to go completely low or no carb. In addition to no sweets, you'll have to cut out starchy vegetables (potatoes, squash, carrots), whole grains (including quinoa and brown rice) and sugary fruits, like bananas, oranges, and apples. What's more, being hungry makes the temptation to cave to your old habits all the more powerful. Consistently eating good-for-you, healthy foods keeps the other cravings at bay. When you're more full, you make better decisions. Munch on "negative calorie" foods. Whether or not negative calorie foods are truly negative is up for debate. As the theory goes, some foods take so much energy to digest that eating them actually burns more calories than the foods contain. Even if you do not burn calories eating these foods, though, you will not gain many calories from them, either. In the way of vegetables, eat more asparagus, beet root, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, garlic, green beans, lettuce, onion, radish, spinach, turnip, and zucchini. As for fruits, gravitate toward blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, grapefruit, honeydew, lemons, limes, oranges, mangoes, papayas, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, tangerines, and watermelon. Choose leaner proteins and load up on vegetables. Instead of beef and pork, opt for leaner meats like chicken or fish. Consuming fish is especially helpful because the fatty acids in fish give your body the beneficial oils it needs, and may help subdue the urge to consume greasy or fattening foods. And as for vegetables, go for it. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner – pile 'em on. They're nutritious, generally not full of calories or sugars (again, no potatoes), and keep you full. They're the shortest track to losing weight there is. Consider a fad diet very carefully. The fact of the matter is that in the short term, fad diets can work. If you're looking to lose weight very quickly and don't care if you gain it back, then a fad diet could be okay for you in this situation. Just realize that, in general, they're not healthy and their effects do not last for long. One of the most common fad diets right now is juicing. Another contender is the Master Cleanse diet – both of which are liquid-based diets. These offer quick results, but are hard to adhere to and are not wise to stay on for long. If you're desperate, look into them, but take their advice with a grain of salt. Be sure to still eat all your meals. While you may feel tempted to skip breakfast or spend a day fasting, you should resist the urge to do so. Prolonged fasting can cause muscle loss and other health problems, but it can also make it more difficult for your body to lose weight. When the human body does not receive enough nutrition, it automatically starts conserving calories by burning them at a slower rate. You may experience significant weight loss after the first few days, but by the end of the two weeks, you will probably gain a good portion of it back. The exception to this is if you're on a highly-regimented intermittent fasting plan. This is where you don't eat anywhere from eight to twenty-four hours and then eat planned amounts of calories (often more) thereafter. While this can be effective, do this only with the approval of your physician. If you don't do it correctly, you could actually increase your body's tendency to store fat. Don't eat after a specific time of day. Many people find success with a timed plan. That is, they decide that they won't eat after a certain time, usually somewhere around 7 to 8 pm. Nighttime eating is generally the worst for most people, as the TV is on and friends are habitually munching, too. This can be emotionally difficult, but it can pay off. You may need to be reasonable with yourself. Have this rule for only five or six days out of the week. Give yourself some wiggle room to go out with friends – but that doesn't mean you can go crazy. Stick to a glass of red wine and a few bites – don't eat the entire buffet. Budget your calories. The idea that it's all about calories is slowly becoming old school. The fact of the matter is that everybody's body is different and not all calories are made the same. What's more, counting calories sucks. That being said, they're a good general guideline. For the purposes of this diet, budget your calories throughout the day. If you've done really, really great, have that piece of dark chocolate or that extra half a chicken breast. Don't go overboard, but keep yourself from feeling deprived. You'll want to balance the calories you burn with the calories you consume. In other words, the more you work out, the more you can eat. Weight loss generally occurs when you burn more calories than you consume. On average (again, on average ), a person needs to burn 3,500 calories more than he or she consumes to lose 1 lb (450 g). To lose 20 pounds (9 kg) in two weeks, you will need to lose a little under 1.5 lbs (675 g) every day. That means burning a little over 5,000 calories more than you consume each day. Yep, a very, very tall order. Master portion control. It's not just about what you eat, it's also about how much you eat. Even the healthiest of foods need to be eaten in moderation. Start by using smaller plates and smaller eating utensils and don't go back for seconds. Adhere to the serving sizes listed on the nutrition labels and look up anything you're unsure about. Snacking is where portion control gets iffy. To avoid that handful of nuts turning into the entire bag, measure out your snacks beforehand. Then when you're hungry, you grab a little baggie or container that's the right serving size and that's that. You know exactly how much you're eating. Consider having a cheating session. Intermittent fasting and calorie cycling is becoming more and more popular. These practices maintain that sometimes a lot of calories is a good thing, as it keeps your body from down regulating (where you stop burning calories). One week through your diet, consider having a little fun with your eating – it may help keep your diet on the right track. If this diet were to last longer, you might want to devote an entire day to eating. Eating whatever the heck you want. However, it may be best to limit yourself to an hour or two during this fourteen-day period. So for 60 minutes one day this week, go to town. But beyond that, you have to get back to your plan. Eat more often. Make sure to read that third word – eat more often , not eat more. Think of it this way: if you only have 5 pieces of celery you can eat in a day (not recommended; just an example), you don't want to eat them all for breakfast. You want to space them out to keep from being hungry. Along the same lines, you're likely not eating a lot in these two weeks. So eat less, but eat less more often. It'll keep your stomach from thinking it's hungry. Many healthy diets advocate snacking and for good reason – it keeps your metabolism up and it prevents you from gorging yourself later. Make your meals smaller so you can fit in a few extra calories for snack time. In two weeks, your body and your motivation will thank you for it. Start cooking. The only way to truly control every nutrient and calorie that goes into your body is to cook for yourself. Though every restaurant nowadays tends to have healthier options, you can never be sure what's in that salad dressing or what type of oil they use for their vegetables. You'll be better off cooking for yourself and being able to exercise complete control over every bite you intake. This way you can use healthier oils, like olive oil, less butter, less sugar, less salt (a big culprit when it comes to bloating) and control your portion sizes, too. And what's even better? It stretches your wallet further, too. Keep track of your eating and exercising. If this were a permanent lifestyle change, keeping track might just be demotivating. But since this is only for 14 days, it's totally doable. Keeping track can help you see where you're likely to flub up, see where you have a little wiggle room, and help you see all the progress you've made – which is an awesome feeling. It's proof of a job well done. This can be done with an old school pen and paper like with a food diary , or you could get technological and download one of the plethora of weight loss apps available. Many help you count calories, carbs, fats, and protein and take into account exercise, too. Make a commitment. It sounds obvious, but one of the most important things you can do to guarantee weight loss success is to commit to your goal. This is especially important for a short-term diet like this. You cannot afford to have an “off” day when you slack on your diet or exercise regimen. Once you decide to go this route, you must be committed to seeing it through. It'll be easier if you tell other people about your plan, or if you have other people to do it with you. They can hold you accountable, you can eat healthy and exercise together, and you can complain about it together, too. Get several hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each day. The best way to burn calories is through exercise. If your body is already familiar with moderate physical activity, you might be able to take things up a notch by alternating moderate and vigorous activity throughout your day. On the other hand, if you are unaccustomed to much physical activity, you should only stick to moderate exercise. Either way, make sure to take plenty of breaks and to re-hydrate yourself with plenty of water consistently. Vigorous activity burns between 400 and 600 calories per hour, and examples include running, bicycling, swimming, aerobics, basketball, and heavy weightlifting or yard work. Moderate activity burns between 200 and 400 calories per hour and includes hiking, light yard work, dancing, golf, slow bicycling, and slow walking. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 2-3 times a week. Take little opportunities to exercise, too. If you're watching your favorite program and the commercials come on, pop on down to the floor for a few push ups. While you're putting away dishes, get to dancing. Lunge your way down the hallway. Sounds silly, but these little bits add up, leading to increased muscle tone and a slimmer waistline. Even if your schedule is ridiculous, find ways to kill two birds with one stone. Take the dog for a walk the long way around the block, park far away from the shopping center doors, clean your house vigorously, or wash your car yourself. Life in general is an opportunity for exercise. Get a full night’s sleep. The human body cannot function properly without sleep. Sleep gives the body a chance to rest, restoring it to peak operating conditions and thereby making it easier for the body to burn calories and drop weight. In order to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time, you should make sure to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. It's more than just good sense, it actually regulates your hormones and can prevent hunger. So not only does it burn calories and keep you from eating, but it can keep you from eating even while you're awake. | Switch to drinking only water. Cut junk food from your diet. Cut out the white carbs. Munch on "negative calorie" foods. Choose leaner proteins and load up on vegetables. Consider a fad diet very carefully. Be sure to still eat all your meals. Don't eat after a specific time of day. Budget your calories. Master portion control. Consider having a cheating session. Eat more often. Start cooking. Keep track of your eating and exercising. Make a commitment. Get several hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each day. Take little opportunities to exercise, too. Get a full night’s sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Monkey-Bread | How to Make Monkey Bread | Before making quick cinnamon sugar monkey bread, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Then, melt ½ cup of butter and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Next, cut up the biscuits in half or in fourths, depending on whether you want small or large pieces of monkey bread. Transfer the biscuits into the bowl with the melted butter, and add cinnamon and sugar. Toss the ingredients together, then arrange the biscuits in an even layer inside a baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. | Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter. Place it in a small saucepan and heat it until melted. You could also heat the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. When the butter is melted, place it in a large mixing bowl. Cut the biscuits. Remove the biscuits from the tube. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into fourths. You can slice the biscuits in half, rather than into fourths, if you prefer larger pieces of monkey bread. Leave the biscuits whole for even larger pieces. Dress the biscuit pieces. Put the biscuit pieces in the bowl with the butter. Pour the cinnamon and sugar into the bowl. Use tongs or two spoons to toss the biscuit pieces in the butter, cinnamon and sugar until they get completely coated. If you want to make savory monkey bread, substitute chopped rosemary and minced garlic for the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle in chocolate chips or add 1/2 cup of maple syrup for a different spin on this monkey bread. Arrange the biscuit pieces in a baking dish. Use a spoon to transfer them from the mixing bowl to a baking dish such as a cake pan. Use a larger pan if you want monkey bread with crispy edges. For gooey monkey bread, use a smaller, deeper pan. Bake the bread. Place the dish in the oven and bake the monkey bread for about 10 minutes, or until the top is flaky and golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Have guests pull off pieces when they're ready to eat. Mix the dough. Place the milk, sugar, yeast, and 2 cups of flour in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer to thoroughly mix the ingredients. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl and let the mixture sit in a warm area of your kitchen for an hour. Knead the dough. Add the remaining flour, the salt, and 4 tablespoons of butter to the dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a clean, oiled mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot in the kitchen to rise until the dough has doubled in size. Make the seasoning. Place the garlic, rosemary and thyme in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine seasoning mix. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and pulse again until the herbs are distributed throughout the butter. Divide the dough. Remove the plastic wrap from the bowl and divide the dough into about 30 even pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then roll it through the butter herb mixture to coat it. Place the seasoned balls into a greased baking dish. Continue stacking up the balls until they're all assembled in the dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, set it in a warm spot in the kitchen, and let the bread rise for another half an hour. Bake the bread. While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. When the bread is ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and place it in the oven. Bake the bread until it turns golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve the bread warm. | Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter. Cut the biscuits. Dress the biscuit pieces. Arrange the biscuit pieces in a baking dish. Bake the bread. Mix the dough. Knead the dough. Make the seasoning. Divide the dough. Bake the bread. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Right-Click-on-a-Mac | How to Right Click on a Mac | To right-click on a Mac, press and hold the Control key as you click an item. | Press the Control key. Press and hold the Control (Ctrl) key while you click the mouse button. This is identical to right-clicking with a 2-button mouse. You may release the Control key after clicking. This method works for a 1-button mouse or MacBook trackpad, or with the built-in button on the standalone Apple Trackpad. Choose your desired menu item. When you Control-click, the appropriate contextual menu will appear. The example below is a contextual menu in the Firefox browser. Enable 2-finger clicking. Open your Trackpad preferences. Under the Apple menu, click System Preferences , then click Trackpad. Click on the Point & Click tab. In that window, enable the Secondary click checkbox, and from the menu, select Click or tap with two fingers. You will see a short video example of the proper way to click. Test it out. Go to the Finder , and as shown in the video, place 2 fingers on the trackpad. A contextual menu should appear. This method works with all trackpad surfaces. Open your Trackpad preferences as described above. Under the Apple menu, click System Preferences , then click Trackpad. Click on the Point & Click tab. In that window, enable the Secondary click checkbox, and from the menu, select Click in bottom right corner. (Note: you may alternately choose the bottom left corner if you prefer). You will see a short video example of the proper way to click. Test it out. Go to the Finder , and as shown in the video, press one finger on the bottom right of the trackpad. A contextual menu should appear. This method works with the Apple Trackpad. Buy a separate mouse. Mac makes its own mouse for this - the Magic Mouse (and its predecessor the Mighty Mouse), which doesn't appear to have two buttons, but can be programmed so that the right-hand side responds like a second button. If you don't want to buy a Mac mouse, any two button mouse can be programmed to work with a right click on a Mac. Connect your mouse. This is often as simple as plugging in the USB dongle and using it right away, but if your mouse is more complicated, follow the directions it came with. Enable your right-click if needed. Any mouse with two built-in buttons should just work right away. You'll be able to right-click, as you otherwise would on another computer. However, a Mac-specific mouse like a Magic Mouse might need the settings adjusted to enable this. Under the Apple menu, click " System Preferences " and then " Mouse ". Change the setting to enable " Enable Secondary Click ". After doing this, you'll be able to click the right-hand side of the mouse, like a regular right-click button. | Press the Control key. Choose your desired menu item. Enable 2-finger clicking. Open your Trackpad preferences. Click on the Point & Click tab. Test it out. This method works with all trackpad surfaces. Open your Trackpad preferences as described above. Click on the Point & Click tab. Test it out. This method works with the Apple Trackpad. Buy a separate mouse. Connect your mouse. Enable your right-click if needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Acne-Fast-and-Naturally | How to Heal Acne Fast and Naturally | Acne can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are a few ways to help you heal it fast and naturally. The most important thing you can do for your skin is wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Washing your face removes oil and impurities on your skin so they don't clog your pores and cause breakouts. When you do break out, apply some tea tree, jojoba, or juniper oil to your spots, which may clear up your breakout faster and help your skin heal. Make sure you eat a healthy diet too so you're getting all the nutrients you need for healthy skin. In particular, foods that are rich in zinc can be helpful for acne, like shellfish, red meats, poultry, beans, mushrooms, and cooked greens. You can also take a zinc supplement. Zinc has antioxidant properties that can help keep your skin clear. | Determine what kind of acne you have. There are different treatments for acne depending on how severe your condition is. Most cases of acne are moderate, but severe acne with deep nodules or cysts may cause swelling and scarring. This acne needs immediate medical attention. Common types of acne include: Whiteheads (closed comedones): occur when dirt or excess oil (sebum) is trapped below the skin's surface, forming a firm white bump. Blackheads (open comedones): occur when pores open up, causing the dirt and sebum to rise to the surface of the skin. The blackish color comes from oxidization when the air reacts with melanin, a pigment in sebum. Pimples (or pustules): acne lesions that form when the excess dirt and oils stay trapped under the skin, causing inflammation, irritation, swelling and redness often with pus. Pus is a thick, yellowish liquid made of leukocytes (white blood cells) and dead bacteria, usually in response to an inflammation or infection of body tissue. Nodules: hard, large and inflamed pimples that occur deep in the skin. Cysts: pus-filled, painful pimples that form deep in the skin and can often cause scarring. Quit smoking. Smoking can cause a condition called smoker's acne, in which the body does not make an inflammatory response to heal the skin as quickly as it would with normal acne. Smokers are also four times more likely to get moderate acne after adolescence, particularly women between the ages of 25-50. Cigarette smoke may also cause skin irritation for people with sensitive skin. Smoking is known to cause other skin conditions like wrinkles and premature skin aging. It does this by creating free radicals, impairing collagen production, and degrading skin proteins. Avoid touching your face. Dirt and bacteria on your hands can clog your pores and make acne worse if you constantly touch your face. If your skin feels irritated from acne, use a gentle, oil-free daily facial wipe to remove excess dirt and calm your skin. Do not squeeze or pop your blemishes or you may risk developing scars. Squeezing a pimple might even spread the bacteria further. Choose the right cleanser. Use a mild non-soap cleanser, free from sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is a detergent and foaming agent that can cause irritation. Many non-soap cleansers are free from harsh chemicals, use natural ingredients, and are available at most drug stores. Harsh soaps and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Wash regularly. Wash your skin using your fingertips, once in the morning and once at night. Remember to thoroughly rinse your skin with lukewarm water after washing it. Limit washing to twice a day and after you sweat. Sweating can irritate your skin. Wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating. Use the right skin care products. Apply an oil-free moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. An astringent is only recommended when you have oily skin and even then the astringent should only be applied to oily spots. If you want to use an exfoliating product, ask your dermatologist about the best treatment for your skin type. People with non-inflammatory acne, like whiteheads and blackheads that do not cause redness, can use mild exfoliating products that are available at most drug stores. People with dry, sensitive skin should limit exfoliating to once or twice per week, while people with oily, thicker skin can exfoliate once every day. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid meat that contains hormones and similar substances which could throw your hormones out of balance, causing acne. Instead, eat plenty of fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits. Foods rich in vitamin A, C, E, and zinc can help reduce the severity of acne through the nutrients' anti-inflammatory properties. Some good sources of these vitamins include: Sweet red peppers Kale Spinach Amaranth Leaves Turnip Greens Sweet Potato (Yams) Pumpkin Butternut Squash Mangoes Grapefruit Cantaloupe Take zinc. Studies show that oral zinc therapy can help heal acne. Zinc is an essential trace mineral with antioxidant properties. This helps protect cells in the body from damage caused by bacteria and viruses. It's common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin and eating a healthy diet should give you all the zinc you need. While you can take supplements, the best dietary sources of zinc are: Oysters, shrimp, crab, and shellfish Red meats Poultry Cheese Beans Sunflower seeds Pumpkin Tofu Miso Mushrooms Cooked greens. Easily absorbed zinc: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. If zinc sulfate causes stomach irritation, you can try another form, such as zinc citrate. Take more vitamin A. According to studies, you might have low levels of vitamin A if you have severe acne. Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory substance that balances your hormones and might help reduce oil production. You can increase your vitamin A intake by eating a healthy diet and avoiding unhealthy fats like margarine, hydrogenated oils, and processed food. Vitamin A is found mostly in carrots, green leafy vegetables, and yellow or orange fruits. If you take a supplement, the recommended daily dose is 10,000 to 25,000 IU (international units). High doses of Vitamin A can have toxic side-effects, including birth defects, so watch how much you're getting. Get more Vitamin C. Vitamin C can improve the rate of healing. It does this in part by helping to make collagen, an important protein used to repair skin tissue, cartilage, blood vessels and heal wounds. You can take 2 to 3 doses of Vitamin C for a total of 500 mg a day. You can also add vitamin C-rich foods to your daily diet. Good natural sources of vitamin C are: Sweet red or green peppers Citrus fruit such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices. Spinach, broccoli and brussel sprouts Strawberries and raspberries Tomatoes Drink green tea. Drinking green tea is not directly linked with preventing acne. But, it contains many antioxidants that show anti-aging effects and protect the skin. These can help your skin look fresher and younger. To make green tea, steep 2-3 g of green tea leaves in one cup of warm water (80-85°C) for 3–5 minutes. Green tea can be taken two to three times daily. Green tea may also have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the risk of cancer. Some research shows that green tea is especially useful in protecting skin from harmful UV radiation. Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is often used topically for conditions like acne, wounds, infections and skin lesions. To treat your acne, use a tea tree oil that's at a dilution of 5–15 percent. Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and dab it over your acne. Never take tea tree oil orally. You should also avoid exposing it to open air for a long time. Oxidized tea tree oil may trigger allergies more than fresh tea tree oil. Use jojoba oil. Apply 5-6 drops of jojoba oil on a cotton ball and dab over your acne. Jojoba oil is an extract from the seed of the jojoba tree. It is similar to the natural oil (sebum) that your skin produces, but it won't clog your pores or cause excess oil. Jojoba oil will keep your skin moisturized. It doesn't usually cause irritation, but speak with your dermatologist before using if you have sensitive skin. Use juniper oil. Juniper oil is a natural antiseptic astringent. You can use it as a facial cleanser and toner to clear blocked pores and treat acne, dermatitis and eczema. Apply 1-2 drops of the oil with a cotton ball after washing your face. Avoid using too much juniper oil, or it can cause irritation and make the skin worse. Apply aloe vera gel. Daily apply aloe vera gel liberally over your skin. You can find it at most drug stores. Aloe vera is a succulent plant with antibacterial properties that are effective in treating acne and reducing inflammation. It prevents bacteria from infecting acne wounds and speeds up the healing process. Some people may be allergic to aloe. If a rash develops, stop using it and speak with your healthcare provider. Use sea salt. Look for a sea salt lotion or cream with less than 1% sodium chloride. Apply it up to six times a day for 5 minutes each time. Studies show sea salt may have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and protective properties against harmful ultraviolet radiation. You can also use sea salt as a facial mask to reduce stress. Look for sea salt or sea salt products at most pharmacies and stores. People with mild to moderate acne may safely use sea salt products. People with dry, sensitive skin or moderate to severe acne should talk with a dermatologist before starting any salt treatments, since it could possibly cause dryness and irritation. Visit your doctor if your acne doesn’t go away with home treatment. After a few weeks of treating your acne at home, you should start to see improvement. However, certain kinds of acne don't go away with home treatments alone. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor to find a solution that may work. At your appointment, tell your doctor about the treatments you've already tried. You may see an improvement in your acne in as little as a week, particularly if you're only treating a few pimples. However, home treatments usually take 4-8 weeks to be effective. See a dermatologist for persistent or widespread acne. Your dermatologist will determine the underlying cause behind your acne so you can get the right kind of treatment. For instance, your acne may be caused by your hormones, inflammation, or bacteria that's trapped deep inside your skin. If this is the case for you, your dermatologist may recommend using a stronger topical cream, taking oral medications, or trying a skin procedure. Your dermatologist can provide treatments that aren't available over-the-counter, so you'll likely see better results. Ask your doctor about prescription medications to treat acne. Your doctor will help you find the right cream or oral medication to treat your acne. You can use creams to treat acne just below the surface level. Alternatively, you can take a pill to treat your acne from the inside. Which option will work best for you will depend on what's causing your acne. For a topical treatment, you can use a prescription topical cream that contains prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid, an antibiotic, and possibly salicylic acid. If bacteria or inflammation may be causing your acne, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat your symptoms from the inside. If nothing else works for you, you can take an oral treatment called isotretinoin as a last resort. It's best to only use this medication if your acne seriously interferes with your life, as it carries side effects. Try hormone therapy if your acne is hormonal. High levels of the hormone androgen, especially in women, may lead to excessive sebum production that causes acne. Sebum also contains fatty acids that encourage acne-causing bacteria. You can take hormonal birth control to help balance out your hormones and help treat your acne. Hormone changes are a normal part of life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and your period, as well as when you change medications. The best way to determine if your acne is caused by hormonal changes is to speak with a dermatologist. Consider a chemical peel to remove the outer layers of your skin. Your dermatologist can do this simple procedure in their office. It will remove the outer layers of your skin to help treat your acne and improve the look of your skin. It also helps reduce acne scarring from previous breakouts. Your dermatologist will give you instructions on how to care for your skin before and after the procedure. You likely won't be able to wear makeup immediately after your procedure, and you'll need to stay out of the sun while your skin heals. Ask your dermatologist if light therapy is right for you. Laser and phototherapy are popular alternative options to treat acne. Light therapy uses light to treat inflamed acne lesions, severe nodular acne, and cystic acne. It can kill the bacteria that causes acne and help clear your skin. Studies show that light therapy is an effective treatment for many people. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if it's appropriate for your individual needs. Talk to your doctor about removing your acne if it won’t go away. In some cases, your doctor can help speed up the the healing process by draining your acne, freezing it with cryotherapy, or injecting it with a medication. This can help clear your skin faster and may prevent scarring. However, it's not right for everyone. Your doctor will likely only recommend 1 of these procedures if nothing else is helping your acne. Seek emergency care for signs of an allergic reaction to acne products. Both over-the-counter and prescription acne products commonly cause minor redness, irritation, and itching. While it's normal to notice these minor changes in your skin, you could have other side effects if you're allergic to a product. Watch for the following symptoms, which might mean you're having a reaction: Swelling in your eyes, lips, tongue, or face Difficulty breathing Tightness in your throat Feeling faint | Determine what kind of acne you have. Quit smoking. Avoid touching your face. Choose the right cleanser. Wash regularly. Use the right skin care products. Eat a healthy diet. Take zinc. Take more vitamin A. Get more Vitamin C. Drink green tea. Use tea tree oil. Use jojoba oil. Use juniper oil. Apply aloe vera gel. Use sea salt. Visit your doctor if your acne doesn’t go away with home treatment. See a dermatologist for persistent or widespread acne. Ask your doctor about prescription medications to treat acne. Try hormone therapy if your acne is hormonal. Consider a chemical peel to remove the outer layers of your skin. Ask your dermatologist if light therapy is right for you. Talk to your doctor about removing your acne if it won’t go away. Seek emergency care for signs of an allergic reaction to acne products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Tourist-Visa-for-Spain | How to Get a Tourist Visa for Spain | To get a tourist visa for Spain, start by making sure your passport is valid and won't expire within 3 months of your trip. Then, book your flights for both your arrival in and departure from Spain, arrange reservations at a hotel or with a friend, and obtain travel insurance. Next, visit the Spanish consulate nearest to you and fill out the visa application. After filling out the form, attach proof of your flights, accommodations, and insurance before submitting it to the consulate. Once your application is submitted, expect to wait about 3 weeks to receive your visa. | Decide on travel dates. If you need to apply for a visa, you should plan your trip well in advance so you have time to submit your application and have your visa approved before you leave. You will need to provide details about your travel itinerary with your visa application, so the sooner you nail down the dates for your trip, the better. Check the validity of your passport. Once you've decided when you plan to travel to Spain, make sure you won't need to renew your passport. If your passport is not valid for at least three months after your scheduled date of departure, you may be refused entry. The U.S. State Department recommends that you make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months after your scheduled date of departure, just to be on the safe side. Book your flight. You cannot get a tourist visa for Spain unless you can provide proof that you are booked on a flight entering and leaving Spain. For a Schengen visa, you must arrive and depart within 90 days. If you plan on staying in Spain for longer than 90 days, you still must provide proof that you have already purchased round-trip travel into and out of the country. Even if you are flying to another country before you fly home, you must have specific information, including flight numbers, for when you are arriving in and departing from Spain. Arrange your accommodations. To get a tourist visa for Spain, you must provide proof that you will have a place to stay the entire time you are in the country. Typically if you are traveling as a tourist, you would provide your hotel booking reservation. If you're planning to stay with friends or family who live in Spain, they must be a citizen or legal resident of Spain. You will need a letter of invitation from them that was issued by their local police department. Secure travel and health insurance. If you plan to travel to Spain on a tourist visa, you must provide a copy of your travel and health insurance policy with your application. You must be covered for a minimum of 30,000 euros. The policy must be valid throughout your stay, and for all Schengen countries. Speak to a travel agent if you're not sure where to get appropriate insurance. The policy must cover 100 percent of all medical care, with no deductibles or co-pays. Determine if you need a short-term visa. If you are a citizen of an EU country, the US, Canada, and some other countries, you won't need a visa to enter Spain as a tourist for 90 days or fewer. For the most part, if you are a citizen of a country in South America, Asia, or Africa, you must get a Schengen visa if you want to travel to Spain as a tourist. A complete list of the countries for which citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain for fewer than 90 days can be found at http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/Consulado/Pages/CheckPassport.aspx. Complete the Schengen application form. You can pick up a Schengen tourist visa application form from the Spanish consulate nearest you. You also can download the application from the website of the Schengen visa department at www.schengenvisa.cc. The application form has space for you to provide your name, address, and birthdate. You also must include information about your passport and citizenship, employment, and finances. The application also requires you to provide dates you will be entering and leaving Spain, other Schengen countries you will be visiting, and where you plan to stay while you are in Spain. You also must describe your reason for visiting Spain. For most of the information you list on the form, you must provide documentation to back up your statements. Attach appropriate documentation. Along with your application, you must submit copies of your travel itinerary, proof of health and travel insurance, and information about your income. You can get a list of the documents required from the consulate, or by visiting the consulate's website. Take note of the documents that must be translated into Spanish. Generally, you will need a letter from your employer that provides information about your job and annual income. The Spanish government wants to make sure that you will be able to support yourself during your stay and that you aren't planning on staying in Spain in violation of their immigration laws, but that you have a job to return to. If you are self-employed, submit a copy of your most recent tax return. Apply at the correct consulate. A Schengen visa allows you to enter any one of the countries participating in the Schengen Agreement. However, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of your main destination, if you plan to visit more than one country. You don't have to visit the consulate in person to apply for a Schengen visa. You can mail it to the correct consulate, but make sure you're leaving enough time for it to get there and be processed before you start your travel. You can only apply for a visa from a consulate or embassy where you are a legal resident. For example, if you are a legal resident of the United States, you cannot submit an application to the Spanish consulate in Portugal. A Schengen visa application must be accompanied by a non-refundable visa fee of 64 euros. This fee is payable by cash or money order only. Wait for approval. From the day the consulate receives your Schengen visa application, it typically takes one or two weeks to be approved. It may take longer at certain high-volume times of the year, or if the consulate requires additional information from you. Determine the type of visa you need. If you plan to visit Spain for longer than 90 days, there are several different classifications of visa that might apply to your situation. Go over these classifications on the Spanish consulate website, or visit your nearest Spanish consulate and ask for assistance. For example, if you want to spend a portion of your retirement in Spain, you would want to apply for a "Residency Visa to Retire." This visa allows you to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, but does not permit you to work or do any other lucrative activities. If you are a digital nomad who is slow traveling through Europe and plans to spend more than 90 days in Spain, you need the "Residence Visa for Investors and Self-Employment." This visa allows you to reside in Spain and work, provided you have contracts that originate elsewhere. You cannot work for Spanish employers while you are in Spain on this visa. Complete the national visa application. You can get a copy of the appropriate visa application by visiting the Spanish consulate's office or embassy nearest you, or you can download the form from the Spanish consulate website and print it out. The national visa application requires personal and citizenship information such as your name, address, birthplace, and country of citizenship. Additional information will depend on the type of visa for which you're applying, but typically includes financial and employment information, as well as information about your health and health insurance. Gather the appropriate documentation. Generally, you will need documentation to back up all of the information you provided on your visa application. The types of documents required will vary depending on the classification of the visa for which you applied. You can find a list of required documents on the application as well as on the Spanish consulate's website. For all visas, you will have to provide proof of medical insurance coverage that lasts the duration of your stay in Spain, as well as a certificate from your doctor that you do not have any mental illnesses or contagious diseases, and are not addicted to drugs. This certificate must be translated into Spanish. You also must submit your passport along with two passport-sized photographs. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on your application. Visit the Spanish consulate. If you want to apply for a visa to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you must apply in person at the Spanish consulate or embassy nearest you. To find the nearest embassy or consulate, you can visit the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Take all your documents with you, along with your original application and one copy. You also should bring photo identification and proof of residency. Wear clean, conservative clothing as you may be interviewed by a member of the consulate office staff when you arrive. Submit your application. You must give your application and all documents to a staff member at the consulate or embassy, along with cash or a money order for the required application fee. The amount of the required fee varies depending on your country of citizenship. If you are a U.S. citizen, you must pay $160. The fee for citizens of all other countries is $64, unless you are a national of Russia, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, or Moldavia, in which case you'll pay $38. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. Wait for your application to be resolved. It typically takes between three and four weeks for the Spanish consulate to approve a visa for a longer stay, and if they need additional information it may take longer. Keep this in mind when you're planning your trip and don't wait too long to apply. Once your application is resolved, your visa will be issued. You will receive a temporary residency card once you arrive in Spain. | Decide on travel dates. Check the validity of your passport. Book your flight. Arrange your accommodations. Secure travel and health insurance. Determine if you need a short-term visa. Complete the Schengen application form. Attach appropriate documentation. Apply at the correct consulate. Wait for approval. Determine the type of visa you need. Complete the national visa application. Gather the appropriate documentation. Visit the Spanish consulate. Submit your application. Wait for your application to be resolved. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-an-Easter-Egg-Hunt | How to Plan an Easter Egg Hunt | To plan an Easter egg hunt, decide on a time and date when most of your guests will be free to attend. Keep in mind that many families attend church services on Easter Sunday morning, so you may not want to host your Easter egg hunt then. The day of the hunt, hide Easter eggs all around the location you've chosen. If the hunt is for smaller children, hide the eggs in low-lying areas. For older children and adults, you can hide the eggs wherever you like. You can either use colorful plastic eggs filled with prizes, or real eggs which have dyed, depending on your preference. | Decide on the time and date. The first thing you need to do is decide on the date and time you want to have your Easter egg hunt. You should keep in mind that people often have family or religious plans the day of Easter. You may want to plan your egg hunt for the day before, the weekend before, or the weekend after Easter. Late morning or afternoon work well for the time of your egg hunt. These times give parents a chance to get their kids ready for the day, and younger children will be less cranky having just woken up or already had an afternoon nap. Hide eggs according to the age of your guests. An Easter egg hunt is perfect for any age group. However, it's a good idea to keep the age of your guests in mind. Younger children will need the eggs to be hidden in places they can easily reach, and toddlers will likely need the eggs spread across the lawn. For older guests, you don't have to worry as much about your egg hiding location. Consider hiding the eggs in trees, bushes, on top of car tires, under or inside objects, and so on. Choose your egg hunt location(s). You may want to centralize your egg hunt in one location, or you may want to plan a few separate courses. Separate courses can be especially useful when you have a wide age range of egg hunters. This way you can divide age groups by location. If you are planning to conduct the egg hunt in your yard, you may want to have a backup plan ready in case the weather turns nasty. This activity will vary according to age group, but you might consider Duck, Duck, Goose, board games, card games, or watching a movie. You can provide shade for younger children by putting up a large tent or stringing a tarp between posts, trees, or existing structures. Indoor Easter egg hunts will require you to remove furniture that might get in the way or be potentially dangerous. Pointy edged chairs and tables, glass knick-knacks, and similar items can be easily knocked over and cause harm. Level the playing field for differing age groups. When you have a wide range of age groups taking part in the same Easter egg hunt, it might help to use strategies to keep things fair. For example, you might give younger age groups a head start or instruct older children to not collect eggs in plain sight. These strategies are also important to keep in mind for children with special needs who may need more time. Set the boundaries of your egg hunt. The boundary will prevent children from wandering too far away while hunting for eggs. For an outdoor hunt, for instance, the boundary might be the backyard. Tell the kids that all the eggs are hidden within the backyard and that they will find nothing beyond the fence. For an indoor hunt, you might choose a few rooms for the hunt to take place in. Make sure all participating egg hunters know the boundaries clearly at the start of the game. This will help keep kids from wandering off and ensure better supervision and safety. Inspect your egg hunting grounds. There may be hazards, like holes, dangerous garbage or litter, or even territorial wild animals, like snapping turtles or blue jays, that can negatively impact your egg hunt. Be sure you thoroughly walk the area to best prevent children from harm from these things. Beyond the human safety concern, if you are organizing an egg hunt for your company or church, these hazards can be a serious liability. Prepare for additional hunters. This is less of an issue if you're having a closed Easter egg hunt for a specific group, like families in your company or church. But even at a closed hunt, families may bring friends, neighbors, or guests. Open egg hunts can have a large range of participants. It's better to be prepared with extra than to have children disappointed by a scant egg hunt. If you have a list of participants, you might predict that every third family will bring at least one guest, and plan additional eggs for these potential participants just in case. If you're having an open egg hunt, you can use previous years to predict participation. You should also take into account advertising and promotion. If you've promoted about twice as much as the year before, you may want to hide twice as many eggs. How many eggs you plan per hunter is completely up to your preference. Many families may come with baskets, which can make smaller quantities of eggs look sparse. To combat this, you may want to plan 10 - 15 eggs hidden per hunter. Make a list or map of the egg hiding places. This will prevent you from losing eggs in your yard or the park, but this will also help you give hints if hunters are having difficulty. Sometimes hiding spots you might think obvious are missed. A list will also help you to make sure your eggs are spread across the hunting area so that more kids have a chance to find eggs. If you choose to make a map, it doesn't have to be completely accurate. You might sketch out the basic boundary and use simple shapes to represent things like trees and shrubs. Fill your eggs with candy. Small candies that fit inside your Easter eggs are a common prize for Easter egg hunts. When using candy as a prize, you should keep in mind the time of day. Holding your egg hunt around midday or early afternoon will be warmer and could result in melted chocolate. You should also take allergies into account. If you've included candies in your eggs that have a common allergen, like nuts, you should inform parents and egg hunters of this before starting. Use dollar store prizes. At your local dollar store you may be able to find large packages of small figurines, stickers, temporary tattoos, or other toys that fit inside the Easter eggs you'll be hiding. Depending on the size of the prize, you may be able to include a few of these in each egg. Try to select packages of prizes that come in a wide variety. If all your eggs have the same item, children may be disappointed they don't have a unique prize. Make your hunt clue based. This is an optional variation of the traditional Easter egg hunt. When using clues, you should try to keep egg locations separate to decrease the chances of a hunter or team finding an egg not their own. Coming up with lots of little clues can be difficult and time consuming. To make this easier on yourself, you may want your clue-based hunt to be done in groups. An example of a clue might look something like, "The next egg you are looking for doesn't like the sun and it sits like an acorn on the ground." Scale your prizes according to difficulty. You may have a few eggs that are especially well hidden on your egg hunt course. For these eggs, you can give the finders an extra special prize, like an action figure, a doll, or movie theatre passes. Some of these extra special prizes might be difficult to fit in your eggs. In this case, you might put a slip of paper in the egg that says something like, "Give this paper to Mrs. Smith to get grand prize #1." Increase competition with special eggs. You could hide some special eggs that look different from the rest, like “jeweled eggs” or “golden eggs.” At the start of the game, you could tell egg hunters that the person with the most special eggs gets a prize. To make things fair, you might have different special eggs for different age groups. The younger group may need to locate the jeweled eggs, while the older kids should be hunting for special golden eggs. You might surprise egg hunters with a “hard luck” prize at the end of the hunt. This way, you can give the child that finds the least number of eggs a bonus prize. Gather your volunteers. If you are planning an especially big Easter egg hunt, it may be too much for one person to handle. You might want to look for volunteers among your friends, neighbors, family, or church group. With a little bit of help, you'll be able to coordinate and execute your egg hunt better. Some people may be worried that they'll be asked to do too much. To get around this, you may want to be specific in your request for help, saying something like, "Would you help with our Easter egg hunt? I'll only need you for an hour on Sunday." Give clear instructions to volunteers. Some volunteers may treat your egg hunt as more of a social event than a responsibility. By being clear with your requests, you'll send the message that if everyone doesn't do their part, the egg hunt won't be possible. For example, you might say, "Jane, I'll need you to help keep an eye on the older kids while they're egg hunting. They're a little rambunctious." Check in with your volunteers frequently. This will help you have a more complete understanding of what still needs to be done. Some tasks may take longer than you expect, and by checking in with your volunteers, you'll know whether or not someone needs more help than you had initially planned. Show your gratitude. You don't have to spend a lot of money giving your volunteers individual gifts, although if you did it would likely be appreciated. However, a simple "thank you" at the end of the hunt should be enough to let your volunteers know you were grateful for their help. To make volunteers feel a little extra special, you may want to send each an individual card in the mail. If your volunteers feel appreciated, it's likely they'll be willing to help you again. | Decide on the time and date. Hide eggs according to the age of your guests. Choose your egg hunt location(s). Level the playing field for differing age groups. Set the boundaries of your egg hunt. Inspect your egg hunting grounds. Prepare for additional hunters. Make a list or map of the egg hiding places. Fill your eggs with candy. Use dollar store prizes. Make your hunt clue based. Scale your prizes according to difficulty. Increase competition with special eggs. Gather your volunteers. Give clear instructions to volunteers. Check in with your volunteers frequently. Show your gratitude. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Voldyne-5000 | How to Use Voldyne 5000 | The Voldyne 5000 is a spirometer that helps to open air sacs in your lungs after surgery and help you breathe. To use it, you'll need to be sitting up straight and holding the device upright so you can see the levels. Start by exhaling normally to clear your lungs of air. If your doctor gave you a goal to work towards, move the indicator on the device to the right marker. Next, press your lips around the mouthpiece to create a tight seal. Breathe in slowly and deeply until you can't inhale anymore. Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds. Then, breathe out normally, watching the scale to see how much air you exhale. Mark the highest point you reach with the indicator. | Verify the desired goal. When using the Voldyne 5000 under the care of a doctor, nurse, or respiratory therapist, this healthcare professional will typically have a goal a mind. The Voldyne 5000 has a goal range between 250 and 2500 ml, so your goal should fall somewhere within this range. These numbers indicate the amount of air volume your lungs are able to intake. While it's usually best to begin the procedure with a volume goal in mind, it isn't strictly necessary for the first use. You should still use your results from each use to adjust your goal later on, though. Set the pointer. Look for the yellow marker tab on the side of the large graduated column. Move the tab up or down until it rests at the position labeled with your desired goal. If you do not have a goal during your first use, you do not need to set the pointer to any measurement yet. You will need to use the pointer later on, though. Sit up straight. Move to the end of your bed or chair and sit up straight. If desired, you could lean slightly forward, but you should not allow yourself to slouch or slump over. Similarly, you should not allow your head to tilt backward, either. If you cannot move to the edge of your bed, you should at least sit up as far as possible while sitting in bed. When using an adjustable hospital bed, you may use the controls to raise the head of your bed to assist you as you sit. Hold the Voldyne 5000 in an upright position. Keep the device in an upright position with all labels facing you. Keep the device as level as possible so that the procedure will work correctly and all readings will be accurate. You should have a clear view of the marker tab, goal piston, and main piston. Note that the goal piston is the yellow cylinder resting beneath the "Good, Better, Best" label at the side of the device and the main piston is the large white disc at the bottom of the large cylinder. Exhale. Breathe out naturally, expelling as much air from your lungs as possible. Exhale through your mouth instead of your nose to push out more air at a quicker pace. A complete exhale is important. If you only exhale partially, you won't be able to inhale as deeply as you would with emptied lungs, making it more difficult to reach your goal point or obtain accurate results. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Firmly press your lips around the mouthpiece to create a tight seal. Reposition your tongue as needed to make sure that it does not block the mouthpiece and hinder usage. You must create and maintain a tight seal with your lips. Otherwise, some of the air you inhale will come from outside the Voldyne 5000, and the resulting measurement will be lower than it should be. Inhale slowly. Take a deep, slow breath. Continue breathing in until you either reach your marked goal or are no longer able to inhale further. If you're maintaining an adequately tight seal with your lips, this inhale should seem similar to the feeling of drinking a thick liquid through a small straw. Watch the goal piston as it bounces between "Good," "Better," and "Best." This indicator measures the speed of your inhale, and a slower inhale will create a better reading. Try to keep it within the "Better" and "Best" ranges. Inhaling slowly gives the air sacs in your lungs more time to open, which will make it easier to get a deeper breath. Watch the main piston, as well. Try to make this piston reach the goal marked by the yellow pointer. You can allow the piston to rise higher, but you should not try to force it. Hold your breathe for 3 to 5 seconds. Once you've finished inhaling, pause and hold your breath for a minimum of 3 seconds. Watch the main piston as you hold your breath. It should gradually drop back down to bottom or "zero" position. Once it does, you can proceed to the next step. Exhale normally. Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth and breathe out at a normal, comfortable pace. As before, try to expel all of the air from your lungs on this exhale. If you feel winded or if your lungs are otherwise tired, take a few normal breaths before continuing to the next step. You should still end on an exhale before advancing, though. Reset the indicator. Unless you are told otherwise by your nurse or respiratory therapist, you should move the plastic indicator to the highest point you reached during the procedure. This allows you to adjust your goal based on your lungs' current abilities. When repeating this exercise, make your adjusted mark your new goal. Repeat as directed. Repeat this procedure as directed by your healthcare provider. Typically, you should follow the procedure 10 to 15 times during each sitting. If your nurse or therapist did not assign a set number of repeats, aim for at least 10. You can do more, but stop if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or too exhausted to continue. Do not attempt to rush through the process. Work through it gradually and breath normally in between each repeat. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, pause for a greater amount of time between repeats. Adjust the yellow goal marker each time you complete the procedure, but only make an adjustment if you reach a higher goal point. Do not adjust the pointer to a lower position unless your doctor, nurse, or therapist instructs you to do so. Cough. After you finish the full procedure, breathe deeply and cough two or three times. Coughing should help clear the mucus from your lungs, making it easier for you to breathe. If you had surgery on your chest or stomach, or if you feel pain while you cough, hold a pillow or folded blanket firmly against your chest while coughing. Applying pressure to the site of the incision in this manner should support the area and reduce the amount of pain you feel. Clean after each use. Thoroughly clean the mouthpiece with soap and water after each use. Rinse well and dry with clean paper towels. If desired, you could clean the mouthpiece with an antiseptic mouth rinse instead of using soap and water. When using soap and water, however, you must make sure to rinse away all soap before using the spirometer again. On the Voldyne 5000, the standard mouthpiece is meant to be a permanent one. Use this mouthpiece each time you use the device. If you switch to a disposable mouthpiece, though, you should not use the same one for more than 24 hours. Repeat the procedure throughout the day. You will need to use the device in the same manner every one to two hours, or as directed by your nurse, doctor, or respiratory therapist. Note that in most cases, however, you should only follow this schedule during your normal waking hours. Your body needs adequate rest to make a full recovery, so you shouldn't wake yourself up in the middle of the night to repeat the exercise. Keep a record of your results. While not strictly necessary, it's a good idea to keep a log indicating your results. This log should contain an entry for each time you use the Voldyne 5000. For each entry, mark down the time of day, the number of repeats you performed, and the volume amount you managed to reach. The purpose of this record is monitor the progress made by your lungs, and to keep track of any increases or decreases to the functional abilities of your lungs. Your healthcare provider might keep a similar record, but you should still keep your own so that you can keep track of your progress yourself. Walk around. When you are well enough to safely get out of bed and move around on your own, practice walking around in between uses. While walking, breathe deeply and cough two or three times. Practicing the cough while you walk can clear your lungs more thoroughly and make it even easier to breathe. | Verify the desired goal. Set the pointer. Sit up straight. Hold the Voldyne 5000 in an upright position. Exhale. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Inhale slowly. Hold your breathe for 3 to 5 seconds. Exhale normally. Reset the indicator. Repeat as directed. Cough. Clean after each use. Repeat the procedure throughout the day. Keep a record of your results. Walk around. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-B%C3%A9arnaise-Sauce | How to Make Béarnaise Sauce | To make béarnaise sauce, start by adding minced shallots, salt and pepper, and white vinegar to a saucepan with some melted butter and cooking everything over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to low and cook the mixture for 5 more minutes. Next, blend egg yolks, lemon juice, water, and melted butter, and pour the mixture into a bowl. Finally, add the shallot reduction and some chopped tarragon, stir everything together, and enjoy. | Peel the papery skin off the 2 shallots and use a knife to mince them. Remove the root and the tip of the shallots before peeling off the skin. Slice each shallot in half and cut them into slices lengthwise. Then, cut across the slices to dice the shallot finely. This should create approximately 3 tbsp (30 g) of minced shallots. Melt 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of unsalted butter over a medium heat. Place the butter into a small saucepan. Let it heat until it has melted which should take 2-3 minutes. Stir the butter occasionally as it melts. Add the minced shallots and season the ingredients with salt and pepper. Carefully pour 3 tbsp (30 g) of minced shallots into the melted butter in the saucepan. Season the shallots to taste and make sure that they are coated in the melted butter. Use a wooden spoon to stir the minced shallots and to coat them in butter. Add white wine vinegar to the saucepan and cook it for 3-4 minutes. Turn the heat down to a medium-low temperature and stir in 2 tbsp (29.6 ml) of white wine vinegar. Cook the ingredients until the vinegar has evaporated which should take approximately 3-4 minutes. Cook the ingredients over a low heat for 5 minutes. Stir the shallots continuously while they cook. Wait until they appear semi-transparent and feel tender before removing the saucepan from the heat. Place the ingredients into small bowl and let them cool. Use a spoon to transfer the shallot reduction from the saucepan and into a small bowl. Place the bowl on your work surface and let the ingredients cool while you make the rest of the sauce. Finely chop 2 stems of tarragon. Run the stem under cool, running water, and pat it dry with a paper towel or tea towel. Hold the tip of the stem and run your fingers down toward the base to remove the leaves. Use a knife to finely chop the leaves into small pieces. Discard the stem as you don't need to use it. 2 stems of fresh tarragon should create approximately 1 tbsp (4 g) of finely chopped tarragon. Fill the blender jug with hot water. Take the jug off the blender, and fill it up to the maximum line. Place the lid on the blender, and set it aside. Melt the remaining 1 cup (226.8 g) of butter in a small saucepan. Heat the butter over a medium heat. Cook the butter until it's foamy which should take 3-4 minutes. Stir the butter with a wooden spoon as it melts. Pour the butter into a spouted measuring cup once it has melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the microwave if you prefer. Set the timer for short bursts of around 10 seconds so that you can stir the butter as it melts. Drain the blender and blend the egg yolks, lemon juice, and water. Drain the hot water from the blender and then dry it well. Blend together 2 egg yolks, 1 tbsp (14.8 ml) of lemon juice, and 1 tbsp (14.8 ml) of water until the mixture is smooth. Use a high speed when you blend the ingredients. Approximately 10 seconds should be long enough to combine them well. Pour the melted butter into the blender while it’s running. Take the lid insert off the blender lid and set it aside. Run the blender on a low speed and slowly pour a very thin stream of melted butter droplets into the mixture. There will be milk solids left at the bottom of the measuring cup. Rinse the measuring cup out and discard these. Blend the mixture for a further 2-3 minutes. Replace the lid insert on the blender. Blend the sauce until it looks rich and creamy. The sauce should be a slightly loose consistency. It won't be runny, yet it also won't be as thick as mayonnaise. Place the sauce in a bowl and stir through the reduction and tarragon. Turn off the blender and pour the sauce out of the jug and into a bowl. Use a whisk to stir the shallot reduction through the sauce. Add 1 tbsp (4 g) of finely-chopped fresh tarragon to the sauce and whisk it thoroughly. You can season the sauce with salt and black pepper again if you prefer. Serve the sauce immediately or keep it small pot for up to 1 hour. Béarnaise sauce is best when it is made directly before serving. If you need to wait to use the sauce, transfer it into a small pot with a lid, and keep it on your work surface. Pour the sauce over steak to add richness. Béarnaise sauce is a delicious addition to eye fillet or sirloin steak. Cook the steak until it's medium rare, and serve the dish with vegetables such as peas, mushrooms, and potatoes. Drizzle the sauce over the top for a rich and elegant dish. Drizzle béarnaise on top of fish for a light and elegant meal. Gratin made with cod or a different type of white fish is made even better when it's topped with béarnaise sauce. Roasted white fish with steamed vegetables also pairs well with this sauce. Fish strudel such as salmon strudel also goes well with a drizzle of béarnaise sauce when it's served. Top poached eggs with béarnaise sauce for a change from hollandaise. Poach the eggs in a small saucepan. Serve the poached eggs over English muffin halves with a drizzle of béarnaise sauce. For a standout dish, serve poached eggs on steak with a topping of béarnaise sauce. Serve the sauce over chicken for a simple but rich meal. Grilled chicken with mushrooms and carrots or Cajun chicken with potatoes both pair well with béarnaise sauce. A drizzle of the sauce over an open chicken sandwich works well too. | Peel the papery skin off the 2 shallots and use a knife to mince them. Melt 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of unsalted butter over a medium heat. Add the minced shallots and season the ingredients with salt and pepper. Add white wine vinegar to the saucepan and cook it for 3-4 minutes. Cook the ingredients over a low heat for 5 minutes. Place the ingredients into small bowl and let them cool. Finely chop 2 stems of tarragon. Fill the blender jug with hot water. Melt the remaining 1 cup (226.8 g) of butter in a small saucepan. Drain the blender and blend the egg yolks, lemon juice, and water. Pour the melted butter into the blender while it’s running. Blend the mixture for a further 2-3 minutes. Place the sauce in a bowl and stir through the reduction and tarragon. Serve the sauce immediately or keep it small pot for up to 1 hour. Pour the sauce over steak to add richness. Drizzle béarnaise on top of fish for a light and elegant meal. Top poached eggs with béarnaise sauce for a change from hollandaise. Serve the sauce over chicken for a simple but rich meal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Prepaid-Credit-Card | How to Use a Prepaid Credit Card | Using a prepaid credit card is mostly the same as a regular credit card, but there are a few things to remember. Make sure you know your balance before making a purchase, since you'll only have access to your prepaid funds. Use a mobile banking app or certain ATMs to check your balance for free. Keep in mind that many third-party ATMs will charge you for checking your balance. If you have the necessary funds, you can use your prepaid card to shop in stores, purchase things online, and pay your bills. You can also use it to withdraw cash, but many providers will charge you for this service. If you're buying gas with your prepaid card, pay at the store instead of the pump to avoid a hold that can last for a few days. | Check your balance before using your card. A prepaid credit card has to be funded with money you load onto it. Before purchasing anything, you should be sure you know your balance because you can get hit with big fees for making a purchase without enough money on your card. This is particularly important if you have not used your card for a long time, as many cards have monthly maintenance fees ranging from $1 to $9.95 that will slowly eat away at your balance. Many cards charge a fee for checking your balance at out of network ATMs, so be sure to use the correct ATM. Others charge a fee at all ATMs, so you will want to check your balance by phone (with an automated system, not a live representative, as that also comes with a fee), by text, by app, or online. Buy goods and services as you would with a credit card. When shopping, a prepaid card works just like a credit card. You can buy things at stores, shop online, or pay bills, so long as you don't exceed the amount you have loaded onto your card. Prepaid cards have one major advantage in that they are not linked to your private data like your Social Security Number, so unlike with a normal credit card, hackers cannot use them to steal your identity. Pay in the store when buying gas with your prepaid card. If you pay at the pump, most cards will apply a hold to your card of up to $100. This hold might not clear for several days, temporarily reducing the amount you have available to spend on your card. To pay the exact amount instead, you will need to go inside to pay the attendant. Withdraw money from an ATM. Prepaid cards work just like debit cards for withdrawing money. You will be sent a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by the card issuer for this purpose. If you don't have a PIN, you can call the number on the card to request one. Be aware that many cards will charge a fee of up to $2.50, on top of the one charged by the bank where you withdraw the money. Pay with checks. Some cards will allow you to pay your creditors by issuing a paper or electronic check for you. Check your balance before using your card. A prepaid credit card has to be funded with money you load onto it. Before purchasing anything, you should be sure you know your balance because you can get hit with big fees for making a purchase without enough money on your card. Rent a car with a prepaid card. While it is easier to rent with a regular credit card or debit card, there are companies such as Enterprise that accept prepaid credit cards when renting cars. Be aware though that you will usually have a more limited choice in cars unless you purchase insurance, as agencies are reluctant to rent more expensive models to people without credit cards. Most companies will allow you to pay for your car upon return with a prepaid card, after initially checking it out with a regular credit card. There are a few additional steps you may have to take to rent with a prepaid card: Rent Early – Companies that allow prepaid cars often require you to reserve 4-6 weeks in advance. In most instances, you cannot rent at the counter with a prepaid card. Contact the Local Office – Even companies that often accept prepaid cards, like Enterprise, require you to contact the local office to discuss the details of payment without a standard credit card. Security Deposit – You can expect to pay a deposit of $100-$500, in addition to the cost of rental, in order to cover any incidentals or additional costs you may incur. Credit Check – Some companies will require a credit check before allowing you to pay with a prepaid card. The credit check is to help them to evaluate the level of risk in renting to you – i.e. if you regularly fail to pay bills, they will be less likely to rent you a car. Additional Information – The rental agency may require additional documents for renters using prepaid cards, including paycheck stubs, proof of insurance, current utility bills, and personal references. No One Way Rental – One-way rentals are usually not allowed if renting with a prepaid card. If renting at an airport, most companies will only accept a prepaid card if you can show evidence of a return flight from that same airport. Check into a hotel. With most hotels, you can pre-book a hotel room online with your pre-paid card. Most hotels will also require a deposit to cover the cost of your room and any possible extra charges. This deposit is typically done as a pre-authorization on your credit card. Some hotels allow prepaid cards for checkin. For others, you will need to leave a deposit equivalent to several nights' stay at the hotel. This deposit can be charged on your prepaid card. Buy airline tickets. You can use your prepaid credit card to purchase airline tickets, just as you would a normal credit card. Unlike hotels or rental cars, there are no incidental charges associated with airline tickets, so a line of credit is not needed when purchasing them. Many airlines will require you to purchase your ticket at least 6 days before departure if using a prepaid card. Reserve a spot on a cruise. Most major cruise lines accept prepaid cards as payment for the cruise ticket. While onboard, most lines use a cashless system, wherein all onboard purchases are charged to your boarding pass. If using a prepaid card to settle these purchases: You will need to provide a deposit, usually around $500. Your daily expenditures will be limited, usually to somewhere between $300-$500 per day. You will need to settle any outstanding charges on you account before disembarking at the end of the cruise. Be sure to check with the cruise line to determine the rules regarding onboard purchases before booking. Direct deposit your paycheck to your card. Prepaid cards come with account and routing numbers, so you can have your paycheck sent directly to your card, just as you would with a bank account. This is the most effective way to add money to your card. The money will show up on your card the same day, and most prepaid cards do not charge a fee for direct deposits. Some even offer lower monthly fees and other advantages for cardholders who direct deposit above a certain amount every month. Transfer money from your bank account. If you have a bank account, you can usually transfer money to your prepaid card online, via phone, or in person at the bank. Your bank may charge for the transaction, but the prepaid card issuer generally does not. Use PayPal to add money to your card. With most prepaid cards, adding money via PayPal is free, and the money will show up in your account in 2-3 business days. Here's how: Sign up with PayPal. You'll need to enter your email address, home address, and phone number. Use the account and routing number associated with your card to set it up as a bank account on PayPal. Click “Transfer to your bank” to transfer money to your card. Add money at a retail store. Prepaid cards can be reloaded at many gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, as well as at most check cashing agents and MoneyGram and Western Union agents. In most cases, the cashier will be able to add the money directly to your card. Check with your card issuer for a list of locations where you can use a check or cash to reload your card. Purchase a MoneyPak. With many prepaid cards, you can buy a MoneyPak at retailers with which to add funds to your card. The MoneyPak is a card with a cash value on it and a code number that you use to transfer that value to your prepaid card. In general, the amount you pay for the MoneyPak will be the amount added to your account, though there are sometimes fees involved. After purchasing the MoneyPak, access your prepaid card account online or by phone and use the MoneyPak code to add the money to your card. Reload at an ATM. Prepaid cards issued by banks will often let you add money to the cards at ATMs of the bank, though some will only allow it at particular ATM locations. Reloading at ATMs is usually not possible with cards issued by credit card companies like Visa or American Express, or by major retailers like Walmart. Check the terms of a card before you purchase it to see if reloading at ATMs is possible. Know the fee structure of your card. It's important to know what fees are associated with your card in order to use it in a way that keeps costs down. If you don't, you can pay tens, or even hundreds of dollars a month in fees. You can check here for a break down of fees on some of the most common cards, but be sure to also contact your issuer for an exact list. Check if your card is pay-as-you go or has a monthly fee. If your card charges you per transaction, you'll want to use it only in emergencies. Most cards charge a monthly fee instead. Check with your issuer to see if you can avoid this fee in one of these ways: By making a certain number of purchases a month. By using direct deposit to add money to your account. By loading a certain amount of money each month. Reload as infrequently as possible if your issuer charges for adding money to your card. If this is the case with your card, you'll want to try to load large amounts at infrequent intervals in order to keep the fees down. Be aware, though, that some cards have limits as to how much you can add at once. Try to avoid cards that both charge for adding money and have low limits on how much you can add. Make sure to only withdraw money at network ATMs or use the cash back feature at stores. Check here to see the fees charged by the most common cards for ATM withdrawals. To avoid them, you'll usually need to use an ATM within the issuer's network. Check with your issuer to see which ATMs are free. Cash back – At many retailers – particularly gas stations, pharmacies, and supermarkets – you can ask for cash back when making a purchase. This cash will be included in the purchase price and will thus come without any fees. Report a lost card immediately. The amount on your card is insured up to $250,000. If you notify your issuer immediately, they will usually restore your original balance and issue a new card. The faster you act, the less trouble you will have, as whoever now has your card will have less time to rack up charges. | Check your balance before using your card. Buy goods and services as you would with a credit card. Pay in the store when buying gas with your prepaid card. Withdraw money from an ATM. Pay with checks. Check your balance before using your card. Rent a car with a prepaid card. Check into a hotel. Buy airline tickets. Reserve a spot on a cruise. Direct deposit your paycheck to your card. Transfer money from your bank account. Use PayPal to add money to your card. Add money at a retail store. Purchase a MoneyPak. Reload at an ATM. Know the fee structure of your card. Check if your card is pay-as-you go or has a monthly fee. Reload as infrequently as possible if your issuer charges for adding money to your card. Make sure to only withdraw money at network ATMs or use the cash back feature at stores. Report a lost card immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Your-Family-for-Money | How to Ask Your Family for Money | Asking your family for money can be an awkward conversation, but you can make it easier by being honest and setting up a clear plan to repay them. When you talk with your family, be honest about why you need the loan, and give an exact amount. Consider laying out a budget for the money so you can explain exactly how you'll spend each dollar. To show them you're serious about paying them back, let them know how long you think it'll take to pay them back and set up a payment plan based on that time frame. If they're still on the fence about loaning you money, offer to set up penalties if you don't pay them back on time. | Get your finances in order before asking anyone for money. Sit down and analyze your money habits. Pay attention to your bills and how much you're spending in a month. Find ways to cut back on expenses and earn more money. Start a personal budget to keep yourself on track each month. You'll need to know as much as possible about your financial situation to present a compelling case to your family. For example, if you see that you're wasting too much money on dining at restaurants, resolve to cook at home using cheap ingredients. Ask people that you trust for a loan. Most people go to mom or dad first for money. If you have a solid relationship with them, great! You and the family member you ask need to trust each other thoroughly and feel free to communicate openly. Asking a distant cousin wouldn't be appropriate unless the 2 of you have this kind of relationship. The more trust there is in your relationship with the other person, the more likely they'll be to give you a loan. You can write a letter or talk on the phone, but having a face to face conversation is more effective. Avoid asking people who aren’t financially secure. Take the time to think about the other person's financial situation. Asking someone who isn't financially stable, isn't in a steady job, or has significant medical bills will seem disrespectful. Try not to pressure someone who is already under a lot of pressure themselves. Your best friend may be the person you trust most, but they aren't the person to ask when they're also struggling to pay bills. Discuss why you need the loan. Tell the person you need to have a serious discussion with them. Take some time in a quiet environment to explain exactly what you need the money for. Honesty ensures that trust and communication stay strong even if your family is reluctant to lend money. For example, say, “I had to make a big payment on my school loan and I don't have enough left to pay my rent this month.” Ask the person for the exact amount you need. It helps to bring along a copy of the expense, such as a bill or rent contract if it's available. While asking for more than you need is inappropriate, asking for a second loan because you borrowed too little makes you seem irresponsible. For example, say, “I'd like to borrow $20 to go to the concert this weekend.” Create a spending budget for large loans. When you need to borrow a lot of money to pay several bills or a business loan, take time to describe how you'll allocate the money. Writing out a clear and concise plan can convince the person that you're responsible. This is also a great way to double-check that your personal finances are in order. For example, the budget might say, “$200 for the electrical bill, $100 for groceries, and $50 for transportation.” Explain how long you’ll need to pay the money back. Assess your personal budget or business plan to figure out a time estimate. This depends on the size of the loan and how much money you have available every month. You may need to go back to your budget and cut costs to repay the debt as soon as possible. For instance, a little bit of money to cover dinner might be paid back within a week, but a large business loan can take months or years. Asking for money should be treated as asking for a business loan no matter the size of the loan nor how close you are to the other person. Work out a repayment plan. Discuss how often you'll be required to pay back some of the money. If you're borrowing a large amount, you probably won't be able to pay it all back immediately. Work with your family to establish a basic minimum you'll pay during a set time period, such as every month. Establishing a plan keeps you on track. You'll never forget to repay the loan or include it in your budget. Get creative! Family members may also count odd jobs such as mowing the lawn as part of your repayment. It doesn't hurt to ask. Offer to pay some interest. Remember that the other person is taking a risk instead of using this money as they please. Think of how much interest they'd get from keeping the money in the bank for a month. Come up with a low-interest rate such as 1-2%, and add it to what you owe every month. The interest is a positive way to show appreciation for your family member's assistance. Come up with consequences for late payment. Discuss what will happen when you don't make a payment on time. This is up to you and your family. You might have them remind you of the loan or charge you extra next payment. Find something that motivates you to stay on track. For example, you could owe your family a favor or chore, such as babysitting your little brother. Establishing consequences show that you're taking this seriously and can help facilitate open communication about what is otherwise a difficult issue. Sign a promissory note. You can go online and find sample templates to print. Write down the details you and your family discussed, then have everyone sign their names. This turns your request into a physical, binding agreement. A physical copy is useful for making everyone feel comfortable and clearing up any confusion that might arise in the future. Continue communicating with your family as you repay them. Stay in contact with your family members. Call them up from time to time like you normally would to update them on how you're doing. If there's any trouble repaying the loan, mention that too. You may be able to skip a payment or work out an alternative payment plan. | Get your finances in order before asking anyone for money. Ask people that you trust for a loan. Avoid asking people who aren’t financially secure. Discuss why you need the loan. Ask the person for the exact amount you need. Create a spending budget for large loans. Explain how long you’ll need to pay the money back. Work out a repayment plan. Offer to pay some interest. Come up with consequences for late payment. Sign a promissory note. Continue communicating with your family as you repay them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Spring-Gardening | How to Prepare for Spring Gardening | When the weather starts warming up, you can prepare your soil for spring gardening by clearing any debris and using a pitchfork to turn the soil over. Do this about 2 to 4 weeks before planting your crops to help remove weeds in your garden. Once you've turned your soil over, spread an inch of compost over the top of your soil with a garden spade or rake. If you have heavy clay or sandy soil, spread 4 to 6 inches of compost and till it into the soil. For exceptionally healthy soil, add another 1-inch layer of mulch, which will improve your soil's ability to hold water while keeping weeds at bay. | Clean your garden tools with soap and water before you use them. To avoid contaminating your soil or plants, wipe down your garden tools with a soapy sponge or washcloth, then rinse them with water. Seeds are sensitive, so it is important to keep all tools clean. Wash your rakes, shovels, and hand spades, for example. Remove weeds, branches, leaves, and debris from your garden plot. Wear gardening gloves when you do this to protect your hands, and use a rake to help if you need. You can place your lawn debris in a compost pile to use for later, or store it in lawn garbage bags. You can do this in January or February. Establish a compost area in your yard. There are many ways you can make your own compost bin , or you can purchase a bin from a home supply store. Place your compost area on solid ground off the side of your yard, and lay twigs and straw a few inches deep. Then, add organic material like leaves, branches, and food scraps. You can also add manure and grass clippings. Then, cover your compost with a piece of wood or plastic. A compost area is beneficial because you can easily add rich nutrients to your garden without spending much money. Having your own compost also recycles your organic waste. Locate and remove garden pests throughout the growing season. Before you plant your garden, look out for hibernating pests, like slugs, snails, and aphids. They hide in the tops of perennial plants for shelter during the winter. If you find pests in your potting soil, replace it with a fresh mix. You can kill pests as you find them, and use garden pest control methods like sticky traps, oil sprays, and parasitic nematodes when needed. White vine weevil larvae live in compost and feed on plant roots. Keep an eye out for them as well! Install water butts to help collect seasonal rainfall. This is helpful because you can utilize rainwater to water your plants, rather than always using water from your spigot. To install, place your water butt on a firm, flat surface, and measure the height of the butt and cut the downpipe to your measurements with a hacksaw. Then, place it against a wall under a downpipe. Once installed, the water butt will collect rainwater to distribute over your garden. Alternatively, you can cut a notch out of the downpipe and connect a rain trap to the pipe to transport your water. Rain barrels may also be a good option to connect to a downspout. Test your soil to determine its nutrient composition and pH level. Purchase a test kit, and dig up about 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of dirt from the top 2-4 inches of soil to use as your sample. Fill your soil up to the indicated line in the test chamber, and add distilled water with a dropper. Wait 1-2 minutes for the soil test to complete. Do this for both nutrients and pH levels. To determine the levels, check the color of the indicator and match it with the key on your test kit. To make your soil more acidic, add sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or iron sulfate. To make your soil more basic, use powdered limestone or lime. If your soil is missing vital nutrients, add a fertilizer rich in that nutrient. Turn your soil using a pitchfork, shovel, or a rake to clear away weeds. Once your garden bed is cleared away of lawn debris, take a rake or a pitchfork, and go over all of your soil. This helps turn the soil over and remove weeds from your garden. If your soil is dry or crumbly, you can use a shovel or digging fork to help break it up. If there are stubborn weeds still present, rip them out with your hands. Do this about 2-4 weeks before you plant your crops. Add 1⁄2–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) of compost 2-4 weeks before you plant. After your garden bed is turned over, spread an even layer of compost over the top of your soil. You can use a garden spade or a rake to help you spread the compost. For best results, add a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer of compost. Heavy clay and sandy soils require more compost, spread a 4–6 in (10–15 cm) layer of compost and till it into the soil. You can scoop compost from an existing compost pile using a shovel, or you can purchase bags of compost material from a garden supply store. Add a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer of fertilizer, grass clippings, or mulch. All of these options supply your garden with additional nutrients. If you tested your soil and found it lacking a particular nutrient, purchase fertilizer in that nutrient and use that on top of your compost. If your nutrients are balanced and want to add some extra material to your garden, go with grass clippings and mulch. Grass clippings and mulch both slow down weed growth and improve your soil moisture retention. Using mulch with compost can create exceptionally healthy soil. Determine your USDA hardiness zone to pick what flowers and veggies to grow. Search online to find your climate zone. Visit a site like https://garden.org/nga/zipzone/ , and type in your zip code. Press “Go,” and then review the climate zone listed. Then, click on “View our Planting Calendar for your area,” and check out the crops listed. This site lists tons of helpful information, like when to sow your seeds indoors, when to transplant your seedlings to your garden, and when to garden for the fall. Choose between seeds or starter plants. You can easily grow plants from seeds, though you will need to start growing them indoors before you plant them outside. Alternatively, you can plant starter plants that are already grown to size immediately after the last frost. Buying starter plants is more expensive, but both options work great to get your garden started. Grow plants from seeds if you are starting your garden weeks in advance. Go with starter plants if it is close to your last frost date and you want to start on a garden. Purchase starter plants, seeds, or bulbs for the crops you want to grow. Visit a local garden center or nursery, and pick out what flowers and vegetables you'd like to grow, based on your climate zone. Purchase packs of vegetable seeds, and go with flower bulbs if you'd like. You can easily plant your bulbs in the soil with your sprouted seedlings. In addition, you can look for springtime and summer-flowering plants, like lilies, gladiolus, and ranunculus. If you have any gardening questions, ask the employees of the garden center. They can help get you started! You can also look for seeds online, if that is more convenient. Plant your crops indoors according to germination times if using seeds. Some seeds sprout in just 2-4 weeks, while others take several weeks to germinate, spanning 8-14 weeks. To find out when you can plant your seeds, check your seed package or search online for seed-starting charts. They will inform you of how many weeks before your frost date you should start your seeds. Your frost date is the average date of when to expect your last frost for the season. To find your frost date, search online using your zip code. Plant your seeds in individual containers 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) deep. You can use virtually any small container with individual units to grow your seeds. Select your container, and fill it with seed-starting potting soil up to about ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) below the top. Then, place 1 seed into each of your containers. Keep your seeds in ample sunlight for 6-12 hours a day to grow healthy seeds. Some seeds should be buried deeper in the soil than others. To find out how far down to place your seeds, check your seed packaging. You can use recycled containers like yogurt cups, Keurig coffee cups, egg cartons, or ice cube trays. Make drainage holes in the bottom of each container with a drill or knife. Create a planting calendar to plant your seeds outdoors appropriately. You can plant cold-season crops early in the season, and plant warm-season crops after there is no risk of frost. To keep track of when to plant, make a list of everything you are planting, and list their germination times. Then, list the approximate day to plant them, based on each plant's growing conditions. For example, cool-season crops include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, and onions. Warm-season crops include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Harden off seedlings before you plant them outside in your garden. “Hardening off” is when you slowly adjust your plants to the outdoor environment. The process usually takes about 1 week. On the first day, set your seeds in a shady area outside for about 2-3 hours. Try to place them in a spot without much wind. Then, over the next few days you can gradually increase their time outside by 1-2 hours. This helps your plants adjust to the temperature fluctuations and windy conditions. Do not leave seedlings outdoors overnight until you have finished the hardening off process. Plant your seeds, bulbs, or starter plants outdoors on an overcast day. It is best to plant your crops on days without much bright, harsh sunlight. Seeds are sensitive, and harsh sunlight can shock them, even if you've hardened them off. Make a small hole with your finger, and place your seedling, bulb, or starter plant inside. Then, add a bit of soil on top. Water your garden immediately so your plants start to take root. It is helpful to check specific transplant instructions so you tend to your seedlings properly. Use a watering can or a garden hose to water your crops. Spread mulch around newly planted plants to improve moisture retention, keep soil temperature more consistent and build the soil. | Clean your garden tools with soap and water before you use them. Remove weeds, branches, leaves, and debris from your garden plot. Establish a compost area in your yard. Locate and remove garden pests throughout the growing season. Install water butts to help collect seasonal rainfall. Test your soil to determine its nutrient composition and pH level. Turn your soil using a pitchfork, shovel, or a rake to clear away weeds. Add 1⁄2–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) of compost 2-4 weeks before you plant. Add a 1 in (2.5 cm) layer of fertilizer, grass clippings, or mulch. Determine your USDA hardiness zone to pick what flowers and veggies to grow. Choose between seeds or starter plants. Purchase starter plants, seeds, or bulbs for the crops you want to grow. Plant your crops indoors according to germination times if using seeds. Plant your seeds in individual containers 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) deep. Create a planting calendar to plant your seeds outdoors appropriately. Harden off seedlings before you plant them outside in your garden. Plant your seeds, bulbs, or starter plants outdoors on an overcast day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-and-Sell-Your-Songs | How to Write and Sell Your Songs | Thanks to the internet, writing and selling your songs has never been easier. Aim to write songs that are emotional and have a catchy chorus, which will engage more people. If you write lyrics, make them relatable so more people will connect with your music. Once you've written your songs, work with a producer to record and mix your songs to a professional standard. Then, look for a manager to help you sell your songs. Or, use online marketplaces where you can sell your beats and songs to other independent artists. You can also upload samples to websites like Soundcloud to grow an audience. The more fans you have for your music, the higher demand there will be for your songs. | Write lyrics with emotional meaning. Though popular music can sometimes seem cookie-cutter (especially lyrically) in fact, there is no single "right" way to write song lyrics. Great song lyrics have been penned from an incredibly wide variety of personal viewpoints that run the entire gamut of human experience. Some songs are cheerful, others are furious. Some songs are laid-back and relaxed, others are tense and paranoid. Some carry great personal significance for the writer, while others are about nothing at all. However, nearly all great songs convey some sort of emotion. For starters, when you write songs, try to express the way you feel when you think about certain topics, events, or people that are important to you. Your lyrics don't necessarily have to mention these things directly, though they certainly can. Let's examine the opening lines of two songs - first, Elliott Smith's "Between the Bars" and, second, Kendrick Lamar's "Swimming Pools (Drank)". Both songs are about alcohol addiction. However, notice that they take two different approaches to the same topic, Smith opting for an indirect, referential approach and Lamar for a more direct one. Both successfully paint powerful emotional pictures. Between the Bars : Drink up, baby, stay up all night/With the things you could do, you won't but you might/The potential you'll be that you'll never see/The promises you'll only make Swimming Pools (Drank) : Now I done grew up round some people living their life in bottles/Granddaddy had the golden flask backstroke every day in Chicago/Some people like the way it feels/Some people wanna kill their sorrows/Some people wanna fit in with the popular/That was my problem Give your song a sense of structure. So, you've been thinking about things that make you feel strong emotions and writing down your thoughts in the form of lyrics. You're already off to a great start. Next, you'll need to organize your lyrics into some sort of song structure - decide which words go in the verse, which in the chorus, which in the bridge, and so on. Many popular songs have lyrics that rhyme - if you want your lyrics to rhyme, you'll also need to decide on a rhyme scheme (the pattern by which your rhymes are arranged). Compose instrumental backing music for your song. Once you've written your lyrics and organized them into a song, it's time to start thinking about how you'd like your song to sound. Again, there's no right way to write a song, but you may find it easiest to figure out your instrumental parts before tackling your vocal melody - this way, you'll be able to fit your vocals to a solid instrumental backing, rather than custom-composing instrumental parts to fit your vocal melody. Naturally, try to compose instrumental accompaniments that compliment the emotions conveyed by your lyrics. Songs' instrumental parts range in volume and intensity - some are overpowering "walls of sound", while others are so sparse that they're barely audible by comparison. For example, compare My Bloody Valentine's "Only Shallow" to Nirvana's "Polly". These two alternative rock songs were released within just months of each other, but their instrumentation couldn't be more different. "Only Shallow" is a massive, swirling juggernaut of distortion, while "Polly" is a dark, hushed composition, featuring just an acoustic guitar, Kurt Cobain's voice, a short bass interlude, and a few drum hits. Set your lyrics to a melody. In much of popular music, the singer's vocals are the central feature of each song, supported by the instrumental backing. Now that you have your song's lyrics and instrumental parts figured out, it's time to set your words to music. Give your lyrics a melody, or, perhaps more accurately, melodies - most songs have related, but distinct melodies for verses, choruses, etc. Though some musicians use the concept of discord (conflict between the notes or chords in a piece of music) to great effect, generally, you'll want your vocal melody to be in an appropriate key for the chords of your song. It's certainly not impossible to become successful writing and selling a cappella songs (songs with only vocals and no instruments) or purely instrumental recordings. For instance, Shai's version of "If I Ever Fall in Love" is an a cappella song that spent time at #2 on the US charts. Similarly, the recent explosion in popularity of electronic dance music has made hits out of songs with few (if any) lyrics. However, the vast majority of popular music has both instrumentals and lyrics, so writing these types of songs may give you more mass appeal. Note that, if you're writing rap songs, you generally won't have to worry about vocal melodies, as "pure" rap vocals are delivered tonelessly. However, many hip-hop artists incorporate tonality into their songs in the form of sung refrains or half-sung, half-rapped verses. See Chance the Rapper's "Juice" for an example of this technique. Pay special attention to your song's chorus or hook. Many popular songs with uninspiring verses, tepid instrumentals, and laughable lyrics are saved by the power of a tremendous chorus (sometimes called the "hook"). Try to make the chorus of your song a particularly poignant, expressive, and concise set of lines. Generally, the chorus is the part of a song that people will remember the best, so make it emblematic of your song as a whole. Another way to tackle this is to think of your hook as your song's "thesis statement" - if you had to sum up the emotions behind your song in a few musical lines, how would you do so? Be passionate. Above all else, when writing a song, try to imbue your work with passion both musically and lyrically. Your songs should make you, as a performer, feel strong emotions - if you find yourself bored by your music, don't be afraid to start from scratch. Music is just as much a craft as it is an art - it's something to be honed and perfected with plenty of practice. The best way to motivate yourself to work at your songwriting craft, of course, is to be truly passionate about it. Play live gigs. Though some musicians (like, famously, The Beatles) have been able to transition away from live performance in favor of dedicating themselves entirely to studio work, very few, if any, have been able to become widely-known in the first place without ever performing live. To start building an audience and gaining recognition as a musician, it's important to put in work as a live act. To start, look for opportunities to perform in your local area. Bars, clubs, and cafes are the "classic" proving grounds for up-and-coming musicians, but they're far from the only places where you can perform. Any place or occasion where people gather can conceivably be an opportunity to perform. Weddings, birthday parties, farmer's markets, and even street corners can be places to build your audience and sell your music. Don't be afraid to start small - all but the luckiest musicians paid their dues as local acts before making it big. One semi-recent example is Lady Gaga, who become a fixture of several NYC bars and nightclubs for several years in the mid-00's before getting her shot at the spotlight. Record your music. Nearly all serious musical acts should spend some time in the recording studio. Generally, in the studio, artists partner with a producer or engineer to create a finished product that's to their satisfaction. Recording your music gives you the opportunity to distribute it to your fans (in physical form as a CD or online as a file) in a polished, definitive form that's exactly how you want it. It also gives you the opportunity to give your music to the types of people who can help you make money from your music - namely, record companies and industry scouts. If you haven't recorded any music yet, you may want to record a demo as your first move. Demos are short (about 3-6 tracks) "mini-albums" that give you a chance to showcase your musical style - think of them as musical resumes for prospective employers. Meticulously practice your songs before you step into the studio. Studio time can be quite expensive, so you'll want to be able to record each song in as few takes as possible. The costs associated with lengthy studio sessions can quickly add up, so try to get to the point where you can play all of your songs in your sleep before you attempt to record them. For the same reason as you'll want to have your songs down pat before you enter the studio, you'll also want to avoid excessive experimentation in the studio. For instance, don't let a producer convince you to waste time trying out countless effects pedals. The place for experimentation and improvisation is in the practice room. Consider enlisting the help of a manager. Booking your own shows and studio time, negotiating your own contracts, and distributing your own music is time-intensive and requires a great deal of expertise. Because of this, many dedicated musicians decide to hire the services of a professional manager or booking agent to handle the business aspects of the music industry. Though this option may not be feasible with the average starving artist's budget, it can help a promising young artist maximize his or her potential and rise within the industry. Be sure that your manager is established and reputable - don't fall prey to scam artists. Reach out to record companies. When you've begun to gather a following and you've recorded a demo or two, you may want to try to sell yourself to record companies to win a recording contract. Though large, international record companies occasionally sign artists that are relatively unknown in terms of mainstream airplay (see: Epic Records signing experimental hip hop group Death Grips), obscure and up-and-coming artists may have more luck when courting smaller independent labels. Research labels that release the type of music you're interested in selling. Then, if they have a policy of accepting unsolicited submissions, feel free to send them demos, photos, interviews, reviews, biographies, and the like (if sent all together, these types of materials compose what is called a press pack , a standard method artists use to distribute their work and propagate their image). Of course, perhaps the best way to get noticed by a record company is to generate attention for yourself through groundbreaking music innovation, noteworthy live performances, and/or a unique image. In other words, if you're able to generate fame (or notoriety) without a record label, record labels may come to you. Look for unconventional opportunities to sell yourself as a musician. Performing your own songs in a live setting is important, but this is only one of the ways that musicians can gain professional clout. Musical artists can (and should) also try to find work as session musicians, soundtrack composers, and more - any opportunity to contribute music to another person's project or endeavor is chance to spread your name. One oft-overlooked opportunity for artists to create original music for profit is in the world of jingle-writing. Advertising agencies regularly employ musicians to compose and perform songs for commercials. In fact, several music production houses (called "jingle houses") specialize in the process, using in-house musicians to create jingles for their clients. Especially when starting out, musicians may not have the luxury of being able to be picky with their employers. Don't worry too much about "selling out" - in some respects, it's part of the process of making your name as a musician. In fact, many now-famous performers with anti-authority bents originally took part in more "commercially friendly" music endeavors. Case in point: Tupac Shakur was originally a member of the light-hearted hip-hop group Digital Underground (of "Humpty Dance" fame). Build a distinct image. Music is a more competitive field today than ever before. With the advent of online music retail sources, contemporary musicians don't just have to compete with each other, but also with the stars of ages past whose music is just as available to consumers as their own. To stand the best chance of being able to sell yourself as a musician, it's important to make sure that you stand out from the pack of modern artists. Don't make music or perform in ways that can cause you to be confused with another artist. Instead, break the mold and forge an artistic image that's uniquely yours. This advice extends to your music itself as well as to the way you perform. Take pride in the flourishes and idiosyncrasies that are unique to your performance. Many successful musicians, like Prince, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and countless others, had and/or have performance styles that are unforgettably indelible. The clothes you wear, the way you carry yourself onstage, and the way you play your songs all combine to create your image as a performer, so take time to develop these aspects of yourself as an artist. Promote yourself. Whether you're playing live shows or trying to move copies of your latest album, it's almost always in your best interest to reach out to as many people as possible. Advertise yourself as a musician using every method at your disposal - word of mouth (for instance, if you teach music part-time, try telling your students about an upcoming concert at the end of their lessons), self-advertising (flyers, etc.), and even cross-promotion with local radio stations are great ideas for promoting yourself. Also be sure to take advantage of your online visibility. Nowadays, a well-timed social media "push" can be a much more effective and efficient way to reach your fan base than conventional advertising. The humble flyer is a well-worn method by which musicians self-promote. These can be easily massed-produced for relatively cheap with nothing more than a basic computer and a printer. Be sure your flyer includes any information your audience will need to attend your upcoming event - time, place, date, and admission price are essential. Also ensure your flyer is somewhere it will be noticed, such as a live music venue, bar, coffee shop, or college campus. Market your songs in-person and online. No matter how good they are, your songs won't ever sell themselves. Use every performance as an opportunity to sell songs - either by reminding your audience that you have physical CDs for sale or by directing them to a personal webpage, etc. Don't shrink from selling your music. If you put on a good show, you deserve whatever money you make from selling your music - you're not selling out by giving your audience the chance to support you. The internet offers plenty of exciting opportunities for musicians to share and sell their music. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter let musicians keep in touch with their fans and notify them of new songs and live performances. Also, sites such as GarageBand and Soundcloud offer the opportunity for artists to host and even sell their actual music online. Some recent artists have actually managed to become breakout successes primarily through the internet. For instance, Justin Bieber's path to stardom began when a record industry executive accidentally clicked one of Bieber's online videos by accident. Pay attention to the production values of your music. You have probably noticed that, today, most of the songs on the radio sound somewhat alike in terms of their sleek, flawless production style. This is a deliberate choice on the part of the songs' creators. A song's production values are a serious factor to consider before releasing it to the public - minor flaws like missed notes, background noise, and noticeable transitions between separate takes can become glaringly obvious with repeated listens. Though there's certainly a market for music with a lo-fi aesthetic, the market for sleek, polished recordings is undeniably bigger. So, at the very least, be sure to consider whether your music's production values suit your professional goals. Some musicians have the experience and know-how to produce their own music - Kanye West and some of his peers in the world of hip-hop, for instance, produce many of their own songs. However, many musicians don't know how to "work the boards", so to speak. If you fall into this group, consider paying for studio time with a professional producer, who will be able to help you record and mix your music as professionally as possible. Never let the industry take advantage of you. Unfortunately, the music industry has a history of taking advantage of well-meaning musicians' kindness. Always be aware that unsavory tour managers, record labels, venue owners, concert promoters, and the like may be out to get you. Never let someone you don't know entangle you in a vague or poorly-defined agreement. Don't agree to work for free as a musician for the "possibility" of pay at a later date. Don't exchange your self-agency for the promise of fame. Don't let any managers or staff you employ make decisions for you without your consent. As a general rule, try to remain guarded as you navigate the music industry. Though many of the people in the industry are completely honest and ethical, all it takes is one legally-binding agreement with a bad apple to completely sideline your music career. Contracts are a must. Oral agreements, even with people you're close with, aren't easily enforced. Always get any agreement you make in writing. If you're being asked to sign a significant binding agreement (like, for instance, a record deal), get the counsel of an experienced lawyer before signing. | Write lyrics with emotional meaning. Give your song a sense of structure. Compose instrumental backing music for your song. Set your lyrics to a melody. Pay special attention to your song's chorus or hook. Be passionate. Play live gigs. Record your music. Consider enlisting the help of a manager. Reach out to record companies. Look for unconventional opportunities to sell yourself as a musician. Build a distinct image. Promote yourself. Market your songs in-person and online. Pay attention to the production values of your music. Never let the industry take advantage of you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tostada-Shells | How to Make Tostada Shells | To make baked tostada shells, start by brushing both sides of some corn tortillas with vegetable oil. Then, place the tortillas on a baking sheet and stick them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Then, flip the tortillas over and bake them for an additional 3-5 minutes or until they're crispy and golden brown. | Fried tostadas are the most authentic, but also the most fattening. Traditionally, the tortilla is deep-fried in vegetable oil. This is considered the most authentic, and often tastiest way to prepare tostada shells, though if you are watching your calories you may wish to bake or microwave the tortilla. Pour about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet. Heat the oil. Test the heat by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the center of the skillet. If the tortilla immediately sizzles and fries, the oil is ready. Pick up the corn tortilla with a pair of tongs and carefully place in the pan. The outer edges of the tortilla should bubble, as should the center. Always be careful of splattering oil. Fry until the outer edges are golden-brown, then turn the tortilla over. Depending on your stove this may take 8 to 10 or up to 30 seconds for each side. A fully fried tostada should be a light to medium brown color. Remove the tostada shells from the pan. Let the shells cool on a plate covered in an absorbent paper towel. To keep tostadas warm, store in oven preheated to 250 °F (120 °C). Baked tostada shells are generally considered the low-calorie alternative to fried tostadas. However, many cooks consider them just as tasty. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Brush both sides of a corn tortilla lightly with vegetable oil. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder or cayenne for extra taste. Place tortilla on a baking sheet. Repeat the process with additional tortillas. Usually you can fit about 4 to 6 tortillas per baking sheet. Bake tortillas for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until tortillas turn crispy, with light to medium golden-brown color. Remove the sheet from the oven, turn the tostada shells over and repeat the process. Optional: You can make your tostada shells in a bowl shape by baking them with their sides folded in a small spring form pans, weighted down with pastry molds. You can also make crispy but oil-free and extremely low-fat tostada shells in the microwave. This method may be tedious when making more than a few tostada shells. Place 2 layers of paper towels on your microwave's cooking carousel. The paper towels soak up moisture and create a crunchy texture. Layer several tortillas onto the carousel, directly onto the paper towels. Do not allow the edges of the tortillas to overlap. Cover the tortillas with an additional layer of paper towels. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Open the microwave and remove the top layer of paper towels. Turn the tortillas over and place fresh paper towels on top. Microwave on high for 1 additional minute. Optional: You may wish to microwave tostada toppings after you have baked or fried the shells. Finished. | Fried tostadas are the most authentic, but also the most fattening. Pour about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet. Heat the oil. Pick up the corn tortilla with a pair of tongs and carefully place in the pan. Fry until the outer edges are golden-brown, then turn the tortilla over. Remove the tostada shells from the pan. To keep tostadas warm, store in oven preheated to 250 °F (120 °C). Baked tostada shells are generally considered the low-calorie alternative to fried tostadas. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Brush both sides of a corn tortilla lightly with vegetable oil. Place tortilla on a baking sheet. Repeat the process with additional tortillas. Bake tortillas for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until tortillas turn crispy, with light to medium golden-brown color. Remove the sheet from the oven, turn the tostada shells over and repeat the process. Optional: You can also make crispy but oil-free and extremely low-fat tostada shells in the microwave. Place 2 layers of paper towels on your microwave's cooking carousel. Layer several tortillas onto the carousel, directly onto the paper towels. Cover the tortillas with an additional layer of paper towels. Open the microwave and remove the top layer of paper towels. Optional: Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Husband | How to Be a Good Husband | A big part of being a good husband is paying attention to the small day-to-day things. Practice kissing your spouse hello and goodbye, be on time to your appointments, and learn to compromise and be supportive when needed. Before you do anything, try to put yourself in your partner's shoes -- this will not only help you be a good husband, but it can also prevent fights and improve your relationship! Finally, do little things to make your spouse feel special, like serving breakfast in bed or writing a handwritten note about how much you love them. | Be a gentleman, if your spouse wants you to be. Many, though not all, people find the idea of a gentleman sweet and endearing. If your spouse is that kind of person, get ready to bust out your most chivalrous self. Think 17th century manners, or thereabouts: Kiss them hello and goodbye. Take their heavy shopping bags for them. Open doors for them. Pay for dates. Of course, there's always the chance that they don't want you treating them in a gentlemanly way. If they don't, don't take it personally. Continue being sweet to them, even if you don't give them special treatment. Be respectful. Respect is an act of understanding. Understand that your spouse is an independent, different person, and that they may not want to do the exact same thing as you, even though your interests are usually aligned. Here are four examples of ways you can be respectful of your spouse: Keep your promises. Do what you say you'll do. If you tell them you're going to do the dishes, don't wimp out and then make excuses while they take over your responsibility. Be on time. If you say you're going to be somewhere at a certain time — say, pick up your kid at daycare — be there. Your spouse's time is just as valuable as yours. Respect it. Stop assuming. Don't just assume that they'll do something because they're your spouse. Establish good lines of communication instead. Learn how to ask for a favor. Listen to what they're saying. Don't pretend to listen — actually listen. Sometimes, the only thing we want is a good listener or a shoulder to lean on. Let them talk and be absorbed in what they're saying. Never lie. Get in the habit of telling the truth. Ask yourself how you would feel if you found out your spouse was keeping anything but a birthday secret from you. Always tell them where you are going if they want to know. Tell them who you are with. Tell them what your motivations are, even if you think they're petty. Being open and never lying establishes great verbal communication, which is at the heart of all great relationships. Never cheat. It goes without saying, but it must be mentioned. Cheating is a form of lying. You wouldn't be very accepting of your spouse having an affair, so why would you? If you're having an affair, take a good, hard look at your life and ask yourself why you're married to the person you're married to. If you love your spouse but lust after someone else, realize how unfair the situation is. You want the comfort of your spouse, but you're not willing to be exclusive and honest with them. This is selfish behavior at its most basic. You can't have your cake and eat it, too. If you no longer love your spouse, then why are you still married to them? Both of you would probably be much better off if you were given the opportunity to find someone you truly loved, or someone who loved you back. Think about it. Minimize laziness. Laziness is a major turnoff, and a bad habit to boot. Laziness isn't necessarily watching football on Sunday; laziness is not doing something you know you should or want to do, but can't bring yourself to. So take the garbage out, surprise them once a week by cleaning the house, or exercise to show them you have self-worth. Sometimes doing just one more little thing will make your spouse all the happier. It makes a big difference. Try not to be selfish. We could debate for hours how selfish humans are, but one thing seems clear: though we are selfish, we have the capacity to be selfless. Love should inspire that selflessness. Instead of always asking what you can do for yourself, start asking what you can do for your spouse, or what you can do for the benefit of your marriage. Minimize jealousy. You may get a little jealous from time to time, and that's okay, as long as you try to not let it affect your spouse's happiness. (It's probably a good sign if you're jealous.) That's because jealousy can be very selfish. Never keep your spouse from doing something just because you're jealous. Compromise. Learn how to reach the middle ground. Often, what you want and what your spouse wants will be totally different. In these cases, adjust your expectations. Don't expect to always get exactly your share or to "win" the argument. Never raise your voice, yell at, or physically abuse them. Your spouse trusts you to look after their comfort and safety. Don't set a bad example and let your emotions get the better of you. Control your tone, if possible, in an argument: "I'm worried that we're not sticking to our budget. I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm just looking out for our long-term happiness and I wanted to have a discussion with you about ways we could both change our spending habits." Resist ad hominem, or personal, attacks. The following is not a healthy way to argue: "Oh yeah? You really want to make sure our children get into a good school? Well why don't you talk to your ex-boyfriend the principal? You seem to have a smashing relationship with him." Never hit, detain, or threaten your spouse with violence. Do not try to use your physical size as an advantage over them. Your spouse could press charges. Find little ways to make them feel great. It's funny because, often, the smallest things find a way to nourish a relationship. Ask yourself, what can I do to make my partner even happier? It doesn't have to be earth-shattering to be effective. It's the thought behind it, and the emotion in it, that's the real gift: Work on having a better relationship with your in-laws. Few things are more important for your partner than you having a relationship with their parents. You probably don't see your in-laws every day, but that undersells the importance of the goal: ultimately, they want you to love them like you love your parents. Does your spouse really care about charity? Invest in a microloan in their name, and give it to them as a present. They are now the proud beneficiary of someone else's opportunity. Do things around the house that they normally don't enjoy. If your spouse hates doing the dishes, for example, make them a little "get out dishes free" card, good for a week without dish-duty. Be open. It might seem weird, but being open with your spouse is indeed a sign of affection: it shows them that you trust them and, more importantly, that you enjoy being intimate with them emotionally. Being open will reassure them that you're taking that step for them. Show them that you love them. Why did you marry them in the first place? Express to them why you love and how they make you feel everyday. Do this often. It will lead to good habits, promote more love and affection in your marriage, and reduce amounts of stress. Write a short handwritten letter. Put it underneath their pillow; as you kiss them goodbye in the morning, tell them to check underneath the pillow. The note could say something like: "Every day I'm with you, I learn even more about how impossibly lucky I am. I love you." Come up behind them when they know that you're in the same room and give them a heartfelt kiss on the neck while wrapping your arms around them. It'll make their heart melt. Make your own romantic fortune cookie. Find a way to slip a personalized fortune into a fortune cookie your spouse breaks open. Have it read something like: "Only you can make my heart crumble...." Be supportive. Support them in their honest endeavors. Whether it's supporting them when they want to take Latin dance classes or when they want go out with friends, your support makes them feel safe and lets them take calculated risks. When they have nothing else to fall back on, they know that they can count on you to be their rock, their muse, their lighthouse. When your spouse is feeling down, find a way to cheer them up. Bring them breakfast in bed, massage their feet, or rent their favorite movie. Again, small things can have big meanings. Put the "man" back in romance. It may not be the first thing that you think of when you wake up in the morning, but romance is essential to a healthy marriage. Don't just assume that because you're married, you don't have to try to be romantic with your spouse anymore. Not only is that thought misguided — what if your spouse decided that they didn't have to watch their weight once married? — it also takes some of the fun out of marriage. So be a man and do the manly thing. Be romantic. Do date nights at least once a month. Some couples manage to find the time to go on dates every week, but once a month is sufficient. Plan a date that evokes a great date you went on earlier in your courtship, or plan a date that gets the blood pumping again: skydiving, whale watching, or a movie, to name a few. Celebrate your anniversary. Your anniversary is really important to your spouse, and it should be to you too. It has symbolic meaning in addition to providing an opportunity to renew your love. Forgetting your anniversary is a big no-no. At the very least, have a dinner planned and a bottle of wine chilled. Keep intimate relations in bed strong. Don't let things dry up in bed, or take things for granted. Seek to please your spouse as much as they please you, and keep exploring their and your own sexuality through one another. Trust them completely. A lot of the things mentioned in this tutorial revolve around trust. If you don't trust your partner, you're probably living in a pretty miserable place. Learn to trust your spouse in the same way that you want them to trust in you. Reveal your personality. Marriage is an enduring opportunity to get to know somebody better and better over many, many years. If you keep an aspect of your personality secret or just closed off, you're probably not getting all that you want out of your marriage. It really does go to show: you get what you give. Have long conversations; make them laugh; share interests, hobbies and occupations; take them somewhere that has personal significance to you; encourage them to get to know your extended family (and do the same for theirs); engage in debate; share fears, doubts, and vulnerabilities; be who you are, not who you think they want you to be. Remember the golden rule. The golden rule is not only important to our idea of morality, it also helps us navigate the sometimes stormy waters of a marriage. The golden rule is that you do unto others as you would have them do to you. All this means is "put yourself in their shoes" before you act. Of course, you need to have the right sort of perspective if you're going to use the golden rule, and you can't lie to yourself about what other people want. If you're unsure about something, ask yourself "What would I want to happen if I were in my partner's position?" This is generally a good exercise for you to engage in. Share your religion with your spouse, if you are religious. Draw on your faith for strength, and actively seek meaning with your partner on your life's journey. Give yourself to your spouse as much as you give to your god. Maintain your values throughout. Take pride in your appearance. Of course, the most important for last: practice good hygiene, look sharp as a tac — inside and outside of the house — and make sure you keep up the same general level of cleanliness that your spouse does. If you care about how well your spouse dresses and how often they brush their teeth, they're sure to care about the same things. And that's the way it should be between two people who love each other, shouldn't it? | Be a gentleman, if your spouse wants you to be. Be respectful. Never lie. Never cheat. Minimize laziness. Try not to be selfish. Never raise your voice, yell at, or physically abuse them. Find little ways to make them feel great. Be open. Show them that you love them. Be supportive. Put the "man" back in romance. Trust them completely. Reveal your personality. Remember the golden rule. Share your religion with your spouse, if you are religious. Take pride in your appearance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-a-PhD-in-the-US | How to Apply for a PhD in the US | To apply for a Ph.D. in the US, earn a Bachelor's degree and take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination. Then, carefully read the application instructions of each school to increase your odds of getting accepted. In the mean time, request letters of recommendation from professors in your discipline or an employer. You will also need to have your transcripts on hand, and to write a statement of purpose. | Identify your research interests. Take some time to reflect on your past academic work and to consider your current research interests. What type of PhD would you like to pursue? What would you like to research in your pursuit of a PhD? Keep in mind that it is not necessary for you to have a dissertation topic already chosen or even to have an extremely specific research focus. At this stage, you should just have a general idea of what you want to study and why. For example, if you are considering a PhD in English, then you should at least have an idea of the literary period that you wish to focus on. Search for programs that suit your needs. Before you start applying to programs, you should take time to research schools thoroughly and find programs that will support your research interests. Look for schools with programs that will allow you to do the type of research that you want to do. For example, if you are planning to pursue a PhD in Chemistry, then you should find out more about the lab facilities at the university that you are considering. Try to identify as many potential schools as you can. Graduate school is competitive and you will have a better chance of getting accepted if you submit multiple applications. Identify professors whose research interests you. Some schools require or at least expect you to identify professors with whom you'd like to work. You may already have an idea of some professors who can help you with your research based on the research you completed during your BA or MA program. Keep in mind that you may be working closely with the professor(s) you identify, so it is important to select professors who you really admire and whose research genuinely interests you. Look for funding opportunities. Graduate school is expensive, especially for international students. Therefore, it is important to seek out as many potential funding opportunities as you can. Most schools offer teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and other types of funding opportunities that will waive your tuition as well as provide you with a small stipend. Keep in mind that funding opportunities are competitive. Putting forth a strong application may increase your chances of getting funding, but there are no guarantees. Find out about your potential programs' job placement rates. No program can guarantee that you'll leave with the job you want, but you'll want to identify the departments that will make that outcome most likely. If your heart is set on a tenure-track professorship, for example, find out how many of former students were able to land those jobs. Many departments publish this information; others will provide it to you if you ask. Consider other factors. While much less important that the program features and funding available, you should also take some time to consider practical aspects of the schools you are considering. Some additional factors to consider include: Location. If you plan to return to your home country during breaks, then some schools may make the trip home less time consuming than others. For example, if you will be flying back to India at the end of each school year, then choosing a school closer to one of the US coasts will make traveling easier than flying out of the Midwest. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to select a school based solely on location. This will severely limit your choices. Cost of living. Some US college towns can be quite expensive, which can make it hard to get by on your student stipend. Look into the average cost of housing, food, and other expenses in the university areas where you plan to apply. Extracurricular opportunities. Clubs can other types of groups can make the transition to a US university a bit easier. Many schools have clubs for people from certain countries, who speak certain languages, or who share other interests. Check out the extracurricular opportunities that are available at the universities you are considering. Obtain the appropriate degrees. A bachelor's degree is required for all PhD program applications and a master's degree may be required for some PhD programs. Take the GRE. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores are often required for admittance into PhD programs in the US, so it is a good idea to take the GRE before you can apply. It takes a couple of months to get your scores back, so make sure that you take the GRE well in advance of beginning the application process. Taking the GRE three to six months in advance is a good idea. You may even want to take it about year before you plan to apply, just in case you do not get a good score and you need to retake it. Take the TOEFL or IELTS. If you are from a country where English is not the official language, then you will have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests assess your English language skills and help schools determine whether or not you are equipped to attend graduate school at an English language university. Like the GRE, you should take one of these tests well in advance of starting the applications. Score requirements vary by university, so check with each university to learn the score requirements before you apply. For TOEFL, you need to have at least a 600 on the paper-based test OR above a 95 to 100 on the internet-based test. For IELTS, you need to have above a 7.0 to 7.5. Ensure that you can afford the fees. Fees for international student PhD applications can be quite high, such as around $100 US dollars per application. Since you will likely need to apply to several schools in order to have a chance at a job, make sure that you can afford the fees before you start the process. For example, if you plan to apply to 20 different programs, then you will need to ensure that you have about $2,000 for the application fees. Keep in mind that the fees may vary drastically among schools. More prestigious schools may charge higher application fees than less prestigious schools. Compare special requirements for different schools. Each school will have its own application process and some schools also have special requirements. For the best chance of getting an acceptance letter, make sure that you carefully read the application instructions for each school that you plan to apply to. Identify any special requirements that you will have to fulfill before you apply. For example, some programs require applicants to answer a specific question or set of questions in the statement of purpose. Request letters of recommendation. Having a few glowing letters of recommendation from professors and/or higher education administrators will improve your chances of getting accepted to a PhD program as well. Ask professors who know you well and who can evaluate your ability to do doctoral work. For example, it would be better to ask a professor in your discipline than someone who taught an elective class that you enjoyed. Having one letter of recommendation from an administrator or employer can be helpful to show a different perspective of your academic goals. For example, you might ask your department's chairperson, one of the university's deans, or a current or former boss. As with the professors you ask, the administrator who recommends you should be someone who will give you a glowing recommendation. Order transcripts. Transcripts are required for your application, so make sure that you know the procedure for requesting them from your university and put in your requests as soon as possible. Since your applications will be traveling via international mail, it is important to allow plenty of time for them to arrive. Keep in mind that most schools require official transcripts. Sending transcripts may or may not require you to pay fees, depending on your university's policies. Choose a writing sample (if required). Some types of programs require applicants to submit a writing sample as part of the application. This sample should be something that reflects your research interests and demonstrates your writing and research abilities. Choose something that you are proud of. If you have a piece that has been published, then this is an especially great choice for the writing sample, but unpublished pieces are fine as well. Check for special requirements before you start to write. Some universities have special questions or ways of formatting your statement of purpose (SOP) that you will need to observe. Make sure that you check the SOP requirements for each university to which you are applying before you begin writing. You may want to write one “basic” SOP and then alter or add to it as needed based on the special requirements of each university. Provide a bit of background. The first part of the statement of purpose is usually an intro paragraph where you talk a bit about yourself and your interests. This paragraph should offer some insight into your academic background rather than hobbies that you have, such as cooking or collecting rocks. For example, you might say something like, “Since I was a child, I had a passion for the natural world, and this passion led me to my desire to become a biologist.” Talk about your preparation for a doctoral program. The next thing you should mention in your SOP is your preparation for doctoral studies. In this section, you should describe your coursework thus far, special projects you completed as an undergraduate and masters student, as well as any conferences you have presented at or articles you have published. For example, you might say something like, “As an undergrad, I participated in on-campus research expos and even attended a local conference. Then, during my MA program, I had an article accepted to Biology Quarterly and presented at a national conference.” You can also talk about specific courses you took, professors who have supervised your work, and research that you conducted during your BA and MA programs. Explain the types of contributions you would like to make. After you have talked about what you have done so far, you will need to explain what you hope to do in the future. What are your goals? What do you hope to contribute to your discipline? For example, you might say something like, “I hope to develop a new process for growing corn.” Mention professors with whom you would like to work and explain why. It is also important to mention professors with whom you would like to work. Some of these professors may even have a say in whether or not you will be admitted to the program, so it is important to familiarize yourself with these professors' research. Try reading each professor's biography on the university website. You may also consider reading one of these professors' publications, such as an article or book. Try saying something like, “I hope to work with Professor Jones because she and I share a similar interest in botany.” Use examples to illustrate your points. For each section in your SOP, it is important to back up what you have to say. For example, do not just say, “I am dedicated to this discipline,” show it by providing examples of your participation in the discipline over the years. Or, if you talk about a professor who you admire, be specific about why. Draw a quote from one of his or her articles or point to a specific accomplishment that you admire. Make sure that you include examples throughout your entire SOP. Complete online application components. Most universities require you to submit some basic details using an online application. These details may include things like your name, address, schools attended, etc. Complete this part of your application before you do anything else. Some schools also require letters of recommendation to be submitted via an online system. You may need to submit your recommenders email addresses so that they can access this system. Prepare your application items to mail. Your applications will also likely include some paper items, such as your statement of purpose, official transcripts, writing samples, or other required materials. Collect these items and seal them in a large envelope. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to send your packets so that they will arrive before the deadline. Address the packets. Make sure that you double check the addresses for each of your packets to ensure that they will be delivered to the correct location. Pay for postage. International postage can be quite expensive, so make sure that you reserve some money to pay for this cost. Pay the postage for each of your packets and send them out. Wait for responses. Waiting to hear back from schools may be the most difficult part of the process. It can take weeks or even months for PhD application committees to make their selections. Many schools alert applicants of an acceptance or rejection via email as well as with a paper letter, so keep an eye on both of your inboxes. | Identify your research interests. Search for programs that suit your needs. Identify professors whose research interests you. Look for funding opportunities. Find out about your potential programs' job placement rates. Consider other factors. Obtain the appropriate degrees. Take the GRE. Take the TOEFL or IELTS. Ensure that you can afford the fees. Compare special requirements for different schools. Request letters of recommendation. Order transcripts. Choose a writing sample (if required). Check for special requirements before you start to write. Provide a bit of background. Talk about your preparation for a doctoral program. Explain the types of contributions you would like to make. Mention professors with whom you would like to work and explain why. Use examples to illustrate your points. Complete online application components. Prepare your application items to mail. Wait for responses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Relaxed-Hair | How to Grow Relaxed Hair | To grow relaxed hair, wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. After applying shampoo, put on a large amount of conditioner and let it sit for 5 minutes before washing it out. You can also try applying a homemade hair mask consisting of 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Then, sleep with the oil in overnight before washing it out with shampoo the next day. If your scalp is red or itchy, try applying aloe vera oil to cool it down. When it comes to styling your relaxed hair, try to avoid using any heat on it and get regular trims to deal with split ends. | Keep your hair moisturized daily. The biggest concern after relaxing is often the level of dryness in your hair. You will need to take steps to add extra moisture to your hair to prevent frizziness and breakage. Try baggying your hair when dealing with extra dryness. This is when you apply a moisturiser to dry hair and place a plastic cap on top of it for 2-3 hours. After that, seal in the moisture with an oil such as olive oil or castor oil. Baggy your hair no more than twice a week. Shampoo less frequently. Shampoo is full of chemicals and is drying to hair. When you must shampoo, try using a sulfate free shampoo, as sulfates (a foaming agent) are drying to hair. When picking a shampoo, choose one that is marketed as moisturizing or contains products such as shea or argan oil. If your hair looks oily, try to remember that the natural oils produced by your scalp are moisturizing and healthy. Don't be shy about using conditioner. Use a large dollop and apply generously, especially to brittle and fragile ends. If time permits, let it sit for five minutes in the shower before rinsing. Take care of your scalp. Scalps are often a neglected area of the body. During relaxing, your scalp will be surrounded by smelly, harsh chemicals. Don't forget to show it some love in order to promote healthy hair growth. If you are experiencing redness or itchiness, don't scratch. Try applying aloe vera to your scalp. Aloe is known for its cooling and de-itching properties. Simply rinse the gel from your hair after your scalp feels refreshed. Give your scalp an oil massage. Use a gentle oil such as almond or baby to gently massage your scalp. This will help open and relax pores, and will be calming to your skin. If you find traditional shampoo unbearable, try using baby shampoo. Extremely gentle and non-drying, baby shampoo is a great option if you find your scalp to be extremely sensitive after relaxing. Get extra moisturized by using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Deep conditioners use specialized proteins such as keratin to penetrate within your hair's pores to add moisture. Proteins also coat split ends, improving the overall appearance of your hair. If on a budget, try a do-it-yourself mask of coconut oil. Gently massage two tablespoons of body temperature coconut oil into your damaged hair and wash with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner afterwards. If you can't bear the oiliness in the daytime, try sleeping with the oil in and rinsing come morning. A hair mask containing clay will help heal and moisturize your scalp as well as your hair. If your scalp feels raw, clay's antibacterial properties will help keep it clean and fight infection. Eat more protein. Hair is composed of proteins and consuming low amounts can cause dry, brittle hair, or hair loss. Upping your intake will help restore damaged hair after the relaxing process. Most commonly, meat sources such as beef, pork, chicken, and seafood are used as a protein source. Not a big meat eater? Try eating more dairy. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt have a high protein content but are also sometimes fortified with vitamin D. Though not enough research has been conducted, some users say vitamin D plays a role in increased hair growth. More protein doesn't have to mean more meat. Legumes such as beans, peas, and peanuts are a high protein source. Have protein on the go. There is many breakfast or snack bars available in grocery stores which are protein-based. Bars are a filling way to get your protein on a tight schedule. Increase your iron. Low iron levels are linked to poor hair growth. Iron is required for your nutrient-rich blood to keep hair roots stimulated. Many vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and other leafy greens are high in iron. Be cautious about what you're eating your iron with. Iron uptake can be halted by calcium, so don't expect broccoli with cheese sauce to be efficient for your iron levels. Try eating iron-sources solo, such as spinach salad loaded with fruits and vegetables. Get your vitamins. Vitamin C and E aid in growth of beautiful hair. They also increase the strength of nails, encourage clear skin and strong bones. Collagen is a major component in hair. Vitamin C aids in collagen production; this means your hair will be smooth and strong when you get more vitamin C. Vitamin C is most commonly associated with oranges, but try snacking on kiwi, blueberries, or strawberries. Vitamin E can be taken as an oral supplement or applied as a liquid mineral oil. If you want to keep it natural and eat your vitamin E, the most efficient way to eat it is through nuts such as almonds, sunflower seeds, or peanuts. Take a biotin supplement once a day. Though evidence is insufficient, it has been observed that biotin promotes healthy hair. Biotin is found naturally in dairy products, meat and fish, though in small amounts. Protect your hair from heat. After relaxing, it is best to not use heat styling of any kind on your hair. It will amplify the dryness and can cause a large amount of breakage. After washing your hair and allowing it to air dry till damp, blow dry on the lowest heat setting. Dry for as short of time as possible to prevent excess damage. If you must speed up drying time, use a soft t-shirt to squeeze moisture out of your hair. The t-shirt will be gentler and more absorbent than your rough towel. Use a protectant spray if you must use heat tools. A heat spray contains proteins to coat the sheath of the hair and act as a buffer between your hair and heat tools. Style without heat. Styles such as braids do not need heat and allow braids one day, and beautiful waves the next. This cuts down on shampooing amounts and allows your hair to regain strength after the first few days of your relaxing. Satin-covered rollers are a no-heat option. The rollers will lower the amount of frizziness, and the satin will prevent rubbing and tangling. Whenever using hair elastics, try to use no-damage bands. Many hair elastics are designed for less damage and ripping when used. Pick up some fashion friendly clips. Barrettes that are smooth with no teeth will prevent your hair from being damaged. Available in an assortment of styles, barrettes can be used to simply pin your hair away from your face or keep it up off your neck in a pony-tail style. Get regular cuts and trims. Split ends are a part of life, no matter how well you care for your hair. After a tough processing like relaxing, already-beat-up ends can be brutalized. Regularly trim your split ends to prevent the damage from travelling up into your hair. A professional can spot hair damage you might not be able to. Keep a pro on speed dial and get your hair trimmed regularly. Don't be afraid to ask your stylist for tips and suggestions. After all, they are there to help you. | Keep your hair moisturized daily. Take care of your scalp. Get extra moisturized by using a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Eat more protein. Increase your iron. Get your vitamins. Take a biotin supplement once a day. Protect your hair from heat. Style without heat. Get regular cuts and trims. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rangoli | How to Make Rangoli | To make Rangoli, start by choosing your design and picking a flat, quiet place to work. Next, practice sketching your design outline a few times before drawing the final version. After you create your final design, dab it with a little cooking oil to make the surface adhesive. Carefully retrace your outline with a white textured material like rice, which you can pour onto the surface with a rolled up newspaper cone. Then use colorful, natural items like petals or spices to fill in the outline. | Choose the design you want to use. Rangoli can be made in any number of designs, but whether you choose a simple or complex design, most are symmetrical. You can use a plant or animal for inspiration, or you can create your own geometric design. Depending on your skill level as an artist, you can choose small, basic geometric or floral designs, or venture into designing larger, more complex animals, gods, or goddesses (like the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is traditionally honored during Diwali). Flowers such as the lotus are very popular for Rangoli. Some other traditional designs are fish, snakes, tridents, and the peacock - India's national bird. You can also buy ready-made stencils to make the application even easier, or you can make your own. Stencils are easy to use and offer a variety of designs. Decide where to draw your Rangoli. You can draw it on a flat, dry floor inside or outside of your home, or you can draw it on paper to display anywhere. The earliest Rangoli were created in small 2x2 patterns, but can now be any size, even covering entire floors. The size of your design can help determine where you should draw your Rangoli. If you're just starting out, it is best to create your Rangoli on black paper, since there is more room for error on an erasable surface. The bright colors of your design will stand out beautifully against the black background. If you go this route, glue the paper to a piece of cardboard to give it some backing and structure. If you decide to make your Rangoli on the floor, be sure to do it in a place that won't disturb normal walking routes. Sketch the design outline on paper. Use a pencil and eraser to practice drawing the outline of your Rangoli on black or white paper. Keep practicing until you are happy with your design. If you are creating the Rangoli on black paper, feel free to practice the design on the black paper you're using for the finished piece. Just make sure to sketch lightly so you can easily erase any lines if needed. Draw your design outline in chalk on the floor. If you are not making your Rangoli on black paper, you will need to draw a basic outline on the floor, or wherever you are creating your Rangoli. Draw the outline in thin, light chalk lines. Draw the chalk outline lightly just in case you need to erase any mistakes. Thicken the outline of your design with white chalk. This is good for beginners, as the white chalk helps cleanly and clearly define the borders of the design. Experienced Rangoli artists can skip this step. If you've already drawn a thin outline on the ground, darken it with one more layer of chalk. Using white for the outline is traditional in India. White is a sign of peace and purity, and it will also make the finished Rangoli look brighter and more polished. Create an adhesive surface if you are using black paper. If you're creating a Rangoli on black paper, you'll need a surface that the textured materials can stick to. Add a small amount of any cooking oil to your entire design to help the materials stick. Don't douse the paper in cooking oil. Just apply a little oil to the tip of a finger and follow the chalk outlines of your design. Then, use the same method to apply a little more oil to the inside of your chalk outline. Give dimension to your outline with a white, textured material. It is customary to use natural substances like semolina, rice, or sand. To easily and cleanly pour the textured material onto your chalk outline, roll a piece of newspaper into a cone, snip a hole in the narrow end, and fill the hole with the material. Using your finger as a stopper with which to control the flow, follow the borders you've drawn to outline your design. Experts can add dimension by hand, rubbing the material between the thumb and forefingers and following the lines of the design. Choose the materials you will use to fill in your design. Rangoli can be filled in with any number of colorful household materials like spices and grains, or with store-bought materials like pre-colored Rangoli powder. It is traditional to use colorful, natural items like turmeric, chilis, grains, and even pasta. You can also use natural materials found outside, like flower petals and dried leaves. Another option is to use ground up chalk, or even colorful powders specifically designed for making Rangoli (often mixed with white powder for a better consistency). Fill the inside of your Rangoli with your chosen materials. Use the paper cone or your fingers to completely fill your Rangoli with the chosen materials. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. To fill in your Rangoli, you may utilize the same paper cone you used to add texture to your outline, or you can use the thumb and forefinger to manually add the materials. In Indian culture, it is important to completely fill in your Rangoli, leaving no open spaces. Mix different textures and colors in your design. Using a variety of colors and dimensions will enhance the artistic nature of the final design. The variety is what gives the Rangoli its wow factor. This is where you can get really creative with your Rangoli design. Mix and match different materials until your Rangoli is full and you are pleased with the colors in your design. Add the final touches. Place some candles and clay pot-lanterns around your finished Rangoli to light up your design. If you've created your Rangoli on black paper, move it outside or to the desired display area. Then you can surround it with any candles or final touches. Use chalk to write in a few wishes if you want to make your Rangoli extra special. | Choose the design you want to use. Decide where to draw your Rangoli. Sketch the design outline on paper. Draw your design outline in chalk on the floor. Thicken the outline of your design with white chalk. Create an adhesive surface if you are using black paper. Give dimension to your outline with a white, textured material. Choose the materials you will use to fill in your design. Fill the inside of your Rangoli with your chosen materials. Mix different textures and colors in your design. Add the final touches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Rapid-Hair-Loss | How to Stop Rapid Hair Loss | To stop rapid hair loss, try massaging your scalp 2-3 times a day to increase blood flow to your hair follicles. You should also try reducing your stress levels, which can cause hair loss, by taking time each day to relax and let go of your day-to-day worries. To do this, try meditating, practicing yoga, or simply taking a long walk. If you're still experiencing hair loss, consider applying an over-the-counter hair lotion, such as Minoxidil, to your scalp to enlarge your hair follicles and increase hair growth. If hair lotion doesn't work, you can also try taking a prescription medication like Finasteride, which will shrink your hair follicles to prevent hair loss. | Use lotion meant for hair loss. If you notice your hair thinning, consider using a nonprescription foam or lotion with the chemical minoxidil in it, such as Rogaine. This chemical can enlarge hair follicles and help to increase hair growth. It may take up to 4 months to see results, however, and you would have to use it twice a day indefinitely. Minoxidil can irritate the scalp and cause itching, flaking and redness. If you have a sensitive scalp you may want to consider some other treatment for hair loss. Once you stop using Minoxidil, your hair will probably begin to thin again. Minoxidil has been shown to be effective in up to seven out of 10 men for re-growing hair and slowing hair loss. If you are a woman who is breastfeeding, you should not take minoxidil, as it may contaminate breastmilk. Take medication. Medication for male pattern baldness usually includes finasteride, which blocks an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT contributes to thinning hair and pattern baldness by shrinking the hair follicles that grow hair. Finasteride is extremely effective for most men and some women at slowing hair loss, while also allowing you to regrow some of the hair you have lost. Know that if you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss will likely continue. Combine hair lotion and pills for hair loss. If you want greater results stopping hair loss, then combine treatments. You can use minoxidil externally and finasteride pills together. However, be aware that you have to continue the treatment indefinitely, which can get expensive and difficult to maintain over time. Use bhringaraj (eclipta alba). This is an ancient Ayurvedic hair loss herb. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to slow hair loss and balding, regrow hair and help with premature graying. Topical application has been shown to reduce the time to regrow hair and to increase the number of hair follicles in the growth phase. You can purchase eclipta alba oils at a local market or online. You can also make your own by heating 50 grams of crushed or ground bhringraj plant in 200ml in oil, such as coconut oil, for 10 minutes. After the oil has cooled overnight, strain the oil. Massage eclipta alba oil into your head and scalp at least once every day. Make an indian gooseberry or amla (phyllanthus emblica) rinse. This is an Indian herb that is highly nutritious and a good source of vitamin C, carotene and iron. It has been used since ancient times to help stop hair loss. You can use an alma rinse made from alma pieces soaked in water overnight. Regularly rinse with the alma water after you shampoo. You can also use dried amla pieces heated with coconut oil until the oil turns dark. After letting the oil cool, remove the amla pieces and massage the oil into your scalp daily. Try an aloe vera hair mask. Aloe vera helps stimulate hair follicles and remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles. You can purchase aloe vera gel or juice from the store or use the gel from off of a plant. Make sure the store bought aloe does not contain extra chemicals. To make an aloe vera hair mask, use half a cup of aloe vera gel with 2 TBS of castor oil and mix together. You can apply this to your scalp, cover your hair and leave it on for 8 hours. Repeat this as often as possible. To use an aloe vera leaf for gel, cut off a thick leaf at the base of the plant. Cut the leaf open and scrape off the gel inside. If you don't use all of it, you can store the rest of the leaf in the refrigerator for use another day. Use yucca in your hair. This plant is traditionally used in Native American remedies. Some people also use yucca for baldness. The saponins in the root reduce inflammation and itching. Yucca can usually be purchased in health food stores. Peel the yucca root and smash it before mixing it in with shampoo or directly onto the scalp. Rinse and repeat regularly. You can also use yucca extract or 1 TBS of root powder mixed with 2 cups of water as a shampoo. Get regular head massages. Massages increase blood flow to the scalp and bring nutrients to the hair follicles. This can help strengthen your hair and reduce hair loss. It can also help with stress relief. Get scalp massages 2-3 times a week to help treat hair loss. Avoid stress. Stress can be a huge factor in hair loss. It can change the way that hair grows on your head and cause you to shed a large amount at one time. Try to relax and don't let day-to-day events cause you to worry excessively. Know that you can't conquer hair loss overnight. It takes time to deal with the issues behind hair loss and start to regrow your hair. Don't stress out over your hair loss. Practice Meditation. Meditation can help eliminate stress and keep you calm. It will promote emotional and physical well-being, including the health of your hair. Take a five minute break every day to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, concentrating on the way your breath feels as it passes through your nostrils into your chest. Fill your belly with air so that it expands. Exhale through your nose and notice as your abdomen deflates. Repeat this until you feel calm and relaxed. Exercise. Exercising helps keep your body healthy and increase blood circulation. It can also keep stress at bay. You can try walking, yoga, playing sports or swimming—anything that gets your heart pumping that you find enjoyable. Exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel good and decrease the stress that can cause hair loss. Don’t use chemicals in your hair. Hair dyes, sprays, heat, perms and relaxers, all contribute to hair breakage and loss. They can cause damage to your scalp and make your hair brittle and dry. Chemicals are never good to use when you are losing your hair and can even be the culprit, so stay away from them. Condition your hair regularly. Warm oil treatments or olive oil left on overnight twice a week can improve the condition of your hair. Clean and brush your hair. Regular hair maintenance is important for keeping your hair healthy. Tangles can create breakage, so you will want to shampoo your hair regularly and brush it out every day. The scalp secretes oils when hair is brushed that keeps hair healthy. Though brushing can seem to cause some hair loss, it is usually the hair we are shedding naturally that comes out. Brushing wet hair or aggressively towel drying your hair can damage it. Be gentle with your hair. Some hairstyles like cornrows, tight braids or pony tails can cause hair loss. Don't do your hair this way anymore if you notice that you are starting to lose more hair than normal. Bad brushes can also contribute to breakage, so use a good quality brush with soft bristles or a wide-toothed comb. Eat healthy. Some vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss. You will want to make sure you are eating lots of green, leafy vegetables, fruit, whole grains, omega 3 fatty acids and protein. You may want to take a whole foods-derived multivitamin to keep your skin and hair healthy. Omega 3 fatty acids nourish hair follicles, keep hair more elastic to prevent breakage and promote hair growth. Eat flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines and soybeans. You can also take an omega 3 fatty acid supplement. If you're deficient in zinc, you can lose your hair. Zinc is essential for hair growth and repair, so be sure to include foods like oysters, crabs, lean meats, wheat germ, spinach, squash, sunflower seeds and nuts into your diet. Include vitamins A and C in your diet. These vitamins help produce the oil secreted by hair follicles that keep hair strong. Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, winter squash and lettuce for vitamin A. Vitamin C can be found in papaya, peppers, strawberries, pineapples, Brussel sprouts, oranges, kiwi, broccoli and kale. Wait. Sometimes you just have to wait for your hair to resume its normal cycle. This can take some time, though, usually months to years. Spend this time focusing on getting your body and mind healthy so that your hair will stay healthy too. If you lose your hair after menopause or childbirth, it can take 6 months to 2 years to regain normal hair growth. If you lost your hair due to an illness or high fever, then hair growth will usually go back to normal once the illness is under control or the fever has ended. Hair loss can be caused by medication or radiation therapy and will likely grow back once you are finished with the medicine or therapy. You might also consider changing meds. Wear a wig, weave, or hair piece. A wig, hat or other type of hair replacement can be inexpensive, safe and help you maintain the appearance of a full head of hair. Changing your hair style can also disguise thinning hair. In some cases, your hair may grow back while you are wearing a wig, weave or hair piece and you won't need it anymore. Get a hair transplant. Hair transplants can be an expensive but effective means to solving a thinning hair problem. Right now the most common types of hair transplants are follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) and follicular unit extraction (FUE). Technology is rapidly advancing, though, so new techniques may be available in the future. The FUSS procedure involves a strip of hair from a donor region that is implanted and often sutured into the desired area. Several grafts can be transplanted for more moderate to severe hair loss. With a FUE procedure, hair strands from the back and sides of the head are transplanted into the desired area in groups. FUE can provide very natural-looking growth and does not usually involve any major cutting so it has less recovery time than FUSS. Keep in mind that you may require additional sessions if you are not happy with the results or lose more hair. Have a scalp reduction done. For this procedure, the surgeon will remove a bald area of your scalp. The skin on your scalp is elastic and can be stretched to move areas of hair over the area that was removed. Headaches can occur after this procedure but can be treated with pain relievers. Try laser hair restoration. This procedure can stop hair loss and encourage more hair growth. A laser is passed over the scalp to stimulate it, encouraging blood and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Some people have found laser hair restoration effective for hair loss. | Use lotion meant for hair loss. Take medication. Combine hair lotion and pills for hair loss. Use bhringaraj (eclipta alba). Make an indian gooseberry or amla (phyllanthus emblica) rinse. Try an aloe vera hair mask. Use yucca in your hair. Get regular head massages. Avoid stress. Practice Meditation. Exercise. Don’t use chemicals in your hair. Clean and brush your hair. Eat healthy. Wait. Wear a wig, weave, or hair piece. Get a hair transplant. Have a scalp reduction done. Try laser hair restoration. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-an-Ex-Who-Seems-Fine-After-Your-Breakup | How to Deal with an Ex Who Seems Fine After Your Breakup | It can be difficult if your ex seems fine after your breakup, but by focusing on your own life, you can start to move on. Keep in mind that you don't really know if your ex is feeling fine or just pretending, and that's okay. Try to get some space from them and avoid contacting them so you can concentrate on yourself. Spend your time on the hobbies and interests you enjoy to take your mind off any negative feelings. You can also use your extra free time to hang out with friends and family. If you feel down about your breakup, try writing your feelings down in a journal or talking to someone you trust about it. Getting them out of your head can often help you feel better. | Accept that they’re okay. You may have trouble understanding or accepting that your ex seems okay after the breakup if the breakup was difficult for you. You may want to know that they are as miserable as you are. Instead, you can deal with your ex a lot better and handle interactions with them if you accept the fact that they seem fine with the breakup. If someone tells you that your ex is doing okay or if you see your ex and they seem okay, then just be happy for them. For example, if a friend says, “Ashley seems cool after the breakup”, you could say, “Okay, that's good. That makes me happy.” Unless you are prepared to hear that they are happy without you, avoid asking your ex if they are really doing okay or happy since the breakup. You might not like their response. Keep in mind that just because your ex seems fine doesn't mean that's necessarily the case. Your ex may just be acting that way so you don't know how upset they are. Give them space. You can deal with an ex who seems fine after your breakup by keeping your distance. You don't have to avoid them like the plague, but do make sure that you aren't going out of your way to interact with them. Avoid trolling their social networking profiles looking for new posts and pictures. For instance, you should resist checking their Facebook profile daily to see if their relationship status has changed. Don't call, text, or message your ex unless you have a legitimate reason. For example, calling because you have a child together is a legitimate reason. Calling because you saw your ex's favorite car isn't. Be respectful. Depending on the circumstances of the breakup, you may have some built up anger or resentment toward your ex. When you have interactions with your ex and they seem fine after the breakup you will be able to handle it if you remain respectful. You should also be respectful when you are talking to other people about your ex. Avoid yelling, scream, crying or making a scene when you are interacting with your ex. For example, don't walk up to them and start calling them names. Talk to your ex in a calm, confident way when you interact. For instance, you might calmly say “Hi” when you see your ex out in public. Avoid gossiping or badmouthing your ex. Try to say something positive or at least neutral about your ex. For example, you might say, “Oh, ok” if someone tells you that your ex is doing fine. Boost your self-esteem. If you focus on yourself and your self-esteem you can deal with an ex who seems ok after your breakup. Boosting your self-esteem will make it possible for you to recover from the breakup and be okay like your ex. Make a list of all of the good things about you. Include things about the way you look, skills you have, and things about your personality. Use positive self-talk with yourself. For example, get in the mirror and tell yourself, “I'm a great person with a lot of great qualities.” Take care of your health. When you are dealing with a breakup, even if your ex seems fine, you need to do things to make sure that you are fine. It will be much harder for you to deal with your ex if you are tired, hungry, or just plain not feeling well. Avoid eating junk foods as a comfort. Instead, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Get 6 – 8 hours of sleep each night. An hour before bed, start preparing yourself to settle down and rest. Participate in physical activity on a regular basis. For example, start jogging, go swimming, or join an athletic team. Do not turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort. Express your feelings. You can deal with an ex who seems fine after your breakup if you make sure that you aren't bottling your feelings up. Doing this can stress you and make the breakup more difficult to handle. Cope with the breakup and with your ex by expressing your feelings appropriately. Talk to friends and family members to help you process your feelings. Talk to someone close to you about how you are feeling. For example, you might say, “Would you mind talking with for a little while. I'm having some feelings about my breakup.” Avoid trying to talk to your ex about how you are feeling. They may not want to talk or respond to you the way you want them to. Try expressing yourself creatively. For instance, write a song or a poem or paint a picture about how you are feeling. Develop your interests. During your relationship you may have stopped doing some of the things you like to do in order to make time for your partner. You can deal with an ex who seems fine after your breakup if you focus on doing things that you enjoy and are interested in. Make a list of activities and events that you would like to participate in. Pick one thing off of the list and get information on how to participate in the activity. Make a list of skills and talents that you want to develop and how you can do so. For example, you might put fencing lessons on your list. Reconnect with family and friends. One of the best things you can do after a breakup in order to move on is to make time for the people that are important to you. Reconnecting with people that you care about can provide you with support and encouragement. They can also help you deal with the fact that your ex seems fins after the breakup. Make time to just hang out with each other. You don't have to have plans to do anything or go anywhere. You can just enjoy each other's presence. When your friends and family invite you places accept their invitation. You could have a good time with them and meet new people. Reflect on what you have learned. Breaking up is a difficult process, and you may be feeling upset about everything that has happened. To help make yourself feel more positive, change your thinking about the breakup. Take the breakup as an opportunity for new growth and experiences. Use it to learn something new about yourself that you can apply to future relationships. For example, think about why the relationship ended. Take those problems, and improve on them in your next relationship. Keep a journal. Journaling can help you deal with an ex who seems fine after your breakup in a number of ways. Journaling is a way to express your feelings, organize your thoughts, and set post-relationship goals for yourself. Make regular entries in your journal about how you feel about the breakup and how you feel about your ex. Include goals and action steps for moving on after the breakup in your journal. For example, you might write, “One of my goals is to save the money I was spending on date night.” Get help if needed. A breakup can cause depression, grief, and anxiety, but you can get help to ensure that you heal in a healthy and supported way. Reach out to a mental health professional who can coach you during this time. The therapist may ask details about your relationship, such as the state of the relationship before breaking up, how long you had been together, and whether the breakup was mutual or not. You can also reach out to friends and family members during this time. Be patient with yourself. No matter how the relationship ended or how you're your ex seems to be handling it, dealing with a breakup takes time. In order to cope with the breakup and deal with the fact that your ex seems fine, you should give yourself time to move on. Don't let anyone tell you that you are taking too long moving on from the relationship. Give yourself time to heal and be okay. Remind yourself that everything takes time. Tell yourself, “There's no deadline for moving on and being fine, so I don't have to rush myself.” Consider talking to a professional if you have been having difficulty for a long time dealing with the breakup or seeing your ex seem fine. | Accept that they’re okay. Give them space. Be respectful. Boost your self-esteem. Take care of your health. Express your feelings. Develop your interests. Reconnect with family and friends. Reflect on what you have learned. Keep a journal. Get help if needed. Be patient with yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-New-Pet-Hamster | How to Prepare for a New Pet Hamster | To prepare for a new pet hamster, start by getting a cage and lining the bottom of it with a thick layer of bedding for your hamster to dig and burrow in. Then, add a variety of toys to the cage, like tunnels, a hamster wheel, and chewable objects, to keep your new pet entertained. Next, attach a water bottle to the inside of the cage, and provide a food dish filled with pellets or seed mixes for your hamster to snack on. Finally, place your hamster's cage in a warm, dry area. | Choose the right cage. The first thing you'll need for your hamster is a cage. However, you should give some consideration to the type of cage you choose as this will be the primary habitat for your new pet. Some cages are better than others, and certain cage designs may be downright unsafe for hamsters. Wire siding allows hamsters to climb up the walls, which can help satisfy their curiosity and burn off some energy. Consider getting a multi-level cage. That way your hamster can have more room to explore and play. If there are any gaps in the bars, your hamster could get stuck. A cage with a deep plastic base will allow your hamster to burrow and roam. Aim for a large cage with a base that's at least 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters) deep. Make sure there are no hazards, like sharp edges or bits of metal that might poke your hamster. Whatever cage you choose, it must be at least 360 square inches or 80x50 centimeters. Give your hamster a shelter/nesting box. Your hamster will need a small shelter or nesting box within its cage. This structure is to allow your pet a place to hide when it wants to sleep or anytime it feels frightened. The shelter or nesting box should be big enough for your hamster to move around inside with relative ease. Your hamster should also have enough room to store some food inside the shelter. Make sure the shelter is dark inside. Your hamster should be able to retreat inside and feel safe and protected. Control the climate. In the wild, hamsters live in warm, dry climates, so they'll need a similar atmosphere in your home. Try to create as conducive a habitat as possible that will allow your hamster to be comfortable and safe. Make sure the room where you keep your hamster is free from drafts. Keep the cage away from any open windows or air conditioning vents. Make sure the environment is as dry and free from humidity as possible. Limit light exposure. Hamsters are sensitive to bright lights, but they can't live in total darkness. The idea for a hamster would be to have limited exposure to ambient light during the day and total darkness at night. Avoid putting the cage in direct sunlight, though ambient sunlight in the room is okay. Try to keep the lights in your home on a regular schedule so that your hamster can be in the dark around the same time every night. This will help your hamster stay on a regular schedule. Get the right kind of food. Hamsters need a complete, balanced diet in order to remain healthy and active. They typically need a somewhat broad variety of foods, including seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Some hamster owners also give their pets occasional forms of protein like insects to supplement their diet. If using pellet food, choose a product with 18 to 22 percent protein content. You should be able to find this information on the packaging. Some hamsters prefer seed mixes instead of pellets. If using a seed mix, make sure the mix contains a variety of other foods like dried fruits/vegetables and a limited quantity of sunflower seeds. Provide fresh water. In addition to food, your hamster will need a steady supply of fresh, cool drinking water. You can use a water dish, but this is likely to spill. A water bottle is ideal for most hamster cages, but make sure you get the right kind for a hamster. Choose a water bottle with a sipper tube that does not have a valve. Hamsters cannot create suction very well, and consequently, they may struggle with a ball-valve bottle design. Give your hamster proper bedding. Hamsters need a comfortable substrate in their cages. The bedding material you choose should be clean, absorbent, and safe for hamsters. Avoid any materials that produce a lot of dust. Good bedding material choices include hardwood shavings, aspen shavings, corncob litter, or shredded white paper or facial tissues. Make sure your hamster's bedding is deep enough that it can dig and burrow through it. Aim for a depth of at least two inches of bedding spread uniformly across the cage. Get your hamster plenty of toys. Hamsters tend to cycle between periods of inactivity and periods of high energy. They'll need toys that allow them to exercise and explore, as well as chewable objects to help keep their teeth trimmed. A hamster wheel with a solid floor and an exercise ball are both excellent choices for hamsters. Look for hamster toys that involve tunnels and/or tubes, as hamsters enjoy burrowing and exploring. Give your hamster things to chew on like blocks of untreated wood or fresh, pesticide-free tree branches. Try to use the same accessories and food. If at all possible, try to use the same food and accessories that your hamster used in its previous home. This can make the transition a little smoother for your new pet, as it will still have familiar things in its environment. Do not use the same food if it is not nutritious. Likewise, avoid using the same accessories if they are unsafe or otherwise not ideal for a hamster's environment. Keep the cage covered for the first day or two. One way to help ease the transition into your home is to cover the cage for the first one to two days. This allows the hamster to adjust to its new cage in a calm, relatively dark environment. If you decide to cover the cage, choose a light cloth that breathes well. Something made of mesh or a loosely-knit cotton should work well. Do not keep the cage covered indefinitely. Your hamster should only need a day or two to adjust. Give your hamster time and space before handling. If your hamster is still adjusting to your home, it may not be ready to be handled. Some experts recommend waiting at least a few days before attempting to pet or handle your hamster. You may need to wait even longer before allowing other visitors to handle the hamster, as they're even less familiar to your new pet. Look for signs of illness or neglect. Before you take home any pet, you should check to see that it is healthy and in good care. Some hamsters (like any other pet) are raised in inhumane conditions that cause health problems and other issues. Some warning signs to look for include: listless behavior tilted head poor balance scabs on the ears, face, or feet sneezing or a runny nose watery eyes diarrhea Learn about different hamster breeds. There are several different types of hamsters that are commercially available. Which breed you choose will depend on your needs and your desired personality traits. Common hamster species include: Syrian hamsters - these hamsters are slightly larger than many other breeds, and they are smart enough to learn some simple tricks. They tend to be somewhat approachable and easy-going when it comes to handling and being played with. Campbells dwarf hamsters - this breed of hamster is quite fast and can easily slip away if you're not careful. They are rather friendly, especially when handled from an early age. Roborovski dwarf hamsters - these hamsters are very low maintenance and are very friendly. Of all the hamster breeds, Roborovski dwarf hamsters are the least-likely to bite. Make arrangements for a vet visit. Before you take home your new hamster, you should arrange for your pet to see a veterinarian. Many hamsters are raised in poor conditions before they're adopted, while even healthy hamsters are susceptible to infections and diseases. Hamsters are often prone to abscesses in their cheeks, which can quickly lead to infection. Any change in appearance or activity should prompt a visit to your vet. Schedule regular checkups to ensure that your hamster remains happy and healthy. | Choose the right cage. Give your hamster a shelter/nesting box. Control the climate. Limit light exposure. Get the right kind of food. Provide fresh water. Give your hamster proper bedding. Get your hamster plenty of toys. Try to use the same accessories and food. Keep the cage covered for the first day or two. Give your hamster time and space before handling. Look for signs of illness or neglect. Learn about different hamster breeds. Make arrangements for a vet visit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Glue-off-Your-Hands | How to Get Glue off Your Hands | To get glue off your hands, start by soaking your hands in hot water for several minutes. Then, scrub the glue with sugar or salt and a damp cloth. You can also try rubbing some vegetable oil or butter on the glue, which should loosen it so it peels off. If the glue is really stuck on there, cover it with a cotton ball soaked in acetone nail polish remover until it dissolves and comes off. If you don't have nail polish remover, massage the glue with petroleum jelly instead. | Soak and wash the affected area. To gently remove the glue from your hand or fingers, all you need is hot water and exfoliating soap. Fill a basin with hot water. Submerge your hand into the water and let it soak for several minutes. Scrub the area with a teaspoon of either sugar or salt. Continue to scrub and rub the area until the glue rolls up and detaches from the skin. Apply vegetable oil to the affected area. Vegetable oil, a common household item, will remove stubborn glue that is stuck to your hands or fingers. Retrieve a small dish and pour a ½ tablespoon vegetable oil into it. Dip a clean cloth into the vegetable oil. Rub the saturated cloth over the affected area until the glue softens and rolls away from the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove the oil from your skin. Rub butter onto the affected area. After treating the affected area with acetone, your hands or fingers may still contain glue residue. Use butter to remove this sticky residue instead of rubbing your skin raw. Place a small amount of butter on the blade of a knife. Remove the butter from the knife with your fingers. Massage the butter onto the residue with your fingertips. Continue until the residue detaches from your skin. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Remove glue with an exfoliating body soap or deep cleaning hand soap. Exfoliating body soaps and deep cleaning hand soaps are designed to loosen remove layers of dead skin. Their cleansing and exfoliating properties make them ideal products to use when attempting to remove glue from your hands. Wash and scrub the affected area aggressively with either soap two to three times. Remove glue with acetone. Acetone, which is present in nail polish remover, breaks down the glue, removing it from the surface of your skin. Retrieve a small dish and a bottle of nail polish remover. Fill the dish with acetone. You may treat the affected area in one of two ways. If the glue is on your fingers or thumb, submerge the affected area into the acetone and let it soak for several minutes. If the glue is on your hand, apply the acetone with a saturated cotton ball—hold or rub the saturated cotton ball onto or over the glue for several minutes. As the glue dissolves, roll your fingers over the area until the glue is released from the skin. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove the acetone and any remaining traces of glue. Moisturize the area with hand lotion. Massage petroleum jelly onto the affected area. Petroleum jelly is a wonder non-toxic alternative to acetone. Place a dime sized amount of petroleum jelly on the tips of your fingers. Massage the petroleum jelly into the affected area until the glue detaches from your hand or fingers. Some lip balms contain petroleum jelly and may be substituted for traditional petroleum jelly. Rub hand lotion onto the affected area. Gently remove stubborn glue from your hands with lotion. Squeeze a small amount of hand lotion onto your fingertips. Massage the lotion into the affected area until the glue rolls off your skin. Soak your fingers in warm water. To ease the removal of nail glue from your fingers or hand, you must first soften the adhesive. Fill a basin with warm water. Submerge your fingertips or entire hand into the water. Soak the affected area for two minutes. Remove any glue the detaches from your nails or skin. File your nails and apply acetone. Retrieve a nail file, a bottle of acetone, and cotton balls. Carefully run the nail file over your nails to remove large pieces of glue. Do not file your nail down to the skin. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and wipe the saturated swab over your nails and skin. Continue to rub the affected areas with acetone until the glue rolls off your nails and skin. Wash your hands thoroughly. After removing the glue with a nail file and acetone, it is important to wash your hands. Run your hands under warm water. Scrub your hands and fingernails with an exfoliating soap. | Soak and wash the affected area. Apply vegetable oil to the affected area. Rub butter onto the affected area. Remove glue with an exfoliating body soap or deep cleaning hand soap. Remove glue with acetone. Massage petroleum jelly onto the affected area. Rub hand lotion onto the affected area. Soak your fingers in warm water. File your nails and apply acetone. Wash your hands thoroughly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Stray-Cat-Away-from-Your-Cat | How to Keep a Stray Cat Away from Your Cat | To keep a stray cat away from your cat, it's best to keep your cat indoors, since strays can carry diseases and be aggressive. Try setting up a motion-activated sprinkler or ultrasonic device in your garden to scare the stray off. You can also lay a chicken wire fence around your garden to keep strays away from your property. Alternatively, set up a humane cat trap in the garden. Then, take the cat to an animal shelter when you catch it. | Locate any bird feeders in your yard. Bird feeders can be as popular for stray cats as they are for birds. A stray cat may see those bird feeders as a way to attack readily available prey. If you have multiple bird feeders, you may be attracting more than one stray cat to your yard, which could be very distressing to your cat. Identify potential food sources. If your cat is exclusively outdoors and you feed him outside, you could be attracting stray cats to your yard. Not only would the stray cat want to keep coming back for the food, he would likely fight your cat for access to the food, which could place your cat at risk of serious injury and illness. Additionally, if you grow catnip in your yard, you could be making your yard very attractive to a stray cat. Verify the reproductive status of your cat. If you have a female cat that has not been spayed, she could be attracting intact male cats to your yard. Your female cat would be giving off pheromones that an intact male cat would be able to smell. If you know that your female cat is not spayed, and you notice that male stray cats are on the prowl in your yard, schedule an appointment to have your cat spayed as soon as possible. If your intact female cat comes into contact with an intact male stray cat, your cat could become pregnant. Observe the stray cat. The stray cat may frequent a particular area of your yard, such as a garden or sandbox. He may also like to go to an area under your house that is warm and safe. If you can identify where the stray cat likes to go, then you can start coming up with ways to keep him out of those particular areas. If keeping an eye out on the stray cat is not practical for your schedule, you could also observe how your cat is acting. If your cat starts to spray inside your house, either at the window or on the wall near the opposite window, it is likely that a stray cat is visiting your yard. Take notice if your cat becomes increasingly aggressive at you or other pets in your home (called 'redirected aggression') if he cannot actually get to the stray cat outside. Your cat may also become fearful inside your home if a stray cat is outside. Even though you know that the stray cat has no chance of entering your home, your cat does not know that and may resort to hiding inside the house. Keep your cat indoors. If the stray cat comes to your yard because he knows that your cat is in the yard as well, you should keep your cat indoors. Stray cats tend not to be fully vaccinated and can carry a variety of diseases (e.g., feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus) that could make your cat very sick, so it is primarily for safety and health reasons that you should keep your cat inside. Keep in mind that the stray may continue to come to your yard, since he knows your cat is somewhere in the vicinity. If your cat is used to being outdoors, provide him with plenty of toys inside your home that will keep him busy and mentally stimulated. If your cat is outdoors, the techniques needed to keep a stray cat away from your cat may startle and disturb your cat. This is another reason why you should keep your cat indoors, at least until you are confident that the stray cat will not come back. Place a motion-activated sprinkler in your yard. One of the best ways to keep a stray cat away from your cat is to make your yard as undesirable as possible to him. A motion-activated sprinklers are available that are specifically designed to deter animals. The sprinkler will spray water on the stray cat when he walks near it. You could place the sprinkler where you usually see the stray enter your yard. After a few of days of getting splashed on unexpectedly, the stray cat will probably stay away from your property. You can remove the sprinkler or spray after you notice that the stray cat is no longer coming to your yard. You should put the motion-activated devices back in your yard if he returns or if you see a different stray cat in your yard. Use an ultrasonic device to keep the stray cat away. Outdoor ultrasonic devices work in a similar way to a motion-activated sprinkler or spray. When the stray cat steps near it, the device will emit a high frequency sound that will you will not be able to hear, but will be very irritating to him. He may be more annoyed than startled at the sound, but the sound may be irritating enough to keep him out of your yard. If you notice that the ultrasound device is bothersome to your own cat, consider using another type of deterrent device or another method to keep the stray cat away. Use natural deterrents to make your garden undesirable. A stray cat may treat your garden like a litter box. If you do not want to spend money on deterrent devices to keep him out of your garden, you can use what you already have at home to keep him out. To make your garden undesirable, you can put chicken wire or prickly pinecones in it to make it more difficult for the stray cat to walk through or dig in. The chicken wire can be placed either on top of the soil or just below the surface. If you use chicken wire, make sure to cut holes in the wire that are large enough for your plants to continue growing. Cats do not like the smell of citrus, so you could also place lemon or orange peels in your garden. However, the peels could attract other wild animals to your garden, so you might end up replacing one animal problem by another. You can also sprinkle ground pepper (black pepper plus chili pepper) or coffee grounds on your annuals or perennials to keep a stray cat out of your garden. Try planting 'cat-repellent' plants, such as Coleus canina, in your garden. These plants produce a foul odor that will keep the stray cat out of your garden. Inquire about these types of plants at your local gardening store to find out if the smell is also bothersome to people. You could also make your own cat repellent. Cover up the sandbox. If you have a sandbox in your yard, you should cover it securely to keep the stray cat from using it as a litter box. Make sure to use a covering that the stray cat cannot easily scratch or tear through, such as tarp. Visit your local home improvement store to purchase a durable material with which to cover the sandbox. Block access to areas under your house. A stray cat may keep coming back to your yard because he has found a safe area under your porch or deck where he could comfortably hide. Installing chicken wire or latticework could be very effective in preventing the stray cat from making a home under your house. If you do not have already have these materials at home, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store. Remove any potential food sources from your yard. Bird feeders and catnip can attract stray cats to your yard. If you really enjoy having birds come to your yard but do not want to remove the bird feeders, you may have to invest in a fence to keep stray cats and other animals in your yard. This could be a very expensive and time-consuming endeavor, so removing the bird feeders would be the easier and less expensive solution. Trap the stray cat. Before attempting to trap the stray cat, try approaching him to if he is safe to get near and physically handle. If he is approachable, then you can purchase a humane trap at your local animal store and set it up in a part of your yard that has plenty of shade. Even with the stray cat being approachable, you should still contact your local animal control or feline rescue organization for instructions on how to safely trap him. Do not attempt to trap the stray cat if you cannot safely approach him. If you cannot get near him without him trying to attack you, contact your local animal control or feline rescue organization to remove him from your yard. A terrified stray cat can inflict serious injury on you, so you do not want to put yourself in danger. If you are going to trap him yourself, make sure that you are wearing thick gloves and long sleeves. If you do not have thick gloves already, you can purchase them at your local hardware store or home improvement store. When the stray cat is trapped in the cage, immediately take him to your local animal control center. If you are not comfortable picking up the cage, contact the local animal control to pick it up for you. Placing the cage in the shade would keep the stray cat out of direct sunlight, in case a long period of time passes between him being trapped and being transported to the animal control center. Look for the stray cat's identification. If you are able to approach the stray cat, check to see if he has a collar. If he has one, check the identification tag for the owner's name and contact information. If you are able to touch him, check to see if has a microchip, which is another way to identify and contact his owner. | Locate any bird feeders in your yard. Identify potential food sources. Verify the reproductive status of your cat. Observe the stray cat. Keep your cat indoors. Place a motion-activated sprinkler in your yard. Use an ultrasonic device to keep the stray cat away. Use natural deterrents to make your garden undesirable. Cover up the sandbox. Block access to areas under your house. Remove any potential food sources from your yard. Trap the stray cat. Look for the stray cat's identification. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-a-Box | How to Measure a Box | To measure a box, start by measuring the longest inner side of the box to get its length. Then, measure the shorter inner side to check the width. Next, measure from the bottom of the box to the top of its side to obtain its depth. Alternatively, measure the outside of the box if you want to find out if it can fit into a space. | Place the box on a flat surface. If the box opens at one end, arrange the open side up. This way, it'll be easier to measure the inside. You will need a tape-measure, a ruler, or any other standardized distance reference. You will be measuring your box in either inches or centimeters, depending on your location and your purposes. Be sure to use a reference that displays the relevant units. Keep writing materials at your disposal: a pen, a pencil, or word processor. You could also use a phone or other handheld device. Write down each measurement as you take it, lest you forget. Measure the inside of the box. You will need to know the length, the width, and the depth. If you are trying to figure out whether something will fit inside the box, then you need to measure the inside. Box sizes for mailing and shipping always correspond to the inner dimensions of the container. Measure the length: Hold a tape-measure or a measuring stick along the longest inner side of the box. Press the tip of the measure into one corner of the box, and stretch the tape along the length of the long side to the adjacent corner. Record the number where the non-zero end of the tape-measure meets the adjacent corner of the box. If the box is rectangular, you can assume that the other "long" side is the same length. Measure the width: Hold a tape-measure or a measuring stick along the shorter inner side of the box. Press the tip of the measure into one corner of the box, then stretch the tape across the short side to the adjacent corner. If the box is rectangular, you can assume that the other "short" side is the same length. If the width matches the length, then the box is square. Measure the depth: Press the tape-measure into the bottom of the box, along any side, and stretch the tape up to the open top of the box. Keep the tape perfectly parallel with the creases in the corners of the box, and record the number that sits where the tape measure meets the top edge of the box. Measure the outside of the box. If the walls of your box are particularly thick, the exterior measurements may differ somewhat from the interior measurements. If the walls are very thin, you can probably just use the interior measurements. In any case, you will need to know the length, the width, and the height. Measure the length: Hold a tape-measure or a measuring stick along the longest outer side of the box. Hold the 0-end of the measure against one corner of the box, then stretch the tape along the length of the long side to the adjacent corner. Record the length. Measure the width: Hold a tape-measure or a measuring stick along the shorter outer side of the box. As with the length, hold the tip of the measure against one corner of the box, then stretch the tape along the short side to the adjacent corner. Record the width. Measure the height: Hold the tip of the tape-measure against the bottom of the box, along any side, and stretch the tape up to the open top of the box. Take careful measurements. In most casual cases, you can round to the nearest inch or centimeter. If the box must hold an object of a very specific size, and you are not absolutely sure that the object will fit – record the nearest half-inch, quarter-inch, or eighth-inch. Most tape-measures are accurate to the nearest millimeter (1/10 cm) or 1/16 inch. This is all that the casual box-measurer will need. Measure the space where the box will sit. If you are planning to fit the box into a specific space—say, you are building a planter box for your garden, or you are stacking boxes of belongings into a moving van&messy;make sure to check your box measurements against that space. Measuring a space is much like measuring a box. If your box needs to fit along three axes—length, width, and height—then measure those axes. If your box only needs to fit into a two-dimensional space on the ground, and height is not an issue, then only measure the length and the width. If you can physically bring the box to the space where it will rest: do so. This is the easiest way to ascertain whether the box will fit. If you cannot do so, visit the space with a tape-measure and the box dimensions that you wrote down. Imagine that the box is sitting in the space before you, and use the tape-measure to mark out the edges of the box. Calculate the area of each side. Simply multiply the length of a side by its width to find the area. In most cases, you will not need to know the area of the box sides – but it may come in handy to know how many boxes you can fit into, say, a five-foot-by-five-foot storage space. For example: If the bottom of the box is 10 inches wide and 15 inches long, you can multiply 10" x 15" to get 150 square inches. This is the area of the bottom of the box. Consider whether you need to know the volume of your box. If you are filling the box with a material that flows—like earth, sand, a liquid, or a gas—rather than large, discrete objects, then it may behoove you to calculate the volume. Volume is measured in cubic inches, cubic centimeters, cubic feet, etc. A "cubic inch" describes a cube with three measurements—length, width, and height—that each measure exactly one inch. In order to find the volume, thus, you will need to multiply the length of the box by the width of the box by the depth of the box. If the box has thick walls (thicker than, say, a quarter inch), be sure to multiply by the interior depth rather than the exterior height. Know the volume of whatever you'll put into the box. If you are filling a box with something, it is not enough merely to know the volume of the box. You will also need to figure out how much (of the earth, sand, liquid, etc.) you have, and compare that figure to the size of the box itself. You might use a program for this rather than doing the calculations yourself. Try searching online to find a suitable one. Multiply length by width by depth (L x W x D). If your box is square or rectangular, this will give you the volume in cubic inches. For example: if your box is 10 inches wide, 15 inches long, and 9 inches deep, you'll multiply 10" x 15" x 9" to get 1350 cubic inches. You can use an online unit converter to find the volume in liters, gallons, or other units. If your box holds an irregular shape, consider using an online volume calculator for more complicated equations: http://www.calculator.net/volume-calculator.html | Place the box on a flat surface. Measure the inside of the box. Measure the outside of the box. Take careful measurements. Measure the space where the box will sit. Calculate the area of each side. Consider whether you need to know the volume of your box. Know the volume of whatever you'll put into the box. Multiply length by width by depth (L x W x D). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-and-Understand-Medical-Laboratory-Results | How to Read and Understand Medical Laboratory Results | Learning how to read your medical laboratory results means you can better understand your symptoms and how your body is functioning. One of the most common blood tests analyzes complete blood count, or CBC. A low hemoglobin count suggests anemia, though too many RBCs can indicate bone marrow disease. A low WBC count can also suggest bone marrow problems, while a high WBC count usually means that you're fighting an infection. If your doctor is checking your cholesterol, your total number should be less than 200, with your HDL levels greater than 50 and your LDL numbers lower than 130. Blood sugar or glucose tests measure the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream after fasting. People at high risk for diabetes have blood sugar levels between 100 and 125. | Learn about what a CBC is. One of the most common blood test analyzed in a medical lab is a complete blood count (CBC). A CBC measures the most common types of cells and elements in your blood, such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all your cells, whereas WBCs are part of your immune system and help to destroy microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi platelets help your body form blood clots. A low hemoglobin count (Hb value 12-16) is part of red blood cells suggests anemia, which can cause hypoxia (not enough oxygen getting to tissues), although too many RBCs (called erythrocytosis) may indicate bone marrow disease. A low WBC count (called leukopenia) may also suggest a bone marrow problem or a potential side effect from taking medications — common problem while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. On the other hand, a high WBC count (called leukocytosis) usually indicates that you're fighting an infection. Normal RBC ranges are different between the genders. Men have 20 – 25% more RBCs because they tend to be larger and have more muscle tissue, which requires more oxygen. Learn about cholesterol panels. Another common blood test is a cholesterol panel (also called a lipid panel). Cholesterol panels are helpful for determining your risk of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. A cholesterol/lipid profile includes measurements of your total blood cholesterol (includes all the lipoproteins in your blood), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and your triglycerides, which are fats that are usually stored in fat cells. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL and you should have a favorable ratio of HDL (the "good" kind) to LDL (the "bad" kind) that is less than 3.5:1 in order to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and transports it to your liver for recycling. Healthy levels are greater than 50 mg/dL (ideally above 60 mg/dL). LDL shuttles cholesterol from your liver to cells that need it, as well as to blood vessels in response to injury and inflammation — this can trigger clogged arteries (called atherosclerosis). Healthy levels are lower than 130 mg/dL (ideally less than 100 mg/dL). Doctors look at the results of a cholesterol / lipid profile before determining if you need or could benefit from cholesterol-lowing medication. Appreciate what the CMP is. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures other components in your blood, such as electrolytes (charged mineral salts needed for nerve conductance and muscle contraction), organic minerals, protein, creatinine, liver enzymes and glucose. A CMP is typically ordered to determine your overall health, but also to check the function of your kidneys and liver, as well as electrolyte levels and acid/base balance. CMPs are often ordered along with CBCs as part of standard medical exams and annual physicals. Sodium is needed for regulating fluid levels and allowing nerves and muscles to function, but too much in the blood causes hypertension (high blood pressure) and increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Too little can also be dangerous, causing neurological problems. Normal sodium levels are between 136 - 144 mEq/L. Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) become elevated when your liver is injured or inflamed — caused by alcoholism, acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, gallstones, hepatitis, or autoimmune disorders. If your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are elevated, that likely means your kidneys have problems. BUN should be between 7 – 29 mg/dL, whereas your creatinine levels should be between 0.8 – 1.4 mg/dL. Understand blood glucose tests. Another potential component of a CMP is a blood sugar (glucose) test. Blood sugar tests measure the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream, usually after fasting for at least eight hours. Glucose tests are usually ordered if your doctor suspects you may have a type of diabetes (types 1 or 2, or gestational). Type 1 diabetes develops when your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin hormone (which functions to grab glucose from the blood and deliver it to cells) or the cells of your body "ignore" the effects of insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops when your tissues are resistant to the action of insulin, usually because of obesity. Thus, diabetics have chronically high blood glucose levels (called hyperglycemia), which is greater than 125 mg/dL. People at high risk for diabetes have blood sugar levels between 100 – 125 mg/dL — if you're in this range, you might be referred to as "pre-diabetic." Persistently high glucose levels can cause damage to organs in the long-term and result in the complications of diabetes like heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, and neuropathy. Keep in mind there are other causes of high blood sugar, such as chronic stress, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and a cancerous or inflamed pancreas gland. Very low levels of glucose (less than 70 mg/dL) is called hypoglycemia and can be caused by taking too much insulin medication, alcoholism and failure of various organs (liver, kidneys and/or heart). Learn what urine analysis (urinalysis) screens for. A urinalysis detects the byproducts of normal/abnormal metabolism, cells, protein and bacteria in urine. Healthy urine is typically clear looking, without a bad odor and sterile, which means without significant numbers of bacteria. Many metabolic and kidney disorders can be caught in their early stages by screening for abnormalities via urinalysis. These abnormalities can include higher-than-normal concentrations of glucose, protein, bilirubin, RBCs, WBCs, uric acid crystals and bacteria. Your doctor may recommend urinalysis if she suspects a metabolic condition (like diabetes), kidney disease or a urinary tract infection (UTI). For urinalysis, you'll need to collect 1 – 2 ounces of mid-stream urine (not the initial portion out of your urethra) into a sterile plastic cup. Collecting the sample first thing in the morning is usually recommended. Don't forget to clean your genitals thoroughly before collecting a urine sample, particularly if you're menstruating. The reason it needs to be midstream: there will be bacteria on the skin near the opening if your urethra normally. The initial flow of urine will contain some of these bacteria. Your urine sample is analyzed three ways in the lab: via visual exam, dipstick test and microscopic exam. Understand the lab results that suggest a metabolic/kidney problem. Most metabolic and kidney problems don't create obvious symptoms, at least in their initial stages. General feelings of tiredness and lack of energy are common, but are difficult to relate to kidney or glandular dysfunction. An analysis of your urine can suggest that a problem exists, although it's not definitive by itself — blood tests, physical exam and other tests (ultrasound, MRI) are often required also. Normally, there isn't significant amounts of protein (albumin) in urine; however, when urine protein levels are high (called proteinuria), it can be an early sign of kidney disease. Proteinuria is also common with multiple myeloma and various types of cancer. Kidney disease can also cause blood (RBCs) to be in urine, as well as high acidity and specific gravity (the concentration of the urine). Crystals in your urine may be a sign of kidney stones or gout. The presence of sugar (glucose) and ketones in your urine may be indicative of diabetes. Thus, diabetics have too much glucose in both their blood and urine.You may have just high ketones but not glucose in your urine if you haven't been eating much lately. Learn how to correlate symptoms of a UTI to the lab results. Another common reason for getting your urine analyzed is if a urinary tract infection (UTI) is suspected. A UTI usually involves just the urethra (urethritis), but can also involve the bladder (cystitis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis) in more severe cases. UTIs are much more common in women compared to men — about 40% of American women have at least one in their lifetime. Symptoms of a UTI are much more obvious than the early stages of kidney or metabolic disorders. Frequent and/or painful (burning) urination, dark colored urine, urine in the blood, feeling like you need to go again right after urinating, lower abdominal pain, back pain and a mild fever are the most common signs of a UTI. The main evidence of a UTI from the dipstick portion of urinalysis is the presence of nitrites or leukocyte esterase (a product of WBCs). Under the microscope, WBCs (a sure sign of infection/inflammation), bacteria and possibly RBCs will be seen if you have a UTI. Although numerous bacteria can cause a UTI, most are due to E. coli , which are commonly found in stool. Recognize other important lab results. Other conditions and diseases can be identified from urinalysis also, such as liver disease or inflammation, kidney and bladder cancer, chronic inflammation somewhere in the body and pregnancy. These parameters aren't always looked at routinely in the medical blood lab, so your doctor might have to request them specifically. Bilirubin is a byproduct of RBC breakdown and normally not found in urine. Any bilirubin in your urine can indicate liver damage or disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. It may also indicate gallbladder disease. The presence of abnormal looking cells, as well as WBCs and RBCs in the urine, can be indicative of cancer somewhere in the genitourinary system. If cancer is suspected, blood tests and cell cultures are usually performed too. If you suspect you're pregnant because you missed your period, urinalysis can be helpful for confirming it. The medical lab will look for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine sample, which is a hormone made by the placenta of pregnant women. The hormone can also be detected in the blood, although pregnancy test kits sold at pharmacies measure hCG in urine. | Learn about what a CBC is. Learn about cholesterol panels. Appreciate what the CMP is. Understand blood glucose tests. Learn what urine analysis (urinalysis) screens for. Understand the lab results that suggest a metabolic/kidney problem. Learn how to correlate symptoms of a UTI to the lab results. Recognize other important lab results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-CNN | How to Contact CNN | To contact CNN, you can call their corporate office phone number at 404-827-1700. Or, you can use CNN's online feedback form by visiting their website. Although CNN prefers people to use their online feedback form, you can still email them at [email protected] or [email protected]. | Call CNN at 1 (404) 827-1500. This number is for CNN customer service. If you hunt around, you can find direct phone numbers for various CNN bureaus and programs, although keep in mind that CNN doesn't encourage this kind of contact. The CNN corporate office phone number is 404-827-1700 or you can fax them at 404-827-2600. The customer service number for CNN's Washington D.C. bureau is 202-898-7900. Other customer service numbers for CNN in Atlanta are 404-878-2276 and the fax number is 404-827-1995. Write to the main CNN offices. The main headquarters of CNN is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and you can contact CNN customer service by sending a letter to this office. If you decide to write to CNN, then make sure that you include a return address and/or any other contact method you prefer, such as your phone number. Your letter should also describe your idea, news tip, or question in a clear way. The address for CNN's HQ is: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. One CNN Center Atlanta, GA, 30303 Check CNN’s press office website to contact a specific person. If you are a member of the media, then CNN has an entire press team designed to answer your questions. This is the public relations office whose job is to manage CNN's reputation and brand. Find a list of press contacts here: https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/press-contacts/ The main press office contact phone number for CNN's New York office is 212-275-7800. The press office website also has different contact people for early start and new day, dayside (CNN US/Breaking News), CNN D.C./CNN politics, CNN U.S. Primetime, CNN original series, weekend programming, CNN Films/CNN Films Presents, CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute, HLN, CNN Digital, CNNMoney, CNN International, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and CNN en Espanol. In addition to the main phone numbers for some of the different contact people, the press office website provides PR contact names, email addresses, and Twitter handles for each of the offices. Use social media to contact CNN. The network itself and most of its personalities and shows have their own social media sites. You can leave a comment on one of these Facebook pages or tweet at one of the CNN Twitter handles. Find CNN on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cnn/ , on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CNN , and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cnn/. You can also check out Facebook pages for individual people who have their own shows on CNN, such as Nancy Grace or Robin Meade. CNN's Chief National Correspondent John King has his own Facebook page. The Anderson Cooper 360 program also has its own page. Search Facebook for the show or personality that you want to contact and then post your feedback, question, or idea on the related Facebook page. You might have better luck going to the Twitter or Facebook pages of the specific program or personality you are trying to contact. Tweet to @TeamCNN to increase your chances of getting a response. To contact HLN (Headline News), tweet @TeamHLN. To contact CNN International, tweet @TeamCNNI and to contact CNN en Español, tweet @TeamCNNEE. The Twitter site for Viewer Services is https://twitter.com/teamcnn. Use CNN’s online feedback form. You can contact CNN by providing feedback through a written form on the CNN website. Completing this form on CNN's website is an easy way to contact the channel directly. The form, which can be found at http://www.cnn.com/feedback , requires that you submit your name and what are called your “initial thoughts” in a blank comment box. Many different programs and bureaus of CNN will send you back to the same online feedback form, including CNN International. There is also a box where you can type “additional comments.” Then, click the box that says “send feedback” to submit the comments. You should also use this form to report factual errors you see on CNN. Email CNN. If you have comments on a segment or want to give feedback, send them to [email protected]. Contact a program directly. Many CNN programs also have their own separate online feedback forms that you can access from their webpages. For example, CNNMoney has an online form that encourages viewers to submit feedback. Many HLN shows – such as Nancy Grace and Dr. Drew, as well as the personalities, have their own feedback pages that allow viewers to comment or ask a question. In some cases, the links will take you back to the main CNN feedback form, but in other cases, the programs have their own specialized forms. You will be asked to check whether your comment is positive or negative. Consider the news value of your idea. CNN will probably not consider your tip or idea unless it is something newsworthy and that they have not yet reported on. Make sure they have not covered the idea already in a news report and also consider whether or not it has news value. Journalists generally consider news value to be topics that have at least some of the following: conflict, unusualness, prominence, humor, impact (significance), proximity, human interest, and timeliness. Conflict can be clashes of ideologies and ideas, not just physical altercations. Human interest means the story provokes an emotional response in the viewer. Impact means the story has a direct effect on a large portion of the viewing audience (think a snowstorm closing down large swaths of the east coast.) Prominence means the story relates to a person or thing that most people know. Unusualness is a deviation from the norm. Proximity means there is a local tie-in. Proximity is less important to CNN than most news stations because CNN covers the entire world (however, a U.S. bureau may favor U.S. news, and so forth). Timeliness means the idea involves something ongoing or recent or at least that we didn't know before. Humor is something that viewers will find funny or unusual. News isn't always serious. Call in a news tip. CNN accepts news tips and story ideas from the general public as well. CNN is interested in images or information relating to breaking news. If you know about something you think CNN will want to cover, then give a call and leave a message about your tip or idea. Call 404-827-1500 and select option 1 to leave a news tip or story idea by phone. You will have the opportunity to leave a recorded message with your news tip. Make sure that you include your name, your news tip or idea, and a phone number where someone can reach you if they would like more information. Speak clearly and keep your message short and to the point. For example, you might try saying something like, “Hello. My name is Sally Jones and I have an idea for a story. I think you should do a report about the environmental impact of the new factory in my hometown of Smithshire, NY. It is having a negative effect on the water quality, but people are not yet aware of this. Please call me back at 555-555-5555. My name is Sally Jones and my number again is 555--555-5555.” Tweet CNN to send a tip. You can also tweet your news tip or idea to CNN if you prefer. Tweet the idea to @TeamCNN along with any relevant pictures or links that might provide information and/or generate interest. For example, you might tweet something like, “@TeamCNN Please report on the water pollution problem in Smithshire, NY! People are getting sick and someone needs to stand up for them!” Email a news tip. Send an email to [email protected] with as much information as possible. Provide your name and contact information if you want CNN to be able to reach you. Use Signal or Whatsapp. Both of these apps allow you to send news tips to CNN. Download the app of your choice, sign up or log in, then send your message to +1 (646) 397-670. Send a letter. If you'd rather use snail mail, CNN prefers that you type up your tip. Include your contact info if you want a response, and send your letter from a sidewalk mailbox. Address your letter to: Tips ℅ CNN Investigates 30 Hudson Yards, Fl 21 New York, NY 10001 United States of America | Call CNN at 1 (404) 827-1500. Write to the main CNN offices. Check CNN’s press office website to contact a specific person. Use social media to contact CNN. Use CNN’s online feedback form. Email CNN. Contact a program directly. Consider the news value of your idea. Call in a news tip. Tweet CNN to send a tip. Email a news tip. Use Signal or Whatsapp. Send a letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Weeds-in-Rocks | How to Kill Weeds in Rocks | If weeds are growing in and around your garden rocks, you should be able to easily kill them. If there are only a few weeds, pour boiling water over them or spray them with vinegar. For a larger infestation, use liquid herbicide. Do this on a dry day when there's no rain scheduled so it doesn't wash the herbicide away. Mix 10 milliliters of weed killer per liter of water into a spray bottle and cover the weeds with it. Alternatively, pull them out by hand. Water the weeds to loosen the roots. Then, a couple of days later, loosen the soil with a garden fork and pull the weeds out. | Purchase liquid spray rather than granules. Granular herbicides usually cover a wider area than desired, especially if there are other plants in the area. Purchase a liquid spray weed killer to easily spot treat for weeds. Liquid sprays are available as an all-in-one product or in a concentrated form to be mixed with water. Either product will work in this instance. Select the killer depending on which weeds are present. Specific weeds will react differently depending on the product that you choose. Some weed killers will only target specific styles of plants, so determine which types are present in your rock beds. Broadleaf weeds, like clover , dandelions and ragweed, can be targeted separately with a broadleaf killer without damaging any other grasses. Grassy weed killer will target Bermudagrass and others, but it is not selective and will your lawn if it comes into contact with it. Sedge weed killers will help take care of crabgrass and is specific to this type of weed. Most plants like this form from bulbs, so it may take multiple sprays to fully remove them. Non-selective sprays will kill everything they are applied to. This will also include plants that you have planted and your lawn, so use non-selective spray sparingly. Cover up with clothing to protect your skin. Cover as much skin as possible before using weed killer. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and sleeves. Use eye protection, like glasses, sunglasses, or goggles. Don't forget the garden gloves! To make sure you are using the weed killer safely, always read the label before you begin. Spray on a dry day when rain is not expected. Typically, late summer or early autumn is the best time to spray as the weather is fairly consistent. Check the weather to be sure it will not rain within 6 hours of you spraying. If you want a weed-free garden all summer, spray in the late spring or early summer instead. It will also reduce weeds before they grow out of control. Pour 10 milliliters of weed killer per 1 liter of water into a sprayer. If using an herbicide concentration, mix 10 mL of the solution per 1 liter of water. Mix the solution well by swishing it in the sprayer. Always follow the label instructions closely to determine how much concentrate to add. Apply the liquid to the weeds with the sprayer. Thoroughly spray the weeds you are targeting until the leaves are completely wet. The weed killer will penetrate through the leaves deeper into the plant. While some weeds may die within hours, some may take a few days to fully die. Respray the weeds in one week if they are still alive. Some weeds are resilient and will need to be sprayed multiple times before they completely die. Water the weeds to loosen the root system. If the entirety of the root system isn't removed, it's possible that the weeds will regrow and return. Wait one or two days after you water or after it rains heavily so the soil has time to soak. Pulling weeds from wet soil will disturb surrounding plants less than dry soil. Wear knee pads and gloves to protect your body. Instead of kneeling on hard ground or rocks, wear knee pads to prevent soreness and stiffness later. Gloves will help stop any skin irritation and can also prevent blisters from long days of pulling weeds. If you do not have knee pads, laying down a cushion or folded towel is a good substitute. Use gloves that are made from a non-stick, but breathable, material. Loosen weeds with a soil knife or garden fork. This will make the weeds easier to pull up. Use the tool to dig around in the soil around the weeds. This can also help you dig up more established weeds. Grab and pull weeds individually rather than in clumps. If you grab the weeds in handfuls, you may not pull out the taproot, or the root that provides most of the weed's water. While it is more tedious, to prevent weeds from growing back, pull them one at a time. Pull the weed from its base with an upward and twisting motion. This ensures that you grab the weed by the main root. Twisting the weed will help break off smaller roots and make it easier to pull out. Do not use a fast jerking motion when pulling, as this can cause large root sections to break off and regrow. Put everything that you have pulled in a bucket so they do not germinate again and throw them in the trash. Do not put them in compost. Pour boiling water on the weeds with a tea kettle for spot treatment. Bring water to a boil and pour it onto the weeds. To prevent splashing and to have more control of the stream, use a tea kettle. Ensure you only pour the water over the weeds, and not plants you wish to keep. Use vinegar to kill isolated weeds. If the weeds are near other plants, you can use distilled white vinegar in a garden sprayer to kill weeds. Make sure the vinegar has at least 5% acidity. Vinegar is not a selective herbicide, so it will also kill plants you wish to keep if they are sprayed. Spread rock salt on a rock path or driveway. Salt will absorb the moisture from the soil and effectively kill the weeds in the area. However, the salt will also affect the surrounding plants that you wish to keep, so use salt sparingly. Salt is a great way to kill weeds in the cracks between pavers and cement slabs as well. | Purchase liquid spray rather than granules. Select the killer depending on which weeds are present. Cover up with clothing to protect your skin. Spray on a dry day when rain is not expected. Pour 10 milliliters of weed killer per 1 liter of water into a sprayer. Apply the liquid to the weeds with the sprayer. Respray the weeds in one week if they are still alive. Water the weeds to loosen the root system. Wear knee pads and gloves to protect your body. Loosen weeds with a soil knife or garden fork. Grab and pull weeds individually rather than in clumps. Pull the weed from its base with an upward and twisting motion. Pour boiling water on the weeds with a tea kettle for spot treatment. Use vinegar to kill isolated weeds. Spread rock salt on a rock path or driveway. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Lobster | How to Kill Lobster | Before you kill a lobster, place it in the freezer on a tray for 20 minutes to slow its movements down. Once you've removed the lobster from the freezer and laid it on a cutting board, place the tip of a knife behind the lobster's eyes and slice down through its head. If you'd rather boil the lobster to kill it, freeze it for 2 hours first so it's in a comatose-like state and won't feel pain. Finish by filling a pot with cold salt water, putting the lobster in the water, and gradually bringing the water to a boil. | Numb the lobster by freezing it for 20 minutes. Place the lobster on a tray and place it in the freezer on a shelf or another flat area. This will slightly numb the lobster, making its death less painful. Freezing also slows the lobster's movements down so that it's easier to work with. Put the lobster on a cutting board and a baking sheet. You'll be using a large knife to kill the lobster, so pick up the lobster by its back and set the lobster on a sturdy cutting board. Also place a baking sheet underneath the cutting board so that any liquids that come out of the lobster don't cause a mess. Although the lobster's movements will likely be minimal, it can still potentially hurt you with its claws. Keep rubber bands wrapped around the lobster's claws while you handle it to ensure your safety. Place the tip of a large chef’s knife right behind the lobster’s eyes. Get a large, sharp chef's knife that's 8-12 inches (20.3-30.5 cm) long. Locate the crack of the lobster's head, which should be centered between the eyes and about an inch or two (2.5-5 cm) behind them. Keep the lobster still by holding it firmly with your nondominant hand. Then place the tip of your knife on this spot with the blade facing the front of the head. Slice down through the lobster’s head. Make a strong, swift cut with the knife between the eyes and through the entire head. This will cut off the lobster's central nervous system, ensuring that it doesn't feel pain. Don't be alarmed if the lobster's legs, tail, and/or claws continue to move after you've killed the lobster. These are simply post mortem muscle twitches, which happen after death as a result of chemicals releasing from the lobster's nerve endings. Freeze the lobster for 2 hours. Freezing live lobster for this amount of time will put it into a comatose-like state, which will greatly lessen the pain that it may feel. Put it in the freezer or close it in a container filled with ice for 2 hours or so. Fill a pan with saltwater. Get a pan that's large and deep enough for the lobster to fit in. Fill the pan with cold saltwater, and place it on a burner on your stove. Put the lobster in the pan. Make sure the lobster is too cold to move at all to ensure that it's in a comatose-like state. Then submerge the frozen lobster in the water and set the burner to low heat. Slowly bring the water to a boil. After a couple of minutes, turn the heat up slightly. Continue turning the heat up in small amounts until the water is boiling. This shouldn't take longer than about 10 minutes. The lobster will be dead before the water is brought to a boil. Don't put a lid on the pan. This will bring the water to a boil quicker, while the goal is to keep this process somewhat gradual. Get a CrustaStun machine. The CrustaStun is a more recent invention that was created to kill shellfish quickly, humanely, and without making too much of a mess. This machine works with electricity, and comes in both industrial-sized (for restaurants) and countertop models that are the size of a small suitcase. Fill the CrustaStun with saltwater and put the lobster in. The CrustaStun has a tank that you'll need to fill with saltwater before using the machine. Once you've done that, pick up the lobster by its back where its tail meets its body and place it onto the tray in the Crustastun. Make sure that the lobster's claws are held closed with rubber bands before you handle it. Press the stun button. Close the lid and simply press the stun button and the lobster will be shocked. This will make the lobster go unconscious within half a second and die within ten. Remove the lobster from the CrustaStun. After you've pressed the stun button, open the lid and take the lobster off of the tray. Don't worry about getting shocked; the electric current only affects the inside of the machine and is only possible when the lid is closed and the button is pressed. | Numb the lobster by freezing it for 20 minutes. Put the lobster on a cutting board and a baking sheet. Place the tip of a large chef’s knife right behind the lobster’s eyes. Slice down through the lobster’s head. Freeze the lobster for 2 hours. Fill a pan with saltwater. Put the lobster in the pan. Slowly bring the water to a boil. Get a CrustaStun machine. Fill the CrustaStun with saltwater and put the lobster in. Press the stun button. Remove the lobster from the CrustaStun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Win-at-Video-Poker | How to Win at Video Poker | Video poker can be a fun and exciting game, and while winning is never guaranteed, there are a few things you can do to increase your odds. Before you choose a game to play, take a moment to go over the rules and strategies of the game. To help yourself use basic strategies, keep a cheat sheet that lists all of the different ways that you can win in a poker game. To improve your playing ability before you start betting real money, go online to a video poker website and play with fake money so you can get more confident and practice using your cheat sheet. When you're ready to play for real, find a machine that you like and stick with it. And remember, have fun! | Pick a game. There are dozens of different video-poker games in casinos. Different games will have different rate of returns, meaning some games, if you win, will give you a higher percentage of your money back and others will give you a lower percentage. A "9/6 Jacks or Better" paytable is the best because the rate of return is 99.54%, meaning the casino only keeps.46% of your money. You can find these tables by their names, or look at the pay for the full house and flush. The other categories pay similarly, but the full house and flush will pay more on a "Jacks or Better" game. If you are unsure how to locate these games, you can visit a website where they have scouted out the best video poker games and their locations in a number of different casinos. When you find a payable that you like, you don't need to jump around to different tables. The odds will be the same on each table if they have the same pay table, so stick with the one you are on. If your pay table does not have a high rate or return, move around to different games until you find one with an acceptable rate of return. Know how to play a basic game. Video poker is simple and similar to regular poker in that you are aiming for a hand that will give you the most return. To play video poker you will tap on the cards you wish to keep or on a button on the console, and then draw cards you wish to replace. You win by having a traditional poker hand, and the amount you win is determined by the machine you are playing on. In video poker, just like regular poker, you will be given five cards. With those five cards you'll want to achieve a winning poker hand (royal flush, straight, full house, flush, four of a kind, three of a kind, two pair, jacks or better). To do this, you'll have the opportunity to keep certain cards in your hand and exchange others to gain new cards that may help you gain a winning poker hand. Play with five coins. Each video poker machine gives you the option to insert five coins, and to best optimize your chances of winning more, you should play five coins, or max bet. On each play table you should see a chart that shows how many coins you will receive when winning a certain hand of poker. If you play five coins on a Jacks or Better table you can get 45 coins for a full house instead of nine coins. You also will receive a bonus for Royal Flush with a max bet. If you can't afford to play five coins at once, then switch to a lower-denomination machine. This means that the total amount for five coins is less -- a typical five coin game would be a dollar game, which you don't want to play a quarter at a time. A lower-denomination machine would be a quarter game, where you are playing a few cents at a time. Know the components of the machine. On and around the screen of a video poker game you will see a few different things that are important to understand before playing a game. Paytable: This is the table on the poker screen that shows you how much each hand in a poker game is worth. As previously stated, you'll want to choose a table that has the best paytable, meaning the highest payout for a win. Each paytable will show you how many coins you'll get in return for winning a hand from one coin played to up to five coins played. Display area: Under the paytable is the display area, where you receive cards. Credit total: This is under the card area and shows how many credits, based on the denomination of the machine, you have remaining. Money insert/return slots: Cash-insert, voucher and club-card slots are positioned around the screen area of the machine. When you finish playing, the machine will return your balance in the form of a voucher. This slot is at the top left. Insert your player's club card in its slot before you start playing so you can earn reward points. Make sure that the card has been accepted. Deal/draw button: On the right side of the keyboard is the deal-draw button. After each hand, hit the button to get the next hand dealt to you. After selecting the cards you want to hold, hit the button again to draw replacement cards. If you have a winning hand, the machine will add the appropriate number of credits to your balance. Hold buttons: Directly below the screen are the hold buttons. After each new deal, press the buttons that correspond to the cards you wish to keep in your final hand. Cash-out button: Press this button when you're done playing. The machine will provide a voucher with your balance. Sign up for a player's club card and use it every time you play. This is a vital component of extending your gambling dollar. Casinos will want you to come back if you're racking up rewards points. Many will provide cash back or give you coupons for meals. Some will comp your room for your entire stay. You can usually sign up for these clubs online or by visiting a club booth at the specific casino. Then, when you visit your casino make sure you bring your card and you can usually place them into a card reader slot. Depending on the casino you can rack up points for different things. For example, at one casino you may earn points for the hours you play, or the amount of money that you bet while playing. Then, a certain number of points will give you an amount of money. At one casino, 100 points may give you $1.00. As you gain more points you may be able to pay for things like meals. Usually casinos have different status levels for their player's clubs. The more you play the higher status you will achieve, which will eventually earn you more points and compensation for things like hotels. Learn the basic strategy. Some people will go into video poker without being familiar with the strategy behind the game. If you guess while playing, you may win money, but you'll have a better chance at winning the game if you understand the rules and components of the game. Stick to one or two types of games. Different video poker games have different strategies, and it can be difficult to memorize all of the strategies. The best thing to do is pick a game you like and learn that strategy well. If you get bored with that game or don't like it then move onto another game, but try to stick to one or two types of games instead of learning strategies for all the games. Trying to learn all of the games will make it difficult when playing one game because you may confuse some of the strategies. Use a strategy list. A strategy list is like a cheat sheet, that has all of the different ways you can win in a poker game in a list ranked from best hands to worse hands. Using a cheat sheet will help you determine which cards to keep and which cards to exchange for new cards. For example, if you have the opportunity to go for a straight with an outside straight, or you have the opportunity to go for three to four of a kind with a pair, a low pair is ranked higher on the list so that is what you should choose. If you choose not to play 9/6 Jacks or Better, strategy cards for virtually every game are available online. This strategy list is specifically for a 9/6 Jacks or Better game, which is one of the better games to play: 1. Full house or better 2. 4 to a royal flush (you have four cards and just need one more for a royal flush) 3. Straight, three of a kind, or flush 4. 4 to a straight flush (you have four cards and just need one more for a straight flush) 5. Two pair 6. High pair 7. 3 to a royal flush 8. 4 to a flush 9. Low pair 10. 4 to an outside straight (you have five--cards 6, 7, 8, 9, 2--and need one more on the outside--either a 5 or 10, to complete the straight) 11. 2 suited high cards (face cards) 12. 3 to a straight flush 13. 2 unsuited high cards (if more than 2 pick then pick lowest 2) 14. Suited 10/J, 10/Q, or 10/K 15. One high card 16. Discard everything Understand poker probabilities. When playing poker it is a good idea to have in mind the possibilities of winning. Some things to keep in mind when playing the game are: The odds of hitting a royal flush are about 1 in 40,000. A four of a kind happens about once an hour. The probability of getting a four of a kind is.24% When you hold four cards and throw away one, there is a good chance you will receive a card with the same value. Understand your average loss. As well as understanding possibilities in a game of poker, it's good to keep in mind what your average loss during a session of video poker will be, so you go in with realistic expectations. To determine your average loss multiply the house end(the return the casino makes) by the bet size by the number of rounds per hour. In a 9/6 Jacks or Better game you would multiply.5% by $1.25 (this is a five coin, max bet game) by 400 (hands per hour). This would bring you to $2.50 an hour on a long term game. If you are playing a short term game, you are more likely to lose $6.50 an hour, because the house end for the casino will be higher (you'll have less chance of hitting the royal). An average slot machine brings you to a loss of about $40 an hour, so playing video poker is a much better way to earn money with limited loss. Practice with fake money first. Before you begin playing video poker with your own money, try practicing it on your computer with fake money so you can become familiar with the format of the game and better your chances of doing well at an actual casino. There are several websites you can visit to play video poker online to practice. Practicing online with fake money is the best way to familiarize yourself with the strategy for a specific game and give you practice in using the strategy sheet. It could be helpful to watch a few tutorials on video poker so you have a better grasp of how the game works. There are also software programs available online that warn you when you're making a strategic error. | Pick a game. Know how to play a basic game. Play with five coins. Know the components of the machine. Sign up for a player's club card and use it every time you play. Learn the basic strategy. Stick to one or two types of games. Use a strategy list. Understand poker probabilities. Understand your average loss. Practice with fake money first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Butter | How to Make Butter | To make homemade butter, first, pour heavy whipping cream into a large chilled bowl. Allow the cream to rest until it is about 50 to 60 °F (10 - 15°C). Then, pour the milk into a large jar and shake it for around 10 minutes, or until it breaks down into butter and buttermilk. Pour off the buttermilk as it forms, and continue shaking the remainder until the solid looks and tastes like butter and no more liquid is coming out. Pour ice water into the butter and pour it out through a strainer to remove any buttermilk. Then, press out the remaining liquid with a spoon and store your butter in the fridge or freezer. | Start with fresh, heavy cream. Heavy whipping cream has the highest fat percentage, making it easier and more productive to turn into butter. For a more unique flavor not available in stores, try buying raw cream from a local dairy. If this is not available, vat-pasteurized cream will produce the best flavor, followed by ordinary pasteurized cream, with ultra-pasteurized (UHT) cream a last choice option. Avoid cream that contains added sugar. The fat percentage listed on the cream tells you how much of the cream will end up turning into butter. A minimum of 35% is recommended. In the US, you can search Real Milk Finder for local sources of raw milk. If using an electric mixer, chill a large bowl and a container of water. A colder bowl will prevent the butter from melting. Chilling a second container of water may also be useful at this stage, especially if your tap water tends to be on the warm side. Pour the cream into the bowl. Don't fill it to the brim, since the cream will expand with air before it turns into butter. Add cultures for a stronger flavor and easier churning (optional). If you skip this step, you'll be making sweet cream butter, a mildly flavored variety that includes almost all commercial butter sold in the United States and the United Kingdom. If you want a more complex flavor, similar to butter sold in continental Europe, introduce a slight, acidic fermentation to make "cultured butter" instead. This acid also speeds up the breakdown of fat and liquid, shortening the churning time. One easy option is to add either buttermilk or plain yogurt with added cultures. Use one tablespoon (15 mL) of the sour addition for each cup (240 mL) cream. Alternatively, buy mesophilic cheese culture online. Mix in ⅛ tsp (0.6 mL) for every quart (liter) cream. Let cultured cream stand at room temperature. If you added cultures, leave the cream out for between 12 and 72 hours, checking every few hours. The cream is cultured once it is slightly thick, foamy, and smells sour or tangy. For sweet cream butter without culturing additives, just leave out the cream until it reaches about 50–60ºF (10–16ºC). This will make it easier to churn, but is still cold enough that the butter should be firm and easy to handle during the later stages. Churn or shake the cream. If you have a butter churn, churn the handle for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Churning is very easy and efficient with a well-built butter churn. If you have an electric mixer, use the whisk attachment and start it on low to prevent spatter. Otherwise, seal the cream in a Mason jar and shake it. Mixing typically takes 3 to 10 minutes, while shaking takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes. To speed up the shaking method, drop a small, clean, glass marble into the jar before shaking. If your mixer only has one speed setting, cover the bowl with plastic wrap to catch spray. Watch the cream change consistency. The cream will go through several stages as you mix it: Frothy or slightly thick cream. Soft peaks. Raising the mixer will leave a standing peak with a drooping tip. You can now increase the speed of the mixer. Whipped cream, forming stiff peaks. The cream will start to look granular, and become very pale yellow. Reduce speed again before liquid appears, to prevent spatter. Break down: Finally, the cream will suddenly separate into butter and buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk into a separate container, and save it for use in other recipes. Continue to mix the butter and pour off more liquid as it appears. Stop churning once the solid looks and tastes like butter, or when almost no more liquid is coming out. Wash the butter in cold water. If any buttermilk remains with the butter, it will spoil very quickly, so this needs to be done unless you eat the butter within 24 hours. Pour ice water or chilled water into the butter. Knead it with a clean hand, or use a wooden spoon to press the butter. Pour out the ice water through a strainer. Repeat until the water is mostly clear. This takes at least three washings, and sometimes several more. Press out the remaining liquid. Use your hands and the back of the spoon to press any water remaining in the butter. Strain this out of the butter. Mix in salt or other ingredients (optional). Add sea salt to taste if you prefer salted butter; try ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) per ½ cup (120 mL) butter. Homemade butter is delicious by itself, but you can try all kinds of additions for variety. Consider dried herbs or finely minced garlic. You can even make a sweet spread by mixing in honey until smooth. Be aware that the added flavors may taste significantly stronger after freezing and thawing the butter. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Homemade butter typically stays good in the fridge for at least a week, and up to three weeks if you thoroughly pressed out all the buttermilk. In the freezer, unsalted butter will stay top-quality for about five or six months, while salted butter can last as long as nine months before taste is affected. Unlike many foods, tightly wrapped butter will not suffer in texture when frozen. | Start with fresh, heavy cream. If using an electric mixer, chill a large bowl and a container of water. Pour the cream into the bowl. Add cultures for a stronger flavor and easier churning (optional). Let cultured cream stand at room temperature. Churn or shake the cream. Watch the cream change consistency. Pour the buttermilk into a separate container, and save it for use in other recipes. Wash the butter in cold water. Press out the remaining liquid. Mix in salt or other ingredients (optional). Store in the refrigerator or freezer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/See-Yourself-As-You-Really-Are | How to See Yourself As You Really Are | It's not easy to see yourself as you really are, but with time and effort, you can learn how to accept your true self. It may be difficult to hear, but ask close, trusted friends to be honest with you about your failings. Instead of immediately denying what they say, know that nobody is perfect and try to be honest about your mistakes. While it's good to accept your failings, don't forget to think about your positives and what makes you valuable, too. To do this, think back to important moments in your life and see what kind of traits you showed during those times. For example, maybe you're thinking about a time when you stood up to your friend's bully because it showed you were brave. | Write out your perceptions. Pick up a pen and paper and write out a description of yourself. Make it as detailed as possible, defining yourself as a whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Start with statements like, "I am..." or "What I'm really proud of myself for is..." Answer each statement with at least 8 to 12 responses. List your strengths and weaknesses, as well. Most people can identify at least one good thing and one bad thing about themselves, no matter how inflated their ego might be or how beaten up their self-esteem as become. Write out what you believe to be your strong points and your failings, as determined only by your gut response. Recall significant moments in your life. Think about the stories you frequently share from your past. Ask yourself what these stories say about you and why you feel compelled to tell them to the people you meet. Pay special attention to what these stories say about you as a person. Do the stories convey your honesty or your bravery? Are you keen on telling them because these traits exemplify your standard behavior, or do you tell these stories because they are rare examples of traits you wish you possessed more of? Think back to your childhood. Most people are truest to their desires and personality when they are kids. Figure out what made you happy as a child, as well as what left you feeling disappointed. Consider the sort of belief system you went by as a kid. If some of these elements have changed, note them, and note the reasons you claim behind the change. For example, as a kid, you may have treasured the times you spent doing things independently and on your own. If you still value your personal space, this craving for freedom is an obvious part of who you really are. If you are presently tied down to a number of obligations, though, ask yourself why. You may have learned to value family and friends in a new way, in which case, the desire to meet any related obligations could be part of the real you. On the other hand, you might be tying yourself down just to fit in with outside expectations, in which case, the real you is still the independent person you were as a child. Ban yourself from the mirror. Step away from the mirror for a full week and stop looking at your reflection. In doing so, you interrupt any false perceptions of your physical self that are continually maintained every day when you check how you look. By the end of your mirror ban, you may also reach the realization that the only one so concerned and critical of your appearance is yourself. Once you force yourself to stop fixating on your supposed physical flaws, you will likely notice that no one else is stepping up to fixate on them in your place. As a result, you may eventually realize that the negative beliefs you held about your appearance are not true, after all. Quiet the noise inside your head. Life can be very demanding and your own thoughts can pull you in a hundred different directions at one time. Simplify your life for a few weeks to help minimize the anxious thoughts and negative self-talk that usually accompany a hectic schedule. If you have difficulty quieting the noise in your head right away, plan on taking a vacation of sorts away from your inner nag ahead of time. Take care of as many of your needs as possible so that you will have little, if anything, to do during that week or so of "vacation." Schedule your obligations so that there will be no outside anxieties invading your thoughts during that time. Encourage others to be honest with you. You need to look at yourself from a new vantage point. Someone who knows you well is more likely to have a good understanding of who you really are, but the tricky thing is that few people close to you are willing to be completely honest about all your failings. You need to find friends who will be honest with you and encourage those friends you already have to speak honestly without fear of backlash. You can make people comfortable with the idea of criticizing you by learning to criticize yourself. If you can demonstrate constructive self-criticism, the people around you may feel more comfortable telling you the truth as they see it. Some people are naturally more comfortable with being honest. Others learn to be honest once they become comfortable with someone. You should have one or both of these types of people in your life. When people do criticize you constructively, listen carefully and accept what they have to say. Do not react in anger and do not pressure other friends into supporting or denying their claims. Look up to people. Human beings hate feeling insignificant, so usually, a person who feels badly about himself or herself will react by finding someone else who can be looked down upon. This distorts your self-perception, though. A better thing to do would be to find people to look up to. Looking up to other people also gives you a goal to strive for. No one is perfect, but oftentimes, you tend to admire people who possess positive qualities you tend not to possess. Admiring these people can make you more aware of qualities you do not possess, and once you become aware of these qualities, you can later try emulating them in your own life. Analyze each perception you originally had. After you have given yourself a vacation from your original set of perceptions, drag out the list and go through it point by point. Ask yourself if each point has any validity to it and spend the time carefully going through the list one by one. With each perception or statement you made, ask yourself: "Is it really true?" "Can I prove it to be completely true? Can I prove it to be false?" "How do I react, physically and emotionally, to this thought or idea?" “Are there positive attributes associated with this negative quality?” / “Are there negative attributes associated with this positive quality?” Break out of your comfort zone. Check your perceptions by forcing yourself to become a beginner again at something new. During times of uncertainty, one's strengths and weaknesses are more likely to show through. Pay close attention to your own reactions during the experience to get a better idea of what your own positive and negative attributes really are. The trick is to find something you know nothing about and to force yourself into learning about it. If you know nothing about cooking, for example, then learn how to cook. You need to pay special attention to your responses and reactions during this time. This process also needs to be completed on your own. Do not rely on others to get you through it. Accept your failings. People hate being wrong, but nobody is perfect. Instead of trying to deny your failings and faults, stop making excuses for yourself and be honest about the things that are wrong. This include the things you already believed to be wrong and those you may have previously denied. Understand that accepting your failings is a necessary part of seeing yourself as you really are. Aside from that, only in acknowledging and accepting your failings can you hope to eventually improve upon them. You need to do away with excuses, as well. For instance, if you procrastinate habitually, do not try to justify it by saying that you get the work done anyway and so it doesn't really matter. Instead, simply admit to yourself that you procrastinate. Project inwardly. When faced with trouble, look internally for a cause. It can be tremendously easy to push the blame on someone else, but to avoid boosting your ego unfairly, you need to seriously ask yourself if you had any fault in the current situation, as well. Similarly, you should project inwardly whenever you feel tempted to complain about other people. When this happens, stop and ask yourself if there might be other people making the same complaints about you. Look in from the outside. Think about your goals, ideas, and desires. You might be able to justify and rationalize each one in your own head, but ask yourself how you would view these attributes if viewing them in someone else instead of yourself. If the expected reaction varies, determine why this is the case. For example, if you crave a relationship with a certain person and feel justified in your desire, think about what an outside, uninvolved individual might see. If an objective view would consider you to be naive or reckless, you should try to accept that trait of yours for what it is. Keep a journal. Write about your new discoveries and doubts throughout the entire process of renewing your self-image. You can write about your feelings, frustrations, or anything else related to this topic. The important thing is simply to write consistently and honestly. Every time you sit down to write in your journal, you should keep writing until you reach some sort of understanding or state of heightened emotion. Make sure that you take the time to write in your journal when you can focus on the task without distraction. Think about yourself in healthy ways. While you need to be honest about your own failings, you also need to accept yourself for who you are and learn to be honest about your positives, as well. Having an overly poor self-image can be just as harmful as having an overly inflated self-image, if not more so. You need to emphasize to yourself that you are valuable, even with all your faults and failings When you sense your perceptions swinging in an unfairly negative direction, challenge the unwarranted guilt. If something goes wrong and you tell yourself, "I can't do anything right," quickly correct yourself by listing off examples of things you have done right. Ask yourself who you want to be. Consider who you have come to see yourself as and ask yourself who it is that you eventually want to be. Maybe the person you want to be is similar to the person you once thought you actually were. Figure out what you need to do in order to transform yourself and make this wish a reality. | Write out your perceptions. Recall significant moments in your life. Think back to your childhood. Ban yourself from the mirror. Quiet the noise inside your head. Encourage others to be honest with you. Look up to people. Analyze each perception you originally had. Break out of your comfort zone. Accept your failings. Project inwardly. Look in from the outside. Keep a journal. Think about yourself in healthy ways. Ask yourself who you want to be. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oven-Fries | How to Make Oven Fries | To make oven fries, start by cutting the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cutting each half into 4 wedges. Next, combine olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl, and toss the potatoes in the mixture until they're evenly coated. Then, bake the wedges on a greased baking sheet at 400 degrees F. After 20 minutes, flip the fries to ensure even cooking on both sides, and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. Season the fries with fresh parsley and Parmigiano-Romano cheese if desired, and serve immediately. | Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. For easy clean-up, consider covering the baking sheet with aluminum foil first, then spraying the foil with cooking spray. Cut the potatoes into wedges. Start by cutting the potatoes in half lengthwise, and then cutting each half into four wedges. You can choose to peel the potatoes first, or leave them unpeeled. Combine the oil and seasonings together in a large mixing bowl. Mix together the spices first, then add the oil, and stir everything together with a fork or small whisk. You will be adding the potato wedges into the bowl, so make sure that it is big enough. Add the potatoes, then toss them until they are evenly coated. A quick and simple way to do this would be to cover the bowl with a lid, and then shaking it a few times. Spread the potatoes across the baking sheet in an even layer. Make sure that the potato wedges are not clumped together, or they won't bake properly. If you want crispier wedges, make sure that they aren't touching; use a separate baking sheet, if necessary. Bake the potatoes for 40 to 45 minutes. After about 20 minutes or so, turn the wedges over using a spatula; this ensures that they bake evenly. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to serve the fries. If you'd like, you can season them further with some fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Preheat your oven to 450°F (233°C) and generously grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. For easier clean-up, cover the baking sheets with aluminum foil first, then coat the foil with cooking spray. Cut the potatoes into ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) thick matchsticks. You can do this by cutting the potatoes in half lengthwise, in half again, and then into wedges, and finally into thin strips. The matchstick shape is important. Combined with the high baking temperature, it is what will give you nice, crispy fries. You can leave the potatoes unpeeled, or you can peel them first. Mix together the oil and salt in a large mixing bowl. Consider adding other seasonings, such as pepper, garlic powder, and fresh, chopped rosemary. You will be tossing the potatoes in this, so make sure that the bowl is big enough. Toss the potatoes with the oil and salt. An easy way to do this would be to cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid, and then shaking it. Spread the potatoes out in an even layer on the greased baking sheet. Make sure that the fries aren't clumped together or touching. Use another baking sheet, if necessary. If the fries are clumped together, they won't turn out very crispy. Bake the fries for 25 to 35 minutes. The longer you bake them for, the crispier they will become. About halfway through the baking time, toss the fries with a spatula or a pair of tongs. This ensures even baking. To make garlic fries: During the last 10 minutes of baking, sauté 3 cloves of garlic in 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil until it turns brown, then set it aside. Season the fries, if desired, then serve them immediately. Use a spatula to transfer the fries from the baking sheet to your serving dish. If you are making garlic fries: season the fries with sea salt, then drizzle the sautéed garlic over them. | Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut the potatoes into wedges. Combine the oil and seasonings together in a large mixing bowl. Add the potatoes, then toss them until they are evenly coated. Spread the potatoes across the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake the potatoes for 40 to 45 minutes. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to serve the fries. Preheat your oven to 450°F (233°C) and generously grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut the potatoes into ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) thick matchsticks. Mix together the oil and salt in a large mixing bowl. Toss the potatoes with the oil and salt. Spread the potatoes out in an even layer on the greased baking sheet. Bake the fries for 25 to 35 minutes. Season the fries, if desired, then serve them immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Simple-Mashed-Potatoes | How to Make Simple Mashed Potatoes | If you want to make simple rustic mashed potatoes, wash your potatoes thoroughly in cold water. You can peel the potatoes either before or after you boil them. Cut the potatoes into quarters or cubes and place them into a large pot full of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook the potatoes for 10-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot and add butter. Mash your potatoes with a potato masher and add warm milk or chicken stock until your mashed potatoes are the texture you prefer. Season with salt and pepper and serve. | Choose your potatoes. There are a few basic options when it comes to buying potatoes: baking, boiling, and all-purpose potatoes. All have different qualities when it comes to flavor and texture. Baking potatoes, such as Russets, are high in starch which creates light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Boiling potatoes, such as red potatoes, are considered waxy which means they hold their shape and may create lumpy mashed potatoes. All-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, fall in between boiling and baking potatoes in terms of texture. They do offer a butterier flavor than Russets. Wash the potatoes. Use cold water and gently scrub the entire potato. Look for dark patches where dirt might have settled. If you wash the potatoes in a bowl of water, be sure to rinse them before cutting. You can use a small brush specifically designated for cleaning potatoes or produce. This will help scrub away any dirt that's firmly stuck. Prepare your potatoes for boiling. You can cook the potatoes with the skins on or you can peel them before cutting them. Simply cut your potato into quarters or cubes. Leaving the skins on will give your mashed potatoes more texture. For this reason, you should consider using Yukon Golds, which have a thinner peel than Russets. Cook your potatoes. Place your prepared potatoes in a large saucepot and fill with cold water. The potatoes should be covered by an inch or two of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a lively simmer and cook for 10 to 20 minutes. The potatoes are done when you stick a fork into them and they start to fall apart. You can salt your water for extra flavor, just as though you're cooking pasta. The potatoes will absorb the salt as they cook. Avoid using hot water and covering your pot with a lid. This will make the potatoes cook unevenly and can lead to gluey potatoes. Prepare your liquid. While the potatoes are cooking, heat up chicken stock or milk until warm and get some butter out of the fridge. Use chicken stock if you'd like the potato flavor to really shine. Milk, ranging from skim to whole, will make creamier potatoes. Heating your liquid will keep the mashed potatoes hotter for longer. Warm liquid is also absorbed better by the potatoes. Drain and prepare the potatoes. Use a strainer or lift the potatoes out with a slotted spoon. Return the cooked potatoes to your pot on the stove. Add your room temperature butter and start mashing the potatoes. The best tool for mashing rustic potatoes is a simple potato masher. Avoid mashing too much or you'll be left with more of a puree. You may want to leave small chunks and skin somewhat intact. Add your warm liquid. Gradually add some of your warm stock or milk. Stir gently and add a bit more liquid if your potatoes are still loose. Keep adding liquid gradually until the potatoes bind together. Avoid adding all your liquid at once. You could end up with too much liquid which makes mushy mashed potatoes. Your potatoes will need more or less liquid depending on potato type and level of starchiness. Season and serve. Taste the potatoes and add salt, pepper, and/or more butter, as you like. Serve while they're still warm or keep covered until ready to eat. Minced chives or paprika make great garnishes for mashed potatoes. Choose your potatoes. There are a few basic options when it comes to buying potatoes: baking, boiling, and all-purpose potatoes. All have different qualities when it comes to flavor and texture. Baking potatoes, such as Russets, are high in starch which creates light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Boiling potatoes, such as red potatoes, are considered waxy which means they hold their shape and may create lumpy mashed potatoes. All-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, fall in between boiling and baking potatoes in terms of texture. They do offer a butterier flavor than Russets. Wash the potatoes. Use cold water and gently scrub the entire potato. Look for dark patches where dirt might have settled. If you wash the potatoes in a bowl of water, be sure to rinse them before cutting. Prepare your potatoes for boiling. Peel and then simply cut your potato into quarters or cubes. Very large chunks or halves will take a long time to cook. Try cutting your potatoes into cubes around a few inches in size. Cook your potatoes. Place your prepared potatoes in a large saucepan and fill with cold water. The potatoes should be covered by an inch or two of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a lively simmer and cook for 10 to 20 minutes. The potatoes are done when you stick a fork into them and they start to fall apart. You can salt your water for extra flavor, just as though you're cooking pasta. The potatoes will absorb the salt as they cook. Avoid using hot water and covering your pot with a lid. This will make the potatoes cook unevenly and can lead to gluey potatoes. Prepare your liquid. While the potatoes are cooking, heat up chicken stock or milk until warm and get some butter out of the fridge. Use milk or cream for the creamiest mashed potatoes. Half-and-half is a great way to add buttery richness to your mashed potatoes. Heating your liquid will keep the mashed potatoes hotter for longer. Warm liquid is also absorbed better by the potatoes. Drain and mash the potatoes. Use a strainer or lift the potatoes out with a slotted spoon. Return the cooked potatoes to your pot on the stove. Add your room temperature butter and start mashing the potatoes. The best tool for creating creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes is a potato ricer. To use, simply fill the hopper, or bowl of the ricer, with your cooked potatoes and press down. The potatoes will be pushed through the small holes of the ricer. Add your warm liquid. Gradually add some of your milk. Stir gently and add a bit more liquid if your potatoes are still loose. Keep adding liquid gradually until the potatoes bind together. Avoid adding all your liquid at once. You could end up with too much liquid which makes mushy mashed potatoes. Your potatoes will need more or less liquid depending on potato type and level of starchiness. Season and serve. Taste the potatoes and add salt, pepper, and/or more butter, as you like. Serve while they're still warm or keep covered until ready to eat. Minced chives or paprika make great garnishes for mashed potatoes. | Choose your potatoes. Wash the potatoes. Prepare your potatoes for boiling. Cook your potatoes. Prepare your liquid. Drain and prepare the potatoes. Add your warm liquid. Season and serve. Choose your potatoes. Wash the potatoes. Prepare your potatoes for boiling. Cook your potatoes. Prepare your liquid. Drain and mash the potatoes. Add your warm liquid. Season and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Introduction-for-a-Persuasive-Speech | How to Write an Introduction for a Persuasive Speech | To write an introduction for a persuasive speech, start with a hook that will grab your audience's attention, like a surprising statistic or meaningful quote. Then, introduce your thesis statement, which should explain what you are arguing for and why. From here, you'll need to demonstrate the credibility of your argument if you want your audience to believe what you're saying. Depending on if you are an expert or not, you should either share your personal credentials or reference papers and studies by experts in the field that legitimize your argument. Finally, conclude with a brief preview of the main points you'll cover in your speech, so your audience knows what to expect and can follow along more easily. | Start off with a hook to grab the audience’s attention. In order to persuade the audience, you'll need their undivided attention. Unfortunately, people tend to tune out what someone's saying if they don't find it to be interesting. That's why it's really important that you kick off your speech with something attention-grabbing (but still relevant to your topic), like a shocking statistic, funny anecdote, or powerful quote. For example, if your speech is about sleep deprivation in the workplace, you could start with something like “Workplace accidents and mistakes related to sleep deprivation cost companies $31 billion every single year.” Or, if your speech is about animal rights, you could open with a quote like “The English philosopher Jeremy Bentham once said, 'The question is not, Can they reason? Nor, Can they talk? But, Can they suffer?'” For a speech about unpaid internships, you could start with a relevant anecdote like “In 2018, Tiffany Green got her dream internship, unpaid, working for a rental company. Unfortunately, a few months later Tiffany returned home from work to find an eviction notice on the door of her apartment, owned by that same rental company, because she was unable to pay her rent. Introduce your thesis statement. Now that you've written something that will grab your audience's attention, it's time to introduce them to the main argument you'll be making in your speech. Your thesis statement should clearly explain what argument you're making and what side of the argument you want your audience to end up on. Make sure you choose something specific and clear since a thesis statement that's too broad will be hard for your audience to follow along with. For example, your thesis statement could look something like “Today, I'm going to talk to you about why medical marijuana should be legalized in all 50 states, and I'll explain why that would improve the lives of average Americans and boost the economy.” Demonstrate to the audience that your argument is credible. Once you've introduced your thesis statement, you want to convince your audience that they should believe what you're saying. If you're an expert on the subject, informing the audience of your credentials should be enough. However, if you're writing a persuasive speech about a topic you're not an expert on, you can still demonstrate credibility by referencing specific periodicals, books, and experts in the field. For example, if you're a marine biologist who's writing a persuasive speech about ocean acidification, you could write something like “I've studied the effects of ocean acidification on local marine ecosystems for over a decade now, and what I've found is staggering.” Or, if you're not an expert on your topic, you could include something like “Earlier this year, renowned marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson published a decade-long study on the acidification of our oceans, and what she found is deeply concerning.” Conclude your introduction by briefly previewing the main points you’ll cover. You want to prepare your audience for the rest of your speech so they know what to expect and have an easier time following along. Keep the preview of your main points brief, but make sure you include each point you'll be making in the order it will appear. For example, you could sum up your conclusion by writing something like, “To show you that a shorter work week would benefit not only employees but also their employers, first I will touch on the history of the modern average work week. Then, I'll discuss the mental and physical toll that a long work week can take on a person. Finally, I'll wrap up by going over fairer, better systems that we as a society could implement.” Limit your introduction to 10-15% of the total length of your speech. An introduction that's too long can bore your audience, and it takes away from the time you have to make your argument. The right length for your introduction will depend on the total length of your speech, so you may need to adjust it when you're finished. Generally, the longer your speech, the longer your introduction can be. For example, if you time yourself giving your speech (introduction included) and it takes you 5 minutes, your introduction should only take up about 45 seconds of your speech. However, if you were giving a speech that's 20 minutes long, your introduction should be around 3 minutes. On average, you'll want about 150 words for every 1 minute you need to speak for. For example, if your introduction should be 2 minutes, you'd want to write around 300 words. Write in a conversational tone. Unlike most essays, a speech is written to be read out loud, and your audience will be more engaged if they feel like you're having a conversation with them. As you're writing your introduction, imagine you're talking to someone and trying to convince them of your point as opposed to writing a research paper. Just make sure your introduction is still authoritative and professional. To make your writing more conversational, try to use brief sentences, and avoid including jargon unless you need it to make your point. Using contractions, like “I'll” instead of “I will,” “wouldn't” instead of “would not,” and “they're” instead of “they are,” can help make your writing sound more conversational. Be concise when you’re writing your introduction. Being concise is especially important when you're writing a speech since you want to hold your audience's attention. Long, convoluted sentences will make your introduction hard to follow, and you risk people tuning out. Make sure you don't include more sentences than necessary when you're writing the different components of your speech. Tailor your writing to your audience. Being aware of your audience while you're writing will help you craft a more persuasive message. As you're writing the introduction to your speech, think about who will be listening when you deliver it, and use that to help you decide what information and strategy you'll use. For example, if your audience will be made up of the other students in your college class, including a pop culture reference in your introduction might be an effective way to grab their attention and help them relate to your topic. However, if you're giving your speech in a more formal setting, a pop culture reference might fall flat. Connect with your audience. It will be easier to persuade your audience if they feel like they're having a conversation with you as opposed to listening to a lecture. To help them feel like they're a part of the conversation, don't be afraid to reference them or directly speak to them in your introduction. For example, you could write something like, “I know a lot of you may strongly disagree with me on this. However, I think if you give me a chance and hear me out, we might end up finding some common ground.” Or, you could include a question like “How many of you here tonight have ever come across plastic that's washed up on the beach?” Then, you can have audience members raise their hands. Practice reading your introduction out loud. Reading the introduction to your persuasive speech out loud is a great way to catch any awkward language and complicated sentences. If you find yourself stumbling over a certain section, stop and revise it. Keep practicing like this until you can confidently read through your introduction and everything flows together nicely. You can even record yourself reading your introduction to get a sense of how you'll look delivering the opening of your speech. | Start off with a hook to grab the audience’s attention. Introduce your thesis statement. Demonstrate to the audience that your argument is credible. Conclude your introduction by briefly previewing the main points you’ll cover. Limit your introduction to 10-15% of the total length of your speech. Write in a conversational tone. Be concise when you’re writing your introduction. Tailor your writing to your audience. Connect with your audience. Practice reading your introduction out loud. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-an-Accounting-Exam | How to Study for an Accounting Exam | To study for an accounting exam, review your notes from class to ensure that you understand key concepts. Additionally, work through any practice problems or discussion questions in your textbook as well as review old homework assignments or quizzes. You can also make flashcards to practice key terms and in what circumstances you'd use them or see them. One you feel like you've studied all of the basic information, try taking practice tests, like those found on The American Institute of Certified Public Accountant's website. | Keep up with the lessons. Many of the lessons in an accounting class build on each other. Being sure that you are keeping up with concepts and how they relate to one another will help with your overall understanding of how each process works together. Review notes after each class to be sure you don't have any questions about the lesson. Look back at any practice problems in the book. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification. For example, if you are having trouble with debt-to-equity ratio, ask your professor for help. Understand why. Accounting terms and processes are set up to be as logical as possible. Understanding why certain things are done in certain ways will give you a stronger insight into what to do to tackle each individual problem. Create flashcards that define terms AND what circumstances you would use them or see them in. Answer any discussion questions in your text book and come prepared to ask questions in your class. It can also be helpful to talk problems out with a classmate or tutor to be sure you understand why it gets solved a certain way. The CPA exam in particular will have many simulations or case studies that will ask you to sort through terms to get to your answer. Work practice problems to understand how. Once you can see why things are done, it's time to focus on learning how to do them. Review old homework assignments. Rework problems you may have missed or may not have fully understood at the time. Work through problems with a partner, discussing the methods you used to solve it to help each other understand more deeply how the process works. Familiarize yourself with key terms and what they mean. Be aware of terms like retained losses and accumulated deficits that can easily be confused. Organize your thoughts. Before you start to workout a problem, take a moment to think about how you will organizing the information to best help you come to a solution. Having a clear method for solving problems can help you keep things focused and relieve stress during an exam. Some longer task based questions are giving in long paragraphs and can have several sections. Practice identifying the relevant information and listing it in on a separate piece of paper. Make sure you understand all the parties involved, the length of time, the situation being described as well as contract or payment terms. Make a list of related facts or amounts. Some questions will contain information that is not needed and simply there to throw you off. Relate the material you're learning to the real world. Sometimes, accounting classes can be so full of numbers that you forget how everything plays out in real life. Tying accounting concepts to real-world applications will make it easier to retain the information. Understand your own strengths and weaknesses. Most students and professors would agree that if you are taking the CPA exam that the Financial Accounting and Reporting section is by far the most difficult and that it requires a rigorous amount of studying to pass. Whatever the exam, it may be best to start with the problems and concepts you know will be challenging so that you can spend the appropriate amount of time on them. Have an understanding of key concepts. Questions on the exam may not be exact copies of the once from homework assignments. Making sure you have a clear understanding of key concepts will make you more confident when you come to questions that might approach the material from another angle than ones you've previously encountered. Try some practice questions from a source outside of your textbook. If you encounter any problems you can't work, this might help highlight areas where you may need additional practice or help from another student or your professor. Review each lesson before and after class. Giving the chapters in the book a thorough reading will allow you to walk into class with at least some understanding of the day's lesson before the professor delivers her lecture. You'll also be more aware of concepts you don't fully understand, which will allow you to pay particular attention to those parts of the lesson as well as come ready with prepared questions to help you clarify anything you still don't understand. Take notes on the chapter before you go into class. Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what your professor is there for! Take time to review notes after class. Revisit anything you are still having trouble with by rereading sections in your textbook or going over notes from the day's lesson. Take a practice test. Once you understand more about the how and the why, the best way to prepare for the test is to hone your skills by practicing what you have learned. Websites like offer modules covering all of the essential concepts in financial accounting. Keep track of your time. Multiple choice questions should only take you a couple of minutes to solve. If you are taking the CPA exam, task based questions can take anywhere from one to two hours. Try to mimic the testing environment. If the test will be on a computer, try taking your practice test online. If you'll have to write everything long hand, try and find a test out of your text book or print one out from a website. The American Institute of CPA's has an online sample tests. Find a quiet place to work. Trying to study in an environment with too many distractions can make it difficult to focus, especially when working out longer problems or attempting to to understand difficult concepts. Go to a library or find a quiet room in your own home. For those that don't mind a bit of white noise, a quiet coffee shop or diner might do the trick. Find a place that is comfortable and free of too many distractions. You'll have a lot of materials so be sure you have a large work area. Some libraries have quiet study rooms with large tables that can be reserved for a few hours at a time. Gather the appropriate materials. Make sure you have everything you need organized in front of you so you don't have to keep interrupting your studies to search for materials. Have all your class notes with you and organized by topic or chapter. Mark the relevant chapters in your textbook with Post-it notes so you can easily flip to the information you need when you need it. Have some extra pens and pencils handy. Have any old homework assignments or exams with you. You may want to refer back to problems you missed and try to rework them. Gather any practice tests you might want to use. Study guides (like those published by Schaum's) are available in several areas of accounting, and can be used to augment your textbook and class notes. Familiarize yourself with the test format. If you have taken a previous test in your class, or if your instructor has made old tests available for study, then you can get an idea of the exam format. This will help you to know what types of problems you should be practicing and how quickly you'll need to work to finish the exam in the allotted time. Fuel your mind and body. Studying for any type of exam takes an enormous amount of focus and endurance. Making sure you eat some healthy foods before and during can help you stay more alert and clear minded. Coffee is fine but avoid having too much. Be sure to eat a good breakfast. Foods like oatmeal, almonds, and fruit can provide you with a lot of energy. Have a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated. Take a break every hour or so to clear move around and clear your mind. Find a study partner or study group. Studying with others can be a helpful way to stay focused and more quickly absorb information. You can help each other out by explaining what you learned best and by hearing about how other students have come to understand concepts you may not feel as confident in. If you can find people who are as serious about learning the material as you are, a study group can be an incredibly helpful resource. Find a group of four to six other hard working students Make clear goals and objectives before each session to help you stay on task. Make sure everyone is participating either in discussions or by helping to work out problems. | Keep up with the lessons. Understand why. Work practice problems to understand how. Organize your thoughts. Relate the material you're learning to the real world. Understand your own strengths and weaknesses. Have an understanding of key concepts. Review each lesson before and after class. Take a practice test. Find a quiet place to work. Gather the appropriate materials. Familiarize yourself with the test format. Fuel your mind and body. Find a study partner or study group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-3D-Letters | How to Draw 3D Letters | To draw 3D letters, start by lightly sketching the letters with a pencil and adding contours around them to give the letters depth and add a 3-dimensional quality. Next, trace around the letters with ink and erase the pencil lines. Then, fill in the top part of the letters with a lighter color and use a darker color for the contours. Finally, add some finishing touches to the letters, like highlights or shadows. | Open your graphic designing program and type in your desired "Text" using the Text box. 3D will be used as the "Text" for this example. Transform the text. Skew, rotate or distort the text to whatever your design needs. Define the front. You will be making copies of the original text so you need to define it by giving it a different color. Duplicate the black text. Keep duplicating the shadow text until you reach the front. Refine the edges to smooth out some jagged edges from the text. Add some finishing touches to the piece like some highlights or some shadows. Sketch the text lightly using a pencil. Don't worry if it's a bit messy as you will ink it later on. Don't forget to add boldness to each letter as you need it to convey shadows. Add depth to the sketch. The trick is to copy the contours of the text/ letters and there you have it, depth! Ink the drawing and erase the sketch. Fill in some colors. The top part should be a lighter color while the depth should be darker. Add some finishing touches to the piece like some highlights or some shadows. Draw simple sticks of the letter A as the main guideline for the bubble letter A. Using the letter A guideline, draw an outline sketch of letter A. Simply draw a very light line that will look like it is covering the letter. If you want it thicker, show more space on the inner part of the bubble letter A. Fill in the basic color. Pick your favorite color and fill it in the bubble letter A outline. Add the highlights. Now, use lighter shade of the color you chose to show the highlight. This shows the 3d effect on the letters. Light and shade is very important in showing the 3D effect on any drawing. Use the same outline sketching for the letter B. Basically, we will be doing the same techniques for the entire alphabet. Fill in the basic color for the letter B. Add the shadow with darker tones of color. Add lighter tone of color, and smudge the areas of the highlight and shadow to show the 3D effect. Draw the simple stick line figure of the letter C. Add the bubble outline sketch for the letter C. Erase the stick figure for the letter C and fill in the basic color. Add the darker and lighter tone, and smudge the colors to show the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect. Draw the outline sketches for letter D bubble letter. Fill in the colors. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Make sure that you are consistent with the light and shade effect. That helps a lot in showing the 3D effect. Draw the outline sketches for the bubble letter E. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade effect for bubble letter E. Draw the outline sketched for bubble letter F. Add the colors which can also be used for the light and shade effect. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Do the same techniques with the bubble letter G. Add the light and shade, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure for letter H. Fill in the colors. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure on the letter I. Add the outline sketch for the bubble letter I. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade color, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect of the letter I. Draw the stick figure for the letter J. Add the outline for the letter I bubble letter figure. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade colors, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect of the bubble letter J. Draw the stick figure for the letter K. Add the outlines for the bubble on the letter K. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows. Draw the stick figure for the letter L. Add the outline sketch for the bubble letter L. Fill in the color, the shadows and the highlights. Blend the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure of the letter M. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter M. Fill in the color. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect for letter M. Draw the stick figure of the letter N. Add the outline sketches for the letter N bubble letter. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the letter N 3D letter. Draw the stick figure for the letter O. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter O. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure for the letter P. Use the same techniques until you get the bubble letter P then fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect of the letter P. Draw the stick figure of the letter Q. Add the bubble letter Q outline sketches. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter Q. Draw the stick figure of the letter R. Use the same techniques until you get the bubble letter R then fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect of the letter R. Draw the stick figure of the letter S. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter S. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter S. Draw the stick figure of the letter T. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter T. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter T. Draw the stick figure of the letter U. Add the outline sketches for the letter U bubble letter. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter U. Draw the stick figure of the letter V bubble letter. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter V. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows. Draw the stick figure of the letter W bubble letter. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter and fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure of the letter X. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter X. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect for the letter X. Draw the stick figure of the letter Y. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter Y. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect for the letter Y. Draw the stick figure of the letter Z. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter Z. Fill in the basic color for letter Z bubble letter. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the letter Z bubble letter. Gather all the 3D bubble letters that you have done. Add more shadow effect to show that there is only one source of light. Lighting effect is very important in drawing any 3D objects. So make sure that everything is synchronized with the light source. Finish the effect by adding the cast shadow. If the light source is coming from the upper areas, the shadows should be shown on the areas that are against the light. | Open your graphic designing program and type in your desired "Text" using the Text box. Transform the text. Define the front. Duplicate the black text. Refine the edges to smooth out some jagged edges from the text. Add some finishing touches to the piece like some highlights or some shadows. Sketch the text lightly using a pencil. Add depth to the sketch. Ink the drawing and erase the sketch. Fill in some colors. Add some finishing touches to the piece like some highlights or some shadows. Draw simple sticks of the letter A as the main guideline for the bubble letter A. Using the letter A guideline, draw an outline sketch of letter A. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlights. Use the same outline sketching for the letter B. Fill in the basic color for the letter B. Add the shadow with darker tones of color. Add lighter tone of color, and smudge the areas of the highlight and shadow to show the 3D effect. Draw the simple stick line figure of the letter C. Add the bubble outline sketch for the letter C. Erase the stick figure for the letter C and fill in the basic color. Add the darker and lighter tone, and smudge the colors to show the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect. Draw the outline sketches for letter D bubble letter. Fill in the colors. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the outline sketches for the bubble letter E. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade effect for bubble letter E. Draw the outline sketched for bubble letter F. Add the colors which can also be used for the light and shade effect. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Do the same techniques with the bubble letter G. Add the light and shade, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure for letter H. Fill in the colors. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure on the letter I. Add the outline sketch for the bubble letter I. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade color, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect of the letter I. Draw the stick figure for the letter J. Add the outline for the letter I bubble letter figure. Fill in the basic color. Add the light and shade colors, then smudge the colors to show the 3D effect of the bubble letter J. Draw the stick figure for the letter K. Add the outlines for the bubble on the letter K. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows. Draw the stick figure for the letter L. Add the outline sketch for the bubble letter L. Fill in the color, the shadows and the highlights. Blend the colors to show the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure of the letter M. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter M. Fill in the color. Smudge the colors to show the 3D effect for letter M. Draw the stick figure of the letter N. Add the outline sketches for the letter N bubble letter. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the letter N 3D letter. Draw the stick figure for the letter O. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter O. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure for the letter P. Use the same techniques until you get the bubble letter P then fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect of the letter P. Draw the stick figure of the letter Q. Add the bubble letter Q outline sketches. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter Q. Draw the stick figure of the letter R. Use the same techniques until you get the bubble letter R then fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadow for the 3D effect of the letter R. Draw the stick figure of the letter S. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter S. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter S. Draw the stick figure of the letter T. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter T. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter T. Draw the stick figure of the letter U. Add the outline sketches for the letter U bubble letter. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the bubble letter U. Draw the stick figure of the letter V bubble letter. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter V. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows. Draw the stick figure of the letter W bubble letter. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter and fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect. Draw the stick figure of the letter X. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter X. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect for the letter X. Draw the stick figure of the letter Y. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter Y. Fill in the basic color. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect for the letter Y. Draw the stick figure of the letter Z. Add the outline sketches for the bubble letter Z. Fill in the basic color for letter Z bubble letter. Add the highlight and shadows for the 3D effect on the letter Z bubble letter. Gather all the 3D bubble letters that you have done. Add more shadow effect to show that there is only one source of light. Finish the effect by adding the cast shadow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Cutworms | How to Control Cutworms | To control cutworms, start by removing the ends of metal cans, or cutting cardboard or plastic to make tubes. Then, push these “collars” into the dirt around your plant stems, so they form a 1-inch deep and 3-inch tall barrier around your plants. For even better results, combine “collaring” with another method of prevention, like sprinkling cornmeal around your plants to kill cutworms that overindulge. Alternatively, you can make a sticky paste from molasses, sawdust, and wheat bran, then put it around your plants to catch approaching cutworms. | Know the signs of a cutworm infestation. You won't see cutworms during the day, since they feed at night. Most gardeners don't know they have a cutworm problem until they see evidence in the morning after a night of feasting has occurred. By then, there's no telling how many worms are in the garden. Catching the population before it explodes will help save your garden. Here's what to look for: Plants cut off near the base of their stems. Plants that are wilting or damaged. Cutworm droppings. Cutworms themselves, which you can find by overturning the soil with your hands in the vicinity of the damage. They can be many different colors, including grey, brown, pink, black, and so on. Some are spotted, some have stripes, and some have no markings. Pick cutworms off your plants at night. Go out at night with a flashlight and pick them off your plants, one by one. Place them in a pail of soapy water to drown and then discard them. Repeat this every few nights until you notice the cutworm population declining. Keep checking throughout the summer for more cutworms. Make plant collars. Cutworms like to feast on plants by chewing through the stems, essentially decapitating your precious vegetable garden. If you place barriers around the stems, the cutworms have a much more difficult time accessing the stems. Cut 4-inch pieces of cardboard, plastic, or another firm material cut in the shape of a tube to serve as collars for your plants. You could also use cardboard tubes or metal cans with the ends removed. The downside to collaring is that every single stem will need its own collar to keep the cutworms away. If you have a large garden with hundreds of plants, you may need to combine this method with others so you don't spend your whole summer fashioning little plant collars. Install the collars around the plant stems. Push them into the soil about an inch deep, so the collars stand about 3 inches (7.6 cm) high. The cutworms won't be able to climb the surface of the cardboard and metal or scoot in underneath the bottom. If you cut out the collars from cardboard or plastic, make sure the seam is securely taped so that there's no gap for cutworms to crawl in. Bolster the plants' stems. To further protect the plants, you can bolster the stems to prevent cutworms from being about to eat through them. Cut a plastic drinking straw to the appropriate lengths. Then, cut a slit in each piece lengthwise and slip the straws over the plant stems. Poke the ends beneath the surface of the soil. Alternatively, you can wrap each stem with a piece of cardboard, thick paper or aluminum foil, taking care to push the sleeve below the soil. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis in your garden. This is a bacterium that is known to kill cutworms, and it's widely available in garden supply stores. It's a natural way to get rid of cutworms without causing harm to plants or animals. Apply it to the soil in the affected area. This bacterium harms other types of moths and butterflies, so if you don't want to hurt any other types of insects, use a different method. Spray pesticides in the afternoon for best results against cutworms. Since they feed after dark, you want the pesticide to be freshly applied when they come to dinner. Reapply the pesticide after each rain until the plants are large enough to be safe from the worms. Try diatomaceous earth. This is a natural powder made from ground up fossils that can be sprinkled around the affected area. It isn't harmful to humans, plants or animals, but it kills insects that walk over it by piercing them and causing them dehydrate. Be sure not to apply this to areas where you want to promote a healthy insect population. Apply the powder around the base of any plants where you suspect cutworm activity. You can apply with a bulb applicator to avoid getting it in your eyes or inhaling it, as this may cause irritation. Try ground up eggshells or coffee grounds as an alternative. Use cornmeal. Cutworms love to eat cornmeal, but it hurts their digestive system. Many will overeat it to the point of killing themselves. Sprinkle some in the affected area of your garden. Just don't overdo it, or you may draw other pests. Make a molasses treatment. If you mix molasses with sawdust and wheat bran, you'll create a thick paste that can be painted in circles around the plants in the area where cutworms hang out. When they crawl over the molasses mixture, it will get stuck to their bodies and prevent them from ruining your plants. Delay planting your garden for a couple of weeks if possible. After the initial eating frenzy in early spring, the number of cutworm larvae and the extent of the damage from them generally decrease. Consider planting a perennial flower garden. Plant it around the outside of your vegetable garden as a form of cutworm prevention. Unlike weeds and tall grasses, the flowers die off in the fall when the adults are looking for places to lay eggs. Till the soil in the spring before planting to expose and kill larvae that wintered over in the soil. Keep your garden neat. Remove weeds from your garden and from the areas around your garden to cut back on places where moths can lay eggs. This also removes some food that keeps cutworms alive. Keep the grass around the garden cut short. Clean up your garden after harvest. Remove all plant debris from the garden after harvest to discourage adult moths from laying eggs. Till the soil again in the fall to expose larvae and decrease the number that survive winter hibernation. If you can, consider allowing chickens to graze in your garden after tilling. They will eat any cutworms present in the soil. Make your garden hospitable to cutworm predators. Keeping your yard animal-friendly is a great way to control cutworms, since birds and many other animals love to eat them. Encourage the following animals to enjoy cutworms in your garden: Toads Moles Fireflies Blackbirds Meadowlarks | Know the signs of a cutworm infestation. Pick cutworms off your plants at night. Make plant collars. Install the collars around the plant stems. Bolster the plants' stems. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis in your garden. Try diatomaceous earth. Use cornmeal. Make a molasses treatment. Delay planting your garden for a couple of weeks if possible. Keep your garden neat. Clean up your garden after harvest. Make your garden hospitable to cutworm predators. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Your-Horse%27s-Body-Language | How to Understand Your Horse's Body Language | To understand your horse's body language, start by monitoring its ear movements. For example, if its ears are positioned forward, your horse is probably relaxed, and if they're pinned flat against the back of its neck, your horse may be angry or feeling aggressive. Nose movements, like nostril flaring, can indicate nervousness or surprise, and if the nose and lips are tightly pinched together, your horse might be stressed or upset. Also, if your horse raises its tail, it's probably excited, and if it presses its tail down between its hindquarters, it may be nervous or stressed. | Read your horse’s ears. Horses use their ears in a variety of ways to communicate. Your horse's ears can either be forward, pinned, turned out to the side, turned back, or rapidly swiveling. Here is a guide to figure out what each movement means: If your horse's ears are positioned forward, this usually means your horse is relaxed. However, if they are sharply pricked forward this means your horse is alert and tuning into something that is either interesting or frightening. If your horse's ears are pinned flat against the back of its neck, this means your horse is angry and aggressive. If your horse's ears are turned out to the side, this generally means your horse is relaxed or sleeping, and many not be attuned to what is going on around it. Be careful not to startle your horse when they are in this position. Instead, call their name or make a noise to rouse their attention. If your horse's ears are pointed backward, but not pinned, this means your horse is trying to listen to something behind it. When combined with swishing tail or other signs of tension in the body, ears that are turned back might be a precursor to pinned ears. If your horse's ears are rapidly swiveling, i.e., flipping back and forth, this means your horse is in a heightened state of anxiety or alertness. Your horse may be trying to identify a frightening sound or smell. When a horse is relaxed, their ears will point in the direction of what they are paying attention to. This means that a horse with its ears pointing backward may just be paying attention to what's going on behind it without being angry or aggressive. Read your horse’s head carriage. You can tell a lot about your horse's mood by observing their head carriage. Your horse's head carriage may be lowered, elevated, or snaking. Here is a guide to figure out what each position means: If your horse's head carriage is lowered, this is a sign of relaxation or a sense of feeling good. Its ears will often hang to the side when its head is in this position. Also, if your horse is in the stall, a lowered head position might indicate that your horse is sleeping. Be careful not to startle your horse. If your horse's head carriage is elevated, the horse is in alert mode, and trying to decipher if it should flee, investigate, or ignore. To prevent your horse from bolting, try to regain its focus on you by saying its name. If your horse's head carriage is snaking, i.e., lowering its head slightly and swinging it back and forth, this is an aggressive act. This is a red alert. Try to diffuse the situation by refocusing its attention, leaving the area, or getting away from the horse. Read your horse’s eyes. Your horse's eyes indicate to you what your horse is thinking, as well as where its attention is focused. Your horse's eyes may be relaxed, tense, darting rapidly, or your horse may be showing the whites of its eyes. Here's a guide to understanding your horse's eye movements: If your horse is relaxed, its eyelids will be relaxed where you will be unable to see the whites of its eyes. If see the muscles tighten around the eye, i.e., tightness around the corner of the eye or a wrinkled upper eyelid, this is an early sign of distress, fear, or discomfort. If you see your horse's eyes darting rapidly, i.e., flicking from side to side, this means he/she is scared and looking for a way to escape. And, if your horse feels trapped, it might react by biting or kicking. If your horse is showing the whites of its eyes, i.e., opening its eyes widely, it is only mildly alarmed or startled. However, in some breeds, like the Appaloosas and Pintos, the whites of the eyes are always visible. Therefore, it is only natural for the whites to show and it is not a sign of alarm. Read your horse’s nose and lips. A horse's nose and lips can communicate a lot about what it's feeling. Your horse's nose and lips may be slack, curled, flaring, or tightly pinched or pursed. Here's a guide to determine what each signal means: If your horse is standing quietly with its lower lip drooping, i.e., slack, it is relaxed and/or might be sleeping. Approach your horse with caution so as not to startle it. However, if your horse is awake and its lower lip is still slack, this may be a sign of a neurological problem. If this happens, you should take your horse to the veterinarian. If your horse is curling its upper lip, also known as flehmen, it means that your horse is sniffing an unfamiliar smell. When a horse sniffs an unfamiliar smell, it raises its head, curls the upper lip, and breathes air through its mouth and back out through its nostrils. If your horse is flaring its nostrils, it means one of two things. It is either out of breath and trying to draw in more air, or, if it is accompanied with a quivering, then your horse is either nervous or startled. Your horse's nostrils should only be flaring if it's been working. If your horse has not been working, then flaring nostrils could be a sign that something is wrong. You should call out a vet to check on your horse. If your horse's nose and lips are tightly pinched or pursed (one of the more subtle gestures), then your horse is either worried, stressed, or scared. Try to diffuse the situation by moving your horse away from the area. Read your horse’s mouth and teeth. You can also understand what your horse is feeling by observing its mouth and teeth. Your horse's mouth and teeth may be grinding, clacking, or gaping. Here's a guide to determine what each signal means: Teeth grinding can be a sign of multiple things. Your horse could be stressed or experiencing pain or discomfort. Clacking teeth is usually a communication tool used by younger horses, or foals. If a younger horse is clacking its teeth, it usually means it is signaling to other horses that it is just a baby and does not want to be hurt. A gaping mouth with visible teeth can mean several things. If your horse is showing its teeth combined with pinned ears and wide eyes, then it is displaying anger and might be seconds away from biting. If a horse is gaping while you are riding it, then the bridle and bit might be causing it pain. Finally, if your horse suddenly stops and opens its mouth with its neck stretched out while eating, it may be choking. Either try to remove the uneaten food or call a veterinarian immediately. Horses are nasal breathers, so they should only be breathing through their nostrils. If your horse is attempting to breathe through its mouth, then something is wrong. Call a vet immediately. Read your horse’s fore legs. Your horses fore legs can be either splayed, pawing, stomping, or striking. Here is a guide to understanding your horse's fore legs: If your horse's fore legs are splayed, i.e., its fore legs are spread out to the sides and the horse is leaning back, then your horse is scared and may be seconds away from bolting. Splayed legs can also be a sign of malnutrition or a neurological impairment, especially if the horse is unwilling to or cannot move. Call a veterinarian. If your horse is tied up, pawing, i.e., an arcing fore leg that is digging a trench in soft ground, may be a sign of boredom and a signal that your horse is either tired of standing or ready to go. Stressed horses may paw if they are in a trailer or before feeding time. Horses may also paw of they are angry, but it is not common. However, if it is combined with pinned ears, then it is a signal that you need to heed. It is a sign of anger or aggression, and charging or some kind of attack, like biting, usually follows it. Some horses develop pawing as a bad behavior to get attention. Knowing your horse's normal behavior can help you figure out if this is why your horse is pawing. If your horse is stomping, i.e., raising and lowering a foot forcefully in place, this is a common sign of irritation. It could be something minor, like a fly, or something bigger, like your horse is frustrated with something you are doing. If your horse is striking its fore legs, i.e., a forceful and aggressive forward kick, this is a sure sign of anger or aggression. It is usually preceded by stomping or pawing, wide eyes, and an elevated head with pinned ears. Take caution if this happens. Read your horse’s hind legs. A horse's hind legs can be either cocked or raised. Learn how to determine the different signals by following this guide: Cocked legs may either signal resting, pain, or irritation. Your horse is relaxing if it rests the leading edge of the hoof on the ground and drops its hip; this is usually combined with a lowered head and ears hanging to the sides. Your horse is in pain if it shifts its weight from one side to another rapidly. On the other hand, if your horse is frustrated and/or defensive, it will cock its hind leg, elevate its head, and cock or pin its ears back. If your horse raises its hind leg, cocks and pins its ear back, and/or sways its head, this is a sign that it is frustrated and bothered and ready to kick. Read your horse’s tail. The tail is one of the more mobile signs of communication. Your horse can raise or flag its tail, clamp it down, or swish it rapidly. Here's a guide to know what each signal means: A raised or flagged tail means your horse is excited. This is a tail that is held above the level of the back. A horse with a flagged tail isn't usually paying much attention to you, and is prone to being startled. Regain your horse's attention by calling its name and putting it to work. A clamped tail, i.e., the tail is pressed down or in between its hindquarters, is a sign of a nervous or stressed horse. Additionally, if your horse clamps its tail while you are riding it, this is a sign of discomfort or pain. Make sure your horse's tack fits well. If the movement persists, contact a veterinarian. If your horse is gently swishing its tail, this is just a sign of fly control. However, if your horse is quickly jerking its tail from side to side or up and down, this is a sign of anger and frustration, and a precursor to bucking or kicking. On the other hand, if your horse is frequently swishing its tail while you are riding, this can be a sign of discomfort; make sure the tack is properly fitted and no sharp or protruding edges are hurting it. Read your horse’s body tension. By reading your horse's body tension, you will be able to tell if your horse is relaxed, stressed, nervous, or scared. Here's a guide to understanding these behaviors: If your horse's muscles are rigid and its movements are stiff, it is either nervous, hurting or stressed. Assess the situation to figure out what is causing your horse to be tensed, and remove your horse from the situation. If your horse is trembling, i.e., its whole body is shaking, this is a sign of fear. Heed the warning signs. By heeding warning signs, like pushy behavior or swinging hindquarters, you will be able to create a space that is safe and comfortable for you and your horse. Here is a guide to understanding these warning signs: If your horse is reaching out to touch you with its muzzle, it might be about to bite you. Or, it could also just be interested in you. Your horse could also be nervous, and might be reaching out to you for reassurance. However, if your horse pushes you with its muzzle, this is a sign that it does not respect you because you have not established that you are a leader. Horses are herd animals that are used to hierarchy and structure. You need to establish dominance so your horse does not push you around. If your horse is swinging its hindquarters from side to side, it can be a warning sign that it is about to kick. However, if swinging hindquarters is associated with a raising of the tail while moving it back and forth, and urinating, and the horse is female, then it is most likely a sign of being in heat. Recognize horse vocalizations. There are four primary signs of horse vocalization. They are: neighs and whinnies, nickers, squeals, and snorts. Here is a guide to determine what each of them means: When a horse neighs or whinnies, the horse is announcing that it is present. It also neighs to acknowledge other horses in the vicinity. Nickers, or softy throaty sounds, are often used by a mare to encourage her baby, i.e. a foal, to eat. Squeals are often used as a threat display and might happen if you introduce two horses to each other. Horses use snorts to signal danger or to alarm other horses that a strange animal has come too close for comfort. Put it all together. To figure out what your horse is trying to tell you through its body language, you need to put all of the pieces together. Consider all of your observations and what they might mean when taken together. For example, if your horse is showing stress through both its ears and legs, then you can conclude that it is stressed. Knowing your horse's personality and normal behavior will help you figure out if the behavior is typical for your horse or if your horse is trying to give you a message. Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, especially if you are new to horses. Ask someone who has grown up around horses or an equine expert, who can teach you what you need to know about horses. | Read your horse’s ears. Read your horse’s head carriage. Read your horse’s eyes. Read your horse’s nose and lips. Read your horse’s mouth and teeth. Read your horse’s fore legs. Read your horse’s hind legs. Read your horse’s tail. Read your horse’s body tension. Heed the warning signs. Recognize horse vocalizations. Put it all together. Ask for help. |
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