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https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Automatic-Writing

How to Do Automatic Writing

Before you start automatic writing, decide on a topic or prompt to focus on, then set a timer for 10 minutes. When you begin, write whatever comes to your mind, and pay no attention to having proper grammar, spelling, or punctuation. If it helps you, try closing your eyes to focus your creativity. Once the 10 minutes is up, you can always continue writing! Remember to give yourself a break after your automatic session before you begin writing or editing again.

Decide on a medium. Do you want to use a computer for your automatic writing session or do you want to use pen/pencil and paper? This is completely based on your personal preference. Some would argue that pen and paper is the only good way to use automatic writing, but if you can type faster than you can write (and you're more comfortable with it), it may be more helpful to use a computer. You can also try out each medium to see which one you prefer, or you can change between the two if you like. Give yourself a question or topic that you want to write about. If you are practicing automatic writing to improve your creativity, or to help yourself get started on a writing assignment, then it will be helpful to have a prompt of some sort. You could, for example, write about something that has been on your mind a lot lately, or about a dream you had recently that stands out in your mind. Perhaps a problem you have, or something you are excited about. Maybe you have an idea for a story in mind, in which case you can use that as your topic. If you don't quite have all the details of story you'd like to write clear, you can simply write about all the different ideas and pieces of the story that you do have. You could, for example, answer the “5 W's” about your topic. That is, Who? What? When? Why? How? Or you could just have the topic you want to write about in mind. Set a timer. 10 minutes should be a good starting point. Setting a timer will help you avoid wondering if you've been writing for long enough. Remember that 10 minutes is merely a suggested starting point. If you want to write for longer, then do so. If you set your timer for 10 minutes, but you feel like you have more to write, you should keep going until you feel that you've gotten it all out. On the other hand, you should not stop writing until the 10 minutes are up. Even if you feel that you have run out of things to write. Keep trying, and eventually your hand will write something. Remember, you can write anything, even if it's a wild tangent from your topic or only loosely related. Close your eyes if you can. Traditionally, a key part of practicing automatic writing is to close your eyes while you write. This prevents you from thinking about something you previously wrote, or from correcting something you have written. If you feel that you will be tempted to peek at your work during this exercise, you might also consider putting on a blind fold while you work. If you find that you cannot write with your eyes closed, then do it with your eyes open, but remember that you are not allowed to stop writing to change what you have written. Do not cross anything out, do not erase, do not stop. If your mind suddenly changes directions, then simply start writing whatever it is you are thinking, even if it means starting a new sentence in the middle of a different one. Do a calming activity if you don't like closing your eyes. You can listen to instrumental music, meditate , or listen to a guided meditation before and/or during your automatic writing session. This will relax you and make it easier for the words to flow. You might meditate before your writing session, then listen to instrumental music while you write. Start writing. Write whatever comes in to your mind as it comes into your mind. Ideally, it will be related to your topic, but if it is unrelated, you should still write it. Pay absolutely no attention to grammar, spelling, sentence structure, style, or anything that you would normally be worried about when writing. These things are of absolutely no importance in automatic writing. Relax. After you have completed a round of writing, stop your writing, and give yourself a break for a few minutes. Read what you have written. Now you should go back to what you have written and read through it. Don't judge yourself harshly. What you have written may not make any sense at all, and it definitely won't be pretty. Highlight or circle anything that is interesting to you. As you are reading, you may find things that you find particularly interesting. You should make note of these by highlighting them or circling them to come back to. Using these ideas, you can complete another round of automatic writing, if you feel that you want to continue the exercise. Continue with your writing. If, after using automatic writing you feel that you are ready to move on to the next step in your writing process, then do so. On the other hand, if you feel that you have moved forward, but still haven't gotten what you wanted out of the exercise, feel free to repeat as often as necessary. Find a place that is free of distraction. You will need a comfortable place, where you won't be interrupted in order to use automatic writing in a more spiritual way. You do not have to do this exercise for any particular amount of time, so there is no need to set a timer. However, some recommend setting aside 30-45 minutes to do your writing. Decide on how you will write. Are you more comfortable writing with pen and paper, or do you prefer typing on a computer? This is completely based on your personal preference. While there are those that argue that it is best to use pen and paper, you should generally stick to what you are more comfortable doing. If you're not sure how you want to do it, try doing it both ways and choose whichever is more comfortable for you. If you use a computer, use whatever word processor you most typically use (e.g. Microsoft Word, NotePad, TextEdit on Mac, etc.) Clear your mind. Do your best to clear your mind of all thoughts, for example, about things you have to do later in the day, things you are worried about, etc. If you are particularly stressed, upset, angry, or worried about something, then put off your session for another time. It will be difficult to clear your mind if you have a big issue you are focused on. Take a few deep breaths, try focusing on the air going in and out of your nostrils, and how it feels. Is it cold going in and warm going out? Is it shallow or deep? Clearing your mind is a skill that you must practice. As you practice more, you will improve. Call on the entity you wish to channel. This might be “spirit guides”, “angels”, or “my higher self”, for example. If you wish to do this, you can do it by praying to them or through meditation. Some suggest that this is a good idea, while other's leave it out altogether. Do what feels right for you. Close your eyes. Keeping your eyes closed will allow you to let your mind communicate more directly with your hand(s), and keep you from judging what is coming out on the paper or screen. For this method, it is absolutely imperative that you have your eyes closed. If you feel afraid to close your eyes, then focus your eyes on the wall in front of you. Although you may end up with nothing more than marks on a page, you will improve with time. If the entity you are channeling wishes to write words and sentences, then they will do so. Put your pen to the paper. If you are using a computer, put your hands on the keyboard as though you were about to type something. Let your hands do what they want. Type, write, or draw whatever comes into your mind. If you are using paper, this may mean drawing symbols or doodles. If you want to have questions answered when channeling entities, you can also do this. Begin by writing down the question you want answered, and then letting your hand freely guide you to the answer. Don't try to interpret anything that you are drawing, writing, or typing as it is happening. Simply let it happen. Your mind may try to come back into control, but do your best to simply let the thoughts flow freely. Only you will be able to know when an automatic writing session is over. Keep going for as long as it feels comfortable, and stop if/when it begins to feel negative or uncomfortable. Take a deep breath. When you are finished with your session, take a few deep breaths to come back to yourself. If you wish, you can thank the entity you have channeled. Look over what you have written. At this point, you can see what has come out on the page/screen. Hopefully you find something that makes sense for you. If not, try not to worry. Put it away for the day, and try again tomorrow. This is a skill that takes a lot of practice. Remember that even if you are not able to achieve the result you desire, automatic writing is still great for strengthening your creativity. Keep copies of the writings. Over time, you may see patterns, ongoing messages or other connections that are worth piecing together.

Decide on a medium. Give yourself a question or topic that you want to write about. Set a timer. Close your eyes if you can. Do a calming activity if you don't like closing your eyes. Start writing. Relax. Read what you have written. Highlight or circle anything that is interesting to you. Continue with your writing. Find a place that is free of distraction. Decide on how you will write. Clear your mind. Call on the entity you wish to channel. Close your eyes. Put your pen to the paper. Let your hands do what they want. Take a deep breath. Look over what you have written. Keep copies of the writings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-You-Are-Addicted-to-Wearing-Diapers-as-an-Adult

How to Determine if You Are Addicted to Wearing Diapers as an Adult

If you think you might be addicted to wearing diapers as an adult, you're not alone, and there are a few common signs you can look out for. If you find yourself thinking about wearing diapers a lot when you can't wear them, you might have a bit of a dependency. Wearing diapers may also interfere with your daily life and your relationships if you're addicted. If you've tried to cut back or stop wearing diapers, but you found that it's too difficult, you might have a dependency on diapers. However, even if you feel like you can't stop, it's nothing to be ashamed of, and if you're not hurting anyone, it's entirely your choice. If it's affecting your mental health or relationships though, try talking to a therapist, who can help you work through your negative feelings around wearing diapers.

Monitor whether your thoughts are consumed by wearing diapers. You may find yourself continuously thinking about diapers and wearing diapers. If you think about diapers and diaper wearing constantly in a way that interferes with daily living, it may signal a problem. Persistent thoughts about obtaining a certain thing can be a marker of addiction. You may struggle to get things done because you are thinking about diapers. Has your work productivity declined, or are you finding it harder to get things done around the house? You may find your thoughts getting off track due to thinking about diapers or diaper wearing. Ask yourself if your diaper wearing interferes with daily living. If you struggle to engage in normal, functional behavior (such as getting up, going to work, buying groceries, and cleaning) because of your diaper wearing, this also may be a problem. Interfering behaviors can be emotionally painful, and it's important to regain control of behaviors before they spiral out of control. Note if diapers interfere with relationships. If you've had difficulty relating to people due to your diaper usage, this may be a problem. You may struggle with family or your partner because of diaper use, yet use diapers despite the problems they cause in your social life. When habits or lifestyles interfere with social functioning, yet you still continue to engage despite the problems they cause, it can indicate an addiction. Reflect whether you've experienced relationship decline since using diapers regularly. Think about whether your relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and partner have suffered. Declining relationships may be limited or no contact, more tension, or difficulty relating. Monitor your behaviors. If you've noticed that your behaviors have changed since starting to wear diapers, reflect on their impact on your life. If you've noticed that you cannot go without diapers, spend a lot of time in diaper-related activities that detract from daily functioning, and have limited interests due to your diaper fascination, this can be behavioral markers of addiction. You may try to cut back on diaper usage, but find yourself unable to limit your diaper usage. You may continue to use diapers even when negative outcomes are likely, such as not having enough money to sustain the diapers each week. You may even try to stop wearing diapers altogether and find it too difficult. Examine how the diapers make you feel. If they make you happy and are a satisfying part of your (or you and your partner's) environment there is nothing to fear. Should they make you feel sad, socially isolated or depressed, consider changing your use. If you've developed a dysfunctional emotional response to diaper wearing, this may mark a degree of addiction. Examples of dysfunctional responses may include feeling extremely anxious when you run out of diapers or when in situations you cannot wear one, running to diapers as the only thing to soothe you, or feeling emotionally dependent on wearing diapers. Think about the way diapers make you feel, both before you wear one and while you wear one. Ask yourself if you have any negative feelings about wearing diapers. Be honest if you isolate yourself by wearing diapers. Wearing diapers at home may create a sense of safety in the home, and a feeling of fear if you leave the home. If you tend to shy away from leaving the house because you are wearing diapers, consider only wearing them in the privacy of your own home. Isolation begets more isolation, to the point where social interaction can become awkward and uncomfortable. Before getting to that point, make sure you have plans to be with other people regularly. Create a schedule for when you wear diapers and when you do not. Don't let diaper wearing interfere with you living your life and making time for friends and family. Reach out for help. If you struggle with your relationship to diapers or want to change your diaper habits, talking to a therapist can be helpful. A therapist can help you develop a work-through plan to adjust to the emotions associated with wearing a diaper. You can begin moving away from diaper wearing altogether or work on creating a more healthy relationship with diaper wearing if you struggle to balance a healthy life with wearing diapers. Seeing a therapist can help with any conflicted feelings you have about having a fetish or telling a partner. Challenge your thoughts. Obsessive thoughts about anything can interfere with daily living and social circles. Don't let the thoughts take over; instead, learn to challenge them. When you find your thoughts distracted by wearing diapers, get back on track. As soon as you acknowledge your wandering thoughts, get back to whatever business is in front of you. Practice focused attention meditation. Keep your attention on one object, such as your breath, a photo, or a flower. You'll find your mind wandering, and when it does, bring it back. With practice, this meditation can help you navigate your thoughts and increase your overall focus. If you find your thoughts always on diaper wearing and you can't seem to refocus, take a break. Get up and drink some water, have something to eat, or take a walk. Ask yourself when you intend to wear diapers. Perhaps you are choosing to cut down on wearing diapers for personal, environmental, or cost-related reasons. You can choose to wear diapers only at home, only to bed, or only in sexual roles. If you are concerned about how wearing diapers may affect you personally or professionally, keeping the diapers at home will lead to fewer worries about diapers affecting your social and work life. If you are cutting down on your use, be realistic, both financially and emotionally. Create a plan for when you will wear diapers and how often you will wear and replace them. Determine how many diapers you want to wear over the course of a given week. To keep a balanced life consider the economics of wearing diapers. You can determine when to use a diaper (all day, only at home, only at night) and how to use it (for sexual foreplay, for leisure, to wet). Wetting the diaper will result in the use of 3-5 diapers depending on thickness, wetness at change and consumption of liquids. Use the toilet when possible. If you want to cut down on diaper usage, use the toilet for all elimination. This will cut down on costs and consumption of materials. Using the toilet will also make you appear 'normal' at work or at social functions if you are concerned that people will discover your diaper wearing. Limit the use of diapers to wetting or just staying dry will limit the negative feedback or embarrassing moments. Consider that other people will be bothered by a smelly diaper. If you and your partner enjoy a dirty diaper as a fetish, practice this at home and not in public. Be considerate of other people when wearing diapers in public. While the experience may be pleasant for you, it may be unpleasant for those around you. Be proud. Even if you choose to cut back on your diaper wearing, it's important not to feel ashamed to wear diapers. If it is your (and possibly your partner's) choice to wear diapers, be proud of it. While you should not intrude on other people's personal space with your diaper choice, there is no need to be ashamed. Enjoy it as part of your life.

Monitor whether your thoughts are consumed by wearing diapers. Ask yourself if your diaper wearing interferes with daily living. Note if diapers interfere with relationships. Monitor your behaviors. Examine how the diapers make you feel. Be honest if you isolate yourself by wearing diapers. Reach out for help. Challenge your thoughts. Ask yourself when you intend to wear diapers. Determine how many diapers you want to wear over the course of a given week. Use the toilet when possible. Be proud.

https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Common-Stalking-Behavior

How to Spot Common Stalking Behavior

To know if someone is stalking you, look for obsessive or controlling behaviors, as well as lack of respect for your boundaries. For example, they may constantly text you or ask to know exactly what you're doing each day. Be wary of a person who knows more about you than you've told them, such as your route to work or when you go to the gym, since this may indicate they're keeping tabs on you. You may also notice they develop obsessive tendencies, such as needing to see you every day, even though you'd ve told them to leave you alone. Remember that stalking can be intimidating and dangerous if you're the target, so seek help from your local authorities if you spot somebody behaving like this towards you.

Notice an immediate and persistent need to contact you. A stalker may begin to immediately reach out to you and contact you incessantly. This person may begin to call, text, email and visit you to a degree that feels invasive to you. If the contact feels outside of social norms and exceeds your comfort level, the behavior may be related to stalking. Perhaps the person reaches out to you over several social media platforms and “friends” you, then begins to text you non-stop. You may begin to feel uncomfortable. Recognize someone who is clingy or keeping tabs on you. A person with stalker tendencies may insist you bring him or her to events, or to tag along to meetups with friends or family. The person may insist on knowing where you're going or knowing your plans. You may begin to feel uneasy with someone always wanting to know your whereabouts or plans for the day. If someone insists on knowing what you do each day, this can be a red flag. There's a difference between being interested in your life and becoming obsessed with your whereabouts. If you begin to date someone who shows these traits, reconsider seeing him or her again. Be aware if they know more about you than you’ve told them. A stalker may have information about you that you have never provided. The person may research you and know information about you, your workplace, your friends, family members, and favorite places. They may know your route to and from work, what time you go to the gym, and any other patterns in your schedule. You may notice that the person slips up and says something you never told them. This can be a warning sign. Identify social awkwardness. A stalker may not know the boundaries of acceptable social behavior. The person may be socially awkward, have little to no social awareness, and not “fit in” in groups. The stalker may have little awareness as to how people interact with others or make assumptions for how others see them. Often, the person has no or few personal relationships and has low self-esteem. Some people are simply awkward, not stalkers. If the person doesn't seem to obsess over you, isn't threatening, and doesn't seem attached to you in particular, then they probably just aren't good at socializing. Consider how they respond to boundaries. Notice what happens if you politely set a boundary with them, such as "please don't talk to me when I'm working" or "please don't call after 9pm; I need this time to unwind alone." While regular people will respect this, a stalker will not. They may ignore your boundaries, try a different technique to invade your space (e.g. spying), or intimidate you so that you are afraid to set boundaries. Some socially awkward people, and people with developmental disabilities, have trouble reading body language. But, if you clearly ask them not to do something, they are capable of respecting that. Be alert to unannounced visits. Someone with stalking tendencies may drop in and visit you unannounced. This is troubling if you tell someone you have plans and the person shows up without telling you first. Pay attention to this warning sign that the person is not attending to your boundaries or respecting your privacy. The person may act innocent enough, but pay attention to your own feelings. Do you feel uneasy or threatened, even just a little? Does the visit feel a bit aggressive or invasive to you? You might also notice that you bump into the person often when you are out. This may be because the person has memorized your schedule and knows where to find you throughout the day. Recognize physically aggressive behavior. A stalker may want to have you all to themselves. If you begin to distance yourself, the person may become increasingly aggressive and intimidating. Any thoughts of you leaving can cause severe distress to the person and trigger feelings of abandonment. The person may get physically aggressive. This person may follow you closely or stand near you as if to say, “you cannot get away from me, even if you try.” Watch out for other serious behaviors. Stalking can take many forms. If you feel that the behavior someone if showing you may be considered stalking, then seek help from your local authorities. Some other serious behaviors that you should report immediately include: Vandalizing your property. Sending things to you in the mail, such as pictures, letters, or other items. Driving by your house frequently. Making false police reports about you. Respond to the stalking. If you believe you are being stalked, take some action. If someone is familiar to you and begins to feel threatening, clearly communicate on no uncertain terms that you wish to be left alone. Limit your social media usage and increase your security everywhere: change your house locks, lock your windows, change your phone number, and adjust your daily patterns. Avoid going places alone and tell your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors about your situation and ask for their help in keeping you safe. Never confront your stalker alone. Always have someone - a friend, a family member, or an acquaintance - present with you. If necessary, alert the police. Recognize delusions. Many stalkers suffer from delusions. The delusions may be that you have something the person needs or wants, that you are this person's one and only soulmate, or that you hold secrets that the person must know. The delusions may feed the stalking behavior, and the person will believe the delusions as true. Identify intensity. Most stalkers come off as very intense people. When you first meet a stalker, you may notice that they maintain intense and enduring eye contact. This may feel flattering at first but can begin to feel threatening. This person may believe that the two of you hold a very strong bond or are meant to be together. This intensity may come out through a barrage of texts, frequent visits, or elaborate ways of getting your attention. Notice obsessiveness. A stalker may have obsessive tendencies. They may not take no for an answer, and may show behaviors or have thinking that is highly fixated. This obsessiveness can be very off-putting for others, yet the person lacks awareness of how the behavior affects others. The person may become so fixated in thoughts and behaviors that the stalking behavior becomes central to their life. For example, a stalker may become obsessed with seeing you every day, or knowing what you will do next. Pay attention to a need for control. Feeling in control feeds stalking behaviors. The more the person knows about you, the more they feel powerful or in control of or over you. Often, control is obtained by knowing as much information about you as possible. This is especially true regarding social media. A stalker may ask you about photos or events in very specific ways. If someone asks you multiple times about the person you were with in a photo or about a specific location of a post, this can be a red flag. Be aware of grand gestures. Often, a stalker will believe that you are the only person they can love. This romanticism can quickly turn to obsession and stalking behavior. This person, who you are not romantically involved with, may seek you out or try to win you over by doing grand gestures to prove feelings of love. This can include buying you expensive things, traveling far distances to see you, or lavishly proposing to you. Recognize common demographics. Some patterns have emerged regarding stalkers within the USA. Some things to look for include someone who is unemployed or underemployed, in the late 30's to 40's, and intelligent (often a high school and/or college graduate). Stalkers tend to be male but can also be female. Substance abuse and personality disorders are common in people who stalk. Identify if it’s someone you know. Most often, people are stalked by someone they know. The most common stalker is an ex. This can be especially dangerous if the ex has a history of domestic violence. An ex may show up at your workplace and put you and other people in danger. Someone you know may know what places you frequent and threaten you there. If you have an ex you think may be dangerous, alert workplace security and provide a photo of the person. You may want to alert your coworkers to any potential danger by saying, “A dangerous person is trying to reach me. Please do not let the door open for this person.” Some people stalk for revenge and may be an ex-coworker, vindictive relative, or scorned friend. Identify whether your stalker is a stranger. Being stalked by a stranger may be just as much a reason for concern as being stalked by someone you know, since it's impossible to know the stranger's motives and whether the person is dangerous. Some common reasons a stranger may stalk you include if he or she lusts for you, agrees or disagrees with your political views, considers you a celebrity, or feels loved-scorned by you. If you suspect you are being stalked by a stranger, report this concern to the police. Seek help to get rid of a stalker. If you are being stalked, then it is important for you to seek help as soon as possible. If not stopped, then stalking can escalate into a dangerous situation for you. Contact your local authorities as soon as possible to get help. If you feel like you are in immediate danger, then call emergency services right away.

Notice an immediate and persistent need to contact you. Recognize someone who is clingy or keeping tabs on you. Be aware if they know more about you than you’ve told them. Identify social awkwardness. Consider how they respond to boundaries. Be alert to unannounced visits. Recognize physically aggressive behavior. Watch out for other serious behaviors. Respond to the stalking. Recognize delusions. Identify intensity. Notice obsessiveness. Pay attention to a need for control. Be aware of grand gestures. Recognize common demographics. Identify if it’s someone you know. Identify whether your stalker is a stranger. Seek help to get rid of a stalker.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Eating-Sugar

How to Stop Eating Sugar

To stop eating sugar, try to avoid sodas and fruit juice, which contain lots of sugar. If you're craving sugar, try eating a piece of fruit, since it contains natural sugars that are much healthier than the processed variety. You should also aim to eat small meals every 3 to 5 hours so you stay full. Additionally, eat plenty of protein and dark green vegetables, like broccoli, which can also help control sugar cravings.

Make a commitment to break your sugar habit. Whatever your reason for reducing your sugar intake, making a mental commitment is an important first step. Tell yourself that you're going to stop eating sugar and that this is the best health decision you can make. Keep that commitment in your mind when your diet starts. Try making a list of reasons why you want to quit eating sugar like losing weight, preventing diabetes, or just generally being healthier. This way, you can visualize why you're making the commitment. Pick a date that your diet will start and mark that on your calendar. Either go cold-turkey on that day, or start scaling back your sugar consumption. Check the nutrition labels on all the food you buy. You might not realize how much added sugar is in the food you eat every day. Get into the habit of reading nutrition labels on all the products you buy to check the sugar content. Buy low-sugar foods that have less than 6 g of sugar per serving. Remember to look at the serving size on foods as well. Usually, there are multiple servings in one package, so you'll eat a lot more sugar than you intended to if you have the whole package at once. Limit your added sugar intake to 25-36g per day. This range is the official World Health Organization recommendation for added sugars, meaning sugars that manufacturers use during the production process. Women should limit their intake to 25 g and men should limit theirs to 36 g. Plan your meals around these limits so you don't eat too much sugar. Use nutrition labels and add up the total sugar content in the ingredients you're using. If ingredients don't have nutrition labels, check online or use an app to look up its sugar content. These numbers represent the maximum recommended intake. The further below that number you are, the better off you are. Continue eating naturally-occurring sugar. Daily sugar limits only refer to added sugars, not natural ones. This is because many foods that are very healthy, like fruit and vegetables, actually contain sugars. Naturally-occurring sugars, however, don't cause the same harm that added sugars do. This is why health recommendations only tell you to limit added sugars, not natural ones. In the US, guidelines from the FDA mandate that food labels need to show both the total sugars and the added sugars in all foods. Pay attention to the added sugars section. Learn all the names for sugar so you can spot it on nutrition labels. While nutrition labels should tell you all the added sugars of foods, you should also learn to recognize the names that sugar goes by. This way, you can tell if a product has added sugars even if the amounts aren't listed. Common sugar types are glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. Some additives that contain a lot of sugar are molasses, honey, corn syrup, and hydrolyzed starch. Add your own sweeteners instead of buying sweetened products. Manufacturers often pack their products with added sugars to improve the flavor. A good strategy is buying as many unsweetened products as you can and adding your own sugar. This way, you can control the amount that you add, and you'll probably need a lot less than the manufacturers would have added. Measure your sugar out instead of pouring it in. 1 teaspoon is 4 grams of sugar, or about 12% of the daily recommended sugar serving. Only add 1-2 teaspoons to stay within the daily limit. Tea and coffee are usually packed with sugar if you buy them already sweetened. Add your own sugar to reduce your sugar intake. Remember to keep a close eye on how much sugar you add. It's very easy to overdo it. Avoid dessert items as much as you can. Desserts are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of high-sugar foods, and for good reason. These products are packed with sugar, so get as few as possible to stick with your low-sugar diet. If you still want to have some desserts, check the nutrition labels and find products that have less sugar than other dessert items. Remember that most desserts are high in sugar, though. Try to save dessert foods for celebrations or special occasions. Little cheat days now and then can keep you motivated. Stop drinking sodas and other sugary drinks. If you regularly drink soda, you may actually be drinking more sugar than you eat. Some sodas have double the daily limit of added sugars in just one serving. Drinks like these have no nutritional value, so try to cut them out entirely. Replace them with water or seltzer, and add some chopped fruit for flavor if you want. Check the sugar content on fruit juices as well. These can also be very sugary. Also be careful with prepared coffee drinks like lattes and frappes. These usually have a lot of added sugar. Order yours with no sugar, or stick with a simple coffee instead. Replace white bread and flour with whole wheat products. White bread products are enriched with simple carbohydrates. These products have a high glycemic index, meaning they make your blood sugar spike, so avoid them as much as you can. Replace these products with whole wheat or grain varieties instead. Generally, white products are enriched. White bread, bagels, muffins, and rice tend to have high glycemic indexes. Find low-sugar breakfast cereals. Breakfast cereals are a hidden source of sugar in many people's diets. Depending on the type, some cereals have over 15 g of added sugars, along with enriched flours. This could add a lot of sugar to your diet, so use caution when you get cereal. Read all the labels and get cereals with low sugar. If you don't like the taste of low-sugar cereal, try adding fruit or cinnamon for more flavor. Cut sugary condiments out of your diet. Condiments are another sneaky way that you might be adding a lot of sugar to your diet. Ketchup, barbeque sauce, salad dressings, teriyaki sauce, and some tomato sauces are loaded with sugar for flavoring. Check the labels on all the condiments you buy and eliminate ones with high sugar contents. You can still use some of these condiments, but limit the serving size. Measure out a spoonful to control the amount you have. Some low-sugar condiments are mustard, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, and relish. Still check the nutrition labels, because some brands may add sugar. Cut the amount of sugar you add to things in half. If you don't want to stop using sugar cold-turkey, a good strategy is making an immediate reduction in the amount that you use. If you regularly add sugar to your coffee, food, or baked goods, cut the amount that you use in half. Your craving for sweet foods is part of the addition. Once you break your habit, food and drinks that are less sweet will taste just fine to you. As you get used to less-sweet foods and drinks, you can reduce your sugar usage even more until you gradually cut it out entirely. Replace sugar with other spices and flavorings. When you swear-off sugar, treat it as an opportunity to explore other flavors. You might not know what you were missing while you were adding sugar to everything! Try some sugar substitutes to introduce new flavors to your food. Common sugar replacements are cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and apple sauce. Try to avoid artificial sugar substitutes like Sweet'n'Low as much as you can. These are sugar-free, but don't have a good effect on weight-loss or other health goals. Use fruit as a sugar replacement. Fruit is naturally-sweet and can sweeten your food and drinks without any added sugar. Chop up some of your favorite fruits and add them to your oatmeal, drinks, pancakes, and baked items to get a sweet flavor without sugar. Try infusing your water or seltzers with chopped fruit like lemon, grapes, and raspberries. This adds flavor and nutrition to plain drinks. Dried fruits like raisins and cranberries are good ways to sweeten your oatmeal or cereal. Be sure to check and make sure they aren't coated in any sugar, though. Bake your own desserts with non-sugar alternatives. By baking your own desserts, you can control the amount of sugar you in them. You could even replace sugar altogether with different ingredients. This is a great way to continue enjoying desserts without overdoing it with sugar. Cinnamon and nutmeg are good non-sugar ingredients to bake with. Many people replace sugar with apple sauce in baking recipes. This is a much healthier alternative. Stop buying sugary foods altogether. If sugary foods are in your home, then you'll probably be tempted to eat them. It's best to get rid of all the desserts and sugary foods you own and stop buying more altogether. With that temptation removed, you can handle your cravings without giving in. If you live with others, try to get them to support you by not leaving sugary foods lying around. They could hide them somewhere and not eat them while you're around. If you do need some desserts for company or a holiday, try to get it the day of the event so you're not tempted to eat it before. Add protein to every meal. Protein keeps your blood sugar stabilized, which can prevent cravings as you wean yourself off sugar. It also helps keep you full, so you'll have fewer hunger cravings as well. Include a source of protein in every meal to keep your body nourished and free from sugar cravings. Good protein sources are chicken and poultry, fish, beans, nuts and seeds, peanut or almond butter, eggs, and dairy products. Try to avoid protein sources with a lot of saturated fats, like red meat. These are bad for your cardiovascular health. Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and handy to carry around. Try packing some in your bag for a quick snack if you feel a craving during the day. Include healthy fats in your diet. Similar to protein, fats slow the release of sugar in your body and keep your blood sugar regulated. Polyunsaturated fats, also called healthy or good fats, are the best type because your body breaks them down slowly for a sustained energy release. Good fat sources are avocados, oily fish like salmon, nuts, and olive oil. Avoid saturated fats from processed or fried foods and red meats. Avoid skipping meals so your blood sugar doesn’t crash. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, causes a blood sugar drop. Besides hunger and fatigue, this causes increased sugar cravings. Eating balanced meals at regular times is one of the best ways to avoid these cravings. If you regularly get hungry during the day, pack some healthy snacks like nuts to have on the go. Exercise regularly to reduce cravings. Studies show that exercise helps reduce cravings of all kinds, including cravings for sugar. Stay active to handle your own sugar cravings. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days per week for the best results. Aerobic or weight-bearing exercises have similar effects. As long as you're staying active, you should see some positive benefits. If you're swearing off sugar to lose weight, then getting regular exercise will help you reach that goal. Find healthy stress-management strategies. Stress-eating is common, and people usually pick unhealthy, sugary foods for their stress-eating. Try to find other stress management techniques that don't involve snacking. You have many choices, so use some stress-reducing exercises and enjoyable activities to control your stress. Relaxation exercises like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing are great activities for stress-reduction. Any activities you enjoy also help reduce stress. Whether like knitting, playing guitar, watching movies, or playing videogames, all of these will help cut down on your stress and anxiety. Distracting your mind with enjoyable activities also distracts you from cravings.

Make a commitment to break your sugar habit. Check the nutrition labels on all the food you buy. Limit your added sugar intake to 25-36g per day. Continue eating naturally-occurring sugar. Learn all the names for sugar so you can spot it on nutrition labels. Add your own sweeteners instead of buying sweetened products. Avoid dessert items as much as you can. Stop drinking sodas and other sugary drinks. Replace white bread and flour with whole wheat products. Find low-sugar breakfast cereals. Cut sugary condiments out of your diet. Cut the amount of sugar you add to things in half. Replace sugar with other spices and flavorings. Use fruit as a sugar replacement. Bake your own desserts with non-sugar alternatives. Stop buying sugary foods altogether. Add protein to every meal. Include healthy fats in your diet. Avoid skipping meals so your blood sugar doesn’t crash. Exercise regularly to reduce cravings. Find healthy stress-management strategies.

https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Biology

How to Teach Biology

To teach biology, use a variety of instructional methods that support both active and passive learning styles. For example, you can engage your students by incorporating hands-on activities like dissection, gardening, and using microscopes. Holding field trips to places like botanical gardens, zoos, and science museums can make biology feel more exciting for students. Videos, podcasts, games, and participatory lectures can also be effective and fun ways to make the subject matter feel more interactive!

Relate biology to everyday life. Some students will be naturally drawn to biology, while others will ask why they should care about it. All students will benefit if you can show how biological concepts and questions are relevant to daily life. This will deepen their appreciation of the science and make it more relatable. Do things like: Share with your class news items on medicine, DNA, the environment, population growth, and other topics that biology touches upon. Offer extra credit to students who will give a brief in-class report on a reference to a biological concept they came across in a television show, movie, etc. Ask them to explain the reference, what biological concept it dealt with, and why it is important. Talk about careers that draw on biology, such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, conservation, public health, etc. You can even invite individuals practicing in these fields to visit your class, talk about their work, and answer student questions. Incorporate hands-on activities. If you can make the study of biology tangible for students, they are likely to be more invested in their education. There are lots of ways of bringing biology to life, so to speak. Students can do things like: Plant a garden to learn about photosynthesis. Raise butterflies or other animals to learn about the life cycle. Dissect specimens to learn about anatomy. Test samples of store-bought yeast to see whether or not they are alive. Look at slides of various kinds of cells. Incorporate multimedia materials. Creating a little variety in the format of your instructional materials can make your biology course more lively. In addition to textbooks, try to incorporate videos, podcasts, and other forms of media when introducing topics in biology. Look for ways to bridge technology and biology. There are lots of opportunities for those interested in technology to deepen their involvement with biology, and vice versa. Be open to new and exciting modes of instruction, and invite your students to share the technological concepts and tools that interest them. For instance: There are valuable resources devoted to using the popular game Minecraft in educational contexts, including biology courses. Allow students to utilize technology for assignments in your course. For instance, students with interest in web design might develop a website to illustrate a biological concept. Utilize science games to teach biology. A little friendly competition in the form of educational games can be a nice way to spice up your biology course. There are resources available for developing biology-centered versions of games like: Jeopardy Quiz bowl Taboo Pictionary Twenty questions Host biology-centered field trips. An occasional trip outside of your classroom can be a welcome change of pace and a real opportunity to enrich student's understanding of biology. Depending on what is available in your area, and what your school will allow, you might be able to arrange a visit to places like: A local science museum A botanical garden A zoo A farm A research lab Try different approaches to teaching. Some learning is passive (students receive knowledge from an instructor), while some is active (students take more responsibility for exploring and understanding topics). There is room for both types in any classroom. The key is to find the right mixture and balance of the two. Incorporate a variety of instructional methods, including: Lecturing Cooperative learning (students help each other learn about a topic) Concept mapping Discussion Reading Hands-on activities Make lectures participatory. Oftentimes, lectures are the most efficient way to present information to students. However, both students and instructors often want lectures to be more interactive. This can be a challenge if you are lecturing to a large number of students, but there are certainly ways of making it work. Utilize the Socratic method by periodically asking students questions. In a large lecture course, not everyone may have the chance to speak each day, but students will feel more involved. Have students come to the lecture with pre-prepared questions. You can then address some of their questions. This lets students know that they are being listened to. Consider incorporating iClickers or similar technologies into your lecture courses so that students can respond to informal quizzes or polls during class. This lets you gauge how well they are understanding a topic, and gives them an opportunity to get involved. In smaller classes, set aside plenty of time for open discussion. Expect students to be able to talk about biological topics, ask questions, etc. Incorporate writing. Some students might think of biology as all about facts, data, and multiple choice questions. By giving them writing assignments, however, you will share an important part of the scientific process with them, and have an additional opportunity to assess how well they understand a given topic. You don't have to overgrade students. It's easy to incorporate low-stakes writing exercises in your class. For instance, at the end of each session, have them write a paragraph summarizing what they learned. Rather than assigning a grade to their responses, open the next class session by discussing them. Use peer teaching methods. Allow some opportunities for collaborative learning. For instance, break students into groups and assign each group the task of researching a certain aspect of a topic (such as stages in the life cycle of plants). Then, have each group report to the whole class on what they have learned. Students will enjoy the fun and responsibility of teaching their peers. Read journals and other resources on teaching biology. There are a variety of resources that can help you teach biology in fresh and exciting ways. For specific ideas, and to learn about new developments in teaching biology, regularly read journals and websites like: The biology collection at the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT). The American Biology Teacher CBE Life Sciences Education Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching

Relate biology to everyday life. Incorporate hands-on activities. Incorporate multimedia materials. Look for ways to bridge technology and biology. Utilize science games to teach biology. Host biology-centered field trips. Try different approaches to teaching. Make lectures participatory. Incorporate writing. Use peer teaching methods. Read journals and other resources on teaching biology.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Spotlight-to-Search-the-App-Store-on-an-iPhone

How to Use Spotlight to Search the App Store on an iPhone

Swipe down on your screen and search for an app, then check the results under “App Store.”

Open your iPhone’s settings. This is the app with gray cogs. If you don't see it, look in a folder labeled “Utilities.” If you are not in the main menu of settings, you will need to tap the back arrow in the top-left corner of the screen until you get there. Tap General. Tap Spotlight Search. Slide the button next to “App Store” to the “on” position. It will be green when it's on. This will allow results from the App Store to show in your Spotlight Search. You may find that it is already set to “on” and will not need to do anything. A list of your other apps will be in this menu, as well, so you can choose which ones you want in your Spotlight Search. Swipe down in the middle of your home screen. This will bring up the Spotlight Search bar at the top of the screen. If you're not already on your home screen, press the Home button (the external button at the bottom of your iPhone) to bring you there. Tap the Search bar. Type the name of the app you’re looking for. Find the “App Store” heading. It will likely be at the top, but you may need to scroll down. Spotlight will show searches in all the apps enabled for Spotlight Search that have relevant results for your search terms. Tap on the app you want to download. This will bring you to that app in the App Store where you can download it. If you don't find what you're looking for in the results shown in Spotlight Search, you can tap on “Search in App” to take you to the App Store. You will see additional search results there.

Open your iPhone’s settings. Tap General. Tap Spotlight Search. Slide the button next to “App Store” to the “on” position. Swipe down in the middle of your home screen. Tap the Search bar. Type the name of the app you’re looking for. Find the “App Store” heading. Tap on the app you want to download.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Infant-Eczema-Naturally

How to Treat Infant Eczema Naturally

To treat your baby's eczema naturally, give them a warm bath for up to 10 minutes, which will help to reduce inflammation and make them more comfortable. Try adding chamomile, licorice, or fenugreek to the water to reduce the redness of their skin. However, to avoid irritating their eczema further, don't use hot water, rub their skin, or bathe them more than once a day. In addition to bathing your baby, you can apply some aloe vera, cocoa butter cream, or an emollient to help heal their skin. Eczema can often be an allergic reaction to certain foods, so try to figure out if your baby has trigger foods, like pasteurized dairy products, refined sugar, chocolate, and yeast, so you can avoid them in the future.

Give your infant a warm bath every other day. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, mild soap to bathe only the smelly or dirty parts on your baby. Try to keep your baby in the water for about 5 minutes, then take them out. Baby shampoos and soaps are usually more mild than normal ones. Gentle soaps are better than natural antibacterial products like tea tree oil, which may trigger eczema flareups. Avoid bath additives that will further dehydrate your infant's skin, like Epsom salts. An oatmeal bath with natural colloidal oatmeal, or Aveeno oatmeal bath packets, can also help. Pat your baby dry gently with a clean towel. Try not to rub or scrub your baby's skin to get it dry. Instead, use a soft towel to pay your baby completely dry before you put their clothes on. Always use a clean towel to avoid infection. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer directly after the bath. Focus on areas that are particularly dry or scaly. Try to choose a thick, gel-like moisturizer for the best effectiveness against eczema. Always test new moisturizer on a small patch of your child's skin to make sure they aren't allergic before you use it all over. Look for moisturizers with a high oil content. Petroleum jelly is a great moisturizer to choose for eczema. Keep applying moisturizer 2 to 3 times a day. Eczema is severely dry skin, so adding moisture helps to combat the itchiness and pain. Try to moisturize your baby's skin 2 to 3 times a day if you can, and pay special attention to the severely red and dry areas. Try moisturizing your baby during diaper changes when you are already removing their clothes. Give your baby a bleach bath twice a week if your doctor recommends it. Consult your doctor before you decide to give your baby a bleach bath. If they tell you to, pour ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of bleach into a half-filled, warm bathtub. This small amount of bleach added to the bath makes the water soothing to your baby, not harsh. Bathe your baby in the bleach bath twice a week, and avoid contact with their eyes. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that lives on the skin of many children with eczema and can occasionally cause flareups. Bleach baths fight off these bacteria. Never bathe your baby in bleach without diluting it first. Identify and remove any potential triggers that could be causing the eczema. If your infant's eczema started up after you switched to a new brand, product, or fragrance of wipes, lotion, soap, detergent, or clothing, they could be allergic to it. Try to identify any new items in your baby's environment and take them away to see if that helps. Tobacco smoke, dry air, pet dander, and pollen can all be triggers as well. Use mild, fragrance-free wipes, detergents, and lotions. Products with a lot of ingredients or fragrances in them can be triggers for eczema. Look for wipes, soaps, laundry detergents, and lotions or creams that say “fragrance-free” on them to avoid making your baby's eczema worse. Products like these are often labeled “free” or “clear.” Cut your baby’s nails so they don’t scratch themselves. Eczema is irritated by scratching or itching. Use some infant nail clippers to keep your baby's nails short so they don't accidentally cause their eczema to flare up or get worse. You can also keep your own nails short to prevent accidentally scratching your infant when you change or hold them. Keep your environment cool and dry. Eczema can be triggered by extreme temperatures and humidity. Try to keep your home around 65 °F (18 °C) as often as you can, and use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid environment. Try to keep the humidity in your home around 25% in the summer and 50% in the winter. Air conditioners also greatly reduce the moisture in the air. Try not to overdress your baby when it's cold out, as sweat can also trigger eczema. See a doctor for a diagnosis. In most scenarios, you'll want to visit a doctor to get a diagnosis and to learn about treatment options. Some cases of eczema are so mild that you may simply overlook them. In other cases, eczema can be a major irritant and seriously painful for your infant. In these cases, visit your doctor immediately. Remember that eczema can lead to pain, infection, and even scarring if left untreated. Depending on how severe your infant's eczema is and what's causing it, your pediatrician may recommend a combination of medications and natural remedies. Call your pediatrician if your baby's skin is infected. See a doctor immediately if your baby has signs of infected skin, such as increased redness, swelling, drainage of pus, warmth of the skin, fever, or irritability. This may mean your baby needs medical intervention. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat your baby's infection. Always follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions carefully. Talk to your child's doctor if home remedies aren't helping. In some cases, natural remedies may not be enough to get your baby's eczema under control. Talk to your doctor if you've been trying home remedies for a few days and the symptoms aren't improving or are getting worse. Common medical treatment options for eczema in babies and children include: Steroid creams or ointments, which help reduce inflammation Antihistamines to control itching Oral or topical antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary infections Ask your doctor before using home remedies. Not all natural remedies may be safe or appropriate for your baby. Before you try any home remedy, such as bleach baths, oatmeal soaks, or essential oils, talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Stop using any natural treatment and seek medical attention if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling, itching, or hives.

Give your infant a warm bath every other day. Pat your baby dry gently with a clean towel. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer directly after the bath. Keep applying moisturizer 2 to 3 times a day. Give your baby a bleach bath twice a week if your doctor recommends it. Identify and remove any potential triggers that could be causing the eczema. Use mild, fragrance-free wipes, detergents, and lotions. Cut your baby’s nails so they don’t scratch themselves. Keep your environment cool and dry. See a doctor for a diagnosis. Call your pediatrician if your baby's skin is infected. Talk to your child's doctor if home remedies aren't helping. Ask your doctor before using home remedies.

https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-the-Dead

How to Talk to the Dead

To talk to the dead, empty your mind of all worldly thoughts as if you were going to meditate. Once you feel your mind is clear, fix an image of the dead loved one you want to communicate with in your mind. After a few seconds of holding the image, ask them a question and wait to receive a reply that you feel did not come from your own mind. For example, you could ask the spirit to tap once on the window for yes or twice for no. If this doesn't work, ask the spirit to respond to your questions with 1 knock for yes and 2 knocks for no. You could also try consulting a professional medium if your attempts to contact your deceased relative fail.

Shift your focus to sharpen your sixth sense. If simply focusing on the image of your dead loved one is not enough form of connection, you could try a more structured method of shifting your focus to a higher realm. Make yourself consciously aware of what it feels like to be yourself in the present moment. Note your location, the time, and your feelings. Otherwise, it may make it difficult to return to your sense afterward. Gradually bring your senses into "soft focus," or a state of being in which you are less aware of the physical details around you. Once your physical awareness goes down, focus on the energy surrounding you in the room. Do not look for it, but merely make yourself open to forces present in the room other than yourself. If you feel any presences, try asking questions. Be aware that any answers you do receive may not come as words, but as images or emotions. Attempt to talk through the power of your mind. Some paranormal experts believe that the ability to talk to the dead is not limited to professional mediums, but that the capability lies within anyone who can heighten his or her spiritual awareness. It may take time and practice before you can connect to a dead loved one, but it is possible according to this theory. Quiet yourself and clear your mind as though you are preparing to meditate. Sit in a location that is silent and free from distraction. Close your eyes and empty your mind of anxiety and thought. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Fix an image of your deceased loved one in your mind after you have cleared your mind of any other thoughts. Choose an image that is representative of that loved one according to the relationship you had with him or her. The more significant the image is to you, the easier it will be to establish a connection. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Ask your deceased loved one a question after you have held that person's image in your mind for several seconds. Keep your mind focused on that image and wait. Do not answer how you believe that person would answer. Instead, be patient until you receive a reply that you can be certain did not come from your own mind. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Ask for a response to simple questions. This technique is not as useful for contacting dead loved ones, but it is a common practice used by paranormal investigators who are attempting to talk with spirits at a location that is haunted or potentially haunted. Go to a room in which the most paranormal activity takes place. Ask basic yes-or-no questions, and request a specific method of answering. The most common two methods of reply are knocking and flashlights. For knocking, instruct any spirits in the room to give one knock for yes or two for no. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If using a flashlight, go with a flashlight that can be turned on easily, like one with a button on the end. Turn it on and unscrew the front section until the flashlight just barely goes off. Set it down on a flat surface and position it so that it cannot roll away on its own. Gently push on the power button and make sure that the light can flicker on and off. Instruct any spirits in the room to tap on the button once for yes or twice for no. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Work with a medium. Mediums are well versed in connecting with spirits of the dead. You can usually contact a medium by searching for one online or in a phone book. If you want to speak to a dead loved one, the medium may ask to meet at your home or may have you come to his or her place of work. If you want a medium to speak to a spirit you believe to be in your home, the medium will need to come to your home. Not every medium will perform the latter service, but most will provide the former. Be wary about the medium you choose to go to. Even those who are not skeptical about the practice of speaking to the dead will usually be willing to acknowledge that not every medium is legitimate. As with anything else, there are scam artists out there. Research a medium before scheduling an appointment with him or her and try to verify that he or she is the real deal. When you meet for your appointment, take note of whether or not the medium is leading you on with questions and having you provide the answers they claim to be offering. Look into EVP and EMP technologies. An EVP, or Electronic Voice Phenomena, occurs when a voice that is not audible to the naked human ear gets recorded on a digital recording. A EMP, or Electromagnetic Pulse, can only be registered using an EMP meter. To attempt either option, you should go to a room that is known to have high spiritual energy and ask questions there. When looking for EVP, you can ask just about any question. This is the practice most commonly used when trying to find out a spirit's name or other unknown details. Ask your questions, providing a lengthy pause in between each so that any spirits there have time to answer. Replay the recording and listen carefully for any murmurs or unusual sounds that could translate into answers. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} An EMP is usually limited to yes-or-no questions. The most commonly used EMP meter is a light-up device, which lights up when electromagnetic energy gets high. Ask your questions and instruct any spirits in the room that lighting up the meter once equals a yes, while lighting it up twice equals a no. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Conduct a séance. A séance is a gathering of people who communicate with the dead using their collective energy. To perform one, you will need at least three people who are open to the experience. This practice can be used to talk to dead loved ones or wandering spirits. Be warned, however, that you do run a notable risk of contacting a malicious spirit. Set the mood by dimming the lights and lighting candles. Use three candles, or a number of candles divisible by three. You may even light incense. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Have the participants hold candles around a table to create a circle. Perform a chant to call out to the spirits. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Alternatively, you may also attempt to call the spirits using a Ouija board. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Wait for a response, repeating your chant as necessary. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet4.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Once you make a connection, calmly ask your questions. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet5-Version-2.jpg\/aid2448601-v4-728px-Talk-to-the-Dead-Step-6Bullet5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Break the séance by breaking the circle and putting the candles out. Say prayers. Not every faith has a practice you can use for praying to or for the dead, but some do. These prayers are often intercessory in nature and take two forms. In the first, you are praying for the deceased loved one to find rest and joy in the afterlife, rather than to them specifically, but it might be with the knowledge that your dead loved one is listening or aware of your prayers. In the second, you are praying to the deceased loved one. You are not asking for salvation from the spirit, but you are asking your loved one to intercede or pray for you from the other side. Some believe that, as a part of the spiritual realm, the spirit of someone who had strong faith in life will be able to make a more ardent plea or prayer for you to a deity from the other side. Look into mirror gazing. Mirror gazing is a practice some use in an effort to talk to dead loved ones. It is similar to trying to connect to the spirit using your mind, but in this practice, you use a mirror to help establish the connection more clearly. Quiet your thoughts. Go to a silent room where you can be alone and stand in front of a mirror. Close your eyes and rid yourself of anxiety, intense emotion, or unrelated thought. Focus your thoughts on the person you want to speak with. Create an image of that person in your mind. Make the image as clear as possible until you can practically see their features. Open your eyes slowly and look into the mirror. Imagine that the image in your mind will appear in the mirror. Even if the image is blurry or overlaps with your own, you should be able to see the image of your deceased loved one in the mirror. Ask your questions. Do not force answers, but be open to them. Also be aware of the fact that the answers may come as emotions or images rather than words. Communicate with the deceased through a possession. Some have found that objects owned by a deceased person are still connected to that person's spirit. Possessions can give you the power to call that person's spirit to you and make it possible to communicate. If you wish to talk with a loved one who has passed away, seek out an item of clothing, a book, or some other personal object that the person used. Take it to the place where the person lived or stayed. Hold the object and initiate a conversation. Talk without asking for a reply. If you are hesitant or skeptical about talking to dead loved ones using paranormal or supernatural means, you can always talk to the dead without asking for an answer in return. For those who believe in the existence of spirits, it is also a common belief that those spirits may watch over living loved ones. You can talk to a deceased loved one anywhere, or you could choose a location that has special meaning, such as a grave or a place where you shared a memorable experience. Tell the person whatever is on your mind. You can ask questions, but since you are not looking for answers, you do not necessarily need to limit yourself to questions.

Shift your focus to sharpen your sixth sense. Attempt to talk through the power of your mind. Ask for a response to simple questions. Work with a medium. Look into EVP and EMP technologies. Conduct a séance. Say prayers. Look into mirror gazing. Communicate with the deceased through a possession. Talk without asking for a reply.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Wart-at-the-Bottom-of-Your-Foot

How to Get Rid of a Wart at the Bottom of Your Foot

To get relief from a wart on the bottom of your foot, try rubbing the wart down with a pumice stone after soaking it in warm water for 15-20 minutes. You can also gradually strip away the callous and underlying wart by applying salicylic acid treatments over several days. For a more natural alternative, put some apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and use a bandage to keep it on the wart overnight for several days in a row. However, keep in mind that there's not a lot of scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar can help with warts.

Use a pumice stone. Because the source of pain in most plantar warts is the overlaying callous (thickened layer of skin), removing it with something abrasive may make the symptoms disappear. A pumice stone is an inexpensive natural choice for removing dead and calloused skin, but keep in mind it won't entirely remove the plantar wart, most of which lays underneath the skin. Before using the pumice stone as an exfoliator, soak your foot in warm water for 15–20 minutes to soften up the callous. People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy should not use a pumice stone on their feet because they have reduced sensations and may damage surrounding tissue. Most plantar warts aren't considered a medical concern and may not require treatment, especially if they're not painful — sometimes they disappear on their own. Apply a salicylic acid preparation. Another technique to remove the overlaying callous of a plantar wart is applying an over-the-counter salicylic acid preparation, which is widely available at pharmacies. Salicylic acid is a type of keratolytic, which means it dissolves the keratin (protein) of the callous and the wart; however, keratolytics also destroy/irritate healthy skin, so take care when you apply the liquid, gel or ointment. Before application of the salicylic acid (up to two times per day), soak your foot and file down the callous with a pumice stone or emery boards so the medication can better penetrate into the wart. It can take several weeks to get rid of a plantar wart using salicylic acid, so patience is the key. Salicylic acid products sometimes contain dichloroacetic (or trichloroacetic) acid. Plantar warts tend to grow on the heels or balls of the feet, areas that experience the most pressure. A common feature of plantar wart are small black pinpoints (commonly called wart seeds), which represent clotted blood in the small blood vessels surrounding the wart. Apply apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has anecdotal reports of numerous health benefits, and one of them is combating warts of all types. Apple cider vinegar contains a high percentage of acetic acid, which has antiviral properties (kills HPV and other viruses). However, acetic acid also irritates healthy tissue, so be cautious with application. Try soaking a cotton ball in vinegar and applying it to the plantar wart, then cover it with a bandage overnight and replace the next day. It may take several days to notice significant improvement. White vinegar is made of acetic acid also, but it doesn't seem to have the impact on warts that apple cider vinegar does. Other natural compounds with antiviral properties that you can experiment with at home include tea tree oil, oregano oil and fresh garlic. Cover the wart with duct tape. There are many anecdotal reports that claim that applying regular duct tape to plantar warts (over the course of a week or so) is an effective treatment, although how it may work is still a mystery. As such, due to its low cost, ease of application and lack of risk, it may be worth a try. Clean the bottom of your foot with rubbing alcohol and securely attach a piece of duct over the plantar wart. Leave it on for 24 hours at a time before replacing it with a fresh piece of tape and repeat this cycle for two to six weeks. This tape method can be used in conjunction with the application of natural antivirals mentioned above. There is no scientific evidence or study backing up the use of duct tape to get rid of warts. Some people have reported that other nonporous tape, such as electrical tape, works as well as duct tape for plantar warts. Boost your immune system. Since plantar warts are a manifestation of a viral infection (HPV), it infers that your immune system wasn't strong enough (even temporarily) to fight it off. So focusing on ways to boost your immune system is a logical and sensical approach to naturally getting rid of plantar warts. As such, see a nutritionist, naturopath, practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or chiropractor about ways to boost your immune system. Getting more sleep (or better quality sleep), eating more fresh fruit and veggies, cutting back on refined sugar (especially soda pop), reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and practicing good hygiene are all proven ways to boost your immune response. Supplements that can boost immunity include vitamins C and D, zinc, echinacea and olive leaf extract. Consider homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy is a well-established approach to treating various symptoms and conditions in all ages of people based upon taking minute (very small) amounts of plant compounds that essentially work on a vibrational level. You can schedule an appointment with a certified homeopath or purchase the appropriate over-the-counter homeopathic pills or ointments at a health supplement store. Compounds commonly recommended for plantar warts include: thuja occidentalis pills, podophyllin ointment, natrum muriaticum pills and nitricum acidum pills. Smoke the wart out. Although it might sound strange, an old indigenous Chinese remedy involving treating plantar warts in a "smoke box" filled with smoke from burnt leaves of the Populus euphratica tree has been shown to be as effective as conventional medical therapy, such as cryotherapy. The Populous euphratica is a type of poplar tree found in many parts of the world, particularly China and the Middle East. Burning its leaves creates smoke filled with antiviral compounds (salicylates). Find or purchase Populus euphratica leaves, dry them out and light them on fire in a controlled environment. Let them burn for a few minutes and then cover them so the lack of oxygen snuffs out the flames. Carefully place your feet about six inches over the smoldering leaves and let the smoke infuse the bottom of your foot where the plantar wart is for at least 15 minutes. Take care not to burn or blister the soles of your feet by making sure the flames are extinguished and you don't get too close to the embers. Consider cryotherapy. Cryotherapy (performed by your family physician, dermatologist or podiatrist) involves destroying warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, which is sprayed on directly or applied with a cotton swab. The liquid nitrogen causes a blister to form over the wart, which turns black and falls off a few days later. Cryotherapy may require several sessions in order to get rid of a plantar wart and it's usually not used on young children due to the pain involved. As such, your doctor may have to numb the area before applying liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy, if done correctly, should leave no scarring. Normal skin grows and fills in the void left by the destroyed wart. Never attempt to apply liquid nitrogen to your skin at home — only under the care or supervision of a doctor. However, there are various "freeze-off" compounds available over-the-counter that are more appropriate for home use. Consider a stronger peeling medicine. Prescription medications with salicylic acid work more effectively than over-the-counter products because they are stronger preparations. Your doctor or podiatrist will apply it to your plantar wart at her office initially, but she may suggest you take it home and use it regularly, which removes the layers of the wart little by little. Studies show that salicylic acid is more effective when it's combined with cryotherapy. Because prescription salicylic acid products are more powerful, be careful not to apply too much of it to the healthy skin surrounding the plantar wart, as it might lead to redness and irritation. Ask about other topical treatments. A very common topical preparation applied to plantar warts is cantharidin, a compound that comes from many species of blister beetles. Cantharidin is a terpenoid — a poisonous blistering agent — that burns the wart off. It's often used in combination with salicylic acid compounds. Your doctor will apply the liquid combination of cantharidin and salicylic acid directly to the plantar wart and cover it with a bandage for a week or so. A blister forms, which eventually peels off, although multiple treatments may be needed to fully get rid of the wart. Cantharidin is fatal if swallowed and not typically given to patients for home use. The blisters or skin lesions formed by cantharidin typically heal without scarring. Try laser treatments. The advancement of new technologies have enabled doctors to use a variety of lasers in efforts to destroy plantar warts. For example, pulsed-dye laser treatment involves burning and destroying (or cauterizing) the tiny blood vessels that surround and nourish the wart, which causes it to die and eventually flake off. Some lasers can also burn the wart off directly, although topical anesthesia is required. Laser therapy tends to be expensive, although the evidence for its effectiveness on plantar warts is somewhat limited and not well proven. Laser therapy can be painful and cause scarring on the foot. Talk to your doctor about surgery. If home remedies, alternative therapies and various medical treatments fail to get rid of your plantar wart, then talk to your doctor about removing it surgically. Wart removal is considered minor surgery and involves your doctor either cutting away the wart with a scalpel or destroying it by using an electrical or ultrasonic device (called electrodesiccation and curettage). Desiccation is the destruction of the wart tissue and curettage is the scraping away of the dead tissue with a little metal curette. This procedure is painful, so topical anesthesia is given first. Surgical wart removal techniques invariably leave a scar, and it's not unusual for warts to return in the scar tissue at a later time. Cutting into the tissue around a plantar wart sometimes causes the wart to spread to other areas of the foot, particularly in people who are immune-compromised.

Use a pumice stone. Apply a salicylic acid preparation. Apply apple cider vinegar. Cover the wart with duct tape. Boost your immune system. Consider homeopathic treatment. Smoke the wart out. Consider cryotherapy. Consider a stronger peeling medicine. Ask about other topical treatments. Try laser treatments. Talk to your doctor about surgery.

https://www.wikihow.com/Ream-a-Hole

How to Ream a Hole

To ream a hole by hand, choose a hand reamer in the same size as the hole you need. Fit the shank of the reamer into a tap wrench or a crescent wrench, and use a vise or clamps to secure the material you need to bore. Drill out the hole with a standard drill bit that's about 0.016 smaller than your reamer, then place the reamer into the hole. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to bore the hole until it's the same size as the reamer.

Choose your reamer. Hand reamers work best in soft materials such as wood or plastic. Begin by choosing the size reamer to which you need your hole bored out. A hand reamer will have a square shank and depending on the size of the reamer, you'll fit the shank into either a tap wrench or crescent wrench to turn it. A hand reamer allows for great accuracy after considerable practice. Place the material you need to bore in a vise or steady it with clamps. Since a reamer is a precision tool, you don't want your material moving around as you ream the hole. Drill the hole. Because a reamer is an enlarging tool and not a cutting tool, you must drill out the hole with a standard drill bit before reaming it. You want to use a drill bit approximately 0.016” smaller than your reamer to ensure that you don't oversize the hole. For instance, if you know that you need to ream your hole to 1/2”, then you'd want to drill the hole first with a 31/64” drill bit. Drilling a hole too small and leaving too much material left for the reamer to clear can lead to the reamer deflecting off the material, which is called chatter. Chatter leads to poor finishes and can also damage your reamer. Apply lubricant to the material. Based on the material into which you're boring, you may need to apply cutting fluid to lubricate the reamer. Though less common with hand reaming, it's not unheard of. Ream the hole. Now that the hole is prepped, you can use your tap wrench or crescent wrench to ream the hole. You will likely have either a straight flute reamer or a left-hand spiral flute reamer, which refers to the direction of the blades that actually enlarge the hole. In the case of a spiral reamer, you will need to turn counterclockwise. Affix the material firmly to a flat surface with clamps or a vise. If you're boring completely through the material, use a set of vise parallels to help support it while keeping it raised enough to drill through. If you do use parallels, tap the material down with a rubber mallet to ensure that it's tight against the parallels and won't move once you begin drilling. Use a center drill bit in the press to mark your hole accurately. A center drill is a much smaller, pointed bit that allows you more precision in starting a hole at an exact mark before drilling it out with a larger bit. A dab of cutting fluid should be applied when boring tougher materials such as metals to lubricate the bore and extend the life of all bits. Drill with a bit 0.016” narrower in diameter than the hole desired. As with hand reaming, you still want to use a 1/64” smaller drill bit to bore your hole before reaming. A drill press will allow more control and accuracy than a hand-held drill, especially on harder materials and denser metals, which is why a drill press is recommended. Clear the hole. Especially when reaming a metal piece, you want to clear any filings from drilling the hole before reaming. Use a small round file to work away any filings. Affix your reamer into the drill chuck. You're now ready to place the reamer into the drill chuck and tighten it down. For high precision jobs, you may also consider using a floating reamer holder. A floating reamer holder allows the reamer to float, meaning it gives the reamer just enough movement to guide it into the hole in case of a slight misalignment. Ream the hole. You can now lower the press and ream the hole. However, you want to set your press to roughly 1/3 of its usual speed because reaming with a press should be done at a much lower RPM. Once again, make sure that you use cutting fluid to lubricate the reamer. Stop the spindle before removing. Once you have reamed your hole, you want to turn off the press and allow the spindle to come to a complete stop before you raise the press. This will help ensure a smooth, clean ream. Set your material firmly in the lathe spindle. Since the lathe will spin your material instead of the drill bits, you want to make sure that the point you want to bore is at the center of the axis. Bore an initial hole with a center drill bit. As with a drill press, you still want to begin by using a center drill bit to begin your bore with more precision. If your lathe doesn't have a coolant delivery system, ensure that you apply lathe coolant for every bore for cleaner finished products and to extend the life of your tools. Drill a pilot hole. Using a reamer on a lathe is still intended only to enlarge an existing hole, so you'll need to first use a slightly smaller drill bit to create the hole. Similar to reaming with by other methods, you want to use a drill bit approximately 1/64” smaller than the reamer you'll need to use. Once more, ensure that you're applying plenty of cutting oil as you bore the hole. Ream the hole. Once you have drilled the pilot hole and cleared any filings, you're ready to ream the hole. Insert the reamer into the chuck of the tailstock (the portion that you move forward toward the lathe spindle), power on the lathe, and ream the hole. For high precision jobs, you can use a floating reamer holder here like you can for reaming in a drill press to correct for any minor misalignment. Retract the reamer while the lathe is still running. To ensure the smoothest ream possible, retract the tailstock while the lathe is still running by steadily pulling it straight out. Do not ever reverse direction of the spindle like you would to back out a drill bit.

Choose your reamer. Place the material you need to bore in a vise or steady it with clamps. Drill the hole. Apply lubricant to the material. Ream the hole. Affix the material firmly to a flat surface with clamps or a vise. Use a center drill bit in the press to mark your hole accurately. Drill with a bit 0.016” narrower in diameter than the hole desired. Clear the hole. Affix your reamer into the drill chuck. Ream the hole. Stop the spindle before removing. Set your material firmly in the lathe spindle. Bore an initial hole with a center drill bit. Drill a pilot hole. Ream the hole. Retract the reamer while the lathe is still running.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Person-Like-a-Book

How to Read a Person Like a Book

To read a person like a book, pay attention to their clothing and appearance to get clues about them, like their age, profession, or how much they care about the impression they make. As you interact with them, look for signs of nervousness, like leaning away from you or crossing their arms. Similarly, pay attention to their eyes since a lack of eye contact can mean someone is anxious or lying. Also, watch to see if their mouth is upturned but their eyes aren't wrinkled like in a natural smile, which can be a sign that they're uncomfortable or hiding something.

Identify a piece of clothing that identifies a person’s occupation. A lab coat, tool belt, paint-spattered overalls, suit or uniform can tell you what a person does professionally. Use that information to determine whether they are young (too young for a job), a professional, a skilled worker, or are retired. Look for wrinkles. Lines near the eyes, mouth or neck will tell you how old the person is likely to be. Age spots on hands can be a good indication of their decade as well. Some people who have had a lot of sun exposure or who have smoked, may display more wrinkles, while those living in cooler and moister climates may have smoother skin. Try to spot affluence. Sometimes wealth or the desire to be wealthy is shown in the quality of garments, shoes and even a haircut. Look for a wristwatch, diamond earrings or designer bags. However, be wary - many educated people shun such articles, and wear more casual clothing. Some may even sport dishevelled hairdo's and have facial hair (beards or moustaches in men.) Alternatively, look for signs of thriftiness. Faded clothes, discount clothing labels or worn shoes might tell you if a person has less money, although many principled people shun the pressure dictated by fashion and make a point of wearing simple clothes made of natural fabrics which naturally fade faster. In addition certain very good shoe brands outlast cheaper brands by far, and although they may start to look worn with time, they are made to last for more than a decade, and therefore will cost many times over what a cheaper shoe in a similar style would cost. While these signals may tell you what economic decisions the person has made, they do not translate into behavior. Find signs of fastidiousness. If the person has their hair in place, their clothing pressed and an attention to style, they may be very detail oriented. Someone with a more casual wardrobe or “bed head” might be creative or messy, although a detail orientated person may have made the choice to focus on detail in their work and not to spend too much time and financial resources on their personal appearance Move on to the person’s body language. Just as the saying goes, “you can't judge a book by its cover", clothing is the least accurate way to read a personality. Notice if the person you are talking to leans away from you when they answer. This can be a clue that they are feeling stressed. Rubbing the hands against the thighs or the head will also indicate stress. Look for signs of anxiety and nervous or physical tension in clenched jaws or pursing lips. Suddenly crossing arms and legs or looking away is seen as negative body language as well. Pay attention to eye contact. Avoiding eye contact and staring too long into someone's eyes can be a sign of anxiety and of lying. Eye contact is hard to fake, so if you aren't noticing darting eyes or prolonged stares, the person is more likely to be relaxed. Pick out signs of distraction. Looking toward a clock, a watch or a phone can mean the person is nervous or bored or they may be used to habitually checking their phone or email frequently. Starting a new task when they are talking to you is a better judge if they are paying attention. Count the blinks. An increased blink rate will indicate a nervous feeling. This can be a positive thing, such as physical attraction, or an unconscious manifestation of stress from being the center of attention. Give your gut some credit. People often have micro-expressions that may convey more accurately what they are thinking; however, they flash by so fast, it may only be your subconscious that registers it. Micro-expressions tell more than most body language cues. Study a smile or laugh to see if it is genuine. If the person's mouth is upturned at the corners, but their eyes aren't wrinkling, they are faking a smile. They may be trying to lie or they may be uncomfortable, or anxious. Pay attention for changes in behavior. If someone keeps their arms and legs crossed and starts opening them or reaching out, that is a sign they are more comfortable with you. Also, if someone you are close to starts using a lot of new postures or expressions, they may be going through an emotional or physical change. Identify signs of someone who wants power. This type of person will search for awards and leadership positions. They aim to win arguments and seek to manage or influence others. Watching behavior can show you a person's motivation and helps to predict future actions. Someone who is motivated by affiliation or contact with others, tends to have many friendships, and may serve as mediator between friends. This type of person seeks acceptance from others. Pick up on motivation for achievement. If a person sets high standards, likes to work individually and seeks a challenge, they are most likely motivated by a sense of personal achievement rather than power or affiliation.

Identify a piece of clothing that identifies a person’s occupation. Look for wrinkles. Try to spot affluence. Find signs of fastidiousness. Move on to the person’s body language. Notice if the person you are talking to leans away from you when they answer. Look for signs of anxiety and nervous or physical tension in clenched jaws or pursing lips. Pay attention to eye contact. Pick out signs of distraction. Count the blinks. Give your gut some credit. Study a smile or laugh to see if it is genuine. Pay attention for changes in behavior. Identify signs of someone who wants power. Someone who is motivated by affiliation or contact with others, tends to have many friendships, and may serve as mediator between friends. Pick up on motivation for achievement.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Wallpaper

How to Remove Wallpaper

To remove wallpaper, start by mixing 4 parts hot water and 1 part white vinegar in a large bucket. Then, soak a paint roller in the mixture and use it to apply the mixture to a section of the wallpaper. Once the section of wallpaper is completely saturated, let it sit for several minutes before using a putty knife to scrape the wallpaper off. Repeat with the rest of the wallpaper and then wipe down the walls with hot, soapy water.

Remove all decorations and furniture from the room you're working on. As wallpaper comes away from the walls, it can release a lot of dust and grime; clear out the room ahead of time to save yourself from having to clean off paintings, pictures, decor, and furniture later on. If there is furniture that is too heavy to move, cover it completely with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Unscrew all fixtures from the walls. Lighting fixtures, switch plate covers, electrical outlet covers, grates, vents, and anything else attached to the wall needs to come off. Use a screwdriver and place all the screws and hardware into a resealable plastic bag so you don't lose anything. Sometimes the areas underneath fixtures are the best places to start peeling away wallpaper. Protect the floor and trim by covering them with plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape to secure plastic sheeting to the top of the baseboards around the room you'll be working in. Lay another sheet of plastic over the floor so that none of it is exposed. Water will run down when it's sprayed onto the walls, and you don't want to risk any water damage. You could use a drop cloth over the body of the floor but opt for plastic around the baseboards. Turn off the electric to the room you are working in. You don't want to risk any water getting into an electrical outlet and causing a problem. Plug in spotlights to outlets in other rooms and use extension cords so you can have them in your work area. To turn off the electric, locate the electrical panel (this is often in a basement or closet). Shut off the individual breaker that powers the room you're in. You may need to test several breakers to find the right one if they aren't marked. Check the wallpaper to see what kind of material you are working with. In some cases, you can simply strip away wallpaper without having to use any other products. Use a putty knife to loosen an edge of the wallpaper. If it starts to peel away easily and doesn't leave a backing behind, you're working with strippable wallpaper. If it does leave behind a backing or if it won't budge, you'll need to use water to assist you in the removal process. Some very stubborn wallpapers may even need to be steamed away. But, try using hot water first before you rent a steamer. Start peeling the wallpaper away at a corner or near a switch plate. If you need to, use a putty knife to get the wallpaper up away from the wall, but try your best to not dig into the plaster or drywall. Remove as much of the wallpaper as you can by hand to reveal any backing that is present. Removing the top layer of wallpaper first and exposing the backing makes it a lot easier for the backing to absorb the water. In theory, this should make the removal process much faster. Score the wallpaper if it won't come away from the wall. Every once in awhile, you might encounter wallpaper that is adhered to the wall and won't peel away from the backing. When this happens, use a scoring tool to poke lots of little holes in its surface to make it easier for the water to saturate the paper. Simply run the tool over the wallpaper while applying light pressure. This step is most helpful for waterproof wallpapers or ones that are glossy or made of vinyl. Remember, if you were able to peel away the top layer of wallpaper, you don't need to worry about scoring the backing on its own. Scorers quickly poke hundreds of tiny little holes into the wallpaper. You can buy them at all home improvement stores or online for $10 or less. Fill a clean spray bottle or bowl with hot water. Whether you use a spray bottle or a bowl is up to you. The spray bottle allows you to cover a greater area more quickly, but soaking a sponge in the bowl of hot water lets you saturate the backing more completely. The hotter the water, the more effective it'll be at removing the wallpaper. Saturate the backing with the water until it softens. It's okay if there are still sections of wallpaper left that you couldn't peel away. Just spray those areas, too. You can tell the material is soft when you can scrape it away with a fingernail or putty knife. If you're working with plaster walls , don't worry about how much water you're applying—it can take a lot of liquid! But if you're working with drywall , try to only use as much water as you need—saturation for more than 15 minutes can cause permanent damage. Use a putty knife to scrape the wallpaper and backing off the walls. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle, and keep the blade flat against the wall to prevent gouging the wall. Take your time and rewet the wall as you go to help the process move along. You could also use a metal spatula to the same effect. The more flexible the instrument, the less likely it'll be to mark up the wall. If you discover a second layer of wallpaper underneath the first, focus on removing the top layer completely before thinking about the second layer. That bottom layer will come up much more easily if the first layer is completely gone. Go over the wall as many times as you need to remove everything. Any little bit of wallpaper or backing that is left will show up underneath a fresh coat of paint or a new layer of wallpaper. Plus, you need to clear it all away so you can clean up the glue that's underneath. It's totally okay to take a break and step away from your project when you need to. Nothing is going to get damaged in the middle of this kind of process since you aren't using any kind of chemical product. Scrape away as much of the glue as you can with a putty knife. Underneath the wallpaper and backing, you will see a sticky layer of glue that was originally used to put up the wallpaper. You must remove the glue completely, otherwise, it can dry and crackle underneath fresh paint, causing it to bubble and peel. Continue spraying the glue with hot water and scraping it with the putty knife. Wallpaper “glue” and wallpaper “paste” are the same thing. Apply a gel stripper to stubborn patches of glue for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes water and sheer force aren't enough for you to remove the glue. In those cases, invest in a bottle of gel stripper. Spray it over the glue and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. You can buy gel stripper at any home improvement store or online. It costs about $10-$15 a bottle. Scrape away the paste with a putty knife. After the 15-20 minutes have passed, use your putty knife to scrape away the glue. Repeat this process as many times as you need until all the glue is gone. It can sometimes help to wipe off your putty knife with a damp towel in between scraping. Rinse the walls with warm water to remove any lingering gel stripper. After the glue has been completely scraped away, dip a sponge into a bowl of clean, warm water and squeeze it out so it's damp but not dripping wet. Wipe down the walls from top to bottom and let them air-dry. Use this as an opportunity to spot check the walls for any spots you missed. If you come across a sticky section, take a minute to clean it. Wait 12 hours after removing the wallpaper so you can check your work. Instead of jumping straight into the next part of the project, take a well-deserved break. After the 12 hours have passed, take a fresh look at the walls to see if there are any spots of glue, backing, or wallpaper that you missed. Patch nicks and gouges so there are no uneven surfaces on the wall. Put a small amount of spackling paste onto the edge of a putty knife and work the paste into the hole in the wall. Add enough paste so that the hole is filled, and then flatten the edge of the putty knife against the wall and swipe it over the hole at a 45-degree angle. You can buy a container of spackling paste for about $5 from home improvement stores or online. Sand the patched areas so the wall is perfectly smooth. Opt for 100- or 120-grit sandpaper. Once the spackling paste is completely dry, lightly sand the patched area. This will even out any sections that were partially raised and will give the patched section a smooth finish. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure when you sand the paste. Just rub the sandpaper back and forth over the section several times until it feels smooth to the touch. Apply primer to get the walls ready for new paint or fresh wallpaper. Use acrylic primer if you plan on applying new wallpaper (it'll make it easier to remove in the future). Use paint primer if you plan on painting the walls. Even if the wall is painted underneath of the wallpaper you just removed, you should still prime it again before doing anything new.

Remove all decorations and furniture from the room you're working on. Unscrew all fixtures from the walls. Protect the floor and trim by covering them with plastic sheeting. Turn off the electric to the room you are working in. Check the wallpaper to see what kind of material you are working with. Start peeling the wallpaper away at a corner or near a switch plate. Score the wallpaper if it won't come away from the wall. Fill a clean spray bottle or bowl with hot water. Saturate the backing with the water until it softens. Use a putty knife to scrape the wallpaper and backing off the walls. Go over the wall as many times as you need to remove everything. Scrape away as much of the glue as you can with a putty knife. Apply a gel stripper to stubborn patches of glue for 15-20 minutes. Scrape away the paste with a putty knife. Rinse the walls with warm water to remove any lingering gel stripper. Wait 12 hours after removing the wallpaper so you can check your work. Patch nicks and gouges so there are no uneven surfaces on the wall. Sand the patched areas so the wall is perfectly smooth. Apply primer to get the walls ready for new paint or fresh wallpaper.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Mold-Growth-on-Bread

How to Prevent Mold Growth on Bread

To prevent mold from growing on bread, keep the bread in a sealed, airtight container that's stored in a cool spot. If you're worried you won't eat it all before it goes stale, you can freeze the bread so it stays fresh and doesn't develop mold. Just cut the bread into slices, wrap the slices in wax paper, and put them in a sealable freezer bag. Then, store the bread in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Cut bread into portions or slices. Cutting a frozen loaf is not easy and you won't have to thaw the whole loaf with every use. Wrap up the loaf tightly. Wrapping the loaf with wax paper or foil will help keep moisture with the loaf and prevent freezer-burn. With soft bread , you can place wax paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together. Place the loaf in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible by folding the bag around loaf as you close it after every use. That way the loaf should keep fresh for up to six months. Allow the bread to thaw. When ready to eat, let pieces thaw in foil or paper before reheating in order to let them reabsorb the moisture that migrated to the wrapping. This will ensure the texture of the bread is the same as the day it was first frozen. Invest in a breadbox. Place your breadbox in a cool area away from heating elements that can accelerate mold growth. And since mold spores live in oxygen, the container should be airtight to keep the population low. Keep the bread dry. Avoid touching the loaf with wet hands and never seal the loaf with visible moisture around it. This moisture when left at room temperature will accelerate mold growth. Avoid the refrigerator. The temperature range of fridges can help against mold, but will make the bread go stale much faster. Unlike the freezer, the fridge will change the starch alignment in the bread, changing the texture of the bread greatly and quickly. Incorporate sourdough starter into recipe. Sourdough starter is basically a usable form of wild yeast which increases the bread's acidity, deterring mold, as well as staleness. Bake a denser style of bread. A dense loaf with a crisp crust will mold slower, think rustic Italian bread. Working additional flour into dough will increase density, and introducing steam to the baking loaf with a spray bottle will give a crispy crust. Add some natural preservatives. Adding natural preservatives like lecithin or ascorbic acid help maintain moisture while reducing yeast and mold counts. Ingredients like garlic, cinnamon, honey, or clove also naturally fight mold growth, but will obviously influence the flavor significantly.

Cut bread into portions or slices. Wrap up the loaf tightly. Place the loaf in a freezer-safe bag. Allow the bread to thaw. Invest in a breadbox. Keep the bread dry. Avoid the refrigerator. Incorporate sourdough starter into recipe. Bake a denser style of bread. Add some natural preservatives.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stain-Wooden-Furniture

How to Stain Wooden Furniture

To stain wooden furniture, start by sanding it with 100-grit sandpaper, followed by 150-grit sandpaper, and finally with 220-grit sandpaper. After each round of sanding, wipe down the furniture with a tack cloth and some mineral spirits. When you're finished, apply a thin layer of stain to the wood with a paintbrush, brushing it on in the direction of the grain. If there are any blotches or brush strokes, use a cloth to blend them out. Once the entire surface is covered, let the stain dry overnight, repeating if necessary.

Purchase commercially prepared wood filler in a color that matches your wooden surface. Inspect the surface of the wood. You are looking for knots, protruding nails, small cracks and miniature holes left by pests. You will also need to note the conditions of the edges of your wood. If the edges are rough, then you will need to use filler to make them even. Place the small end of a nail set on top of any protruding nails. Hammer the wide end of the nail set to push the protruding nails below the surface. If you’re working with softwood, place a small bead of wood filler on the edge of a putty knife. Use the putty knife to apply the wood filler to the defects, smoothing the surface with the edge of the putty knife after you fill the defects with the wood filler. Continue adding more filler until the filler is smooth and even with the wooden surface. Allow the filler to dry before you sand the wood. Clamp 100-grit sandpaper to your sanding block. Sand the edges of your wood until the surfaces are even. Set the sanding block aside when you are finished with the edges. Hold a piece of 100-grit sandpaper in your hand so that the back of the sandpaper is in contact with your palm and fingers. Sand any hard-to-reach areas or curved surfaces by rubbing the sandpaper along the surface with your hand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe down the sanded surface with a tack cloth or with a paper towel soaked in mineral spirits. Repeat the process using 150-grit sandpaper to sand the surface. After you’ve cleaned the sanded surface again with your tack cloth or with mineral spirits, repeat the process a third time using 220-grit paper. Clean your wood thoroughly, and clean your work surface with a soft, lint-free cloth (not a tack cloth). This will ensure that no dirt, debris or sawdust clings to your finished surface. Dip the edge of your brush in the stain and apply a thin layer of stain to the surface of the wood. Always brush along the grain using long, even strokes. Work on one portion of the wood at a time instead of trying to stain the entire piece all at once. Examine the surface. If you see any blotchy areas or areas where the brushstrokes did not blend well together, then use a soft, lint-free cloth to rub the stain until it looks more even. Move to a different section of the wood and apply more stain with your brush. Use a cloth to even out blotches and to blend the edges between brushstrokes. Repeat the process, continuing to work on one portion at a time until the piece is finished. Allow the stain to dry overnight. If the color is not as deep as you would like, then apply additional coats of stain to the piece until you achieve the desired result. Make sure to let each coat dry completely before adding an additional coat. Roll a bead of wood filler onto the edge of a putty knife. Apply the filler to cracks, knots and nail holes until the surface of the filler is even with the wood surface. Use the putty knife to smooth out the filler. Sand the filler gently after it has dried to make sure that the surface is flush with the wood. Do your best not to damage the surface that you have already stained. Apply a coat of polyurethane to your stained wood using a 2” (5 centimeter) brush. Brush the product on using long strokes, and work in the direction of the wood grain. Work in 6” to 12” sections. Blend the brush strokes between sections by lightly stroking the intersection with the brush. When you are finished, the sections should blend seamlessly together. Allow the first coat of polyurethane to cure overnight. Sand the surface the next day using 280-grit or finer sandpaper. Apply a second coat of polyurethane and allow the second coat to cure overnight. You do not have to sand the final coat. Wrap 100-grit sandpaper around the work surface of your electric sander. Clip the paper tightly in place, making sure that the work surface is taut so that your sandpaper doesn't bunch up or loosen. Plug the sander into an electrical outlet. Grip the back of the sander with your dominant hand. Turn the device on and rest it on your work surface. Move the electric sander back and forth in the direction of the wood grain until you have sanded your entire surface. Never sand across the grain; you will leave scratches that will show up when the stain is applied. When you are finished, turn the sander off, unplug it and set it aside. Wipe the surface of the wood with a tack cloth or with a paper towel that has been dipped in mineral spirits. Remove your used 100-grit sandpaper from your sander and discard it. Clip 150-grit sandpaper to your electric sander. Repeat the process of sanding along the grain and wiping down the surface. Discard your 150-grit sandpaper and repeat the process again with 220-grit paper. If you're working with hardwood, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth before you sand it with the 220-grit paper. This will raise the grain of the wood and allow you to create a very smooth surface.

Purchase commercially prepared wood filler in a color that matches your wooden surface. Inspect the surface of the wood. Place the small end of a nail set on top of any protruding nails. If you’re working with softwood, place a small bead of wood filler on the edge of a putty knife. Continue adding more filler until the filler is smooth and even with the wooden surface. Clamp 100-grit sandpaper to your sanding block. Hold a piece of 100-grit sandpaper in your hand so that the back of the sandpaper is in contact with your palm and fingers. Wipe down the sanded surface with a tack cloth or with a paper towel soaked in mineral spirits. Repeat the process using 150-grit sandpaper to sand the surface. After you’ve cleaned the sanded surface again with your tack cloth or with mineral spirits, repeat the process a third time using 220-grit paper. Clean your wood thoroughly, and clean your work surface with a soft, lint-free cloth (not a tack cloth). Dip the edge of your brush in the stain and apply a thin layer of stain to the surface of the wood. Examine the surface. Move to a different section of the wood and apply more stain with your brush. Use a cloth to even out blotches and to blend the edges between brushstrokes. Repeat the process, continuing to work on one portion at a time until the piece is finished. Allow the stain to dry overnight. Roll a bead of wood filler onto the edge of a putty knife. Sand the filler gently after it has dried to make sure that the surface is flush with the wood. Apply a coat of polyurethane to your stained wood using a 2” (5 centimeter) brush. Blend the brush strokes between sections by lightly stroking the intersection with the brush. Allow the first coat of polyurethane to cure overnight. Apply a second coat of polyurethane and allow the second coat to cure overnight. Wrap 100-grit sandpaper around the work surface of your electric sander. Plug the sander into an electrical outlet. Grip the back of the sander with your dominant hand. Move the electric sander back and forth in the direction of the wood grain until you have sanded your entire surface. When you are finished, turn the sander off, unplug it and set it aside. Wipe the surface of the wood with a tack cloth or with a paper towel that has been dipped in mineral spirits. Remove your used 100-grit sandpaper from your sander and discard it. Clip 150-grit sandpaper to your electric sander. Repeat the process of sanding along the grain and wiping down the surface. Discard your 150-grit sandpaper and repeat the process again with 220-grit paper.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Guy-Your-Best-Friend

How to Make a Guy Your Best Friend

To make a guy your best friend, start by talking to him to get to know him better. To get the conversation going, try a little small talk, like asking him some basic questions about what he's doing for spring break or what he thinks of the weather. Talking about his interests should keep him engaged, so ask him “What are your favorite sports teams?” or “Which bands do you listen to the most?" Between questions, share some personal details about yourself, like your favorite hobbies or long-term goals. As you work on growing your friendship, find common interests that you can enjoy together, like watching science fiction movies or playing video games. You'll also want to be there to listen, give advice, or provide encouragement when your guy friend is going through a difficult time.

Hang out in a group to spend more time with him. It's easier to hang out in a group setting when you're first becoming friends. Join a group event where you know he'll be present or invite him to hang out with your friends. This will give you more time to talk and interact without either of you feeling pressured by a one-on-one setting. You might say, “A bunch of us are going to the game on Friday. Do you want to sit with us?” or “My friend group is going bowling this Saturday. If you come, we'll have an even number.” Make small talk to start a conversation. Small talk focuses on neutral topics, like the weather, your environment, or upcoming holidays. Say “hi” to him, then make a general comment about what's going on. Alternatively, ask him a basic question about what he thinks about your location or the weather. Say, “Wow, it's busy in here!” or “It never stops raining!” You could also ask something like, “What do you normally order here?” or “What are you doing for spring break?” Ask him questions about his interests to continue the conversation. Talking about his interests will keep him engaged in the conversation and helps you get to know him. Question him about what he likes, then follow-up on his answers. As he talks, nod along and give him encouraging words, like “go on” or “that's interesting.” You could ask, “What are your favorite sports teams?” “Which bands do you listen to the most?” “What clubs are you joining this year?” or “What do you like to do in your free time?” Share personal details about yourself to make a connection. Opening up to someone helps build intimacy with them, which will grow your friendship. However, don't feel pressured to tell your guy friend all of your deepest secrets. Instead, share small personal details with him at first. Over time, you can share things you consider a secret. Start by telling him about your hobbies, interests, and goals. You might say things like, “My favorite thing to do is play guitar. I'm hoping to be a singer-songwriter some day.” You could also tell him funny or embarrassing stories that aren't a secret. Say, “I'm kind of known for my burping skills. Two years ago I accidentally burped during the talent show and thought it would be a good idea to burp the rest of the song. Now I'm a legend.” Send him friendly texts and memes to keep the conversation going. It's common to text your closest friends on a daily basis, so send him a short text every day. Ask him about how his day is going or about a common interest. As another option, send him funny memes that you think he'll like. Text him, “How's Thursday going?” or “Did you see the game last night?” Don't text him more than twice in a row before letting him respond. He might feel like you're bombarding him with texts. Follow him on social media so you can comment on his posts. Add him as a friend on your social media accounts so you can interact with him there. Then, like or comment on his posts so he sees you care about him. Focus on what he's doing and how he's feeling. Don't comment on his looks because it might make him think you want to be more than friends. You might say, “This is hilarious!” or “Looks like you're having fun!” Look for things you have in common. Most friendships are based around common interests. It's unlikely that you and your guy friend will like all of the same things, but you'll probably have some overlap between your interests. Pay careful attention during your conversations with him and when you're reading his social media posts. Find your common interests so you can base your friendship on them. For instance, you might both enjoy art and science fiction movies. Be your authentic self so he likes you for you. When you want to impress someone, it's tempting to pretend to be someone else so they like you more. However, your friendship won't be genuine, and eventually you'll drift apart. Be honest with him about your interests and ideas. Don't pretend to enjoy something that you don't like just because he likes it. For instance, let's say you know he likes football but you aren't a fan. Be honest about not liking football. Instead, focus on something you both enjoy. Invite him to do an activity that you both like. If you want to deepen your friendship, you'll need to spend some one-on-one time with him. Pick an activity that relates to your shared interests, then invite him to go with you as friends. Focus on just having fun with him so you can grow closer together. If you're both into baseball, you might invite him to a game. You might invite him to see the latest superhero movie if you both like comic books. If you both like the same local band, you might invite him to watch them perform at a local coffee shop. Give the friendship time to grow rather than rushing things. It's normal to want to be fast friends with someone you really like, but it takes time for most friendships to develop. If you rush things, he may pull away from you. Let your friendship gradually develop over time to increase your chances of becoming best friends with your guy friend. Enjoy the process of becoming besties! You get to hang out, try new things, and get to know each other better. In time, you'll develop a strong bond as friends. Listen to what he has to say. Good friends are always there to listen, so be there when your guy friend needs to talk. Pay attention to what he has to say, and nod along so he knows you're listening. Then, paraphrase what he said back to him so he knows you were listening. This will show him that you're there when he needs you. For instance, he might need to talk about the stress he's going through with school or his anger at his parents. Show him you’re reliable by keeping your promises. Friends can rely on each other, so it's important to prove that your word is good. When you say you'll do something, always follow through so he knows you really care about him. This will show him that you're a valuable friend. If you do need to back out of a promise, tell him immediately, apologize , and try to make it up to him. You might say, “I know I said I'd help you study tonight, but my mom is making me go to my brother's soccer game. I'm so sorry for letting you down, but I promise I'll call after the game to talk about the areas you need the most help with.” Be supportive when he’s going through a tough time. Friends are there for each other during tough times, so be there for him when he's struggling. Offer him encouragement, give him advice, and be his shoulder to cry on. These actions will show him you're a true friend. As an example, comfort him when he's going through a break-up or encourage him when he's struggling to pass a class. Keep his personal stories and secrets to yourself. Friends share personal details with each other, so he may tell you things he doesn't want everyone knowing. Protect his privacy by keeping this information to yourself. Don't tell anyone the secrets he tells you. If you do, you'll likely lose his trust. Assume that what he tells you is meant to be private. Unless it's common knowledge, don't talk about it with everyone else. Additionally, don't try to “help” him using the information he tells you. For instance, he might tell you that he likes a specific girl. Don't try to set them up unless he asks because he may feel like you violated his trust. Avoid being affectionate if you date guys. When your friendship is new, being too affectionate with him might send the wrong signals. Don't caress his skin, lay your head on his shoulder, or hug him until you both feel comfortably in the friendzone. Otherwise, he might think you're flirting with him because you want to date him. After you've been best friends for awhile, you might both feel comfortable hugging and showing other types of affection. However, give yourself time to get there!

Hang out in a group to spend more time with him. Make small talk to start a conversation. Ask him questions about his interests to continue the conversation. Share personal details about yourself to make a connection. Send him friendly texts and memes to keep the conversation going. Follow him on social media so you can comment on his posts. Look for things you have in common. Be your authentic self so he likes you for you. Invite him to do an activity that you both like. Give the friendship time to grow rather than rushing things. Listen to what he has to say. Show him you’re reliable by keeping your promises. Be supportive when he’s going through a tough time. Keep his personal stories and secrets to yourself. Avoid being affectionate if you date guys.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Nachos-in-the-Oven

How to Make Nachos in the Oven

To make nachos in the oven, start by spreading tortilla chips at the bottom of a baking dish. Next, cover the chips with shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, olives, beans, corn, and peppers. Then, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before putting the dish in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the cheese is melted, take the dish out and top it with any cold toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. If you prefer your nachos to have more heat to them, add roasted peppers or cayenne.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176°C). Set your oven to convection and make some room on the center rack. Let it begin warming up as you assemble the nachos. A lower cooking temperature will allow everything to heat evenly throughout without burning the chips. Prepare a large baking pan with cooking spray. Melted cheese and other temperamental ingredients can stick and harden on an ungreased cooking surface if you're not careful. A quick spritz of cooking spray will prevent that from happening, even with the cheesiest nachos. Nonstick cookware can be cleaned with a simple wipe, saving you a lot of messy cleanup. Choose a deep pan or casserole dish that will contain all the ingredients you'll be heaping onto your nachos. Spread the tortilla chips at the bottom of the baking dish. Distribute the chips out to the edges of the dish. Make sure they're lying as flat as possible. This way, they'll be able to hold toppings better and won't be as likely to break. Use a hearty style of tortilla chip that will hold up to heavier toppings. Try to overlap the edges of the chips so there are no open spaces between them. Cover the chips with shredded cheese. Distribute the cheese evenly over the top of the tortilla chips. Use as much as you please—for smaller portions, a couple handfuls should be enough, while you may need to use an entire package for party-sized platters. Freshly grated cheese tends to melt better than bagged shredded varieties. Put down two layers of chips and cheese to achieve just the right ratio of crunch to creaminess. Add the rest of your ingredients. With your first layer complete, you can now pile on any and all of your other favorite nacho toppers. Fresh tomatoes, diced red onion, black olives, refried beans, jalapeño peppers, corn and black beans are all popular options. Once again, aim for even coverage with your ingredients. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top to help tie it all together. Get creative with your nacho toppings. Try bacon-bleu cheese nachos with sliced scallions, or serve them fajita style with caramelized bell peppers and onions. Bake the nachos for 5-10 minutes. Place the nachos in the oven on the center rack and heat until the cheese is melted and perfectly gooey. Keep an eye on the nachos as they heat up to prevent them from getting too done. Switch the oven light on so that you'll be able to tell exactly when your nachos are ready. Be sure to remove the nachos before the chips begin to brown around the edges. Finish with any remaining cold toppings. The nachos will be piping hot when they first come out of the oven, so give them a minute or two to cool. Afterwards, you can add your choice of fresh and non-heatable ingredients. Spoon on a dollop of sour cream, guacamole or salsa, then use a few sprigs of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime to provide the finishing touches. Add your fresh toppings just before serving the nachos. If allowed to sit for too long, they may get soggy. Ingredients like sour cream and guacamole don't do well when heated. Spice things up a bit. If you prefer your nachos to have a little heat to them, feel free to include a few bonus add-ons like fresh jalapeños, roasted poblanos or cayenne. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle pepper for a subtle smoky finish. Leave the spicy toppings on the side to take it easy on eaters with milder tastes. Put together a single serving. For a scrumptious snack for one, only use about half a bag of tortilla chips, or as many as you can eat at a time. Combine them with smaller amounts of each of your other ingredients and run them through the oven for around five minutes. You'll have just enough to satisfy your hunger without having to deal with leftovers. Snack-sized nachos make a great afternoon pick-me-up or fun finger food for a movie night. Serve a party platter. If you plan on having company over and need something to feed them, it doesn't get any easier than homemade oven nachos. Just use a larger piece of cookware, like a roasting pan or cookie sheet, to make sure you can fit all of the nachos in the oven at once. Set up your toppings assembly line-style so that everyone can customize their nachos individually. Take all the difficulty out of serving and cleanup by serving the nachos on disposable plates and encouraging hungry guests to help themselves by hand. Include a source of protein. With the addition of ground beef, chicken, chorizo or even a fried egg, you can turn a simple batch of nachos into a satisfying lunch or dinner. Have the protein cooked and ready by the time you add your second layer of toppings so it will be nice and hot when it comes out of the oven. And bring an appetite, because these loaded nachos are extra filling! Top nachos with smoky marinated chicken or pulled pork barbecue and serve them as a tasty food court-style meal. Make vegetarian nachos. Meat eaters don't have to be the ones having all the fun. Nachos are one dish that's extremely easy to modify for plant-based dietary restrictions. In fact, most types of meat-free nachos already qualify as vegetarian. If you're a vegan, simply use your favorite plant-based cheese substitute in place of regular dairy cheeses. Add some substance to vegetarian nachos using tofu, sweet potatoes or baked tempeh. Vegans should also double check that the tortilla chips they use, along with any other prepackaged ingredients, aren't made with animal products. Finished.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176°C). Prepare a large baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the tortilla chips at the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the chips with shredded cheese. Add the rest of your ingredients. Bake the nachos for 5-10 minutes. Finish with any remaining cold toppings. Spice things up a bit. Put together a single serving. Serve a party platter. Include a source of protein. Make vegetarian nachos. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-and-Add-Power-Steering-Fluid

How to Check and Add Power Steering Fluid

To check and add power steering fluid, start by locating the reservoir cylinder near the power steering pump. Then, if the cylinder is made out of clear plastic, check the level of the fluid to see if it's low. If the cylinder isn't transparent, remove the cap and examine the dipstick to see if it's low. Next, if your car needs more power steering fluid, pour some into the reservoir cylinder until it reaches the right fill level. Finally, place the cap back on the cylinder.

Look for the reservoir cylinder. If you're having difficulty turning the steering wheel or a high-pitched whining noise issues from the steering wheel when you turn it, chances are your power-steering fluid is low. The power-steering fluid can be found in a cylindrical reservoir near the power steering pump or remotely located with hoses from the pump, and should be clearly labeled. The cylinder may be made of either plastic or metal. If you can't find the cylinder, consult your owner's manual for the location. While the power-steering reservoir is usually located in the same space in most cars, newer vehicles may place them elsewhere for economy or space. Check the level of the power-steering fluid. If the reservoir cylinder is made of translucent plastic, you may be able to see the fluid level inside the cylinder. If the reservoir cylinder is made of metal, or if the plastic is not sufficiently transparent, you'll check the fluid level with a dipstick, which is usually attached to the cap. On some cars, the power-steering fluid level can only be checked accurately after the engine has run for a brief period, and sometimes you must also turn the steering wheel in either direction several times while the car idles. On other cars, there are gradations on the dipstick or cylinder for both a "hot" level, after the engine has been running, and a "cold" level, after the engine has been off for a period of time. On still other cars, there may be "Min" and "Max" lines for acceptable fluid levels. Be sure to compare the power-steering fluid level against the correct mark. Examine how much of the dipstick is covered by power-steering fluid. If you are using a dipstick to test the power-steering fluid level, first wipe off any excess fluid from the dipstick when you first take it out of the cylinder, then reinsert it as far down as it will go and pull it out again. Examine the color of the power-steering fluid. Good power-steering fluid should be clear, amber or pinkish in color. If the power-steering fluid is brown or black, it has been contaminated with bits of rubber from connecting hoses, seals or O-rings. In this case, the car should be taken to a mechanic to see if any of the power-steering system parts need to be replaced, along with the fluid. The power-steering fluid may look darker than it actually is. If you have any doubts, look at the color of the power-steering fluid stain on the rag or paper towel you wiped your dipstick off with. If the stain is the color the fluid is supposed to be, your fluid is not contaminated. Add power-steering fluid as needed to the correct fill level. If your car has gradations on the cylinder, you can add the fluid steadily until you reach the correct "hot" or "cold" fill level; if you checked the level with a dipstick, add the fluid incrementally to avoid overfilling the reservoir. Be sure to use only the power-steering fluid that is recommended for your car, as it will be the correct viscosity (thickness) for your car's power-steering system. The manufacture does not recommend using transmission fluid in place of power steering fluid. There are too many different types of fluid, and if the wrong fluid is used, it may cause failure of power steering and its seals. Be careful not to overfill your power-steering unit with fluid. It's probably better to under fill your unit than overfill it. That's because power-steering fluid expands as it heats up and works its magic. If you fill your unit all the way to the top and then try to drive your car, the expanded pressure could begin to cause problems and might necessitate expensive repairs. Replace the cylinder cap. Depending on the make of car, you may have to push or screw the cap into place. Be sure it's firmly attached before you close the hood.

Look for the reservoir cylinder. Check the level of the power-steering fluid. Examine how much of the dipstick is covered by power-steering fluid. Examine the color of the power-steering fluid. Add power-steering fluid as needed to the correct fill level. Replace the cylinder cap.

https://www.wikihow.com/Transplant-a-Plant

How to Transplant a Plant

To transplant a plant to a bigger pot, start by watering the plant to make removal easier. Cover the new pot's drainage hole and fill it halfway with soil. Then, gently place the plant in the new pot. Once you've filled the rest of the pot with soil, water the plant and place it in the sun. If you are moving it outside, limit watering it and stop fertilizing it for 2 weeks. After 1 week, move the plant outside for a little bit every day. Lastly, put the plant in the soil outside and water it to help it grow.

Water the plant a few hours before you transplant it. The time of the year does not matter much since you will be keeping the plant indoors. What does matter, however, is the soil. Water the plant thoroughly, then wait 1 hour; this will dampen the soil and make it easier to remove the root ball. If you are transplanting a seedling, wait until it forms a pair of true leaves. True leaves are hardier than the delicate leaves you see at first. Choose a pot that's 1 size larger than the old pot. It's better to gradually increase the size of your plant's pot as it grows rather than putting it into a giant pot from the start. Get a pot that is 1 size bigger than the one that the plant is already in. Cover the drainage hole in the new pot with a piece of mesh or a coffee filter. You want to cover the drainage hole so that the soil doesn't fall out. The water will still be able to come out. If the new pot doesn't have a drainage hole, fill the pot with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of gravel. Fill the new pot with a few inches/centimeters of potting soil. Use enough potting soil so that if you were to set the root ball into the pot, the top of the root ball would sit 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the pot's rim. Do not use gardening soil. Gardening soil often contains insects, diseases, and fungi. Your plant is not used to these, and it can get sick or die as a result. For the healthiest, happiest plant, look for soil that contains equal parts of rich loam, sand/perlite, and organic matter. If you are transplanting a seedling, fill the pot to within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the rim. Dampen the soil with warm water and wait 1 hour. Turn the pot upside down and gently tap the rim against a table. Cover the top of the pot with your hand so that the plant sticks out between your fingers. Turn the pot upside down, then gently tap the pot's against the edge of a table. This should loosen the root ball and cause it to slide out of the soil and into your hand. Do not grab the plant by the stem and pull it out. Break the pot instead as a last resort. If you are transplanting a seedling, use a spoon to carefully dig the seedling out. Hold it by a leaf, never by the stem. Slide the root ball out and loosen it if the roots are tangled. Most root balls clump together, which is normal. If the plant was in the small pot for a long time, however, the root ball may retain the shape of the pot. In this case, gently squeeze the root ball with your fingers to loosen it. If you can't loosen the root ball, use a sharp, clean knife to slice into the sides of the root ball; make the slices ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 to 0.32 cm) deep. Be sure to cut away any dead or rotten roots with sharp, clean scissors. Set the root ball into the new pot, then fill it with more soil. Cover the top of the root ball with a thin layer of soil. Leave ⁄ 4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) of space between the soil and the rim of the pot. If you are working with a seedling, poke a hole into the soil, then tuck the seedling inside. Pat the soil around the seedling. Water the plant thoroughly. It would be even better if you added some water-soluble fertilizer into the water, but make sure that it's the right kind for your plant. This will help the plant recover faster. Once you are done watering the plant, do not water it again until the top layer of soil is dry. If you are working with seedlings, keep the soil damp, but not soggy. If the pot has a drainage hole, keep watering until water comes out of the hole. If the plant does not have a drainage hole, use your best judgement. Bring the plant into sunlight over the next couple of days. Do not put the plant in full sunlight right away or you will shock it. Instead, gradually move it into brighter and brighter areas over the next 2 to 3 days. Keep the plant warm, but avoid heat. If the plants start to wilt, mist them with water, then cover them with plastic wrap. Keep them in a cool area, away from direct sunlight for 1 to 2 days. Move the plant into a larger pot as it grows bigger. How soon you do this depends on how fast the plant grows; some plants grow faster than others. A slow growing plant typically needs to be transferred to a new pot once every 2 to 3 years. A fast growing plant will need to be transferred to a new pot once per year. If you notice the roots poking out of the drainage hole, it's time for a new pot! Research the date when you should move your plant outside. Most plants can be only be planted outside during certain times of the year. The date will depend on what gardening zone you live in as well as the type of plant you have. Online is a great place to start, but seed packets and care tags often contain this information too. Begin to harden the plant off 2 weeks before the transplanting date. Stop fertilizing 2 weeks before the transplanting date. Reduce watering, but don't omit it. A week before the date, move the plant outside. Leave it outside for 1 hour on the first day, 2 hours on the second day, and so forth. Keep it out of direct wind and sunlight, and water it often during this week. Take the plant outside in the morning each day. You will leave it outside 1 hour longer every day. Plan to transplant during the cool part of the day. It would be even better if it is overcast or drizzling. Early morning is a good time, but early evening would be even better, because then your plants won't have to deal with the heat of the day while acclimating to their new home. Fill the planting bed with gardening soil. Choose the area that you will be moving your plant into. Make sure that the area has enough sunlight/shade for your type of plant. Dig up any untilled soil, and replace it with gardening soil. For even better results, mix some compost into the soil. It would be best to buy the soil from the store. This way, you can ensure that it is pest, disease, and fungi free. Dig a hole big enough to hold the plant's pot. Unless the pot is made out of peat or paper, you will be removing the plant from the pot and placing the root ball into the hole. It is difficult to tell how big the root ball is when the plant is still in the pot, however, but if you make the hole the same size as the pot, you can ensure a good fit. Turn the pot upside down and slide the root ball out. Place your hand over the top of the pot first, so that the plant is sticking out between your fingers. Carefully flip the pot upside down. If the plant doesn't slide into your hand, lightly tap the rim of the pot against a firm surface, like a table or bench. Do not grab the plant by the stem and pull it out. This can damage the plant. Leave the plant in the pot if it's made from peat or paper. Instead, cut the sides of the pot so that the roots can reach the fresh soil sooner. It would be good idea to tear away the top inch (2.5 cm) of the pot so that it sits below the soil when you transplant it--otherwise it may soak up the water before it gets to the roots. Loosen the root ball with your fingers, if needed. Most root balls are already loose, but some of them are so tight that they take the shape of the pot. If this happened with your plant, gently squish the root ball until it loosens up. If the root ball is still too firm, make 1/8 to 1/4-inch (0.32 to 0.64-cm) deep incisions into the root ball with a clean knife. Skip this step if the plant is in a peat or paper pot. Place the root ball into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the top of the hole. If the hole is too deep, lift the plant out, and add a few more inches/centimeters of gardening soil. If the plant is in a peat or paper pot, simply place the entire pot into the hole. Fill the space around the root ball with more soil and pat it down. The hole will be a little too big for the root ball, so scoop some soil into the spaces between the root ball and the hole. If the hole caves in and becomes shorter than the root ball, simply add more soil around the top of the root ball so that everything is level. Gently pat the soil down when you are done. Water the plant thoroughly. After this initial watering, water the plant as often as needed. Depending on the type of plant you have, this could be daily, weekly, or only when the top layer of soil is dry. For even better results, add some fertilizer into the water. Be sure to use the right type for your plant, however!

Water the plant a few hours before you transplant it. Choose a pot that's 1 size larger than the old pot. Fill the new pot with a few inches/centimeters of potting soil. Turn the pot upside down and gently tap the rim against a table. Slide the root ball out and loosen it if the roots are tangled. Set the root ball into the new pot, then fill it with more soil. Water the plant thoroughly. Bring the plant into sunlight over the next couple of days. Move the plant into a larger pot as it grows bigger. Research the date when you should move your plant outside. Begin to harden the plant off 2 weeks before the transplanting date. Plan to transplant during the cool part of the day. Fill the planting bed with gardening soil. Dig a hole big enough to hold the plant's pot. Turn the pot upside down and slide the root ball out. Leave the plant in the pot if it's made from peat or paper. Loosen the root ball with your fingers, if needed. Place the root ball into the hole. Fill the space around the root ball with more soil and pat it down. Water the plant thoroughly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-and-Treat-Overgrown-Teeth-in-Mice

How to Prevent and Treat Overgrown Teeth in Mice

To prevent your mouse's teeth from overgrowing, feed it commercial pellets to help it wear down its incisors and provide it with complete nutrition. In addition to pellets, give your mouse a small amount of fresh produce each day, like apples, broccoli, carrots, and berries. You should also give your mouse chew toys like wooden sticks and empty paper towel rolls for it to chew on when it isn't eating. If your mouse's teeth do get overgrown, take it to the vet to have its incisors trimmed with dental tools.

Give your mouse commercial pellets. In the wild, a mouse will gnaw on wood and forage to keep the incisors trimmed down. For your pet mouse, commercial pellets are a good chewing choice. They will help your mouse wear down its incisors and provide it with a complete and well-balanced diet. Overfeeding pellets can cause obesity, though, so follow the feeding instructions carefully. Commercial pellets are available at your local pet store. Talk with your vet if you're not sure which brand to choose. Feed your mouse a healthy diet. In addition to pellets, a healthy overall diet can help prevent overgrown incisors in mice. A healthy diet contains a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain important nutrients. Examples of fresh produce are apples, broccoli, carrots, and berries. Wash the produce with water to get rid of the pesticides. Here are some other tips for feeding your mouse a healthy diet: Give your mouse a constant supply of fresh water each day. Because mice forage for their food in the wild, scatter your mouse's food throughout its cage to encourage foraging behavior. Offer the fruits and vegetables in small amounts. They should not be the main the part of your mouse's diet. Think of the fruits and vegetables as occasional treats. Place gnawing materials in your mouse’s cage. Your mouse should gnaw on more than just its food. Examples of good chew toys for mice are wooden sticks, wooden blocks, and even hard dog biscuits. Be mindful that certain types of wood (pine, cedar) are toxic to mice. Make sure the wooden chewing toys you purchase do not contain pine or cedar. You don't have to purchase a lot of chew toys. Your mice can also chew on empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, empty cardboard egg cartons, and small cardboard boxes. Give your mouse a variety of chew toys so it doesn't get bored with just a few things to chew on. Replace the chew toys as they get worn down. Schedule regular teeth trimmings with your vet. Most mice can keep their teeth in good shape through diet and chewing alone. Some mice have teeth that are not aligned properly (called malocclusion), or they may not be good chewers, which allows overgrowth. These mice may require regular trimming at your veterinarian. Teeth trimming every 2‒3 weeks is a good schedule. Your vet can help you determine how often your mouse's incisors should be trimmed. Mouse incisors grow a few millimeters each week. Have your vet trim your mouse’s incisors. Teeth trimming requires anesthesia. While your mouse is anesthetized, your vet will use specialized dental tools, such as a high-speed drill, to trim the incisors. The drill will allow your vet to smoothly trim the incisors without leaving any sharp or jagged edges. Make sure your vet does not use nail trimmers or bone cutters to trim the incisors. These instruments can split the incisors lengthwise, causing pain and a possible tooth root infection. The tooth root is located above the gum line. Do not cut your mouse’s incisors at home. Regular teeth trimmings by your vet could get expensive. Because of the expense, you may want to trim your mouse's incisors on your own. Do not do this! Without having specialized dental tools, you could crack the incisors and end up causing more harm than good. Leave the teeth trimming to your vet. Treat dental problems in your mouse. Other than overgrown incisors, mice can suffer from such dental problems as periodontal disease and abscesses (pockets of infection). Symptoms of dental problems include decreased appetite, bad breath, lumps near the mouth, and extra drooling. If you notice dental problems in your mice, take it to your vet for treatment. Examples of treatment are: Teeth trimming for malocclusion Tooth extraction and removal of affected tissue for abscesses

Give your mouse commercial pellets. Feed your mouse a healthy diet. Place gnawing materials in your mouse’s cage. Schedule regular teeth trimmings with your vet. Have your vet trim your mouse’s incisors. Do not cut your mouse’s incisors at home. Treat dental problems in your mouse.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Manly

How to Be Manly

The most fulfilling way be manly is to relish responsibility and challenges. Enjoy competition while still being reliable with your relationships and commitments. Express the full range of your emotions so you can feel confident in yourself and become the best man you can be.

Get fit. Manly men don't have to look like Conan the Barbarian, but they do need to take care of their bodies. Fellow men and women alike admire strength and athleticism. If you're not already in good shape, immediately set aside some time in your schedule to exercise every day. Exercise will make you look and feel better. It can also help thwart depression, making you much better-suited for pursuing your other manly goals.Here are some steps you can take to develop your own manly physicality. Lift weights. Strength-training exercises help build manly muscles and burn fat. Use proper technique and proceed slowly if you're new to weightlifting - you can hurt yourself with bad form. If you're unsure of how to proceed and you can afford it, hire a personal trainer. S/he will help you craft an exercise routine that fits your precise needs. Manly men are aware of the image they project - stand up straight and walk with purpose. An erect posture makes you look confident and may even make you feel more confident. A slumped posture appears beaten or submissive. If you have high body fat, consider dieting. Dieting isn't womanly. It's responsible. Losing weight can decrease your risk for heart disease and other common health issues later in life. Relish responsibility. Real men don't run from challenges or try to shirk their obligations. Rather, they take pride in being reliable and responsible. If other people feel like they can trust you, you'll quickly learn to trust yourself, which will bring increased confidence. Responsibility comes in many forms, depending on the roles you take on. Here are just a few aspects of life that may require you to take on new responsibility: If you're a husband or father, become a leader in your family. Take an active role in child-raising and/or balance the household budget, for instance. If you're a boyfriend, be a mature, reliable one. Plan dates and outings without being asked. Be emotionally available for your significant other when s/he needs it. If you have a career, commit yourself to it. Take on challenging projects, even if it occasionally means staying late or working overtime. Be the one person your boss can trust - you'll earn much respect (and also job security!) Emulate manly role models who excel in their careers and home life, whether they're familiar friends or famous heroes. Be a sexual dynamo. Now for the fun stuff! Manly men are sexually confident - they know they're the most attractive person in the room, so they don't make idiots of themselves by trying too hard. Instead, they coolly and confidently approach people they find attractive and allow their charming, friendly personality to naturally steer conversations toward flirtation. Manly men are direct about what they want, but they're not boorish or arrogant. They like to have fun, but they always remember that their sexual prospects are human beings with their own needs and wants. If you're single, work on your sexual confidence. Try to be dominant in your flirtatious conversations and in the bedroom. Don't get emotionally invested in relationships that don't exist yet! If you're inexperienced, begin simply by getting out more. Talk to attractive people you meet without fear - if there's a mutual attraction, you might hit it off, and if not, you'll still get better at talking confidently. Apply these principles to any committed relationships you find yourself in. Keep your confidence around your wife or girlfriend (or husband, or boyfriend) - surprise her/him by seducing her/him like you'd seduce someone you're meeting for the first time. Improve your emotional health. A common misconception is that manly men have no emotions other than anger. Nothing could be further from the truth. Manly men experience a full spectrum of emotions - joy, sadness, regret, contentment, and every shade in between. However, a man never loses control of his emotions. He never allows himself to get so angry that he does something stupid. He never allows himself to get so sad that he ignores his responsibilities. He does what he needs to do to ensure he's emotionally ready to take charge of his life. Honestly critique your emotional state - do your experience certain emotions illogically? Tackle your weaknesses head-on. Talk to friends or a counselor to put your emotional state in a new perspective. Men and women both experience clinical depression, but depressed men are more likely to commit suicide. Depression can also lead men to neglect their family and career. If you are depressed, seek medical help. It's not manly to pretend nothing's wrong. Sharpen your intellect. Manly men aren't just sexy, strong brutes - they're clever as well. They don't have to be "book-smart," but they do have to be open to learning throughout their whole life. A manly man has an opinion about almost everything, but his opinions won't be well-informed if he's not open to learning. Whatever your level of education, be as smart as you can be - it'll help you negotiate business deals, defuse arguments at home, make better decisions, and, most importantly, live a full, well-rounded life. Take up a hobby! It's never too late to learn a musical instrument or a new language. Join a debate team! Learning how to effectively argue is an important skill in almost all aspects of life. Take classes at your local community college. You'll find new passions. If you're ever proven wrong about something, admit it and move on. You gain nothing by obstinately refusing to change your mind. Develop rewarding interpersonal relationships. Manly men should be confident on their own, but they shouldn't be loners. Cultivating an active social life is great for your career aspirations (networking is a great way to get job referrals), but it's also a great way to meet single people. Plus, it's just plain fun. Get out there and meet people today! Seek leadership roles in organizations. You'll meet plenty of people and earn their respect. Join sports teams. Sports are a great way to improve your social life and your health at the same time. Save your tenderest, most intimate emotions for your relationships, but be a rock on whom the more emotional can lean on. Be distinct. Manly men may prize certain people as role models, but they aspire to be no one but themselves. Be unique - don't buy in to fads or trends. Cultivate your own style and you'll never be mistaken for anyone else.The way you dress, speak, and carry yourself makes a lasting impression on people. Make sure it's an unforgettable one. Never agree with someone just to fit in. Real men are self-assured, comfortable respectfully disagreeing with others when it's needed. Do things that you like to do, without considering what other people will think. Do you like knitting, for instance? Then work at becoming the world's manliest knitter. Stay at your physical peak. Don't rest on your laurels - continue to work out every day, even if it's just to maintain the progress you've already made. A strong, healthy body makes every other aspect of life easier. You'll have more energy to work, play, and love like a man. Enjoy your new strength and athleticism, but don't let it go to your head. Don't boast or show off unless it's in good humor - doing so is a sign of desperation for others' approval, not of confidence. Pay attention to what you put into your body. Count your calories and avoid unhealthy foods. Foster your curiosity. Stubborn close-mindedness often gets mistaken for manliness. In fact, it's far manlier to actively seek out new experiences - you can't strive for personal growth if you never step out of your comfort zone. Always try new things, provided you do so safely. It will broaden your horizons. You'll begin to learn what you like and what you don't like. You'll discover skills you didn't know you had. You'll be more interesting to your friends and sexier to women. Be open to relationships with new kinds of people. Talk to everyone - you may find that people with different perspectives on life can inform your own opinions. Take on new responsibilities at work and at home. Even if, for instance, you discover that you're not the best at paying your household's bills, you'll learn the process, which is a gift in itself. Challenge yourself every day. "Manly" isn't an easy thing to be. It's a quality marked by hard work and struggle. Teddy Roosevelt, one of the manliest men to ever live, had to work hard for years to overcome his poor health and achieve manliness. By overcoming obstacles, you move closer to the manly ideal. Tackle life's difficulties head-on! Often, the biggest challenges can come with the day-in, day-out grinds of sustaining a career and a home life. In this case, the challenge may be something as simple as going to bed earlier so that you can wake up to take your child to school. Just because these challenges aren't glamorous doesn't mean they're not hard! Seek new challenges out. If your career and home life aren't challenging, make new challenges for yourself! Sign up for a marathon Enjoy competition. You're not the only manly man in the world - eventually, you'll find yourself in competition with someone who's also confident, strong, and self-assured. Give it all you've got - a genuine competition is a great chance to test the manly skills you've worked hard to develop. Even if you don't win, you'll learn, and you'll be better-prepared to succeed the next time you find yourself locking horns with another alpha male. If you win, be a gracious winner. Shake his hand, look him in the eye, and never gloat. Reflect on the qualities you possess that led you to victory, as well as the ones that made victory more difficult. If you lose, lose like a man. Never give up before the competition is over, even if your odds seem slim. Don't whine or make excuse for yourself. Instead, try to find out why you lost so that you can devote extra practice to these areas, Above all, be the best man you can be in every aspect of your life. No man is perfect - even the manliest men make mistakes and experience great difficulty. Adversity is no reason to quit. Strive for the confident, strong manly ideal even when it eludes you. Remember, no one is born manly. It's something that must be eked out through hard work, struggle and sacrifice. When in doubt, remember that some of the manliest people ever had their own periods of darkness. Here are just a few examples: Mr. T. had a very rough life before he found fame. Raised in one of Chicago's roughest housing projects and expelled from college after only one year, he worked as a bouncer and bodyguard for years before landing his first film role. John Wayne, once the epitome of American Masculinity, struggled through three marriages and a cigarette addiction that gave him cancer. Still, he kept his manliness to the end. Long before he was Rocky, Sylvester Stallone was a desperate, struggling young actor. For three weeks, he was homeless, sleeping in the New York Port Authority bus station until he got his first starring role - in a porno. He didn't become well-known until years later. Treat women with respect. Whether you're dating a woman or not, you should treat her like a gentleman would. This doesn't mean subscribing to outdated ideas of chivalry (like, for instance, pushing in her chair for her). Rather, it means that you should extend her the respect and goodwill you would give a serious colleague. Listen to her when she talks. Respect her opinions, even if you disagree with them. Most importantly, treat her like an equal - she is. No need to handle women with kid gloves. Many women love raunchy humor as much as men do. Making jokes (even lewd ones) with women isn't treating them disrespectfully - it's showing that you consider her enough of an equal to let your emotional guard down. Get a sense of a woman's personality first, then, if she seems game, joke away. On the other hand, avoid the use of gendered insults like "bitch," even if you're just joking. It's easy to make a bad habit of using these words and even easier to have your intentions be misunderstood. Manly men don't hurt peoples' feelings on the basis of their gender. Never, ever commit an act of violence against a woman - it's one of the least-manly things you can do. That of course does not mean that you have to allow a woman (or anybody else) to be violent, abusive or disrespectful toward you or anybody. Strength and violence are different things. To stop an abuse is a must, but does not necessarily need violence; use your brain power, instead. Treat men with respect as well. It's easy to respect your guy friends. It's much harder to respect the creep in the office who always breathes over your shoulder. A manly man does both. Manly men never bully or humiliate people. They also avoid participating in gossip. Anything you would scold your son for doing on the playground, you should avoid doing in the adult world. Many times, annoying men won't even know they're annoying. If someone at the office has really bad breath, take them aside quietly and recommend some breath mints. Don't tease them in front of everyone at lunch. There's no reason to make someone suffer for something they're unaware of. Life will sometimes require you to compete with other men. Compete as hard as you can, but remember that these men aren't evil just because they're in competition with you. They deserve your respect even as you work against them. Be ambitious (but not greedy. ) Pursue excellence in your career and enjoy the rewards that you earn through your hard work, but never compromise your integrity or your family life for material wealth. The happiness you get from money is a fraction compared to what a happy home and family can offer. Act ethically in all your business dealings. Be competitive, but don't be a backstabber - a manly man never throws someone else under the bus for his own advancement. Being honorable at work is its own reward. Coworkers and supervisors will notice your hard work. You'll earn the respect of your workplace and, more importantly, job security. Seek out new responsibilities at work, but don't become so invested in your career that you neglect yourself or your family. If taking on a new duty means you won't ever be able to see your children before they go to sleep, pass it up. Be a family man. Your family should come first - before your career and even before yourself. This responsibility becomes even bigger if you have children. Make sure to spend time with your family, even if you're already working very hard. They'll return your love. Take your children to visit their grandparents. Spend an occasional weekend at the beach. Attend your children's sports games and school plays. The time you spend fostering love in your family is the time you'll remember most fondly in your old age. A survey of over 1,000 UK parents showed they overwhelmingly valued time with their family over material wealth. If given the chance between working the whole weekend to put money away for a new car and spending the weekend with your family, opt for the one that will make you happier.

Get fit. Relish responsibility. Be a sexual dynamo. Improve your emotional health. Sharpen your intellect. Develop rewarding interpersonal relationships. Be distinct. Stay at your physical peak. Foster your curiosity. Challenge yourself every day. Enjoy competition. Above all, be the best man you can be in every aspect of your life. Treat women with respect. Treat men with respect as well. Be ambitious (but not greedy. Be a family man.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Baby-Back-Ribs

How to Cook Baby Back Ribs

Before cooking baby back ribs, rub the top and bottom of the meat with your seasoning. Next, lay the ribs bottom side down on a piece of aluminum foil and wrap the foil around the ribs, crimping the edges to make sure the ribs are completely covered. Then, place the ribs in the refrigerator overnight. To cook the ribs, put them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. After 2 hours, carefully open the foil so you can pour your sauce over the ribs, reseal the foil, and continue cooking for 30 minutes.

Select your choice of meat. Pork is the most tender cut of baby back ribs. Check to see if the white membrane is removed from the bottom of the ribs. If purchasing from a butcher, have the butcher remove the membrane for you, or you can cut it off at home. Prepare a seasoning rub for the baby back ribs. There are several prepackaged rubs on the market, or you can make your own from your favorite seasonings. The most common seasonings include salt, brown sugar, black and red pepper, chili powder, garlic and onion powders. Decide what type of sauce you want for the ribs. Like the rubs, you can purchase a prepared sauce or make your own. Common sauce ingredients are dry red wine, honey, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne pepper and garlic. Locate a baking dish large enough to hold the entire rack of baby back ribs, yet small enough to fit in your oven. Tear off a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil that is large enough to wrap around the entire rack of ribs and place it in the baking dish. Rub the top and bottom sides of the baby back ribs with the seasoning rub. You will want to press the rub deep into the meat of the ribs. Lay the ribs bottom side down on the foil. Wrap the foil around the ribs and crimp the edges, sealing the entire surface area of the ribs. Place the baking dish with the ribs in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Preheat your oven to 300 °F (149 °C), (150 degrees Centigrade). Remove the baby back ribs from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter while the oven preheats. They should be almost room temperature before placing them in the oven. Cook the ribs for 2 hours and then remove them from the oven. Leave the oven on, as you will be returning the ribs to cook with the sauce. Open the foil carefully and check the ribs to see if they are cooking properly. At this point, the meat should begin to pull away from the bones and the bones should be loose in their sockets. Pour the purchased or homemade sauce over the ribs and close the foil. Return the ribs to the oven and cook for 30 more minutes. If your baby back ribs were starting to dry out when you added the sauce, reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes. Remove the ribs from the oven. Switch your oven to the broil setting. Pour off the sauce from the ribs into a medium-sized saucepan. Heat and stir the sauce over medium heat until it is thick and syrupy. Use a basting brush to coat the top portion of the ribs with the heated sauce. Leave the ribs unwrapped and place them on the top rack of your oven. Broil for about 3 minutes, making sure the ribs do not start to burn. Remove the ribs from your oven, flip the ribs over and baste the bottom side with the heated sauce. Return the ribs, unwrapped, to the oven to broil for another 3 minutes. Take out the baby back ribs from the oven, let cool for 10-15 minutes and enjoy.

Select your choice of meat. Check to see if the white membrane is removed from the bottom of the ribs. Prepare a seasoning rub for the baby back ribs. Decide what type of sauce you want for the ribs. Locate a baking dish large enough to hold the entire rack of baby back ribs, yet small enough to fit in your oven. Tear off a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil that is large enough to wrap around the entire rack of ribs and place it in the baking dish. Rub the top and bottom sides of the baby back ribs with the seasoning rub. Lay the ribs bottom side down on the foil. Wrap the foil around the ribs and crimp the edges, sealing the entire surface area of the ribs. Place the baking dish with the ribs in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Preheat your oven to 300 °F (149 °C), (150 degrees Centigrade). Remove the baby back ribs from the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Cook the ribs for 2 hours and then remove them from the oven. Open the foil carefully and check the ribs to see if they are cooking properly. Pour the purchased or homemade sauce over the ribs and close the foil. Return the ribs to the oven and cook for 30 more minutes. Remove the ribs from the oven. Switch your oven to the broil setting. Pour off the sauce from the ribs into a medium-sized saucepan. Heat and stir the sauce over medium heat until it is thick and syrupy. Use a basting brush to coat the top portion of the ribs with the heated sauce. Leave the ribs unwrapped and place them on the top rack of your oven. Broil for about 3 minutes, making sure the ribs do not start to burn. Remove the ribs from your oven, flip the ribs over and baste the bottom side with the heated sauce. Return the ribs, unwrapped, to the oven to broil for another 3 minutes. Take out the baby back ribs from the oven, let cool for 10-15 minutes and enjoy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Clothes-for-Gym-Without-Being-Embarrassed

How to Change Your Clothes for Gym Without Being Embarrassed

Changing your clothes for gym can be embarrassing if you're feeling self-conscious, but there are a few ways you can change more discretely. If there are free bathroom or shower stalls, get changed in there so no one will see you. If not, try draping a towel over your lap while you change your pants or underwear. To change your top, have your new one ready and do it quickly so you'll only be exposed for 1 or 2 seconds. You can also turn away and face your locker or the wall. Alternatively, consider wearing your gym clothes under your regular clothes so you won't need to undress to your underwear.

Change in a private area. While there are alternate methods to help you change in front of others, you may be most comfortable if you can avoid it altogether. Most locker rooms have private bathroom stalls or some may even have curtained-off shower stalls where you can change. You may find that if you do this, others will follow suit. You're surely not the only one who would rather have a bit of privacy. It's also possible, though, that if everyone else changes out in the open, and if you're the only one who changes in private, you may draw unwanted attention to yourself, which could expose you to additional teasing. You may also be pantsed in the locker room because others may not like that you can change privately while they and everyone else are in their underwear. While you should keep this in mind, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, so choose the method that works best for you. Wear clothes that can double as gym clothes. If your school does not have a specific uniform that can only be worn in gym class, then you may be able to dress for gym at home on the days that you'll have P.E. class. For example, thick leggings are very popular right now for girls, paired with long T-shirts. You can wear your leggings to school with tall boots, and layer a couple of cute T-shirts over it. Once you go to gym, you'll only need to change into your athletic shoes and remove your top t-shirt. Guys and girls alike can usually get away with wearing long athletic shorts or pants to regular classes, paired with a T-shirt or sweatshirt. Wear your gym clothes under your regular (“street”) clothes. If your school does have a specific uniform, or if you have to wear shorts and a T-shirt even in the winter, for example, you may be able to wear your gym clothes under your street clothes. For example, if your school's gym outfit is a white T-shirt with black shorts, you can wear tighter-fitting black shorts under your skirt or pants, and a plain white t-shirt with a sweater, cardigan, button-down, etc. over it. You can wear a tank top under your shirt so when you take off your shirt your tank top is still on. When you change back into your clothes, you still have the tank top on - no exposure! Change your shirt. It's fairly easy to change your shirt quickly without exposing yourself for too long. To begin, sit down on a bench with your gym shirt on your lap (with the front of your shirt facing down and the neck of the shirt towards your knees). You can also perform this move while standing up in front of your locker, if you have one. Your open locker door can shield part of your body: Instead of placing your shirt on your lap, have it placed in the bottom of your locker ready to go for the following steps. Pull your arms out of your shirt. If your shirt is a pull-over style, remove your arms, but don't take the shirt all the way off. Keep your head in the neck opening of the shirt, with the shirt draped over your body. (If you are wearing a button-down style shirt, unbutton your shirt completely and take your arms out, but leave the shirt draped over your shoulders.) Place your hands up through bottom opening of your gym shirt and into the arms. Then raise your arms and lift your old shirt off as you slip the new one over your head. Your shirt should fall behind you as you raise your arms. Change into your gym pants or shorts. If you want to draw as little attention to yourself as possible when changing out of your street pants, try this quick change hack. Begin by having your gym pants ready beside you on a bench (right-side out, with drawstrings loosened, etc.). Make sure that your shoes are off as well, before you get started. Loosen your regular clothes (unbutton, unzip, or unfasten your jeans, pants, or skirt) and begin to slide them down. Sit down once you've lowered them past your hips. This will minimize the amount of time you are standing up with your underwear exposed. Once you are sitting, slide your bottoms past your knees and down off your feet. While you are still bent over, reach over and grab your gym pants/shorts, and step into them. Pull your gym pants up to your knees while you remain sitting down, and then stand up to quickly slide them over your hips. You can also try pulling your gym pants up while sitting down instead of standing: push down with your legs while sitting so that your hips are raised off the bench, and pull up your gym pants. Change your underwear. It's a good idea to change into fresh underwear after gym class. If you choose to do so, the procedure is basically the same as changing your pants (explained above.) Begin by having your underwear ready next to you. You don't want to be searching through your gym bag for your clean pair after you've removed your dirty pair. Loosen your gym pants, and then slide them down along with your underwear. Sit down once they are past your hips. Step out of your dirty clothes, grab your fresh underwear and step into them. Once your feet are both through the opening, slide them up quickly. You should be able to slide your underwear up and over your hips while sitting down without having to stand all the way up. It's probably best if you leave your shirt on while you do this—you'll feel less exposed. You can also drape a towel over your lap while you are changing your underwear. Change your bra. If you need to wear a sports bra for gym class, you could just wear one to school and not change. However, this may not be comfortable all day, or it may not look right in your streets clothes. If that's the case, it's fairly easy to change in the locker room without drawing too much attention to yourself. Begin by removing your shirt and putting your sports bra on over your regular bra. Then reach under the sports bra to unhook your regular bra. Slide the right bra strap out over your shoulder and pull your arm out. Repeat on the left side, and then remove your regular bra by pulling it out from the front (reach under your sports bra and pull your regular bra out). Have your shirt ready to slip on quickly once you're done with this. It's probably a bit too hard to do this with a shirt on, though you could practice at home to see if it's possible. Be prepared for menstruation issues. If you have begun your period (or will start soon), you may have special worries about changing in the locker room. Your best strategy is to be prepared: make sure that you have pads, liners, and/or tampons on hand all the time in your gym bag or locker. If you are on your period, consider wearing dark underwear and/or pants and bottoms. If you're worried about wearing pads, especially in gym class where you are more active, you may want to become comfortable using tampons , which are much more discreet. Ask to see the school nurse if you feel cramps coming on or if you feel queasy. You can tell your teacher that you aren't feeling well (keep it somewhat vague). Then tell the nurse, of course, about your situation. Remember that you're not the only one going through this, and most girls are more than willing to help each other out when one of them runs out of supplies or begins her period unexpectedly. In fact, it's sometimes a way to bond! Know that erections happen. The male locker room has its own issues. Many guys are worried about how their equipment stacks up, and are concerned that others will be comparing them. If you're a guy, you may also be worried about having an unexpected erection at an inopportune time. You can try to prevent this from happening from keeping your thoughts as non-sexual as possible while changing. For example, think about the upcoming basketball game instead of the date you have planned for later this evening. It may also help to wear tighter-fitting underwear, such as briefs or boxer-briefs, instead of loose boxers. If you do have an erection, this can make it less noticeable. It never hurts to drape your lap with a towel when you are changing out of or into your pants, as well. Know your rights as trans person. If you are transgender, then you are most likely facing unique concerns. It's important that you know your rights and find advocates to support you. Among your most important rights is the right to feel safe, comfortable and non-threatened at school. In many states and school districts, this includes the right to change in the locker room where you are most comfortable changing (whether that is the room that matches the gender with which you identify or the one that correlates with the sex you were assigned at birth). Even if your state does not have specific legislation outlining rights for transgender people, you are protected by Title IX against gender discrimination. If you're unsure about where you can change, or if you are being bullied or harassed, it's very important that you seek help from a trusted adult: a parent, teacher, counselor, principal, etc. You shouldn't have to deal with bullies alone. Try not to compare your body to others. It's really hard not to look around the locker room and notice the differences between your classmates and you. If you have body insecurities, it's especially difficult. Try to keep in mind that everyone else (or nearly everyone) also has their own body issues. While this won't automatically make you feel better about your own body, understanding this can help keep things in perspective. If you are struggling to come to terms with your own body or your anxiety about changing in front of others, do not hesitate to talk to someone, whether that is a parent, teacher or counselor. See also our helpful wiki on how to accept your body.

Change in a private area. Wear clothes that can double as gym clothes. Wear your gym clothes under your regular (“street”) clothes. Change your shirt. Change into your gym pants or shorts. Change your underwear. Change your bra. Be prepared for menstruation issues. Know that erections happen. Know your rights as trans person. Try not to compare your body to others.

https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Cat-to-Stop-Fearing-Sudden-Movements

How to Train a Cat to Stop Fearing Sudden Movements

If your cat startles easily, make an appointment with your vet to make sure there aren't any serious underlying causes. If you have a kitten, prevent it from getting scared easily by exposing it to movement from an early age. When you're with your cat, move slowly around it most of the time so it feels secure. You can also help your cat see movement positively by introducing fun play sessions with toys, encouraging friendly interactions with other people, and rewarding your cat for being where the action is. Finally, try desensitizing your cat by performing repeated movements around it.

Talk with your vet. Before you begin any serious attempts to modify your cat's behavior, make an appointment with the vet to eliminate any possible bodily causes. Your vet will ask you about your cat's history and may request some blood tests as well. If your cat has only recently started to exhibit more fear, it is possible that there is a physical explanation, such as thyroid disease. Your vet may recommend placing your cat on some anti-anxiety medication. If this is the case, be sure to go over dosage instructions and any warnings. Expose your cat to movement early on. If you have a kitten that is younger than 14 weeks of age, then you can still work on exposing and acclimating them to movement as part of their development process. This is a formative period where even small efforts on your part can reap large behavioral rewards. For example, hold your kitten securely in your hands and step outside to show them movement in nature. Move slowly. As you are walking around your house, try to keep your actions measured and controlled. This will build trust with your cat and they will feel comfortable relaxing around you. If they are less stressed overall, then they are less likely to overreact if you do make an unexpected sudden movement. Engage your cat in play with toys. Get a number of bouncy balls, feather strings, and other toys designed to entice your cat. Play with your cat multiple times throughout the day. Start by making slow movements with the toys and then increase speed and unpredictability as your cat gets more comfortable. As your cat becomes accustomed to these play sessions, move your body around as well. Walk, or even jump, while drawing designs with a laser pointer on the ground. Take some time to simply sit quietly with your cat as well. Relaxing together helps to build trust. Invite friends and family over. When you have people over, warn them about your cat's movement fears. Ask that they just relax for a while after they first arrive in order to let your cat get used to having them around. If your friends are willing to sit on the floor, then this can give your cat a chance to approach them safely. You can also give your guests some cat toys and treats to offer, so that your cat associates their visits with positive benefits. Make sure to supervise all of your cat's encounters with other people. This will allow you to intervene in a negative situation, such as if your cat begins to swipe at your guests out of fear. Offer rewards. If your cat stays in a room during a busy period, such as when you have guests over, make sure to give them a few treats throughout the visit. You can also make a habit of using treats to lure your cat onto higher ground, such as their cat tree, if you know that sudden movements might occur. Pay attention to your cat's body language to know when a treat might be most welcomed. Desensitize with repeated movements. Choose a certain type of movement, such as getting up from the couch, and gradually increase the speed and/or repetition of this action over a period of days. Start by standing up from the couch very slowly and then add speed until you are moving fast. Your cat will recognize the movement and will become increasingly comfortable with the speed of the action, too. You can also use this approach when completing everyday household tasks. For example, vacuum slowly and then build up speed. Follow a clear schedule. Feed your cat at the same times every day. Change the litter box every day or every other day consistently. Designated a few times during the day as 'play periods,' such as from 1-2 in the afternoon. Your cat is less likely to give in to their fears if they know what to expect from you and your movements. Remove any extra clutter. Many cats like to play with small items in the house, but your cat may see these items as blocking their exit from the room or as triggers for their anxiety. Picking up children's toys off the ground and keeping them in a designated area will make it less likely that you will run into them and then scare your cat. Keeping the floors of your rooms more bare will also make it possible for your cat to see what, or who, is actually making a sudden movement or causing a noise. Having this knowledge may lessen your cat's anxieties. Leave doorways open. This gives your cat the option to exit a situation that they are not comfortable with. Then, they can reenter a room when they are calm and ready. When a cat is trapped in a room, their anxiety levels skyrocket and it is hard to determine whether they are simply scared of movement or fearful due to the inability to exit. Provide a safe space. Choose one spot in your household that belongs to your cat and your cat alone. Place your cat's bedding and food and water bowls in this area. Keep a few toys in this space as well. Try to limit visitors into this room. If you place a kitty cave or other hiding options in this area, your cat will likely go here if they are afraid or anxious, making it easier to check on them. Add relaxing scents. You can purchase a product that emits a pheromone that promotes relaxation in cats when used as a diffuser or spray. Or, you can incorporate the scents of relaxing natural oils into a room, such as lavender. While certain pheromone sprays can go directly onto your cat's skin, make sure to read the packages carefully and consult with your vet before use. Do not place an essential oil on your cat's skin without talking to your vet, as certain oils, like lavender, can cause irritation and burning. View fear as a natural response. There is nothing abnormal about your cat being afraid or anxious in certain situations. The problem comes in when these fears take over your cat's life and make them unable to function as a happy, healthy cat. You'll want to work with your vet to determine when your cat's behaviors begin to cross the line into concerning. Get to know your cat’s personality. Not all cats fit well into all households. Try to look objectively at your cat and determine the basics of their personality. If they are naturally shy, then they would probably prefer a calm, quiet living environment. If they are a bit wild, then a busy household will suit them just fine. Your cat may change with age, but many core personality traits will stay put over time. For example, some cats simply do better when dealing with one gender. If your cat only frightens when men or boys make sudden movements, then you may want to work on that part of the issue, too. Pay attention to your cat’s body language. Your cat may be sending out many warning signals before they finally go 'over the edge' with fear. Look to see if your cat's ears are horizontal or twitching, which indicates nervousness. Your cat may also crawl close to the ground or walk with their tail low to the ground or moving rapidly. Knowing how to read your cat's body will make it possible for you to understand when you've successfully helped them to calm down or cope with their fears through training. The more subtle cues of fear or anxiety, such as the dilation of pupils, may disappear. Watching for their cues will also let you rescue them from situations that turn stressful. For example, your cat may be fine sitting next to a small child, but your cat's ears might flatten when the child starts to run around. Identify any specific triggers. Does your cat respond negatively to all sudden movements or just certain types? For two weeks, keep a set of notes detailing the specific circumstances that led to moments of stress or fear for your cat. Then, look over your list to see if any patterns are present. For example, your cat may only fear sudden movements from a particular person or group of people, such as children.

Talk with your vet. Expose your cat to movement early on. Move slowly. Engage your cat in play with toys. Invite friends and family over. Offer rewards. Desensitize with repeated movements. Follow a clear schedule. Remove any extra clutter. Leave doorways open. Provide a safe space. Add relaxing scents. View fear as a natural response. Get to know your cat’s personality. Pay attention to your cat’s body language. Identify any specific triggers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Boxer-Puppy

How to Train a Boxer Puppy

To train a boxer puppy, start by teaching your dog simple verbal commands like "Sit" and "Stay." Then, provide a reward, such as a tasty treat, immediately after the action is carried out to reinforce the behavior. Use a firm but pleasant voice and remember to be clear and consistent to prevent any confusion. Also, aim for 10-15 minute training sessions each day and avoid long training sessions, since these tend to be ineffective. When instructing your dog, don't yell or lose control, since boxers are very intuitive!

Begin training early. Boxer dogs are highly energetic but also intelligent animals. They will learn through through repetition, so it's important you begin issuing clear commands and cues early on, even when they're puppies. For young puppies (8 to 12 weeks old), keep training sessions short but fun. For example, when you bring your new puppy home, take him to the toilet spot in the garden, and praise him when he uses it. It will be a coincidence at first, but it's never too young to tell him "Toilet time" when he happens to squat. Then lavish lots of praise on your dog. This will help your dog learn to connect that behavior with praise from the get-go and make him more likely to repeat it. You can also start with simple commands such as "Sit". With a young pup, the training is a simple as spotting he's about to sit anyway, and when his hind leg hits the ground, saying "Sit" and making a bit of a fuss of him. He'll be perplexed at first, but soon he'll realize the link between the word and the action. Focus on rewards-based training. This method works by rewarding good behavior, while ignoring the bad. This capitalizes on the idea of using what motivates a Boxer puppy to train him: rewards of food and attention/affection. The idea is that the Boxer works hard to repeat the behavior which earned him a treat or a fuss. The unwanted behavior was ignored by you, the trainer, and in your dog's mind does not benefit him at all, is a waste of energy, and therefore is not worth repeating. Because Boxers like food and attention, this is the best way to train them. Punishment is not a part of this training technique. Never beat your dog. Beating or hitting dogs when they behave undesirably is not a useful training measure. Instead of learning from the punishment, your dog will instead become fearful of you, which ultimately defeats the training process since that is not the desired result. In the end, rewarding good behavior is more useful and constructive for training purposes than punishing bad behavior. Use food rewards. Appeal to your Boxer puppy's belly. Boxers are very food-oriented and motivated. Reward desirable behavior with food and you're likely to get a repeat of that good behavior. Food treats should be small, such as Mini Zukes, Charlie Bears, Bil Jac or freeze-dried liver. Many dogs will even work for their regular dog kibble. Think about the giving of treats as a reward for the behavior you wish to encourage only as a starting measure. Treats should soon be replaced with praise as the reward, otherwise, the dog may become overweight or even obese. Alternatively, you could also weigh out your dog's daily food allowance out and then set aside a small amount of the daily total for use as treats. This helps prevent your Boxer from putting on weight with all the training you are doing. Start with basic commands. Aim to give a command, and then give a reward immediately the action is carried out. This strengthens the link in the dog's mind between action and reward. Start with a basic command, such as "Sit," and work on that until your dog has it mastered. Grab a treat and let the puppy sniff the treat in your hand so he knows it's there. Then hold the treat just above the pup's eye level, over the head, so he has to look up to keep it in view. Once he is looking for the treat, draw an arc over her head so that when he looks up to follow, his bottom naturally sinks down. As soon as he starts sitting, say give the command "Sit" and give the treat. Work up to other commands or tricks, such as "Lie down" and "Paw" (where he extends his paw to you. Rewards-based training is the best method to get your dog to understand and follow all kinds of commands and cues. Mix up the reward-giving. Once your dog is regularly repeating an action after he is issued a command, make the treat giving less predictable. Mix things up a little. Typically, a dog that gets a reward every time gets sloppy because the treats are too easy to come by. By skipping a reward, it sharpens up your dog's thinking and makes him wonder if he didn't sit fast enough or well enough. He will, therefore, work harder to please you. Eventually, you will reward every fourth or fifth command, so that he remains focused on earning a treat but without getting discouraged that they are too hard to earn. Expand the training. Test your Boxer pup in different situations and add distractions. Once you have established basic commands (e.g. "Sit" and "Stay") in the quiet of your own yard, practice with distractions so the dog knows he must respond and learns to focus on you no matter what the distractions. Add noise, or another trainer, or even another animal. When you dog gets distracted and has troubling focusing, you need to temporarily interrupt his stream of thought by talking to or commanding him or by an action (such as stomping your foot). Develop distraction techniques with treats in low distraction settings and at home. Always follow through with praise and treats. As you get more confident on your dog's ability to stay in control, increase the level of difficulty by walking around the block or near a dog park to work on his skills. Work up to busier areas once your puppy is consistently responding to commands like “leave it” or “watch me”. Work up slowly to added distraction and you will both gain confidence in your dog's ability to handle a crowd. This is key to creating a well-mannered dog that behaves well in situations where there are other people and animals. Enroll your puppy in an accredited obedience program. Local shelters, pet stores, and other organizations offer training programs at a low cost. Consider visiting one of the classes prior to enrolling to make sure that you agree with the type of training presented. You may also want to consider getting a professional trainer. A professional dog trainer, such as one from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), is very knowledgeable about dogs and can help you learn basic handling skills. Overall, though it is an added expense, having professional training assistance is beneficial in the long run because it will help you and your energetic dog communicate effectively. An important part of training is helping your Boxer to behave around other dogs, so try and attend a puppy class. Many veterinary clinics hold puppy classes, which are ideal for Boxers who need early socialization. All the attendees have received their first vaccination and are only allowed to attend if they are healthy. The benefit to the puppy is learning confidence and social skills around other young dogs. House-train your dog. Choose a cue word or phrase to use when you take your dog outside, such as "Toilet time". If you use this word from the beginning, your Boxer puppy will learn to associate it with doing what he is supposed to do outside. When you bring the puppy home, take him straight outside to the toilet spot. The chances are he'll have a sniff around and toilet. When he does, say the cue phrase and then give him lots of praise or even a small treat. You are rewarding the good behavior (toileting in the desired spot) so that he starts to understand this is an easy way of getting a lovely fuss made about him. When house-training a puppy, when possible take him outside every 20 to 30 minutes. This is to increase the chance of the puppy squatting as a matter of coincidence, and increases your chances of being there to give him lots of praise. Persistence at house-training is key. Watch your Boxer puppy carefully when he is inside. If he is walking in circles or sniffing the floor, he is likely getting ready to relieve himself. Take him outside immediately. If the puppy makes it outside, be sure to give him a treat and praise. When house-training, keep your Boxer confined to one room, so there are fewer distractions for him. In addition, if he does have an accident, you can find it and deodorize the spot. A dog allowed to roam the house may squat secretly and, if you don't find it, the smell will draw the puppy back to urinate there again. Do clicker training. Clicker training gets the dog to associate the "click-clack" sound of a clicker (pressed by you) with a reward. The clever part of the clicker is that it can mark the precise moment that the desired action took place, hence building a strong link between the action and reward. Boxers are highly trainable because they are very food-motivated, which makes clicker training ideal for them. Learn how to clicker train your dog. The clicker itself is a tiny plastic box held in the palm of your hand, with a metal tongue that you push quickly to make the sound. Eventually your dog will come to learn that clicks are always followed by treats, which is a very powerful incentive for Boxer puppies. One your dog makes this connection, you can use the click to mark the instant he performs the right behavior, such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting down when commanded gets him rewards. Consider crate training. Crate training your Boxer is a great idea. The idea is that the Boxer thinks of the crate as his den, a place where he's safe and can relax and sleep. Let the puppy discover the crate and want to go in voluntarily. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to turn all the way around, stand up, and lie down. Boxers do grow to be fairly large, so you may have to invest in a larger crate as your puppy gets bigger. Learn how to crate train your dog or puppy. Make the crate an appealing place with a comfy dog bed, and scatter some treats inside. Give the puppy some meals in there but leave the door open. Once the puppy is happy to go to the crate, you can close the door for a few seconds, and open it again and if the puppy was quiet give her lots of praise. Note that a crate should never be used as a punishment or a prison, and should only ever be used in a positive way. Be aware of the following crate-time guidelines, and avoid leaving any dog in a crate for over five hours at a time (with the exception of overnight): Age 9 to 10 weeks: 30 to 60 minutes Age 11 to 14 weeks: 1 to 3 hours Age 15 to 16 weeks, 3 to 4 hours. Age 17+ weeks: 4 or more hours (but never more than six). Research appropriate training methods. Before you start training your Boxer puppy—or, even better, before you get the puppy—read up on what kind of training is ideal for your breed. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. If you're planning to clicker train, get a clicker. If you're planning to crate train, get the right-sized crate. Also be sure to pick up an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. Find the right time and place for training. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions (10 to 15 minutes) twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. Consider expending your Boxer's energy before training sessions by allowing him 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity. This will enable him to better focus on training. A good time to choose to train a dog is just before a meal, so the dog will be very keen to work to earn those tasty treats. Try to train the dog in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Boxer puppy can focus his attention on you. This means avoiding places with other animals or people. Always begin training in your home or yard and build up to environments with more distractions (e.g., other dogs and more people). Be specific. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. "No", "Drop", "Wait", "Stop," and "Fetch" are strong, simple, and direct. Don't lecture your dog; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "I've told you not to do that" or "Please stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. Experts believe that a given dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In other words, for commands, choose words that are short and avoid long sentences Be firm and in control. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Boxers who are hyper breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. The tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Boxers are playful by nature, and a light, breezy tone will not suffice; he will think you are just playing with him if you are not firm enough. Use hand gestures. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Be timely and repetitive in your responses and commands. Admonishing a Boxer puppy too long after the incident is ineffective. If you need to admonish or correct your dog, it needs to be done during or within a few seconds of the act. Dogs will have forgotten the event within seconds of its occurrence, so it's key to address the behavior immediately in order to facilitate the retraining process. Boxers are notoriously stubborn and steadfast, so you may have to correct your puppy numerous times. Boxers typically need 25 to 40 repetitions of a command before they can understand it. Be consistent. Always be consistent in your commands and desires of the dog. This helps your dog to understand what is expected. Don't forget to enforce training when you are out and about, so that your dog doesn't just thinking that "Sit" and "Stay" are things he has to do in the yard or house. By enforcing commands in public places it helps your Boxers to understand he must obey under all circumstances. Consistency is key to making good behaviors routine and normal and thus turns your dog into a well-trained and behaved pet! Leave no room for doubt about what is acceptable behavior for your Boxer puppy. If he is not allowed on the furniture, be consistent. Boxers won't understand the concept of "sometimes"; they are either permitted to lie on the couch or they are not. If you live with other people, make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the training program. and that everyone uses the same commands. Using different words for the same action will confuse the dog, disrupt the training already done, and ultimately delay progress. Remember that dogs weren't born trained. Keep in mind that your puppy wasn't born automatically knowing the rules of living in a human world. When your boxer puppy gets overexcited or misbehaves, it isn't because he is a fundamentally bad dog, but because he doesn't know any better. It's your job to teach him new behaviors that appropriate for coexisting and living with other animals and humans as well. Learn about the Boxer breed. Doing so will help you understand your new Boxer puppy while training him. Boxer dogs are a delight but they're also exuberant clowns that have a lot of energy and need plenty of stimulation, including lots of playtime and walks. This can make an unruly Boxer a bit of a pain to be around as he may pounce on you, almost cat-like, to get your attention, which for a 60–70 pounds (27–32 kg) dog can be quite painful. Also, the poorly trained Boxer may insist you play when he wants to, which again can be a nuisance if you want to quietly sit and watch TV. Boxers by nature are loyal to humans, they generally get along with other pets in the household, and they tend to like children, usually playing gently when appropriate. Build on and reward these positive traits when training your puppy. Also bear in mind that Boxers have a reputation for taking up to three years to mature mentally, and can remain in a puppyish state until then, which for a big dog can be problematic if he wants to jump, pounce, paw, and dig at you. Luckily, good training can help settle your dog down. It's important to note as well that although Boxer dogs as a breed may share some general characteristics, just as people have different personalities, so too do Boxer dogs. Though the breed tends to be energetic and hyper, it's also possible that your puppy may be shy or more relaxed. Treat Boxers in a manner that befits their breed. You need to understand what they want and need in order to train them. Boxers are extremely intelligent but sometimes hide it well behind their boisterous facade. They like people and are eager to please them, making Boxers an ideal breed for reward-based training, which relies on rewarding good behavior, while ignoring behavior. In other words, mobilize these inner traits of the breed in the training process; indeed, doing this is key to successful training. Keep in mind that giving Boxer puppies what they need will help ensure that they don't engage in "bad behaviors". For example, Boxers need to play and be thoroughly walked. If you don't do this, they often become bored and destructive. Increased physical activity helps a dog stay healthy and also tires him out. Keep your dog active (and not destructive) by playing fetch and going on substantial walks at least twice a day.

Begin training early. Focus on rewards-based training. Use food rewards. Start with basic commands. Mix up the reward-giving. Expand the training. Enroll your puppy in an accredited obedience program. House-train your dog. Do clicker training. Consider crate training. Research appropriate training methods. Find the right time and place for training. Be specific. Be firm and in control. Use hand gestures. Be timely and repetitive in your responses and commands. Be consistent. Remember that dogs weren't born trained. Learn about the Boxer breed. Treat Boxers in a manner that befits their breed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Employment-History

How to Get Your Employment History

If you need to provide your employment history, but can't remember everywhere you've worked, try searching online for your old resumes or biographical information. Use a search engine to look for your full name and narrow the search by including other information like cities and states you've lived in before. In addition to public sites, look through your old emails for clues or messages from former employers. Search for work-related keywords to try and find any mention of previous places you've worked at. If you have no luck on the computer, reach out to friends and family. While you might not remember where you worked when you were 16, there's a good chance that your mother does!

Get a form to request earnings information. Since your Social Security benefits are based in part on contributions you make through the withholding of a percentage of your earnings from each paycheck, the Social Security Administration maintains a record of your work history. You can download the form online at http://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-7050.pdf. Once you've downloaded the form, you can fill it out on the computer and print it out, or you can print out a blank form and fill it out by hand. If you prefer, you also can ask for a paper form in person at your nearest Social Security office. Fill out the form. The form has blanks for identifying information such as your first and last name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Mark on the form that you are requesting an itemized statement of earnings and provide the range of years you want. The itemized statement of earnings includes the names and addresses for all employers you had during the years you specify. If you fill out the form by hand, you should only use a pen with blue or black ink. Mail the form to the SSA along with the fee. When you've completed the form, send it to the Division of Earnings Record Operations at the address shown on the form, along with payment of $136 for a non-certified statement of earnings, or $192 for a certified statement of earnings. If you simply need the report for your own records, there's no need to get a certified statement. Typically you would only need a certified statement if you were specifically asked for one. You can pay the fee using credit card, check, or money order. If you choose to use a credit card, you should enter your credit card information in the credit card section on the last page of the request form. Wait to receive your report. The SSA may take up to 120 days to process your request. If 120 days have passed since you sent your request and you still haven't received your report, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and request a status update. Check your own records. Since you filed a W-2 for each employer when you filed your taxes, the name and address of those employers will be included on the W-2s you submitted with your tax return each year, along with dates of employment. If you've kept copies of your tax returns, you can pull them up to find names and address of employers and fill in gaps in your employment history. If you use online tax preparation services, you can often review old tax returns by logging onto your account. Typically you'd only be able to view returns you prepared using that service, but if you can remember which services you used for which years, you may be able to get copies of all the tax returns you need free of charge. Get IRS Form 4506. If you need names and addresses of employers to fill out your employment history, you can find them on your tax returns, which you need Form 4506 to request. The IRS makes the form available for download online at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf. Fill out the form. You can download Form 4506, fill it out on your computer, and print it off, or you can print it and fill it out by hand. If you fill it out by hand, make sure you only write in pen using blue or black ink. To complete the form, you will have to enter your name as it appeared on your tax return, along with your Social Security number. If you filed jointly, you also must include the name and Social Security number of your joint filer. You will need to enter your current address, plus the address on your previous return if it was different. Enter the year or range of years for which you want copies of your tax returns. Calculate your processing fee. The IRS charges you $50 for each return you request, so add up the number of years you've requested returns and multiply that number by 50. You may pay the fee using either a check or money order made payable to the United States Treasury. For example, if you've requested five years of tax returns, you must pay the IRS $250 to get those copies. Mail the form to the IRS along with your fees. Find the state where you lived in the years when you filed the returns you're requesting on the chart included with the form and send the form to that address. If you lived in two different states that show two different addresses, send your form to the address based on the state where you lived when you filed the most recent return. Wait to receive your returns. The IRS may take up to 75 days to process your request. Understand the limitations of credit report information. Credit reporting agencies aren't in the business of keeping records of your employment history, and they only have information if it was reported to them by a credit card company. The information on your report may be spotty or outdated, but it might help jog your memory. Visit annualcreditreport.com. You are entitled to receive one free credit report a year, and this website is the only free credit report service authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. Using another website could end up being a scam or costing you a lot of money in subscription fees. Although the information on your credit report may not be as thorough as the information you could get from Social Security or from the IRS, it has the benefit of being free. If you're looking for a job or contemplating a change in careers, it's probably a good idea to review your credit report anyway, as potential employers may pull it up when they are evaluating you for a job. Contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Check the information available on each report, and correct inaccuracies if you see any. If your report contains any employment information that bothers you, normally a simple request to the reporting agency is all it takes to have it removed. The employment information on each report may be different. For example, your Experian report will list your last known employer and occupation, but not any dates of employment. TransUnion, on the other hand, includes your current employer and occupation plus your previous employer. For both, your report includes the date your employment was last verified, the date you were hired, or the date your employment was reported. Search online for old resumes or biographical information. It's often said that once you put something on the internet, it's impossible to remove it completely. You may be able to use this to your advantage. Use a search engine to look for your full name and any other versions of your name that you've used in the past. You can narrow this search by including other information such as the name of the city or state where you lived at the time. Look not only for actual documents that would display your work history, but also for words or accounts that might jog your memory. For example, if you find an old social media account, you may read a post you made talking about a coworker that helps you remember where you were working at the time. Look through your old emails. If you maintain an archive of old emails, or if you have an old email address that you can still access, search for work-related keywords to find mention of previous employers. Check old contact lists for former managers or coworkers. If your computer or your phone archives your contacts, scroll through the list and see if it includes people from old jobs. You may have added the phone number of your workplace, or of a manager or coworker, and then failed to delete it when you moved on to another employer. Talk to your friends and family members. Although you may not remember that summer job you had when you were 16 years old, for example, your mother might. Friends and family can also help remind you of other details that might trigger a recollection.

Get a form to request earnings information. Fill out the form. Mail the form to the SSA along with the fee. Wait to receive your report. Check your own records. Get IRS Form 4506. Fill out the form. Calculate your processing fee. Mail the form to the IRS along with your fees. Wait to receive your returns. Understand the limitations of credit report information. Visit annualcreditreport.com. Contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Search online for old resumes or biographical information. Look through your old emails. Check old contact lists for former managers or coworkers. Talk to your friends and family members.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-in-Cats

How to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Cats

To treat irritable bowel syndrome in cats, start by taking your cat to the vet to determine the best course of treatment and pick up any medications your cat may need. Next, choose a hypoallergenic cat food brand, such as Royal Cain Limited Ingredients Diet, since your cat's symptoms may be caused by a food allergy. You should also choose a cat food that's high in fiber to help relieve any discomfort. Then, reduce your cat's stress by playing with it daily, keeping its litter box clean, and making sure it has a quiet spot to rest.

Try a hypoallergenic diet. Food allergy can be one of the contributing factors to IBS in cats. Choosing foods that are hypoallergenic in nature can alleviate symptoms. Your vet will likely recommend you find a protein and carbohydrate source your cat has not eaten before. Rabbit, venison, or duck-based diets are usually a good starting option as most conventional cat foods do not use these meats. Certain cat food brands, such as Royal Cainn Limited Ingredients Diet, use hypoallergenic products only. You might want to switch to this brand of cat food and see if symptoms improve. Look into low residue foods. Low residue foods are designed to be easy to digest and absorb, lessening bowel issues related to IBS. Most conventional cat food brands offer a low residue option, but might not be labeled as low residue. Instead, the company might use labels like "Scientific Formula." Ask your veterinarian what brands and categories of cat food you should buy if you're trying a low residue diet. Iams provides foods that are specifically labeled low residue and made for cats with intestinal problems. This might be a good route. If a low residue brand is not available in the store, you can order a bag online. Give your cat high fiber foods. Fiber is key in many species, cats included, for regular and smooth bowel movements. Upping your cat's fiber intake could improve some of the diarrhea and stomach discomfort related to IBS. Many brands of cat food, such as Royal Cainn, are labeled high fiber. They might be difficult to find in department stores, as most owners do not prioritize a cat's fiber instinct, but you can always make the purchase online. Visit your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat. The first step to treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in cats is consulting a veterinarian. They can suggest a variety of medical treatments and lifestyle changes to help your cat live a long, fulfilling life despite the chronic condition. Your vet has likely already diagnosed your cat's IBS through a series of tests and procedures. Usually, IBS is diagnosed through gradually ruling out other causes and taking an extensive survey of your cat's medical history. Treatment for IBS is oftentimes confusing as there's no single cure or approach that works across the board. Usually, treatment involves a combination of medication, dietary adjustments, or lifestyle change. Treatment is sometimes trial and error. Your vet will advise a variety of approaches and if one method fails you'll try another. Listen to your vet closely and ask her any questions you have regarding your cat's treatment. With medications especially, you need to know the proper protocol for administration, dosage, and storage. Ask about corticosteroids. Usually, the primary route of treatment involves the use of corticosteroids. These can be given temporarily while you wait for your cat to respond to dietary changes, or they can be given long-term if your cat isn't responding to the changes in its diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe a particular type of steroid and you'll monitor your cat to see if symptoms improve. Prednisolone is the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid for cats. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce symptoms of IBS. Corticosteroids have a fairly high success rate, alleviating symptoms in approximately 85% of cats. Corticosteroids are usually given orally and for 3 to 4 month intervals. If your cat has flare-ups after you discontinue steroid use, your vet might prescribe another round of steroids or she might try other treatment options. Your cat should be monitored closely by veterinary professionals when on steroids. Corticosteroids can lead to immunosuppression and diabetes. However, most cats do well on steroids if they're given in the right dosage and on a proper schedule. Usually, a high dose is used initially and the dosage tapers off over time. Cats can be difficult about taking medications orally, and sometimes vomit up meds. If you're worried about your cat taking pills, you can ask your vet about injecting steroids via syringes instead. Try prescription antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually prescribed if a combination of dietary changes and corticosteroids is not adequately addressing symptoms. Antibiotics work because bacteria is sometimes a causal factor in IBS. Metronidazole and azithromycin are the most often prescribed types of antibiotics. Side effects are uncommon, but some cats do vomit in response to the meds. This is usually due to their taste. Try immunosuppressive drugs. Usually, immunosuppressive drugs are added to a treatment regimen if corticosteroids and antibiotics fail to yield results. Immunosuppressive drugs are quite potent but they can alleviate symptoms in some cats. Like other treatment options, they are taken orally. Immunosuppressive drugs are a last-ditch treatment option for a reason. They are very strong and can suppress bone marrow in some cats. Your cat will need regular veterinary checkups while on immunosuppressives. If your vet recommends ceasing use, do so immediately. Invest in dietary supplements. Ask your vet about introducing dietary supplements to your cat's diet. If she thinks this may help, and it won't interfere with other medications, it's a possibility. As bacteria plays a strong role in IBS, medications that encourage the growth of certain bacterium such as prebiotics and probiotics might result in a reduction of symptoms. Ask your vet where you can find the proper supplements and how to safely administer them to your cat. You can also talk to your vet about giving your cat cobalamin—also known as vitamin B12—supplements. Cats that experience persistent diarrhea can have low cobalamin levels, which can have an impact on their digestion and appetite. Your vet may recommend an oral supplement that you can give to your cat right at home. Other dietary supplements can be found in health stores, and combination pills that mix together a variety of homeopathic cures might be the easiest route for treatment. Just make sure you consult your vet before any changes to your cat's treatment or diet. Make sure your cat exercises. Regular physical activity improves colon function and can lessen symptoms of IBS. If you have an outdoor cat, he might get a lot of exercise playing and running outside. Make sure he's going outdoors a few times a week. If weather, such as rain or snow, prohibits him from getting outside make sure you replace his outdoor exercise with indoor exercise that day. Cats, unlike dogs, are generally not walked. The bulk of physical activity therefore comes in the form of indoor play. You should provide your cat with a variety of toys and throw, pull, or dangle them for him each day to engage his interest. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of play a day. If your cat is higher energy, and doesn't seem tired out at the end of 20 minutes, play with him until he loses interest. If your cat is good with other animals, you might consider getting another cat. Cats tend to be more physically active when they live in groups as they run and play with one another. However, if your cat has past behavioral issues related to other animals, another pet could cause stress. Stress is linked to IBS flare-ups. Manage your cat's stress. Cats with IBS may experience flare-ups related to stress. Managing stress in your cat's life is important to reduce IBS symptoms. Make sure your cat has access to a safe, private spot in your home. Cats might want to retreat from noise, especially if you have guests over, and they'll crave hiding spots like closets, cabinets, and kitty condos. Minimize changes to routine, such as feeding and sleeping times. If changes are necessary, ease your cat into transitions. If you move, for example, get your cat used to his carrying crate before you have to transport him in a new location. Always keep your litter box clean. Dirty living conditions bother cats, so excessive urine and fecal matter in a litter box can cause stress. Scoop out clumps of litter on a daily basis and once a week dump the existing litter and replace it with a clean, fresh batch. Familiarize yourself with the long-term prognosis. IBS is not a curable disease. Cats who suffer from IBS will have flare-ups their entire lives and you need to understand the long-term prognosis for your cat. The disease will come and go with time. Your cat may go months or even years without a flare up and then experience symptoms again. As IBS is caused by a multitude of factors, predicting and preventing flare-ups is not always possible. However, if you consult your vet right away in the event of symptoms appearing, the disease can be effectively managed over time. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for any cat, but especially one with IBS. Your vet can monitor symptoms over time and adjust treatment as needed. Always take your cat in at the first sign of a flare up.

Try a hypoallergenic diet. Look into low residue foods. Give your cat high fiber foods. Visit your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat. Ask about corticosteroids. Try prescription antibiotics. Try immunosuppressive drugs. Invest in dietary supplements. Make sure your cat exercises. Manage your cat's stress. Familiarize yourself with the long-term prognosis.

https://www.wikihow.com/Declutter-Your-Bedroom

How to Declutter Your Bedroom

To declutter your bedroom, go through your room with a large trash bag and throw out anything that you don't want to keep, whether it's trash, torn or stained clothes, or broken toys. Next, spend about 10 minutes picking up anything that doesn't belong in your room, like dishes or paperwork, and put it where it goes. Once your room is tidied, go through your closet and dresser, sorting your clothes into a pile to keep, a pile to donate, and a pile to throw away. Fold and put away the clothes you want to keep.

Go through your room with a trash bag. Get some trash bags (not just one) and empty out all the garbage from your room. This could just be trash that's lying around, as well as ruined clothes or linens and broken items. If you're not sure what can be thrown away, create a “maybe” pile or trash bag. You don't have to throw anything away that you don't want to. For your first sweep of the room, focus on getting the garbage out of your room. Remove anything that doesn’t belong. Spend about 10 minutes going through your bedroom to remove any belongings you have that do not belong in your room. Be on the lookout for dishes, paperwork, and loose change. Clear out the areas that are out of sight like under your bed and in between furniture. It might help to completely remove these items from your bedroom. Set up a pile outside of your bedroom for miscellaneous belongings or trash. Then, take the time to put these items in their designated spots to avoid creating clutter in another room. Go through your drawers. Take a drawer and remove all of its contents. Go through one drawer at a time. Make 3 piles: keep, donate, and garbage. Once you're finished with one drawer, place all the “keep” items back into that drawer. Continue this process for each drawer. At the end of this process you can transfer the garbage items into the trash. Place the “donate” pile into a bag and set aside for later. You can also offer items you are ready to get rid of to friends and family members. If in doubt, throw it out. It's okay to hold on to sentimental items that you aren't sure where to put. Set up a space or drawer for sentimental objects you feel inclined to keep. This includes things like letters, drawings, and ticket stubs. Clear all your surfaces. Go through all surfaces that have random belongings lying around. Put things away that are on desks, floors, tables, or nightstands. Be diligent while going through surfaces and attempt to truly clear everything. Don't be afraid to get rid of items you don't want or don't use! If you plan to redecorate, it's a good idea to purge as many things as you can. The only items that should be left around your room are things like a lamp, computer, or other items of decor. Once you've put everything back in their place, clean the surfaces. Take a moist rag to all counter tops in your room. Sort through your clothes. Now it is time to tackle your wardrobe. Start with a category of clothing like tops or pants. Keep all the clothes you frequently wear in their place unless there are clothes underneath them. This will take a while, but try on everything in your wardrobe. You might not have worn a pair of jeans for a while and find they no longer fit. For clothes you can make 2 piles: keep and donate. Many people enjoy or rely on used clothing. If you have a sentimental garment that doesn't fit you, offer it to a friend or a younger sibling. At the end of the day, they're just clothes and you can live without them. Go through clothing accessories. Look through your closet for shoes, bags, accessories, and coats. Do the same system you did with your clothes. Take time to truly consider if you need something or not. Hoarding belongings can affect the people around you and your quality of life. It's better to get into the habit of recycling belongings as opposed to keeping all your old styles. If you have too many baseball caps, think about which caps you never wear. The caps you never wear are good items to be donated. Someone else will cherish the hat if you choose to donate it. Clean your room. The best way to reset your room is with a clean room. Sweep and mop or vacuum the floors of your bedroom. Remove furniture to clean the entire floor. Wipe off all surfaces with disinfecting wipes. Spend time dusting the walls and corners of your room. Sweep or vacuum your closet. Use cleaner to scrub the baseboards around your room. Change your bedding and wash your sheets and blankets. Rearrange the furniture in your bedroom. It is healthy to rearrange your bedroom furniture every now and again. Your bedroom becomes a new space that feels comforting and fresh. The first step is to find a new place for your bed. Consider your space and find a new place to put your bed. Then arrange the rest of your room around your bed. Try positioning your bed out of a corner and centered along a wall. As you rearrange your furniture, wipe off and clean areas of the furniture that were inaccessible before. Organize your closet. Many clutter problems stem from not having enough space in a closet. If you only have a single bar and a shelf in your closet, consider giving it a makeover. Remove the single bar and invest in newer closet systems that can be found at furniture and home appliance stores. You can alternatively split your closet into 2 sections, such as double bar hanger system on 1 side and a series of shelves on the other. This new type of system will remove more items from the floor and allow you to keep a more organized system in place. You can store excess and off-season items in storage organizers or even in another room to keep the closet from becoming cluttered. Use drawer dividers. You can utilize your drawer space more by investing or creating dividers for your drawers. With drawer dividers you can keep several items that are vaguely related together in an organized way. For your everyday drawer, you can do the following: Keep your reading glasses in an individual section. Use one section for your cell phone. Keep your keys and wallet in a compartment. Have your loose hygiene products in a section. Place your book and notebook in another section. Set a place for paperwork. Paperwork is an easy to overlook obstacle that can clutter a space. Set up an area of your room, or outside of your room that will be the sole place for paperwork. Everyone has different needs and different amounts of belongings. Some will benefit from investing in a filing cabinet to keep all their filing needs in order. Others can get by with a binder or a series of folders in a drawer. Pick a system and enact that system as soon as you set it up. The best way to start using a new system is by implementing that system immediately. Install shelves. Shelves are an easy way to keep clutter off your floors. You can keep miscellaneous items or a collection of items together in an organized fashion with shelves. Go to a hardware store to purchase shelving holders and mount them onto your bedroom walls. Place the shelves high off the ground to avoid knocking into them. Decide what each shelf will be used for and avoid using them as a “catch all.” Make it a point to organize and dust them on a regular basis. Use storage furniture. There are furniture options that can also act as a storage unit. These can be particularly helpful if you have a limited closet space and need to fit linens and guest supplies through a season. You can find items like an upholstered storage bin from furniture stores. There are other types of furniture that double as a storage space like a bed frame with drawers under the bed. You can replace your desk with several drawers for storing miscellaneous belongings. If you don't have a dresser, consider getting one. You can even get a small dresser and store it in your closet. If necessary, get some clothing storage bags to slide under your bed. Put away your laundry after drying. A common way for clutter to start building up is after a load of laundry. Instead of shoving your cleaned laundry into your room, put it away immediately. When you fold your clothes fresh out of the wash, you decrease the chance of wrinkles. Fold, sort, and put away your clean clothes right after the wash. Avoid letting piles of clothing build up on the floor of your room. If you don't have enough room for your clothes, get rid of more clothes. If you need extra storage for your clothes, organize your clothes based off the season. Once it's summer, store away all your coats and sweaters in a storage bin and place in a community closet, garage, or an attic. Clean your room regularly. Instead of waiting a couple of months to a year, do small bits of organizing and cleaning every day or week. If you have a small amount of clutter on your desk or in the corner of your room, go take care of it. Don't let the mess build up. You can save yourself a hassle in the future by tackling bits of clutter as they form. You should plan to sweep/vacuum your room at least once a week. If you have a cat or dog, consider doing it more often. Avoid over-buying. Many people have problems with hoarding materials or purchasing impulse buys. If you are one of these people, attempt to limit the amount of belongings you purchase. One way to implement this is to consider where the belonging would fit into your room. Ask yourself: “Could this fit in my room practically?” and “Am I buying this for the right reasons?” If you are considering upgrading a belonging, decide if you're willing to purge the original? It is okay to have decorations around your room, but too many can over clutter your walls and floor space.

Go through your room with a trash bag. Remove anything that doesn’t belong. Go through your drawers. Clear all your surfaces. Sort through your clothes. Go through clothing accessories. Clean your room. Rearrange the furniture in your bedroom. Organize your closet. Use drawer dividers. Set a place for paperwork. Install shelves. Use storage furniture. Put away your laundry after drying. Clean your room regularly. Avoid over-buying.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-Asking-for-Advice

How to Write a Letter Asking for Advice

To write a letter asking for advice, start by introducing yourself and the reason for your letter. Briefly describe the problem you're having, as well as how you have attempted to solve it and why you are having trouble accomplishing the goal on your own. You should also write out 3-5 specific questions that the person can answer to help you solve your issue. Try to keep your letter between 300 and 400 words to increase your chances of getting a reply.

Introduce yourself. If the person does not already know who you are, you will want to include a short paragraph introducing yourself at the beginning of the letter (after the salutation). Include information about who you are, and any information that is related to the reason why you are writing. State why you are writing. After introducing yourself (if necessary), you will want to get straight to the point. You should begin by explaining the purpose of your letter. There are lots of ways that you can open a letter politely. Examples include: ”I am writing to ask if you could help me with…” ”I would appreciate if you could give me some advice about…” ”I am writing to ask for your advice.” ”I wonder if you could help me with a problem.” Be specific with what advice you want. You should come up with 3 to 5 questions that you want answered, and write them out. Avoid writing a long list of complicated questions that would take hours of work to answer. Keeping it short and to the point will increase your chances of receiving a reply. Explain briefly why you are having trouble accomplishing the goal on your own. If you're asking for advice for a problem or situation that you have been trying to solve on your own, but haven't been able to. Then briefly explained what you have tried, and why it didn't seem to work. This can help the advice giver know that you really need their help and that you're not being lazy. It can also save time and effort because they won't suggest something you've already tried. For example, if you'd like advice on how to deal with bullying at school, you could say, “There's a big problem with bullies at my school. How can I deal with them? How can I help stand up for someone who's being bullied? What can I do to make bullying happen less often?” Keep it brief. The person you are asking for advice will be less likely to respond if you send them a very long and detailed letter. This is because they will have to spend significant time reading and understanding your letter. If and when they write their response, they will probably have to write a longer, more detailed response in order to address everything you have written. Keeping it brief will increase your chance of getting a response, especially if you are writing to a well-known person. Try to keep your letter between 300 and 400 words. This length will give you enough words to introduce yourself and your questions without over doing it. Include closing remarks. Before you end the letter, you should include a “Thank you in advance.” You can also talk about a few different ways that you can be contacted to talk about your letter. It is important to show your appreciation in the closing remarks. Remember: this person does not have to help you, and if they take time to read your letter, you owe them a thank you. For example, you could say, “Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I understand that you're a busy person, and any advice you offer would be greatly appreciated. If it's helpful, I'd be more than happy to discuss my questions over the phone or coffee. My contact details can be found at the end of this letter.” Include a salutation. A salutation is what you write at the very beginning of the letter to let the reader know the letter is meant for them. If you are writing your letter to someone you don't know this part will need to be formal. On the other hand, if you're writing to someone you know well, you don't have to be so formal. Remember not to be too casual though as it is important to be polite. When writing to someone you don't know, you should say: “Dear Mr./Ms. [the last name of the person your are writing to].” In a less formal letter, you could say, “Dear [the first name of the person].” Regardless of whom you're writing to, always begin with “Dear.” Include a valediction. A valediction (also known as a closing) is the part of the letter where you wish them well in some way, and include your name. Some common closings that you could use include, “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Respectfully yours,” or simply “Sincerely.” If you're handwriting the letter, print your name carefully a few lines below the valediction, then sign your name in between these spaces. If you're typing the letter, enter a few spaces between the valediction and your name, then print the letter out. Sign it by hand before sending it out. Include contact information. At the bottom of your letter, underneath your name, include your phone number, email address, and any other way that they can get in contact with you. You should definitely include an email address or phone number, if you have one. If you are hoping for a response via mail, make sure to write your name and address neatly on the outside of the envelope. If you're hoping for a written response through the mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your letter. This way, the advice giver will only have to write their response and place it in the envelope provided before sending it back to you. Make a list of people you think could help you. If you want advice about a specific topic, you should write down people you know have experience or knowledge with that topic. For example, if you want advice about how to deal with health issues, you might write to a nurse or doctor that you know. If you want to work as a nonfiction writer, write the names of accomplished writers, agents, or publishers that you could write to. Include the names of people you know personally and the names of people you don't know as well, such as past teachers, former bosses or colleagues, well-known people from the area in which you are seeking advice, or even advice columnists. Don't forget family members. People, such as your grandparents, have had many experiences in life. This makes them well-qualified to give advice. If you're having trouble thinking of someone, go through your family members. You can write to famous people, but your chances of getting a response are small. If you get a response, it might be written by an intern or PR employee. The response may be generic and not address your needs specifically. Identify what you hope to get out of asking for advice. Before you decide who to write to, you will need to decide what it is you really hope to get out of the letter. Do you truly just want their advice, or are you perhaps hoping to do a bit of networking and get yourself acquainted with people in a particular area? For example, an advice giver may be able to connect you with specific resources or people, teach you how to do something, or provide a written response. Some people may have more connections and ways of getting you started on something than others. If you just want advice and nothing else, write to someone you know personally or to an advice column. Research the background of potential advice givers. If you are writing to someone you already know well you don't need to do this, but if it is someone you don't know, find out about their background to make sure they would be able to help you. For example, if you're looking for relationship advice, see if the person you want to write to has had education or experience working with couples before. Research can save you from wasting time. For example, different columnists often specialize in certain topics. Some focus on relationship advice while others might focus on practical life advice. Think about why the person should want to help you. Whereas a guidance counselor's job is to provide advice, others to whom you write may not be accustomed to giving advice on a daily basis. Think about why this person should be willing to help you, and what you can do to make it worth their while. You might appeal to the advice giver's sense of paying it forward or offer an exchange of services. For example, if you know the person you could say, “I know it's not your job to answer requests for advice; however, I believe you're the best person to help me. I'd be happy to offer you a home cooked meal in return for your time.” If you don't know the person, you might offer to compensate them for their time, if you can afford to do so.

Introduce yourself. State why you are writing. Be specific with what advice you want. Explain briefly why you are having trouble accomplishing the goal on your own. Keep it brief. Include closing remarks. Include a salutation. Include a valediction. Include contact information. Make a list of people you think could help you. Identify what you hope to get out of asking for advice. Research the background of potential advice givers. Think about why the person should want to help you.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stain-a-Deck

How to Stain a Deck

To stain a deck, start by sweeping loose debris off of it and washing it with a deck cleaner. Then, use a paintbrush and a roller to apply water repellant wood stain to the deck, working on 2 or 3 boards at a time. If you want to be able to see the grain of the wood, use a semi-transparent stain. Finally, once the entire deck is covered, let the stain dry for at least 3 days.

Clean off all the furniture. The surface needs to be completely clear before you can stain it. Sweep the deck to remove any branches, leaves, pebbles or other debris. Check between the boards to make sure there are not small rocks, sticks or other items in the way. Look for any areas where wood has splintered or appears worn. These areas will need to be sanded before the deck is stained to make them smooth and bring out a brighter shine. Sand in the direction of the grain. Use a pole sander, which allows you to stand while you sand, or get on your knees and sand with a hand sander. Wash the deck with a deck cleaner. Cleanser can be found at hardware stores, home improvement retailers or department stores. Follow the directions on the deck cleaner you choose to use. Some will require you to wet the deck before washing it, others will want you to apply the product directly to the wood. Allow the cleaner to soak into the deck according to the instructions. Rinse the deck after cleaning it if necessary. Leave the deck to dry. Usually this will take about 2 days. Look for a stain that is similar to the color of your deck, or a shade darker. Test the stain color in a small part of your deck to ensure it is the color you want. Check for a stain that is water repellent. It should provide waterproofing and protection from ultraviolet rays. Use a water repellent stain that also provides protection against mildew. Consider a semi-transparent stain if you want to keep the original wood grain visible on your deck. Many of these stains will also show the texture of your deck's wood. Dress appropriately. To protect yourself, wear gloves, pants and a long sleeved shirt. You might also want to wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes. Stir the stain in the can. You do not want any bubbles and you do not want to shake the stain. Use a bristle brush or a paint roller to apply a light, even coat of stain to 2 or 3 boards at a time. You will need a small paint brush in corners and other difficult places, such as steps or benches. Brush from one end of the board to the other, using long and even strokes. Spread the stain smoothly. You do not want it to puddle. Continue brushing or rolling the stain until the entire deck is covered with a single coat. Leave the stain to dry for at least 3 days. Some people will put a second coat on, but this is not necessary. Bob Vila says that more stain is not necessarily better. If you apply to much, it can peel or crack. Put the furniture and other items back onto the deck once it has dried completely.

Clean off all the furniture. Sweep the deck to remove any branches, leaves, pebbles or other debris. Look for any areas where wood has splintered or appears worn. Wash the deck with a deck cleaner. Leave the deck to dry. Look for a stain that is similar to the color of your deck, or a shade darker. Check for a stain that is water repellent. Consider a semi-transparent stain if you want to keep the original wood grain visible on your deck. Dress appropriately. Stir the stain in the can. Use a bristle brush or a paint roller to apply a light, even coat of stain to 2 or 3 boards at a time. Continue brushing or rolling the stain until the entire deck is covered with a single coat. Leave the stain to dry for at least 3 days. Put the furniture and other items back onto the deck once it has dried completely.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Soggy-Rice

How to Fix Soggy Rice

To fix soggy rice, start by cooking the rice over low for 5 minutes so any water in the pot evaporates. Then, strain the rice with a fine mesh sieve or a colander to get rid of any remaining water. If the rice is still too soggy, try spreading it out on a baking sheet and baking it in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Or, if you can't save the rice, use it to make stir-fry, rice pudding, or rice crackers.

Let the water evaporate if there is water sitting in the pan. Take the cover off of the pan to let the steam escape. Set the heat to low and continue to cook the rice for about 5 minutes. The water should be cooked off by the end. Drain the extra water with a fine mesh sieve or colander. If there is still water in the pan, place a sieve or colander over the sink, and pour the rice into it. Let it drain for a minute. You may want to shift around the sieve or colander to help it drain. At this point, the rice may be saved. You do not have to do anything else if that is the case. Rinse with cold water if the rice is sticking together. If the rice is too sticky or gummy, it means that it is overcooked. After draining the rice, pour a light stream of cool water over the sieve or colander. Gently unstick the grains of rice with your fingers. Bake the rice in the oven for 5 minutes to remove the excess water. If the rice is still watery or soggy, you can cook off the extra water in the oven. Set the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread the rice out evenly onto a cookie sheet or baking pan. Let it cook in the oven for 5 minutes. Make a new batch of rice. In some cases, you may not be able to fix the rice. If you have time, make a fresh batch. Store the soggy rice in a plastic container. Place it in the fridge or freezer. You can use it later for some delicious recipes. Cooked rice will last for 4-6 days in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer. Turn the rice into fried rice. Heat up a pan with oil. Cook garlic, onions, and ginger until they are translucent. Add vegetables, such as carrots or peas, as well as a tablespoon of soy sauce if desired. Add 1 spoonful of rice at a time. Stir the rice often. Once you have cooked all of the rice and the pot is steaming, it is done! Make rice pudding. Heat the rice on the stove using low heat. Add 3 cups (735 grams) of whole milk, 1 cup (245 grams) of cream, and 1/2 cup (100 grams) of sugar. Add a whole vanilla bean. Raise the heat to a medium setting. Let the pudding cook for roughly 35 minutes, stirring often. Remove the vanilla bean and chill the pudding before serving. Before adding the vanilla bean, split open the bean and scrape out the seeds into the pudding. Then add the rest of the bean. This will help the flavor disperse through the pudding. Transform the rice into crackers. Flatten the rice onto a baking sheet as thin as possible. Bake the rice for 2 hours at 200 °F (93 °C). Once you take it out, break it up into small pieces. Fry the pieces in a pot of oil that is 400 °F (204 °C) hot. Once the crackers rise to the top, scoop them out with a slotted spoon. Drain them on a paper towel before enjoying. Cook veggie burgers. Puree 1 cup (175 grams) of rice with 2 cups (200 grams) of pinto beans, 1 cup (175 grams) of corn, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/3 cup (20 grams) of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of chopped basil, ½ teaspoon (3 grams) cumin, and 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt. Form patties out of the puree. Fry the patties over medium-high heat for 6 minutes on each side. Rinse the rice with cool water before cooking. Put the rice in a colander, fine mesh sieve, or pan. Run cool water over the rice to remove extra starch. This will prevent the rice from sticking together and becoming mushy. If you are using a pan, pour out the water and fill it up again. Rinse it out again once or twice before cooking. If you are using a colander or sieve, gently shake or stir the rice to help drain the water. Add the right amount of water. For every cup of rice, use about 1 ½ or 1 ¾ cups (350 or 400 ml) of water. Short grain rice needs slightly less while brown rice needs slightly more. Avoid adding too much water, however. Too much water may make the rice mushy. Set the pan of rice over medium heat. Do not turn the heat up. It will not make the rice cook faster. Instead, you might end up with unevenly cooked rice. You might even burn the rice. Just let the water slowly rise to a boil. Place a kitchen towel between the pot and lid. Once the rice begins to boil, the water should dip just below the rice. When that happens, lay a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid. This will prevent condensation from building up in the pot. Too much condensation can make the rice soggy. Do not let the towel hang over the side of the pan. This could start a fire. Instead, tuck the ends up under the lid. Turn the heat off after 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the rice from the heat but leave the lid on the pot. Let it sit for 5 minutes. When the time is up, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. The rice is now ready to serve. Resting the rice prevents it from being too soggy on the bottom and too dry on the top. Invest in a rice cooker. A rice cooker will produce perfect rice every time as long as you use the right amount of water. Rice cookers can be found for fairly cheap at kitchen stores, home goods stores, and online.

Let the water evaporate if there is water sitting in the pan. Drain the extra water with a fine mesh sieve or colander. Rinse with cold water if the rice is sticking together. Bake the rice in the oven for 5 minutes to remove the excess water. Make a new batch of rice. Turn the rice into fried rice. Make rice pudding. Transform the rice into crackers. Cook veggie burgers. Rinse the rice with cool water before cooking. Add the right amount of water. Set the pan of rice over medium heat. Place a kitchen towel between the pot and lid. Turn the heat off after 15 minutes of cooking. Invest in a rice cooker.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sing-Higher

How to Sing Higher

If you'd like to expand your range so you can sing higher, train yourself to breathe from your diaphragm. To do this, place your hand on your stomach. When you breathe in, your hand should move, rather than your chest. You should also warm up before you sing. Start at the low end of your range and work your way up to gradually stretch how high you can sing. This will help you avoid straining your vocal cords while expanding your range.

Lower your larynx. This is where the vocal folds are located; it's also known as the voice box. When it's level, it's in the optimum position for singing. Unfortunately, as we sing and sing higher, it has a tendency to raise. Releasing the “swallowing muscles” is a good step toward reversing a rising larynx. If that doesn't do it, you can start singing in a hooty tone, which will also help release the larynx down. Finally, spreading your vowels (like smiling) also can cause the larynx to rise, so instead think of making the vowels taller and more narrow. Put your hand on your throat and feel your larynx. Move your tongue as far back as you can; you should feel a drop. Consciously keep the drop while you move around your mouth and tongue; this may be difficult at first, but with a few minutes' practice, you'll get it down. Breathe from your diaphragm. Most people have a bad habit of breathing from the top of their lungs. Place a hand on your stomach and watch it move up and down. It should be expanding and contracting while you sing, not your chest. Go ahead, sing while laying down! Place a book on your chest and don't let it move. This is a visual reminder that you should breathe from your diaphragm. Experiment with vowel sounds. Each voice has a specific sound or two that makes it easier to reach higher. As you do warm ups, experiment with different ones. Stick to darker vowels. That means "ah," "eh," "ih," "oh," and "oo." Mimic an opera singer if you must. Do not mimic a Canadian. Warm up. This is absolutely imperative to singing healthily and expanding your range. Everybody has their favorites and what works for them. Work with a bunch to determine what you like best. Start at the low end of your range and do arpeggios going up. At the higher end of your range, quickly stop your breath making a "hup" sound and release with a siren-like "mo". Go higher and higher with each turn. Start on a lower note making a tuba sound, go up an octave and release at the top with an "aww" back down to the starting note (you may do arpeggios if you desire). Remember to have your mouth, lips, and entire body ready for optimum warm up. Don't stress it. If your voice is telling you that you're going too high, listen to it. Singing should be natural; if you have to push, it will sound strained. If it starts to hurt, rest. You can pick up again in a few hours if you need to. The vocal folds are just like any other muscle -- they need time to get used to the workouts you inflict on them. Drink water. Lots, and lots of water. Staying hydrated is key to staying vocally healthy. Stay away from cold water. It tenses your vocal folds up when they need to be relaxed to hit those notes. Tepid water is best. Milk coats your vocal folds. It may feel good to drink, but its not good for your voice. If you are feeling a strain, don't drink liquids that are too hot. Warm tea (with a bit of honey is fine); thin, room temperature liquids are best. Practice good posture. You know those girls you see in Victorian pieces in the movies and on television? That's not a bad place to start. If there's a back to your chair, don't use it. Keep your back straight and your arms loose. Don't suck in your stomach. You're breathing from it, remember?! Keep your body as relaxed as possible. Relaxing your voluntary muscles makes it easier to relax your less-than-voluntary ones. Use your arms. When you start feeling yourself reach vocally, do it physically. You'd be surprised how the physicality helps. Start with your arm by your side at the beginning of your siren and make a circle as you go, reaching as high as you can vocally and physically simultaneously. Think of throwing a frisbee when you do trills and high warm ups. Some coaches advocate literally pressing down when you're warming up with arpeggios and hitting your vocal breaks. The idea is that pressing down with your hands reminds you to keep your larynx low. Get a vocal coach. Simply enough, a professional's guidance will be the quickest way to seeing the results you want. However, keep in mind that every vocal coach is different and you'll obtain different results with each one. Ask your potential coach questions about their own training, what techniques they employ, and what genres of music they'll be teaching you to start. Some coaches might give you a very poppy sound and others very classical; yet others a happy medium.

Lower your larynx. Breathe from your diaphragm. Experiment with vowel sounds. Warm up. Don't stress it. Drink water. Practice good posture. Use your arms. Get a vocal coach.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Hockey-Skates

How to Bake Hockey Skates

If your new hockey skates feel stiff, you can soften them in the oven and mold them to your feet. Start by heating your oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit, then turning it off. Loosen the tongue of your shoes to make them easier to mold. Then, place the shoes on a baking tray. Bake them in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until they feel soft and you can smell plastic. Then, put the shoes on and lace them up. Keep them on for 15 minutes so they mold to your feet. Leave your shoes to sit for 24 hours before you wear them again so they harden properly.

Pre-heat your oven to 175 °F (79 °C). To get the skate material to loosen you need to heat it so that the molecules soften, but the materials don't come apart. 175 °F (79 °C) is the ideal temperature for this process as it won't be hot enough to melt any plastic on the skate. Use an oven thermometer if you have one. Sometimes ovens don't display the correct heat. To prevent inaccuracy, double check the temperature with a thermometer. Turn the oven off once it is pre-heated. Most ovens have a way of showing you when it's preheated. Some will make a small sound where others will have a small light that will turn off. Shut the oven door tight to prevent any loss of hot air. Applying constant heat to a skate when baking it can result in permanent damage. By putting it in a pre-heated oven that's not pumping out any more heat the skate will bake, not break. Place a single skate on a baking tray and loosen the tongue. Hockey skates are large and most ovens will only be able to fit 1 at a time. Even if you can fit 2 in your oven, baking the skates 1 at a time will ease the pressure on you, especially if it's your first time baking a skate. Then, undo all the laces and lay them over the center of the skate and loosen the tongue. If the tongue is not loosened before baking you may have a hard time fitting your foot in it when it comes to molding. Bake the skate for 6-8 minutes. Set a timer so that you don't lose track of time. By the time the skate is ready, you should be able to smell a faint plastic scent and the shoe will be soft. Take the shoe out immediately and begin the molding process. You can check midway through the baking process to make sure everything is alright. Open the oven door and gently press the outside material of the skate that should have softened. Do not overbake the skates. If you do you can permanently damage the skate. Put on the socks you normally wear when you skate. The thickness of your socks can change the overall shape of the mold when you try your skate on. You should wear whichever socks you usually wear with your skates to get the most accurate mold possible. Bring your skate to a chair right after you take it out of the oven. Time is of the essence when it comes to molding the skate. As the skate cools it will begin to mold, so you need to be ready as soon as possible. Bend the tongue forward and place your foot in the skate. Slide your foot into the skate making sure your heel is at the back of the skate. Tap the skate against the ground a few times to secure your foot. If you have heated the skate at the correct temperature the skate will be warm, but not so hot that you will burn yourself. Bring the tongue back to your shin and lace up the skate. Once your foot is in the skate, bring the tongue back against your shin so that it's square. With the tongue is in the position, lace the boots as you would if you were going skating, tying them as tight as is comfortable. Wait for 15 minutes while the skate molds. Keep your foot still as the skate molds around your foot. The material around the skate will begin to harden and shape around the shape of your foot. If it's comfortable, tuck your heel underneath the chair and touch the front edge of the blade against the floor. This will resemble the shape of your foot when you are skating and will result in a better fit. If you want the skate to be wider, stand up in the skate so that the material spreads outwards. Walk around in the skate. Only stand with your weight evenly displaced. Take the skate off and allow it to cool for 24 hours. After 15 minutes, unlace the skate, take it off, then lace it up again. Then, place the skate in a cool place for at least 24 hours as the skate material solidifies. If you wear the skate too soon after the molding process you risk undoing the mold you've made or even damaging the skate. Repeat the process for the other skate. Once you've finished baking and molding your first skate, begin the entire process again for the second skate. It's best to bake your skates 1 at a time so that you can focus on getting the best mold.

Pre-heat your oven to 175 °F (79 °C). Turn the oven off once it is pre-heated. Place a single skate on a baking tray and loosen the tongue. Bake the skate for 6-8 minutes. Put on the socks you normally wear when you skate. Bring your skate to a chair right after you take it out of the oven. Bend the tongue forward and place your foot in the skate. Bring the tongue back to your shin and lace up the skate. Wait for 15 minutes while the skate molds. Take the skate off and allow it to cool for 24 hours. Repeat the process for the other skate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Headband

How to Crochet a Headband

To crochet a headband, start by chaining enough stitches to fit around your head. Next, connect the ends of your row with a slip stitch, but be careful you don't twist the stitches. To complete the headband, crochet in the round using any stitch you like until it's the width you want before cutting the end and fastening the yarn. If you'd like to give your headband some extra flare, attach a ribbon to it or sow on a button. Alternatively, make a chain of stitches and wrap it around part of the headband for a bow-like look.

Chain enough stitches to wrap around your head. Start by making a chain. Chain enough stitches so that the chain will wrap around your head where you would wear a headband. It should feel snug, but not too tight. To make a chain, you first need to make a slipknot. To do this, loop the yarn around your index and middle finger twice and then pull the first loop over the second loop. Slide the new loop onto the hook and tighten it by tugging on the tail. The number of stitches you need to chain will depend on your hook size and yarn type. For example, if you are using a bulky yarn with a size J hook, then you would need to chain about 44 stitches. Secure the ends of the chain with a slipstitch. Insert your hook into the first stitch in your chain and loop the yarn over the hook. Then, pull the yarn through to secure the slipstitch. Be careful not to twist your stitches as you connect the ends. Make sure they are straight before doing the slipstitch. Crochet until the headband is the width you want it to be. Crochet around the circumference of the headband. You can use any stitch you like to crochet your headband, but you might want to do your first one using the single crochet stitch. To single crochet, insert the hook into the stitch, then loop the yarn over and pull through the stitch. Then, loop the yarn over again and pull through both stitches. You can use a single, double , or other crochet stitch depending on your intentions for the headband. If you want the headband to be something you can wear in the winter to keep your ears warm, then a tight stitch like single crochet might be best. However, if you want the headband to have some gaps and look a little fancier, then you could use the shell stitch or box stitch. When you insert the hook to make your stitches, insert it under both the front and back loops of each stitch. This will help to ensure that your headband lays flat. Finish the headband. To complete your crochet project , you will need to cut the yarn, fasten the end, and weave in the tail. Use the crochet hook to widen your last loop by at least a few inches and then cut it in the center. Pull the unattached free end of the yarn out of the loop, and then tug on the tail to tighten the knot. Then, use a darning or wide eyed tapestry needle to weave the tail into the edges of the headband. Chain your foundation stitches. Start by making a slipknot and then make a chain of six or more stitches for your foundation. Six stitches might work well if you are using a bulky or super bulky yarn. If you are using a medium worsted weight yarn, then 10 stitches might be a good width. Experiment to find the ideal width for your headband. Skip a stitch and single crochet. Skip over the first stitch next to your hook and single crochet into the second stitch. Single crochet to the end of the chain. This will complete your first row. You can work your rows in a stitch other than single crochet if desired. Single crochet is a good practice stitch if this is your first headband. Some other stitches you can try include: Popcorn stitch Shell stitch Box stitch Turn and chain one. When you reach the end of your first row, you will need to turn your work over to work the second row. Chain one stitch. This will be your turning chain. A turning chain provides some slack to prevent the stitches from bunching up or puckering. Keep crocheting. You will need to keep crocheting your rows in the stitch of your choice until the headband is long enough to fit snugly around your head. Check now and then when the headband starts to get close to this length. Cut the free end of the yarn and tie it to secure it when you are finished. You can leave the tail a few inches long and then weave in the end, or trim off the excess. Attach the ends or use something to fasten them. When your headband is the length that you want it to be, you can attach the ends or fasten them. You can either use a darning needle and some extra yarn to sew the ends together or you can hold them together with a safety pin or broach. Another option is to leave a longer tail and use this to attach the ends. Thread the yarn through a darning needle or large eye tapestry needle and sew the ends together. Then, tie the end to the seam to secure it and trim off the excess. Add ribbon. Ribbon is an easy way to embellish your headband. You can use ribbon to accent one part of your headband or thread ribbon through the entire headband. Choose a ribbon that complements your yarn color and attach or thread it through the headband where you want it. You can even use the ribbon to hide your seam if you created a strip headband and sewed the ends together. Loop the ribbon around the seam a few times and tie it in a knot or bow. Sew on a button. Adding a decorative button is a cute way to embellish a headband. You can even use a button to attach the ends of a headband if you have used a stitch with some gaps in it. Sew the button onto the headband with a needle and thread. Attach a flower. You can either crochet a flower to add to your headband or you can attach a silk flower to your headband. Choose a yarn or silk flower color that complements your headband and attach it with a needle and thread or just use a safety pin to secure it temporarily. Loop a chain around one portion of the headband. If you want to give your headband a bow-like appearance without actually adding a bow, then you can use a chain of stitches to create this effect. Make a chain of about 10 to 15 stitches. Then, loop the chain around one part of the headband a few times. Make sure to wrap the chain around the headband tightly. Use a slipstitch to secure both ends of the chain. Pull the free end of the yarn through, cut the end, and tie off the end.

Chain enough stitches to wrap around your head. Secure the ends of the chain with a slipstitch. Crochet until the headband is the width you want it to be. Finish the headband. Chain your foundation stitches. Skip a stitch and single crochet. Turn and chain one. Keep crocheting. Attach the ends or use something to fasten them. Add ribbon. Sew on a button. Attach a flower. Loop a chain around one portion of the headband.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Nose-Pads-on-Glasses

How to Clean Nose Pads on Glasses

To clean the nose pads on your glasses, use an alcohol wipe if you're in a hurry. Rub the wipe on the area between your nose pads and the frame, which can collect grime that needs to be removed. If the nose pads are still dirty, try soaking your glasses in a bowl of soapy warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to get rid of any excess dirt. Dry your glasses thoroughly with a microfiber cloth so water can't get into the lenses. You can also unscrew your nose pads to clean them. If you choose to do this, make a solution out of warm water and soap, then dip a q-tip or old toothbrush into it. Lightly scrub each nose pad until the grime comes loose. Then, dry the pads with a microfiber cloth and reattach them. Remember to never use a paper towel to dry your glasses, since it can leave behind dust.

Wash and dry your hands. It'll be much easier to clean your glasses with clean hands. Use soap and warm water to wash your hands before touching your glasses. Use a pre-moistened alcohol wipe to clean the face of the nose pads. Small alcohol wipes should be available at your local pharmacy or office supply store, and work great for cleaning your nose pads more quickly. Rub down the face of the nose pads, being careful not to wipe the lenses too much. Clean the area between your nose pads and your frames with the alcohol wipe. This section can quickly build up unsightly green gunk and needs to be cleaned regularly. Use the edges of an alcohol wipe to clean in and around this section, removing as much grime as possible. As long as the edges of the alcohol wipe you have used previously are still clean, you can use the same wipe for this step. If you don't have a clean alcohol wipe or want a little bit more control when cleaning some harder to reach areas, you could use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol instead. Soak your glasses in warm water and soap to remove any leftover grime. Fill your sink or a small bowl with warm water and stir in a few drops of hand soap. Leave your glasses to soak for 10 to 15 minutes to help lift out any remaining dirt or grease. You can soak your glasses for much longer than this, even overnight, though this long exposure to water and shifting temperatures may damage your glasses. Dry your glasses thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean, soft cloth to dry your glasses all over, being careful not to smudge the lenses. Make sure to dry every nook and cranny of your glasses to prevent water from getting trapped in them or around the lenses. Alternately, you can wait for your glasses to air dry. This will prevent any streaks on the lenses that can come from cloth-drying but will take much longer. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Your hands will accumulate a thin layer of oil and dirt over the course of a regular day, which can be transferred to your glasses as you try and clean them. Use soap and warm water to scrub your hands of anything you don't want getting on your glasses or nose pads. Unscrew the nose pads from your glasses. Detaching your nose pads from your glasses will allow you to clean them much more thoroughly. Look for a small screw holding each nose pad in place and carefully unscrew them to remove the pads. Make sure to keep track of these tiny screws as you clean the nose pads. They can be difficult to replace. Some glasses will have nose pads attached differently or as part of the frame. If you can't find a way to detach your nose pads, you can skip this step. Use a simple cleaning solution of hand soap and warm water to protect your lenses. Make a simple cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of hand soap into a small glass of warm water. This will give you glasses a thorough clean and remove any green gunk, without having to use a stronger solution such as rubbing alcohol. Any lotion-free hand soap should clean your glasses safely. A lotion-free and moisturizer-free dishwashing liquid can work in place of hand soap if needed. Dip a cotton bud or clean toothbrush into your cleaning solution. Either of these will let you lightly scrub your nose pads to lift away any dirt, grease, and grime without damaging the glasses overall. Soak the tip of your cotton bud or toothbrush in the cleaning solution. Brush the nose pads with the cleaning solution. Carefully begin lightly scrubbing the nose pads to start lifting out the grime. As dirt and oil become visible, dip your cleaning tool back into the cleaning solution to clean it. If you are cleaning the nose pads while they are still attached to the glasses, be careful not to brush the lenses at all. They will scratch easily and are very difficult to repair or replace. Use rubbing alcohol for a deeper clean and disinfectant. Rubbing alcohol will clean and sanitize the nose pads on your glasses. Only use a little rubbing alcohol at a time to prevent damage to your glasses. Be careful not to get any alcohol on the lenses of your glasses, as this can damage them. If you've removed the nose pads from your glasses, you can also soak them in a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Leave them to soak for a minute or two before removing, rinsing, and drying. Dry the nose pads with a microfibre cloth. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away any excess water or grime left on the nose pads. Make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture build-up on your glasses or your face. Never clean or dry your glasses with a paper towel, cloth or your clothing. These can leave lint and dust behind, and may even scratch your glasses. Reattach the nose pads. Using the same screws and screwdriver, tightly secure the nose pads back onto the frame of your glasses. Wipe away any smudges that might appear as you handle the glasses in this process. Replace your nose pads if you can't get them clean. Over time, your nose pads may wear down, stop being able to be cleaned or break entirely. If you notice this or just want a new, clean pair of nose pads, you should consider replacing them entirely. Purchase replacement nose pads that are the same size and shape as your old ones. Nose pads can come in varied sizes and shapes, such as teardrop, rectangle, circle or D-shaped. Ask at your local eye specialist or check online to find some nose pads that exactly match your current ones. They may come individually, or as part of a complete nose pad repair kit. The size of a nose pad can be found by measuring along the longest part of one pad. The sizes will generally be listed in millimeters. Replacement nose pad kits will come with all of the tools you need to replace nose pads, including a screwdriver, new screws, a magnifying glass, and replacement nose pads. These can make the whole process very streamlined and easy to repeat in the future. Remove the old nose pads. Hold your glasses so that the nose pads are facing towards you. Use a jeweler's screwdriver to remove the small screw holding the nose pad in place. Put the screw aside and remove the nose pad. If the nose pad isn't attached by a screw, it will likely be a snap-on nose pad. Use a small, flathead screwdriver to pry the old nose pads out of place. They should easily pop out. The same screws can be used to attach the new nose pads, but make sure they are intact and functional before doing so. Check the threading and the head for any signs of damage. Attach the new nose pads. Place the new nose pads onto the mount on your glasses. Carefully insert the screw to hold the pad in place and use the same screwdriver to tighten it. Be careful not to damage the head of the screw as you tighten, as this can make removing it more difficult. If you have snap-on nose pads, simply rest them on the mounts on your glasses and push until they click into place. If getting the nose pads or screws into the right place is too difficult, use a small pair of tweezers to hold them and shift them around. If you have D-shaped nose pads, make sure they are attached so that the flat edge of the D faces away from the face.

Wash and dry your hands. Use a pre-moistened alcohol wipe to clean the face of the nose pads. Clean the area between your nose pads and your frames with the alcohol wipe. Soak your glasses in warm water and soap to remove any leftover grime. Dry your glasses thoroughly with a microfiber cloth. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Unscrew the nose pads from your glasses. Use a simple cleaning solution of hand soap and warm water to protect your lenses. Dip a cotton bud or clean toothbrush into your cleaning solution. Brush the nose pads with the cleaning solution. Use rubbing alcohol for a deeper clean and disinfectant. Dry the nose pads with a microfibre cloth. Reattach the nose pads. Replace your nose pads if you can't get them clean. Purchase replacement nose pads that are the same size and shape as your old ones. Remove the old nose pads. Attach the new nose pads.

https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Things-on-Amazon-Without-a-Credit-Card

How to Buy Things on Amazon Without a Credit Card

The easiest way to buy things on Amazon without a credit card is by purchasing gift cards to use on the site. First, go to a retailer that carries gift cards, and find an Amazon gift card in the amount you need. Then, log into Amazon, and navigate to your account page. Click on "apply a gift card to your account" and enter the code from the back of the gift card into the box, selecting "apply to your balance." Once they cards are on your account, add the items you want to your cart, and choose the gift card as your payment method.

Purchase your Amazon gift card. You can find Amazon gift cards at most retailers that carry gift cards, such as the supermarket or a convenience store. You can purchase these cards with cash. You can receive gift card allowances from someone else as well. They can choose to automatically deposit money into your Amazon gift card balance, which you can then spend on Amazon. Visit amazon.com/allowance to get it set up. Log into Amazon. You'll need to create an account with Amazon if you don't have one already. To create an account, you'll just need to enter your name and email address. Open your Account page. You can find this by hovering over your name in the upper-right corner and selecting "Your Account." Click the "Apply a Gift Card to Your Account" link. You'll find this in the "Amazon Wallet" section of your account page. Enter the code from the back of the gift card. The code is 14 or 15 characters long and includes letters and numbers. You may have to scratch off the cover on a plastic gift card. If you received the gift card digitally, the code will be in the email you receive. Click the "Check" button to check that the code was entered correctly and see the balance on the card. Click "Apply to your balance." The gift card value will be applied to your Amazon account balance, which will be the default payment method when you purchase an item. Add an item to your cart and move to checkout. Now that you've applied the gift card, you can shop for the item or items you want to purchase. You can pay for the shipping with the gift card as well as long as you have the balance to cover it. Enter your shipping address (for physical goods). You'll need to enter the address you want the items shipped to in order to proceed with the checkout. This may not be required if you're purchasing digital items. Ensure that your gift card balance is selected as the payment method. You can also enter additional codes on this screen to add cards to your balance. If you're prompted to enter a billing address for the gift card, make it the same as your shipping address. Complete the order. Finish your order and wait for it to be processed. As long as you have enough on your Amazon gift card balance to cover the price of the item and the shipping fee, the purchase should process and ship without issue. Log into the Amazon website. If you have a US-based checking account, you can link it with Amazon and deduct purchases directly from your bank balance. You'll need to create an Amazon account if you don't have one already. You cannot use savings, corporate, or business bank accounts. Open the "Your Account" page. You can find this by hovering over your name in the upper-right corner of the Amazon home page and selecting "Your Account." Click the "Manage Payment Options" link. You'll find this in the "Amazon Wallet" section of the account page. Click "Add checking account." A form will appear. Enter your checking account information. Refer to one of your checks to find your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies the bank. The routing number is the leftmost number at the bottom of your check and is nine digits long. The account number is located to the right of the routing number. Make sure you don't include the check number on the right end. Enter your state-issued driver's license or identification number. This is required for purchases made with a bank account as a way to identify you. Click "Continue" to process the form. Amazon will verify that you've entered the correct routing number, and the payment method will be added to your account. Buy an item on Amazon with your bank account. Now that you have your bank account associated with your Amazon account, you'll be able to select it as the payment method when making a purchase. Register your prepaid card with the issuer. In order to use your prepaid credit card for online purchases, you'll need to register it with the card issuer. This will allow you to set a billing address for the card, which Amazon requires. You can either call the number printed on the back of the card to register it over the phone, or you can visit the issuer's website and register it online. Make sure to enter in your valid address when registering the card. Log into Amazon. Once your card is registered, you'll be able to use it for online purchases. Log into Amazon so that you can add it to your account as a payment method. Hover over your name on the Amazon home page and select "Your Account." This will open your Amazon account page. Select "Add a Credit or Debit Card." You'll find this in the "Payment Methods" column of the "Amazon Wallet" section. Enter in the prepaid card number and your name. Make sure to enter your name the same way you did when you registered your card, or the same way that it's printed on the card itself. Not all prepaid cards will have your name printed on them. Enter your billing address exactly as you registered. Enter the billing address you used when you registered your card. The address will need to match exactly, or your card will be declined. Make a purchase with your newly-added prepaid card. You can now complete a purchase and select your prepaid card as the payment method. Make sure that your card has a balance to cover the purchase cost as well as the shipping fee. Check the billing address if your card is declined. If your prepaid card is declined when you try to complete your purchase, your billing information likely does not match the address you registered with. Check the billing address entered in Amazon and register your prepaid card if you haven't yet.

Purchase your Amazon gift card. Log into Amazon. Open your Account page. Click the "Apply a Gift Card to Your Account" link. Enter the code from the back of the gift card. Click "Apply to your balance." Add an item to your cart and move to checkout. Enter your shipping address (for physical goods). Ensure that your gift card balance is selected as the payment method. Complete the order. Log into the Amazon website. Open the "Your Account" page. Click the "Manage Payment Options" link. Click "Add checking account." Enter your checking account information. Enter your state-issued driver's license or identification number. Click "Continue" to process the form. Buy an item on Amazon with your bank account. Register your prepaid card with the issuer. Log into Amazon. Hover over your name on the Amazon home page and select "Your Account." Select "Add a Credit or Debit Card." Enter in the prepaid card number and your name. Enter your billing address exactly as you registered. Make a purchase with your newly-added prepaid card. Check the billing address if your card is declined.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Organizational-Skills

How to Improve Organizational Skills

It can be really hard to improve your organizational skills, but if you're persistent, you can make it happen! Each day, start by writing a list of the things you need to accomplish, and cross things off as you do them. Write down any appointments or deadlines in a planner, and look through the planner often so you'll know what you have coming up. To organize your home, file paperwork in folders or binders; throw out or donate items you don't use; and use hooks, shelves, and boxes to keep your items tidy.

Create a to-do list. Write down everything you have to do today, and cross off each thing as you complete them. By writing down daily tasks, you do not have to stress about remembering to do them. Crossing things off your list will likely make you feel productive. Put things on your list you have already done just to cross them off. Order your to-do list by high priority to low priority. Assess the urgency and importance of each to help you prioritize. Think to yourself, “if I could only do one thing today, what would it be?”. That is your number one thing on the to do list. If possible, make a to-do list for the next day and refer to it before you go to sleep. By doing so, you will wake up with an action plan in mind. Create a running list that you add to constantly. If there is a book you want to read or a restaurant you want to try, make a running list that you have on you at all times. If you want to see a movie, you don't necessarily need to see it today, and therefore don't want it on your daily to-do list. Having a running list will help remind you of your “extra” to-dos. You can make a running list in a notebook you always carry or online using programs like Dropbox so it is accessible at all times. Take notes when you are talking to people. Take notes on the conversations you have with people. This is especially important in business conversations, but also important during interactions with friends and family. Taking notes will remind you of an important thing someone said, a task to complete that you had not anticipated, or just serve as a friendly reminder of fun times with your loved ones. You do not have to keep a notebook on you at all times and meticulously write down each word someone says. Just try to set aside a time to jot down one or two important things from each conversation that you have. Use a planner. An annual planner can be immensely helpful in getting your thoughts together. Use it to write down appointments, travel, and other important things. Refer to it daily and write down things that will happen in the long term. For example, if you schedule a conference call for 6 months from now, write it in your planner now so you won't forget. De-clutter your brain. Just as you get rid of unused or unimportant things in your office and at home, you must also remove unnecessary thoughts from your brain. Try meditating to remove negative thoughts like worry and stress from your mind. Throw away unnecessary items. De-cluttering is essential first step in organizing your home. Dump out drawers and remove unnecessary items, throw away expired food, throw out or donate clothes and shoes you haven't worn in over a year, properly dispose of expired medications, throw out or consolidate empty or half-empty toiletries, and any other items you don't absolutely need. Create binders for important items in your life. Create labeled binders for “Auto Insurance”, “Vacation”, “Receipts”, “Budget”, and any other important item or even in your life. Try color coding your binders. Blue for Receipts (gas, grocery, clothes), Red for Insurance (auto, home, life), etc. Keep the binders on an organized shelf. Put hooks and shelves on the walls. Use the often underutilized vertical space in your home. Purchase hooks to hang up bikes in your garage and stand alone (floating) shelves to make efficient and decorative organization spaces. Invest in storage bins. Like organizing your office, purchase bins and baskets to put all of your things into. Put similar objects into the same bin and have a system to store your bins. Buy bins and baskets of all sizes to organize everything in your home including utensils, make-up, stuffed animals, food, shoes, and trinkets. Purchase organization bins. Visit a store that sells organizing bins (The Container Store, Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Lowes, IKEA, dollar stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc.) and pick up at least ten. Buy bins of all different sizes to fit pens, papers, and larger items. Buy bins, baskets, file drawers, and any other object that can contain your things. Purchase a labelling machine. What is the point of having all of your things in nice storage bins if you do not know what is in each bin? Use a labelling machine to label each bin appropriately. For example, have one bin labeled “Writing Supplies” where you keep pens, pencils, and highlighters, and another bin labeled “Tools” that has scissors, staplers, staple removers, and hole punchers. Label absolutely everything including your files, drawers, and cabinets. File your information by “how you will use it”. Instead of putting an item in a file based on where you got it, file it based on how you will use it in the future. For example, if you have documentation for the hotel you will be staying at in New York on your business trip, file that in your “New York” file, instead of your “Hotel” file. Create sub files. Have a “Hotel” file, but then have multiple “city” files for the places you travel to often. Create an outline or “Table of Contents” of your organized office. You might have everything organized, but you might not remember where every item was placed. Type up a list of each box or bin you created and what is inside of it for quick, future reference. This list will also help you put things back where they belong after you remove them. Create “to do” and “done” spaces on your desk. Have two specific areas on your desk for things that need to be done (papers to sign, reports to read, etc…) and a pile for things you have completed. By making separate areas, you will not confuse yourself on what you have or have not done. Throw away things you do not need. As you are putting your things into the boxes and bins you have acquired, throw away items you do not need. Dispose of things you have not touched or opened in a year, all broken items, and return extra supplies. You can shred old papers and ask you coworkers if they are interested in any of the things you are disposing. If you are struggling to throw something away, try donating it instead. Organize your computer. You can organize tangible objects around you, but having a disorganized computer will limit productivity and make you feel disorganized still. Create new folders and subfolders to put files into, organize your desktop so you can easily find specific items, remove duplicate files, name documents with detailed titles, and delete unnecessary apps and documents. Spend ten minutes a day doing a quick pick-up. You have spent your time organizing and putting everything in its rightful place, so keep it that way. Each night, set an alarm that signals a ten-minute period where you put away out of place objects, and ensure you bins and baskets are still organized. If you are adding a new item to your life, dispose of an old item. Before you buy a new book, go through your book shelf and remove one that you have not or will not read. Donate or throw it away so hat your new item can take its place. Go a step further and get rid of two or three items for every new item. Keep a “Donate” box out at all times. Have a box where you can throw items into to donate on hand at all times. As you notice an item you don't want any more, immediately take it to the donate box. When you have an unwanted item that cannot be donated, take it to the trash right away. When you see an open drawer, close it. Don't wait for your ten-minute tidy-up time to stay organized. If you see something out of place, put it back right away. If you pass by a full trash can, empty it. When you see out of place papers, put them away. Make organization a habit to make it most effective. Don't spend too many precious minutes of your day doing small tidy jobs. Don't go out out your way to close an open drawer. If you are getting up to go to a meeting, and the open drawer is on your way, then close it. If you interrupt your workflow to close a drawer, you will reduce your overall productivity by 25%! Harness technology to help you stay organized. There are literally thousands of apps you can use to keep yourself organized. There are many to do list apps, such as Evernote, reminder apps such as Beep Me, travel organizers such as TripIT, and apps to help organize the importance of your tasks, such as Last Time. Look for apps that will sync across your devices so they are accessible no matter where you are.

Create a to-do list. Create a running list that you add to constantly. Take notes when you are talking to people. Use a planner. De-clutter your brain. Throw away unnecessary items. Create binders for important items in your life. Put hooks and shelves on the walls. Invest in storage bins. Purchase organization bins. Purchase a labelling machine. File your information by “how you will use it”. Create an outline or “Table of Contents” of your organized office. Create “to do” and “done” spaces on your desk. Throw away things you do not need. Organize your computer. Spend ten minutes a day doing a quick pick-up. If you are adding a new item to your life, dispose of an old item. Keep a “Donate” box out at all times. When you see an open drawer, close it. Harness technology to help you stay organized.

https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Gothic-Without-Your-Parents-Getting-Upset

How to Look Gothic Without Your Parents Getting Upset

If you want to look gothic without getting your parents upset, try easing into the style. Add goth clothing and makeup to your wardrobe slowly so you don't shock your parents. You can also incorporate some gothic accessories into your existing wardrobe without going overboard, like black jackets, dark scarfs, and black jewelry. As you slowly transition to a more goth look, try to keep it conservative by not wearing torn clothing or outfits that show too much skin. Instead, opt for long black skirts and blouses or black jeans and black button-down shirts. To add black shoes that won't cost too much, go for black tennis shoes, boots, or low heels.

Transform yourself at a slow pace. The biggest single way to upset your parents is to transform yourself into a goth overnight. To avoid this, embrace a systematic plan to look goth over an extended period. Incorporate clothes that identify you as goth one piece at a time and over many months. Create a six-month plan. Start with one item. Change or start using makeup slowly. Incorporate some bright colors into your fashion. By incorporating some bright colors, you'll send the signal that although you are goth, you're not going overboard. Ultimately, you can still look goth without wearing all black. Bright colored clothes will not only sooth your parents, but will add real flare to your style. Consider: Neon colors. Traditional reds, oranges, blues, greens, and purples. Colors that fit the season. Dress somewhat conservatively. While the color scheme of your goth style might frighten your parents, you can temper this by embracing a somewhat conservative approach. In addition, avoid showing too much skin or wearing clothes that are torn. Young women can wear long black skirts and blouses. Young men can wear black jeans and black button down shirts. Be creative with fabrics and styles. Try to be more creative than just dressing in black cotton clothes. Consider different fabrics and other styles that can add a gothic flare to any wardrobe. Consider wearing: Velvet Lace Chiffon Satin Nylon Silk Victorian era clothes 1980s/Steampunk style clothes Wear standard black shoes. If you want to wear black shoes, find some that are relatively standard. Avoid going over board and finding the craziest goth-style shoes you can. Ultimately, your parents won't be happy to pay for expensive shoes that they think make you look weird. Focus on: Black tennis shoes Modest black boots Relatively low black heels If you want to cover your legs, wear black sheer tights as they won't emphasise the change. Then you could move onto stockings or striped socks. Focus on gothic accessories. Gothic-themed accessories can help you transform your existing wardrobe into a one with a gothic flare. By accessorizing goth, you'll make a personal and fashion statement without signaling a fundamental change in your appearance to your parents. Wear: A black jacket Dark scarves Jewelry like snake bone hairpins, a spider ring, or a bat bracelet Belts Black tights, leggings, gloves, or glovelets. Use traditional makeup. Apply makeup in a traditional approach. Avoid using too much makeup to darken your eyes. In addition, consider makeup that will emphasize your skin tone rather than mute it. Ultimately, bright and lively makeup can soften any unease your parents have toward your goth appearance. Use blush to accentuate your natural color. Apply a moderate amount of eye liner. Avoid dyeing your hair black right away. Although one of the hallmarks of the goth style is dark black hair, you should put off dyeing your hair black right away. Instead, you could choose another fun color or gothic-style hairdo. Think about dying your hair a non-traditional color, like silver. Keep your natural hair color but get purple, silver, or blue highlights. If you do choose to dye your hair, temper it by wearing bright colors. In addition, you should also consider dying your hair a few months into your transformation into a goth. Let your parents get used to other aspects of your goth style first. Avoid tattoos or piercings. Many people who embrace the gothic style get tattoos and piercing to help them express their style. Depending on your age and where you live, you may be able to get tattoos or piercings without your parents' permission. However, doing this will likely upset your parents. As a result, put these off until you move out of your parents' home. Be true to yourself. Just because you're goth, doesn't mean you have to change your personality. Ultimately, the goth style is a reflection of your individuality, rather than a standard you need to conform to. In the end, your parents will be much more happy if you act like yourself, even if you do look different. Get good grades. Go out of your way to get top grades. By acing your classes, you'll send the signal to your parents that your appearance has nothing to do with your performance in school. In the end, you may find that your parents are proud of you despite any disapproval they have toward your gothic lifestyle. If your parents articulate displeasure with your gothic appearance, promise them you'll get good grades and behave well. Avoid friends who get into trouble. The single easiest way to scare your parents about your new fashion sense is to start hanging out with people who get into trouble at school or with the law. This is important, as your parents will associate your style with the bad behavior of your friends. Instead, look for friends who share your style and are model students and members of the community. Stay away from friends who get arrested or suspended from school. Stay away from friends who curse in front of your parents, are rude to adults and others, or are prone to violence. Avoid people who use drugs. Show respect to your parents. While the way you look might alienate your parents, the way you talk and how you accept their guidance may be even more important. By respecting them as your elders, guardians, and providers, you'll likely gain some goodwill and maybe even leniency toward the way you dress. Don't vocally reject your parents religion, dress, style, or any other major aspect of how they identify. Avoid challenging your parents' positions on things like your curfew. Never curse at or insult your parents. It may be tempting to attack your parents style if you think they are attacking yours, however, this will be counterproductive. Instead, defend your style while accepting theirs.

Transform yourself at a slow pace. Incorporate some bright colors into your fashion. Dress somewhat conservatively. Be creative with fabrics and styles. Wear standard black shoes. Focus on gothic accessories. Use traditional makeup. Avoid dyeing your hair black right away. Avoid tattoos or piercings. Be true to yourself. Get good grades. Avoid friends who get into trouble. Show respect to your parents.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Mice-Fast

How to Get Rid of Mice Fast

To quickly get rid of mice, set out an electric zapper or an old fashioned mouse trap, but don't use poison, since the mice might die in hard-to-reach places. Alternatively, try deterring mice by placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in problem areas. You can also prevent them from entering by sealing off all cracks, pipes, and holes. Don't forget to keep your food sources secure and your trash tightly sealed to avoid attracting mice!

Use catch and release traps for the most humane method. Place the bait provided with the trap on the inside compartment. Lift the front opening of the trap so the mouse can get inside. Once the mouse is in the trap, its weight will cause the opening to close and trap the mouse inside until you release it outside away from your home. Catch and release traps can be purchased in store or online. If you have a larger mouse problem, purchase a catch and release trap meant for multiple mice. Read the instructions on the trap carefully since they may require different setups. Purchase electrocution traps to effectively kill the mice. Put batteries inside the trap to power it. Put a bait inside the trap near the holes so mice can smell it from the outside. Set the trap near an area where you notice mice. Once the mice enter the trap, they receive a shock that kills them instantaneously. Set the trap so the entrance is near a wall since mice tend to run near the corners. Leave “no touch, no see” snap traps in problem areas to get rid of mice easily. An updated version of the classic snap trap, “no touch, no see” traps make it so you don't have to handle the dead mouse. Set the lever down on the trap and place a small amount of bait inside. When the lever is back up, a mouse has triggered it. Simply depress the lever again to drop the mouse in the trash. Unlike classic snap traps, “no touch, no see” mouse traps are safe around kids and pets. Set a bucket trap with water if you're away from the infestation. Put 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of water in the bottom of a 5 US gal (19 L). Set one end of a wooden plank on the ground and the other on the edge of the bucket. Attach an old soda can to a wooden or metal dowel on top of the bucket and coat the can with a thin layer of peanut butter. Mice will walk up the ramp towards the peanut butter, but fall and get trapped in the bucket. Fill the bottom of the bucket with antifreeze if you don't want to have an odor problem, but keep it away from pets and children since antifreeze is poisonous. Rotate the location of the traps every 2-3 days. Check for mice twice daily to see if you've trapped any. If not, move the trap to another place around your home where you notice or think mice have been active. Mice will often return to the same trails. Mice only travel between 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m) from their nest every night. Experiment with different types of baits. Although cheese may seem like a classic way to catch mice, try other food sources such as peanut butter or nuts. Some mice will even eat sweets like marshmallows or gumdrops. Check on what types of bait work best on the mice in your home and try something new if what you use currently isn't working. Try jellies, jams, and other fruit products to give the mice a sweet meal. Use mouse poison as a last resort. Purchase poison bait from your local store and place it in areas where mice are a common problem. Once the mice eat the poison, they will slowly die and won't be a problem any longer. Keep the bait away from children or pets since it could also cause them harm. Some poison bait traps also capture the mice so they don't go anywhere else in your home. Put cotton balls covered in peppermint oil near problem areas. Put at least 5 drops of the peppermint oil on each cotton ball. Place the cotton balls around your kitchen or near any entrances. After a few days, put a few more drops on the cotton balls since the oil will evaporate over time. Try different types of strong-scented essential oils to see if they deter mice. Plug in an ultrasonic pest repeller to keep mice from entering. Place the repeller near an entry point or common problem area. The repeller will make a noise you can't hear that keeps mice away. Make sure nothing blocks the repeller, or else the ultrasonic waves will not work. Ultrasonic repellers can be purchased in big box stores or online. Mice can grow accustomed to the noise that the repellers make, so they may only work for a limited time. Get a cat to hunt mice around your home. Mice can sense when cats are around your home and will steer clear once they smell them on the premises. If mice do show up on your premises, your cat will hunt and kill them quickly. Remove any poison bait or exposed traps from your home if you bring in a cat. Make a deterrent spray with chopped garlic and water. Chop 1 or 2 cloves of garlic and mix it with at least 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Shake the mixture in a spray bottle and spray near areas or trails where mice frequently travel. Reapply the spray every few days to keep mice away. Try other strong-smelling herbs and spices, like onion and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, leave a clove of garlic in places where mice enter your home. Hire an exterminator if nothing else works. Call your local exterminators to get quotes on their rates. Once an exterminator checks your home, they will do what they can to seal any entrances where mice get in and remove the mice already in your home. Check reviews online for your exterminator to see how they handled other's infestations. Find and fill common entry points. Look for any cracks or holes in your wall or near the floor of your home. Try to seal them permanently if you can using caulk or concrete. In a pinch, stuff the holes with steel wool, since mice can't chew through it easily. Keep the grass around your home trimmed low so you can find any points of entry. Clean up any clutter around your home since these could serve as hiding places for the mice. Keep your home clean so mice can't find food. After making or eating a meal, wipe up and get rid of any spills or crumbs. Avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight since mice could look for small scraps. While cleaning your house daily won't stop mice entirely, it will help keep them away. Sweep your floors after each time you cook to collect stray crumbs. Don't leave any food on your countertops. Put all your food away either in a cabinet or the fridge so mice don't have easy access to it. If you have mice in your home, putting away your food will drive them towards any bait or traps you left out for them. If you need to leave food out, make sure it is wrapped up or sealed. Seal food in airtight containers. Mice have a strong sense of smell, so if they can't smell any food, they won't have a reason to stay. Wrap all of your food or keep them in plastic or glass containers with lids. Transfer any boxed snacks or cereals to resealable containers if you notice mice have gotten into any of your food.

Use catch and release traps for the most humane method. Purchase electrocution traps to effectively kill the mice. Leave “no touch, no see” snap traps in problem areas to get rid of mice easily. Set a bucket trap with water if you're away from the infestation. Rotate the location of the traps every 2-3 days. Experiment with different types of baits. Use mouse poison as a last resort. Put cotton balls covered in peppermint oil near problem areas. Plug in an ultrasonic pest repeller to keep mice from entering. Get a cat to hunt mice around your home. Make a deterrent spray with chopped garlic and water. Hire an exterminator if nothing else works. Find and fill common entry points. Keep your home clean so mice can't find food. Don't leave any food on your countertops. Seal food in airtight containers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-TMJ-Pain

How to Treat TMJ Pain

If you need to treat TMJ pain, or pain in your jaw, eat soft foods that are easy to chew, like rice, eggs, soups, and cooked vegetables. Place an ice pack against your jaw for 5-10 minutes every few hours, and alternate with a hot water bottle or a heat pack. Jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing your mouth several times, may help to strengthen the TMJ muscles over time. You should also avoid resting your jaw in your hands, sleeping face-down, chewing gum, or anything else that will apply unnecessary pressure to your jaw.

Choose foods that are easily chewed. Eating soft foods that do not need to be chewed extensively may help with TMJ pain. This helps lessen the use and stress put on the joint. Some soft, easily chewable foods include: Rice Eggs Thinly cut and small pieces of poultry Soups Stews Cooked vegetables Soft fruit Use an ice pack. Placing ice on the TMJ joint can help to reduce inflammation. It also helps reduce pain and start the healing process. Apply the ice pack for five to 10 minutes every couple of hours. Don't use an ice pack for more than 15 minutes at a time. Make sure not to put the ice pack directly onto your skin. Wrap it in a cloth to protect your skin. You can use a bag of frozen vegetables in place of an ice pack. Frozen peas may work well. Apply heat. Using a heat pack on your jaw may help reduce pain and improve usage of the joint. You can try a heat pack, a cloth soaked in hot water, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a moist warm cloth. Be careful to avoid burning your face. Make sure the cloth isn't so hot as to cause additional pain or damage to the skin. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your jaw. When you have TMJ pain, you should try to reduce the amount of stress on the join. Avoid any sort of extreme jaw movements, such as wide yawns and chewing gum. You should also refrain from chewing gum, resting your jaw in your hands, and sleeping face down. Try to sleep on your side to prevent any strain on the jaw or neck muscles. Perform jaw exercises. Jaw exercises can help increase jaw movement. Jaw exercises focus on gentle jaw stretching and relaxing. Talk to your physician, dentist, or physical therapist for recommendations about jaw exercises. If any of these exercises cause any pain, stop and apply an ice pack. Try again later, but allow only smaller movements. Slowly open and close your mouth, straight up and down. Do not do this exercise if it makes the pain worse. Do the exercise twice a day for about five minutes. Slowly allow your jaw to relax. Focus on letting your jaw relax for five to 10 seconds, and then slowly bring your jaw back. The idea is to actively practice letting your jaw relax. Start with your teeth gently together and bring the tip of your tongue to your teeth. Then, bring the tip of your tongue back along the roof of your mouth until you reach the soft palate. Carefully and slowly, open your mouth, keeping the tip of your tongue on the soft palate. Stop opening your mouth as soon as your tongue begins to be pulled away from the soft palate. If you feel any pain before the tip of the tongue leaves the soft palate, stop. Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Make a loose O with your lips. Put one index finger on your TMJ and the other index finger on your chin. Allow your lower jaw to partially drop down and bring it back using the index finger on your chin. Make sure you are dropping the jaw straight down and then up. You can also do this exercise with an index finger on each TMJ. Repeat six times, five to six times a day. Take over-the-counter medication. One common treatment for TMJ pain is over-the-counter medications. You can try ibuprofen, such as Advil, naproxen, like Aleve, or acetaminophen, like Tylenol. Remember that medication is a second line, and only helps temporarily. The primary source of treatment for TMJ pain is lifestyle modifications when possible. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions. If taking them before seeing a doctor, follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Get prescription medication. If your TMJ pain is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve it. These prescriptions will be based on the underlying condition that may be causing the TMJ. Prescribed medications may include anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. Most experts on TMJ pain recommend using the least amount of treatment for the least amount of time. Other than OTC medications, most experts will not recommend medication. Use a bite guard. Stabilization splints, also known as bite guards, can be used to help with TMJ pain. These bite guards are specially made for you through a dentist's office. These splints should be used temporarily, though they do not change your bite. These have not been proven to benefit many people with TMJ. Learn the causes of TMJ pain. The TMJ works like a hinge, but also uses a sliding motion. The joint also has cartilage, including a small disc of cartilage that acts as a sort of shock absorber. This disc can become damaged by arthritis, injury, or infection, or the disc can be out of alignment, causing pain. TMJ pain can also be associated with a clicking sound when you chew or talk, or there may be a sensation of grinding. Some people with TMJ have other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic headache, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, bladder inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, sleep disorders, and painful sexual intercourse in women. It is not clear that TMJ and these other disorders are necessarily connected. TMJ occurs in both men and women, but women tend to have more severe pain and limitation of movement than men. Identify the symptoms of TMJ. The primary symptom of TMJ is pain in the joint and in the muscles of the jaw. Other symptoms include: Pain in the neck and in the shoulders Chronic headaches Stiffness in the jaw muscles Limitations in jaw movement Locking of the jaw Pain or pressure in the ear Ringing in the ears Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint when the mouth is opening or closing A bite that feels off or is misaligned See your doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you see a medical doctor as well as a pain specialist for treatment. Some dentists specialize in TMJ disorders as well. You should be certain that other potential causes of TMJ pain are excluded first. These causes include sinus or ear infections, dental problems including tooth abscesses, various forms of chronic headache, nerve-related facial pain, bone disease, and tumors.

Choose foods that are easily chewed. Use an ice pack. Apply heat. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your jaw. Perform jaw exercises. Take over-the-counter medication. Get prescription medication. Use a bite guard. Learn the causes of TMJ pain. Identify the symptoms of TMJ. See your doctor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-Pregnant-Guinea-Pig

How to Bathe a Pregnant Guinea Pig

To bathe a pregnant guinea pig, fill a sink or a plastic tub with enough lukewarm water to reach your guinea pig's stomach, or a little below, so she can comfortably keep her head above water. Then, place your guinea pig in the bath carefully and keep your hands on her, so she doesn't try to jump out. After she's had some time to adjust, use a plastic cup to gently pour a little water over her. From here, begin shampooing your guinea pig with a shampoo specifically made for small animals, so her skin doesn't become dried out or irritated. Rinse all of the shampoo out when you are done, and dry off your guinea pig completely to prevent her from getting chills.

Select a shampoo. There are all types of shampoos for pets. For your guinea pig, make sure the shampoo is made specifically for small animals (it should say so on the bottle). A small animal-specific shampoo will keep your guinea pig's skin from drying out or becoming irritated. Since your guinea pig is pregnant, the shampoo should also be non-medicated to prevent ingredients absorbing through her skin that could harm her unborn babies. Anti-fungal and anti-parasitic shampoos are medicated. Look for shampoos that are soap-free and made of natural ingredients. Do not use human shampoos on your guinea pig. They have chemicals that would be harsh on her skin. Do not purchase small animal shampoos with essential oils. Shampoos are available at your local pet store. Your veterinarian may also sell shampoos. Obtain your other bathing supplies. In addition to the shampoo, you will need a few other items to bathe your pregnant guinea pig, including towels and a soft-bristled brush. If you would rather not bathe your guinea pig in a sink, you will need a small plastic tub. Also, a plastic jug or large plastic cup will be useful for pouring water on your guinea pig during the bath. A non-slip mat is essential because it will prevent your pregnant guinea pig from slipping in the water. You would not want her falling on her belly in the water. If you have a hairdryer, you could use that to dry off your pregnant guinea pig. However, the noise of the dryer can be bothersome to guinea pigs, so you may want to stick with drying her off with some towels. Prepare the bathing area. You should have everything organized and in place before you bring your pregnant guinea pig to the bathing area. First, run some lukewarm water in either the sink or plastic tub. Fill the area with just enough water to come up to her stomach (or a little below, if that makes you more comfortable). She should be able to keep her head comfortably out of the water. If you are using a non-slip mat, place it in the sink or tub before adding water. Place some towels near the sink or tub. The brush does not need to be near the bathing area unless you plan to dry off her in that location. Bring your guinea pig to the bathing area. You will need to be very careful with how you handle your pregnant guinea pig. The safest way to move her is in a box. Place a small cardboard box with one side folded down in her cage so she can easily walk into it. When she is in the box, raise the side that is folded down and gently lift the box out of the cage. Walk slowly to the bathing area and place her carefully in the sink or tub, without putting much pressure on her belly. Allow her to adjust to being in the water. You may need to keep your hands on her so she doesn't try to jump out. Wash your guinea pig. To get her wet, fill the plastic jug or cup with lukewarm water and gently pour the water over her. You should still use the jug or cup if you have your guinea pig in the sink since getting wet by being held under a running tap could be frightening for her. You do not want her experiencing any additional stress when she is pregnant—this could put her unborn babies at risk. Avoid getting any water on her face or in her ears. Use a gentle, circular motion with your fingers to work the shampoo into your guinea pig's fur. Be extra careful when you wash her belly. Try to avoid lifting your guinea pig as you bathe her, to avoid putting any extra pressure on her belly. Talk to her in a soothing voice throughout the bathing process. Pay special attention to her back end. Because of her increased size, she may have trouble grooming herself, which could lead to feces getting stuck in her fur. If you see feces in her fur, try to break them up with the water and shampoo. It would be a good idea to wear gloves to do this. Rinse your guinea pig. After shampooing your pregnant guinea pig, gently lift her and place her on the dry set of towels that you already placed by the sink or tub. Pour out the dirty bathwater and refill the sink or tub with clean, lukewarm water. Gently place her back in the sink or tub and pour lukewarm water over her to rinse her off. Use your fingers again to work through her fur and get all of the shampoos out. Residual shampoo could make your guinea pig's skin feel itchy. Dry off your guinea pig completely. After your guinea pig's bath, she should be completely dry before you move her back to her cage. This is to prevent her from getting chills from being wet. This may take some time, depending on how long her hair is. Use towels to dry off your guinea pig. Lift her gently and wrap her in a towel, being sure not to hold her in a way that puts any pressure on her belly. Dry her off with the same gentle motions as you did when bathing her. Also, be extra gentle when drying her belly. If you'd like, you can sit on the couch and watch TV while you are drying her off. There is no need to rush the process. When the first towel gets damp, wrap her in a new, dry towel and continue drying her off. If she is feeling relaxed after her bath, you may hear her start to purr with contentment! Brush her with the soft-bristled brush after she is completely dried off. This will remove any loose or excess fur. If you noticed crusted feces in her fur during the bath, check the area again when you are drying her off. If the feces are still there, use a pair of small scissors to cut out the crusty fur. Dry your guinea pig off with a hairdryer. If you would rather use a hairdryer than a towel to dry off your guinea pig, you will need to be very careful with how you use it. First, set the hairdryer to the lowest possible heat setting. Hold the hairdryer about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) away from your guinea pig and turn it on. If you are unsure if the hairdryer temperature is too hot, test it against your skin. From 20 to 30 centimeters back, if the heat from the dryer is too hot for your skin, then it is also too hot for your guinea pig. Use your soft-bristled brush to brush the fur as you are drying. Brush in the direction of hair growth. If you notice your guinea pig becoming uncomfortable with the dryer, stop using it. You do not want to add any extra stress to your pregnant guinea pig.

Select a shampoo. Obtain your other bathing supplies. Prepare the bathing area. Bring your guinea pig to the bathing area. Wash your guinea pig. Rinse your guinea pig. Dry off your guinea pig completely. Use towels to dry off your guinea pig. Dry your guinea pig off with a hairdryer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Linoleum

How to Remove Linoleum

If you're trying to remove linoleum, start by using a utility knife to cut it into 12 inch strips. Then heat it with a heat gun or hair dryer to soften it. Lift the edges of each piece with a hand scraper and then tear away the rest of the strip. When you've got the entire top layer off, use a scraper tool on the adhesive paper underneath if your floor is delicate. For more durable floors, try using boiling water or a wallpaper steamer. To finish, apply a chemical stripper or use a putty knife to remove any remaining residue.

Clear the work area. Remove all large appliances, furniture, or other obstacles from the linoleum surface. Cut the linoleum into 12-inch (34.48 cm) strips using a sharp utility knife. Removal of smaller, easy-to-handle strips will be much easier than trying to handle the entire sheet of linoleum at once. Heat the linoleum topper with a heat gun to soften it for easy removal. In order to get the lino topper soft and pliable, consider heating one section at a time with a heat gun. This will make the removal of the topper much easier. What if you don't have a heat gun? A hair dryer may work, but chances are that the hair gun doesn't get hot enough to do the job efficiently. Try for yourself and see whether the hottest setting on the hair gun makes the removal of the topper any easier. Peel back the strips manually. Use a 5 in 1 tool or hand scraper to lift the edges of each section and then tear the remainder. The tough outer skin should come off easily, but if the linoleum was fully bonded when installed, you may have large sections of soft backing and adhesive that will need additional attention. Use a vinyl floor scraping machine. Alternately, automate the process by using a vinyl floor craping machine with a rigid scraper blade. Rub a bit of petroleum jelly on the scraper blade to keep it from getting gunked up. Then, begin by sliding the automatic scraper underneath a pre-cut seam and lifting the linoleum up with your free hand. Follow the pre-cut seams to remove the linoleum topper. Depending on the job, this process is sometimes quicker than removing the topper by hand. You can rent these machines from a tool rental company. Be aware that this can be a difficult process. Removing the tacky paper or underlayment that adheres the lino to the subfloor can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Earlier linoleum (before the days of plywood) was fastened to the subfloor with underlayment, which can contain tar. If your lino is very old and the underlayment is extremely difficult to remove, consider calling an experienced professional. Check older linoleum for asbestos. For older linoleum, consider breaking off a small piece of tacky paper or underlayment gunk and get it tested for asbestos. Many older linoleum floors contain either asbestos tiles or sheeting, which are small fibers that can be dangerous if inhaled. Although proper and safe removal of asbestos can be accomplished at home, it may be easier (and ultimately safer) to remove it with the help of a professional abatement contractor. Either way, prepare to use goggles and a respirator mask to filter out any potential asbestos fibers from the more porous parts of your body. These should be used for safety regardless of whether you think your lino flooring contains asbestos. Another way to make possible asbestos tiles or sheeting less dangerous is to dampen in with water before removal. Dry asbestos gets airborne relatively easily, even if you can't see it. Wet asbestos doesn't get airborne as easily. Be careful about dampening the underlayment if you have wooden floors. See the next couple of steps below. Use a scraper tool for delicate linoleum. For delicate floors, scrape the adhesive or underlayment with a scraper tool. You may need to apply moderate to extreme pressure depending on the strength of the adhesive. This can be very time consuming, but it doesn't risk damaging hardwood subfloors. You can try to use the heat gun and automatic oscillating scraper for removing the adhesive, just as you removed the lino topper. You may, however, find that it's difficult to get the oscillating scraper blade underneath the adhesive. Either way, the heat gun softens the adhesive and makes it easier to remove. Heat the adhesive for durable subfloors. For more durable subfloors, soak the adhesive with boiling hot water and allow it to absorb for approximately 15 minutes. Again, only apply water if the subfloor is concrete or a replaceable plywood. Wood warping may occur with any type of water application so be careful when dealing with salvageable hardwood subfloors. Here's how you get the boiling water onto the adhesive or underlayment without creating an absolute mess or, even worse, flooding. Line sections of the floor with towels — towels you're okay with losing. Pour the hot water over the towels, letting the towels absorb most of the water but heat up the adhesive anyway. Wait 15 minutes before removing the towels. You can also cut the floor open in several places using a sharp blade and pour a stripping material into the gaps to help loosen the linoleum. Next scrape away with a manual scraper. You'll want a larger scraper for moistened adhesive, as it comes off much easier than dry adhesive, giving you plenty of opportunity to take a wider berth. Use a wallpaper steamer. For a neat trick, try using a wallpaper steamer. You can rent these on the cheap at your local hardware store. Get the steamer warmed up. Place the applicator pad of the steamer over one section of the adhesive and let it steam for 60 to 90 seconds. Move the steamer to an adjacent section and scrape off the section where the applicator just was. This process is pretty quick compared to the dry method of removing adhesive. A 100 square foot floor should take less than two hours. Apply a chemical stripper. You can apply a chemical stripper to any stubborn adhesive per the manufacturer's instructions. Most chemical strippers use the same active ingredients that are found in paint strippers and can be purchased at your local hardware store. Scrape the treated adhesive. Scrape away the treated adhesive with a putty knife to remove any existing material. Since most of the adhesive should have been removed before the stripper was deployed, this process should be fairly easy. Sweep or vacuum the newly exposed subfloor. This is important to remove any small debris. Your subfloor is officially ready to shine in a new skin!

Clear the work area. Cut the linoleum into 12-inch (34.48 cm) strips using a sharp utility knife. Heat the linoleum topper with a heat gun to soften it for easy removal. Peel back the strips manually. Use a vinyl floor scraping machine. Be aware that this can be a difficult process. Check older linoleum for asbestos. Use a scraper tool for delicate linoleum. Heat the adhesive for durable subfloors. Use a wallpaper steamer. Apply a chemical stripper. Scrape the treated adhesive. Sweep or vacuum the newly exposed subfloor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Track-Amazon-Orders

How to Track Amazon Orders

If you want to track an Amazon order on your mobile phone, start by opening the Amazon app and making sure you're signed in. Then, tap the pop-up menu in the top left and select your orders. To view the tracking information, choose the order you're looking for and review its current location. If you're on a desktop computer, click on orders in the upper-right side of the Amazon webpage. When you're prompted to do so, enter your password. After logging in, scroll down until you find the order you're looking for and click on track package.

Open Amazon. Go to https://www.amazon.com/ in your computer's web browser. This will open your Amazon dashboard if you're logged into your Amazon account. If you aren't logged into your Amazon account, select the Account & Lists tab in the upper-right side of the page, click Sign in in the resulting menu, and enter your email address and password before proceeding. Click Orders. It's in the upper-right side of the Amazon web page. Enter your password if prompted. Type the password that you use to sign into Amazon into the "Password" text box, then click Sign in to proceed. If you just signed into your Amazon account, you most likely won't have to enter your password here. Find an order to track. Scroll down through your account's list of ordered packages until you find the order that you want to track. Click Track package. It's to the right of an order. Doing so will open the order's tracking details page. If you don't see Track package next to your order, the package may not have shipped yet, or it may not be trackable due to a non-compliant shipping policy. Review your order's location. You'll be able to see a list of the different locations through which your order has been routed. If your package was just shipped, you'll see a "Package has left the carrier facility" phrase here. You can click the See all updates link below a delivered package to view its complete shipping history. Open Amazon. Tap the Amazon app icon, which resembles the Amazon logo on a white background. If you aren't logged into your Amazon account, tap ☰ in the top-left corner, tap SIGN IN , and enter your Amazon email address and password before proceeding. Tap ☰. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. A pop-out menu will appear. Tap Your Orders. You'll find this option in the pop-out menu. Doing so brings up a list of your current Amazon orders. Select an order. Tap the order for which you want to view the tracking information. You may have to scroll down to find the proper order. Review the order's location. You can see the order's current location (e.g., the city and state) as well as any previous shipping locations it has visited.

Open Amazon. Click Orders. Enter your password if prompted. Find an order to track. Click Track package. Review your order's location. Open Amazon. Tap ☰. Tap Your Orders. Select an order. Review the order's location.

https://www.wikihow.com/Call-the-Netherlands

How to Call the Netherlands

To call the Netherlands, start by dialing the exit code for your country. For example, in the US, the exit code is 011. Then, add 31, which is the country code for the Netherlands. Finally, type the 9-digit Dutch number of your contact.

Check the costs for international calls from your phone service provider. Different phone service providers have different charges for long-distance and international calls. Make sure you know what you will be charged to avoid surprises on your phone bill. You can also buy an international calling card that has a certain number of minutes on it and allows calls to the Netherlands, to avoid getting charged high fees on your phone bill. Search the internet for the international exit code for the country that you are in. Each country has a different prefix for calling out of that country to the Netherlands. You will have to dial this code first to connect a call to a number in the Netherlands. For all European Union countries and India the number is “00”. For the United States and Canada the number is “011”. For Australia the number is “0011”. Dial your exit code and “31”. After dialing your country's exit code, enter “31” which is the country code for the Netherlands. This number tells your phone what country you are trying to reach. For example, if you are calling from the United States or Canada, dial “011 31” first. Input the 9-digit Dutch number that you want to call. Every phone number in the Netherlands has 9 digits. The first 2 digits represent the city code, with the exception of cell phone numbers which always begin with the number “6”. If you are calling from the United States or Canada to a landline in Amsterdam, the full number would look like this: “011 31 02 123 4567”. “02” is the city code for Amsterdam numbers and it is followed by 7 more unique digits. If you are calling from the United States or Canada to a cell phone number in the Netherlands, then the full number would look like this: “011 31 6 1234 5678”. “6” is the first digit for all cell numbers and is followed by 8 more unique digits. Double-check what time it is in the Netherlands before you place your call to make sure you don't wake anyone up in the middle of the night! Use Skype to call a Dutch landline or cell phone at cheaper rates. Skype allows you to make international phone calls to landlines and cell phones using Skype credits. Select the Netherlands from the dropdown menu then enter the number you want to call. You can also enter the country code directly. Hold down “0” on your keyboard for 2 seconds to get a “+” sign. Then enter “31” followed by the number you wish to reach. Check the Skype website for their rates to call the Netherlands with Skype credits. They offer various plans for calling the Netherlands or even packages that allow you to call anywhere in the world for a set monthly price. You can also call other Skype users for free with the Skype mobile app, or from the desktop app on your computer. Get their Skype contact details and set up a time to call them through the app Use WhatsApp to place a call to someone else who has WhatsApp. Add the cell number you want to call to your cell phone's contacts, starting with the prefix “+31”. Open your WhatsApp and search for the contact you want to reach, then press the call button. This will only work if the person you are trying to call also has WhatsApp installed on their cell phone. Call a Dutch number with Viber for an inexpensive or free option. Viber allows you to place free calls through the application to other users who have Viber installed on their cell phones. Buy Viber Out credits to make calls to landlines or mobile numbers in the Netherlands. Look on the Viber website to see their rates for international calls to the Netherlands. Buy a credit package or calling plan for the best rates. Once you have credits, dial “+31” on the Viber dial pad, followed by the number you want to reach.

Check the costs for international calls from your phone service provider. Search the internet for the international exit code for the country that you are in. Dial your exit code and “31”. Input the 9-digit Dutch number that you want to call. Use Skype to call a Dutch landline or cell phone at cheaper rates. Use WhatsApp to place a call to someone else who has WhatsApp. Call a Dutch number with Viber for an inexpensive or free option.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Iron-On-Patches

How to Remove Iron On Patches

To remove iron-on patches, start by placing a clean cloth or piece of wax paper over the patch. Then, press down on the patch with a heated iron for 15 seconds, which will melt the glue. After 15 seconds, remove the iron and peel the patch off. If the patch won't come off, reapply the heat until the glue on the patch is melted enough.

Check to see if your item can take the heat. Unless you added the patch yourself, you will first need to make sure your item won't be damaged by ironing it. Not all "iron on" patches are actually applied with heat. Pick a small, inconspicuous part of the item not easily visible during normal use. Place wax paper or a thin dish towel on top of the area. Press down with a pre-heated iron on the small area you're testing. Hold it for about 15 seconds. Remove the iron and check for damage or discoloration on your item. If you are treating a delicate item, make sure the iron is on the proper setting. If you don't have experience ironing this type of fabric, the adhesive remover method is probably a better idea. Cover the patch. Position your item so that the cloth part of the patch is exposed. Place either wax paper or a thin cloth towel directly over the patch. Make sure the covering is completely clean and free from any substance that could melt into the fabric of your item. Iron the patch. Pre-heat your iron to its highest setting before use. Press your iron down on top of the paper/cloth where the patch would be. Hold it there for about 15 seconds. Remove the iron and the covering from your item. If the glue does not appear to have softened, apply the iron again. Keep adding heat until the adhesive melts. Peel the patch off. The heat from the iron should be enough to melt the glue and temporarily make it sticky. Lift the edge of the patch up and peel it off of your item. Hold onto the item with one hand and peel with your other. You can use your fingers to do this, but be cautious, as the adhesive will be hot. If you have trouble lifting up the first part of the patch, try using tweezers or a butter knife. Tweezers will be able to slide between the patch and your item and grip the patch well. If you don't have tweezers, slip a butter knife between the patch and your item. Lift up to start the patch and remove the rest of it with your fingers. If the patch is large, you may have to make a few passes with the iron. Peel up large patches section by section. Purchase a fabric-safe adhesive remover. Glue removers that are xylene or orange oil-based work well. Pick a liquid-based product able to soak through fabric. An adhesive remover that comes in a spray bottle will be much easier to work with for this purpose. Common brands are Goo Gone, De-Solv-It, and Goof Off. Rubbing alcohol can also be an effective alternative. Patch test your clothing. Even if the adhesive remover is advertised as fabric safe, it is still possible that it may stain your particular item. You will need to test it out first before using the remover on a patch. Do this over a clean sink to avoid making a mess. Find a small, inconspicuous area on your item that is not easily visible during normal use. For example, the inside back bottom edge of a hat or jacket would be a good choice. Dab a small amount of adhesive remover onto this spot. Work the adhesive remover into the fabric using your fingers or a clean rag. Rinse off the adhesive remover and check for discoloration. Expose the area underneath the patch. If your item is a T-shirt, a hat, or a pair of paints, turn it inside out. You will need to access the fabric that is bonded to the patch. If your item is a canvas bag, simply lay it out flat upside-down. Apply your adhesive remover. Squirt or pour the glue remover liberally on the back of the cloth. Use enough that is soaks through your item completely. Make sure you cover the whole area behind the patch. Work the remover into the fabric using either your fingers or a clean rag. Wait about one minute for the remover to loosen the patch. Peel off the patch. The adhesive remover should successfully soften the glue, making it sticky. The patch should now easily come off your item. Turn the item right-side-out. Hold it with one hand. Grip the edge of the patch between the index finger and thumb of your other hand. Pull back to lift the edge of the patch up and off your item. Work your way around the patch until it has been entirely peeled away. Repeat on any stubborn areas. If part of the patch is still stuck to your item, try repeating the process, focusing on the spots where the adhesive did not soften properly. Reapply the adhesive remover however many times it takes to completely remove the patch. However, if the glue remover you used has not softened the adhesive at all, you will likely need to try a different one. If you don't plan on keeping the patch, trim off what you've already peeled off with a pair of scissors. This will make it much easier to work with and keep the patch from sticking back onto your item. Check for stains. The glue from your patch will likely leave a residue behind. If the area where your patch was is now discolored or sticky, you will need to take further action to make your item looking clean and like new again. If you used the adhesive remover method, launder your item first. This may remove the adhesive completely on its own. Apply adhesive remover directly to the residue. Squirt or pour more adhesive remover onto the patch. Massage it in using your fingers or a clean rag. Allow it to work for approximately one minute. You can also make your own adhesive remover at home. Just mix two parts baking soda with one part coconut oil and a few drops of orange essential oil. This all natural adhesive remover works well at removing residue but not for removing the patch itself. It is a thick paste that is unable to easily soak through fabrics. Launder your item as usual. Simply wash your item using whatever method you normally would. Do this as soon as possible to remove the solvent in case it may damage your item over time. If the item is machine wash safe, go ahead and throw it into your washing machine with a normal load of laundry. Hand soak delicate items using cold or room temperature water with a small amount of detergent. If the glue seems especially stuck-on, try scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush after the adhesive remover has been worked in. Apply some liquid laundry detergent directly to the residue patch as a pre-treatment. If there is still some residue left after you've washed your item, try repeating the process with more adhesive remover. It may take a few tries to totally remove the stain. Do not place the item in the dryer until the stain has been completely removed. Doing so may set the stain and make it harder to clean. Use white vinegar for especially tough stains. White vinegar often works to loosen glue enough for water to rinse it away. Before soaking, first try saturating the spot with white vinegar and wash as normal. This works well for delicate items with caked-on glue from the iron method. If spot treatment doesn't work, try soaking your item overnight. For white items, you may use undiluted vinegar. To keep colored fabric from bleeding, dilute the vinegar in water using one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. While white vinegar is generally safe to use on clothing, always be sure to do a patch test first to be sure. Use white vinegar only. Other types may stain clothing.

Check to see if your item can take the heat. Cover the patch. Iron the patch. Peel the patch off. Purchase a fabric-safe adhesive remover. Patch test your clothing. Expose the area underneath the patch. Apply your adhesive remover. Peel off the patch. Repeat on any stubborn areas. Check for stains. Apply adhesive remover directly to the residue. Launder your item as usual. Use white vinegar for especially tough stains.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Dog-for-a-Fever

How to Check a Dog for a Fever

The best way to check a dog for a fever is with a digital rectal thermometer. Start by lubricating the probe end of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Next, have someone else restrain the dog's body and keep it calm while you lift up its tail. Then, gently insert the probe about 1 inch into the dog's rectum and wait until the thermometer beeps. Lastly, remove the thermometer and read the temperature on the display. A normal temperature is between 100–102.5 °F, so call your vet if your dog's temperature is above or below that.

Prepare the thermometer. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or water based lubricant such as “KY jelly." Lubricating the thermometer will make the experience slightly less uncomfortable for your dog. If you have a digital thermometer, turn it on and make sure that it is in working order before inserting it into the rectum. Most digital thermometers can read in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Check your thermometer's directions to figure out how to change the type of reading. Mercury thermometers should be shaken down to the end closest to the mercury tip before inserting to ensure the most accurate reading. The mercury thermometer may have both Fahrenheit and Celsius, you will have to check your particular instrument. Have another individual restrain the dog's body. Have the other person give the dog a “hug” by placing his or her left arm under the neck of the dog and using his or her left hand to hold the side of the dog's face against the shoulder. Your helper will then place his or her right arm under the belly of the dog just in front of the back legs to keep the dog standing. It is not uncommon for a dog to want to sit down when they feel a rectal thermometer inserted. If your dog is comfortable lying down and stays there for the temperature taking, then you can leave them lying down. Sitting is not the preferred position because the rectum will not be easily accessible. Be cautious. If you have any indication that the dog may bite or you may injure the dog while trying to restrain your pet, stop! It is better to wait and take your dog to its veterinarian to get its temperature taken than to risk injury to the dog or yourself. Lift the dog's tail to expose the rectum. Lift from the base of the tail, rather than the tip. This will give you more control over the animals movement and prevent the dog's tail from wagging. It may be helpful to have your helper hold the dog's tail up for you. Insert the thermometer into the dog's rectum about 1 inch (2.54 cm). Be careful not to insert the thermometer too deep, or too shallow, as this will affect the readings. Try to gently insert along the side of the rectum, particularly if there is feces present. The anus is the opening into the rectum, which is a long tube that collects feces. The anus is a muscular sphincter that relaxes and opens to allow feces to leave the rectum. The sphincter can shut very tightly if the dog is painful or afraid. Avoid forcing the thermometer through the anus, but do aim into the middle of the pucker where you will find the least resistance for your well-lubricated thermometer. Remember to keep your hand steady and the thermometer straight. Be deliberate in your approach. Leave the thermometer inserted for the right amount of time. If you are using a digital thermometer, keep it in until it beeps. If you are using a mercury thermometer, leave in place for approximately two-minutes. Remove the thermometer gently. This has probably been a very intrusive and stressful experience for your dog, so be sure to use a soft touch. Clean the thermometer off after use - rubbing alcohol works well. Remember, this is the doggy thermometer for rectal use. It should not get mixed up with thermometers you use for humans. Lift the canine's ear and gently brush aside any hair that may be in the way. This will allow you to have a clear view of the animals ear canal. Any hair that remains in the way may obstruct the thermometer and cause discomfort to your dog. Note that while ear thermometers are less invasive to the animal they can be less accurate if used improperly. Look for signs of an ear infection. If your dog has an ear infection, do not use the ear thermometer, as it will likely give you an inaccurate result and be painful to the dog. Indications of an ear infection are redness, swelling, discharge with an odor, and shaking or scratching excessively at the ears. Position the thermometer deep into the dog's horizontal ear canal. You may want to have another person hold the dog's head to get enough control of the animal to do this. Be sure the thermometer is deep enough or it will not produce an accurate temperature reading.. If you don't have help, hold the dog's body between your legs to keep it still. At no time should you continue with this process if your dog is trying to bite you, as you will not get an accurate reading if the dog is fighting the process. Hold the thermometer in place and wait for it to beep. This indicates a reading was successfully achieved. Depending on the brand and make of the thermometer, read times will vary. Remove the thermometer from the dog's ear gently. Remember, ear thermometers go very deep into the horizontal ear canal. Some dogs may object to the ear thermometer, sometimes even more so than to the rectal option. Check the reading on the thermometer. A normal temperature should be between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 and 39.4 degrees Celsius). Readings above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) are considered elevated. Temperatures below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) are considered low. Double check any “abnormal” readings. If the temperature is too low, the thermometer may not be inserted far enough in the ear or the rectum, or it could be inserted into feces. If the temperature is too high and the dog is excited or really resisted handling, let the dog rest for 10 minutes and recheck. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog's temperature is higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit. This is very dangerous to your animal and should be considered a medical emergency. If your veterinarian is not open or available, take your dog to the nearest emergency animal hospital. Contact your veterinarian if your dog's temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important if there are other indicators of illness, such as lethargy or lack of interest in food. Make an appointment to go in that day.

Prepare the thermometer. Have another individual restrain the dog's body. Be cautious. Lift the dog's tail to expose the rectum. Insert the thermometer into the dog's rectum about 1 inch (2.54 cm). Leave the thermometer inserted for the right amount of time. Remove the thermometer gently. Lift the canine's ear and gently brush aside any hair that may be in the way. Look for signs of an ear infection. Position the thermometer deep into the dog's horizontal ear canal. Hold the thermometer in place and wait for it to beep. Remove the thermometer from the dog's ear gently. Check the reading on the thermometer. Double check any “abnormal” readings. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog's temperature is higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact your veterinarian if your dog's temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-PowerPoint-Presentation

How to Cite a PowerPoint Presentation

To cite a PowerPoint presentation in MLA, use footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources. Then in the footnote, list the author's last name followed by a comma then their first name. Then write the title of the lecture in quotes followed by the venue, the city it was held in, and the abbreviated date you accessed the work. You should put a period after each item. For instance, you might write, “Smith, John. 'Sensitivity and Social Media.' Today's Social Networks. Thomson Auditorium. Hamilton. Jan. 23, 2016. Keynote address.”

Start your Works Cited entry with the name of the presenter. Type the last name of the presenter, followed by a comma, then add their first name. Place a period at the end of their first name. Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks. Use title case for the title of the presentation, capitalizing the first word plus any nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, and verbs. If the title has a subtitle, place a colon at the end of the title and then type the subtitle in title case. Put a period at the end. Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." Include the date of the presentation and name of the sponsoring organization. Use a date that's as specific as possible, typing it in day-month-year format. Abbreviate the name of any month with more than 4 letters. Place a period at the end of the date. Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman. Identify the source as a PowerPoint presentation. While this element is optional, it lets your reader know what to expect from the source. For a PowerPoint presentation, use "Microsoft PowerPoint," followed by the word "presentation." Place a period at the end. Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman. Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. Provide a direct URL if the presentation is available online. Copy the direct URL for the presentation, then paste it on the end of your Works Cited entry. Don't include the "http:" portion of the URL. Place a period at the end. Example: Kalyanaraman, Ananth. "CPT S 317: Automata and Formal Languages." 2017. School of EECS, Washington State University, Pullman. Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. eecs.wsu.edu/~ananth/CptS317/Lectures/Course.pdf. Include the presenter's name and slide number for in-text citations. Whenever you paraphrase or quote from the presentation in your text, add a parenthetical citation to the end of the sentence that includes the presenter's last name and the slide number where the material you mentioned appears. Keep the parenthetical citation inside the closing punctuation for the sentence. For example, you might write: One of the objectives of the course is to introduce automata theory and the theory of computation (Kalyanaraman slide 3). Use only an in-text citation if the presentation isn't available online. In APA style, a Reference List entry is only suitable for sources that your readers can retrieve themselves. If the presentation isn't available, cite it as personal communication with a parenthetical in-text citation at the end of any sentence where you reference the presentation. The basic format for a personal communication in-text citation is as follows: (A. Lastname, personal communication, Month day, year). Start your Reference List entry with the name of the presenter. Type the last name of the presenter followed by a comma, then add their first initial. If their second initial is available to you, include it after the first. If not, don't worry about it. Example: Braun, M. List the date for the presentation. The date for the presentation appears in parentheses. Use a date that's as specific as possible, typing the year first, followed by a comma, then the month and day. Add a period after the closing parenthesis. Example: Braun, M. (2020). Add the title of the presentation and the format. Type the title in italics. Use sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. After the title, type the phrase "PowerPoint slides" in square brackets. Add a period at the end, outside the closing bracket. Example: Braun, M. (2020). Diseases of the nervous system [PowerPoint slides]. Provide the direct URL for the PowerPoint presentation. Copy the URL for the presentation and paste it at the end of your Reference List entry. Don't put a period at the end of the URL. Example: Braun, M. (2020). Diseases of the nervous system [PowerPoint slides]. http://medsci.indiana.edu/c602web/602/c602web/opt/braun/Diseases_NervousSystem.pdf Include the presenter's last name and the year for in-text citations. At the end of any sentence in which you paraphrase or quote from the presentation, add a parenthetical with the presenter's last name, followed by a comma, then the year for the presentation. This parenthetical citation goes inside the closing punctuation for the sentence. For example, you might write: A subdural hemorrhage is a rotational injury that causes slow bleeding (Braun, 2020). If you use the presenter's name in the text of your paper, add a parenthetical immediately after the name with the year for the presentation. For example, you might write: Braun (2020) differentiates between different types of brain hemorrhages, which require different treatment. If you quote directly from the presentation, add the slide number after the year. For example, you might write: According to Braun (2020, slide 3), the "accumulation of junk" in the central nervous system can lead to problems. Start your Bibliography entry with the presenter's name. Type the presenter's last name first, followed by a comma. Then, type their first name. Place a period at the end of their first name. Example: Damodaran, Aswath. Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks. Type the title of the presentation in title case, capitalizing the first word plus all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. Place a period at the end, inside the closing quotation marks. Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation." Include the format, location, and date for the presentation. Use the phrase "PowerPoint presentation" for the format, followed by a comma. For the location, include the title of the course (if applicable) and the name of the sponsoring organization. Place a comma at the end of the location information, then provide the date for the presentation in month-day-year format. Don't abbreviate the name of the month. Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation." PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020. Close your entry with a direct URL for the presentation. If the presentation is available online, copy the URL and paste it directly at the end of your Bibliography entry. Add a period at the end of the URL. Example: Damodaran, Aswath. "Intrinsic Valuation." PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020. http://people.stern.nyu.edu/adamodar/pdfiles/eqnotes/valpacket1spr20.pdf. Include the same information in footnotes with different formatting. For the first footnote you add in the text of your paper, provide the same information as in your Bibliography entry formatted like a regular sentence. This means you'll type the presenter's first name first and separate all of the elements with commas. Put the publication information (presentation format, location, and date) in parentheses. Only put a period at the very end. Example: Aswath Damodaran, "Intrinsic Valuation," (PowerPoint presentation, Equity Instruments, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, January 2020), http://people.stern.nyu.edu/adamodar/pdfiles/eqnotes/valpacket1spr20.pdf. After the first footnote, use a shortened format for subsequent footnotes with the last name of the presenter and the title of the presentation. For example:

Start your Works Cited entry with the name of the presenter. Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks. Include the date of the presentation and name of the sponsoring organization. Identify the source as a PowerPoint presentation. Provide a direct URL if the presentation is available online. Include the presenter's name and slide number for in-text citations. Use only an in-text citation if the presentation isn't available online. Start your Reference List entry with the name of the presenter. List the date for the presentation. Add the title of the presentation and the format. Provide the direct URL for the PowerPoint presentation. Include the presenter's last name and the year for in-text citations. Start your Bibliography entry with the presenter's name. Add the title of the presentation in quotation marks. Include the format, location, and date for the presentation. Close your entry with a direct URL for the presentation. Include the same information in footnotes with different formatting.

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Eyelashes

How to Draw Eyelashes

To draw eyelashes, start by sketching a second line just underneath the top edge of the upper eyelid to show thickness. Next, to form the eyelashes, press a pencil firmly against the upper edge of the eyelid, move downward for a moment and then rapidly swoop upward as you reduce the pressure on the pencil. Also, decide if you want the lashes to hook together, bunch up, fan outward, or overlap. As you reach the outer corner, make sure to make these lashes the longest as well as the ones that curve the farthest.

Draw the thickness of the eyelid. These instructions assume you're drawing an eye viewed head-on. Outline the eye, then draw a second line just underneath the top edge. This is the thickness of the upper eyelid. The upper eyelashes emerge from the top line. When viewed head-on, this thickness is barely visible. Keep the two lines close together. Practice the curve of the eyelash. Upper eyelashes swoop downward a short distance, then rapidly up and away from the eye. Practice this motion many times on a practice sketch: Press a hard pencil firmly against the upper edge of the eyelid. Move downward for an instant, then rapidly "swoop" upward. The faster you do this, the more natural the result. Reduce pressure as you move the pencil. The line should be thinner and lighter near the tip of the lash. Plan the orientation of the lashes. Eyelashes tend to point outward from the curve of the eyelid, as though they were sun rays or wheel spokes. An individual eyelash, however, often overlaps its fellows or points in a slightly uneven direction. Lightly sketch the eyelashes so they fan outward, but have plenty of variation among them. You don't need to commit to the exact shapes, which are described in more detail below. Just focus on positioning for now. This is a good time to study photographs of eyes, or look in a mirror. Many eyelashes hook together at the tip. Draw a few pairs of lashes that meet at the same point. Draw eyelashes near the outer corner. Once you've got this motion down, start again with a fresh sketch. First, draw the eyelashes near the outer corner, near the ear. These lashes grow close together. The eyelashes near the outer corner are the longest. They also curve farther downward and outward than other lashes. Add eyelashes to the middle of the lid. Next, draw the eyelashes along the middle ⅓ of the eyelid. These are nearly as long and as numerous as the outer eyelashes. Rotate the direction of the eyelashes as you move toward the middle. By the time you reach the middle of the eye, the lashes are almost vertical. Finish with the inner lashes. These are much shorter, and thinly scattered. Avoid even spacing, which looks unnatural. Redraw some lashes with a softer pencil. Draw over the lashes using a softer pencil, pressing firmly to make them bolder and thicker. Do this for roughly ⅔ of the lashes, to create variation. As before, draw from the base upward. Reduce pressure as you reach the tip, to keep them thin and pointed. Draw the eyelid thickness. Eyelids have three dimensions. When viewed head on, the lower eyelid edge is quite visible. Draw a second line alongside the eye's lower outline to show this. Make this edge thicker than the upper eyelid's, assuming the eye is wide open. You can use white charcoal or chalk to make this edge more obvious. Curve the lashes outward. These lashes have a slight curve to them. They grow downward a short distance, then outward. This curve is not as obvious as the upper eyelashes', so be subtle. These lashes originate from the base of the lower lid. No part of these lashes should cover the white of the eye. Draw the lashes sparsely. The lower lashes grow much less densely than the upper ones. Scatter the lashes thinly and unevenly along the lower edge. Exact eyelash counts vary widely. Typically, the lower lid has about 50% the number of the upper lid. Add variation. As before, the lashes shouldn't be perfectly arrayed in a circle. Add a few eyelashes that merge with a nearby lash at the tip. If the lashes look too thinly scattered, draw a few shorter lines near the base of the long lashes.

Draw the thickness of the eyelid. Practice the curve of the eyelash. Plan the orientation of the lashes. Draw eyelashes near the outer corner. Add eyelashes to the middle of the lid. Finish with the inner lashes. Redraw some lashes with a softer pencil. Draw the eyelid thickness. Curve the lashes outward. Draw the lashes sparsely. Add variation.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-a-Building%27s-Construction-Type

How to Determine a Building's Construction Type

To determine a building's construction type, start by figuring out the building elements, or the materials that were used in its construction. Then, determine the building's fire-resistance rating based on its weakest element. For example, if a building has a metal roof, but the exterior walls are made of wood, the fire rating would be based on wood since that's the weakest element. In that case, the building would be classified as a frame building with combustible elements, which would fall under ISO Class I or IBC Type V.

How building class is determined: All buildings must be classified into one of six construction classes (see number 3). Classification of a building class is based on two factors: building elements and fire-resistance rating. These factors may not be included in the submission/documentation, in which case additional information will need to be requested. Building elements : The building materials used in the construction of the following elements are the foundation for classification, be they wood, steel, or masonry. Structural frame Exterior bearing walls Interior bearing walls Exterior nonbearing walls and partitions Interior non-bearing walls and partitions Floor construction, including supporting beams and joists Roof construction, including supporting beams and joists, are comprised of Fire-resistance rating : This is the other factor in determining construction class. The building materials used in the construction of the building elements above will have a fire-resistance rating. Fire-resistance rating typically means the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be quantified simply as a measure of time (ex. 0 hours, 1 hour, or 2 hours), or it may entail a host of other criteria involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose. “Minimum” rule : It is important to remember when selecting the construction class that the building is only as strong as its weakest element. For example, a masonry building may have an unprotected wood roof. The wood roof is the weakest member such that it has no fire-resistance. Thus, the construction class would be Joisted Masonry (see below). Now imagine this same building with a metal deck roof. So long as the supporting members of the building do not contain wood then this building would be Masonry Noncombustible (see below). What to ask: To determine the ISO class of the building, we must therefore know the following composition of the building elements: Structural frame Bearing walls (interior and exterior) Floor construction Roof construction What the fire rating of the materials Building classes: All construction types must be classified into the following (all of which are explained extensively below): Frame Construction (ISO Class I, IBC Type V) Joisted Masonry (ISO Class 2, IBC Type III, IBC Type IV) Light Noncombustible (ISO Class 3, IBC Type IIB) Masonry Noncombustible (ISO Class 4, IBC Type IIA) Modified Fire Resistive (ISO Class 5, IBC Type IB) Fire Resistive (ISO Class 6, IBC Type IA) International Building Code (IBC) versus Insurance Services Office (ISO): These are two major sources identifying construction types, both of which will be addressed in the construction types outlined below. ISO is traditionally what insurance companies use to denote type, whereas IBC is what architects and builders use. While one company may use ISO classifications, many submission documents may reference IBC classifications and it is important to be able to convert this to an ISO classification. (There have been situations where a frame building has been incorrectly classified as fire resistive because the submittal was read incorrectly!) The following explains what is expected under both: International Building Code (IBC) : This is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It has been adopted throughout most of the United States. A large portion of the International Building Code deals with fire prevention. It differs from the related International Fire Code in that the IBC handles fire prevention in regards to construction and design and the fire code handles fire prevention in an ongoing basis. Parts of the code reference other codes including the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code, the National Electric Code, and various National Fire Protection Association Standards. IBC is more descriptive and also includes A or B types of construction for each class. A is protected , meaning that all structural members of a building or structure have an additional fire rated coating or cover by means of sheetrock, spray on, or other approved method. The additional fire rated coating or cover extends the fire resistance of the structural members by at least 1 hour. B is unprotected , meaning that all structural members of a building or structure have no additional fire rated coating or cover. Exposed members are only fire resistant according to their natural ability, characteristics, and fire rating. Insurance Services Office (ISO) : This is a provider of data, underwriting, risk management, and legal/regulatory services to property-casualty insurers and other clients. Classification: Frame construction is ISO Class 1. ISO Class 1 encompasses IBC Type VA and IBC Type VB. Regardless of whether the IBC classification is A (protected) or B (unprotected) the ISO Class is 1. Building elements: Frame buildings are buildings with exterior walls, floors, and roofs with combustible construction — or buildings with exterior walls of noncombustible or slow-burning construction with combustible floors and roofs. Frame buildings generally have roof, floor, and supports of combustible material, usually wood, and combustible interior walls. Two variations on frame construction don't change the construction class: Masonry veneer (brick veneer)- Masonry veneer is thin layers of brick, stone, or stucco, used for appearance purposes rather than structural support. Metal clad - A building with a metal exterior wall may not look like frame construction, but when the metal skin is attached to wood studs and joists, ISO classifies the building as frame. Other conditions that lead to classification as frame construction include: Metal walls or floors sheathed with combustible materials Metal floors or roofs with combustible insulation or ceiling material attached to the underside or within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of horizontal supports Composite assemblies of noncombustible materials with combustible materials Advantages: easy to erect and alter economical versatile performs well in Earthquake areas – can move Disadvantages: fire can spread rapidly highly damageable may become unstable in a fire may include enclosed spaces where fire can spread undetected Classification: Joisted Masonry construction is ISO Class 2. ISO Class 2 encompasses IBC Type IIIA and IBC Type IIIB. Regardless of whether the IBC classification is A (protected) or B (unprotected) the ISO Class is 2. IBC Type IV is Heavy Timber construction and is considered ISO Class 2. The reason is that the heavy timbers perform well and do not fail early in a fire. Building elements: Joisted Masonry buildings are buildings with exterior walls of masonry or fire-resistive construction rated for not less than one hour and with combustible floors and roofs. There are several types of masonry used in the exterior bearing walls of joisted masonry buildings: brick concrete — either reinforced or non reinforced hollow concrete masonry units tile stone note that exterior bearing walls may also be any noncombustible materials with fire-resistance ratings of not less than one hour Variations: There's one variation on joisted masonry construction that doesn't change the construction class — heavy timber or mill construction. Heavy timber construction uses wood members much larger than those found in frame (Construction Class 1) or other joisted masonry construction. If the building uses steel columns or beams for walls, the beams must be protected so they have a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour. Heavy Timber Construction (IBC Type IV); ISO classifies the building as heavy timber construction if it meets these requirements: walls of masonry construction floors of 3 inch (7.6 cm) wood plank or 4 inch (10.2 cm) laminated plank, both surfaced with 1 inch (2.5 cm) flooring roof of 2 inch (5.1 cm) wood plank, 3 inch (7.6 cm) laminated plank, or 1-1/8 inch tongue-and-groove plywood deck wood column supports not less than 8 inch (20.3 cm) x 8 inch (20.3 cm), wood beams or girders not less than 6 inch (15.2 cm) x 6 inch (15.2 cm), or protected metal Advantages: harder to ignite consumed more slowly by fire more structural stability greater salvage value lack of concealed spaces (Heavy Timber) Disadvantages: floors and roofs of combustible materials subject to damage by fire presence of concealed spaces Classification: Light Noncombustible construction is ISO Class 3. ISO Class 3 encompasses IBC Type IIB (unprotected). Building elements: Light Noncombustible buildings are buildings with exterior walls of light metal or other noncombustible material and with noncombustible floors and roofs: buildings with exterior walls, floors, and roofs of noncombustible or slow-burning materials building supports of noncombustible or slow-burning materials noncombustible or slow-burning roof decks on noncombustible or slow-burning supports — regardless of the type of insulation on the roof surface Advantages: easy to erect economical to build uses materials that don't readily burn Disadvantages: contains steel, which loses strength at high temperatures highly damageable buildings unstable buildings under fire conditions uses slow-burning materials that do burn — adding fuel to a fire Classification: Masonry Noncombustible construction is ISO Class 4. ISO Class 4 encompasses IBC Type Type IIA (protected). Building elements: Masonry Noncombustible buildings are buildings with exterior walls of masonry material and with noncombustible or slow burning floors and roofs. buildings with exterior walls of masonry — not less than four inches thick, or buildings with exterior walls of fire-resistive construction — with a rating of not less than one hour, and noncombustible or slow-burning floors and roofs — regardless of the type of insulation on the roof surface Advantages: Uses floors and roof supported by superior exterior bearing members that provide for stability and are less likely to collapse during a fire Uses materials that don't readily burn Disadvantages: Uses unprotected steel for interior members of floors and roof, and steel loses strength and becomes less stable and more damageable at high temperatures Uses slow-burning materials that do burn — adding fuel to a fire Classification: Modified Fire Resistive construction is ISO Class 5. ISO Class 5 encompasses IBC Type IB. Building elements: Modified Fire Resistive Buildings are buildings where the exterior bearing walls and load-bearing portions of exterior walls must be of noncombustible materials or of masonry, but exterior nonbearing walls and wall panels may be slow-burning, combustible, or with no fire- resistance rating. Buildings with exterior walls, floors, and roofs of masonry materials described in the definition of fire resistive (Construction Class 6) — less thick than required for fire-resistive structures but not less than four inches thick, or Fire-resistive materials with a fire-resistance rating less than two hours but not less than one hour Variations: Structural steel protection : Note that modified fire-resistive buildings also include structural steel protection techniques — fire-protection material applied to steel. Materials include: concrete plaster clay tile brick or other masonry units gypsum block gypsum wallboard mastic coatings mineral and fiberboard mineral wool Ceilings protecting steel beams or joists : What happens when there is no fire-protection material applied to steel beams or joists that support floors or roofs? ISO still considers a building modified fire resistive if it has a suitable ceiling. Ceilings can be plaster or gypsum wallboard or suspended mineral tile. The entire floor-ceiling (a fire-resistive ceiling protecting a floor) or roof-ceiling (a fire-resistive ceiling protecting roof supports) should conform to construction details in a UL-listed or Factory Mutual (FM)-approved design. ISO individually evaluates each approved design. Advantages: uses noncombustible materials allows greater height and area than other construction classes uses load-bearing members or assemblies that resist damage from fire Disadvantages: expensive to construct and repair provides a false sense of security Classification: Fire Resistive construction is ISO Class 6. ISO Class 6 encompasses IBC Type IA. Building elements: The exterior bearing walls and load-bearing portions of exterior walls must be of noncombustible materials or of masonry, but exterior nonbearing walls and wall panels may be slow-burning, combustible, or with no fire-resistance rating. Walls: solid masonry, including reinforced concrete not less than four inches thick hollow masonry not less than 12 inches (30.5 cm) thick hollow masonry less than 12 inches (30.5 cm) thick, but not less than eight inches thick with a listed fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours assemblies with not less than a two-hour fire-resistance rating Floors and roofs: reinforced concrete not less than four inches thick assemblies with not less than a two-hour fire-resistance rating Structural metal supports: Horizontal and vertical load-bearing protected metal supports — including pre-stressed and post-tensioned concrete units — with not less than a two-hour fire-resistance rating Variations: Both pre- and post-tensioned concrete units have steel cables installed in the concrete to provide tensile strength. With pre-stressed concrete units, builders pull the cables tight before pouring the concrete and release them as the concrete cures. With post-tensioned concrete units, builders pull one end of the cable tight after pouring the concrete. Advantages: uses noncombustible materials allows greater height and area than other construction classes uses load-bearing members or assemblies that resist damage from fire Disadvantages: expensive to construct and repair provides a false sense of security

How building class is determined: What to ask: Building classes: International Building Code (IBC) versus Insurance Services Office (ISO): Classification: Building elements: Advantages: Disadvantages: Classification: Building elements: Variations: Advantages: Disadvantages: Classification: Building elements: Advantages: Disadvantages: Classification: Building elements: Advantages: Disadvantages: Classification: Building elements: Variations: Advantages: Disadvantages: Classification: Building elements: Variations: Advantages: Disadvantages:

https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Healthy-on-a-Budget

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

To eat healthy on a budget, try buying fresh, raw foods instead of packaged foods since packaged foods tend to be more expensive and unhealthy. For example, if you want healthy granola bars, buy the ingredients and make them at home instead of getting them pre-packaged. Also, try to have a couple of healthy meals each week that are meat-free, like soup and salad, since meat can be pricey. You should also try to cook most of your meals at home since restaurants are often expensive and unhealthy.

Determine what kind of diet is healthy for you. "Healthy" means different things for different people, but the aim should be to get the vitamins and nutrients you need to give you energy, prevent illness, and help you live the type of life you imagine for yourself. Make a list of the foods that fit your personal definition of healthy, keeping the following factors in mind: Consider your physical needs. Are there certain foods that make you feel energetic, while others make you sluggish? Get in tune with what foods are good for you. Do you have food allergies or a condition that is exacerbated by eating certain foods? Take this into account when you're making your list. What do you love to eat? A healthy diet should be one you enjoy. Add your favorite foods to your personal list. Similarly, feel free to leave out foods you don't want to eat. Healthy eating shouldn't feel like a burden. Rethink the ratios in your diet. The most expensive foods are often the ones that we probably don't need to eat at every meal, or even every day. Fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains are highly nutritious and can be bought for low prices, and should make up the bulk of your meals. Meat, eggs, fish and dairy products are most nutritious when they are free-range, organic, or grass-fed, which can really add up in the grocery store. If you treat these items as side dishes or eat them every other day instead of making them the focus of every meal, you'll get more nutritional punch for your money. Cheese, bread, desserts and other processed foods tend to be expensive, and they're also the most expendable items in terms of nutrition. When you're trying to eat healthy on a budget, it's best to limit these items as much as possible. Create a budget. Now that you've listed the foods that make up your personal diet and prioritized them according to nutritional value and expense, it's time to create a detailed budget to help you plan your food shopping. How much money can you spend on food each month? If you go out to eat, remember to count your restaurant trips as part of your monthly food budget. Factor in morning coffee purchases, afternoon snacks, and any other food purchases that you make over the course of a month. These will detract from the amount you have to spend on your food shopping trips. Working backwards from your monthly food budget amount, determine how much you can spend on each shopping trip. Divide your shopping trip budget into different food categories, and decide how much money you want to allot to the various items. Once you have a complete budget for your shopping trip, it's time to source your food. Source your food. Start by doing some research. Find out how to get the best deal on each item, and keep track of the information in a spreadsheet or notebook. Consider shopping at more than one place. Rather than picking everything up at the same grocery store, try to coupons or hit sales at more than one place. Eat seasonally. When it's harvest time for a certain food, the prices drop significantly. Pay attention to when the foods on your list are in season. You'll not only save money, but you'll be eating food that's very fresh. Farmer's markets are full of fresh, often organic produce at very low prices. Find local farmers' markets and strike bargains with the farmers. Many times, they'll be thrilled to sell at a discount if you buy regularly and in bulk. Go grocery shopping. It's time to put your budget into practice. As you check items off your grocery list, keep these money-saving tips in mind: Buy the least expensive variation of any type of food. Some foods come in pre-seasoned frozen packages, in cans, and dried in bags. Figure out which forms of the foods on your list are the cheapest, and buy those. Give yourself plenty of time to shop. If you go when you're in a hurry, you're more likely grab the most convenient items instead of taking the time to figure out which items are the best bargain. Be open to trying new things. You may get to the market and find that strawberries have jumped in price, but blueberries are on sale. Remember that your list is just a basic guide, and you don't have to come home with the exact items you had in mind. Process food yourself. Processed foods are often more expensive than whole, fresh items. If possible, buy the fresh version and process it yourself. For example: If you like roasted nuts, buy raw nuts from the bulk food section. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast them until they're toasty and brown. They'll taste even better than pre-roasted nuts. Instead of buying pre-packaged granola or cereal bars, buy the raw ingredients and make them at home. Buy whole fresh produce and do your own chopping, dicing, juicing, and freezing. Make your own sauces, dressings and condiments instead of buying pre-bottled varieties. Invest in food storage facilities. If you have the right storage containers and pantry space, you'll be able to purchase both fresh and dried foods in bulk and keep them for a long time. Set up a cool, dark cellar or pantry for storing potatoes, applies, squash, onions and other produce. Set up a large freezer to preserve meat and vegetables. Purchase bins that you can use to store dried beans, nuts, and grains. Eat out only rarely. There's no way around it: eating in restaurants is much more expensive than eating at home, and you have less control over how healthy your food is. Save eating out for special occasions. When you do go out to eat, choose the simplest item on the menu, which is often the cheapest, too. Consider eating only part of what you are served, since most restaurant portions are larger than necessary. Take the rest home to eat later, and combine it with a health homemade side dish. Learn to cook from scratch. Cooking from scratch is the cheapest way to eat, and it's often the healthiest. Instead of buying canned soup, learn out to make a big batch yourself. You can stretch it over the course of several days. Get in the habit of using leftovers. Manage your refrigerator by resolving never to let anything go bad. Eat it or use it as an ingredient in a sauce, casserole, or soup. For example, old lettuce can be chopped and put into a soup, old salsa can be added to a curry, and old milk can be turned into a quiche. (Of course, don't use anything that has actually gone sour or rancid!) Use greater quantities of cheap food than expensive food in cooking. Use a base of enriched or whole-grain rice, whole-wheat pasta or bread, or cooked oats to provide cheap, healthy bulk to more expensive, flavorful foods. Try using less beef in some chili recipes by halving the amount of ground beef called for and adding water and instant plain oats instead. Be original and try your own variations. In general, cut down on the amount of meat you consume. Meat is one of the most expensive food items you can buy, so by going meatless once or twice a week, you can save a lot of money.

Determine what kind of diet is healthy for you. Rethink the ratios in your diet. Create a budget. Source your food. Go grocery shopping. Be open to trying new things. Process food yourself. Invest in food storage facilities. Eat out only rarely. Learn to cook from scratch. Use greater quantities of cheap food than expensive food in cooking.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Acupuncturist

How to Become an Acupuncturist

To become an acupuncturist, you'll need to have good hand-eye coordination, steady hands, and a passion for working with people. Also, most acupuncture training programs require students to have a bachelor's degree, so make sure you do well in school and make plans to get your degree if you don't already have one. Once you have a degree, you can look into attending an accredited acupuncture college and eventually apply for your certification.

Make sure you have the skills to be an acupuncturist. Not everyone can be an acupuncturist, as it requires several specific skills. You will need good hand-eye coordination, steady hands, strong communications skills, and a passion for working with people. Choose your school of acupuncture. As a traditional practice, there are a variety of different schools of thought regarding best practices, such as traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Five Element. Many acupuncture schools today are integrative, meaning they teach a combination of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Most programs take about 4 years to complete. Talk to practicing acupuncturists. Find out what they did to earn their certification, and why they went into the profession. They can also tell you about the difficulties you will encounter in trying to get started, as both a student and practitioner. Get a command of the language spoken in your country. If you want to work in the United States, then you'll have to demonstrate a command of the English language to work as an acupuncturist. You will have to know how to understand and communicate flawlessly with your patients and review clinical records. When it comes to acupuncture, it is crucial to know exactly what to say to your patients and to understand when your patients are expressing discomfort or concern. Depending on the school of acupuncture you follow, you may also need to learn the traditional language of that school. At the very least, you'll need to learn the Chinese medical terms that are used in acupuncture. Research the acupuncture licensing requirements in the state where you will work. Certification requirements vary widely by state. Some states require you to earn a doctor of medicine degree, while others only necessitate hourly coursework with supervised training. These requirements will dictate the path you need to take to be an acupuncturist in your state. Each state will also have rules regarding the "scope of practice," that is, what you are allowed to do once licensed in that state. Individual states have different rules regarding certification reciprocity. If you want to practice acupuncture in two or more states, check with the individual states to determine what their rules are regarding the recognition of other state certifications. If you're already a physician and would like to practice acupuncture, check out the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, which offers examinations and explains the standards for physicians who want to practice acupuncture. Meet the educational requirements for a training program. Most acupuncture training programs require students to have a bachelor's degree. Your degree can be in any subject, but you may want to take classes in fields such as physiology, anatomy, biology, and psychology. A bachelor's degree in a healthcare or alternative medicine related subject can also be helpful for a career as an acupuncturist. While a bachelor's degree is ideal, some acupuncture schools only require two academic years of education at the baccalaureate level, or the equivalent, such as certification for a medical profession such as nursing. The requirements vary by program and state, so look at the requirements for your state and program. Attend an accredited acupuncture college. Each college will have a different emphasis, but all will involve the study and practice of acupuncture, along with other aspects of Chinese herbal medicine. Most acupuncture programs take about 3 years to finish, and up to 4 years for a program in oriental medicine. Schools are certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which can help you find programs in your state. Research different programs to see which one suits your preferences best. For instance, you might prefer to work in a more traditional practice, or you might be more interest in a modern branch of acupuncture, such as motor point acupuncture, which uses electric stimulation. Apply for certification. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) provides the general certification for the profession. You will need to fill out an application, available on their website, and pay a certification fee. Though this is a private organization, NCCAOM certification can pass for licensing in many states. The application fee for Acupuncture Certification is currently $475. Different certifications granted by the NCCAOM have different fees, so be sure to check if you intend to get a different certification. The application also requires official transcripts from your AOM program, so be sure to contact your school and tell them to send those in. It is best to begin filling out the certification paperwork in the final year of your studies. It is best to check with your school for the best time to get that paperwork in. You don't want to delay certification, as the process takes some time, and it will be very hard (if not impossible) to get a job without it. Pass the NCCAOM exam. Once your application has been processed and approved by the organization and state board, you will be allowed to sign up to take the certification exam. This exam is required for licensure in most states. Once you pass this exam, you are board certified. In most states, you will be recognized as a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). Some states will use the designation "Acupuncture Physician" or "Doctor of Oriental Medicine." The NCCAOM's website provides study guides to help prepare for the exam. You cannot take the exam without first having your application approved by the NCCAOM. Some states will require additional exams for more certification. Check the list provided by the NCCAOM for the requirements in your state. Get a job as an acupuncturist. Most beginner acupuncturists start out working with an established practice to gain experience and build up a client base. Acupuncturist jobs are typically easier to find in larger metropolitan areas than in small towns. You may have to start with an apprenticeship or an internship to gain more experience to make yourself a desirable candidate for an independent practice. Develop meaningful relationships with your clients. It's not easy to make a living as an acupuncturist, and if you want to survive in the business, then you have to remember that your clients are everything to you. You need to be polite, learn a little bit about them and remember the things they've told you on previous visits, to be friendly and approachable, and to make sure they feel comfortable coming to your office time after time. After each visit, make sure your clients book a follow-up appointment right away. This will encourage them to keep coming. Call up your clients the day before their appointments. This will greatly reduce the rate of no-shows and will show them you care. You can also get referrals from your clients. Ask them if they have any friends who would be interested in your practice. This is a great way to get even more clients. Continue your education. If you want to succeed, you can't just stop with your license to be an acupuncturist. You should take night classes at a community college or pursue another master's degree in a relevant field such as Acupuncture Practice Management, Marketing, or Business Success Principles. Many practitioners get into trouble when they focus only on healing principles and techniques and don't think about the business end of things. If you really want to help your clients, then you have to gain skills to help you keep your business afloat. Attending any continuing education courses can give you valuable experience, even if they aren't business-related. Just as in any field of medicine, acupuncture treatments are constantly evolving. Pursue continuing training to learn new strategies, improve your techniques and keep your skills current. Maintain your certification. Your certification from NCCAOM will need renewal every four years. You will need to fill out a form, and document your participation in Professional Development Activities (PDA). You will need a minimum of 60 points worth of PDA to qualify for recertification. You should mail your application materials to the NCCAOM at least 60 days before your certification is due to lapse. To prepare for recertification, read the handbook posted on the Council's website. If you miss these deadlines, your status will be considered "Lapsed" or "Inactive," and require additional work to regain certification. Consider starting your own business. Once you've gained some experience, understood the business side of things, and have developed a client base, you should consider starting your own acupuncture business. With your knowledge, you can become a business owner and have your clients follow you to your new practice. The more connections you have in the field, the better. If you know a few acupuncturists who would want to move to your business with you, you already have a leg up.

Make sure you have the skills to be an acupuncturist. Choose your school of acupuncture. Talk to practicing acupuncturists. Get a command of the language spoken in your country. Research the acupuncture licensing requirements in the state where you will work. Meet the educational requirements for a training program. Attend an accredited acupuncture college. Apply for certification. Pass the NCCAOM exam. Get a job as an acupuncturist. Develop meaningful relationships with your clients. Continue your education. Maintain your certification. Consider starting your own business.

https://www.wikihow.com/Darken-Roots

How to Darken Roots

Darkening your roots is a pretty simple process you can do in your bathroom. To permanently dye them, you'll need a commercial dye an applicator brush, and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. If you don't want black roots, choose a darker shade of your natural hair color. For example, if your hair's blonde, go for a dark blonde dye. Leave the dye in for about 25 minutes, rinse it out with cool water, then wash your hair with the conditioner. Alternatively, buy a root touch-up pen or wand, which you can easily apply without mixing your own dye. If you don't have time to dye your hair, spray it with spray-on color for a temporary solution.

Find a boxed dark hair color that suits you. Look at the side of the box to see what the shade will look like based on your current hair color. Black will almost always turn out black, regardless of your natural hair color, but other shades may not turn out what's on the box. This method is also known as "reverse ombre." Instead of bleaching your ends lighter, you are dyeing your roots darker. Prepare the dye according to the instructions. Each brand will be a little different. In most cases, you will need to empty the dye into the bottle of developer, close the bottle, then shake it. Some kits also contain a tube of conditioner--set this tube aside for later. Apply the dye to either side of your part. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to part your hair down the center. Apply the dye to one side of the part. You can do this with a special applicator brush, or you can apply the dye straight from the bottle. If you used an applicator brush, lightly feather the dye down your hair as far as you want. If you didn't use an applicator brush, comb the dye downward using a comb. Create a vertical part and apply the dye to either side of it. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a vertical part on the left side of your head. Apply the dye to either side of the part using the same technique as before. Start as close to your face as you can. Work your way towards the back of your head. Continue creating vertical parts down the side of your head, and applying dye to them. Stop when you reach the back of your ears. At this point, you can do the right side of your head, or move onto the next section. Continue with horizontal parts on the back of your head. These parts should extend from the last vertical part to the center-back of your head. Start with the parts from the back of your neck, then work your way up towards the crown of your head. Create a vertical part down the back of your head, and apply dye to it. Once you have finished this part, repeat the entire process on the right side of your head: vertical parts until you reach your ears, then horizontal parts until you reach the back-center of your head. Allow the dye to process for the time recommended on the box. Again, each brand will be a little different. In most cases, however, this will be around 25 minutes. Avoid tucking your hair under a shower cap, or you will risk getting dye on the ends of your hair. Rinse the dye out using cool to lukewarm water. Cold water would be the best, but not everyone can handle that. Avoid using hot water, as this will cause the dye to wash out. Do not use any shampoo. Follow up with conditioner. If your kit included a tube of conditioner, apply a generous amount to your hair now. If your kit did not come with a conditioner, use a sulfate-free conditioner mean for color-treated hair. Leave the conditioner in you hair for the time recommended on the tube (2 to 5 minutes), then rinse it out. If you got dye on the ends of your hair, rinse it out with hot water and shampoo. This may not remove all of the dye, but it will help fade it. Dry and style your hair as usual. You can use shampoo the next time you wash your hair, but make sure that it is sulfate-free and intended for color-treated hair. Always follow up with conditioner, and limit the heat-styling. If you must heat-style your hair, apply a heat-protectant first. Use a dark-colored root touch-up pen, powder or wand. You can find these products online and in well-stocked salons and beauty-supply stores. The pen looks like a felt-tipped eyeliner, while the powder looks like eyeshadow. Hair mascara contains a wand that looks like a mascara brush. These are intended to be used in hair for covering up roots between dye jobs. These kits will contain all of the products you need to apply them. Follow the application instructions included with your kit as each brand will be different. Try makeup in a pinch. Makeup products, such as mascara, eyebrow pencil, tinted brow gel, or eyeshadow are all great options. They aren't going to be as concentrated or long-lasting compared to root touch-up pens or powders, but they work in a pinch. Apply mascara with a clean spoolie; don't use the same one you'd use on you lashes. Apply eyeshadow with a larger brush. You can even use a flat paintbrush that has kanekalon, sable, or taklon bristles. Use a spray-on hair color. Spray-on color is a cheap, quick option that comes in many natural or bright colors. It won't last very long, however. You can find sprays online and in salons and beauty-supply stores. To use the spray-on color: Hold the can 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) from your roots. Spray on the color using a sweeping motion. Wait for the spray-on color to dry Brush your hair to further blend in the color. Use a root-coloring kit. They are a miniature versions of hair dye kits. They come with dye and developer, as well as a fine-toothed, flexible comb. Prepare the dye according to the directions on the package, then apply it to your roots. Allow the dye to process for the recommended time on the package, then rinse it out. Root-coloring kits are typically semi-permanent and can last several washes.

Find a boxed dark hair color that suits you. Prepare the dye according to the instructions. Apply the dye to either side of your part. Create a vertical part and apply the dye to either side of it. Work your way towards the back of your head. Continue with horizontal parts on the back of your head. Create a vertical part down the back of your head, and apply dye to it. Allow the dye to process for the time recommended on the box. Rinse the dye out using cool to lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner. Dry and style your hair as usual. Use a dark-colored root touch-up pen, powder or wand. Try makeup in a pinch. Use a spray-on hair color. Use a root-coloring kit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-an-Online-Business-or-Company-Is-Legitimate

How to Know if an Online Business or Company Is Legitimate

If you want to know if an online company is legitimate, start by trying to find a physical address and contact information on their website, since you should be able to contact the business if there is an issue. Also, if the site has spelling errors or low-quality images, it could be a sign that the company is not legitimate. Finally, search online to find reviews of the company and be cautious if some say the business is bad or that it's a scam.

Look for a key or padlock icon in your browser's address bar. Legitimate online stores and sites that store personal information will have a closed padlock or key in the address bar portion of your web browser (the bar at the top where you type in the website's address). This symbol means that the connection with the website is encrypted and your information is secure. Some browsers may also show the address bar as green for these websites. Avoid sites where the address bar is red, the padlock is shown as open, or the key is broken. This signifies an unsecured connection. Check for a physical address. Even online businesses should have physical addresses. If the website you are looking at doesn't appear to have a physical address or contact information at all, that's suspicious. You should be able to contact the business in case of trouble. Choosing a website based in the US can help you to avoid scammers who work in other countries. When scammers are in other countries, it can be harder to follow up with the law. To determine the location of the website, use an IP-checker website like check-host.net or get-site-ip.com. The website's country and, in some cases, specific location, will be shown. Check for professionalism. While a professional-looking website does not mean it's legitimate, a very unprofessional website is a sign it could be a scam. Look for spelling mistakes, loading errors, and poor-quality pictures. If you notice these signs, you may want to investigate further or not use that company at all. Avoid sites with a lot of pop-up ads. Legitimate business generally avoid placing pop-up ads that open new tabs or windows without your permission on their websites. This is because such ads drive away business and make their websites seem unprofessional. If you come across a website with this type of ad, don't input any personal information or buy anything. And don't click on the pop-up ads; just close them as quickly as possible. Call the business. If the business has a number listed, call the number. See if they answer as the business and sound professional. If they do, this doesn't necessarily mean they are legitimate. However, if they don't, that's a sign you should take your business elsewhere. Check the company's address. The company must do business in a particular state. Most states require companies to register their business with the state. Therefore, you can use the registry in your state to check to see if it's an actual business. Search the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau gives reports on businesses, partially based on reviews reported by customers like you. Not every business is listed, but you can find out more information about your business if it is, such as what kind of rating it has. The Better Business Bureau gives out grades, much like a teacher on a paper. For instance, a very good business will have an A+. A very bad business will have an F. A business that has a B or a C may be a legitimate business, but it may not offer very good customer service or it may have other problems. Look for online reviews. While reviews can be faked, if a business is bad or even a scam, you should be able to find bad reviews about it. Check major review sites, which offer reviews of even online businesses. Check to make sure people aren't saying the business is bad or is a scam. Ask friends and family. Check around with your friends and family. See if any of them have used the business before and what their experience is with the business. Oftentimes, someone you know will have used the business, and they can confirm it is legitimate. A quick way to check is to use social media. Post the name of the online business on your account, for instance, and ask your friends if anyone knows anything about the company. Never wire money. If a business sends you an error message for your payment, your natural inclination is to want to figure out another way to pay. However, if the company asks you to wire money instead, that's a red flag. Stop right there, and ignore any further messages from the company. Use a credit card. Credit cards offer more protections than if you use your bank account or debit card. Therefore, if you make a purchase with your credit card and the company is fraudulent, you may have an easier time getting your money back or cutting the card off. Use a payment mediator. Another option is using a payment mediator instead, such as PayPal. These services are designed to protect your information from those who may want to steal it. PayPal accounts are free to setup and use if you are using them to buy goods online (the company only charges fees to sellers and international money transfers). [9] Check for the "s." When on a website where you're giving your personal info, look for the "s" after the "http." In other words, it should be "https://" This "s" means your personal information is more secure than on sites that don't have it. The "s" refers to the secure socket layer and that communication between your browser and the website is encrypted. Also, look for a tiny padlock when you are checking out. It should be in the bottom, right-hand corner. Alternatively, the website might have a statement about how the website is secured. Don't give out personal information. If the company sends you an email asking for personal information, do not send it to them. Legitimate companies will never ask for things like your password, your social security number, or your credit card number through email. Update your computer and smartphone software and hardware. Keeping your technology up-to-date is important, as often these updates are related to security. Therefore, whenever your computer or phone asks you to update your software, you should do so. However, never click on a part of a website or popup from the internet that tells you to update, as often times these are a scam to infiltrate your computer with a virus. Make sure it is actually your computer software asking you for the update. Make strong passwords. Use strong passwords with your financial information. Strong passwords are longer than 8 characters and have at least letters and numbers. Some companies also let you add special characters. Don't use the same passwords on all sites, even legitimate ones, since a hacker could easily break into one account after another if they get one of your commonly-used passwords. One way to create a strong password is to think of a phrase that you can remember, such as "I like blueberry pie for dinner." Start replacing things in the phrase with other things. For instance, you could replace some of the words with the number of letters in the word, such as "Ilike9336." Alternatively, you could replace some of the words with special characters, representing the number of letters in the word but using the symbol on the keyboard in place of the number. For instance, "Like" has 4 letters. You could use the symbol "$" in place of it, because it shares a key with the number 4. Your phrase, then, might look something like this: "!$(#4dinner." Just make sure you can remember or keep it in a secure location. Don't be fooled by phishing. Phishing is when a scammer poses as a legitimate website to steal your information. If you get an email from a company you trust, make sure it is actually from them by looking at the email name. Also, when you click on the link, make sure it has the company at the top. Often, it's safer just to put in the company's website yourself if you need to update information.

Look for a key or padlock icon in your browser's address bar. Check for a physical address. Check for professionalism. Avoid sites with a lot of pop-up ads. Call the business. Check the company's address. Search the Better Business Bureau. Look for online reviews. Ask friends and family. Never wire money. Use a credit card. Use a payment mediator. [9] Don't give out personal information. Update your computer and smartphone software and hardware. Make strong passwords. Don't be fooled by phishing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Pet-Rabbit

How to Catch a Pet Rabbit

To catch a pet rabbit, start by creating a wide makeshift enclosure around the rabbit using chicken wire or a puppy pen. If you can't see the rabbit, look for signs like droppings, or places where it has chewed on plants or dug small holes. When you have a sense of where the rabbit might be, set out some enticing treats, like carrots or apples, and wait. Once the rabbit is in sight, allow it to enter the enclosed site to avoid scaring it away again.

Understand why your pet rabbit might be afraid of you. Rabbits are prey animals and are easily frightened. Your pet rabbit may be shy or afraid of you because it does not know if you can be trusted. If you want your rabbit to be comfortable approaching you, then you will need to do some work to boost their confidence and prove you are not a predator. Avoid chasing your pet rabbit, as this increases their stress and reinforces the idea that they should be fearful. Though your rabbit looks fluffy and cuddly, they naturally will resist being held, especially if you carry them around high off the ground. Forcing this on your rabbit can cause them to struggle and kick, which may harm you and may even be fatal to the rabbit, should they fall on the ground. Create the right environment. Remove any other pets, turn off the television, and make the room as quiet and peaceful as possible. You want to create an environment in which your rabbit can feel relaxed and safe. Gather some enticing treats. To get your shy rabbit to approach you, try having some of their favorite treats on-hand. Little bits of carrot, apple, bananas, or oats should do the trick. Let your rabbit out of the hutch to explore. Sit or lie flat on your belly and wait for your rabbit to leave their hutch. Do not remove them yourself or try to pull them out. Your bunny is naturally curious and will come to you in time. It may take a while for your rabbit to approach, possibly even an hour. Stay as still and quiet as possible. Allow the rabbit to explore you and the environment. Resist the urge to grab or even touch your rabbit. Let your rabbit sniff you, hop on you, and, if they find the treat in your hand, allow them to nibble on it while you hold it in your hand. You may need to do this every day for some time to earn your rabbit's trust. Moving too early can undo your hard work, so be patient. Pet your rabbit when they feel confident. As your rabbit gains confidence and begins to approach you regularly, slowly reach out and pet them gently on the side or on the flank. Avoid raising your hand above your rabbit's head, as this could frighten them. Move the rabbit onto your lap. Rabbits are ground-dwelling animals and do not like being lifted high above the ground. When your rabbit is comfortable and happy with your touch, you can put them in your lap. Assume a seated position and carefully move the rabbit into your lap. Provide treats and gentle petting. Once your rabbit learns that you are safe, they will bond strongly with you. Know how to pick up your rabbit in a hurry. You may be in the process of getting your rabbit comfortable with your presence, but you may need to catch your rabbit quickly, such as if you must take them to the vet. In this case, try the following: Drop a large bath towel over the rabbit, covering them completely. Scoop the rabbit up in the towel, keeping their head covered. The darkness will be comforting to the rabbit. Transfer the rabbit to a dark, secure box. Block out some time. Rabbits are smart and fast. In fact, pet rabbits can run up to 35 miles per hour, faster than a house cat. In addition, their back legs are designed for jumping, meaning they can leap far away from you quickly. Since your domestic rabbit's ancestors were not predators, they survived by running away and hiding well. You may need a couple of hours to catch a pet rabbit outside, as it will likely take you more than one attempt. Argente Crèmes, grey and white rabbits that pet owners often show, and English lops, brown and white bunnies with floppy ears, are both particularly skittish, so they might be harder to catch. Similarly, Belgian Hares, named so because they look like wild hares in dark brown, may also be difficult to catch as they are particularly quick and smart. Beverens, medium-gray bunnies, Rexes, bunnies with a spotted coat, and Lionheads, a fluffy brown bunny, are also smart. Gather some friends. It's much easier to catch a rabbit if you have several people on your side. With more people around it's easier to herd the rabbit where you want her to go. Have a carrier ready. You want to be ready when you do capture the rabbit. Therefore, have someone standing by with a carrier, so you can pop the bunny in once you grab her. Create a makeshift enclosure. The best way to catch a rabbit is to create a makeshift enclosure. Hopefully, you will already have something on hand to create this enclosure, such as exercise pen enclosures. Basically, you want something tall enough and wide enough that you can create an enclosure around a rabbit outside. When you eventually surround the rabbit, more than one person will need to be holding pieces of the enclosure as you make it smaller around the rabbit. You can use 2-by-4s and chicken wire to make fence frames to have on hand. These should be at least 3 feet high, though many rabbits can jump higher than that. The width is up to you, but you should consider the length or width of your car if you plan to transport them. Hold the frames together with hinges. You can also use a puppy pen or deer fencing to create an enclosure. Find the rabbit. If you haven't already spotted the rabbit, look for signs of where she's been. You might see rabbit droppings. You might also see places where the rabbit has chewed on plants or where she's dug small holes. These signs will point you in the direction of the rabbit. Sometimes it's easiest to just sit and watch the area. Leave out some treats that your rabbit likes, and see if she comes out. Check for holes near fences, as that could be a sign she escaped the yard. Close escape routes. If you are in a yard, it's best to close off any escape routes before trying to capture her. Shut the gate. Cover any holes you found near the fence line, so she can't escape that way. Guide the bunny away from traffic. Roadways are, of course, dangerous for rabbits. If possible push your bunny away from these areas so she won't get hurt. You can guide her away from these areas by using people as barriers, as she'll likely run away from them. Surround the bunny. Watch the rabbit to see where she hides. Build a large enclosure around her using the exercise pens or wood-and-chicken-wire frames. The easiest way to surround the rabbit is to have several people holding different pieces, forming a large enclosure. Hold the pieces to the ground so the rabbit cannot escape underneath. Slowly work the enclosure smaller by taking out sections while still maintaining a tight circle, making it easier to trap the bunny. Just be sure you don't leave anywhere that she can escape. Pick up the rabbit. Once the enclosure is small enough, you should be able to gently pick up the rabbit. It is easiest to climb in the enclosure with the rabbit. When picking up the rabbit, make sure to support her back end, propping her feet against your body if possible. Secure the legs by wrapping your arm around the outside of her body and then around the underside of the rabbit. Use your other arm to wrap the other way around the body, securing the shoulders. The best way to capture the rabbit is to get on the ground with her. Talk to her gently and see if she will come to you. She'll be less threatened by you if you're closer to her level. If that doesn't work, you may need more than one person to trap her in a corner. Scoop her up from a standing position. Never pick up a rabbit by her ears. You'll hurt her and frighten it. Put her in the carrier. Once you've capture her, place her in the carrier for easy transport. Even if you are just taking her back to the house, it's easiest to carry her secured in a carrier, as she may jump out of your arms. Have the carrier in the enclosure with you, so you don't risk her escaping again. Call in the experts. If you fail at capturing your bunny, try calling animal control. If they are not too busy, the animal catchers may be willing to help you. They will have nets on hand, which will make the job easier, and they will know how to use the nets to capture your rabbit. Using a net to catch a rabbit is actually quite difficult. If you are not trained in catching animals this way, it's unlikely you'll be able to do it. However, if you can sneak up on the rabbit, you may be able to throw a net over it to catch it. Depending on how close you are to the rabbit, a bath towel or a sheet can be a useful aid. Try to corner the rabbit, so they cannot retreat, then throw the towel over the rabbit. Scoop the rabbit up in the towel. Don't try to catch the rabbit without enclosures. Most rabbits, even affectionate ones, will run before you can capture them. Because they are so quick, they can get away before you even get close, or they may run as you try to reach for them after petting them. In addition, they will learn and will be even more skittish the next time you corner them. They are also able to elbow themselves into small spaces that you won't be able to follow. However, you can fool the rabbit into thinking you have an enclosure by holding a towel sideways and touching the ground. You can then corral the rabbit into a corner and throw the towel over them. Skip live traps. Live traps can capture a rabbit, but rabbits also can outwit them. In addition, you need to keep a close eye on the trap, as other animals can kill rabbits who are inside. If you do decide to use a live trap, try one that has openings on both sides, which will make it more likely that your bunny will enter. Also, with a live trap, make sure to entice your bunny in with a good treat, such as bananas or carrots. Look for lop ears. Not all domestic rabbits have lop ears, but all rabbits with lop ears are domestic. Lop ears are when the ears hang down (like basset hound ears) rather than stick back or up. Guess at the weight. Wild rabbits are usually smaller than domestic rabbits. Wild rabbits weigh in at 2 to 4 pounds. If you think the rabbit is bigger, she's more likely to be domestic. Check the coloring. Wild rabbits all have the agouti coloring. That means they have variegated grey, brown, and tan fur. Domestic rabbits also sometimes have this coloring, but unlike their wild cousins, their bellies are usually lighter. They also come in a variety of other colors, including silver, palomino, chocolate, and tan, and they may have markings on their legs (often dark) or shoulder (often white), as well as spots, depending on the breed. Watch for social behavior. Wild rabbits will be afraid of you and likely run as soon as they see you. Domestic rabbits may be more social. They may even come and ask for attention. Look at the head shape. Domestic rabbits will have a more curved forehead. On the other hand, wild rabbits are more triangular in their faces. Also, wild rabbits have thin ears, meaning you can almost see through them at the ends.

Understand why your pet rabbit might be afraid of you. Create the right environment. Gather some enticing treats. Let your rabbit out of the hutch to explore. Allow the rabbit to explore you and the environment. Pet your rabbit when they feel confident. Move the rabbit onto your lap. Know how to pick up your rabbit in a hurry. Block out some time. Gather some friends. Have a carrier ready. Create a makeshift enclosure. Find the rabbit. Close escape routes. Guide the bunny away from traffic. Surround the bunny. Pick up the rabbit. Put her in the carrier. Call in the experts. Don't try to catch the rabbit without enclosures. Skip live traps. Look for lop ears. Guess at the weight. Check the coloring. Watch for social behavior. Look at the head shape.

https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Soil-Moisture

How to Measure Soil Moisture

To measure soil moisture generally, look at it and feel it. Stick a finger into the soil to feel for moisture. Identify dry soil by its light color, compacted appearance, and inability to hold shape or stain. Identify moist soil by its muddy, mossy appearance and its ability to hold shape and stain. To get a more precise measurement, get a soil moisture probe from your local hardware store and insert it into the ground. If it's above 5, then it's moist, and if it's below 5, then it's dry.

Stick your finger 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the soil. If the soil feels dry or if it falls off of your finger when you remove it, the soil may be dry. If the soil feels moist or if the soil sticks to your finger, the soil may be moist. Identify dry soil by its light-colored, compacted appearance. If you're just trying to get a general idea of how dry or moist your soil is, simply take a good look at it. If it's a light color, such as tan, and/or is hard and compacted together, then your soil is most likely on the drier side. This may mean that you need to water your soil more. Keep in mind that some soil naturally looks lighter, despite the amount of moisture in it. Familiarize yourself with how your specific type of soil typically looks before you assume that it's dry. Recognize moist soil by its muddy, mossy appearance. Soil that has a lot of moisture in it tends to be waterlogged and squishy. This is a good environment for growth, so you may also notice that moist soil has moss and other greenery growing on its surface. If your soil looks like this, then you may need to install an irrigation system to keep your plants from getting root rot. Spot dry soil by its inability to hold shape or stain. Pick up a handful of the soil. Close the soil tightly in your hand and then open your hand back up. If the soil remains in a loose pile, then it may be dry. Drop the sand and brush the soil off of your palm. If your hand looks relatively clean, this is further proof that the soil is dry. Identify moist soil by its ability to stain and hold shape. If you close the soil in your hand, open your hand back up, and the soil has stuck together and formed into a ball, then it's likely moist. You may also assume that the soil is moist if your hand is heavily stained after you've dropped the soil and brushed it off. Purchase a basic soil moisture probe. Go to your local hardware store and look for a soil moisture probe or a soil moisture meter. This is a tool that can quickly and easily determine your soil's moisture level when it's inserted into the ground. The prices of probes and meters vary based on type and capability. You can expect to pay $10-20 USD for a moisture probe that has a traditional scale indicator and few other capabilities. If you want a traditional probe or meter that has multiple capabilities, it'll likely cost you closer to $50 USD. Digital probes and meters with few capabilities can cost as little as $30-40 USD, while more advanced ones that can determine other measurements can cost $50-200 USD or more. Some other capabilities that soil moisture probes and meters often have include measuring the pH value of the soil and determining soil temperature. Push the probe into the soil and read the results. Push the probe down into your soil and wait to see the results. This should only take a couple of seconds. Once the probe has effectively assessed the moisture level of the soil, a number should pop up on the display area if you're using a digital probe. If you're using a traditional probe, you should see the arrow move and stop at a specific number on the scale indicator. Read this number once it is displayed. If you're hoping to get an accurate idea of how much moisture there is in the soil that makes up a large area, take a few more readings in different spots that are spread out within the area. In the very least, test your soil any time it looks and feels very dry or very wet. This way, you can find out the exact moisture level and water or irrigate your soil accordingly. Identify dry soil by a number lower than 5. It's typically best to keep your soil around 5. While different plants thrive in different levels of moisture, 5 is a good middle ground where a variety of plants can grow and flourish. If the probe displays a number lower than 5, your soil is dry. In this case, consider watering your soil. Spot moist soil by a number higher than 5. You may find that the number displayed on your probe in greater than 5. This means that your soil is moist. While moist soil often encourages growth, it can cause issues if it gets too waterlogged. Consider setting up an irrigation system to help drain your soil. Try the gravimetric method. To measure your soil moisture using the gravimetric method, scoop up a small sample of it and use a small metric scale to weigh it. Put the sample on a baking sheet and put it in your oven. Dry the soil out in the oven by setting it to 221 °F (105 °C) for 24 hours. Then, weigh the sample again. The difference in the weight before and after drying the soil in the oven will reveal how much moisture is in the soil. A smaller weight difference indicates dry soil while a larger weight difference indicates moist soil. Different types of soil can survive on different amounts of water. However, the ideal balance for most soil types is 50% solids, 25% water, and 25% air. To calculate the exact amount of water that makes up the soil sample, subtract the dry weight of the soil from the wet weight of the soil (in grams). Then, divide this total by the dry weight of the soil and multiply this total by 100. For example, if the sample weighs 6 oz (170g) when wet and 5 oz (140g) when dry, then your sample is made up of 21.4% water. Use a tensiometer to determine the water tension. Tensiometers, which can be purchased online, are sealed, water-filled tubes that have a porous base and a vacuum gauge top. Insert the device into the soil at the depth of your plants' roots and read the gauge at the top to find out how much water is available in the soil. The price range for tensiometers is typically between about $70 USD and $200 USD. If your tensiometer determines that the water tension in the soil is 10 centibars or lower, there is an excessive amount of moisture in the soil and you may need to irrigate. If your tensiometer determines that the water tension in the soil is between 60 and 80 centibars, your soil is likely too dry and needs to be watered. Scatter neutrons in the soil to get specialized measurements. Insert a neutron probe to root level in order to scatter neutrons into the soil and detect how much hydrogen, and as a result how much water, is in the soil. While this may be the most accurate way to measure soil moisture, neutron probes are very expensive, and typically cost between $3,500 USD and $4,500 USD.

Stick your finger 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the soil. Identify dry soil by its light-colored, compacted appearance. Recognize moist soil by its muddy, mossy appearance. Spot dry soil by its inability to hold shape or stain. Identify moist soil by its ability to stain and hold shape. Purchase a basic soil moisture probe. Push the probe into the soil and read the results. Identify dry soil by a number lower than 5. Spot moist soil by a number higher than 5. Try the gravimetric method. Use a tensiometer to determine the water tension. Scatter neutrons in the soil to get specialized measurements.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-Up-a-Puppy

How to Pick Up a Puppy

If you need to pick up a puppy, place one hand around the puppy's side and hold it under the chest. Lift the puppy gently, then slide your free hand under the puppy's back legs and rear end. Once your hands are in position, lift the puppy up, continuing to support its chest and rump. Bring the puppy up to your chest and hold it against your body for added stability. If you like, you can use your forearms to help you hold the puppy more securely.

Place a hand under your puppy's chest. Start by using your hand to support the puppy's chest, where the rib cage is. You can also use your forearm once you pick the puppy up. You'll need to go in from the side and place your hand between the dog's front legs. Support the back end. As you lift the puppy up, use your other hand to support the back end. In other words, your other hand or arm should be under the puppy's back legs and butt. Lift the pup up. Once your hands are in position, lift the puppy up. Make sure you continue to support both its chest and rump as you hold it. However, you can place one arm underneath the rump, and one arm around the torso, pulling the pup towards your body once you have it at chest height. Hold the puppy close to your body, not out away from you, as it can wriggle out of your arms. Place the puppy down the same way. When moving the puppy back to the floor, make sure you still support the puppy's chest and rump. Also, never drop the puppy. Gently lower it all the way to the floor. Never grab a pup by its neck or tail. While you may know not to yank on a pup's tail or pick it up that way, you should also not do that with the puppy's neck, even if you're holding it by the scruff. You could injure or even kill the puppy. Also, don't try to pick up the dog by a leg, as you could hurt the leg. Sit down with your pup in your lap. One good way to start getting your puppy used to you is to sit on the floor and place the puppy in your lap. If you can't sit on the floor, sit in a chair, and place the puppy in your lap. Try to hold on to the collar so he doesn't run away. You can simply put a finger in the collar. Soothe the puppy. Rub the puppy's head. Use gentle, soft strokes, running all along the pup's head. In addition, gently rub his chest. Another good place to rub is at the base of his ears. You can also talk to your pup in a soothing tone, telling it all is well, and that it is safe and comfortable. Continue your soothing patting and talking until the puppy is completely relaxed. Turn him over on his back. Once your puppy is relaxed, you can turn him on his back, still in your lap. Gently rub his belly in circular motions, making sure to not be too rough. You can also rub where the thigh meets the tummy. Start with short sessions first, under five minutes. Get your puppy used to it. After your puppy can relax, make the time it spends in your lap longer each time. Never force the puppy to lay on his back. If he is squirming, he's most likely uncomfortable. If this happens, allow the puppy to change his position. Have other people pick it up. You don't want to only socialize the puppy with you. You need to also socialize it with other members of the family. Additionally, try having anyone who visits the house socialize with your pup by picking it up and holding it for a few minutes. Teach them how to soothe the puppy, so it will feel safe in the person's arms. Socializing your dog with a variety of people will help when you take the puppy out in public, as it won't be as wary of strangers. Also, it helps when you go to the vet, as your pup will be accustomed to being restrained by strangers. Hold the pup even when struggling. If you let the puppy down when it struggles, it learns that is the way to get down. Therefore, if your pup struggles during a cuddle session, hold on. Place his back to your stomach, where the pup cannot bite you in the face. Have a hand on his stomach, pressing it up to you and another hand on the collar. Hold the pup in this position until it calms down, then try petting it again. However, you may not want to put friends or family who visit through a struggling pup. Try kibble. Another way to help encourage socialization is to use food. When it's time for the pup's meal, have someone touch an ear or a paw, for instance, then give the pup a piece of its food. The pup will associate the touching with positive reinforcement. Have a tag and collar with you. Get a tag with your contact information on it. Pick up an appropriate collar. That way, when you go to pick up your puppy, you can put it on the pup. If the pup escapes on the way home, it will at least have your information on it. Have a dog carrier with you. While it's tempting to just hold a puppy in your lap, a puppy is safest traveling in a carrier or crate. If you can fit it in your car, you can use a crate that you plan to crate your puppy in at home. If not, consider a smaller carrier to help keep your puppy safe. Have a towel or blanket in the carrier for your puppy. It can help the pup feel more comfortable, though be aware that it may use the bathroom on the way home. Bring someone along. When bringing a dog home, it can be helpful to have someone else along. That way, you or that person can sit with the puppy in the back on the way home. Ask about a feeding schedule. When you get to the place you're picking up your puppy, ask when the puppy is normally fed and how much. You should also ask what kind of food the dog eats. When you get the pup home, try to keep it on the same schedule and food, to make it less confusing for it. Complete the paperwork. For adoptions and dog purchases, you'll need to fill out some paperwork. Plus, you'll need the registration for the dog. In addition, you'll likely need to pay a fee before leaving. Put your puppy in the carrier. Once you've filled out all the paperwork, it's time to take your pup home. Put the pup in the carrier you've brought, making sure the pup can sit or stand in the carrier. Have someone sit in the back with him. Have the person you brought sit with the puppy. Also, keep everything calm. Don't blast music, for instance, but just let everything be quiet and calm for the pup. If the pup starts whining, the person sitting with it can put his or her hand up to the gate or talk to the pup in a soothing voice. Secure the carrier. For a small carrier, your best option is to set it on the floor behind your seat, as buckling the carrier in could cause problems in a crash. If the carrier is larger, then place it in the back seat. The back of an SUV is not a great option, since that area is often considered a "crumple zone" in a crash, meaning it is the area that designers allow to crumple for the purpose of protecting passengers. Make sure your house is ready. Puppies can and will get into everything. Therefore, you need to make sure your home is ready before you bring your dog home. That way, you protect both your new puppy and your home. For instance, you can start by sectioning off where the dog will be at first, using baby gates. You may not want a puppy in carpeted areas, for instance, as you'll need to potty train it. Move any dangerous items out of the area. Take out any chemicals the puppy could get into or put them up high. Take out plants, rugs, and anything else the puppy could destroy or be harmed by. Tape up any electrical so your pup can't chew on them. Have supplies ready. Before you go and pick up your dog, you need to make sure that you have everything you need for a dog. You'll need a food bowl, a water bowl, a leash, toys, and a crate, if you plan to crate-train your dog. A dog bed or a blanket dedicated to your dog is also a good idea. Talk about house rules. That is, establish who is going to feed him and when. In addition, decide who will walk it and clean up after it. Also, make sure you establish what rooms the puppy is allowed in. It's also important to determine which commands you're going to use. You don't want one person saying "Sit!" and another person saying "Butt Down!" for the same action because that's just confusing for the dog. Print out a list of commands to put on the refrigerator so everyone remembers. Set up the crate. Crates give dogs a place to call their own. Plus, having a crate can help you train your puppy. If you decide to get a crate, have it set up before your puppy comes home. Pick a crate that's large enough for your dog to grow up in. When your dog is full-grown, it should be able to stand up, stretch out, and sit in the crate.

Place a hand under your puppy's chest. Support the back end. Lift the pup up. Place the puppy down the same way. Never grab a pup by its neck or tail. Sit down with your pup in your lap. Soothe the puppy. Turn him over on his back. Have other people pick it up. Hold the pup even when struggling. Try kibble. Have a tag and collar with you. Have a dog carrier with you. Bring someone along. Ask about a feeding schedule. Complete the paperwork. Put your puppy in the carrier. Have someone sit in the back with him. Secure the carrier. Make sure your house is ready. Have supplies ready. Talk about house rules. Set up the crate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-Bed-for-Small-Dogs

How to Build a Dog Bed for Small Dogs

The best way to build a dog bed for your small dog is to repurpose a container that's a little bigger than your dog. For example, you might use a crate, shoe box, or old dresser drawer. Once you've chosen a container, place a pillow in it to act as cushioning for your pet. Then, cover the pillow with your dog's favorite blanket. As another option, remove the sleeves from an old sweater, then place a pillow inside of it. Next, sew the sweater shut to create a simple bed for your pup.

Choose the bed's base. Choose an old object to form the base of your small dog's bed. Make sure that the object is large enough to accommodate your small dog's size, but not too much larger- if your dog is too small for its bed, it can feel insecure. Be sure that the base doesn't have any rough edges, loose nails, splintered wood, or other potentially dangerous spots. Some ideas for perfect bed bases are: an old dresser drawer the bed of a small wagon (with axels and wheels removed) an old wine crate (sanded, if needed) Choose the bed's cushioning. Find an old pillow or cushion that fits the inside of the bed. If your dog is prone to chewing things, opt for something made of a thicker material (like denim or vinyl). Consider choosing a pillow or cushion with a removable cover to allow for frequent washes. Assemble the bed. Place the cushioning in the bed base and position the new bed where your dog likes to sleep. Place adhesive furniture pads on the bottom of the bed to avoid scratching the floor or damaging the carpet. Add some of your dog's toys or a favorite blanket to the bed as a finishing touch. Most dogs dislike anyone sneaking up behind them while they're sleeping, so try positioning your dog's bed against a wall to ensure their comfort. Choose an old sweater to convert. The area of a dog's brain linked to positive associations is activated by its owner's scent, and dogs are often drawn to their owner's clothing. To make a comforting bed for your small dog, choose one of your coziest old sweaters to work with. Make sure that there are no holes or tears in the material; if there are, patch them up. Stuff the sweater. Fill up the sweater with foam, old clothing, or small blankets. Avoid cotton batting, which will lose it's shape over time. Make sure you add enough stuffing to make the bed firm and supportive. Sew up the bed. Sew together the neck of the sweater, and then the base. Sew the arms of the sweater together at the wrists and wrap them around the perimeter of the bed, making a raised edge. Sew the arms all around, attaching the base of the bed to the arms. If you don't know how to sew , you can use a glue gun to close the sweater openings and attach the arms to the bed. Find an old end table. If you don't have an old end table to use, check thrift stores, flea markets, or online classified ads to find one. Make sure that the table top is large enough to create a suitable bed base for your small dog. The more ornate the legs of the table, the fancier the posts on your dog bed will be. Sand and paint the base. Flip over the table, which will now be the base of your dog bed. Sand the wood if there are any splinters or rough parts. Paint or finish the wood to your liking, if desired. Add bun feet. If you wish to make your dog's four post bed look more regal, purchase bun feet at a hardware store to add to the bottom. Use a drill to make holes in each corner of the table. Firmly screw in the bun feet, ensuring that the base of the dog bed is solid. If desired, decorate the bun feet to match the rest of the bed. Add a pillow or cushion. As a finishing touch, add a comfortable cushion or pillow to the base of the bed. Make sure the cushioning is thick enough to be supportive. To prevent slipping, use a glue gun to attach the bottom of the pillow to the base of the dog bed.

Choose the bed's base. Choose the bed's cushioning. Assemble the bed. Choose an old sweater to convert. Stuff the sweater. Sew up the bed. Find an old end table. Sand and paint the base. Add bun feet. Add a pillow or cushion.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-English-Literature-Professor

How to Become an English Literature Professor

To become an English Literature professor, complete your undergraduate degree and your master's degree in English Literature or a related field. While you're pursuing your master's degree, apply for a position as a teacher assistant, or T.A., which will give you valuable classroom experience. You will have better success getting hired as a professor if you complete a Ph.D. in English Literature as well. During your studies, submit the research papers you write for publication, since being published will improve your desirability as a faculty member.

Complete an undergraduate degree in English Literature or a related field. Though it will be more beneficial to have a degree in English Literature, a degree in a related field or subject like Comparative Literature or Creative Writing can also move you forward in your career. You should maintain an excellent grade point average and do well overall in your undergraduate degree to appear more appealing to graduate schools. In some cases, you can teach English at the higher education level even if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field like fine art or engineering. However, you will need to able to demonstrate that you have a high level of expertise and writing ability in your applications to graduate English programs. In a bachelor's English Literature program, you may cover subjects such as English literature, American literature, African American literature, Postcolonial literature, Shakespeare, nonfiction, global literature, and contemporary novels and short stories. Apply for master’s programs in English Literature. To teach English Literature at the college or university level as a professor, you will need to begin by completing your master's in English Literature. Many master's programs are one to two years and require you to choose a sub-field of English literature that you would like to specialize in, for example, the seventeenth-century novel, postcolonial literature, or American poetry. You will be required to produce a written dissertation, known as your master's thesis, on your chosen topic of specialization in order to graduate. During your master's degree, you should try to get more experience in the classroom as an instructor. If possible, you should apply for a teacher assistant (T.A.) position , which will allow you to work closely with an experienced professor and gain first-hand experience in a college classroom. Your responsibilities as T.A. may include organizing class materials, instructing students on small tasks, grading assignments, preparing exams, and lecturing on topics to the class. Your professor will give you expectations around how many hours a week you are expected to put into your T.A. position. Complete an application for a PhD program in English literature. In your application, indicate your area of expertise, your readiness for doctoral research, and your past accomplishments in the field. Include examples of your work from your undergraduate or master's program. To complete the application for most programs, you will need to provide a statement of purpose, a CV or resume, letters of recommendation (at least two for most programs), and a writing sample. A writing sample that showcases your best writing in essay or paper form is expected for the application. In a recent study done by an economist, data showed that getting a PhD from a top 10 ranked school can improve your chances of landing a position as an English Literature professor. Though you may be able to find a position if you go to a lower-ranked university for your PhD, you may end up working with undergraduates with weak academic backgrounds. Take this information into account when you are applying for PhD programs. You should focus on coursework and expanding the scope of your reading during the first two years as a doctoral student. You should also try to secure a position as a teaching assistant or lecturer during the middle years of your doctoral program. Teaching experience is essential for becoming an English literature professor. Publish papers and other original research. You should try to do this as soon as possible, or at least by the second year of your degree. Having a record of publications and research will look good on your resume when you are applying for English literature teaching positions. Ideally, you will publish papers early in your PhD career and often. You should try to gear your seminar papers towards topics that you are interested in or have specialized knowledge in the subject. You can then revise them and submit them for publication in journals. To submit papers for publication, you should look on the website of the publication for the submission guidelines. Each publication will have its own guidelines to follow in order to submit your article for consideration. You can find a database of current English literature journals for submission here. Complete your dissertation. You will then need to complete a dissertation by the end of your sixth or seventh year in graduate school that demonstrates your mastery of your chosen sub-field, your ability to conduct original research, and your writing ability. Once you complete your dissertation, your degree will be complete and you can enter the workforce. Search for open positions at colleges and universities the year before you graduate. Between 2012-2022, the job market for postsecondary teachers is expected to rise by 19%. However, it can be difficult to get a position straight out of your PhD and academics is a competitive market, so you should begin your job search while you are still completing your PhD. The most desirable jobs are tenure-track positions at major universities; after those, look for lecturer positions or adjunct faculty posts. Teaching-intensive jobs at junior or community colleges are another option. You should also look for postdoctoral research positions, as they are a good stepping-stone to move from the completion of your PhD to a permanent position. These positions can allow you to pursue further research and, often, gain teaching experience, increasing your job prospects later. Often, you may find that many job offers are for part-time work as an adjunct professor. Even with a PhD, many masters graduates struggle to find full-time work, especially if they did not attend an Ivy League masters program. In fact, 58% of community college courses are taught by adjunct professors and at least 50% of all university faculties are not tenure tracked. It's important that you keep an open mind and do not only search for tenure tracked or full time teaching positions, as these positions may not be available for a long time in the current state of the field. Keep in mind your salary may fluctuate based on what state you are teaching in. For example, post-secondary teachers in Vermont had an annual mean wage of $75,860 and the median annual wage for post-secondary English teachers in California was $82,290. In general, the median annual wage for post-secondary English teachers as of 2013 was $60,920. The upper 90% of these teachers can make $116,460 or more per year, and the lowest 10% of these teachers can make $32,610 or less. Be prepared to work in a related field. Many newly graduated PhD English literature students can have a difficult time finding a position as a professor at a university. Some students end up teaching composition or reading and comprehension, instead of English literature. You may also find more open positions in interdisciplinary studies or in non-academic studies. Often, PhD programs do not prepare students for other options besides a career as an English literature professor, which has been a point of criticism from economists and individuals working in English literature PhD departments. It's important to be open to work in other related fields once you graduate from your PhD program. You may find a position as an English literature professor at a university, or you may have to branch out to teaching reading composition and technical writing. Some PhD graduates have also found success teaching at high schools, especially elite high schools. These positions can pay well and offer a more secure teaching career. Continue to publish and maintain a good teaching record. Once you secure a position at a university or college, you should continue to publish new work every year and maintain a positive teaching record. If you are not already tenured, you may be offered a tenured position at the university you currently work for or at other universities based on your publishing credentials and your teaching record.

Complete an undergraduate degree in English Literature or a related field. Apply for master’s programs in English Literature. Complete an application for a PhD program in English literature. Publish papers and other original research. Complete your dissertation. Search for open positions at colleges and universities the year before you graduate. Be prepared to work in a related field. Continue to publish and maintain a good teaching record.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Rusty-Coins

How to Clean Rusty Coins

To clean rusty coins, use a metal-polishing soap, such as S100 Polishing Soap. You can also look for metal cleaners at auto-parts stores or try an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. If you'd prefer to clean your coins with household products, wash the coin under cold water and lightly scrub it with a soft toothbrush and dish soap. For a more polished look, pour some vinegar over the coin, wait 10 minutes, then rub it off with a toothbrush.

Don't clean your coins if you plan to sell them, or if they have any potential value. Cleaning will decrease their value significantly. Avoid cleaning corrosion (such as rust), buildup (such as dirt), and other filth from old coins if you are hoping to sell them for prices anywhere near coin-collecting book values. If the coins you want to clean are part of a numismatic (serious study of coins) collection, do not clean them. Doing so can greatly diminish their coin-collecting values. Leave the cleaning of valuable coinage to experts, who are in the business of this work. Handle coins with care. Any potentially valuable coins should not even be handled with your bare hands. Don gloves, and put the coins in plastic coin envelopes. Get your coins appraised by a professional before you proceed. The same goes for all antiques: don't clean, paint or polish anything that may have value before getting them appraised. Clean mostly-copper coins (like pennies) and non-copper coins separately. Copper can discolor other coin surfaces when they are left to soak together in a cleaning solution. In terms of American currency: clean pennies separately from nickles, dimes, quarters, etc. Do not leave copper pennies to soak with steel pennies. The copper could react with the cleaning chemicals and somewhat dissolve in the solution. The dissolved copper will bind to the steel pennies, ruining their finishes. Use a metal-polishing soap. To remove rust and similar corrosion from most coins, try S100 Polishing Soap. You may be surprised at how well this removes rust from coin surfaces. It is also well suited to silver coins, and it is used by German silversmiths to clean silver jewelry. Silver cleaning wadding or batting products are sometimes helpful since these wool or cotton fibers help clean uneven surfaces on coins. Weiman metal polish should do the trick, along with many other brands. Look for metal cleaners at an auto-parts store. Try the automobile section of your local department store to find a variety of metal polishes and cleaners that can also be used to clean metal coins. You can use silver cleaner, copper cleaner, or other metal cleaner – but the results of any product will be most effective if you're using it on the type of metal for which it is advertised. Try using ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. Again, only if these coins aren't being cleaned for the purposes of coin collecting – such as in a collection of coins with any emphasis on building monetary value. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations whenever using ultrasonic cleaning devices. Wash the coin under cold running water. Hold the coin by its edges: touching the surface directly can leave small scratches in the surface. If you want to protect the coin's surface, don't rub it. Run the water over the coin for about a minute. The higher your water pressure, the better. Make sure to not use a high-powered water jet that could go straight through the coin. Lightly brush the coin. If dirt remains, lightly scrub the coin with a soft toothbrush and dish soap. Run the toothbrush under warm water to further soften the bristles. Rinse the brush and the coin frequently to avoid scratching the coin with the loosened dirt. Do not apply much pressure, and focus on brushing only the soiled area of the coin. Toothbrush bristles come with varying degrees of firmness — you want one labeled as soft or extra-soft. If you use a firm bristle, you risk damaging the coin. Spot-clean encrusted dirt. Especially on ancient coins, there may be dirt that remains after soaking and brushing. To remove this, use a small, sharp implement such as a toothpick or a precision screwdriver. Carefully pry and chip off the encrusted dirt, and try not to scratch the surface of the coin. You can spot-clean more precisely if you work under good lighting and use a microscope or magnifying glass. Pour some vinegar over the coin. Wait about ten minutes, then rub the vinegar off with a toothbrush. This may give the coin a more polished finish. Consider using anything acidic: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and even sodas have been said to help clean rust off of old coins. Consider adding salt to your vinegar/citric acid/soda. The combination of acid and chloride may make your cleaning solution even more powerful. Rinse the coin again. After soaking, thoroughly rinse the coin under very warm, running water. If the coin is clean enough for your taste, proceed to drying. Don't leave the acid on the coin, or it will keep etching and produce an unsightly green coating of copper salts. Dry the coin. Pat the coin dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, and then lay the coin on a soft, dry cloth to finish drying. Do not rub the coin dry.

Don't clean your coins if you plan to sell them, or if they have any potential value. Handle coins with care. Clean mostly-copper coins (like pennies) and non-copper coins separately. Use a metal-polishing soap. Look for metal cleaners at an auto-parts store. Try using ultrasonic jewelry cleaners. Wash the coin under cold running water. Run the water over the coin for about a minute. Lightly brush the coin. Spot-clean encrusted dirt. Pour some vinegar over the coin. Rinse the coin again. Dry the coin.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Pilling

How to Prevent Pilling

To prevent pilling, avoid letting anything rub against the fabric, such as a backpack or shoulder bag, since the friction is what causes fibers to loosen and tangle. When you wash clothing, turn items inside out so that the fabric won't pill on the outside from the swishing motion of the washing machine. Additionally, use a liquid detergent, since powder cleansers are more abrasive and break down fabric more easily. Finally, allow clothing to air dry so that the fabric doesn't rub against itself in the dryer and cause more pilling.

Rest garments between wears. Excessive wear can cause pilling, especially if the garment doesn't have time to rest in between. To prevent this from happening, give clothes at least 24 hours to rest and return to their original shapes before putting them on again. This includes sweaters, shirts, pajamas, and other garments. Wearing garments too often can cause pilling because when you wear an article of clothing, the fibers tend to stretch. This can cause the shorter threads in the yarns to come loose, and then they tangle and pill. Don't carry backpacks. Backpacks cause pilling because they cause friction when you move. Anywhere that the backpack has contact with your clothes or body is likely to pill, such as the back, shoulders, and under the arms. Instead of a backpack, use a handbag that you can carry, a suitcase, or a wheeled carry-on bag. Don't carry purses on your shoulder. Purses can also cause friction and pilling, especially in the shoulder area. When you carry a purse, carry it in your hand instead of on your shoulder if you're worried about pilling. Over-the-shoulder bags, messenger bags, and other accessories that you wear against your body can all cause pilling too. Limit friction. Fabrics that tend to pill should never be rubbed against each other, other fabrics, or other materials. There are a number of actions that can cause rubbing and friction, and all of them should be avoided, including: Resting elbows against a table when you're working or eating Sliding around on the floor (can cause pilling on socks or the seat of your pants) Crawling on your knees when you're wearing pants Sitting on rough surfaces Don't rub stains. Many times, the first reaction upon finding a stain is to squirt some stain remover on it and rub the fabric together until the stain disappears. But this is another instance of rubbing that can cause pilling, and it should be avoided. To treat stains on fabrics that pill, place the stained fabric on top of an old towel or clean rag. Apply a stain remover of your choice, and then blot the area with a clean towel. The stain will transfer to the towel below without causing friction. Keep fabrics away from Velcro. Velcro is very sticky, and it can attach itself to the yarns in clothes and other fabrics. When this happens, the Velcro can pull shorter threads loose, and then they're at risk of pilling. If you have clothes with Velcro on them, always keep the Velcro tabs closed, especially when you wash the garment. Turn items inside out before washing. The swishing motion inside a washing machine causes garments and fabrics to rub against each other, and this leads to pilling. To prevent unsightly pilling on the outside of garments, turn them inside out before throwing them into the washing machine and before handwashing. Pills may still form if the garments are inside out, but they will be on the inside of the garment, so they won't be visible. To prevent pilling on the inside and outside of the garment, place pill-prone items into a garment bag before washing. Hand wash pill-prone items. An alternative to the delicate cycle is hand washing, which may be best for items that are very pill-prone. Wash items one at a time. To hand wash clothes and other materials: Fill a sink or bucket with water that's the right temperature for the fabric Add detergent and agitate the water to create suds Soak the item for at least five minutes Swish the item around in the water, but do not rub the material together Remove the item from the sink and squeeze out excess water Use liquid detergent with enzymes. Enzyme-based cleaners and detergents break down organic matter such as grass and blood stains, and they also break down proteins and sugars found in natural fibers. When you wash clothes in these detergents, the enzymes dissolve the small weak fibers that pills might form on. When looking for enzyme detergents, look for ingredients like cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and protease, which break down sugars and carbohydrates, proteins, and other molecules. Powder detergents can be abrasive. Liquid detergents will cause less rubbing, and reduce pilling that occurs in the wash. Use the delicate cycle. The delicate or hand wash cycle on a washing machine will create less rubbing, and this will help to prevent pills. The delicate cycle uses less agitation and a slower spin cycle, both of which mean less friction in the wash. Hang laundry to dry. The dryer is another place where clothes and fabrics tumble around rubbing against each other, so drying clothes in the dryer can cause pilling as well. Instead, hang clothes, bedsheets, and other laundry items to air dry. During the warmer months, hang clothes on an outdoor line for the fastest drying time. In winter, you can hang clothes to dry inside, but keep a window slightly open and the room well ventilated to avoid moisture buildup in the air. Use a low heat setting if you have to use the dryer. Sometimes it's necessary to tumble dry pill-prone items. When you find yourself in that situation, set the dryer to a lower heat setting. This will prevent shrinking and minimize stress on the fibers. Remove items as soon as they're dry to reduce the amount of friction the items are exposed to. Steer clear of the worst offenders. Any fabric can pill, but there are some fabrics that are more prone to developing pills than others. If you find you're often battling with pilled garments, avoid fabrics that pill the most: Synthetic materials tend to pill more often than those made from natural fibers. Synthetics that are known to pill include polyester, acrylic, and nylon. Blended materials that are made of both synthetic and natural fibers are also prone to pilling. Wool is one of the natural fibers that is known to pill. Opt for fabrics with tight weaves. The looser the weave or knit of a fabric, the more prone it will be to pilling. This is because loose fibers will move around more and rub against each other, leading to pilling. Loose-knit fabrics tend to be more pill-prone, while tightly woven fabrics will have the lease trouble with pills. The harder it is to see through a fabric, the tighter the weave is. Denim, for instance, has a very tight weave, and almost never pills. Choose fabrics with higher thread counts. Some fabric items, such as bed sheets, is measured by thread count. Typically, the higher the thread count the better the quality, and the longer the threads will be. Longer threads mean less pilling, because there aren't any short threads to come loose, get tangled, and form pills. While garments aren't usually graded by thread count, the same holds true for higher-quality clothes with longer threads.

Rest garments between wears. Don't carry backpacks. Don't carry purses on your shoulder. Limit friction. Don't rub stains. Keep fabrics away from Velcro. Turn items inside out before washing. Hand wash pill-prone items. Use liquid detergent with enzymes. Use the delicate cycle. Hang laundry to dry. Use a low heat setting if you have to use the dryer. Steer clear of the worst offenders. Opt for fabrics with tight weaves. Choose fabrics with higher thread counts.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Dislocated-Jaw

How to Fix a Dislocated Jaw

If you suspect someone might have a dislocated jaw, have them go to the emergency room or call an ambulance immediately. If you're out in the wilderness with no other choice, as a very last resort, stand behind the person, and make sure they keep their head straight and still. Next, place your thumbs on their back molars, and wrap your hands around the sides of their chin. Press down gently with your arms, while tilting the front of the chin slightly upward with your fingers. Then, push the jaw back until you feel the ball pop back into the socket.

Seek emergency medical assistance if you suspect a dislocated jaw. If your mouth is stuck in a partially open position and you have significant pain underneath one or both ears, there's a good chance you have a dislocated jaw. Go to an emergency department right away, or call emergency services to get help. You might also notice indentations under one or both ears. You might be suffering from a fracture instead of a dislocation, or it's possible to experience both, but you need rapid medical attention in any case. Support the jaw with your hands or an elastic bandage. The pain of the dislocation and the weight of the detached jaw may strain your ligaments and make the surrounding muscles begin to spasm. Immobilizing and supporting the weight of your jaw can help reduce these impacts. Don't try to push your mouth closed with your hands. Just put them under your chin and try to support your jaw in place. A helper can also wrap an elastic bandage under your chin and over your head several times. However, don't put too much upward pressure on your jaw, and make sure you can quickly remove the bandage if the person needs to vomit due to the pain. You may drool, but you won't be able to swallow or drink anything. Attempt to repair the dislocation only as a last resort. An untrained person is more likely to cause pain and damage than they are to repair the dislocated jaw. Wait for a medical professional to repair the jaw unless there is no other choice—for instance, if you're camping in the deep wilderness with a friend and the nearest help is a day's hike away. Stand behind the person with the dislocated jaw and make sure they keep their head straight and still. Put on gloves to reduce the chance of infection, and wrap gauze or fabric around your thumbs to protect them from unintentional biting due to pain. Make sure you can feel the joint so you can put the jaw back in place. Place your thumbs in the person's mouth, on their back molars, and wrap your hands around the sides of their chin. Press down gently with your arms while tilting the front of the chin slightly upward with your fingers. Then push the jaw back until you feel the ball pop back into the socket. Without proper anesthesia and sedation, this maneuver could be extremely painful for the person. It must be your last resort. Call for help whenever possible. Don't try to realign a jaw if there has been a severe accident since there also could be fractures. Address your pain and comfort levels with medications. When you arrive at a medical facility with a dislocated jaw, you'll likely be given anesthesia via shot or intravenously (IV), NSAIDs or other pain relievers through IV, and sedatives to prepare you for the repair procedure. You might also be sent for x-rays or a CT scan. You'll be in pain and have trouble speaking, so it's best to have someone accompany you to the medical facility. Get an intravenous muscle relaxant if needed. If the muscles around your jaw have begun to spasm, you'll also be given an intravenous muscle relaxant or have it applied straight to the joint to reduce the spasms. Otherwise, the seized up muscles may make it difficult to move the jaw back into its proper position. If you have allergies or other medical reasons why you can't take certain muscle relaxants or other medications, make sure you or someone accompanying you informs the staff right away. Undergo the conventional method of TMJ reduction. Most medical professionals still use the longstanding method for reducing (repairing) a dislocated jaw. They will place their thumbs on your rear lower molars and their fingers to the sides of your chin, then press down forcefully and guide the jaw back into place. You'll be sedated, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. This procedure is effective nearly 90% of the time. Accept alternative reduction methods for your condition. There is more than one way to manually repair a dislocated jaw, and several alternatives have good success rates as well. There are several extraoral methods, in which the practitioner's hands remain outside the patient's mouth, thereby reducing the chance of reflexive biting. There is also a so-called “wrist pivot” method that has a very high success rate (97%) but takes a lot of training to master. Some practitioners may be comfortable with a single method in all cases, while others may choose a method based on the particulars of the case. Only in rare cases is surgery needed to repair a dislocated jaw. Have your jaw medically tightened or mechanically secured. After the jaw is popped back into place, the strained jaw ligaments need to be strengthened and re-tightened. This can be done through a sclerosing agent given as a shot, which will tighten the ligaments. The jaw might also be banded or wired shut for several days to give the muscles and ligaments time to heal. While having your jaw wired shut is a major inconvenience, it may prevent you from having another painful jaw dislocation in the near future. Go on a soft or liquid diet for several days. If your jaw is banded or wired shut, you will be given instructions on the liquid diet you should follow for several days until the bands/wires are removed. Even if your jaw isn't wired or banded, though, you'll still be advised to consume only liquids and specified soft foods for possibly a week afterward. Follow your instructions carefully and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. You don't want to risk another dislocation right away! Don't open your mouth wide for 6 weeks. For some people, a big yawn or extra large bite is enough to cause a jaw dislocation. While the jaw is healing, it is important to limit how wide you open your mouth so that you don't put undue stress on the healing ligaments and muscles. When you feel a yawn coming on, cup your hands under your chin to keep your mouth from opening wide. Cup your hands under your chin when you feel a sneeze coming as well. Address recurring dislocations with surgery or other procedures. Due to genetics or other factors like grinding teeth at night and arthritis, some people are simply more prone to jaw dislocations. Depending on the circumstances, different approaches may be used to limit the recurrence of dislocations. You might be given multiple injections of medications that will help strengthen and tighten your jaw ligaments. The surgical procedure known as eminectomy is the best course of action in some cases. It involves removing the section of bone that the “ball” of your jaw joint gets caught in front of during a dislocation. You may be advised to have your jaw wired or banded shut for several weeks so your ligaments can heal and tighten as a last resort

Seek emergency medical assistance if you suspect a dislocated jaw. Support the jaw with your hands or an elastic bandage. Attempt to repair the dislocation only as a last resort. Address your pain and comfort levels with medications. Get an intravenous muscle relaxant if needed. Undergo the conventional method of TMJ reduction. Accept alternative reduction methods for your condition. Have your jaw medically tightened or mechanically secured. Go on a soft or liquid diet for several days. Don't open your mouth wide for 6 weeks. Address recurring dislocations with surgery or other procedures.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Radiator-for-Decorating

How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating

Removing a radiator is a relatively simple process, but you'll need someone to help you lift it. You'll need to turn your radiator off at the valves and place a towel under it to catch the water. Then, bleed your radiator like normal using an adjustable wrench. Once you've bled the radiator, get a friend to help you lift it up and out from its brackets. Finally, you'll need to tip it and pour the rest of the water into a bucket through the same hole you bled it from.

Turn the valves off on either side of the radiator. The valves are usually located just above the base points that extend from the ground. Use a clockwise or tightening motion to turn them off. Remove the caps from the top of these valves. They are plastic or resin and they cover the hot metal valves. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the valves even further. Use the wrench to tighten the nuts at the top of the valve. See if you have thermostatic radiator valves that take the temperature of the room and turn on and off automatically. If you do, you will need to remove them and replace them with a regular cap to turn them off. Use the caps that came with your radiator or use caps from a nearby radiator if they will only be used for a short time. Screw the caps on tight by hand and then with an adjustable wrench. Place a towel below the end of the radiator, where the valve meets the radiator itself. Along with proper precaution, it will prevent damage to your room. Put a wide bowl on top of the towel and below the area where the radiator is attached to the valve. Keep a bucket nearby where you can drain the water in the bowl when it fills up. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the cap nut at the point where the radiator connects to the valve. Turn it counterclockwise until it starts to drip water. Keep turning until the flow is slightly larger. Let the radiator bleed water in to the bowl. Unscrew it a little more when the flow stops. When you have no more water coming out, you can unscrew the cap nuts completely so that the radiator is no longer connected to the base. Ask a friend to help you with this part of the process. Radiators are heavy. You will also need to tip it to pour remaining water out. Set a towel on the ground. Place the bucket on top of it. Make sure the radiator is free of the nuts and base assembly on either side. Grab either side of the radiator. Lift up and out to remove the radiator from the brackets. Tip the end of the radiator that you just used to bleed the radiator toward the bucket. Let the rest of the water flow out of it. Take the radiator to a safe place for storage until you are done decorating. Wipe the base valves and cap nuts. They often drip a little water after the radiator is removed.

Turn the valves off on either side of the radiator. Remove the caps from the top of these valves. See if you have thermostatic radiator valves that take the temperature of the room and turn on and off automatically. Place a towel below the end of the radiator, where the valve meets the radiator itself. Put a wide bowl on top of the towel and below the area where the radiator is attached to the valve. Keep a bucket nearby where you can drain the water in the bowl when it fills up. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the cap nut at the point where the radiator connects to the valve. Let the radiator bleed water in to the bowl. Ask a friend to help you with this part of the process. Set a towel on the ground. Make sure the radiator is free of the nuts and base assembly on either side. Grab either side of the radiator. Tip the end of the radiator that you just used to bleed the radiator toward the bucket. Take the radiator to a safe place for storage until you are done decorating. Wipe the base valves and cap nuts.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tree-Pulley-Bird-Feeders

How to Tree Pulley Bird Feeders

If you want to tree pulley bird feeders, start by getting a bird feeder that weighs 10 pounds or less and choosing a sturdy branch to hang it from. Next, clamp the bird feeder's loop together to create a smaller loop, which is what you will attach to the pulley. Then, put an S-hook over the tree branch, hang the pulley from the S-hook, and thread a rope through the pulley. Finally, attach one end of the rope to the bird feeder with a secure knot and tie the other end of the rope around the base of the tree.

Choose a bird feeder that doesn’t weigh more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg). The bird feeder doesn't have to be very small or light, but too heavy of a bird feeder may fall down—unless you have a strong rope and pulley. Most standard bird feeders should be fine to hang up. Find a tree with a sturdy branch. A weak, thin branch won't support the weight of the rope, pulley, and bird feeder. Find a fairly thick and secure branch. A branch that has the width of an average adult arm should be thick enough. Make sure the tree is healthy as well and isn't likely to fall over in a storm. Set up a ladder under the branch. Put a ladder underneath the area of the tree where you plan to hang up the pulley. The ladder should be sturdy and tall enough so that you won't have to reach far for the branch. Ask someone to hold the ladder for you while you are on it to be safe. Clamp the loop together. Many bird feeders already come with a loop. If this is the case, clamp the loop together to create a smaller loop. A smaller loop will be more secure when attached to the pulley. Use a 1/2” (1.3 cm) clamp to create the smaller loop. If your bird feeder doesn't have a loop, you can create one with a metal wire. If your bird feeder has a hook, you do not need to do anything. It is ready for the pulley. Use an eye hook. If you don't want to use a loop, you can also attach an eye hook to your bird feeder. Make sure the eye hook is big enough to fit around the pulley. Drill a small hole into the top of the bird feeder. Then, screw in the eye hook. Make sure the eye hook is secure so that it won't fall out when attached to the pulley. Test the hook or loop to make sure the bird feeder will hold. When you're done creating the loop or attaching the hook, hold up the bird feeder. Move it around a little bit. Make sure that the bird feeder will stay attached to the loop or hook. Put an S-hook over the chosen branch. Make sure the S-hook is large enough to fit over the tree branch. If the S-hook isn't wide enough, you can loop a chain or rope around the tree branch. If you are using a rope, make sure it is tied very tightly around the branch. Hang the pulley from the S-hook. The pulley should have a hook. Put the hook of the pulley over the bottom hook of the S-hook. If you're not using an S-hook, tie the rope or chain around the pulley hook. If you're using a rope or chain, you can pull it through the hook and tie it around the tree again—creating a large loop out of the rope or chain. Thread a rope through the pulley. First, make sure the rope you're using is long enough to reach from the ground to the pulley and back down to the ground. To thread the rope through the pulley, you just need to put one side of the rope over the top of the pulley and pull it down towards you. There should be two sides of the rope hanging towards the ground if you've done it correctly. Attach one end of the rope to the bird feeder. If the top of your bird feeder has a loop, thread the rope through the loop and tie a secure knot. If your feeder has a hook, tie the rope around the hook. Make sure the rope is securely attached to the feeder. Tie the rope around the base of the tree. Once the rope is attached to the feeder, you should still have a free end of the rope. You can tie this end of the rope around the base of the tree. Or, you can hammer a hook into the tree and tie the the rope around the hook. Untie the rope anytime you need to use the pulley. You can also pound a stake into the ground, and tie the rope around the stake.

Choose a bird feeder that doesn’t weigh more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Find a tree with a sturdy branch. Set up a ladder under the branch. Clamp the loop together. Use an eye hook. Test the hook or loop to make sure the bird feeder will hold. Put an S-hook over the chosen branch. Hang the pulley from the S-hook. Thread a rope through the pulley. Attach one end of the rope to the bird feeder. Tie the rope around the base of the tree.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-60-Pounds

How to Lose 60 Pounds

To lose 60 pounds, follow a dietary plan that reduces your caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 calories a day, which should help you lose 1-2 pounds a week. Make sure your plan includes healthy, balanced meals. Additionally, try to avoid soda and other unhealthy snacks, like chips and candy, that are filled with “empty” calories. You should also exercise consistently, taking your current fitness level into account. For example, stick to low-impact workouts like walking or swimming if you're not used to exercising.

Devise a diet plan. The most important first step in shedding pounds through dieting is to select a dieting plan. Tailor that plan to your lifestyle, and establish clear weight loss goals. It is essential to construct a plan that is appropriate for your goals and medical/health history. This is best done by a dietitian. There are many different ways to achieve weight loss through dieting. Below, a few different diet plans are listed. Keep in mind that, whichever dieting method you choose, dietary and medical specialists suggest that losing more than an average of one to two lbs. a week is not safe for your body. Also, some studies suggest that rapid loss increases the risk of gaining weight back. In order to lose one to two pounds per week, average adults need to cut 500 to 1,000 calories per day from their diet. Low or No Carb Diets: These diets utilize a method of eliminating carbohydrates from your diet and replacing the nutritional value of those carbohydrates with protein-rich foods. These diets, while helpful with losing weight, can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as carbohydrates are a natural part of human health requirements. Low-Fat Diets: These diets are designed to cut the overall intake of fats from your diet, thus eliminating excess calories that can lead to weight gain. Also, decreasing fat intake lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Low-Calorie Diets: These diets control the overall intake of calories, found in all types of food, to help produce a reduction in the overall body mass of an individual. These types of diets can often lead to fatigue, as an individual's overall caloric intake and, thus, energy is reduced. Speak with a doctor or dietitian. It is always important to speak with your doctor before beginning a weight loss program. Drink lots of water and take vitamins. Drinking water is not only healthy, but can also reduce hunger and the urge to eat by making you feel full. Also, taking a daily regimen of multivitamins can help replace the extra nutrients that you may be missing from your diet. Doctors recommend that adult males drink at least 3 liters (0.79 US gal) of water a day and adult females drink 2.2 liters (0.6 US gal) of water of day. Vitamins are essential as many people who start diet plans tend to cut out foods their bodies are used to eating, thus creating deficiencies. Eat breakfast. Dieting does not equate to skipping meals. Eating breakfast, contrary to popular belief, actually helps to kick-start your metabolism, which assists in burning excess calories throughout the day. Start off the day with a 500 to 600 calorie meal. A very healthy and filling meal at that falls in line with this calorie intake would include a banana, a bowl of oatmeal, whole-grain toast with one to two tablespoons of peanut butter. This will provide you with a mix of carbohydrates and protein. Carbohydrates give you quick energy and protein will provide energy throughout the day. Eat lunch. If you have eaten breakfast and plan to eat dinner, there is no reason to eat a large lunch. However, you can still eat a healthy and filling meal at lunchtime. For lunch, eat 300 to 400 calories. Salad, yogurt, salmon, chicken (not fried, but grilled), fruit, cottage cheese, steamed vegetables, or soup are all good choices. Avoid foods that are heavy in saturated fat or high in calories. This would include fried foods, heavy sauces, and creams, Eat well-portioned dinners. For most Americans, dinner is the largest meal of the day. As a result, it is very important that you limit the portions of food you eat at dinnertime. Don't overindulge and avoid following-up dinner with a dessert. You should eat a dinner that falls somewhere around 400 to 600 calories. Roasted chicken with whole wheat pasta, mahi-mahi tacos, beef stir fry with broccoli and shiitake mushrooms, or pork medallions with pomegranate sauce are all tasty choices that provide the necessary nutrition while still falling in this calorie range. Avoid unhealthy snacks, soda, and alcohol. Snacking on chips, candy, other unhealthy foods in between meals is devastating to one's diet. All of the "unhealthy" snacks, or those that contain high levels of “empty” calories or high levels of fat, are deemed excess calories by your metabolism and stored for later use. Also, soda and alcohol, especially beer, are high in calories and generally unnecessary for your body's nutritional requirements. As an alternative, try snacking on a handful of almonds, carrot sticks and hummus, calorie-limited snack packs, or yogurt. It is critical to point out here that diet sodas have never been proven as effective as weight loss tools. Actually, the sweetness of the diet soda tricks your body into thinking it is getting high-calorie input, without providing any actual calories. Because of this, drinking diet soda is likely to increase hunger as well as the desire for sweet, high-calorie foods. Set reasonable weight loss goals. Your body can only take so much exercise before it breaks down. As such, it is important not to set workout regimens that are far beyond your body's physical capabilities. Also, keep in mind that changing your lifestyle in minor ways (walking or biking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.) can increase the amount of physical exercise you get throughout the day, making intensive workout sessions less necessary. Setting goals that are too steep can create a negative environment and cause you to give up. Try setting smaller goals, week-by-week, instead of big goals that seem unobtainable. Ensure your body can handle exercise. It is important to know what your body is capable of with regards to exercise. If you have bad knees, avoid running or jogging on hard surfaces. If you have a heart condition or other ailment, be sure to check with a medical professional about workout regimens that will be safe for you. Stretch before and after working out. Make sure you prepare your body for the workout ahead by stretching your muscles prior to exercising. This will help you avoid injuries. Stretching afterward will help prevent soreness. Be aware that injuries while working out essentially put your weight loss plans on hold. A pulled muscle or torn tendon will stop you from working out for weeks or months at a time and you will gain all the weight you lost right back. Employ “low-impact” workouts. While a “low-impact” workout might sound detrimental to losing weight quickly, this simply means avoid unnecessary strain on your joints and muscles during workouts. Walking and jogging are effective and proven alternatives to running. Various machines, such as ellipticals, stair-climbers, and rowing machines, will ensure your body is not taking on unnecessary strain during cardio workouts. In addition to running, jogging, swimming or walking, simple exercises like arm circles , up down planks, squats, leg lifts , plie squat rises ,bench dips, kicks , duck walks , lunges , and other exercises can all be useful techniques to help you lose weight. Monitor how your body is feeling throughout the workout. Make sure you keep track of your pulse, breathing, and heart rate during the workout to be certain your body is handling the strain of the exercise properly. If you notice any sudden or irregular changes in your body functions, see a doctor or medical professional immediately. Be consistent. Working out every once in a while will have little to no impact on your body weight. Once you have established an exercise plan, stick to it on a daily basis. There are two reasons for this. First, you will only lose weight when exercise is carried out consistently. Secondly, intermittent or periodic workouts will ultimately make it harder for you to achieve your weight loss goals because they do not contribute to increasing the time or intensity you can put into exercise. Results can take time. Stick to it and remember that all things worth having may take a while. It will be challenging but worth it. Assess your progress. If you don't have a scale, get one! In order to ensure that your workout is helping you lose weight, you need to be able to track your weight. Do not be discouraged. Weight loss through exercise will not happen instantaneously. It takes a long time to see measurable results and, on some occasions, you may gain weight before you lose it. Stick to your exercise plan and give it a chance to work. Use surgery as a last resort. Undergoing surgery to lose weight is a drastic step to take and has the potential to be dangerous. Try every other available method of losing weight before even considering undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Know the pros and cons of GBS. There are benefits and disadvantages to undergoing gastric bypass surgery, so it is important to know what benefits it provides as well as the drawbacks associated with the surgery. The pros include: You can lose weight very quickly It provides weight loss solutions when other solutions don't work It limits your appetite when you are lacking self-control It requires little to no physical effort The cons are: The surgery is dangerous, expensive, and may not be covered by your insurance You can rupture your stomach if you eat too much Your stomach can stretch out over time, meaning the surgery is not permanent It does not solve the underlying issues of weight gain It can lead to severe dietary deficiencies Consult with a physician or doctor. A medical professional may be able to help you lose weight without undergoing gastric bypass surgery. He or she may recommend alternative treatments, diets, therapies or workout programs that will help you avoid the complications and limitations of gastric bypass surgery. Also, some people who would be prime candidates for gastric bypass surgery are actually too large to undergo the procedure. This is an equally important reason to visit your doctor and discuss the realities of surgery as a solution to your weight problem. Determine if the lost weight is worth the sacrifice. A doctor will tell you if you are an eligible candidate for gastric bypass surgery and should also inform you of the limitations you will face after the surgery. These limitations often include extremely limited ability to intake food, severe dietary restrictions on the types of food you can eat, and discomfort in the stomach during or after eating. Schedule and prepare for the procedure. Gastric bypass surgery is not to be taken lightly. It is an invasive medical procedure that will require you to take time off of work for recovery and will likely require the assistance of a friend or family member in the hours and days after your procedure. So, be sure to plan ahead. Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. Once you have undergone the gastric bypass surgery, you will need to closely follow your doctor's recommendations for recovery to ensure a successful outcome. Also, gastric bypass surgeries require follow-up appointments to gauge how you are recovering from the procedure. If you are undergoing this procedure ostensibly to improve your appearance, be aware that other surgeries are often required to remove excess skin and to reshape the affected area so that it will be pleasing to the eye.

Devise a diet plan. Speak with a doctor or dietitian. Drink lots of water and take vitamins. Eat breakfast. Eat lunch. Eat well-portioned dinners. Avoid unhealthy snacks, soda, and alcohol. Set reasonable weight loss goals. Ensure your body can handle exercise. Stretch before and after working out. Employ “low-impact” workouts. Monitor how your body is feeling throughout the workout. Be consistent. Assess your progress. Do not be discouraged. Use surgery as a last resort. Know the pros and cons of GBS. Consult with a physician or doctor. Determine if the lost weight is worth the sacrifice. Schedule and prepare for the procedure. Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Movie-With-One-Person

How to Make a Movie With One Person

If you want to make a movie with one person, focus on simple, filmable concepts. Sure, you might not have a full cast and crew to make a big budget film, but many filmmakers have used that limitation as inspiration for some creative workarounds. For example, use artistic expression to make video diaries or abstract videos that experiment with color or sound. If you have the time and focus, grab clay or even action figures and create a stop-motion animation film. No matter what kind of movie you make, take advantage of being alone by taking as much time as you need to get the best shots.

Come up with a simple, filmable idea. Making a movie by yourself means you'll have to strip away any other actors or any scenes that need multiple people to run. This eliminates most special effects and dialog, unfortunately. But these limitations can be liberating, leading to unique and creative workarounds. Some ideas to consider filming are: Art Films: Pioneers like Sadie Benning and Bruce Nauman have made huge contributions to the art world with nothing by a camera and a willingness to experiment. You can do anything from video diaries to abstract videos exploring color or sound. Check out the free Video Data Bank for inspiration. Short Documentaries: All you need is a camera and a microphone and you can be on the street interviewing and grabbing footage. Talking Heads: Popular on YouTube and in shows like The Office, this is just you talking to your camera, delivering a monologue or performing a sketch. Sometimes this video is set next to a movie or game you are commenting on. Stop-motion: Though time consuming, stop-motion is one of the few places a filmmaker can make a professional-looking film all by themselves. Write out a basic script. It doesn't need to cover the entire story if you are working with a loose idea, but having some ideas of paper will guide you when filming starts. Almost all videos tell a story, in some way shape or form, and almost all stories are broken into three parts: The Beginning: Set up the world of your video. It can be you, the character, the location you're shooting on, or simply a color or mood you want to explore. The Conflict: Something disturbs, changes, or morphs the original set-up. For art films or smaller pieces, this might just be a change of pace or the introduction of a new theme. The "story" is told through this change. The Resolution: How does your story end, what is your message or thought? Some stories just end, but this just implies that nothing has changed in the end. Round up your equipment. All you need is a camera and a way to edit the footage on a computer, but there is additional equipment that will help build a movie by yourself as well: A Tripod: If you want to film yourself in a scene, a tripod is the best way to get a steady camera that can be moved, spun, and raised/lowered into a variety of angles. Lighting: One of the key differences between amateur-looking movies and professional ones is good lighting. Even 3-4 clamp lights bought at Home Depot can be enough to get strong, consistent lighting in your movie. Experiment with your camera until you know every feature. If you're making a movie on your own you want as many tricks up your sleeve as possible. Your camera is your best friend, and knowing how to manipulate it will be a big part of making your movie unique and original. The best way to learn is to play, but some things you need to look out for include: White Balance: This changes the "temperature" of your film, or the coloring. A properly set white balance ensures that all of your colors look natural. While you can play with white balance to get different visual effects, this is often easier while editing. Lenses: Different lenses will profoundly change your shot composition. Play with wide angles, fish eyes, and macro lenses to change up your visuals. Focus: Focusing takes a lifetime to master, and you should start now. Focus dictates what part of the shot is clear and which is blurry. Many cameras have automatic focus, but to make great films you need to manually control the focus. Focus on telling your story or idea visually. Video is a visual medium, and while voice overs and text are great to get information across they are not incredibly compelling. If you're shooting alone you will not be able to use dialog, actors, or a ton of sound to tell your story. What you have, however, is all the time in the world to set up great shots, capture good video, and work on creating compelling angles. Have the mind of a photographer on every shot. Ask yourself if, on its own, the image is interesting. Make a storyboard of your film. A storyboard is just the comic book version of your movie. They are invaluable ways to design your film, allowing you to "see" the movie before shooting. It then acts as your guidebook to the film. You can find and print templates online, or simply draw out your basic shots in advance with pen and paper. Improvising for the camera has it's place, of course. But storyboards are a good way to plan where the camera should go. Use an external mic instead of the camera microphone. Camera microphones are notoriously bad, and they become useless when the camera is far away from the action. An external microphone will make a huge difference in your production quality, since most audiences notice bad sound before rough video. Shoot in short bursts, not long single takes, when getting lots of footage. Make discrete, compelling "scenes" instead of turning the camera on and letting it run while you move around. This ensures that you think about each scene individually and it makes editing much easier. Stay in one place if you are filming yourself. Focus works by sharpening the image at one particularly distance from the camera. If you move around the camera will struggle to keep up, shifting focus or becoming blurry. Put down a small piece of tape that tells you where you need to sit or stand for each take. Get 3-5 times the footage you think you need. Films of any lengths are built in the editing booth.The more raw material, or film, that you have to work with the happier you will be, and the easier it will be to make a great movie. Grab different angles of the same shot, run through different lines, or videotape your environment for atmospheric shots. Every extra shot counts. Experiment with shots. Take crazy angles, get weird, abstract shots of everyday objects, and really explore your area with the camera. You may not use the footage, but even grabbing one compelling shot out of 100 will be worth it. Edit your movie to tell your story or idea, not to be flashy. Editing is one of the most underrated art forms in cinema, but that is almost by design. The best editors are invisible, making their cuts and changes perfectly. As a result, the audience, never has to think about editing. The footage just flows together. When you start editing your movie, make sure you know what the story, point, or thesis of your film is. All of your editing needs to service this idea. Learn to use cuts to tell your story. Editing version of paint and brushes is the "cut," which is simply when you transition from one shot to another. This is how films tell stories -- the images cut from one to the other, and each cut shows the audience a slight change or progression, like "she enters the building," or "he is talking now." They can be simple or symbolic, such as Stanley Kubrick's famous cut from a tossed bone to a space station in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Knowing how to use cuts to tell your story is vital to film editing. Hard Cut -- a cut to another angle or shot with no transitions. This is the most common cut in film. Smash Cut - An abrupt shift to completely different scene/image. This calls attention to the cut, often signalling a surprise or big shift in the story. Jump Cut -- An abrupt cut made within the same scene, usually to a slightly different angle. Though uncommon, they show confusion or the passing of time. J-Cut -- Cutting to the audio of the next shot, but not the video. This is a great way to link two scenes thematically, or provide narration. L-Cut -- Cutting to the video of the next shot, but still playing the audio from the old scene. This is a great way to show a character talking about something, like a promise, then doing it (or breaking it). Action Cut -- A cut in the middle of some movement. For example, showing a door opening on one room then cutting as it opens to a shot of the same door opening from the other side. Superimposition: When two different videos layer on top of each other, implying that they are connected and intertwined. This is often used in transitions, too. Matching Shots: When the shape of one video is mimicked in the next. For example, you might have a shot of your eyes, then cut to your eyes in sunglasses or someone else's eyes. This links the shots, but usually hints at some fundamental difference as well. Think about the rhythm and pacing of your scenes. Many editors think in terms of individual frames -- the still shots you see if you pause the screen -- and compile them like musicians use notes. How does your movie flow? How does the speed of the cuts contribute to the pacing of the video? In general: Quick cuts give a scene high energy and propulsive movement. Slow, infrequent cuts build tension, suspense, and focus. They slow the movie down, allowing the to viewer contemplate a shot or idea. It takes a human brain 3-5 frames to recognize an image. So you may confuse the audience if you try to be too rapid. This, however, could also be the goal. Take the time to color correct your footage. Color correction is the process of adjusting hue, saturation, brightness, and contrast of each video so that they all look the same. It is hard to get this right by yourself while shooting, so basic color correction while editing is almost always necessary. All video editing software has filters and effects for color correction. Many programs also have automatic correction, but it is often hit or miss. You can also play with color correction to get surprising effects or specialty lighting, like soft yellow glows or dangerous, intense red tints. If you are looking to submit your film to festivals or events, consider paying for professional color grading. Watch your film with friends and ask for their opinions. The only way to become a better filmmaker is to share your film with the world. Ask them, in their own words, to explain what they thought happened and comment on what they do and don't like. Brainstorm ways that you could improve it together and try incorporate their suggestions into your next film. Who knows -- maybe they'll help you make it.

Come up with a simple, filmable idea. Write out a basic script. Round up your equipment. Experiment with your camera until you know every feature. Focus on telling your story or idea visually. Make a storyboard of your film. Use an external mic instead of the camera microphone. Shoot in short bursts, not long single takes, when getting lots of footage. Stay in one place if you are filming yourself. Get 3-5 times the footage you think you need. Edit your movie to tell your story or idea, not to be flashy. Learn to use cuts to tell your story. Think about the rhythm and pacing of your scenes. Take the time to color correct your footage. Watch your film with friends and ask for their opinions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-Your-New-York-Times-Subscription

How to Cancel Your New York Times Subscription

To cancel your New York Times subscription, send an email to unsubscribe@nytimes.com that includes your account number and personal details. You can also cancel your subscription by logging into your account on the New York Times website, starting a chat with a representative, and then asking them to cancel your subscription. If you want your subscription to be immediately canceled, call 1-800-698-4637 to speak to an operator.

Call 1-800-NYTIMES (1-800-698-4637) if you live in the United States. This 800 number is free to call from anywhere in the United States. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7am – 10pm ET, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10am – 3pm ET. If you run into trouble with this phone number, try calling the general Customer Care line at 1-800-591-9233. You may notify the New York Times to cancel at any time during your subscription. Use a regional phone number if you're an international customer. If you live outside of the United States and need to cancel a subscription, you'll need to contact the newspaper through a regional phone number. You can find a list of international phone numbers and hours of operation at https://www.nytimes.com/content/help/contact/international-contact/international-contact.html. If you have trouble with any of these phone numbers, try calling the general Customer Care line at 1-800-591-9233. An alternative phone number for Canadian subscribers is 1-800-387-5400. Have your account number and most recent bill ready. Your account number can be found on your bill, or at https://account.nytimes.com/. You will also need to provide personal information, such as your home address, phone number, or email address, to confirm your identity. Any outstanding balance will need to be paid at the time of cancellation, so have your most recent bill on hand. Select the option that applies to you through the automated system. After you dial the 800 number, you will be connected with the newspaper's automated system. The system will ask you to state what kind of subscription you have: "Home Delivery" or "Digital Only." State what kind of subscription you have clearly so the system can route your call properly. Confirm your identity to the operator. After you connect with a live operator, they will ask you to confirm your identity by providing several pieces of information. Give the operator your account number, first and last name, home address, and phone number. If they ask you for any additional information to confirm your identity, provide it at this time. Request to cancel your current subscription. Clearly state to the operator that you want to cancel your home delivery service or digital subscription. In most cases, the operator will ask you why you want to cancel. Be firm with the operator, since they will probably try to convince you not to cancel and may even offer you a discounted rate to keep you as a customer. Confirm when the cancellation will become effective. In most cases, cancellations become effective on the following billing cycle. You cannot receive a refund for the current billing cycle, but your access and privileges will continue until the end of the current billing cycle. Confirm this with the operator at this time. Ask the operator to check your current billing status. If you have an outstanding balance, it's best to take care of it immediately so that you can fully cut ties with the newspaper. Ask the operator if you owe anything at this time. If you do, state that you want to pay it with your credit or debit card over the phone. Request proof of your cancellation via email for your files. Let the operator know you want proof of your cancellation emailed to you and provide your email address to them. That way, if any billing or delivery issues come up, you will have proof that you've cancelled and are not responsible for any further charges. If you don't receive the confirmation email within a few days, call them back and speak directly with an operator. Log into your digital account on the New York Time's homepage. Navigate to the newspaper's homepage, then click the blue button in the top right corner that says "Log In." Input your user name and password, then click the blue "Log In" button under the password box. Navigate to the "My Account" menu. Once you're logged into your digital account, click on "My Account" at the top right of the page. This allows you to access your current account information. A drop down menu will appear when you click on it. Click "Purchase History" and then "Cancel. " Clicking "Purchase History" will bring up another set of options. Click "Cancel" from the menu. You will be taken to a page that says "Cancel My Subscription" at the top. Click "Begin Chat" to speak with an account representative. There's no way to cancel your subscription without speaking to someone, either by phone or through the chat function. Click the blue "Begin Chat" button and wait for a live representative to greet you. Make sure you're attempting to communicate during their hours of operation, which are listed right below the "Begin Chat" button. Tell the representative you want to cancel your subscription. Once you do, the representative will ask you why you want to cancel. Tell them why and be firm, since they will probably use sales tactics to convince you not to cancel. Ask the representative when the cancellation becomes effective. Cancellations usually become effective on the following billing cycle. You've already paid for the current billing cycle, which you cannot get a refund for. However, your access and privileges will continue until the end of the current billing cycle. Ask the rep to confirm this. Request proof of cancellation be sent to you via email. Tell the representative you want proof of your cancellation emailed to you for your files. Provide your email address. If any account issues come up in the future, you will have proof that you've already cancelled and are not responsible for any other charges. If you don't receive the confirmation email within a day or so, initiate a new chat or call them at 1-800-698-4637 to speak with a live person. Deactivate the automatic renewal function, if needed. If your subscription was through a third party like iTunes, you will need to turn off the auto renewal function manually. If your subscription was through The New York Times directly, auto renewal won't be an issue, because your account becomes deactivated once you cancel your subscription. Log into your iTunes account. Then click on the Account link on the right side of the page. Enter your Apple ID and password, then click "Account Info." Mouse over to the Settings area, then click the "Manage" link next to "Subscriptions." Click the name of the publication, then set the Auto Renewal button to "Off." If you use a third party other than iTunes, you'll need to follow a similar process through their platform. Remove the app from your phone. Uninstall and delete the New York Times app from your phone like any other app. For iPhones, press and hold the app button until it wiggles. Click the “X” that appears in the corner of the icon and confirm the deletion. For Androids, go to “Settings” and click “Applications.” From there, click “Manage Applications.” Highlight the NYTimes app and select “Delete.” If you use another type of phone, like Windows, uninstall and delete the app just like any other app. Confirm the cancellation by trying to log into your account. Do this after the billing cycle has passed, since your account will remain active until then. Navigate to the newspaper's homepage and click "Log In" at the top right of the page. Enter your old credentials and click the "Log In" button. If you can still access your account, call their Customer Care line at 1-800-698-4637 to speak with a live person.

Call 1-800-NYTIMES (1-800-698-4637) if you live in the United States. Use a regional phone number if you're an international customer. Have your account number and most recent bill ready. Select the option that applies to you through the automated system. Confirm your identity to the operator. Request to cancel your current subscription. Confirm when the cancellation will become effective. Ask the operator to check your current billing status. Request proof of your cancellation via email for your files. Log into your digital account on the New York Time's homepage. Navigate to the "My Account" menu. Click "Purchase History" and then "Cancel. Click "Begin Chat" to speak with an account representative. Tell the representative you want to cancel your subscription. Ask the representative when the cancellation becomes effective. Request proof of cancellation be sent to you via email. Deactivate the automatic renewal function, if needed. Log into your iTunes account. Remove the app from your phone. Confirm the cancellation by trying to log into your account.

https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-Windows-With-Vinegar

How to Clean Windows With Vinegar

To clean your windows with vinegar, mix 1 cup (240 ml) of water with 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Use a clean paper towel to wipe any loose dust from the window pane, then mist the entire window with the vinegar solution. Wipe the window's surface with a lint-free towel, concentrating on the extra dirty spots, until you've removed all of the moisture and grime. Work quickly and dry the glass with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking!

Mix a strong vinegar solution. If you've never cleaned your windows with vinegar before, you might want to mix up a slightly stronger vinegar solution for your first attempt. Mix two cups (480 mL) water, ¼ cup (60 mL) white vinegar (you can also use apple cider vinegar), and ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of dishwashing detergent. You can also mix up and use this formula if you haven't washed your windows in a while. Make a basic vinegar solution. If you clean your windows with vinegar pretty regularly, you can use a more basic solution for your cleaning needs. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) water with 1 cup (240 mL) vinegar. This is a good solution to mix up ahead of time and have on hand just in case you decide to do some cleaning. Use straight vinegar. If you have really grimy windows, you'll want to wash them with an extra strength solution. Simply warm 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and apply it directly to glass (a spray bottle is best for this particular solution). If your windows are extra dirty, you can leave this solution on your windows to soak for a minute or two before you rinse it off. Prepare the area for cleaning. Before you apply a vinegar solution to the window, make sure you remove any dust from the window using a cloth or paper towel. Eliminating this layer of dust before you clean can help prevent you from simply moving dust around on the window. If there are small objects near the window, consider moving them to keep them from getting wet with vinegar. You might also want to place a bath towel on your windowsill or the floor under your windows to catch any solution that drips. Fill a small spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water. Select your solution strength based on the dirtiness of your windows and fill a small spray bottle with it. Using a spray bottle for small windows is particularly effective because it allows you to spray a small area that you can easily dry before moving on to the next window. Spray the window's surface. Use the spray bottle to mist the entire first window that you want to clean with the mixture. If you're cleaning more than one window, only apply the vinegar to the first window. Rub the window's entire surface with a cloth to work the vinegar in. The best tool for this is a lint-free towel, but paper towels also work well. Concentrate especially on spots that have visible stains or grime. Work quickly to help avoid streaks from appearing. Dry the window's entire surface. This is best done with a microfiber cloth, and should be done after most of the moisture has been collected by the lint-free towel. Dry the window vigorously and quickly, as this will prevent streaking. If you don't have a microfiber cloth, paper towel will also work. Don't use towels with lint in them – like regular hand and dish towels – to dry your windows because it will cause your window surfaces to streak. Fill a bucket with a mixture of vinegar and water. For large windows, you'll need a larger amount of your vinegar solution than what will fit into a spray bottle. You can use the same formulas listed above, again depending on the state of your windows. Rinse the windows with the hose. If you're cleaning outside windows, rinse them first with your garden hose to remove any excess dirt. You might need to spray certain areas for longer if there's caked on dirt. Wash with a soapy water mixture. You should give your windows a quick clean before you apply the vinegar mixture, especially if there are a lots of stains on the outside windows. You can scrub particular problem areas, but make sure you're using a sponge or mop head, not steel wool or anything similarly abrasive. It can scratch your windows. After you've washed the windows, rinse again with the hose. Apply the vinegar and water mixture across the window's surface. Using a sponge, apply the vinegar mixture to one window's surface. You can gently scrub at any stubborn spots if you need to. Load the sponge by dipping it in the bucket, and rub it across the entire surface of the window. As with smaller windows, working quickly will help prevent streaking. You can also use a scrub brush attached to a multi-purpose extension pole that has a universal threaded end that brushes can screw into.This lets you reach upper story windows or the tops of tall first story windows. Rinse with clean water. Using a spray bottle (if you're washing large inside windows) or your hose (if you're washing larger outside windows). Dry the window with a squeegee. Because the windows need to be dried quickly to keep streaks from appearing, a squeegee is essential for large windows; it also saves you from having to use a lot of towels. Dry the entire window with the squeegee as quickly as possible. Touch the window up with a microfiber cloth. To get the remaining moisture out of the corners of the window, use a microfiber cloth to rub the vinegar away. Rub any areas that begin to streak with the microfiber cloth before moving on to the next window. Sprinkle baking soda on window tracks. Using a small amount of baking soda – no more than a tablespoon or two per track – sprinkle your windows' tracks. Once you add vinegar, this will lift the dirt off your tracks without having to wipe it around. Pour on vinegar. Use a small amount of pure vinegar for this step. You should get some fizz when the vinegar hits the baking soda, but you shouldn't let it fizz so much that it comes up over the top of the window track. If you like, you can open the window screen and let the excess run off outside. Loosen the dirt. Using a q-tip, rub at the dirt in your window tracks to loosen it. This will force it to mix with the baking soda/vinegar mixture and make it easier to wipe it up. Soak up the vinegar/baking soda. Place paper towels in the track to soak up the vinegar and baking soda. You might have to repeat this more than once. Depending on how dirty your windows are, you might also have to wipe the window tracks with paper towel as well.

Mix a strong vinegar solution. Make a basic vinegar solution. Use straight vinegar. Prepare the area for cleaning. Fill a small spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water. Spray the window's surface. Rub the window's entire surface with a cloth to work the vinegar in. Dry the window's entire surface. Fill a bucket with a mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse the windows with the hose. Wash with a soapy water mixture. Apply the vinegar and water mixture across the window's surface. Rinse with clean water. Dry the window with a squeegee. Touch the window up with a microfiber cloth. Sprinkle baking soda on window tracks. Pour on vinegar. Loosen the dirt. Soak up the vinegar/baking soda.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Mortgage-Payoff

How to Calculate Mortgage Payoff

Mortgage payoff is the remaining amount you need to pay on your mortgage, including interest. To calculate your mortgage payoff, you'll need to know the total amount you borrowed, your annual interest rate, the total number of payments for the whole duration of the loan, and the total number of payments remaining. There are a number of online calculators that will work this out for you. All you need to do is enter your figures and take note of your mortgage payoff.

Understand why your mortgage payoff amount does not equal your current balance. Your statement says your most recent balance is $12,250, and yet your payoff amount (the amount it would take to close out the mortgage) is listed as $12,500. How can that be? You may assume that some complicated financial formulas are at play (ones that cost you money, of course), but in fact the answer is quite simple: mortgages are paid in arrears. That is, you pay June's interest with July's payment. This process starts at the beginning, at closing. If you close in June, for instance, your first payment won't be due until August, with July's interest included. Thus, to determine your payoff amount, the interest accrual since your last payment must be calculated and added to your balance. This interest wouldn't typically be added to your balance until your next statement date. Gather the information needed for your calculations. In order to determine the payoff amount, either using a calculation program or on your own, you need to know a handful of basic figures regarding your mortgage. All of these figures should be available on your statement or other loan documents. These include: The total amount borrowed when you took out the loan (for example, $200,000). The annual interest rate (for example, 3%, or 0.03). To do the calculations yourself, you will need to divide this number by twelve (0.03 / 12 = 0.0025), because mortgage interest compounds monthly. The total number of payments for the life of the loan, which for monthly payments is the number of years times twelve (for example, 20 years = 240 payments). The total number of years / payments remaining, and the number paid so far (for example, 15 years = 180 payments made; 5 years = 60 payments remaining). Consider online calculators if you’d rather not exercise your math muscles. The calculations aren't all that complicated, but punching a few numbers in and pressing “calculate” is certainly easier. A search for “mortgage payoff calculator” will provide several useful results. Try out a few to ensure accuracy. Please note, however, that you may find slight variations in your final results, probably only a few cents, but enough that you should always confirm your payoff amount with your lender before attempting to make a final payment. Using two such online calculators for a $200,000 loan at 3% annual interest over 20 years, with five years remaining, produces payoff results of $61,729.26 and $61,729.33, respectively. Contact your mortgage lender if you plan to make a final payment. Avoid making what you think is a mortgage payoff only to find out that you still owe a few dollars or cents that keeps your mortgage alive and accruing interest. Contact your lender by phone or online; lenders with online account management likely have a page that allows you to make the request. You will likely receive your payoff amount after a week. You will be asked to choose a specific date for which to determine the payoff. If you want to make the final payment, you will need to complete some version of payment form (online or by mail) with the precise amount due and the time frame in which this amount is valid as a final payoff. Such requests can be made solely for informational purposes as well. Some lenders may even include a payoff amount on your monthly statement. Lay out the formula carefully. It looks rather unwieldy at first, but the math is relatively straightforward once you've inserted your figures. Just be sure to copy the formula exactly or your results may vary significantly. The formula is: B = L [(1 + c)^n - (1 + c)^p] / [(1 + c)^n (- 1)] , in which: B = payoff balance due ($) L = total loan amount ($) c = interest rate (annual rate / 12) n = total payments (years x 12 for monthly payments) p = number of payments made so far Insert your figures. Using the same example as for the online calculators, a 20-year, $200,000 mortgage at 3% interest with five years to go, appears thusly: B = 200,000 [(1 + 0.0025)^240 - (1 + 0.0025)^180] / [(1 + 0.0025)^240 (-1)] Remember that the 3% annual interest rate (0.03) is divided by twelve because it compounds monthly (c = 0.03 / 12 = 0.0025). Twenty years of monthly payments is 240 (n = 20 x 12 = 240), and fifteen years of payments so far is 180 (p = 15 x 12 = 180). Power up your numbers. After adding 1 to 0.0025 the three times it appears in the formula, you will need to raise the resulting 1.0025 to the 240th power (twice) and to the 180th power (once). A good calculator will come in handy here. 1.0025^240 = 1.82075499532 1.0025^180 = 1.56743172467 B = 200,000(1.82075499532 - 1.56743172467) / (1.82075499532 - 1) Subtract from the inside. Once you accomplish this step, the formula will appear much more manageable and will be that much closer to completion. 1.82075499532 - 1.56743172467 = 0.253323270652 1.82075499532 - 1 = 0.82075499532 B = 200,000(0.253323270652 / 0.82075499532) Divide, multiply, and conquer. Now you can finish things off and solve for B, your payoff amount. 0.253323270652 / 0.82075499532 = 0.308646638883 200,000 x 0.308646638883 = 61729.3277766 Therefore, your payoff amount is $61,729.33.

Understand why your mortgage payoff amount does not equal your current balance. Gather the information needed for your calculations. Consider online calculators if you’d rather not exercise your math muscles. Contact your mortgage lender if you plan to make a final payment. Lay out the formula carefully. Insert your figures. Power up your numbers. Subtract from the inside. Divide, multiply, and conquer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Progressive-Muscle-Relaxation

How to Perform Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation involves you tensing and relaxing various muscle groups, which can help you sleep, reduce headaches, or help manage anxiety. Before you get started, put on loose-fitting clothing and find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed for 10 to 15 minutes. When you're ready to begin, choose a comfortable position, like sitting on a chair, and take 5 deep breaths. Start by tensing your muscles in one part of your body, such as your leg, as tightly as you can without causing pain. At the same time, breathe in deeply. After 5 seconds, breathe out and relax your muscles. Before you move to the next muscle group, relax for 10 seconds. If you want to increase your relaxation, imagine the sun's rays shining on the part of your body you're relaxing, since warmth is associated with relaxation.

Choose a time when you are not too sleepy. Though progressive relaxation can be used to relieve stress at night and aid in sleep, the goal is typically to learn to relax while still awake. You don't want to nod off in the middle of your session. Wear comfortable clothes and take off your shoes. Loose-fitting clothes are best; don't wear anything too tight, as this will limit your movement. And don't forget to take off your shoes so you can properly tense and relax your feet. Have a blanket ready. Often, when people are very relaxed they become chilly. Have a blanket or sheet nearby that you can drape over yourself if you get cold. The warmth will help you to relax. Find a quiet place. You will want to find a space where no interruptions or sudden noises will interrupt your relaxed state. A small, uncluttered space in your home is ideal. Dim the lights if possible to create a soothing atmosphere. You may want to try putting on a relaxing music track of nature sounds, bells or chimes, wind in the trees or ocean waves. A music track can also help with drowning out ambient noises you can't control. Some people also like to burn incense or scented candles during the session to control the smell surroundings. Make sure you will not be interrupted. A full session will take 10-15 minutes. Turn off your cell phone or pager. If you have a landline, turn off the ringer. Ask your family not to interrupt you during your session. Get into a comfortable position. You can perform progressive relaxation standing, sitting, or lying down. Sitting in a reclining armchair is ideal, as it allows you to relax more than if you were standing, but you are also less likely to fall asleep than if you were lying on your back. Once in position, close your eyes, uncross your legs, and let your hands rest comfortably at your sides or on your lap. End your preparation with 5 deep breaths. Deep breathing has been shown to help trigger the body's natural relaxation response, typified by lower blood pressure and a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Take a deep breath, hold it for four seconds, and relax as you let it out. Pay attention to how your abdomen rises and falls with each breath. After 5 deep breaths, you are ready to begin. Breathe in as you tense. Work with one specific part of your body at a time. Take a deep, slow breath through your nose as you squeeze the muscles for 5 seconds. The key is to tense the muscles as hard as you can without hurting yourself. Relax the tensed muscles as your breathe out. Exhale slowly through your mouth as you quickly relax, letting all tension flow out of the muscles. Focus on the now relaxed muscles; they should be loose and limp. Relax for 10 seconds before moving to the next muscle group. Don't move too fast. It will help to relax your body if you go slowly and deliberately, taking time between each tension-relaxation step. While relaxing, breathe slowly and evenly. Incorporate imagery. Warmth is associated with relaxation. You can increase your level of relaxation by imagining the warm rays of the sun shining on the part of your body that you are focusing on. In addition, you can imagine yourself in a safe, relaxing place before or after you start your session (see Adding Guided Imagery below). Repeat these steps until you have relaxed your entire body. You can start with your head and move down, or with your feet and move up. If a set of muscles is still tense, you may want to repeat the tense and relax cycle again before moving on to the next set of muscles. You may also find it more effective to tense one side of the body then the other. For a quicker relaxation session, tense them both at the same time. Start with your feet and toes. Breathe deeply through your nose as you curl your toes down and tense the soles of your feet. Hold for five seconds and then release. Feel the tension flow out of your feet. Pay particular attention to how different your feet feel when relaxed as opposed to tensed. Relax for 10 seconds before moving on to your legs. Move on to your legs. Tense and relax your legs, first one muscle group at a time, then all together. Don't forget to breathe in through your nose as you tense, and out though your mouth as you relax. Move in the following sequence: Calf muscles – Point your toes up towards your knees. Thighs (middle and inner) – If seated or standing, push your heels down onto the floor. If lying down, try to straighten your legs. Thighs (inner) – Press your knees together as if you were holding a sheet of paper between them. Buttocks – Tighten the muscles by squeezing your buttocks together. Entire legs – Tighten all the muscles in your legs together. Relax your core. Keep your breathing even as you progress to your stomach and back. Remember to pause for 10 seconds between each cycle of tensing and relaxing. Stomach – Imagine you are trying to touch your belly button to your spine. Lower back – Arch your back as you tighten the muscles just above your buttocks. Focus on your upper back and chest. By now, you should be feeling very relaxed. You breathing should be slow and steady. Remember to hold the tension for 5 seconds before you relax. Chest – Take a deep breath and hold it to tense your chest. Upper back – Pull your shoulder blades back as if you were trying to touch them together. Concentrate on your shoulders and neck. Lift your shoulders up as if you were trying to touch your ears. As you do so, tilt you head back slightly to increase the tension in your neck. Tension in your neck and shoulders is a frequent cause of both headaches and neck pain. You may want to do two or even three cycles to make sure you completely relax your neck and shoulders. Work on your arms. It should be getting easier and easier to relax as your body calms down. As you relax each part of your arms in succession, remember to breathe in through your nose when tensing and out through your mouth as you relax. Triceps – Extend your arms and lock your elbows. Biceps – Curl your arms to flex your biceps. Forearms – Curl your hands downwards as if you were trying to reach back to touch your elbows with your fingers. Hands – Clench your fists. Finish by relaxing the muscles of your face. People carry a lot of tension in their face, particularly in their jaw muscles. As you relax these muscles, you will complete your session. You should now be completely relaxed. Eyes and lips – Make a sour face: squeeze your eyes shut while pressing your lips together. Jaw – Open your mouth as wide as you can. Cheeks – Smile widely. Forehead – Raise your eyebrows as high as you can. Relax. Now that you have completed the progressive muscle relaxation process, take a few minutes to simply relax. You may choose to engage in guided imagery in order to further enjoy the sense of relaxing calm. Or, if you have time, you may wish to go to sleep. Use imagery to increase the benefits of progressive relaxation. Tensing and relaxing your muscles can help drive the tension from your body. You can then gain added benefits by using guided imagery to relax your mind. This practice has been shown to positively effect mood, and to reduce anxiety and fatigue. You can use imagery along with deep breathing before you start to put yourself in a relaxed state. Alternately, you can wait until you are relaxed and then imagine yourself in a safe, relaxing space to increase your sense of relaxation. Choose your safe place. Think of a real or imagined place where you feel safe, calm, and happy. There is no "wrong" place. It is, however, best to stick with a place once you choose it, as this makes reaching a relaxed state easier. Common safe places include: A beach The woods A mountaintop A sunny park A spot you visited on vacation Your favorite room in your house, past or present Imagine yourself in your safe place. Feel the calmness as you imagine each detail. Use all of your senses, not just sight. For example, if your safe place were a sunny meadow, you might concentrate on: The colors – the green of the grass, the pure blue of the sky The sounds – the buzz of bees, the trill of birdsong, the whistle of the wind in the grass The sensations – the wind on your skin, the warm sun on your face, the grass under your arms Smells – the clean air with a hint of grass and wildflowers Allow the calm to drive away all thought. When thoughts do arise, don't fight them. Gently return your focus to the details of the calm, relaxing space. If you have difficulty ridding yourself of a thought, imagine putting an image of it on a TV screen, then use a remote control to turn it off. You can also imagine putting the image in a drawer and closing the drawer. Enjoy the peacefulness. You are completely relaxed, with no desire to be anywhere else, to do anything else. Your mind and body are at ease.

Choose a time when you are not too sleepy. Wear comfortable clothes and take off your shoes. Have a blanket ready. Find a quiet place. Make sure you will not be interrupted. Get into a comfortable position. End your preparation with 5 deep breaths. Breathe in as you tense. Relax the tensed muscles as your breathe out. Relax for 10 seconds before moving to the next muscle group. Incorporate imagery. Repeat these steps until you have relaxed your entire body. Start with your feet and toes. Move on to your legs. Relax your core. Focus on your upper back and chest. Concentrate on your shoulders and neck. Work on your arms. Finish by relaxing the muscles of your face. Relax. Use imagery to increase the benefits of progressive relaxation. Choose your safe place. Imagine yourself in your safe place. Allow the calm to drive away all thought. Enjoy the peacefulness.

https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Dog-to-Love-the-Crate

How to Teach Your Dog to Love the Crate

To teach your dog to love its crate, start by putting the crate in an area where your family spends a lot of time, so your dog doesn't feel isolated. You can also make the crate comfortable by lining it with something soft, like a towel or blanket. Then, leave the door of the crate open and place treats or toys inside so your dog will want to go in and investigate. Additionally, feed your dog meals in the crate so it associates it with positive experiences. Once your dog is comfortable, shut the door for brief periods before gradually lengthening the time it spends inside.

Choose an appropriately-sized crate. Your dog's crate should be just large enough for the dog to stand up in, turn around, and lie down comfortably. One of the reasons that crate-training is effective for housebreaking a dog is that dogs will not eliminate waste where they sleep. If the crate is too large, the dog may use one end for sleeping, and use the other as a latrine. If your puppy is still growing, you can buy a crate that will accommodate his adult size, and block off part of it with a divider (sold with some crates) to fill up the extra space. Many humane societies and some veterinarian's offices rent crates, so you can get one that is the appropriate size for your puppy and trade up as the animal grows. If you plan to use the crate for air travel, be sure to choose one that is approved by the FAA or your airline of choice. Choose the right kind of crate. There are many different kinds of crates you can buy, including wire, plastic, and soft-sided. Choose the best crate for your dog and circumstances. Wire crates are the most inexpensive and breathable, and usually come with dividers for walling off part of the crate to accommodate a growing puppy. Plastic crates feel cozier to most dogs, and can usually be used for air travel. However, they aren't the best choice in hot weather as dogs that get hot easily. Soft-sided crates are lightweight and portable, however many dogs can chew their way out of them, and they can be difficult to clean. Find a good spot for the crate. When you begin crate training, it is best to put the crate in a place where you and your family spend a lot of time during the day, like the kitchen or living room. Dogs are social animals, and like to feel that they are part of the pack. It is important not to put the crate in an isolated location, like the basement or garage. The crate should never feel like an isolating punishment for your dog. You should plan to move the crate to your bedroom at night when training a puppy, so you can take the puppy out when it needs to go to the bathroom. Some dog owners simply set up two crates, one in the living area of their homes, and one in the bedroom. Make the crate comfortable for your dog. Place a blanket or towel on the bottom of the crate for the dog to sleep on. If you are using a mesh or wire crate, you can also drape a breathable blanket or towel over the top of the crate to create a cozier, more den-like atmosphere that may help your dog feel more secure. Some dogs and puppies might mistake the bedding for something to chew on, or as bathroom material. If this is the case, remove the bedding and clean the cage, and proceed without bedding. You can add it back in later as your dog matures. Be enthusiastic about the crate. As you set up the crate, your dog may come over to investigate it. Say positive things about the crate to show your enthusiasm for it, and allow your dog to explore. However, you should not try to force your dog into the crate or close the door right away if he goes inside. Getting used to the crate takes time and patience, and the more excited you seem about the crate, the more excited your dog will become. Open the door to the crate. Leave the door of the crate open and verbally encourage your dog to check it out. Your dog may go in to have a look see, or may not be so easily convinced. If your dog does enter the crate, be sure to give a lot of positive praise to let him know that you are pleased. Do not shut the door on the dog if he does enter; wait until the dog is secure being in the crate before you close the door. Put some treats inside the crate. You can close the treats inside the crate for a few minutes to build your dog's interest, or let the dog get to them right away. It is OK if the dog just pokes its head in to get the treats at first. Gradually move the treats further and further back into the crate until the dog has to go completely inside to get them. Place a favorite toy inside the crate. If your dog is not responding well to treats, try placing a favorite toy, or a brand new and especially tempting chew toy inside the crate. Feed your dog meals in the crate. Once your dog will voluntarily enter the crate to retrieve a toy or treat, you can begin feeding him meals inside the crate. Put the food dish all the way back in the crate, and leave the door open while the dog eats his first meal or two in the crate. Begin closing the door. Once your dog seems content standing and eating in the crate, you can begin closing the door while he eats. Stay nearby where the dog can see you. At the first few feedings, open the door as soon as the dog is done eating. Then gradually leave the door shut for a few additional minutes after each feeding, until the dog is staying in the crate for 10 minutes at a time. Get your dog used to longer stays in the crate. Once your dog is used to eating in the crate with the door closed, you can leave him in for longer periods of time. Call your dog to the crate and give him a treat. Then choose a command, such as "kennel up," point to the crate, and encourage him to enter. When he does, give him a treat and close a door. Stay near the crate for the first 5 to 10 minutes, then leave the room for a short time. Come back in the room, and let the dog out. Repeat this process a few times a day for several days, gradually increasing the time your dog spends in the crate. Crate the dog while you leave the house. When your dog can successfully stay in the crate for 30 minutes without whining or showing signs of distress, you can leave him in the crate while you leave the house for short outings. Make sure to exercise your dog before you leave, and put him in the crate. You may want to leave a toy or two with him. The simply put him in the crate as you have been doing and leave without any extra fuss. Crate your dog at night. It is best to keep the crate in your bedroom initially, especially if you have a puppy that may need to pee during the night. As the dog gets used to sleeping in the crate overnight, you can move the crate to a different location if you prefer. Do not keep your dog in the crate for too long. Dogs need exercise and social activity to remain physically and emotionally healthy, and over-crating can lead to problems. Be aware of the following crate-time guidelines, and avoid leaving any dog in a crate for over 5 hours at a time, except at night. Age 9-10 weeks: 30-60 minutes. Age 11-14 weeks: 1-3 hours. Age 15-16 weeks, 3-4 hours. Age 17+ weeks: 4+ hours (but never more than 6!). Respond to whining appropriately. Do not let your dog out of the crate because of whining, unless you believe the animal needs to eliminate. Otherwise, you are rewarding the whining and encouraging the behavior in the future. Ignore your dog's whines for a few minutes. If he does not give up, take him outside quickly and matter-of-factly to eliminate, and then return the dog to the crate. Make sure you do not teach the dog that whining = escape from the crate. Make a schedule and train your dog over a weekend. Many people don't have time to spend weeks crate-training a dog. If you follow the prescribed steps here, and remain positive and patient with the dog, most animals can be conditioned to love the crate in a single weekend. Get the crate ready ahead of time. Purchase your crate and place it in the desired location. You can do this a few days ahead of time to get the dog used to the crate's presence. Leave the door of the crate open so your dog can explore. Begin placing treats in the crate Friday night. Sneak a few treats into the crate on Friday evening, and replace them as your dog discovers them. You can continue to sneak treats into your dog's crate after the initial training period is over to help maintain the positive association with the crate. Serve Friday night dinner in the crate. Put your dog's evening meal in a bowl in the back of the crate. If your dog is reluctant to enter the crate completely, slide the bowl closer to the door, but as the dog begins to eat, try to push it further into the crate. If the dog seems comfortable, close the door until he is done eating, but only if things are going well. Begin active training on Saturday morning. For the first training session, sit down next to the crate and call your dog. Show the dog a treat, and give a command to enter the crate (for instance "go to bed" or "kennel up",) then toss the treat into the crate. When the dog goes into the crate to get the treat, give him enthusiastic praise, and another treat while he is inside. Give your dog another command (e.g. "come out" or "OK") to leave the crate, and then repeat. Repeat this process 10 times, then take a short break, and repeat another 10 times. Ask your dog to earn the treat. Later Saturday morning, do another session. Give the first few treats as before. After a few times, instead of just throwing the treat into the crate, give the command and don't give the treat until your dog has entered the crate. Then give the command to leave the crate and give your dog another treat when he comes out. Repeat this about 10 times, or until your dog appears to understand what is happening. Take a short break, and then do another 10 repetitions. Close the crate door on Saturday afternoon. Begin by sending the dog into the crate and giving him a treat a few times as before. After a few repetitions, send the dog into the crate, give him a treat, and then gently close the crate door. Feed the dog a few treats through the door, and then open it. Give your dog the command to come out, and repeat. Do the exercise 10 times, leaving the door open a little longer each time. Try to build up to 10, then 30 seconds. If your dog seems anxious, only close the door part way at first. Using lots of positive reinforcement throughout this process will minimize your dog's anxiety. Increase the time in the crate. Take a break, then repeat the above exercise. This time, once you close the crate door, sit down near the crate for increasingly long intervals of time, until the dog is comfortable being in the crate for a minute at the time. Accustom your dog to being in the crate alone. On Saturday evening, begin practicing leaving the dog alone in the crate for short periods. Begin with a few short stays in the crate as above. Next, send the dog into the crate, and then walk across the room or out of sight before coming back and rewarding your dog. Repeat this process 10 times. Then take a half hour break, and do it all again. Practice longer crate times on Sunday morning. Get a chew bone, or a KONG toy stuffed with food, and ask your dog to enter the crate. Then give him the toy, close the door, and then relax in the same room reading or watching TV for half an hour while the dog chews the toy. When the time is up, give your dog the command to come out and open the door and take away the toy. Repeat the process an hour or two later. It is best not to celebrate the dog coming out of the crate too much. You want the dog to be excited going into the crate, not coming out. Give your dog a good workout. For the next session, you will want your dog to be well-exercised and ready to rest. Take him out for a long walk or play session, and get him tired out. Leave the room. Send your dog into the crate, and give him his special chew toy. Close the door and then leave the room for 10 minutes. Come back and let him out for awhile, then repeat the process with increasingly longer times in the crate. Make sure to give your dog play and bathroom breaks in between, and build up to an hour of crate time for your dog. Leave the house. On Sunday evening, it is time to try leaving the house. Send your dog into the crate and give him his chew toy. Then leave the house for 10 minutes. When your return, let the dog out of the crate and go about your evening. Do not celebrate or act excited about leaving or returning. You want to teach your dog that entering and exciting the crate is a totally normal event, and nothing to get excited about. Head out on Monday morning. After the weekend crate training, your dog should be ready to stay in the crate for several hours at a time, depending on the dog's age. Exercise your dog thoroughly in the morning, and then send him to the crate and give him a chew toy. Be sure not to make a big fuss about leaving, and only stay gone for a few hours before returning to give your dog a midday break. Remember to follow the age guidelines below, and don't leave your dog in the crate for too long: Age 9-10 weeks: 30-60 minutes. Age 11-14 weeks: 1-3 hours. Age 15-16 weeks, 3-4 hours. Age 17+ weeks: 4+ hours (but never more than 6 hours!).

Choose an appropriately-sized crate. Choose the right kind of crate. Find a good spot for the crate. Make the crate comfortable for your dog. Be enthusiastic about the crate. Open the door to the crate. Put some treats inside the crate. Place a favorite toy inside the crate. Feed your dog meals in the crate. Begin closing the door. Get your dog used to longer stays in the crate. Crate the dog while you leave the house. Crate your dog at night. Do not keep your dog in the crate for too long. Respond to whining appropriately. Make a schedule and train your dog over a weekend. Get the crate ready ahead of time. Begin placing treats in the crate Friday night. Serve Friday night dinner in the crate. Begin active training on Saturday morning. Ask your dog to earn the treat. Close the crate door on Saturday afternoon. Increase the time in the crate. Accustom your dog to being in the crate alone. Practice longer crate times on Sunday morning. Give your dog a good workout. Leave the room. Leave the house. Head out on Monday morning.

https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-a-Guy-You-Like

How to Talk to a Guy You Like

If you want to talk to a guy you like and you're feeling pretty nervous about it, consider rehearsing a few good conversation topics ahead of time. You don't need to rehearse a conversation word-for-word, just think of a few things you can talk about and practice saying them in the mirror. The next time you're around him, be on the lookout for things you can use to break the ice, like making a comment about your history homework or complimenting his sweater. Once you start talking, ask him some questions to get the conversation flowing, and wrap things up before you run out of things to say.

Rehearse what to say if you're nervous. It can be scary to start up a conversation with your crush. It may feel silly to you, but many be people find rehearsing what to say ahead of time can help. If you're unsure how to approach your crush, stand in front of the mirror in your home and practice. Try to think of ways to start a conversation. Where do you normally see this person? If you have class together, you can practice asking him about a homework assignment or making a comment on the latest test. You don't have to plan what you'll say word-for-word. In fact, rehearsing too much may make your conversation sound strained. Instead, have a general idea of what you want to talk about. Find a conversation starter. Look for observations or comments you can make to get the conversation started. There are a variety of ways to begin a conversation. Once you're talking, you can proceed to keep things flowing, allowing you to get to know your crush. Try starting with a compliment. For example, say something like, "Hey, I love your sweater." You can also make an observation. For example, "What did you think of that quiz yesterday? I thought it was really tough." Try commenting on something that's going on around you, like the music that's playing or the crowd at the mall you're both at. You can ask a question. For example, "Do you know when that report is due? I forgot to write it down." Try to approach him in comfortable situations. If he's not distracted, it will be easier to get his attention. Ask questions. Once you start talking, ask some questions. It can be difficult to establish a smooth flow of conversation at first. One helpful tip to remember is that people generally enjoy talking about themselves. If you want your crush to keep talking, ask him questions. This can also help you get to know him better. Ask him about things you have in common, at first. For example, "What do you think of this class?" and, "Do you think you'll go to the football games this season?" Once you're in a conversation, try to ask more broad questions that relate to the topic at hand. If you end up discussing a movie you watched in class, say something like, "What kind of movies do you like in general?" Maintain the conversation for an appropriate amount of time. During the initial conversation, you don't want to overdo it. Pay attention to how the guy is reacting. Wrap up the conversation when it seems to have reached its natural end. After you exhausted a certain topic, you both may get the sense there's little left to discuss. The guy may start giving shorter answers. This isn't necessarily a sign that the guy is not engaged. Conversations just have a natural beginning and end. Rather than trying to force a conversation to go on longer than it has to, try to wrap it up. Look for an organic way to exit the conversation. For example, say something like, "Well, I should head to my next class. I'll see you later." Discuss shared interests. You want to be yourself around your crush, so don't center all the conversations around him and his interests — let him get to know you, too. Once you're talking regularly, try to look for shared interests to discuss. This way, you'll get to know each other better and bond through common traits. For example, say you find out you both like Dancing With The Stars. Try asking him about the latest episodes after they air. For example, "Did you see Dancing With The Stars last night? It was so crazy." From there, you can look for broader topics of shared interests to discuss. For example, "Do you like dancing? I just love dancing and musicals." Get to know him by asking questions. If a conversation is slowing down, ask a question. Asking someone about themselves will usually keep a conversation interesting. This will also give you a sense of whether you want to eventually ask your crush out. If you have a lot of shared interests and opinions, you're more likely to be compatible. You can ask questions like: "What's your favorite movie?" "Do you have any hobbies?" "What's your favorite subjects in school?" "What's the coolest place you've ever visited?" "Who's your favorite television character?" Be yourself. When you really like someone, it can be very tempting to try and be the type of person you think they would be interested in dating. For instance, if the guy is really sporty but you couldn't care less about sports, you might be tempted to pretend you're also a big fan. Avoid this. Don't deny your own interests, hobbies, and friends out of fear of judgement or rejection. You can be polite about it ("Oh, I'm not really into football."), and use it as an opportunity to help him learn a little about you ("I actually really love going to see live music."). It can be hard to keep this in mind when you are crushing hard, but remember that someone who doesn't like you for who you really are ultimately isn't a good match for you. Text him regularly. If you get his number, texting can be a great form of communication that can help you get to know him better. Try to text him once in a while and see how he responds. This can help you see if he likes you as well. A guy who texts back eagerly is more likely to be interested. Be yourself when you text. If he asks you questions, give honest answers. Use your own unique voice and sense of humor. Throw in an occasional emoji. Don't overdo it, but a few smiley faces now and then can come off as flirty. Allow him to initiate texting on occasion. You don't want to overwhelm him. Try to flirt some. As you're getting to know a guy, try to do some light flirting. This will convey your interest and allow you to get a sense of whether a guy likes you. If he flirts back, it's likely he's interested. Smile. Smiling is contagious. Keeping eye-contact while smiling is key. This keeps the tension in the air flirty and fun. A smile to a guy gives him motivation to pursue you. Give him a brief smile and then look away. Make eye contact. This will convey interest. Try to introduce gentle touch. Lightly brush his arm when you're talking to him, for example. Avoid certain topics. Some topics can tank a conversation, so they should be avoided. If you're trying to get to know a potential romantic interest, stay away from topics that may make him uncomfortable. Avoid putting yourself down. You want to show that you like yourself and you're not insecure. Never say anything negative about his friends or family. Look for signs of attraction. Before you ask someone out, it's a good idea to see if they're interested as well. If the guy doesn't seem at all invested, it may be a good idea to stick to being friends. A guy who's interested will often show this in his body language. He will lean towards you when he talks, make eye contact, and smile frequently. People often subtly mirror one another's body language when they're interested in someone. A guy may, for example, cross his legs when you do. If a guy makes excuses to touch you, this is a sign of attraction. He may brush your arm, give you a hug, or try to touch you in other ways. It may also help to notice if he acts different around you then he does other people. This may suggest he likes you, and may even go against the normal signs. For instance, if he is usually very flirty with just about everyone but is more quiet and shy around you, this may actually be because he is nervous around you. Keep in mind that none of these are definite signs he is interested. Be straightforward. Sometimes, it's best just to be straightforward. It can be scary to confess your feelings; however, if you think the guy is interested, it's easier to just come out and say so instead of beating around the bush. Keep it simple. Say something like, "So, I really like you a lot. I was wondering if you feel the same way." Take a few deep breaths before going into the conversation. This will help you stay calm. Ask them on a date. If it goes well, ask the guy out on a date. Say something like, "Do you want to see a movie tonight?" or, "Do you want to go to the school dance with me?" It can be hard to make the first move, but if your feelings are shared that's somewhat easier. Cope with rejection. You can never be 100% sure if someone is interested in you. Even if you think you've read the signs correctly, there's always a chance a guy will not return your affections. If this is the case, try to accept this and move on. If the guy turns you down, don't question him or get angry. Say something like, "Oh ok. I'm disappointed, but I understand." Then you can excuse yourself and walk away. Seek out support from friends and family members. Find someone to vent your disappointment towards. Do something nice for yourself in the wake of disappointment. Buy yourself a new item of clothing or other treat. Take a day off to watch a movie with a friend.

Rehearse what to say if you're nervous. Find a conversation starter. Ask questions. Maintain the conversation for an appropriate amount of time. Discuss shared interests. Get to know him by asking questions. Be yourself. Text him regularly. Try to flirt some. Avoid certain topics. Look for signs of attraction. Be straightforward. Ask them on a date. Cope with rejection.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Smoke-Smell

How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell

To get rid of the smell of smoke in your home, open as many windows as possible to bring fresh air inside. If there's not much of a breeze outside, turn on any fans you have in the house so the air will circulate throughout your home. Place an air purifier or a bowl of activated charcoal in each room, and scrub down the walls, ceilings, and floors in each room as well. You should also wash any drapes, blinds, or other fabrics in your home. If there is any furniture you can move outside, letting it sit in the fresh air for a day or two can help it smell fresh again.

Clean out any ash trays in your home or car. Ashes and cigarette butts will continue to smell, so get rid of these first. Wash or vacuum out the ashtrays in your home or car and get rid of loose cigarette butts so they don't keep giving off a smoke smell. Make sure cigarette butts are completely extinguished before throwing them in the trash to avoid accidental fires. Vacuum all of your floors, carpets, and seats thoroughly. If you've smoked inside your home or car, then ashes can get everywhere and continue smelling. Give everything a good vacuuming, especially fabrics and upholstery, to get rid of any leftover ash. Make sure you don't miss any spots in your car. Vacuum under the seats, the dashboard, and in the space between the doors. Open all the windows in your home or car to bring in fresh air. A good airing-out can be very effective. Try opening all the windows in your home or car to let some fresh air in. Opening windows will also pull out some of the smoke odor. It might take a few hours or days of airing out to make a big difference. Keep an eye on the weather if you're airing out your car. You don't want any rain getting inside. Place fans in the windows of your home to pull odor out. Fans can get the air circulating faster. Put box fans in 1 or 2 of your windows so that they're facing outward and turn them on. Keep the fans running for a few hours or all day if you have to. Put smelly furniture, mats, books, and other items outside to air out. Your couches, chairs, tables, books, and knick knacks absorb smoke smells. The same goes for removable mats or seat covers in your car. Move your smelly items outside on a nice, sunny day and leave them out there for a few hours to air out. Keep an eye on the weather. Make sure you do this on a day when no rain is expected so your things don't get ruined. Give everything a quick smell test before you bring it back inside. If anything still has a smoke odor, don't bring it back indoors. Stow it in your garage or somewhere else. Replace all of the air filters in your home. Even if you clean your whole home, the smoke odor may still be hanging around in your air vents. Replace the filters on your furnace and AC units so they don't keep pumping the smell into your home. If you have central air and heating, vacuum around the vents and ducts to get rid of any lingering ash. If you've replaced the filters and the smell persists, then you may need a professional to come and clean the vents. Sprinkle baking soda on smelly surfaces to soak up the odor. This is a good, simple trick for homes and cars. Baking soda absorbs smells, so sprinkle a good amount around your home or car, including on all the carpets, furniture, beds or mattresses, rugs, and solid surfaces. Let it sit for a few days, then vacuum it all up. Baking soda won't damage fabrics, so don't worry about using it in your home or car. If you don't want to get baking soda everywhere, leave bowls of baking soda around your home or car. This won't work quite as well, but it will pull some of the odor out of the air. Wipe down hard surfaces with white vinegar. If your home still smells after a baking soda treatment, then the odor may be clinging to the walls. Wet a rag with white vinegar and wring it out. Lightly wipe solid surfaces like the floor, walls, and wooden furniture to get rid of the smell. You can also wipe down lamps, picture frames, and any other solid items. You can use this trick to wipe down the steering wheel, dashboard, and other plastic spots in your car. You can wipe upholstered furniture with a small amount of vinegar if it smells. This also works for leather car seats as long as you dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water. If you prefer not to wipe things down with vinegar, leave out bowls of vinegar to absorb odors from the air. Clean your windows to get rid of smoke residue. Smoke can leave a smelly layer of residue on glass surfaces. Use glass cleaner to wipe down your windows and get rid of the smoke residue. Don't forget to clean other glass surfaces like mirrors. Leave a bowl of activated charcoal in smelly spots. Activated charcoal is a bit stronger than baking soda, so it may do a better job of absorbing leftover odors. Try leaving bowls of it around your home to get rid of any remaining traces of the smell. Keep the activated charcoal in a bowl or container since it can stain surfaces. Steam clean your carpets, furniture, and car seats to deep-clean them. If none of your deodorizing tricks worked, you may need to give everything a thorough steam-cleaning. Luckily, many hardware stores rent these machines. Use the steamer on all the fabrics and upholstery in your home or car, and let them air-dry for a few hours to knock out the smell. You may need to use different shampoo types on different fabrics, so be sure to follow any specific instructions by the manufacturers. You can also call in a professional steam-cleaner if you don't want to do this yourself. Repaint your home interior if nothing gets rid of the smell. If someone smoked in a home for many years, then even your best efforts might not get rid of the smell. In this case, your only hope is repainting. Give the interior walls in each room of your home a fresh coat of paint to cover up any remaining odors. In very serious cases, you may need to replace the insulation in the walls as well. It's possible for smoke smells to set in here. Wash your clothes and fabrics with 1⁄2  c (120 ml) of vinegar. Put your clothes into the washing machine and adding ⁄ 2   c (120 ml) of white vinegar instead of detergent. Then, run the cycle as you normally would. Smell your clothes when they come out and wash them again if the smell isn't gone. Don't put stinky clothes in the dryer before you re-wash them. You could set the odor into the clothes if you put them in the dryer. Use this trick for bedding and other loose fabric items like curtains. Dry-clean fabrics if washing doesn’t help or you can't wash them. If you've washed your clothes and bedding a few times and the smell just won't go away, then dry-cleaning can help. This is usually an effective way to get rid of odors, so drop your items off at the dry-cleaner to see if that helps. Make sure you tell the dry-cleaner that you want to get rid of the smoke smell so they can wash your items correctly. You can also dry-clean more fragile items like tapestries and wall hangings. These usually can't be put in the washing machine, so try dry-cleaning from the start. Seal small items you can’t wash in a bag with baking soda. Other items like books can't really be washed easily. In this case, the best way to fight the odor is sealing them in a plastic bag with some baking soda. Leave them in there for 8 hours so the baking soda can absorb all the smells. Baking soda doesn't stain, so you can just dust off the items when you take them out. Remove and replace carpets that you can't get the smell out of. Sometimes you can't completely get rid of smoke smell just by cleaning the carpets, especially if the smell was caused by a fire or years of smoking indoors. If you've tried baking soda and other washing tricks and the smoke odor is still there, then your only hope is removing the carpet. Pull out the old carpet and either leave the floor bare or install new carpet to get rid of the smell entirely. Clean the hard floor under the carpet with vinegar, just in case the smell soaked through the carpet. Otherwise, the odor might hang around after you put a new carpet down.

Clean out any ash trays in your home or car. Vacuum all of your floors, carpets, and seats thoroughly. Open all the windows in your home or car to bring in fresh air. Place fans in the windows of your home to pull odor out. Put smelly furniture, mats, books, and other items outside to air out. Replace all of the air filters in your home. Sprinkle baking soda on smelly surfaces to soak up the odor. Wipe down hard surfaces with white vinegar. Clean your windows to get rid of smoke residue. Leave a bowl of activated charcoal in smelly spots. Steam clean your carpets, furniture, and car seats to deep-clean them. Repaint your home interior if nothing gets rid of the smell. Wash your clothes and fabrics with 1⁄2  c (120 ml) of vinegar. Dry-clean fabrics if washing doesn’t help or you can't wash them. Seal small items you can’t wash in a bag with baking soda. Remove and replace carpets that you can't get the smell out of.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Gerbil-Cage

How to Clean a Gerbil Cage

To clean your gerbil's cage, first remove the litter, food dish, water bottle, and any toys. Next, use a soft cloth with mild soap and lukewarm water to wipe down the cage until all odors and stains are gone. Make sure to rinse off any soap suds then pat the cage dry with paper towels. You should clean the food dish and water bottle separately with a little less soap to avoid leaving suds that could make your gerbil sick. Once the cage is dry, line the bottom with newspaper, put down fresh bedding, and reinstall everything you took out.

Put your gerbil in a safe place while you clean the cage. Your gerbil should not be in his cage during cleaning as the chemicals can be harmful to his skin and fur. Before cleaning the cage, gently take your gerbil out of their cage and put him in a safe place where he cannot escape. Find a secure area where your gerbil will not get hurt. Keep him away from other animals, especially cats and dogs as they might be predatory towards gerbils. A bucket is a good choice, as the gerbil will not be able to jump or climb out. You might also consider purchasing a running ball for your gerbil, which can be found at most pet and department stores, so your gerbil can ran and play while you clean his cage. If your gerbil seems nervous, move something from his cage, such as a toy or a piece of bedding, to the new location. That way, he'll have something familiar as comfort. Also, try leaving him alone, so he will not feel so overwhelmed. Remove litter, the food dish, water bottle, and toys from the cage. Any equipment in the gerbil's cage, especially items he eats or drinks from, should be removed before you begin the cleaning process. Litter should be periodically cleaned, but when you do a thorough cage cleaning you should remove all litter and replace it with fresh litter when you're done. Remove the litter before you begin the cleaning process. Soap suds in a food bowl or water bottle can easily harm your gerbil and cause stomach issues and general discomfort. While you should clean these items, they should be cleaned separately as you'll be using less soap then you would on the cage in general. Gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Make sure you have cleaning supplies ready before you begin the cleaning process. Being in the cage can be stressful for your gerbil and you do not want to prolong the cleaning process. All you need to clean a gerbil's cage is mild soap and water. No special cleaners are necessary and might actually be harmful to your pet. Never used ammonia-based products. These can be harmful to your gerbil, even when rinsed off thoroughly. Wash and rinse the cage. Your gerbil's cage should be washed once a week. It is not necessary to wash the cage more than this. Using your mild soap, clean the cage using lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth to clean the cage. Wipe it down with soap and water, until all odors are removed and any stains are gone. When you rinse, make sure all soap suds are gone. Make sure to check that the sides or bars of a cage are free of suds, as gerbils may chew or lick. Pat the cage dry with paper towels when done and let any excess water air dry. Clean the food and water dish. When you clean the gerbil's cage, use this as an opportunity to clean the food and water bowl. Gerbils, being desert animals, do not drink often. However, they do need clean, fresh water every day. Make sure you rinse out the water bottle and clean it with a mild soap if it seems particularly dirty. Be very vigilant about cleaning out soap suds afterwards, as ingesting even trace amounts of soap can cause digestive issues. Give the water bowl a wash, once again using mild soap and rinsing thoroughly. Change the bedding. Gerbil bedding gets dirty fairly easily and should be swapped out once a week when you clean your gerbil's cage. Bedding options for gerbils vary. Aspen bedding made from recycled newspaper can be bought at most pet stores. You can also mix a variety of bedding types for your gerbil. Do not use cedar chips. These contain certain chemicals that may be harmful to your gerbil. Reinstall the other materials. Line the bottom of the cage with newspaper and reinstall the materials. Return toys, water bottles, and dishes to the proper spot. Add new litter and bedding. You can now put your gerbil back in his cage. Change wet or soiled bedding and litter each day. In between cleanings, check on the bedding and litter to make sure it's dry. Droppings, spilled food, and spilled water should be removed. You do not have to clean the entire cage or remove all the bedding when this occurs. Simply do a spot check once a day. Using a kitty littler scoop or spoon, remove any droppings, spilled food, or water. Maintain protection against fleas and ticks. It is rare that your gerbil would become infected with fleas, but if there's a heavy infestation in the house you should take precautions. If other pets, such as dogs and cats, bring in fleas they could further infect your home. They may bite your gerbil or infest his bedding and cage. If you find you have a flea infestation, ask your vet about flea powder. This can be placed in your gerbil's bedding, eventually making its way to his fur to protect him from bites. Periodically check your gerbil's teeth and nails. When cleaning your gerbils cage, check to see if he needs any basic grooming. Gerbils do not usually need their nails trimmed. However, if you notice his nails are curling under or that he's scratching himself during grooming, schedule an appointment with an exotic animal groomer, which is extremely expensive. Do not attempt to groom your gerbil's nails yourself as they are very small and you can easily slip up and cause your gerbil physical harm. Gerbil teeth do not stop growing, which is why your gerbil needs wood blocks and toys to chew on to prevent overgrowth. If his teeth look overgrown, schedule a visit with an exotic groomer. Once again, do not attempt to file down the teeth on your own. This could cause your gerbil harm if you're inexperienced. It's best to hire a professional.

Put your gerbil in a safe place while you clean the cage. Remove litter, the food dish, water bottle, and toys from the cage. Gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Wash and rinse the cage. Clean the food and water dish. Change the bedding. Reinstall the other materials. Change wet or soiled bedding and litter each day. Maintain protection against fleas and ticks. Periodically check your gerbil's teeth and nails.

https://www.wikihow.mom/Cope-with-Your-Child-Growing-Up

How to Cope with Your Child Growing Up

To cope with your child growing up, understand that it's normal to feel a little sad when they reach a new stage in life, but you should try and stay positive by focusing on how proud you are of them. If your kid just started school, you can pick up a new hobby or start volunteering to fill any space in your schedule now that they're away. If your child is beginning to have mood swings as a teenager, remember that these ups and downs are because of hormones and continue to express your love and support for them. You can also alleviate any stress that's common with raising a teen by carving out time for yourself to relax and enjoy activities you love.

Keep a positive attitude despite your anxiety and sadness. A positive attitude towards your child's growing up is essential. Think about what your child has learned and be proud of it, just as you were proud when they learned to walk independently or sleep alone. In the same way, try to appreciate your child's growing abilities, such as going to school alone, finishing their homework without your help and making their own decisions. Instead of mourning because your child is growing up, be proud of them and be proud of yourself, because you, with your support and love, have helped your baby grow into the child they are. Allow your child to play independently before they go to school for the first time. The desire to hover over your child to guide and protect them is strong and hard to control. Often, the first independent step and challenge for parents and children is to let them play alone in the yard. Talk with your child and let them know what is allowed and what is not. Allow them to play, but watch and be ready to react. When you see that your child respects the agreement and behaves the way you expect, you can gradually relax and take a step back. Prepare your child for what to expect at school. Help ready them for the daily routines, the expectations, and the fun and fears that are part of going to school. At the same time, you will be preparing yourself to let them go. Ask them about their doubts and fears and find common solutions to them. This will remind you that your child still needs you, but in a different way. Talk with your child and explain what to expect in kindergarten or school. Practice going to school by getting up early, packing a lunch and driving your child to the school. Show them where their classroom will be. This will help both of you to feel emotionally prepared when the day finally comes. Fill the void in your schedule with something positive. Although you will surely still be plenty busy, you may feel like there is a void in your daily schedule with your child at school. Filling that gap with something gratifying for you will ease the transition and benefit you and your child in the long run. Even if you haven't actually gained any new time by your child heading off to school, now can be a good time to take up a new hobby. This time feels like a new phase in your life because it is, and it is therefore a great time to improve yourself, expand your horizons, or try something you've always wanted to do. You will likely have ample opportunities to volunteer and otherwise be involved with your child's school. This can provide a positive outlet and establish a new bond with your child. However, be wary of using such opportunities to continue "hovering" over your child. Even at this tender age, you have to begin letting go bit by bit. Talk to your child about the physical changes they are going to go through. Your child is growing up, which becomes evident when you start noticing the physical changes in their body. Use your experience and compassion to help reassure and guide your child into this transition. The well-known physical changes that occur at this time are caused by the hormonal changes occurring in the body. The various endocrine glands produce hormones which bring about changes in the body. These hormonal/physical changes are also accompanied by emotional and mental changes. Be open to answering questions when the physical changes begin. Actually, it is best to begin discussing the physical changes before adolescence sets in. Tell them that these changes are normal and are a part of growing up. Be open and honest and answer all questions directly, despite any natural (and mutual) discomfort. While many schools conduct special sessions or classes when the children reach adolescence, don't rely on these alone. Combining school-learning on body changes with your own perspective will better prepare your child and encourage them to confide in and interact with you as the changes occur. Prepare for the emotional ups and downs of this stage in your child’s life. The hormonal changes your child is going through directly affect the brain. Therefore their interests, wants, and needs will start changing. You can almost guarantee increased moodiness and irritability during this phase. They may want to be independent and refuse to even talk to you about their day. The next day, they may demand all your attention and insist that you listen to them right now. Just listen. They will let you know if they need your opinion or advice. Know that your child loves you, even if they act like a moody brat. These mood swings are due to the sudden and fluctuating hormonal levels in their body. Remember that just because your child is liable to bite your head off at the slightest provocation does not mean that they don't love you! Show your child that you love and support them. If your child wants to try something new, give them your support. When they succeed and when they fail, give them your support. In this way, emphasize your ongoing role as a parent and take part in their growing process. Their emotional mood swings may wreak havoc on your nerves, but remember that your child is also being affected by it. They are trying to develop their individual personality while coping with these changes, and need all your support at this time. No matter what the issue is, express yourself clearly to your child. Tell them that you love them and that you will always be there to support them. This will give them the anchor that they will look for during a crisis. Always remember also that a child's brain is not fully developed until they are in their early 20's. This incomplete brain development can cause the emotional immaturity which so often frustrates parents. Accept new relationships but establish boundaries. When children observe the changes in their bodies, they start experiencing a new and unfamiliar set of social experiences. This may manifest itself through new friendships and the emergence of romantic interests. Keep the lines of communication open. When you're accepting of your child's choices and friends, they'll be less likely to shy away from you and more likely to open up about what's going on in their life. Get ready for your child to start hanging out with new groups of kids. Teens tend to feel secure when they belong to a group. They may have a strong urge to become a part of a group of friends because they have not yet developed their own unique identity. Make the effort to stay connected and spend time together. Try to have dinner together and chat. You want to be a friend. However, you will also need to set limits, as children of this age tend to engage in risky behavior. Set clear borders between bad and good behavior, and healthy and unhealthy relationships. Realize that your child will not need you as much, or at least in the same ways. This is the time when your child will begin to show an increasing desire to be independent. They will, for instance, likely be spending more time with their friends than with you. Give your child space, but be there when they need you. Give them space to breathe and to solve their own problems. If you are overprotective and solving all their problems for them, they will be less capable of dealing with life's important issues. This is a good time to talk about money issues as well. Their weekly allowance probably no longer covers their desire to go out with friends to movies and meals. Discuss your household budget in a mature manner, and perhaps even help them find ways to make a little cash on the side. Earning their own money will build self-esteem and independence. Address your own stress. Raising a child of any age is a stressful endeavor, but raising a teen may take the cake. While working to help them deal with their stress about the changes and challenges facing them, don't forget about working to manage your own stress as well. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of them. Make a point to focus on getting sufficient sleep, eating properly, exercising regularly, finding time to relax, seeking out enjoyable activities, and embracing the support of a spouse, sibling, friend, etc. in addressing the stress you feel. Your child is watching you and learning from your example, even when they are a new teenager who seems intent on denying your very existence. Show them that taking care of one's mind and body is essential. Understand the concept of “empty nest syndrome”. You may think that you will be excited to have all the additional free time (and house space) that comes with your child moving out, only to find that you instead feel sad and adrift. Letting go, and adjusting afterward, are difficult to do, even when you know your child is ready. Acknowledge to yourself first that your child no longer needs your help on a day-to-day basis anymore. They may not prefer your company as much and you will not be privy to all the nuances of their life. This is normal and it's normal to feel upset. As a mature parent, understand the changes that are taking place in your adult child's life. Know that your child loves you and does not mean to be spiteful. It is normal to experience a feeling of loss at this time, even if you are lucky enough to still see you child regularly. Don't ignore or deny these feelings; accept them as a natural part of the parenting process. You have dedicated your life to protecting and nurturing this child, so it will inevitably be difficult to let them out of your grasp. Make the effort to spend time together. When your child becomes an independent adult, it does not mean that they are gone from your life forever. Indeed, in some ways they may need you now more than ever. Make the most of the time you spend together, whether they are important dates or casual moments. Today's technology allows you to be in constant contact with your child, either on the phone or over the internet. Be in touch and stay a part of their life as an adult. However, don't overdo it (by calling every day, for instance), or you may alienate your child. Remember that they are in the midst of trying to figure out how to navigate life as an independent adult. Make yourself available when they want to talk or meet. Don't miss out on these opportunities, because you never know how often they will come again as your adult child's life gets busier. Learn to let go. Do not cling to your adult child, trying to protect them from every harm. Give them the freedom to create their own mistakes and successes. We all learn best from our own experiences and our own mistakes. Do not always jump to the rescue. Provide advice when requested, but more often simply offer sympathy and understanding. You do your adult child no favors by trying to solve all life's problems for them. Sometimes your very sound advice will be ignored, and you simply have to accept it as part of your child's process of living and learning. Support your child's career path, even if you hoped they would pursue a different career. Don't try to fulfill your dreams through your child. When a career is pursued with passion, the child becomes more confident about themselves. Get moving and get doing. Do things you weren't able to do when your child was at home. Parenting is serious business that requires giving your child all of your attention and having little time for yourself. Deal with the fact that your child has grown up by spending more time focusing on yourself. Find a hobby or do something you never had the time for when you had a child at home. Or, dedicate yourself to exercising and overall health, or devote greater attention to your career (especially if this brings you joy). Plan time to hang out with your friends. In this way, you can compensate for a sense of loneliness through discussion and exchange of experiences. Do things that you love to do. You will always be a parent, but never forget that you are a unique individual too. Remember all the dreams and ambitions that you had before your child was born? This is the time for you to start thinking and planning about it. When you make a conscious effort to move ahead with your life after your child has grown up, you will not be at such a loss when they leave home. "Empty nest syndrome" is difficult and painful to deal with, but it becomes easier if you have a little foresight and independent purpose in your life.

Keep a positive attitude despite your anxiety and sadness. Allow your child to play independently before they go to school for the first time. Prepare your child for what to expect at school. Fill the void in your schedule with something positive. Talk to your child about the physical changes they are going to go through. Prepare for the emotional ups and downs of this stage in your child’s life. Show your child that you love and support them. Accept new relationships but establish boundaries. Realize that your child will not need you as much, or at least in the same ways. Address your own stress. Understand the concept of “empty nest syndrome”. Make the effort to spend time together. Learn to let go. Get moving and get doing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-a-Crush-You-Haven%27t-Spoken-to-in-a-Long-Time-(for-Guys)

How to Talk to a Crush You Haven't Spoken to in a Long Time (for Guys)

If you haven't spoken to your crush in a long time, try liking a few of their posts on social media to remind them of you. You can also comment on one of their posts to get the conversation started. If you have their phone number, try texting them about something you both have in common. For example you could say, “Hey I saw the Lakers play yesterday, and I remember how you like them! Did you see the game?” Alternatively, you can try something more straightforward like “Hey I've been thinking about you lately and all the fun conversations we had last summer. How have you been?” Whatever you choose to say, make sure to ask them follow up questions when they reply to keep the conversation going. To learn how to talk to your crush in person, read on!

Like or retweet something that they have posted. This is an indirect but potentially effective way to get back in touch. This is something that you can do to build up your courage to talk to them, or this can be a primer for starting a conversation. Liking their posts or retweeting their tweets will remind them of you, and let them know that you are following their posts. Do not like everything they post. Choose one or two things that you genuinely like and space out the time between your likes to every few days. If you send too much attention to them all at once, it may come off like you are trying too hard. Do not like only the cute pictures of them. You can like one photo where you feel like they look particularly good, but if you like too many pictures of them looking pretty, you may come off creepy. Consider liking a variety of things that they post rather than just their pictures. Post on social media. If you have been liking or commenting on their posts, provide them with material to comment back on. Post clever or interesting thoughts you have about the world and people, share beautiful or interesting pictures that you have taken, or find funny gifs, pictures or quotes from the internet that you can post along with a comment about why you like it. Consider what they would find funny or interesting. You don't want to post things for them; however, you want to take into consideration that their internet style might be different from yours. Take a look at their posts and the things they like to get an idea of their online interests and style. For example, if they write a lot of posts about bands they like and you share a band you like in common, you can post one of their music videos or the lyrics from one of their songs with a comment about why you like it. Stay true to yourself. Only post things that you genuinely like and are a part of who you are. It can come off fake if you are posting about things you haven't shown an interest in before. Make a comment on one of their posts. You should make a comment on a post that they write early after it has been posted. If you write the comment early, they will be more likely to respond. Look for things that they are into that is a common interest you share, like your music taste, love of food, love of movies, etc.. Consider praising the post, asking a question about it, or commenting about something you find interesting about it. For example, if they write a post about going to a show, you can respond “I am so jealous you got to see them! Did you think they were good live?” Hopefully your comments will spark a chain of comments back and forth. If this happens, you should send them a message asking them how they are doing or extending the conversation. Say “Hey, I am enjoying our conversation. How have you been? Are there any other bands you have been listening to lately that I should check out?” Invite them to an event through Facebook or Google+. Follow the inline citations to learn how to create an event on either platform. You can either create an event, or you can invite them to an event you are attending. For example, if you are going to a music festival that you think they would like, invite them to the event. There are several events that are open invite. You can send them an invitation by going to the page of the event and sending the invite from that page. Or if you and your friends are throwing a Halloween party, for example, make an event for it and invite them. After you invite them, you should send them a follow up message saying hello and telling them about the event. Say something like, “Hey, my friends and I are having a Halloween party and I was thinking it would be great to see you again. Are you free for Halloween?” If they cannot come to the event, use the event as an opportunity to continue messaging them. Ask her about how things have been going, and start a conversation with them. Send them an instant message, a message through social media, or an email message. Whichever way that you decide to reach out to them, you can follow the same tactic as writing a comment. Send her a message with a praise, talk about some common ground that you have, or ask her a question. Send a message that praises them for something they have recently done or accomplished. For example, if they recently finished a program or got a new pet, for example, send them a message saying congratulations, and then ask her how they have been lately. Talk about something that you share in common. For example, if they did a hike recently and you also like to go hiking, send them a message that says something like “I saw that you went on a hike to Palm Canyon. I was just there a couple of months ago and really enjoyed the waterfalls- did you like the trail?”. Ask them a question about something they have posted. Say something like “I saw the pictures you posted of you surfing- what kind of board do you have? I love surfing and go every chance I get.” Send them a text bringing up a connection that you share. Remind them of something that connected you in the past to test the waters. Be confident in your connection, and you can ask them a question related to your question as well. For example, you could say, “Hey, I saw the Lakers play yesterday, and I remember how you like them. How have you been? Did you see the game??” Be direct in your text, and tell them you have been thinking about them. You can still bring up a connection that you have without having to give a reason behind why you texted. However, don't bring up anything heavy from the past to break the ice. Say something like, “Hey, I have been thinking about you lately and all of our fun conversations last summer. How have you been?” Send them a text that is funny or silly. Because studies show that girls like guys more if they find them funny, humor is always a smart way to go when you are talking with girls. You can reference an inside joke that you had or ask her a question as a joke. For example, say something silly like “How long has it been since we ate that giant tamale?” Keep your text conversation going. After you have broke the ice, you can ask them questions about how they have been and respond with interest. Try to approximately match the length of texts that they send you and wait time. For example, don't text them back within a minute with three texts if they answered you with a line or two of text a couple of hours after you texted. Ask follow up questions like, “I didn't know that you were working at a new restaurant. That's cool! How do you like it?” Suggest getting together to catch up more. If they have been responding to your texts with friendly texts back, you should ask them if they want to get together and catch up in person. If you ask them to get together, suggest an activity that you two could do together. Make new connections with them. Instead of doing what you have done before, try doing new things and going to new places. If you usually get together and eat, for example, try going somewhere new. Go to a new neighborhood to eat, or make food at your house. Think about where you will see them. Maybe you are not trying to go out of your way to see your crush, but you share a friend group and want to be friendly and cool with them- you can use these steps to help create a good connection with them. Or if you want to get into contact with your old crush and you can't or don't want to contact them directly, hang out with the mutual friends you have, and go to events they will probably be at. You can call your friends and ask them about the events and parties that are coming up and then attend those events. Or if you know they go to certain church activities, for example, you can start attending those activities again. Don't use your friends to get to your crush. For example, when you hang out with your friends, be there to have a good time with them first, and consider seeing your crush second. That way if it doesn't work out, you will still have a good time, and you won't mistreat your friends. Go up and say hi, and tell them you want to talk. When you first see each other, make sure you acknowledge them. If you see them across the room, give them a smile, and a friendly wave or greeting. If it doesn't seem like a good time to talk, tell them “It is great to see you! I want to talk to you. Can you give me a minute?” You can finish doing what you are doing, and let them finish doing what they are doing, too. Giving yourself a minute will help you compose yourself and can add a good element of anticipation for your conversation. Think about an interesting topic of conversation or something that you can ask them about as an ice breaker before you walk up and talk to them. For example, you can make an observation about the party you are at by saying something like, “I like that they really made sure that all of our chip needs are met at this party.” Then gesture to a table covered in 10 different types of chips. Start a conversation with them. Once they are free to talk, start a conversation. If you are somewhere where it is difficult to talk, ask them, “Do you want to find a better place to talk?” Look for somewhere quiet and relaxed where you sit down and catch up uninterrupted. Tell them you are happy to see them. If you two have any awkward history together, break through that barrier by expressing your positive feelings at seeing them again. Once you two are settled, show them that you are happy to see them again by smiling, making eye contact, and simply saying “I am happy to see you.” Being positive and direct will make you seem confident and can help overcome any weirdness either of you might feel at the start of the conversation. Ask them genuinely how they have been. Use your tone of voice and hand gestures to show them that you are interested in hearing about them. This will make you seem confident and happy to talk to her again. It can be a little less intimidating if you ask them how they are doing now because having to recount everything that has happened since the last time you saw each other might require a lot of explanation. Say something like, “I'd love to her how you are doing now.” Or you can start by saying what you remember of what they were doing last. For example, you can say “If I remember right, the last time we talked you were…” Avoid talking about anything awkward or difficult things from the past. If the conversation progresses that way naturally, you can talk about deeper topics, but at the beginning of the conversation you want to keep it light and positive. Ask them follow up questions. When they tell you how their life has been, listen attentively by making eye contact, nodding along with what they say, restating their main ideas and asking them relevant questions. For example, if they say they have been having a hard week, ask them what has been going on that has made their week hard. Tell them interesting things that have been going on with you. Think of positive, funny or lighter stories that will give them an idea of what you have been up to lately. Consider talking about topics that you know they are interested in. For example, if they love marine biology, you can say “I went on a trip with my school recently to Catalina Island, and we had a blast snorkeling.” Mirror or match their energy level and body language in conversation. For example, if they are talking energetically and using lots of body language, use lots of body language in response and laugh often. Or if they seem a little more reserved, you can talk quieter and give them more physical distance. Don't copy their gestures; however, do go for a similar level of energy. Ask them if you can hang out again. After you feel like you have had a chance to catch up and made a good connection in your conversation, tell them you really liked talking and ask them about getting together again. After you have finished laughing about something, for example, you can say “I really liked talking with you again. We should get together again and continue catching up.” Pay attention to their response. If they seem interested in going out with you, make sure you have their correct contact information, and arrange to get together to do something in the near future. If they are ambiguous about whether they can hang out again, don't push it. It is better to let them tell you when they are free. Sometimes people may be nervous in the moment and may come off uninterested, and at other times, they are sending you a message that they are not interested. Send them a follow up message or text to find out which is the case. For example, if they say something like “I don't know, I'm going to be busy for a while.” You can say, “No problem, it was really good catching up with you. I'm glad we got the chance.” Follow up with a text or message. If you got their information and you are going to get together soon, you should send a follow up text sometime in the next couple of days that says something like “It was really good catching up- I am excited to hang out again.” If they seemed like maybe they wanted to hang out again, then follow up with a simple message or text that says “It was really awesome catching up with you- let me know if you want to get together sometime.” This kind of text is low pressure while also getting across that you are interested in hanging out more.

Like or retweet something that they have posted. Post on social media. Make a comment on one of their posts. Invite them to an event through Facebook or Google+. Send them an instant message, a message through social media, or an email message. Send them a text bringing up a connection that you share. Be direct in your text, and tell them you have been thinking about them. Send them a text that is funny or silly. Keep your text conversation going. Suggest getting together to catch up more. Make new connections with them. Think about where you will see them. Go up and say hi, and tell them you want to talk. Start a conversation with them. Tell them you are happy to see them. Ask them genuinely how they have been. Ask them follow up questions. Tell them interesting things that have been going on with you. Ask them if you can hang out again. Pay attention to their response. Follow up with a text or message.

https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Ring-Size-for-Men

How to Measure Ring Size for Men

If you need to know your ring size, start by cutting a strip of paper that is long enough to wrap around your finger. Then, wrap the paper around the knuckle of your finger until it fits snugly. Don't place it where your ring will sit since your ring will need to be wide enough to slide over your knuckle. Once you have the paper in place, use a pencil to draw a line where the top layer of paper meets the edge of the bottom layer. From there, take the paper off of your finger and measure the length of the paper from the edge to the pencil mark. Take this length and compare it to an online ring size conversion table to get your ring size.

Find a ring size conversion table on the Internet. Many online jewelers offer tables that help you convert inches and centimeters into ring sizes. Print the table out, or simply bookmark the page so you can refer to it when you need to. You can also walk into a jeweler's store near you to ask if they offer these tables. These tables will have rows and columns that list measurements next to ring sizes so you can easily convert the diameter of your finger to a standard ring size. Here is an example of a table you can find online: https://www.justmensrings.com/mens-ring-size-chart Cut out a strip of paper that is long enough to fit around your finger. Use paper that is sturdy enough not to rip but also easy to wrap around something. The paper you use in your printer should work well. When cutting the paper with scissors, just estimate how long it needs to be to wrap around your finger. It doesn't need to be an exact length or width. Wrap the piece of paper around the knuckle of your finger until it fits snugly. You must wrap it around the finger you plan to wear your ring on, otherwise the size will be inaccurate. Don't wrap it around where your ring will actually sit, since your ring will need to be wide enough to fit over your knuckle. When you're done tightening the piece of paper, make sure you can move it easily past your knuckle in both directions. Draw a line to mark where the two pieces of paper are meeting. Make your mark on the top part of the paper. Your line should show exactly where the edge of the bottom half of the paper is hitting the top half. If you're having trouble making this mark while holding the paper in place, ask a friend or family member for help. Use a ruler to measure the piece of paper up to the pencil mark. For greater accuracy, measure the piece of paper in centimeters rather than inches. This is the measurement you'll need to figure out your size. Consult the size conversion table to determine your ring size. Find your measurement on the left-hand side of the table you're using. Then look down the row to the column that tells you your ring size. Some tables will give the sizes for different international markets, so make sure you're looking at the size that applies to you. Measure again to make sure you got an accurate size. Start the process again with a new piece of paper. If you get the same measurement, you can be confident that you found your ring size. If you get a different measurement, try a third time. If your third reading matches one of your first 2, go with that size. If your third gives you yet another measurement, consult a jeweler for a more accurate sizing. Print out a ring size chart from the Internet. These charts have many different circles that represent different ring sizes. Inside of each circle, the size is clearly marked. Search online jewelers to find one of these charts and print it out. When printing, make sure you follow any instructions the site might provide about scaling the page properly. You can find an example of a ring size chart here: https://www.lumeradiamonds.com/files/ring_sizer.pdf Place your ring over the different circles on the ring size chart. If your ring fits within a circle, that size would be too big for you. If a circle is clearly visible within your ring, that size would be too small. Only use a ring that fits the exact same finger you plan to wear your new ring on. Stop when you find the circle that your ring fits over exactly. You'll know you have found your size when your ring sits on top of the circle. If the circle sits just inside the circumference of your ring, that could still be your size. Double check the ones next to it to make sure they're clearly either too big or too small. If they are, then the one in the middle should be your size. Read the size of the circle to determine your size. The number inside the circle that matched your ring should be your correct ring size. Use that to order a new ring from any jeweler you'd like. Find a jeweler in your area. Most jewelers offer complimentary ring sizing. Their method is usually the most accurate since they use a specific tool for determining your size. Search online to find respected jewelers near you, or ask friends or family members if they have any recommendations. Ask the jeweler to size your finger. Double check to make sure this is a free service, if you're hoping not to pay. They will take your finger and put it in several different sized metal rings. The best size for you should fit snugly but slide off and on easily. The ring that feels most comfortable tells you the size of your finger. Ask the jeweler if you have any questions or concerns about choosing the size that's perfect for you. Make sure you have the jeweler get the size for the exact same finger you plan to wear your ring on. Buy a ring from that jeweler or use the size to shop elsewhere. Jewelers don't necessarily expect you to buy from them because they've sized your finger. If you're not planning on buying a ring from the jeweler who helped you, though, make sure you make a note of your size so you can remember it exactly.

Find a ring size conversion table on the Internet. Cut out a strip of paper that is long enough to fit around your finger. Wrap the piece of paper around the knuckle of your finger until it fits snugly. Draw a line to mark where the two pieces of paper are meeting. Use a ruler to measure the piece of paper up to the pencil mark. Consult the size conversion table to determine your ring size. Measure again to make sure you got an accurate size. Print out a ring size chart from the Internet. Place your ring over the different circles on the ring size chart. Stop when you find the circle that your ring fits over exactly. Read the size of the circle to determine your size. Find a jeweler in your area. Ask the jeweler to size your finger. Buy a ring from that jeweler or use the size to shop elsewhere.

https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-a-Disciplinary-Meeting

How to Manage a Disciplinary Meeting

Managing a disciplinary meeting can be stressful, but if you remain professional, it should go smoothly. Have a representative from Human Resources present for the meeting to serve as a witness. Start the meeting by reminding the employee of the specific allegations made against them. Then, contrast their behavior with your standards of conduct so they can see what they should have done. Tell them the company's disciplinary policy for their infraction and the decision you've arrived at. Try to act only on the evidence you have to avoid being biased by any personal feelings. If the employee gets annoyed or is unapologetic, stay calm and professional. You should also keep notes from the meeting so you can file these with your disciplinary records.

Conduct an investigation into the incident. Before you hold a disciplinary meeting for an employee, it's imperative that you thoroughly review the incident at hand. The investigation may entail interviewing other employees or witnesses for details on the incident. Make sure a representative from Human Resources is present during all interviews. Ask anyone you interview to sign an accurately-written dictation of their statement. Compile and review the evidence for and against the employee. If the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the employee was at fault, you'll need to proceed to disciplinary proceedings. Document everything that is said about the incident and about the employee, including by the employee himself or herself. For minor infractions or first-time offenses, an informal, verbal warning is usually sufficient. For more serious infractions or repeat offenses, a formal disciplinary meeting may be called for. Keep the employee informed of the investigation. Your employee has a right to know that an investigation is being conducted and may lead to a disciplinary meeting. You do not want to withhold this information, as blindsiding an employee with disciplinary measures typically violates most companies' human resources policies. Schedule a date, time, and location for the meeting. Once you've decided to proceed with a disciplinary meeting, you'll need to make arrangements for the actual meeting. Choose a date and time that is convenient for your schedule and is feasible for the employee's schedule (for example, at a time when the employee is scheduled to be in the office). The location of the meeting should be someplace private that will not be interrupted. Privacy is important for both following protocol and maintaining workplace morale. Give the employee written notice of the meeting. After you've reserved a location for the meeting and scheduled a date and time, you'll need to inform your employee. The employee's notice should be delivered in writing so that they have a written document that details the incident and the coming procedure. The notice should include the details of the allegation. It should also notify the employee of the date, time, and location of the disciplinary meeting, as well as any attendees who will be present. Depending on your employer's policies and the rules that pertain to disciplinary hearings, you may also be required to allow the employee to bring a union representative or work colleague. This should be mentioned in the written notice. Have an HR representative present. It's best to have a representative from human resources (HR) present at any and all disciplinary meetings. This is beneficial to both the employee and to you as the manager. Employees may see an HR representative's presence as a form of protection against unfair disciplinary proceedings. As a manager, you may want an HR representative there to serve as a witness. Reiterate the allegations against the employee. It's best to begin the meeting by reminding the employee of what they did wrong. Whether it's a behavioral problem or a job performance issue, reviewing what happened and why it was a problem is an imperative first step in the disciplinary process. Be clear and complete in your summary of the allegations/infractions. Do not leave out any details, and make sure the employee understands what incident is being reviewed and why. If the allegations involve some infraction of the law, you may not be able to disclose all the details to the employee. This is particularly true if a criminal investigation is ongoing or pending. Consult with a police officer before proceeding if the employee is or may be under criminal investigation. Review the standards of conduct or performance. After reiterating the allegations against the employee, it's a good idea to contrast that behavior with the prescribed standards of conduct and performance at your company. This will help clarify what the employee did wrong and what should have been done differently. Reviewing the standards also helps protect management from any allegations that the employee was unclear on the rules. It reminds the employee that the rules are clearly written and available to all employees. Outline the company's disciplinary policy. Now that the employee has been reminded of what should have been done differently and why, you'll want to inform the employee of what your company can legally do to reprimand that infraction. The employee should be clear on what management can and cannot do in response to the bad behavior, and you should lay out all of the disciplinary options available at your disposal. While you may not have arrived at a ruling on the matter, it's important that the employee understands what may end up happening after the proceedings. Reviewing the company's disciplinary policy also helps protect management from allegations of unfair treatment. Arrive at a decision. The decision in your disciplinary meeting will depend on the nature of your employee's infraction/misconduct as well as the disciplinary policy in place at your company. In general, minor infractions warrant minor disciplinary measures, while more serious infractions warrant more serious measures. Serious infractions may include theft, assault, or significant acts of insubordination. Maintain the notes you take as you deliberate on a decision. These notes and any supporting documents from the investigation and meeting should be kept in either the employee's personnel file or in a secure, locked location. Inform the employee of your decision. Once you've arrived at a decision, you'll need to inform your employee about what will happen next. Depending on your company's policies, you may want to deliver the decision in writing to the employee, or at least offer a written explanation in addition to a verbal announcement. Keep the decision confidential. The only people you should tell are the employee, their union representative (if they have one), and the HR representative who served as a witness. If the employee is to be suspended, a short, follow-up suspension meeting should be scheduled. Different employers may have different disciplinary policies, but in general, a verbal warning is the first form of discipline. Verbal warnings are usually followed by written reprimands, suspension, and eventual termination. Inform the employee what to do differently. The goal of disciplinary proceedings is not to punish the employee so much as to correct bad behavior and performance issues. As such, you may need to give your employee some reminders from time to time on what they should be doing differently. Give clear examples. Describe what should have been done differently in the incident that was investigated, and provide hypothetical examples of similar situations. Don't be overbearing and don't correct your employees in front of their coworkers. Assess the situation and ask to speak in private as needed. Monitor the employee's performance after the meeting. As time goes on, your employee should have learned from the disciplinary meeting. They should implement the changes you've recommended, and their behavior (whether good or bad) should be monitored over time. Look for both improvements and future infractions. Praise the employee for corrected behavior, and give verbal input on behavior that still needs to be corrected. Arrange for follow-up meetings as needed. If the employee's behavior or performance does not change to meet the company's expectations, future conversations may be necessary with the employee. These conversations may lead to further disciplinary meetings, or they could be as simple as offering feedback and guidance, depending on the nature of the infraction and the employee's response to feedback.

Conduct an investigation into the incident. Keep the employee informed of the investigation. Schedule a date, time, and location for the meeting. Give the employee written notice of the meeting. Have an HR representative present. Reiterate the allegations against the employee. Review the standards of conduct or performance. Outline the company's disciplinary policy. Arrive at a decision. Inform the employee of your decision. Inform the employee what to do differently. Monitor the employee's performance after the meeting. Arrange for follow-up meetings as needed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Rack-Wine

How to Rack Wine

To rack wine, sterilize your siphon tube with meta solution. Next, place the wine on a raised surface and insert one end of the siphon into the carboy, taking care not to touch the sediment on the bottom. Then, insert the other end of the siphon into a clean, empty carboy and let the wine transfer from the old carboy into the new one. Finally, cap the newly filled carboy with an airlock to complete the racking process.

Get the proper equipment to rack your wine. Racking wine involves using a few relatively simple tools, most of which should come standard with home wine-making kits, or will be available at any home-brewing retailer. To rack wine properly, you'll need: At least two carboys or sterilized buckets A siphon tube An air-lock cap for the wine Sterilize your siphon tube with meta solution. Commonly called "meta solution," a mixture of potassium metabisulfite or sodium metabisulfite, diluted in water. These are available commercially, or can be mixed at home. In general, about a tablespoon of meta solution needs to be distilled in about a gallon of water. Everything that's going to touch the wine needs to be sterilized with meta-solution as well, usually by sloshing a bit of it in the bucket or through the tube, then dumping it in a safe place. Meta-solution is pretty harsh, which means it's a good idea to use it in a well-ventilated area, wearing breathing protection and gloves when you're handling it. Follow the directions on the package. Place the wine that you wish to rack on a raised surface. Take the vessel containing the wine with the sediment and open it up, then place it up on a raised surface. Depending on the amount of wine you're making, you may need a significant amount of space to do this, or just a tabletop and the floor of your kitchen. Make sure your siphon tube is long enough to reach wherever you're trying to siphon the wine. The process involves gravity, so it's absolutely essential that the full carboy of wine be higher than the tallest portion of the clean receptacle you're going to use to catch the wine, or else the process won't work. Insert the siphon into the carboy. Place the notched end of the siphon tube into the carboy, making sure to not touch the sediment lying on the bottom. You should be able to see the line of sediment fairly clearly by the time you're ready to rack the wine, and it should be significantly darker and cloudier toward the bottom of the wine. Let the tube fall most of the way into the wine, but keep it at least an inch or two above the sediment line. Insert the other end of the siphon into the clean receptacle, or let it hang above. You'll have to get it started and then insert it quickly into the receptacle, but check and make sure the tube is long enough to reach in. Begin siphoning the wine. There's little science to it: start sucking on the other end of the tube as if you're drinking from a straw until the wine begins to flow, then get the tube into the clean vessel as quickly as possible. This takes a little practice to do without getting a mouthful of wine or spilling. But, hey, a mouthful of wine. It's not the worst. When the wine starts going, insert the tube quickly into the receptacle and try to keep the flow “quiet." Keep a close eye on the sediment, making sure you don't stir it up, or that either of the tubes don't splash around, putting lots of oxygen into the wine. As second carboy becomes full, or sediment begins to flow, clamp the hose to halt the flow of the wine and cut it off. Take your losses. Winemaking is an art as much as a science, and you're going to lose some wine in the process. When have you siphoned enough off? You'll mostly be eyeballing it and making the call yourself. It's all part of the job. Don't worry about trying to skim right over the top of the sediment and get all the wine possible out and remove all the sediment. If you're making wine yourself, there's going to be a small amount of sediment left at the end. Cap the newly filled carboy with an airlock. Once you've gotten the wine in the new vessel, install the airlock on top, which should usually be screwed on securely and then clamped down. Different airlocks will work differently, so it's important to follow the specific manufacturer's instructions. Most of them will just need to be plugged directly into the opening in the carboy. Rack your wine any time it needs to move. In general, winemakers will use the racking process to rack when moving it from the primary fermenter to the secondary vessel, and when moving wine from the secondary fermenter to a bulk aging vessel. Wine is often also racked after fermentation is complete, to help clarify the wine and remove some of the sediment. The process and vigorousness of racking largely will depend on the variety of wine you're making and your own personal taste as an enjoyer of wine. Some wine makers rack only once and others will rack four or five times, depending upon the flavor profile they're going for and how clear they want the wine. If you're going to eventually filter your wine, you don't need to rack it more than once or twice. Do the first racking after 5-7 days. By the time the batch has been fermenting for a week, it'll need to be put into a carboy with an airlock, which means you'll need to move it from the first vessel anyway, making it a good time to rack it and move it to an appropriate secondary fermentation vessel, outfitted with an airlock. Be very careful not to rack your wine too early. The fermentation process produces a large quantity of gas, making it dangerous for carboys and barrels alike, if it's too active. For the most part, carboys are made safe by outfitting them with an airlock, which serves to let gasses escape the vessel, but keep outside oxygen, microbes, and bacteria from getting in. Rack when fermentation is completed. The second racking comes when the wine is finished fermenting, sometimes after a few days more and sometimes after as much as a month. Typically, this racking needs to be done to remove as much of the spent yeast as possible, since it should have settled thoroughly and is no longer affecting the fermentation process. As the yeast becomes less active a week into the fermentation, it's less vigorous about protecting itself from contaminants, which means it needs to be air-locked. The less sediment that makes it through this first step, the better. Even this early in the process, as much as 80 percent of the sediment will already be in place, as well as lingering pulp from the must. Rack the wine once more. Most wine is racked no more and no less than three times. The third racking should be completed when the wine is completely cleared up, and this last racking should be done primarily to remove sediment and clarify the wine. Some winemakers might choose to rack wine again, if the finished product needs to be very clean and clear to satisfy the style and the variety. Some winemakers will rack several more times to get the clearest wine possible. If you're adding sulfites or are planning to filter the wine before you bottle it, you don't need to rack it anymore. Don't rack every wine. Red wines are traditionally always racked, but some white wines don't need to be and are instead bottled “on the lee,” or sur lie aging. Chardonnay, Champagne, and Muscadet are traditionally bottled on the lee, which some winemakers think helps to alter and integrate the inherent oakiness of the wine. If you're making white wine and want to try bottling on the lee, you need to taste the batch often and bottle most of it when it tastes right to avoid spoilage. Err on the side of fewer rackings. Every time you rack wine, you expose it to lots and lots of oxygen, accelerating the aging process and exposing it to microorganisms and bacteria. Since the sanitization process is a long process prone to human error, it's better to put the wine through fewer racking. Less is more.

Get the proper equipment to rack your wine. Sterilize your siphon tube with meta solution. Place the wine that you wish to rack on a raised surface. Insert the siphon into the carboy. Begin siphoning the wine. Take your losses. Cap the newly filled carboy with an airlock. Rack your wine any time it needs to move. Do the first racking after 5-7 days. Rack when fermentation is completed. Rack the wine once more. Don't rack every wine. Err on the side of fewer rackings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Girl

How to Treat a Girl

If you want to treat your girl well, start by making time for her on a regular basis to show her that you value her company. When you spend time together, show an interest in her personal life by asking her about how she's been feeling and what she's been up to. However, you should also encourage her to spend time doing the things she loves and hanging out with her friends, since this will make her happier and strengthen your relationship. If she's worried about something, encourage her to talk about her problems to help her process things. Don't be afraid to compliment her when you notice something you love about her, which will make her feel special and unique.

Do things to make her happy. Treat your girl right by doing things to make her happy. Don't do these things expecting favors in return or because you want something from her. Instead, do them because you think she deserves them and because you really want her to be happy. She can tell the difference between things you do to get what you want and things you do because you love her. For example, you can turn the tables and learn how to crochet, just to make her a scarf for once. You should try to do things that make her happy based on things that she cares about and that matter to her. If she's a huge rock climbing fan, for example, make a special custom pouch for her chalk. Be polite. Some women expect you to hold open doors for them and pull out their chair. Some women will be offended by this behavior. You'll have to work out with your girl what she wants from you but some basic politeness is always in order. Don't burp or fart around her. Give her an arm to lean on when she's walking in high heels. Help her carry things when her arms are full or the items are heavy. This is basic politeness and the same sort of thing that you should do for anyone, not just women. Make time for her. Relationships mean being together. If you're not willing to make time for her in your day then what does that tell her. Set aside time in your week for going on a date, even if it's free and low-key. Text her and spend some time talking to her on the phone. She should be high enough in your priorities that you're willing to break a date with your friends in order to go to a movie with her. While you should make her feel like she gets 1-on-1 time with you, you can also help her to feel like you're paying attention to her by taking her with you to hang out with your friends. As long as you're affectionate even when you're around other people, she'll usually still come away feeling like she got some good time in with you. Of course, it's important for her to have alone time to. Her independence is very important. Don't take up all of her time and make sure that she is able to hang out with her friends and do things with them regularly. Encourage her to pursue things that make her happy. You should encourage her to do the things that make her happy. This is one of the most important roles in a relationship: we give each other support and make each other better people. When you do this for her, by showing her how important it is to chase her dreams, you'll really be treating her right. For example, maybe she's mentioned how much she likes to write songs for herself. Encourage her to set up a YouTube channel so that she can share those wonderful songs with the world. Think about her. When you open yourself up to thinking about her, it will show and make her feel really good and loved. Let things remind you of her, think of her when you hear about events she might enjoy, and enjoy remembering things that you've done together. When you do these things, it will often show in little ways that she will notice. For example, you'll be walking down the street and see a picture in a shop that reminds you of that one time you went to the beach together. Buy her the picture and give it to her, telling her what it reminded you of and how good it made you feel. She'll just melt. Take an interest in her feelings, thoughts and opinions. When you take an interest in her feelings, thoughts, and opinions, it will make her feel respected and appreciated. This is a good way to treat a girl, making her happy and grateful for the relationship that she has with you. Ask her what she thinks about things. Not just what she thinks about broad topics like music or television, but also ask about how she feels about current events, politics, and the things going on in your lives. This will help her to feel respected. The same goes for asking her opinion on problems you have in your own life. Pay attention to her feelings and learn how to tell when she's upset, tired, angry or happy. Once you recognize these feelings, support her when she needs it and let her talk about things that make her happy or excited. Comfort her when she's sad, even if it means just being a silent shoulder to cry on. You can say something like, "You seem like you're having a tough time. I don't know what's bothering you but I hope you know that I'm here to listen if you want to talk." Appreciate the things she does for you. Taking someone that you love for granted is really easy. However, this can really ruin relationships. No matter if you've been together for five months or five years, you should never assume that someone "should" do something for you. When she does something nice for you, thank her. Never expect things from her and show your gratitude when she does do nice things. For example, let's say that she makes you dinner. Don't just complain about how it tastes. Instead, thank her and offer to clean up the dishes. Speak with respect. When you talk to her, speak with respect. You should never rudely criticize her or say things which are demeaning. Just like it wouldn't be acceptable for someone to say these things to you, it's not acceptable for you to say those things to her. Try to think not only about how you'd feel if someone said something to you but also think about how her own experiences might lead her to feel about what you said. For example, only call her a girl if she is one. Is your girl older than, say, 20 years old? At that point you should be calling her a woman or a lady. When you call her girl, you're making her seem like a child, implying that she can't do things for herself, think, or act like the capable adult she is. Understand her. Get to really know her for who she really is, not just what you think she is or want her to be. Ask questions about her. Dig deep. Take an interest in what she says, what she does, and what she wants. She'll notice that you do these things and it will show her that not only do you care about her but that you also respect who she is as a person. Ask questions about her religion, her political views, what it was like for her growing up, what she wants for the future. You can also ask the usual questions like her favorite color or food, but these kinds of things need to be balanced out with a deeper understanding of who she is. Listen to what she says. When she talks, you should be listening. Don't tune her out because she "talks too much". Pay attention because you might learn things about her that you didn't know before. Have a discussion when you have problems. Instead of fighting and insulting each other when you have a fight, talk things out. If you really want to treat both her and yourself right, talk about things that bother you when they happen or very soon afterward. Bottling things up and "keeping score" will just make both of you miserable. You also shouldn't talk behind her back. A lot of the time it's easier to complain about your girlfriend to everyone except for your girlfriend but this isn't fair to her and it isn't helpful for you. Solve the problem instead by talking to her calmly and finding a solution together. Compliment her in the right ways. Of course you should give your girl lots of compliments but if you really want to treat her the way she deserves to be treated, you might want to pay attention to how you give those compliments. With a little understanding, you will be giving great compliments that make her heart just beat off the chart. You don't want to give them out all the time for no reason at all because it will devalue them. You should focus on complimenting her when it matters, such as when she works really hard or does something really kind. You should also watch the language that you use. Sometimes, even though a guy means to say something nice, he accidentally says something that is hurtful. Watch what you say. You have to be careful about how you talk because it can reveal a lot about how you think and also make the woman you're with very uncomfortable. Don't be vulgar, make off-color jokes, or be deliberately impolite (like farting in front of her). You also don't want to talk rudely about people or talk about how sexy other women are. All of these things may make her feel uncomfortable or hurt and you don't want that. Generally be truthful but lie smart when you have to. When you talk to her, be truthful. Lying to her, even to be kind, isn't helpful and it won't help you to build a relationship of trust. Don't tell her you'll be helping your sick grandma when really you just don't want to go see a chick flick with her. This kind of behavior is disrespectful and sets a bad precedent. When you know that telling her the truth is going to be not only painful but also unproductive or unhelpful, try to lie by omission instead. If she asks you something like the proverbial "Does this make me look fat?" question, then instead of saying something inevitably hurtful, turn the statement around and tell her a truth. You can say something like, "I love the way that dress makes your body look but I think the yellow dress was way prettier overall." Don't see her as being any different than yourself. It's easy to think of girls like a different species and think that you don't understand them. However, girls really aren't any different than you. They want the same things, they have the same problems, and they have the same feelings. When you realize that, it will be much easier to realize how you should treat them: treat them how you would want to be treated. If it's easier, think of how you would want someone to treat a woman that you love. Treat a girl the way you'd want your dad to treat your mom. Treat a girl the way you'd want a guy to treat your sister. Stop trying to attract other women. You want to look fly all the time. That's understandable. Who wouldn't want all the ladies to fall over themselves whenever they walk through a room? However, if you already have a girlfriend or a girl you like, working really hard to attract other women is disrespectful and rude to your girl. Just worry about looking hot to her and don't worry so much about what other women like. You shouldn't be flirting with a girl that isn't your girlfriend. You also shouldn't be showing off your body to other women. Listen when she says no. When she says "no" it doesn't mean "maybe later". It doesn't mean "I'm being coy". It doesn't mean "I'm trying to make you mad". It means "no". Don't continue to bother her after she's told you no. She knows what you want and she'll let you know if she changes her mind. For example, if you ask her to wear a particular item of clothing and she doesn't like it, don't keep pressuring her to wear it. Respect her privacy. She's allowed to have secrets from you, just like you're allowed to have secrets from her. You're both entitled to have time to yourselves and things that are just yours. Do not invade her privacy by doing things like stalking her on Facebook or checking her text messages. The temptation can be really strong if you see that she's left her internet browser logged in or something like that, but you should still resist. It's the gentlemanly thing to do. Tell her how you feel. A lot of guys will worry about seeming manly. You don't want to seem weak, right? So they don't tell their girl how they feel. This is a huge mistake. Leaving her to wonder how much you really care is just mean. You wouldn't like it if she did that to you, right? When you care about someone, you should always tell them. Tell them when you mean it most and show them how much you care in little ways every day. Don't hide it from others either. Your bros might tease you but they really understand: they've had girls they like a lot too. Take the teasing and make your girl happy by holding her hand when other people are around. It shows her that you're not ashamed of the close relationship that the two of you share. Trust her and be trustworthy yourself. Trust is the absolute most important thing in a relationship. You can't have a happy relationship if you don't trust each other. This means that you need to give her the benefit of the doubt. Don't sweat it when she wants to hang out with her friends instead of hanging out with you. In your own behavior, don't do anything that would give her a reason not to trust you. Don't tell other people about the things you and your girl do behind closed doors, even if you're just telling your best buddy. This is an invasion of privacy for your girl and can be very hurtful for her. All it takes is an argument with your best friend and that secret that you shared is posted on the internet for everyone to see.

Do things to make her happy. Make time for her. Encourage her to pursue things that make her happy. Think about her. Take an interest in her feelings, thoughts and opinions. Appreciate the things she does for you. Speak with respect. Understand her. Have a discussion when you have problems. Compliment her in the right ways. Watch what you say. Generally be truthful but lie smart when you have to. Don't see her as being any different than yourself. Stop trying to attract other women. Listen when she says no. Respect her privacy. Tell her how you feel. Trust her and be trustworthy yourself.

https://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Refrigerator-PTC-Relay

How to Test a Refrigerator PTC Relay

To test the PTC relay in your refrigerator, unplug the fridge and remove the lower back panel so you can access the relay, which will look like a small black box with 2 or 3 wires running into it. Carefully disconnect the wires with a pair of pliers, and then remove the relay by pulling it off of the prongs on the compressor. Then, use a multimeter to check the relay for open resistance. If the reading on the meter is above 1 ohm or remains unchanged, it may be time for a replacement.

Unplug your fridge. Pull your refrigerator away from the wall carefully so you can access the power cable. If you can't move the fridge on your own, ask someone to help you pull it out. Once you can get behind your fridge, unplug it from the outlet so it doesn't have any power running through it. Your food will stay safe in your fridge for up to 4 hours and in your freezer for 24-48 hours while it's disconnected from power. Avoid opening the doors to prevent it from heating up faster. If you expect your repairs to take longer than 4 hours, move your food to a different fridge or into an insulated cooler. If your fridge hasn't been working and you don't know how long it's been, throw away perishable foods since they may be at an unsafe temperature. Remove the lower back panel from your fridge to access the relay. Look for the small access panel on the back of your fridge near the bottom. Use a screwdriver to take off the screws holding the panel in place and set them in a bowl so you don't lose them. Set the back panel aside while you're working so it's out of the way. You do not have to remove the entire back of your fridge. Take the plastic cover off of the relay if it has one. Look for the compressor inside your fridge, which will be a large black cylinder on either side of the machine. Locate the area on the side of the compressor that has a black plastic box on the side with wires coming out from it. Grab the top of the plastic cover and carefully pull it off of the compressor to expose the relay inside. Sometimes, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry tabs open on the plastic cover to remove it from place. Your fridge may not have a plastic cover over the relay. Disconnect the wires from the relay. The PTC relay will look like a small black box attached to the side of your compressor with 2-3 wires running to it. Grip the ends of the wires with a pair of needle-nose pliers and carefully pull them off the prongs of the relay. Disconnect each wire from place so you're able to remove the relay. There may be a wire that's attached to a screw on the relay. If so, loosen the screw with a screwdriver before pulling the wire out of place. Remove the relay by pulling it off of the prongs. Grab the relay on the side you just took the wires off of and carefully pull it out from the prongs on the compressor. The relay should easily slide off of the prongs and disconnect from the compressor so you can test it. If you aren't able to pull the relay easily, place a screwdriver between it and the compressor and push it off of the prongs. Be careful not to pull the relay so it bends or breaks the prongs on the compressor. Look for burnt marks around the ports on the relay to see if it’s shorted. Inspect the relay to see if it has any charred markings around the ports where it plugged into the compressor. If you see any burnt parts on the relay, then it most likely shorted and needs to be replaced. If the relay is still intact, then continue testing it as normal. You may also be able to smell char on the relay if it's burnt or shorted. Set up your multimeter to read resistance. Set your multimeter to read resistance in ohms (Ω) so you can easily test the PTC relay. Plug the end of the red probe into the positive (+) terminal and the black probe into the negative (-) terminal on the bottom of the multimeter so you can use them. You can buy a multimeter from a hardware store or online. Put the probes in the M and S slots on the relay to check for open resistance. Locate the ports on the side of your PTC relay that have the letters M and S above them, which are usually the ports that connect to the compressor. Put one of the probes into each slot on the relay at the same time and check the reading on your multimeter. It does not matter which probe you put into which port. The reading should read “OL,” which stands for “open line,” meaning there is an infinite level of resistance between the 2 ports. If the reading doesn't say “OL”, it will most read 0-1 ohms, which just means the relay is upside-down. Flip the relay upside-down to see if the resistance changes to 0-1 ohms. Keep the probes inside of the same ports while you turn the relay over to the opposite side. Check the multimeter to see if the reading changes from “OL.” If the meter has a reading between 0-1 Ω, then the relay is still working. If the reading doesn't change or it's above 1 Ω, then it may be time to get a replacement. The PTC relay has a small metal piece inside that moves when there's an electrical current running through it. When the metal piece comes into contact with the ports, it closes the line and creates 0 Ω of resistance. If the relay has correct readings, then you should check the compressor next to see if it's causing the problem. Order a replacement relay if the resistance doesn't read OL or 0-1 ohms. If your reading was over 1 Ω, then the relay may not be working properly and you'll have to replace it. Look for the model number listed on the side of the relay and buy an exact match for your refrigerator. Once you get the new relay, plug it into the prongs on the compressor. Reattach the wires onto the matching ports of the relay so it can turn on your compressor again. Plug the refrigerator back in to make sure the new relay works before screwing on the back panel. You can buy replacement PTC relays from appliance specialty stores or online. They usually cost anywhere between $20-80 USD. If you can't find the model number on the PTC relay, then search for the refrigerator model you have so you can buy a piece that fits inside. Try testing the compressor before getting a new PTC relay to make sure it's not the cause of the problem. Put the probes of a multimeter on the left and right prongs of the compressor. Locate the 3 prongs that the PTC relay plugs into on the side of your compressor. Put one probe on the prong that's furthest to the left and the other probe on the prong on the right to take a resistance reading. Write down the measurement so you don't forget it. The prongs will be shaped like a triangle that's right-side up or upside-down. Use the prongs that are horizontally across from one another for the first measurement. The resistance between the 2 prongs will vary depending on the fridge model and compressor. Measure the resistance between the leftmost and the third prong. Continue holding one of the probes against the leftmost prong on the compressor. Move the other probe to the third pin, which will either be on the top or bottom depending on how the prongs are laid out. Write down the resistance measurement you take between the 2 prongs. If the prongs are configured in an upside-down triangle, then the third prong will be on the bottom. If they form a right-side up triangle, then the third prong will be on the top. Hold the probes on the prongs for at least 5-10 seconds or until the resistance settles on a single reading. Find the measurement from the rightmost and third prongs. Keep the probe on the third prong and move the other probe so it's on the rightmost one. Keep the probes on the multimeter for at least 5 seconds so you can get an accurate reading. Check the multimeter to find the resistance measurement and write it down so you don't forget it. Add the lowest 2 readings to see if they’re within 0.5 Ω of the largest reading. Take the smallest 2 resistance readings from the compressor and add them together to find the total. Compare the sum of the 2 readings to the highest resistance measurement you took to see how close they are. If the sum of the 2 readings is within 0.5 Ω of the highest reading you took, then the compressor is okay. If the readings are higher or lower than the threshold, then you need to call someone to repair or replace the compressor for you. Compressors can be expensive to fix, so you may want to buy a new refrigerator instead. If the compressor still works, then there may be a problem with the internal fan. Contact a repair person to take a look at your fridge to further diagnose the problem.

Unplug your fridge. Remove the lower back panel from your fridge to access the relay. Take the plastic cover off of the relay if it has one. Disconnect the wires from the relay. Remove the relay by pulling it off of the prongs. Look for burnt marks around the ports on the relay to see if it’s shorted. Set up your multimeter to read resistance. Put the probes in the M and S slots on the relay to check for open resistance. Flip the relay upside-down to see if the resistance changes to 0-1 ohms. Order a replacement relay if the resistance doesn't read OL or 0-1 ohms. Put the probes of a multimeter on the left and right prongs of the compressor. Measure the resistance between the leftmost and the third prong. Find the measurement from the rightmost and third prongs. Add the lowest 2 readings to see if they’re within 0.5 Ω of the largest reading.

https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Someone-with-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder

How to Help Someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

One way to help someone with obsessive compulsive disorder is to support them with phrases like “I am so sorry you are going through this right now. I am here for you for support or someone to talk to.” As you talk to them, encourage them by telling them about positive changes they are making in their life. For example, you can say something like, “I notice you have been making an effort to wash your hands less. That's awesome!” No matter what you do, never judge or criticize them, since that will only make them hide their disorder, making it much harder for them to get treatment. Avoid personal criticisms like “Why can't you just stop?” and remember that your loved one probably feels out of control of the disorder.

Support your loved one emotionally. Emotional support is incredibly important, as it can help people to feel connected, protected and loved, but it is especially vital for your loved one with OCD. Even if you have no mental health education or don't feel as though you are able to “cure” the disorder, your support and loving regard may help your loved one suffering from OCD feel much more accepted and confident. You can show support for your loved one simply by being there for her when she wants to discuss her thoughts, feelings, or compulsions. You could say, “I'm here for you if you ever want to talk about anything. We could grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.” Try explaining to your loved one that you want the best for her and ask her to let you know if you say or do something that makes her feel uncomfortable – this will help your loved one open up in front of you and feel as though you can be trusted. Be empathic. Empathy is a common practice in therapy because it helps people feel connected and understood; it is crucial when communicating with a person suffering from OCD. Try to understand what your loved one is going through. Empathy is heightened with understanding. For instance, picture that your romantic partner needs to arrange her food in a very specific, peculiar way before each meal. At first you might find it odd, and ask her to stop or criticize her on this strange behavior. However, after a while, when you find out your partner's deeper reasons for acting this way and the fears behind them, you are very likely to feel empathic. Here is an example of how you can show your empathy in conversation, “You are trying the best that you can and I know how much it hurts when you are trying so hard but your symptoms won't go away, especially when they are not really under your control. I don't blame you for being upset and frustrated lately. You're probably not only hurt but angry at being stuck with this disorder.” Use supportive communication. When you communicate with your loved one you need to be supportive, but don't approve or validate her behaviors related to OCD. Make your comments person-centered, such as, “I am so sorry you are going through this right now. What do you think is making your OCD symptoms so bad right now? I am here for you for support or someone to talk to. I hope that you will get better soon.” Help your loved one reevaluate the severity of her intrusive thoughts. Don't judge or criticize your loved one. No matter what you do, always avoid judging and criticizing the obsessions and compulsions of the OCD sufferer. Judgement and criticism is likely to force your loved one to hide their disorder; this makes it much harder to get them the proper treatment, and can also cause a rift in your relationship. She may feel better speaking with you if you are accepting. An example of a critical statement is, “Why can't you just stop this nonsense?” Avoid personal criticisms to make sure you don't isolate your loved one. Remember that the individual often feels out of control of the disorder Constant criticism any make your loved feel as if she can't satisfy your expectations. This may cause her to recoil and shield themselves from interacting with you. Modify your expectations to avoid frustration. If you are frustrated or resentful of your loved one, it may be more difficult to provide adequate or helpful support. Understand that people with OCD are often resistant to change, and sudden change can cause OCD symptoms to flare up. Remember to measure the individual's progress only against herself, and push her to challenge herself. However, don't pressure her to function perfectly, especially if it is beyond her ability at this time. Comparing your loved one to others is never valuable, because it can make her feel inadequate and become defensive. Remember that people get better at different rates. There is wide variation of the severity of OCD symptoms and there are varying responses to treatment. Be patient when your loved one is receiving treatment for OCD. Slow gradual progress is better than a relapse, so make sure you remain supportive and don't discourage her by becoming outwardly frustrated. Avoid day to day comparisons, because they don't represent the bigger picture. Recognize small improvements to provide encouragement. Acknowledge seemingly small accomplishments to let your loved one know that you see her progress and are proud of her. This is a powerful tool that encourages your loved one to keep trying. Say something like, “I noticed you decreased your hand-washing today. Great job!” Create distance and space between you and your loved one when needed. Don't try to stop your loved one's OCD behavior by being with her all the time. This isn't healthy for your loved one or yourself. You need your alone time to recharge and be as supportive and understanding as you can be. Be sure when you are around your loved one that you converse about things not related to OCD and its symptoms. You do not want the OCD to become the sole connection between you and your loved one. Don't confuse supporting with enabling. It is very important to not confuse support with the above point, which was enabling. Enabling means accommodating or helping the individual maintain her compulsions and rituals. This can result in more severe OCD symptoms, because you are reinforcing these compulsive behaviors. Support doesn't mean taking on the compulsions of the sufferer, but rather talking with her about her fears and being understanding, even if you think what she is doing is strange. Don’t enable your loved one's behavior to avoid reinforcing it. It is not uncommon for families with an OCD sufferer to accommodate them or even mimic certain behaviors, in an effort to protect and help the sufferer with his or her rituals. For example, if your friend or family member has a compulsion to separate different foods on her plate, you may begin to separate the food for them. In your mind, this will probably seem helpful and supportive, but in fact, it's exactly the opposite. This behavior is enabling and reinforcing the compulsion. Even though the aim of your natural reaction is to share the load, the entire family or social network might start “suffering from OCD,” with everyone joining in the compulsive actions. Aiding your loved ones with her compulsions implies that she is justified in her irrational fears and that she should continue doing what she is doing and engaging in compulsive behaviors. No matter how difficult, you should always try to avoid enabling your loved one, as you will only increase her compulsions this way. Resist assisting in avoidance behavior. Don't constantly help your family member or friend avoid the things that upset her, especially when these things are integral parts of daily life. This is another type of enabling or accommodating the compulsive behaviors. For example, don't help her avoid dirty surfaces by never going out to eat. Try not to facilitate symptomatic behavior/rituals. Don't do things for your loved one that allow her to engage in symptomatic behavior. An example of this could be buying your loved one the cleaning products she wants in order to obsessively clean. Avoid modifying your routine. If you modify your routine in order to accommodate OCD symptoms, this can change the behavior of the entire family to accommodate basic OCD behaviors. An example could be waiting to start dinner until the individual with OCD is done with her ritual. Another example could be going out of your way to do more chores because your loved one's OCD makes it difficult for her to complete her chores in a timely manner. Create a plan of action to help yourself and others stop accommodating the symptoms of OCD. If you have been an accomplice to your loved one's OCD and recognize this, gently withdraw from these encouraging behaviors and hold the line. Explain that you being involved is making the problem worse. Expect that your loved one may be upset by this, and deal with your own emotions surrounding her pain; stay strong! For example, a family plan for a family that often accommodates OCD behavior by waiting to for the individual to complete her rituals before starting meals can change by no longer waiting to start meals and no longer washing your hands with the person who has OCD. No matter what your plan of action is, be sure you are consistent. Help motivate the person toward treatment. One way to motivate your loved one with OCD is to help her identify the advantages and disadvantages of change. If the individual still has trouble becoming motivated for treatment you can do some of the following: Bring literature home. Encourage the person that treatment can help. Discuss ways in which you have accommodated the OCD behavior. Suggest a support group. Discuss treatment options to open the door to professional help. Your support is one of the most important aspects of helping an OCD sufferer, as it will lift some of the weight off her shoulders and will help her find the best treatment possible. Make it a point to discuss the treatment options with your loved one, in order to introduce it as a discussion topic. Be sure to let your loved one know that OCD is very treatable and her symptoms and distress can be seriously decreased. You can ask your general practitioner for more information on OCD treatment as well as a list of local mental health specialists. The first line of treating OCD is usually to prescribe an antidepressant. That can help repetitive thoughts to slow down or be less intrusive, so that hopefully the repetitive actions will become less frequent. Medication is often paired with exposure response prevention therapy (XRP), where the person is purposefully exposed to a trigger, and they must try to prevent themselves from engaging in the compulsion. Another treatment which may be helpful for the whole family is family therapy. This could serve as a safe place to discuss emotions and offer support. Accompany your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychologist to get effective treatment. In order to find the most effective treatment, you will need to see a psychiatrist (MD), psychologist (PhD, PsyD), or a counselor (LPC, LMFT). Family involvement in treatment has been shown to help decrease OCD symptoms. Preferably, you should see someone who specializes in OCD or at least has experience treating the disorder. When deciding on which doctor to go to, be sure you ask if the doctor has experience treating OCD. Involve family members in treatment. Research shows that family involvement in behavioral interventions or treatment of OCD helps reduce symptoms of OCD. Family treatment can help to encourage helpful communication and reduce anger. You can assist your loved one in completing diaries or thought-records which can help her track her obsessions and compulsions. Support taking medication as prescribed. Although thinking about your loved one taking psychiatric medications can be an unnerving thought, be sure to support the doctor's assessment. Do not undermine the medication instructions that have been given by the doctor. Move on with your life if your loved one refuses treatment. Give up control over your loved one. Recognize that you have done all you can and you can't completely control or help your loved one cure herself. Self-care is critical when trying to care for another person. There is no way you can care for another person if you can't care for yourself. Be sure not to support her OCD symptoms, but do periodically remind her that you are there to help when she is ready. Above all, remember that you have a life and have a right to your own life. Dispel your misconceptions about OCD to gain perspective on your loved one. Gaining perspective on the disorder through education is very important, because there are quite a few misconceptions regarding OCD. It is important to challenge these misconceptions, as they are likely to get in the way of a fulfilling relationship with your loved one. One of the most popular misconceptions is that people with OCD can control their obsessions and compulsions – which is not the case. For instance, if you believe they can change their behavior whenever they want to, you will only get frustrated when they don't. Learn about OCD to accept your loved one's condition. Getting educated about OCD can help you more easily accept that your loved one has it. This can be a painful process, but when you know the facts it will be easier to be objective, rather than emotional and pessimistic. Acceptance will allow you be productive and turn your attention to future treatment options, rather than ruminate on the past. Understand common types of rituals and compulsions such as: hand washing, religious behaviors (such as praying a scripted prayer exactly 15 times in order to prevent something bad from happening), counting, and checking (for example, checking to make sure you locked the door). Young people with OCD may be more likely to disengage in activities or avoid them altogether due to fear of obsessions or compulsive behaviors. They may also have difficulty with daily living (cooking, cleaning, bathing, etc), and higher anxiety levels overall. Continue to learn and gain a deeper education about OCD to help your loved one effectively. In order to be able to help someone with OCD, you may benefit from understanding the ins and outs of the disorder. You can't expect to help someone with OCD before you know about it and understand it to some degree. There are many books on the topic, as well as large amounts of information online. Just make what you are reading is a credible academic or medical source. You can also ask your general practitioner or mental health specialist for some clarification. Look into alternative treatments for OCD, as well. For instance, a newer form of treatment, called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), was recently approved by the FDA to treat OCD. In very rare cases, when someone's OCD is severe enough that it interferes with their ability to take care of themselves, surgery can be a viable option, as well.

Support your loved one emotionally. Be empathic. Use supportive communication. Don't judge or criticize your loved one. Modify your expectations to avoid frustration. Remember that people get better at different rates. Recognize small improvements to provide encouragement. Create distance and space between you and your loved one when needed. Don't confuse supporting with enabling. Don’t enable your loved one's behavior to avoid reinforcing it. Resist assisting in avoidance behavior. Try not to facilitate symptomatic behavior/rituals. Avoid modifying your routine. Create a plan of action to help yourself and others stop accommodating the symptoms of OCD. Help motivate the person toward treatment. Discuss treatment options to open the door to professional help. Accompany your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychologist to get effective treatment. Involve family members in treatment. Support taking medication as prescribed. Move on with your life if your loved one refuses treatment. Dispel your misconceptions about OCD to gain perspective on your loved one. Learn about OCD to accept your loved one's condition. Continue to learn and gain a deeper education about OCD to help your loved one effectively.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Massage-Therapy-Business

How to Start a Massage Therapy Business

Before you can start a massage therapy business, you'll need to complete massage therapy training and receive your certification. Once you're certified, you can apply for a business license and get liability insurance so you're ready to start operating your business. As a massage therapist, you can run your business from your home, or you can rent an office space to work with your clients in. If you need some help getting your business off the ground, consider applying for a business loan.

Complete your massage therapy certification. Before you can start a massage therapy business, you will need to complete massage therapy training and receive a certification as proof you have completed the necessary courses. A certification in massage therapy practice is considered an entry level qualification in the massage industry. You can receive certification through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). There are many different types of massage therapy you can focus on and specialize in, such as remedial massage therapy or sports massage therapy. Though you may decide to specialize, you should be certified in extensive training on the essential techniques of massage, and have practicum hours at a clinic to get hands on experience. Most states in the U.S. require certification and licensing in order to register as a certified massage therapist. Alaska, Kansas, Montana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming are the only states that do not regulate massage therapists. Apply for a business license. You should check with your local state laws on business registration to determine if you need a business license. Some states require you to obtain a business license if you sell massage therapy products in addition to massage therapy services. As a certified practitioner, you may also be required to obtain an “Art of Healing” license. You can find more information on business licenses by talking to the State Department of Revenue and Consumer Affairs, the county clerk, city hall, or the regulatory agency for massage therapy in your state or province. Reach out to your local small business association for more detailed information on the licensing laws required in your state or area, as they can often tell you exactly what is required for your type of business. The Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals (ABMP) gives its members access to information about the licensing requirements by state. Join a massage therapy association. Massage therapy associations are a good way to network with other therapist and business owners. They also often offer benefits for their members like business advice, information on certification and licensing, and other opportunities. Some associations require members to pay to join, like the Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals (AMBP), and others have no membership fees. A list of massage therapy associations in the U.S. can be found through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) website: http://www.ncbtmb.org/. Get liability insurance. As the owner of a massage therapy business, you will be responsible for covering any liabilities from your clients. You will be working intensely and intimately with your clients so it is important that you protect yourself in the event you are sued by a client or have to claim damages or issues on your insurance. Getting liability insurance ensures you are protected and can afford to fight off a suit in court. As well, as a self-employed individual, you will need to provide your own health insurance coverage. You may also want to invest in disability insurance, which will protect you in the event you are injured and cannot work. Choose your business name. Once you have sorted out the necessary certification and licensing, you will need to determine your business name. Your business name will act as branding, as it will be printed on your business cards and it will be clearly stated on your website and your social media accounts. Come up with at least two to three options for business names in the event one name is already taken by an existing business. You may want to use your given name as your business name, given it is an uncommon or unique name. It's likely the name “Massage by Carol Lumbort” will not be taken if you live in a small town or area, but a name like “Massage by Carol” could already be taken. Try to choose a business name that is unique to you but also easy to remember and read. You may decide to focus on a theme or idea that relates to massage therapy, such as “relaxation” “calming” “rehabilitation” or “releasing”. To avoid overlapping with an existing business name, you may want to then personalize this theme so it is singular to you. For example, “Relaxation with Carol Lumbort” or “Lumbort's Calming Massage”. You can confirm if your business name idea has already been trademarked by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office database through their website: http://www.uspto.gov/. You can also do a google search of your name ideas to determine if it has already been taken by a massage therapist in your area or by another business. Decide if you are going to work from home or from an office. Many massage therapists work from their home and do home visits when servicing their clients. However, you may decide that you want to establish a separate office space where you can serve clients on site. Working from home means you will have less start up costs and very little overhead costs, as the majority of the profit will be going to you, not your rent or building maintenance. However, you will need to do many jobs at once, from booking clients to stocking supplies to bringing your massage therapy supplies to and from your clients' homes. You will likely need to also establish a home office in a spare room to keep your business documents organized. Renting or leasing a space will require more overhead costs and start-up costs. However, it would also allow you to service more clients at once and possibly turn a larger profit than just working on your own. You may decide to take on a business partner so you can combine your client list or hire other therapists to work in the location. Outline your start-up expenses. Your business plan should have enough capital or start-up funds to cover several major expenses: Occupancy expenses: If you are renting or leasing a space, you will need to budget for your monthly rent and building maintenance costs. You will also need to consider other bills like a phone line, an internet connection, electricity, and heating. If you are using a home office, you may still need to budget for a separate phone line for your business. Operating expenses: These are expenses that are required during the day to day operation of your business. You may have operating expenses in the form of a web designer or graphic designer you hire for marketing, an accountant to file your taxes, or a massage therapist professional on contract to help you with your new practice. You may also have operating expenses in the form of materials, such as a ledger for your finances and massage therapy materials like lotions, creams, towels, blankets, and other massage supplies. You should list every possible operations item you can think of, even if it does not come into play later, to ensure you can cover everything in your budget. One-time expenses: These are considered “capital” expenses, which you only buy once as an investment in your business. If you have an office space, this may be furniture for the reception area and the massage room, or a computer for booking clients. If you work from home, you may decide to invest in electronic equipment that you will use primarily for your business. You will also need to invest in massage chairs for your office space or a portable massage chair you carry with you to your clients' homes. Marketing expenses: This could be the web designer fee for your business website, the graphic designer fee for designing your brochures and business cards, or other advertising that you invest in to generate business. Marketing is an essential tool for building your clientele and staying profitable as a small business. Apply for a business loan, if necessary. Once you have drawn up your business plan and considered all of your expenses, you should have a good sense of the start-up capital you require to get your business off the ground. You may then use this as a baseline against your own funds, the funds of an investor, or to apply for a small business loan from your bank. Many banks will require a business plan and other financial documents to consider you for a business loan. If you do not qualify for a business loan from your bank, you may want to apply at other banks. You may also want to consider talking to investors who may be interested in investing in your business. Use your business plan to convince them that your business is viable and a worthwhile investment for them. Create a website for your business. Many massage therapists use their website as a way to communicate with clients, book clients, and retain new clientele. The website does not have to be fancy or state of the art. Instead, go for a basic website that showcases your business name, your certifications, the services you offer, and your unique approach to massage therapy. You can hire a web designer to create your website for you, or create your own website using a basic website design program like Wordpress.com or Squarespace.com. You can then link your website to other social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Your business should also have a Google Plus page with accurate information that appears when your business is googled by clients. Some basic massages to offer when you're starting out include Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massages, but you can offer other types, such as Thai or Shiatsu. Hand out flyers in your community. Though it may seem old-fashioned to hand out flyers, targeting your community with old-fashioned marketing can be beneficial. Go around to local coffee shops and community centers and ask if you can post flyers about your new massage therapist business. This will help you develop business in your area and lead to word of mouth marketing. Register your business with health funds in your country. Some of your clients may want to claim their massage with their company's health fund or the government health fund so they can receive a rebate. You will need to make this option available to your clients by contacting each health fund and filling out an application form. You will then receive a provider number that you can use on your clients' rebates to allow them to claim their massages. Offering this option to your clients will likely make your business seem more appealing to clients and keep them coming back to you for your services. Reward referrals from existing clients. To encourage your clients to continue to use your services, you can start a rewards program where your clients get discounts or bonus treatments once they have booked you a certain number of times or spent a certain amount of money. You can also set up a referrals program where clients are rewarded if they refer a friend to your business. Using rewards programs can be a simple and direct way to retain your clients and to attract new clients. However, you should not lean too heavily on these programs, as your massage therapy services should be strong enough to justify return visits from your clients.

Complete your massage therapy certification. Apply for a business license. Join a massage therapy association. Get liability insurance. Choose your business name. Decide if you are going to work from home or from an office. Outline your start-up expenses. Apply for a business loan, if necessary. Create a website for your business. Hand out flyers in your community. Register your business with health funds in your country. Reward referrals from existing clients.

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Snorlax

How to Draw Snorlax

To draw Snorlax, start by sketching a lemon shaped head and 2 triangles for its ears. Then, draw a large curve for its body, since Snorlax is known for its gigantic stomach. Next, make the arms and feet, with tiny triangles at the ends for claws. After that, add the facial features and a circle at the bottom of each foot for its paw pads. Finish by erasing any unnecessary lines and coloring your drawing!

Make Snorlax's head. Draw a lemon shaped head and two triangles to resemble the head and ears. Make Snorlax's arms. Connect two banana shaped arms on each side of the head. Make the belly. Snorlax is known for having a gigantic stomach. Draw a large curve for the belly. Make the feet. Draw to circles at the bottom for feet. Add facial features. Draw two lines for sleepy eyes and one for the smiley mouth. Draw tiny triangles on the end of the arms for claws. Draw another circle on each foot for paws and add three triangles on each foot. Erase the guide lines. Finish your drawing by adding colour. Draw the body and head. Create Snorlax's head and body by drawing 2 oval shapes onto paper. Outline his face. Draw an m shape on the head to make the face. Draw Snorlax's ears. Create the ears by drawing 2 triangle shapes on top of the head. Outline the stomach by drawing a curved u shape. Create the feet. Draw two ovals shapes for each foot. Create the arms Draw 2 curved u shapes for the arms. Draw guidelines onto the face. Draw guidelines to help you put the eyes and nose in the right spot. Create the mouth and eyes. Draw 3 curved lines 1 for the mouth and 2 for the eyes. Outline the feet. Draw 2 ovals in both feet to outline. Create the nails. Draw 3 curved nails on each foot. Erase the guidelines. Remove all guidelines carefully with a good quality eraser. Colour in Snorlax to complete the drawing.

Make Snorlax's head. Make Snorlax's arms. Make the belly. Make the feet. Add facial features. Draw another circle on each foot for paws and add three triangles on each foot. Erase the guide lines. Finish your drawing by adding colour. Draw the body and head. Outline his face. Draw Snorlax's ears. Outline the stomach by drawing a curved u shape. Create the feet. Create the arms Draw guidelines onto the face. Create the mouth and eyes. Outline the feet. Create the nails. Erase the guidelines. Colour in Snorlax to complete the drawing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Neuter-Your-Guinea-Pig

How to Neuter Your Guinea Pig

To neuter your guinea pig, keep in mind that it's usually best to avoid neutering a guinea pig unless absolutely necessary since the procedure can be risky. If you decide to go through with it, make sure you find an exotic vet that has experience neutering guinea pigs. Also, make sure your guinea pig is at least 4 months old, and know that some vets won't neuter a guinea pig that's older than 3 or 4 years.

Decide whether neutering is the best option for your guinea pig. Due to their small size, guinea pigs are vulnerable to risks when it comes to surgery. Additionally, it is a common myth that neutering will make males get along better with other guinea pigs or make them friendlier. Neutering doesn't affect the personality of a guinea pig in any way―it is a tactic to prevent pregnancy. If you don't need to get your guinea pig neutered, then don't. Avoid the risks and unnecessary cost of neutering. Unless you're planning to keep him with females, there is no need to castrate your male. Understand the risks of neutering. Performing surgery on small animals is a complicated process for the surgeon, especially one that isn't as experienced. Both the surgical preparations and the procedure itself carry risks. Not only can the surgery result in infections, the stress from the operation may uncover a medical issue that your guinea pig already has but has been fighting off, such as a respiratory infection. For instance, guinea pigs are prone to chest infections, but you might not notice any symptoms until the pig is stressed. Since surgery stresses out the piggy, he may get sick. You should go through the risks of neutering with your vet so you fully understand any complications that can arise. Spaying a female guinea pig is even riskier than neutering a male. For that reason, your vet may recommend neutering the male if you plan to have a male and female live together. Find a suitable veterinarian to neuter your guinea pig. Don't assume that any vet can easily neuter a guinea pig. Find an exotic or small animal vet that has experience with guinea pig neutering and, of course, good outcomes from surgery. Ask around from friends or online forums for advice about good vets in your area. Additionally, local shelters might put you in touch with a good vet. Choose a mid-priced vet office rather than the cheapest. As much as the cheapest option may seem like the best option to go with, this isn't always the truth. Opt for an average priced neutering from a reliable vet clinic. Costs for surgery can be anywhere between $50 and $300. The average would be about $100. Avoid clinics with bad reviews, poor credentials, or unsanitary conditions. Search the clinic's name online and read any available reviews. Additionally, read any news stories related to the clinic. If you have any hesitations, look for a better recommended clinic. Ask any questions you have about the vet's experience or the operation. When it comes to finding a vet, the best thing you can do is question them to know whether they're right for your guinea pig. Make sure you're asking questions to do with how many guinea pigs they have neutered, their success rate, over what period of time they have neutered guinea pigs, any experience with complications and possibly references from past patients. Ask any questions you need answered in order to feel like your guinea pig will be safe. Ask how the surgical procedure will go and which anesthesia will be used. Isoflurane gas if preferred whilst halothane and methoxyflurane gas are considered unsafe to be used. Provide a separate living area for your guinea pig during its recovery. You will have to wait at least 4-6 weeks until you can house your male with a female as it takes time for the viable sperm to die off. A recently neutered guinea pig still has the risk of impregnating a female. Take good care of your guinea pig prior to surgery. Provide your piggy with a clean habitat, fresh water, and a healthy diet. Remove soiled bedding and replace it daily. Additionally, provide him with toys to keep him occupied. Finally, make sure he gets plenty of attention from you. Ask the vet to make sure your guinea pig is healthy enough for surgery. It's dangerous for an unhealthy guinea pig to get neutered, as their immune system won't be as strong. After surgery, your piggy will be at risk for developing a post-operative infection. A healthy immune system will lower the risk of infection. Your vet may include a checkup appointment prior to the surgery. If your vet doesn't, schedule one to make sure your guinea pig is ready for surgery. Weigh your guinea pig. Weight is a major factor to do with your guinea pig's health. The minimum weight for a guinea pig who will undergo neutering is 650 grams. Regular weight checks should be performed as a way to spot early symptoms of potential health issues. Tell the vet your guinea pig's age. There is actually a recommended age when it comes to neutering guinea pigs. The most preferred age is to get your guinea pig neutered at as young as 4 months. Your vet may recommend against neutering a 3 to 4-year-old guinea pig. Some vets will have an age limit. Ask first and get their recommendations. Prepare a temporary cage for your guinea pig. Make sure you set-up a cage for your guinea pig before you bring them home. They will need extra care, supervision, and isolation away from other guinea pigs, animals, children, and noises. Watch for lack of appetite, fatigue, and aggression. Your piggy's appetite may suffer after its surgery, but it needs to eat. Your guinea pig should start eating again 2 hours after his surgery. Additionally, he should remain active. Your piggy may show aggressive behavior due to discomfort, so monitor him closely. Keep your guinea pig indoors. An indoor environment is the best environment while your guinea pig recovers from surgery. An indoor environment reduces stress and lowers the risk of infection. Additionally, the temperature can be regulated, and you'll be able to supervise your guinea pig more frequently. Administer any prescribed antibiotics to your guinea pig. Do not give your guinea pig any antibiotics or medication that hasn't been prescribed for them. Only give your guinea pig medication if your vet has instructed you to. Antibiotics shouldn't be added to their water if it isn't recommended, as your guinea pig can be put off from drinking due to this. You will most likely be given antibiotics to help your guinea pig during their healing process. Also, you may have the option to administer painkillers to your guinea pig to get him eating faster. Use towels as the primary bedding. Don't use your normal bedding for your guinea pig during the healing process. Anything with small fragments should be avoided, such as wood chippings and shavings, as these can irritate the wound. You should opt for white towels instead, which will help with monitoring your guinea pig's urine and droppings. Line newspaper at the bottom first, and then the towels, which will need to be changed at least once a day. Your vet might suggest you with what kind of bedding to use to prevent infections and irritants to the wound. Restrain your guinea pig from sitting on its hay. The hay can be irritable to your guinea pig's wound. You must keep the hay compacted into a tube or suitable rack that restrains the guinea pig from sitting in it. Make sure you're buying a soft brand of hay such as meadow hay (but not too soft that it isn't any good for your guinea pig). You should avoid oaten hay, as it's a lot tougher. Isolate your guinea pig. They should be kept separate from any cage mates while they are recovering from surgery. This includes other guinea pigs, animals, and people. The only one that should be interacting with the guinea pig is you. Small children should be kept away from your guinea pig to reduce unnecessary stress. Increase your guinea pig's vitamin C intake. You should be giving your guinea pig 50-75 mg of vitamin C, depending on their weight. You can give them vitamin C naturally through vegetables such as (green) capsicums. Continue to weigh your guinea pig daily. Weighing your guinea pig can help identify signs of early illnesses; especially if their weight rapidly drops all of a sudden. Monitor your guinea pig more than usual. After surgery, your guinea pig's wound is prone to infections during the healing process. You should keep an extra eye on your cavy each day to ensure their health is stable. This is why it's optimal to keep your guinea pig indoors while they are healing. Additionally you should monitor their behavior and eating habits, too. House your guinea pig with females after 4-6 weeks. If you plan on doing so, then after at least 4 weeks you are able to keep your male with a female. You must wait 4 weeks to give any viable sperm time to die off, otherwise there is still a high risk of your male impregnating the female.

Decide whether neutering is the best option for your guinea pig. Understand the risks of neutering. Find a suitable veterinarian to neuter your guinea pig. Choose a mid-priced vet office rather than the cheapest. Avoid clinics with bad reviews, poor credentials, or unsanitary conditions. Ask any questions you have about the vet's experience or the operation. Provide a separate living area for your guinea pig during its recovery. Take good care of your guinea pig prior to surgery. Ask the vet to make sure your guinea pig is healthy enough for surgery. Weigh your guinea pig. Tell the vet your guinea pig's age. Prepare a temporary cage for your guinea pig. Watch for lack of appetite, fatigue, and aggression. Keep your guinea pig indoors. Administer any prescribed antibiotics to your guinea pig. Use towels as the primary bedding. Restrain your guinea pig from sitting on its hay. Isolate your guinea pig. Increase your guinea pig's vitamin C intake. Continue to weigh your guinea pig daily. Monitor your guinea pig more than usual. House your guinea pig with females after 4-6 weeks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Address-a-Mayor

How to Address a Mayor

To address a mayor, address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name if you're talking to them in person. If you continue talking to them and want to use their name again, you can address them the same way or simply say "sir" or "madam." However, if you're sending the mayor a formal letter, include their full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the U.S., you would write something like "The Honorable Megan Berry, Mayor of Nashville."

Use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. If you're mailing a formal letter to the mayor, the outside should be addressed to the mayor by their first and last name, along with "Mayor" and any other honorific typically bestowed on a mayor. In the US, put "The Honorable" on the first line of your address block along with the mayor's first and last name. For example: The Honorable Megan Barry. On the second line of the address block, provide the city. For example: Mayor of Nashville. In other countries, mayors may have different formal titles. You still generally want to use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, a mayor's full formal title is "His/Her Worship Mayor Firstname A. Lastname." For example: Her Worship Mayor Megan C. Barry. Include the shorter title "Mayor" in your salutation. On the inside of a formal letter, you don't need to repeat the mayor's full formal title. You can simply address them as "Mayor" followed by their last name in most instances. For example: Dear Mayor Barry. Follow your salutation with a comma, double space, and continue with your letter. Double-check proper protocol outside the US. For example, in Canada it is also acceptable to use a polite salutation such as "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam." Maintain a respectful tone throughout your letter. Even though your letter is addressed directly to the mayor, you may want to address them again in the body of your letter. On subsequent mention, using "Mayor" with their last name is most appropriate. You might also use Mr. Mayor or Madam Mayor if you want. Be careful not to overdo it when using the mayor's name in the body of your letter. You might want to use it at the end, when you're urging the mayor to act in response to the issue you've raised. It's not necessary to include it throughout the letter. Call the mayor by their shortened title when first meeting them. When you are initially introduced to the mayor, address them as "Mayor" with their last name. There's no need to call them by their full formal title. Use this form of address even if you're initially introduced to them more casually. Allow the mayor to tell you if you have their permission to call them something else, such as by their first name. Maintain a polite address throughout the conversation. If you continue talking to the mayor and want to use their name again, it is appropriate to address them as "Mayor" with their last name, or to use sir or ma'am. In the US, you can also address the mayor as "Your Honor," although this is considered more formal. Saying "Mr. Mayor" or "Madam Mayor" is also acceptable. Listen to the forms of address people around you use if you're unsure – particularly staff in the mayor's office. Other countries may follow different formalities. When in doubt, listen to others around you or ask a member of the mayor's staff how you should properly address the mayor. For example, in Canada you could also refer to the mayor as "Your Worship," although this is considered more formal (similar to "Your Honor" in the US). Use the mayor's full formal title when introducing them to an audience. A public event or speaking engagement typically is a more formal occasion where the mayor is appearing in their official capacity. If you're introducing them, their full formal title is appropriate. For example, if you were introducing the Mayor of Nashville at a public event, you would address her as "The Honorable Megan Barry, Mayor of the city of Nashville." Full formal titles vary among countries, so make sure you're using the correct title. For example, in the UK and British commonwealth countries, you typically would say "The Worshipful The Mayor of Nashville, Councillor Megan Barry."

Use the mayor's full formal title on the envelope. Include the shorter title "Mayor" in your salutation. Maintain a respectful tone throughout your letter. Call the mayor by their shortened title when first meeting them. Maintain a polite address throughout the conversation. Use the mayor's full formal title when introducing them to an audience.

https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Pugs

How to Breed Pugs

To breed pugs, you'll need a female pug that's at least 18 months old and no older than 6 years and a male pug that's at least 12 months old. You should also have both pugs genetically tested and examined by a vet to make sure they don't have any health issues or genetic disorders that could get passed onto the pups. After you breed the dogs, you should expect to wait around 60-65 days for the female to give birth.

Examine your motivations for breeding. When you begin thinking about breeding your pug, you need to make sure that you are breeding for the right reason. The real reason you should breed your pug is to improve the pug breed overall. This means that you want to breed your pug in order to produce more happy, healthy pug specimens. You should not breed pugs if you just want to make money or profit in any other way. . Find homes for puppies before you start Breeding pugs is not a solitary practice. Once your pug produces puppies, the puppies will need some place to go. To ensure that your breeding can go off without a hitch, try to line up homes for the pug puppies ahead of time. You will need to screen possible owners to ensure that they will create a good home for the pug. If you have the room, money, and space, you can plan to keep the puppies as long as you want or until you find them a home after they are born. Keep in mind that this cost includes vaccinations, dewormings, parasite controls, and spaying/neutering. You can never be sure of how many puppies your pug will have, but make sure you have a decent number of homes, between five to seven, already lined up. This preparation will ensure the puppies don't end up a burden to you and keeps them out of shelters. Research pug pregnancy. Before you start breeding your pug, you need to make sure you understand what goes into pug pregnancy. You will need to know how to cope with a pregnant pug. This includes how long they stay pregnant, what kind of care she will need when pregnant, and any emergencies that may arise. You also need to know how to handle the birth process as well. You should also make sure you have a veterinarian you trust and that you can call in case there is an emergency. Watch your pug’s temperament. Your pug needs to have a pleasant and enjoyable temperament. The pug you plan to breed with yours should also be well behaved and even tempered. This will ensure their puppies will be good, strong pets. If your dog has any emotional or temperament issues, you should rethink breeding him or her. You only want to breed the best pugs you can. Verify your pug’s genes. Before you breed your pug, you need to have him tested to determine his genetic background. This will test your dog's bloodline to ensure there are only good qualities in his or her bloodline. If your pug is a registered as a purebred, you can obtain your dog's bloodline from the American Kennel Club or other registering authority. You need to be sure your pug and the pug you are planning to breed with are not directly related in order to prevent any possible genetic defects caused by inbreeding. Examine your pug’s health. Your pug should be in fine physical shape in order to be bred. This means your pug should be free from any genetic health problems that could be passed down from him or her to the puppies. Take your pug to the veterinarian to get checked out. Common pug diseases that would deter you from breeding your pug include: Luxating patellas, also known as 'wobbly kneecaps', which is the excess movement of the kneecap sideways that can cause the hind leg to lock in an extended position. Hip dysplasia, which is when the hips are poorly formed so they do not move smoothly in the hip joint, causing the the dog to have a weak back end and lead to early arthritis Entropion, which is an inwards turning of the eyelids where the hairs rub on the surface of the eye and cause constant irritation Hemivertebra, which is a malformation of the spine bones that causes a physical deformity of the spine Cleft palate, which is a separation of the palate of the mouth area, often corrected by surgery at a young age Check your pug’s vaccination status. Before your pug is mated or bred, you need to ensure he or she is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. This is especially important for your female pug because most vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy. Your pug must have the immunity provided by vaccination so she can pass some of these antibodies on to her puppies via her milk, which will give the puppies a low level of protection at a time when their immune systems are weak and developing. She should also be up to date with all her parasite treatments as well, including everything from heartworm to roundworms. All these things are also important for female pugs because pregnancy suppresses the immune system. This means that any parasite could take advantage of her weakened immunity and breed, which could impact her health and as well as the unborn puppies. Evaluate your pug’s weight. Your pug should be at a healthy weight in order to be healthy enough to breed. To check your pug's weight, run your fingers along his or her rib cage. With a gently pressure, you should be able to easily feel the ribs with no rolls of fat in the way. Your pug should also have a defined waistline if you look from the side and above. However, there should be enough fat cover that the bones of the hips and pelvis do not stick through. Consider your pug’s age. When deciding to breed your female pug, you should make sure she is at least 18 months old. This means she should have gone through at least three heat cycles, which will allow her the right amount of time to fully grow and mature. This will make sure that she can handle the rigors of pregnancy and giving birth. The male pug should be around 12 to 15 months, since this is how long it would take him to reach full sexual maturity. Female pugs should not be bred if they are older than six years old. By this age, she is approaching the dog equivalent of retirement age, which means that the strain of pregnancy could cause organ damage. Also, as a general rule, once your pug is bred, she should not have another litters within the following season, so make sure to give her a break in between. Female pugs should also not have more than four litters during her life. Pick the right male pug. If you don't have both a female and male pug, you can find your pug a stud, or breed-ready male dog, through different sources. You can buying the services of a male pug, find another local breeder, or find an owner willing to help you out. Make sure you ask to see the male pug's pedigree and see if he is registered with the Kennel Club, which will allow the puppies to be registered as purebred. The Kennel Club does not keep a register of stud dogs, so any information you retain about the male pug has to be done on your own. Make sure you meet the male pug before you agree to breeding to ensure that he has a good temperament and physical appearance. Watch for her heat. The only time a pug can get pregnant is during her heat. Your female pug will come into heat about twice a year, or roughly once every six months. Her heat period will last about three to four weeks. She will undergo physical changes and her behavior may change some during heat. Male dogs will also be more drawn to her during this time. The best way to know for sure if your pug is in heat is to look at her genital area. During her heat, she will have a swollen vulva and release a bloody discharge. Determine when she is ovulating. Your female pug cannot get pregnant during the whole heat cycle. She can only get pregnant when she is ovulating. This time tends to be approximately day 11 through 14 of her heat cycle. This is the time when she wants to have the male's company as well. The range of ovulation can vary depending on the dog. Have her heat cycle tested. If you don't want to wait around to check for her heat or guess when she is ovulating, you can have your vet test your pug's heat cycle so you know exactly when it starts. This will give you the best chance for her to fall pregnant because you will know exactly when she needs to breed. The vet may swab her vulva and analyze the cells under a microscope slide to tell exactly what stage of heat she is in and if it's a good time to mate her. You can also get an ovulation blood test, which analyzes the levels of hormones in her bloodstream and detect when she is ovulating based on the rise in hormones. Keep her supervised during heat. During the entire heat cycle, your female pug will be attractive to all male dogs. When she is outside, make sure you keep a close eye on her to ensure that another male dog does not come and mate with her without you knowing about it. This is especially important if you let your dog free in a fenced in yard. Male dogs are known to jump fences to get to females in heat. Introduce the male pug. Once you determine when your female pug is ovulating, have the male pug brought it. When you introduce them, make sure you keep them on a lead. This will keep them safe in case they don't like each other, making sure you can separate them quickly. Once they meet, they should take to one another. The female will not allow the male pug near her until she is ready to breed, but if you have timed it right, this will not be a problem. Never forcibly restrain the female pug to get her to submit to the male pug. If the timing is right, she will be a willing participant. Check for successful mating. You will be able to tell if the breeding was successful around 28 days after the pugs mated. You can do this through a blood test that will show the change in her hormones. Your vet can also perform an ultrasound scan a week earlier to check to see if she is pregnant. You will also notice a physical change to your pug if she is pregnant, with a slightly protruding belly and nipples on her stomach seeming larger than normal around week two or three after mating. By four weeks after mating, her belly will be obvious. Keep your pug healthy during pregnancy. Take care not to overfeed your pug in the first half of pregnancy. Weight gain at this time can cause problems with giving birth. Instead, stick with regular amounts of her normal food. Once halfway through the pregnancy, switch to a puppy food and feed her little and often, because her stomach will be compressed by the growing puppies. Also make sure she has plenty of time to rest, since she will be more tired than normal. However, you should still walk her every day, though at a slower pace than before. This should only change if your vet put on exercise restrictions. Pugs are pregnant for an average of 63 days, but anywhere from 60 to 65 days is normal. Make sure you have a whelping/birthing box for your pug, which should be big enough for her and any of the puppies and contain a blanket that smells like her. . Take care of the puppies When the puppies are born, you need to watch them carefully during their first few weeks. They need be be clean, warm, continually fed, and gain weight at a healthy rate. This means they should gain about 10% of their weight a day for the first two weeks. Around four weeks, give them a larger area to go around it because they will be more active. Take them to the vet to get their checkups at seven to eight weeks. Once the dogs are twelve weeks old, you can send them to their new homes.

Examine your motivations for breeding. . Research pug pregnancy. Watch your pug’s temperament. Verify your pug’s genes. Examine your pug’s health. Check your pug’s vaccination status. Evaluate your pug’s weight. Consider your pug’s age. Pick the right male pug. Watch for her heat. Determine when she is ovulating. Have her heat cycle tested. Keep her supervised during heat. Introduce the male pug. Check for successful mating. Keep your pug healthy during pregnancy. .

https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-Your-Partner%27s-Past

How to Accept Your Partner's Past

Accepting your partner's past isn't always easy, but try to remember that everyone has baggage. Unless your partner has some major red flags in their past, like violence or excessive cheating, try your best to give them the benefit of the doubt. Instead of focusing on their past, pay attention to how they treat you now, which says far more about who they are as a person. If you have any concerns that won't go away, talk to your partner about them directly instead of bottling up your feelings. Use “I” statements when you talk to them like, “I feel concerned about our relationship because you still talk to your ex.” That way, you're focusing on your feelings and not putting the blame on your partner.

Notice when you’re thinking intrusive thoughts. Learn to recognize obsessive, black-and-white thoughts and catch yourself when you jumping to conclusions. It's one thing to think about your partner's past or experience emotions about it. However, try to identify when your thoughts race or if you take a past event out of context. Emotions such as anger, sadness, and jealousy are normal. For instance, it's normal to be sad or cry about something bad your partner did in the past. If you're jealous or insecure about your partner's ex, it's okay to vent to a loved one about it. On the other hand, try not to obsess over your partner's past relationships, scour their exes' social media accounts, or dwell on a minor mistake they made years ago. Challenge obsessive or all-or-nothing thinking. When you notice intrusive or irrational thoughts, question them. Remind yourself to stay objective, look at facts, and chip away at irrational suspicions. For example, suppose you're suspicious that your partner isn't over their ex, but there isn't any actual evidence. Ask yourself whether you're being reasonable if you start dwelling on your jealousy, thinking the worst of your partner, or obsessively looking over their ex's social media profiles. Tell yourself, “Stop. It's normal to feel jealous, but I need to manage my thoughts and actions. I can't control my partner or their past, but I can control my reaction. They haven't given me any reason not to trust them, and I'm jumping to conclusions.” If you have suspicions, it's better to be honest with your partner instead of convincing yourself of the worst. Seek advice from a trusted friend or relative. Vent your feelings to a loved one, and ask them for a fresh perspective. They can help you figure out whether the issue is a matter of your perception or a legitimate cause for concern. Confide in someone who's objective, and keep in mind anything you say may influence that person's opinion of your partner. For example, suppose your parents are already on the fence about your partner. Talking to them about your partner's flaws could just worsen their opinion. If you work things out and accept with your partner's past, your parents could still resent your partner, and you'd be caught in the middle. See a therapist if you're not sure how to handle your partner's past. If you have trouble coming to terms with your partner's past or managing your feelings, an individual or couples counselor can help. They can offer a fresh perspective on your relationship and, if necessary, address broader trust issues. Think about things you’ve done in the past. Put yourself in your partner's shoes. Remind yourself that everyone has a past, and that no one is perfect. Make a mental list of your exes, mistakes you've made, and other examples that are comparable to what bothers you about your ex's past. Imagine if your partner questioned whether you have feelings for your ex or judged you for a mistake you made 10 years ago. You'd probably think it's unfair that they're judging you for things you did before you even knew each other. Remember that you can’t change the past. Your partner can't erase their past, and you shouldn't expect them to have a completely clean slate. Everyone brings baggage into a relationship. It's up to you to figure out whether or not you can accept your partner's baggage. It's okay if you need some time to come to terms with your partner's past. But it's not fair to hold a grudge against them or to bring up their past during a fight. If they did something horrible and you can't accept it, it's better to end things than continually rake your partner over the coals. Don’t define your partner solely based on their past mistakes. Take into account who your partner is now and how they treat you in the present. Try to see the bigger picture, and look for broader patterns instead of magnifying a single action. Put things in perspective, and think about how you'd feel if your partner judged you based on a single mistake. Say your partner told you they cheated on one of their exes a long time ago, and that they feel still horrible about it. That doesn't necessarily mean that you should distrust them. Ask yourself if something they’ve done is a deal breaker. Although everyone messes up, it's okay to draw a line in the sand. Small, one-time mistakes are one thing. However, don't feel like you have to accept major warning signs, such as a long-term pattern of bad behavior or a serious crime. Suppose your partner told you they've cheated in each of their relationships. That's a pattern of suspicious behavior, and it's okay to have serious doubts about their ability to commit. Say they were arrested in the past for violence, and you've seen them punch walls, slam doors, and break things. This is a pattern of violent, potentially abusive behavior. Other abusive behaviors include screaming at you, threatening physical violence, and attempting to isolate you from loved ones. If you've observed any of these red flags, ending the relationship is probably the best option. If they lose their temper but haven't directed their anger toward you, and if you're interested in working things out, you still need to set ground rules. They should consult a mental health professional about managing their anger. Bring up your feelings in a calm, respectful manner. Avoid bringing up something from their past in the midst of an argument. When you're both calm and in good moods, ask them to talk. Tell them something's been bothering you, and you want to be honest with them about it. Say something like, “Can we have a chat? I'm been feeling anxious ever since you told me about how much you used to party. I'm not saying you can't have fun, but that kind of lifestyle isn't for me. Do you think you've gotten it out of your system?” Listen to their side of the story. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and let them give you the context. Maybe they told you about something they did in passing, but you didn't get the whole story. Avoid jumping to conclusions, and try not to make assumptions about what goes on in their head. For instance, don't just assume that your partner still has feelings for their ex. Instead of letting your suspicions fester, say, “I know you and your ex were together for a long time, and that's pretty intimidating. They make me feel insecure, and I don't want to come off as jealous, but I need to know that I can trust you.” Hear them out, but trust your instincts. Bear in mind there's a difference between an explanation and an excuse. It's one thing if your partner offers a legitimate explanation and puts something from their past in context. However, go with your gut if you think they're trying to pull the wool over your eyes. For example, say your partner had a problem with drugs or alcohol. They explain how they took steps to address their addiction, and that they've been sober for a long time. Rather than make excuses, their words and actions offer proof that the past is in the past. Suppose your partner often hangs out with their ex alone. Maybe they're constantly praising their ex, or they say things like, “That outfit reminds me of something my ex would wear.” Even if they try to explain it away, that's pretty good evidence they're not over their ex. It'd be wise to question if they're ready to commit to a relationship with you. Communicate openly, but don’t overshare with each other. As your relationship deepens, you and your partner should feel comfortable being vulnerable with each other. Let your partner know that it's safe to talk about past experiences, mistakes, and regrets. Encourage honesty, but keep in mind that, for some topics, neither of you need to share every little detail. For instance, telling each other about your likes and dislikes in the bedroom helps build intimacy. However, neither of you need to go into detail about being intimate with an ex. Some people just don't want to know about their partner's past relationships. If you know you're prone to jealousy, tell your partner you don't really want to hear about their exes. Discuss getting STI tests if you’re worried about their sexual history. If you haven't already, talk to your partner about sexual health. It might be an awkward subject, but try to be matter-of-fact. Without putting them on the spot, suggest that you both get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Suppose you find out the person you're dating has been with a lot of people, and you're having trouble coming to terms with it. Talk to them about it, and mention that sexual health is an important topic for any couple to discuss. Try saying, “I know it's awkward to talk about, but they say you should be upfront about sex and health. I get tested regularly, how about you? What do you think about getting tested together?” Focus on how they treat you now. Ask yourself if your partner has given you any reason not to trust them. Assess your relationship rationally, and think about how your partner has acted since you've been together. How they treat you in the present is more important than what they might have done before they knew you. It's normal to be afraid to trust someone, especially if you've been hurt in the past. Tell yourself to stop when you start feeling suspicious or jealous. Stay objective, and focus on your partner's words and actions in the present. Respect your partner’s privacy. Never snoop through your partner's things or try to read their texts or emails. Think about how you would feel if they invaded your privacy. If you have reasons not to trust them, discuss your concerns with them instead of snooping. If you do find evidence, confronting them with it will let them know that you've invaded their privacy. You'll both be defensive and accusatory, and neither of you will trust the other enough to have a productive conversation. Distrust doesn't necessarily have to do with cheating. Say, for instance, that your partner drank a lot or used drugs in the past. You might not trust them when they say that's in the past if you've seen them drinking a lot or they're suddenly prone to mood swings. Talk to your partner about behaviors that make you distrust them. Choose a calm setting to bring up your concerns. Think about what you want to say beforehand, and come up with specific reasons that you distrust your partner. Try not to come off like your accusing them, but let them know the particular actions that have you on guard. For example, tell them, “Please don't feel like I'm attacking you or accusing you of anything. But you told me you've had some anger issues in the past, and I've noticed you've been losing your temper a lot lately. Is there any way I can help? Maybe talking to someone can help you keep your anger in check.” If you think they still have feelings for an ex, say, “It bothers me when you talk about how great your ex is or what you used to do together. I feel like you're drawing comparisons between us. I'm glad you're on good terms with them, but I'm concerned you still have feelings for them.” Try not to let mementos of their exes bother you, within reason. Keeping a photograph of their ex on their nightstand, for instance, is unreasonable. However, don't read into every little reminder of your partner's past relationships. Holding onto mementos doesn't mean your partner is still hung up on an ex. Suppose an ex made a really nice drawing of your partner's dog. Keeping the drawing doesn't mean that your partner is still crazy about the ex. If their ex gave them their favorite mug, using it to drink their morning coffee doesn't mean they wish they were still with the ex. Remember, you can't pretend the past never happened. Your partner can be nostalgic but still be committed to you. As long as they treat you right and you're both happy, don't let their ancient history get in the way of your relationship.

Notice when you’re thinking intrusive thoughts. Challenge obsessive or all-or-nothing thinking. Seek advice from a trusted friend or relative. See a therapist if you're not sure how to handle your partner's past. Think about things you’ve done in the past. Remember that you can’t change the past. Don’t define your partner solely based on their past mistakes. Ask yourself if something they’ve done is a deal breaker. Bring up your feelings in a calm, respectful manner. Listen to their side of the story. Hear them out, but trust your instincts. Communicate openly, but don’t overshare with each other. Discuss getting STI tests if you’re worried about their sexual history. Focus on how they treat you now. Respect your partner’s privacy. Talk to your partner about behaviors that make you distrust them. Try not to let mementos of their exes bother you, within reason.

https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Guava-Trees

How to Plant Guava Trees

Planting your own guava tree is a great way to have fresh guavas on-hand without spending a lot of money. Guava trees grow best in tropical or subtropical environments with hot summers and cool winters. Look for a spot with well-drained soil that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Plant your seed or cutting in late March in a hole 2 feet deep. Then, fill it with soil, but don't compact it so the roots have more room to spread. Water your tree 2 to 3 times a week while it's young and fertilize it every 3 months with an organic fertilizer. After the tree sprouts, prune it every 3 to 4 months to keep it in shape.

Grow guava trees in a tropical or subtropical environment. Guava trees thrive in areas where the summers are warm, and the winters are cool. Normal outside temperatures should be between 59 °F (15 °C) and 82 °F (28 °C). You can ask your local nursery about whether or not your current location is good for growing. Temperatures below 59 °F (15 °C) can make your fruit's quality inferior. Select a well sunlit spot. Make sure the spot receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. You'll want to keep your tree out of the shade, so find a place where your house and other objects won't cast a shadow throughout the day. Make sure the spot is in open space so the top of your tree doesn't collide with anything. Find moist, well-drained soil. Guava works in a wide variety of soils so long as the soil has good internal and external drainage. This just means soil that allows water to pass through it easily. To check for this kind of soil, dig a 1 foot (0.30 m) hole and pour a little water into it. If the water disappears in only a few minutes, it's good soil. If it continues to sit, then you'll need to find another location. You should avoid shallow soil and compact, layered soil. This will make it difficult for your roots to stretch. If your soil is hard and compact, you can add compost to help it reach the correct conditions. Dig down 2 feet (0.61 m) deep and work the composite into the soil. Plan to plant during the spring season. This will be around late March. The conditions of spring weather make it the perfect time to plant anything, including guava trees. During the spring, the soil will be easier to break and dig into, rain will help water the plants, and the sun will be out enough to give your tree the necessary light it needs. Pick whether you’re going to plant by cutting or seed. The process of growing from either is roughly the same. However, while it's more common to plant guava trees by seed, cuttings are actually more optimal. Cuttings yield more fruit and fruit of better quality when compared to seeds, but seeds are cheaper. Dig a hole about 2 feet (0.61 m) deep. Remove rocks or other debris you come across while digging. Once you have your hole, loosen the soil a bit at the bottom with the tool you used to dig it. If using a pot, make sure it too is at least 2 feet (0.61 m) feet deep. Place your seed or cutting in the hole. Fill the hole to about the length of your index finger to create a mound. For seeds, place them on top of this mound. For cuttings, hold it by the graft line or crown (the part of the plant where the stem meets the roots) and place it on top of the dirt, making sure that the graft line is above ground level. Then spread the roots across the hole. As the added dirt mound is created from already broken soil, it allows new roots to have an easier time penetrating the ground. If you're planting multiple trees, plant them 10 feet (3.0 m) to 12 feet (3.7 m) apart, so they don't cannibalize each other's water source. Fill the hole around the tree or seed. Don't compact the soil after you fill the hole, keep it loose. You want to make sure that your tree has room to spread its roots and grow with little resistance. For cuttings, take care that no roots are above the soil and that the graft line is. Cut off any roots above the graft line if necessary. Get low to the ground to make sure your cuttings are completely vertical once planted. Mark where you've placed seeds with little flags that can be easily removed once the seed has sprouted. Water your tree. While the tree is young, you should water it 2 to 3 times a week. Once it matures, however, it won't need as much water so 2 to 3 times a month should suffice. Guava trees are sensitive to waterlogging, so be sure to regulate what you give. Guava trees are mainly rain-fed. Remove any weeds and grass from the tree's area as a young guava tree cannot compete very well against them for water and nutrients. Fertilize the tree once every three months with organic fertilizer. Your tree should be well established before performing this step. Scatter the fertilizer around the tree while making sure not to come in contact with the stem. Once you've done that, water the tree and fertilizer thoroughly. It's preferred that you wait a year before fertilizing your tree. Prune your guava tree to give it a tree shape. You'll want to start pruning around 3 to 4 months after the tree has sprouted. If your tree has multiple trunks, find the middlemost one and cut the others away at their base. Trim up the side branches to keep them around 2 feet (0.61 m) to 3 feet (0.91 m) in length. Cut any branches that sprout from other branches and any dead or damaged branches you find as well. Cover the tree with a tarp during cold winters to protect it from frost. Exposure to extreme cold can severely damage or kill a guava tree. You can use tarps or blankets to protect the top of the tree. You don't need to drape the entire tree, just the top. Anchor the corners of whatever you used to cover the tree to the ground. In addition to this, you can place another heat source below the tree to give it practically complete freeze protection. Check your tree for diseases. Common diseases to look out for are the Guava Wilt Disease, Stylar End Rot, and Anthracnose. Guava wilt disease symptoms include wilting and yellowing or bronzing of the leaves, noticeable sagging, and the premature shedding of fruits. There is no cure for this, but heavy doses of nitrogen after fruiting and protecting the roots from damage can stave it off. Stylar End Rot only affects the fruit of the tree, discoloring it to brown or black. Infected fruit cannot be saved, but a fungicidal spray can save the rest of your crop. Anthracnose causes young shoots to die rapidly while leaving the fruit and leaves attached. It also causes fruit and leaves to develop dark lesions. Like Stylar End Rot, this is a fungal infection and fruits not affected can be saved with a fungicidal spray. Pick your guava fruit. That's it, you've grown your guava tree. You'll know when your fruit is ripe and mature enough to pick by the change of both its color and texture. Color will change from green to yellow, and then the fruit will soften.

Grow guava trees in a tropical or subtropical environment. Select a well sunlit spot. Find moist, well-drained soil. Plan to plant during the spring season. Pick whether you’re going to plant by cutting or seed. Dig a hole about 2 feet (0.61 m) deep. Place your seed or cutting in the hole. Fill the hole around the tree or seed. Water your tree. Fertilize the tree once every three months with organic fertilizer. Prune your guava tree to give it a tree shape. Cover the tree with a tarp during cold winters to protect it from frost. Check your tree for diseases. Pick your guava fruit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Canine-Corneal-Ulcers

How to Treat Canine Corneal Ulcers

To treat canine corneal ulcers, start by recognizing the symptoms, like your dog rubbing its eyes, red or cloudy eye color, discharge from the eye, and sensitivity to light. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from corneal ulcers, take it to the vet right away to prevent permanent injury to the eye. After an eye exam, your vet will recommend the proper course of treatment, like eye drops for superficial ulcers or surgery for more complicated cases.

Watch for your dog rubbing his eye. Since corneal ulcers are painful, the dog's eye will bother him because it hurts. This means your dog may rub his eye. Your dog might also squint with the affected eye and hold it partially closed. The discomfort and pain from the ulcer may also cause your dog's eye to water. Your dog might do this by rubbing the affected side of the face along the ground or rubbing at the eye with a paw. To figure out if your dog is squinting, look at the dog's face. If one eye looks smaller than the other, then the dog may be squinting. Watch for red or cloudy eyes. If your dog has a corneal ulcer, the white part of the eye may be red or have a pinkish color. The surface of the cornea is usually clear, but if your dog has an ulcer it may have a cloudy or milky appearance. This might look like a film over the eye. Monitor for discharge. If your dog has a corneal ulcer, he may also have a discharge from the eye. The discharge may be bloody or even pus-filled. This discharge may gather in the corner of the eye, nearest to his nose. Sometimes the area beneath the affected eye may be wet or damp. Look for eye sensitivity. Because of the pain and discomfort of the eye, your dog may have a new sensitivity to light. He may shy away from bright lights, or squint in bright areas. Your dog may also keep the affected eye closed. Your dog may also flinch if he goes from a darker inside to bright sunshine outside. Take your dog to the vet. To get a proper diagnosis for your dog, you need to take him to the vet. The vet will perform an examination of both eyes to determine which eye is the problem, what is wrong with it, and how inflamed or sore it may be. The vet will probably also examine the eyelids and eyelashes to look for rubbing on the surface of the cornea, such as an inturned eyelash. As well as treating the ulcer, it is important to correct any underlying health problems, such as dry eye or underactive thyroid glands, to prevent the problem recurring. Your vet may perform a full examination to determine if your dog has any other problems related to the ulcer. Treat the ulcer with medicine. Your vet needs to inspect the eye and record the size, shape, and depth of the ulcer. If the ulcer is superficial and only affecting the epithelial layer, such as a minor scratch, then all that may be needed is a drop to keep the surface of the eye moist so that healing can take place. For ulcers affecting the stroma, an antibiotic drop is prescribed to prevent infection and keep the eye moist. However the antibiotic is only effective for a few hours at a time and so needs to be reapplied every four to six hours, or as advised by your veterinarian. #*Most ulcers heal within five to seven days, and slower healing than this can be indicative of a problem. Sometimes the vet fits a special 'bandage' contact lens in the affected eye. This aids healing as it keeps moisture in and dust out, and can speed up the recovery time. Undergo additional treatment for any complications. One complication that prevents an ulcer healing is if a rim of damaged epithelia clings to the edge of the ulcer. The cornea heals by sending in new cells from the side, and epithelia tags act as a barrier through which the healing cells cannot pass. If the vet diagnoses this complication, he or she will use a cotton tip to gently rub the surface of the eye and abrade away the unwanted cells. This should then let healing continue. On some occasions, ulcers can be problematic to heal, especially those in Boxers where there is an underlying anatomical problem with the glue holding the layers together. In these cases, the vet may put drops of local anesthetic into the eye and then perform a minor procedure call a grid keratotomy. This involves making tiny partial thickness puncture holes with a hypodermic needle, through the layers of the cornea. This then provides a key for the healing cells to cling onto to allow healing to take place. On rare occasions, the ulcer is so deep that Descemet's membrane is the last line of defence and it bulges outward. This is potentially very serious because if the membrane ruptures the eye will perforate. This requires a specialist procedure whereby a surgeon grafts a flap of cornea from another part of the eye to cover and repair the hole. Learn what a corneal ulcer is. The transparent layer that is the cornea is made up of three layers. The top layer, which is exposed to the air, is the epithelial layer. Beneath this is the middle and thickest layer, which is called the stromal layer, and at the bottom is a tough lining membrane called Descemet's membrane. Corneal ulcers can be of any depth. A superficial scratch or abrasion only affects the epithelial layer and often heals quickly. An ulcer is deeper and typically erodes down through the epithelia and into the stroma, which is the main structural layer. If the ulcer eats deeper still through the complete thickness of the stroma, then only the thin Descemet's membrane is left to stop the eye from perforating, which is potentially very serious. It is not possible to tell with the naked eye which layers of the eye are affected. It requires special stains and magnification, and therefore if you suspect damage on the surface of your dog's eye, a vet trip is essential. Identify the causes of a corneal ulcer. The most common cause of a corneal ulcer is trauma, such as a scratch to the surface of the eye or grit that got in and rubbed around. Anything that impacts the health of the eye can weaken its ability to respond to injury and predispose to ulcers. This includes conditions such as Cushing's disease, underactive thyroid glands, and diabetes. Some dogs suffer from a condition called dry eye where they are unable to produce adequate tear fluid to moisturize the cornea, which leads to it drying out and ulcer formation. Some breeds, such as the Boxer, suffer from a lack of cohesiveness between the cells of the cornea, which leads to them flaking away and ulcer formation. Identify which breeds are prone to corneal ulcers. Some breeds are more prone to corneal ulcers than other dogs. Breeds with large bulbous eyes, such as Pekingese, pugs, and other squash-faced breeds, are inclined to develop ulcers since their eyes provide a large surface area of cornea exposed to the air. These dogs also get in-turned eyelashes due to the shape of their eyes. This can scour the surface each time the animal blinks, leading to ulcer formation.

Watch for your dog rubbing his eye. Watch for red or cloudy eyes. Monitor for discharge. Look for eye sensitivity. Take your dog to the vet. Treat the ulcer with medicine. Undergo additional treatment for any complications. Learn what a corneal ulcer is. Identify the causes of a corneal ulcer. Identify which breeds are prone to corneal ulcers.

https://www.wikihow.health/Treat-Insect-Stings

How to Treat Insect Stings

To cure an insect sting, first remove the stinger by scraping it out of your skin with your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Then, gently wash the area with soap and water to help prevent an infection. If the sting itches, apply ice or a cold compress to the area or try using an over-the-counter antihistamine cream. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the sting twice a day for a few days and monitor it closely to see if it's getting worse. If your symptoms worsen, visit your doctor immediately.

Move away from the area of the attack. Go to a safe place, away from where you were stung, before treating any sting. Assess where and how many times you were stung. Leave the area quickly and calmly. Remove the stinger. Carefully, use a fingernail or credit-card to scrape the stinger out of your skin. Avoid pulling the stinger out with tweezers, as this may release more venom. Stingers are usually barbed which is why they stick in the skin. Wasps will not leave any stingers in your skin. Wash the wound. Clean the wound gently with soap and water. Doing this will remove any potential bacteria and lower the risk of infection. Wash the area gently to avoid further agitation of the sting. Treat the wound. Apply over-the-counter antihistamine creams to the affected area. Using a simple cold compress or putting ice on the area can bring relief as well. Avoid scratching the area, even if it itches. Scratching will only further irritate the sting. Put an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or ointment on the site twice a day for a few days. If the area is very itchy or swollen, take an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Don't use both oral and topical antihistamines together. For any pain, try using painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Soak in cool water. Add a tablespoon of baking soda for every quart of water. Know what the symptoms of a sting are. Expect swelling, itchiness, or pain for a normal reaction to an insect sting. Severe reactions will bring about symptoms such as wheezing, nausea, hives, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. A normal reaction will be annoying but not life threatening. A severe reaction will require emergency services. Watch the sting closely. Monitor the sting for signs that it may be worsening. Report to your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms becoming worse or if you think the area is becoming infected. Signs of infection include: increased redness, swelling or pain, blisters or drainage from the site, or redness spreading or streaking from the sting site. Pay special attention for stings on the neck or mouth. Swelling here may cause suffocation. Seek immediate medical attention if this happens. Visit a physician or an allergist. Ask your doctor to test for allergic reactions to insect stings. Knowing what to expect from a sting will help you monitor and manage any future insect stings. Use an epinephrine pen if you have a severe allergic reaction. Using the epinephrine pen quickly will help stop the potentially life threatening symptoms. Make sure you follow your doctors instructions exactly when using epinephrine. Only a doctor can prescribe an epinephrine pen. Ask your doctor when you should use your epinephrine pen. People with severe allergies should always carry their epinephrine pens when outdoors. If you begin to feel the following: tightness in the chest, swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat, wheezing, hives, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, confusion, or rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, use your epinephrine pen as soon as you can and get to an ER immediately. Use antihistamines if you have mild allergic reactions. Take an antihistamine to reduce any non-life threatening reactions to an insect sting, such as swelling, itching, or redness. Use only as directed. Administer first aid to another person with severe reactions. If you encounter someone who is having a severe reaction to a sting, act as quickly as you can. Take the following steps to deliver first-aid: Ask them if they have an epinephrine pen, if its needed, and how to administer it. Loosen any clothing that may be tight. Turn the person onto their side if they are vomiting or bleeding from the mouth. Keep the affected area immobile and lower than the heart to reduce the spread of venom. Call emergency services and begin CPR if the person is not breathing or responsive if you are trained in CPR. Wear long sleeve clothing. Covering your legs and arms with clothing reduces the area exposed to stings. While you may still get stung through clothes, it will provide more protection that nothing. Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes. Wearing bright colors or any strong fragrances can attract insects. Wear neutral colors and do not apply any perfumes when working outside. Insect repellent will do nothing to stop a disturbed nest from attacking you. However, wearing insect repellent when you may be exposed to stinging insects is still recommended. Be vigilant. Look for any hives as you walk outdoors. Insect hives may be hung in trees or dug out from the ground. Pay attention to any areas of the ground that you see insects swarming or flying around. If you see a threat, avoid it. Disturbing a nest will induce an attack. Call professionals to remove hornets, wasps, or other stinging insects.

Move away from the area of the attack. Remove the stinger. Wash the wound. Treat the wound. Know what the symptoms of a sting are. Watch the sting closely. Visit a physician or an allergist. Use an epinephrine pen if you have a severe allergic reaction. Use antihistamines if you have mild allergic reactions. Administer first aid to another person with severe reactions. Wear long sleeve clothing. Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes. Be vigilant.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-in-a-Fart

How to Hold in a Fart

To hold in a fart, clench your butt-cheeks so there isn't enough space between them for a fart to escape. If that doesn't work, try changing positions by standing up or lying down, if you were previously sitting. You can also use one of the most time-tested strategies for holding in farts by leaning slightly forward in a chair with your weight on your toes. For the best results, place both of your hands on the armrests and lift your butt off the seat as you lean forward. However, keep in mind that holding in farts can cause bloating and cramps, so holding them should only be used as a short-term strategy. When you need to release a fart, you can make it as quiet as possible by releasing it as slowly as you can.

Clench your butt-cheeks. Think of it this way: if there's no space between your butt-cheeks, then how can the fart get out? Though this can be a bit painful and can't be sustained for that long, if you clench your cheeks, you will prevent your fart from escaping. To do this, you really have to tighten your anus and have it stay that way; if you let go, you are more likely to release the fart. If you're lucky, doing this for long enough can help the fart get "sucked up" back in your body — just know that this isn't a permanent solution, and that the fart may return with more force than before. Change positions. Sometimes you may just need to wiggle around a bit to move that fart to a different part of your body. Just don't make any sudden movements or the fart may be more likely to come out. If you're sitting, try standing up. If you're standing, sit down. If you're sitting but can't get up, try shifting from one butt cheek to the other. Lean back in a chair. This is another time-tested strategy. If you're sitting down and need to fart, place both hands on the arm rests, put your weight on your toes, and gently lean forward a bit, lifting your bum off the seat. This can sometimes help the urge to fart go away, as pointing your toes and leaning up can also help you clench your anus a bit. Lie down. If you're sitting up or standing and need to fart, sometimes lying down can help you change positions and get rid of the urge to fart. If you're hanging out with friends, this can be hard to pull off, but if you're all sitting around watching TV, see if you can sprawl out on the couch or do something that helps you hold in your fart while looking pretty natural. Maintain good posture. If you're standing and have the urge to fart, improve your posture, try to move your head as high up as you can, and help your body become more erect. This can help the fart have more room to move around your body without releasing. Shift from cheek to cheek. If you're sitting and feel the urge to pass gas, one thing you can do is to delicately shift from cheek to cheek. Sometimes, this motion is all you need to make that farting feeling go away temporarily. This can also help you release the fart in a less noisy manner, if push comes to shove. The problem with this maneuver is that it can look a bit obvious, so you may want to make it look like you're suddenly fascinated by something to the right of you — and then to the left of you... Realize that holding your fart will make it louder when the time comes. Though holding in your farts can be a great short-term strategy, know that a fart rarely just "disappears." These strategies can help you minimize embarrassment, but eventually, your fart will come back — with more power than before. Be aware that holding in farts may cause bloating and cramps. Though the jury is still out on whether holding in a fart is bad for your health, some doctors do agree that doing this routinely can cause bloating and cramps. So, if you're in a public situation, you can hold your fart in as much as possible, but as soon as you can, relax every part of your body, stand up, and let all systems go. Release the fart slowly. If you're in public and have no escape route and know that the fart is coming on any second now, then your best bet is to slowly release it. Although the gas may come out fast you have to carefully and slowly unclench your butt cheeks, wiggle around a bit, and then let the fart slowly escape from your body. This may hurt at first but, It usually works. If you let it out all at once, it'll be more likely to make a loud noise. Make a loud noise to cover the fart. So this isn't the most ideal maneuver, but sometimes, you just know you have to fart, and you have no option but to make a loud noise or to cause a diversion when you know the time has come. Here are some things you can do: Cough loudly Laugh loudly Drop a textbook Turn on the radio Set off a phone alarm Make an excuse to leave so you can fart. This is the easiest way to fart and get away with it. If it's possible, then you should simply excuse yourself for a minute and then go and do your business. Here are the easiest things you can do: Pretend to take a phone call Go "check something out" on the other side of the room Say you need some fresh air Say you want to wash your hands Use the bathroom Eat less of the foods that cause gas. Some foods that are rich in sulfur may make you pass gas more often — not to mention that they may make those farts smell even worse! Foods filled with carbohydrates are also more likely to make you pass gas, but every person has his own "trigger foods". Though you shouldn't avoid these foods entirely, you can cut back on them if you know you'll be going to a place where you may not want to fart. Foods that are known to cause gas include: Vegetables such as beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, and mushrooms Fruits such as apples, peaches, and pears Bran and whole wheat products Milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream Eggs Carbonated drinks, such as sodas Avoid eating or drinking too fast. Another reason why you may have gas is because you down your food or drinks too quickly and don't give your body time to properly digest your food. The next time you eat, make a conscious effort to slow down and to carefully chew your food until each bite is thoroughly broken down. Stop eating on the run, if that's what you do, and make an effort to slow down and eat a few minutes earlier if you need to. If you like soda, make sure you sip it slowly instead of downing it in three gulps, or you're guaranteed to make the gas situation worse. Avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. The repeated motion that accompanies chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can actually make you fart more. This can especially be the case if you're doing this on an empty stomach. If you want to minimize your embarrassment, then cut back on the chewing gum and hard candy. Chewing rapidly causes you to swallow extra air, and leads down to the breakdown of food in your gut, which can cause farting. Consider over-the-counter medications. Though this isn't necessary and should only be used if you really have a problem with this, you can consider taking some over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms of flatulence. You can take something like Beano, Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, or even Lactase tablets. The medications tend to break down sugar in your body, making your food easier to digest. However, talking to your doctor before you make this a regular habit can help you have a better sense of what you really need. Get enough exercise. Sometimes people can fart more just because they aren't getting regular exercise or that they're sitting for prolonged periods of time — these two things tend to go hand in hand. If you make a goal of exercising for at least 30 minutes a day and moving around as much as you can throughout the day, then your body will be in better shape overall and you'll be less likely to pass gas. Exercise also helps you get rid of the extra air in your system. Remember that passing gas is a normal part of life. Everybody farts. This bodily function is perfectly natural and healthy. The average person farts between 14 and 21 times a day — even if he/she doesn't realize it. Don't think that there's something wrong with you just because you pass gas occasionally.

Clench your butt-cheeks. Change positions. Lean back in a chair. Lie down. Maintain good posture. Shift from cheek to cheek. Realize that holding your fart will make it louder when the time comes. Be aware that holding in farts may cause bloating and cramps. Release the fart slowly. Make a loud noise to cover the fart. Make an excuse to leave so you can fart. Eat less of the foods that cause gas. Avoid eating or drinking too fast. Avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. Consider over-the-counter medications. Get enough exercise. Remember that passing gas is a normal part of life.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-an-Origami-Star-(Shuriken)

How to Fold an Origami Star (Shuriken)

If you want to fold an origami star, start by folding and cutting in half a square of origami paper or a paper square you make yourself. Use the same steps to fold both halves of paper in half again, and then make triangular folds on both ends of both pieces of paper, which will become the star's points. Next, put one piece on top of the other, and fold and tuck the pieces into one another to create your star. Finally, tape the center to be sure your star stays together.

Begin with a rectangular piece of paper. Ordinary loose paper or construction paper will do. We will make a square piece of paper from this. If you're already starting with a square piece of origami paper, skip the next two steps. Fold the diagonal of the square. Fold the top right hand corner diagonally down so the top of the paper lines up with the left side, forming a point at the top right corner. Remove the extra piece. Cut or carefully tear along the edge so you are left with a square of paper. Fold the square in half. The fold should be parallel to the edges. Cut the square in half. Cut the square in half into 2 equal parts. Scissors may make this easier. Repeat. Fold each piece in half vertically again, parallel to the long sides. Fold the ends. Fold the end diagonally, so the edges line up. Repeat. Repeat this fold, on each end of each strip, making sure the folds are oriented as shown. Make the triangle fold. Fold the end on the diagonal again. You should end with a big triangle facing you and two smaller triangles facing away from you. Repeat. Repeat this same fold on each end of each strip. Make sure the orientations go opposite one another, as shown. Turn over only the piece on the left and arrange the two parts, as shown. Put the right piece on top of the left piece. There should be a square in the center of each piece that lines up, but if you can't find it yet, don't worry. Just line up the middles. Fold the uppermost point inwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket. Fold the bottom point upwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket. Flip the whole thing over. Fold the right point on the diagonal just as before and tuck it into the pocket. Fold the left and final point on the diagonal and tuck it into the last pocket. You may have to coax a little to get it tucked in. Put some tape in the middle of the tucked in middles (optional). This will keep the ninja star from becoming undone. Enjoy your ninja star.

Begin with a rectangular piece of paper. Fold the diagonal of the square. Remove the extra piece. Fold the square in half. Cut the square in half. Repeat. Fold the ends. Repeat. Make the triangle fold. Repeat. Turn over only the piece on the left and arrange the two parts, as shown. Put the right piece on top of the left piece. Fold the uppermost point inwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket. Fold the bottom point upwards on the diagonal and tuck the point into the pocket. Flip the whole thing over. Fold the right point on the diagonal just as before and tuck it into the pocket. Fold the left and final point on the diagonal and tuck it into the last pocket. Put some tape in the middle of the tucked in middles (optional). Enjoy your ninja star.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Marble

How to Clean Marble

To clean stained marble, mix baking soda and water until it's a thick paste. Apply it to the stain and cover it with plastic for 24 hours. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the mixture, repeating the process if the stain is still there. For regular marble maintenance, wipe up spills with a warm, damp cloth and dry it with a cloth. To dust, dampen a cloth with natural, light-colored dish soap and a little warm water, then gently wipe the surface. Follow up by shining the marble with a chamois cloth.

Protect marble from scratches. Don't set sharp-edged objects directly on marble. If you have marble floors, use padding under chair and table legs. Use coasters and mats on marble countertops to protect them from glasses and appliances. Clean marble frequently. Marble stains very quickly, especially if a liquid is allowed to sit untouched for a period of time. Clean up orange juice, wine, and coffee as soon as they are spilled. Other materials with strong pigments, such as cumin, curry powder, coffee grounds, and leafy greens should be swept up right away if they are spilled. Wipe marble with a damp cloth. Use a soft cloth and a little warm water to clean dust and small spills from your marble countertop and floors. Don't scrub, as this could scratch the marble. Run the cloth over the surface, making a circular motion in the spots that need a little extra pressure. Wipe the marble dry. Don't leave pools of water to try on marble countertops or floors, as this could end up leaving a stain. Use a second dry, soft cloth to dry the surfaces after they're clean. Use a natural, light soap or marble cleaner for deeper cleaning. If dust or other debris has accumulated a bit on your countertop or floor, dilute a gentle dish soap in a little warm water and use a soft cloth to clean your marble surfaces. Never use vinegar on marble. Vinegar is a good natural cleaning agent for many surfaces, but because it is acidic, it can cause marble to corrode. For light colored marble, hydrogen peroxide is a good natural cleaning choice. Shine your marble with a chamois. A chamois cloth is made from a soft fabric that can be used to dry and shine your marble at the same time. This is the gentlest way to shine your marble. Commercial marble polishes also work well. If you choose to use a commercial polish, be sure it is actually intended for use on marble, not granite or another type of stone. Marble has special properties that can be harmed by certain chemicals. Spray the stained area with water. Apply a poultice. Mix baking soda and water to the consistency of a thick paste. Apply it liberally to the stained patch on your marble. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let it rest for twenty-four hours. You may also make a poultice from flour and a nonabrasive dish soap, using the same method. Remove the poultice. Lift the plastic wrap and use a damp cloth to wipe away the poultice. If the area is still stained, repeat the process. Try hydrogen peroxide. Pour a little hydrogen peroxide over the stained area. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for twenty-four hours. Lift the plastic wrap and wipe away the hydrogen peroxide with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary. Be careful with this method if your marble is dark in color, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten marble. Use corn starch on grease spots. Sprinkle a bit of corn starch over the grease spot and allow it to sit and absorb the grease for about twenty minutes. Wipe away the corn starch with a damp cloth. Start with a gentle cleaning. Using warm water and a soft cloth, gently rub the scratch. Lighter scratches should rub away with this method, and it's the gentlest way to treat a scratch. Add mild dish soap to the warm water to create more friction if you wish. Be sure to wipe away the soapy water and dry the surface of the marble when you are finished. Use fine-grain sandpaper. For deeper scratches, try rubbing the area lightly with very fine-grain sandpaper. Do not use coarse-grain sandpaper, as this can create divots in your marble. If the previous methods do not remove the scratch, consult with a professional marble cleaner. They'll have industrial equipment designed to remove scratches from marble without harming it.

Protect marble from scratches. Clean marble frequently. Wipe marble with a damp cloth. Wipe the marble dry. Use a natural, light soap or marble cleaner for deeper cleaning. Shine your marble with a chamois. Spray the stained area with water. Apply a poultice. Remove the poultice. Try hydrogen peroxide. Use corn starch on grease spots. Start with a gentle cleaning. Use fine-grain sandpaper. If the previous methods do not remove the scratch, consult with a professional marble cleaner.

https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-a-Deep-Splinter

How to Remove a Deep Splinter

If you need to remove a deep splinter that you can't see, make a thick baking soda paste by mixing it with some water and apply it over your wound. Cover it overnight while the mixture draws the splinter to the surface, and then remove it with a pair of tweezers or nail clippers. To remove a splinter that is lodged at a steep angle, you can try inserting a needle into your skin to push the splinter out from the inside.

Try using tweezers. If any part of the splinter is visible above the surface of your skin, try removing it with tweezers. Choose tweezers with a serrated inner edge. Grab the tip of the splinter with a firm hold, and slowly pull it out. Sterilize the tweezers before using them. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol or vinegar, boil them in water for several minutes, or hold them over a flame for about a minute. Wash your hands before you try to remove your splinter. Use nail clippers for thick splinters. If the splinter is thick and unlikely to break, a good alternative to tweezers is a sturdy pair of sterilized nail clippers. If the splinter is stuck into thick skin at an extreme angle, clip some overlaying skin to improve visibility and access to the splinter – it shouldn't hurt in thick-skinned areas that aren't sensitive, like your heel. Cut your skin in a parallel direction to that of the splinter. Don't clip deeply enough to cause bleeding. A deeper wound will increase the risk of infection. When using nail clippers or tweezers, use your dominant hand if you can (this won't work if the splinter is in your dominant hand), so you have better dexterity and control. Use a needle to pry the splinter loose. For a deeper splinter that's below the surface of your skin, use a sterilized needle or pin to try and dig a portion of it up above the surface. Make a small hole in your skin over the end of the splinter closest to the surface. Try to lift the splinter up with the tip of the needle so you can grab it with tweezers or nail clippers. Don't try to completely dig the deep splinter out with the needle – you'll cause more damage and risk breaking the splinter. Consider using a drawing salve. A drawing salve is a type of disinfectant that helps to dislodge deeper splinters by lubricating them and allowing them to "slip out" of your skin. Apply the drawing salve to the wound, and wait a day or so for it to dislodge the splinter. Cover the wound with a bandage in the meantime. Waiting for it to work may require some patience. One of the more common brands is Ichthammol (black drawing salve), which is found over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Drawing salves are greasy and may smell unpleasant. In most cases, the salve will only bring the splinter to the skin's surface – you'll still need to pluck it out with tweezers. Try adding some baking soda to the wound. Baking soda is not only a good disinfectant, but it can slow down bleeding and help draw a deep splinter closer to the skin's surface. If the splinter is made of glass, metal, or plastic, then soak the area for up to an hour in a basin of warm water with a few teaspoons of baking soda added. If the splinter is wood, make a thick baking soda paste with some water and apply it over your wound. Cover it with a bandage overnight. You will need to use tweezers or nail clippers to remove the splinter from your skin's surface. Stop any bleeding. If the wound bleeds after the splinter is removed, apply pressure to it with a clean cotton ball. Hold it in place for several minutes or until bleeding stops. Disinfect the punctured area. After you remove the splinter, focus on cleaning the small puncture wound. Wash it with warm water and soap, then dry it with a clean towel and wipe it with an alcohol wipe. Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant, but white vinegar, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide work well also. If you don't have alcohol wipes, use a clean cotton ball or Q-tip and dip it into some rubbing alcohol. These might sting when you apply them, but it only lasts a moment. Apply antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic ointment like Neosporin can help prevent an infection. Apply a small amount to the clean wound. You can get antibiotic cream or ointment at nearly any drug store or pharmacy. Cover the wound. After the wound is cleaned and disinfected, let it completely air-dry. Apply a small bandage to protect it from dirt and irritation. You can remove this after a day or two. Avoid squeezing the splinter. It may be your first instinct, but don't squeeze around the edges of the wound with your fingers in efforts to push the splinter out. It rarely works and you risk breaking the splinter and causing more damage. Keep wood splinters dry. If your splinter is made of wood, don't get it wet. It might disintegrate when you pull on it, leaving smaller pieces deep in your skin. Remove splinters with clean hands. Avoid infecting the small wound. Just like you should sterilize any instrument you use, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your wounded area. Lather your hands well for at least 30 seconds with antibacterial soap, and rinse them thoroughly. Remove the splinter in its entirety. Make sure not to break the splinter off or leave any material within your skin, as you'll increase the risk of an infection. Make sure to pull the splinter out at the same angle it went in to reduce the risk of it breaking. Splinters rarely enter the skin at a 90° angle. Watch for signs of infection. An infection can develop from any type of splinter, in any area, and at any depth, so be watchful for a couple of days after your splinter is removed. Common signs of an infection include swelling, redness, tenderness, pus, and numbness and tingling around the wound. More serious signs that the infection is spreading around your body include fever, nausea, night sweats, body aches, headaches and delirium. Seek medical help right away. Seek medical attention if DIY methods fail. If you've tried methods at home and can't get the splinter out of your skin, go see your doctor within a few days to get it removed. Don't leave splinters in your skin. If a deep splinter breaks or shatters beneath your skin, see your doctor to get the pieces removed. Get professional help for deep wounds or heavy bleeding. If the splinter has caused a significant wound that will not stop bleeding after you apply pressure for 5 minutes, go to the doctor. They may need to remove the splinter with special instruments. If the doctor needs to cut the splinter out of your skin with a scalpel, they will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area first. Large wounds may need stitches to close after the splinter has been removed. See your healthcare provider for splinters beneath your nails. If you get a deep splinter underneath your finger or toenail, it's unlikely you'll be able to remove it on your own. Trying to do so can cause damage. You doctor can safely remove part of your nail and extract the splinter. Your nail will likely grow back normally afterwards. Get emergency medical help for splinters in or near your eye. If anything penetrates your eye, cover your injured eye and call emergency medical services right away. Do not try to remove it – you can damage your eye and affect your vision. Try to keep both eyes closed until help arrives so that you move your injured eye as little as possible.

Try using tweezers. Use nail clippers for thick splinters. Use a needle to pry the splinter loose. Consider using a drawing salve. Try adding some baking soda to the wound. Stop any bleeding. Disinfect the punctured area. Apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound. Avoid squeezing the splinter. Keep wood splinters dry. Remove splinters with clean hands. Remove the splinter in its entirety. Watch for signs of infection. Seek medical attention if DIY methods fail. Get professional help for deep wounds or heavy bleeding. See your healthcare provider for splinters beneath your nails. Get emergency medical help for splinters in or near your eye.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Between-Two-Things

How to Choose Between Two Things

It can be difficult to choose between two things, but you can use comparison techniques to make the decision-making process easier. Start by writing a list of pros and cons for both choices. Once you've written the lists, tally the number of pros and cons for each choice to help you decide. If you feel stuck between two good options, try listing the potential negative consequences of each option. Include both short-term and long-term consequences to see which choice has the most drawbacks. If you're having trouble making a difficult choice, try talking to someone you trust. Listen to their opinion and trust that they have your best interests at heart.

Meditate to clear your head. Sit or lie down comfortably and close your eyes, focusing only your breathing for 10 minutes. Try to clear your head of thoughts about your decision and focus on releasing physical tension in your body. Try a guided meditation app, such as Relax, or attend a local mindfulness class to reduce your stress level. Focus on breathing deeply in a calm place removed from your phone and other intrusions. Sometimes the largeness of a decision can be intimidating. Meditation can help you get in touch with your true feelings and reduce anxiety around making a decision. Focus on what is right for you rather than what is right for others. Think about whether other people's opinions have been weighing on you about the decision. Has a friend, a professor, or boss made their opinion clear? Making a decision to please others rather than yourself may ultimately make you unhappy as it doesn't address your needs and goals. Try to consciously set aside the thoughts of others as you ponder your decision. For example, if your best friend loves Italian culture, studying abroad in Italy rather than France may be a no brainer for her. That said, it doesn't mean the same choice would be right for you. Embrace any uncomfortable feelings that accompany your decision. Go easy on yourself if the decision makes you feel stressed or uncomfortable. Try to interpret that as a sign that this crossroads is significant for you and that you care. Avoid beating yourself up about having to pass over 1 option. Big decisions can be hard, and ultimately, it likely won't help you feel at peace with your choice. Remember that both choices could probably work for you. Remind yourself that when you're presented with multiple good options, making a decision can be hard. Put a positive spin on things to take some pressure off your decision: Rather than being stuck, you are lucky to have 2 good choices. List pros and cons for each option to feel out your preference. Create a list with 2 columns for each choice, 1 for pros 1 for cons. List the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing each path. When you're finished, tally which choice has more benefits than drawbacks. Often just the process of making a pros and cons list can help you gain clarity about your feelings. You may find yourself consciously adding more pros to 1 choice so you can pick that option. Rather than seeing this as a negative, view this personal bias as great. It helps you understand that you feel more strongly about 1 choice. Try weighting each item with a number to show how positive or negative the trait is. A really favorable trait might give 5 points to the pro list and a slightly negative trait might give 1 point to the con list. Subtract the number of cons from the total pros. Whichever choice has a higher number may be the right decision. Catalog negative consequences of each choice to avoid pitfalls. Make a list of the potential negative consequences of choosing each option, both in the short and long term. This is a good way to narrow your decision if you feel you genuinely have 2 great choices and can't go wrong. Consider any opportunities that might close to you if you went with 1 choice. For example, if you live in Iowa and are considering moving to Rome, getting in-state tuition at your local university may no longer be an option for you if you move abroad. Use your gut to make a pros vs. pros list. Create a single list of all the benefits or advantages these 2 choices make available to you. Then, quickly go down your list and assign each benefit to only 1 choice. Don't overthink it; just use your instincts. Look at your final list to see which choice has been assigned more benefits. The 2 choices may share some benefits. By performing this exercise, you can decide which choice you feel will help you accomplish certain goals or hopes more. For example, let's say you're choosing between 2 vacation destinations. Both might be “bucket list” spots. You'd write “bucket list” on your pros vs. pros list. Going through the list quickly though, you may find that 1 destination feels more like a must-do life experience than the other. Furthermore, you can simply determine how you felt when you were first faced with the decision. If you immediately favored 1 side over the other, perhaps that's the right decision for you. Use professional resources to objectively compare the 2 choices. Seek out reliable consumer ratings resources, such as Consumer Reports or CNet, if your decision involves comparing products. You can directly compare your 2 options based on their features, safety ratings, and overall customer satisfaction. These websites are a great way to gain clarity about a product as you can prioritize the most important aspects your decision. For example, if you are trying to choose between 2 car seats for a baby and safety is your biggest priority, you can make an informed decision based on objective research using this method. Examine whether you need to choose only 1 option. See if there's a way your 2 choices can work together, whether it's by finessing your schedule or doing them sequentially. Sometimes, while 2 choices may seem to be in conflict with each other, there is actually a way for them to work in harmony. For example, you might feel you need to choose between taking violin lessons or joining a soccer league, when actually your schedule might be able to accommodate both activities on different days of the week. Consult a trusted friend or family member. Seek out someone who is not directly impacted by the decision but who knows you really well. Tell them that you trust their opinion and want to know what they feel is truly in your best interest. You might say, “I'm really struggling about whether I should choose the job in Tulsa or Boston. Knowing what you know about my personality and career goals, which do you think would be the best fit for me?” It can be helpful to hear someone you love confirm a choice you suspected all along. Flip a coin if you are stuck. Assign each side of a coin 1 of your 2 choices. Throw the coin up in the air. Whichever side faces up when it lands is the choice you move forward with. While this may seem arbitrary, if you're really stuck, an exercise like this can help you move past a difficult decision. If your heart drops when the coin lands, that may be an indication that you should make the other choice. Take the path of least resistance when presented with 2 good choices. Make your life easier by picking the choice that fits with the rest of your life and priorities. A choice you need to rearrange your whole life around may ultimately cause more anxiety and stress than it is worth. For example, while you may want to get a dog, breaking your lease to move to a dog-friendly apartment may involve a lot of stress and financial sacrifice. Consider the worst-case scenario with each decision. If you're choosing between buying a car and buying a motorcycle, you might consider that a car might be safer if you get into an accident. Seek out a therapist to parse difficult feelings. Talk to a professional counselor or mental health professional if you feel crippled by your decision. They can help you formulate a decision-making strategy that makes you feel confident moving forward.

Meditate to clear your head. Focus on what is right for you rather than what is right for others. Embrace any uncomfortable feelings that accompany your decision. Remember that both choices could probably work for you. List pros and cons for each option to feel out your preference. Catalog negative consequences of each choice to avoid pitfalls. Use your gut to make a pros vs. Use professional resources to objectively compare the 2 choices. Examine whether you need to choose only 1 option. Consult a trusted friend or family member. Flip a coin if you are stuck. Take the path of least resistance when presented with 2 good choices. Seek out a therapist to parse difficult feelings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Needle-Stick-Injury-at-Work

How to Deal With a Needle Stick Injury at Work

While medical workers are at high risk for needle-stick injuries, there are ways to deal with them so that an infection doesn't set in. After getting stuck by a needle, run cool water over the affected area for several minutes to encourage bleeding at the puncture site. This can keep the virus cells from entering your bloodstream. Once you flood the wound, wash it gently with plenty of soap to kill viruses and bacteria. You can then dry the wound with a sterile material and cover it with a dressing. If the contents of the needle splashed anywhere else on your body, wash it well with soap and water. When the wound is taken care of, see a doctor immediately to determine if you'll need further treatment or tests.

Encourage bleeding at the site of puncture. Do this by running cool water over the bleeding area for several minutes. In this way potential infectants are expelled from the wound and washed away, minimizing entry into the bloodstream. Once the virus enters your bloodstream, it may start to multiply, so it is best to keep the virus cells from entering the bloodstream in the first place. Wash the wound. Gently cleanse the site of the needle stick or sharps entry with plenty of soap after you have bled the wound and flooded the site. This will help to kill viruses and bacteria, removing sources of infection and reducing the chance of infection. Do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. This can make the injury worse. Never try to suck the wound. Dry and cover the wound. Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing. Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body with water. If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap. Irrigate eyes with saline, clean water or sterile irrigants. Gently flush the eyes if any splashing occurred there. Remove and change potentially contaminated clothing. Place clothing in a sealed bag awaiting washing and sterilization. After undressing, wash your hands and parts of the body that were in contact with the potentially infectious clothing, then don fresh clothing. Seek medical attention immediately. You will need to explain the circumstances of the injury and discuss possible disease exposures. Your blood may be tested to determine whether further treatment is needed. In the case of known exposure to other pathogens, immediate treatment will be administered. This could involve antibiotics or a vaccination. You might need a tetanus shot, depending on your prior history. Determine whether HIV exposure is possible. Measures should be immediately taken to prevent sero-conversion from occurring. Scientists have proven that sero-conversion due to needle stick injuries for HIV is about 0.03 percent. This percentage is extremely low, so there is no need to panic. The HIV status of the worker affected and the person whose blood was transferred will be checked. Hospitals and other medical facilities have rapid tests available to give a confirmed HIV status. If exposure is likely, prophylactic medication (known as post exposure prophylaxis, or PEP) should be administered, preferably within an hour. Anti-retroviral drugs can reduce the rate of transmission if given soon after possible infection. All clinics and hospitals have a protocol in place for prompt action when responding to needle stick injuries. Determine whether other exposures are possible. The risk for hepatitis transference is much higher that that for HIV (about 30% for Hepatitis B and about 10% for Hepatitis C), so swift action is essential, as well as preventative measures (i.e., being vaccinated against Hepatitis). Report the incident. Check the reporting procedures of your workplace. It is important to let your workplace know what has happened, and the statistics so gathered can help to improve workplace practices for everyone's future safety. This includes injuries with sterile, "clean" sticks. Have follow up testing and medical supervision of your recovery. This should be done at required intervals through the window period, the time during which a person exposed to a virus still tests negative, even though the virus is multiplying. Retesting for HIV exposure usually occurs at six weeks, three, six, and 12 months to look for HIV antibodies. Retesting for HCV antibodies usually occurs six weeks after the incident, and again at four to six months. Have a plan of action for next time. If your workplace doesn't already have a protocol in place for dealing with needlestick injuries, create one. This information is freely available on any telephonic helpline or is physically available at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other medical care centers. Ensure safe working practices in a health care environment at all times. The World Health Organization recommends the following for workplaces dealing with needle sharps: Hand wash after direct contact with patients. Use protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, and goggles when in direct contact with blood and other body fluids. Collect and dispose of needles and sharps safely. Use puncture- and liquid- proof boxes in each patient care area. Prevent two-handed recapping of needles. Use the one handed needle capping technique. Cover all cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing. Promptly and carefully clean up spills of blood and other body fluids with gloves on. Use a safe system for health care waste management and disposal. Ensure safe working practices in other workplace environments. Tattoo parlors, piercing shops, and many other types of workplaces also put workers at risk for needlestick injuries. Take the following precautions: Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear when handling potentially dangerous items such as garbage bags or picking up piles of garbage. Take care when sticking your hands into places you cannot see, such as sinks of water, holes, the backs of beds and sofas, etc. Wear solid footwear when walking through or working in areas known for drug-use, such as parks, beaches, public transportation hubs, etc. Avoid unnecessary distractions when working with needles and syringes. Concentrate on your work and on what you are currently doing at all times. Avoid looking away or working in bad light while dealing with the needle stick. Be careful with restless or panicking patients who can easily move as you insert or withdraw the needle. Reassure them and only insert the needle when you're sure it is safe to do so.

Encourage bleeding at the site of puncture. Wash the wound. Dry and cover the wound. Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body with water. Irrigate eyes with saline, clean water or sterile irrigants. Remove and change potentially contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention immediately. Determine whether HIV exposure is possible. Determine whether other exposures are possible. Report the incident. Have follow up testing and medical supervision of your recovery. Have a plan of action for next time. Ensure safe working practices in a health care environment at all times. Ensure safe working practices in other workplace environments. Avoid unnecessary distractions when working with needles and syringes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Study-Latin

How to Study Latin

To study Latin, start by learning how the parts of speech work. Noun endings vary in number, gender, and case, so practice noun declensions whenever you encounter a noun you don't recognize, then make a flash card. Verb mood can also be difficult, so conjugate new verbs you come across, starting with the present tense. To make it easier to intuitively pick up Latin, invest in a Latin textbook and use a Latin dictionary to look up words you don't know. Additionally, read texts in Latin, like “Lingua Latina,” which introduces grammatical concepts naturally and gradually.

Learn Latin verbs. In English, a verb is typically an action. But in Latin, a verb can describe an action, the state of something, or any change in a person, place, or thing. Latin verbs are composed of a stem (the base word) and its appropriate ending (the part that makes a word functional), and are expressed using four qualifiers: the person of the verb (first person: I/we, second person: thou/you, or third person: he/she/it) the tense or time of the verb (present, future, imperfect, perfect, pluperfect, and future perfect) the voice of the verb (active or passive) the mood of the verb (indicative, subjunctive, or imperative) Study Latin nouns. Nouns are a bit less complex than verbs, but can still be challenging nonetheless. The ending of a noun describes its number (singular or plural), its gender (masculine/feminine/neuter), and case (nominative/genitive/dative/accusative/ablative/vocative). Understand Latin adjectives. In Latin, an adjective is inflected like a noun, usually either in accordance with the first and second declensions (for example, magnus, magna, and magnum are all forms of the adjective "great"), or occasionally in the third declension (for example, acer, acris, and acre are all forms of "sharp"). Adjectives in Latin are similar to English adjectives in that they fall into one of three categories (called "degrees") of comparison: positive (such as long or short) is formed by adding "-a" or "-um" to the end of the word comparative (such as longer or shorter) is formed by adding "-ior" for male/female words or "-ius" for neuter words. superlative (such as longest or shortest) is formed by adding "-issimus" to the end of the word Learn Latin adverbs. Adverbs have comparative and superlative forms, just like adjectives. An adverb formed from regular inflections ends in "-ius" for the comparative form and "-e" for the superlative. Adverbs based on an adjective in the first and second declension end in "-e," while those based on an adjective in the third declension end in "-ter." Use Latin conjunctions. Conjunctions in Latin connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences, just like conjunctions in English do (such as "and," "but," and "if"). Conjunctions are fairly straightforward, and therefore should not be too difficult to learn and use. There are three basic types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions (connect words/phrases/clauses of equal rank) - et, -que, atque disjunctive conjunctions (showing opposition or choice) - aut, vel, -ve adversative conjunctions (expressing contrast) - at, autem, sed, tamen Study cases and declensions. The case gives a noun its distinct "role," essentially dictating to the reader/listener how that noun functions within the sentence. The case of a given noun does not change the meaning of that word. It simply changes the way that word acts or conveys meaning in the sentence. Declensions are the set of endings that are tacked on to nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in Latin to form a given case, which is often called the "case form" of a word. There are six regular cases used in the Latin language: five for nouns, and one that is used for some pronouns and adjectives. Nominative is called the "subject case," meaning it refers to the person or object that comes before the verb. Genitive shows one person's possession of an object. Dative is the case used for an indirect object. Accusative designates the direct object, usually after an action verb that has a receiver but occasionally used after a preposition. Ablative is used as an adverb, or in conjunction with prepositions and verbs. The special declension for pronouns and adjectives end in "-ius" in the genitive singular and usually end in "-î" in the dative singular. Learn verb mood. Mood is one of the qualifiers that determine the function of a verb. The mood of a verb may be thought of as that verb's "conditions of reality" for a given verb's action. The two most common moods that are used in Latin are indicative and subjunctive, though imperative is sometimes also used. Indicative moods mean that the verb's action actually happened, is happening, or will happen. For example, in the sentence "I went to the store," the verb "went" describes an action that has actually taken place. Subjunctive moods mean that the verb's action takes some departure from reality, so to speak. An example of a subjunctive mood is a sentence in which you ask someone to imagine a hypothetical occurrence or set of circumstances. Those circumstances do not presently exist in reality, nor will they necessarily exist in the future, but they deal with potential or theoretical events. Imperative moods can be thought of as either commands, requests/wishes/prayers, or negative imperatives (a command or request to stop or avoid some given activity). Understand deponent verbs. Deponent verbs are one of the most difficult concepts to learn in Latin because there is no English language equivalent. Essentially a deponent verb is a verb that has a passive form with an active meaning. The closest example in English might be a scenario in which the sentence "The car was driven by Julian" would mean "Julian drove the car," despite the way it is constructed on paper or in speech. Deponent forms of verbs are very confusing to Latin students, but once you've memorized the tables of regular verbs you should develop an understanding of the passive forms in each conjugation. With practice and a firm understanding of passive verb conjugations, you will come to understand how a deponent verb form functions. Invest in a Latin textbook. If you're learning Latin through a class, you may have been assigned a textbook already. If you don't have a textbook, or if you'd like a secondary textbook to complement what you're learning in the first, you may want to buy Wheelock's Latin. Named after the author, Frederic M. Wheelock, Wheelock's Latin is generally considered the standard text for learning Latin, even if you're teaching yourself the language at home. It builds sequentially by first introducing you to grammar and vocabulary, then building into increasingly complex sentences and short readings. Buy a Latin dictionary. Having a dictionary of Latin words and their various cognates will be immensely helpful in learning the vocabulary. Any good Latin dictionary should suffice. If you're unsure which dictionaries are best for learning the language, consult user reviews online or ask others who have learned the language which dictionary they used. Some scholars recommend Langenscheidt's Pocket Latin Dictionary , but which dictionary you choose is largely a matter of personal preference. Latin uses the same letters as the English alphabet and many of the same basic language habits, which may make it easier to grasp a given word or phrase. Still, a dictionary will be necessary to distinguish between the various forms a word may take, and can help you when you need to check a word on the fly. Make and use flash cards. Flash cards are an excellent way to learn vocabulary words in any language. To make flash cards, start with a blank pack of index cards. Write the word or phrase in Latin on one side of the card and its English translation on the back. Then quiz yourself, keeping a pile of words/terms you struggled with so that you can revisit those cards with further practice. You may be able to find pre-printed Latin index cards online or in a book store, but many experts recommend making your own. That's because the practice of writing out the words/terms of a foreign language will help you grow proficient and learn to think in that language. Use mnemonic devices. A mnemonic device is a learning technique that helps you remember something complex by associating that information with another word, a sentence, or an image. Acronyms (forming a word from the first letter of each word in a phrase) and rhymes are two of the most common types of mnemonic devices. There are numerous mnemonic devices for learning Latin that can be found online and in books, or you can invent your own to help you study. A popular rhyme used to remember future-tense vowels is "Conjugations one and two, in the future Bo Bi Bu; Conjugations four and three, in the future A then E." Another rhyme for remembering feminine nouns in the fourth declension goes "Domus = house and manus = hand, feminine will always stand." One popular mnemonic device for remembering the i-stem adjectives that form their genitive using "-ius" and dative with "-i" goes "Some Uncles' Umbrellas Are All Too Nice" to memorize Solus, Unus, Ullus, Alter, Alius, Totus, Nullus." An easy way to remember the word endings for first declension Latin nons in the five primary cases is "MariA, queen of reggAE, gave Fannie mAE some jAM for her bananā." (nominitve: -a, genitive: -ae, dative: -ae, accusative: -am, abblative: -ā) Set aside study time. Balancing your work life and your private life can be difficult, and setting aside an extra slice of your day for studying may seem impossible. However, if you budget your time right by keeping a regular schedule and designating time to study each day, it will definitely be manageable. Study every single day. Having an inconsistent or sporadic study schedule will make it more difficult for you find the time to study and to absorb what you learn. Set an alarm to remind you to study each day. Then make a to-do list of the lessons you'll be studying for each day. It may be helpful to make a list for the following day at the end of your study session. That way you'll know whether you've covered everything you wanted to study that day, and the information will be fresh enough that you'll know where to pick up again the following day. Determine your ideal study conditions. Some people are able to focus better at night. Others prefer to study first thing in the morning. While some people prefer to study in the comfort of their room, others find studying in a library to be less distracting. If you're studying Latin, you may need conditions that are just right for quiet, contemplative study, and that means you'll need to figure out how you study best. Try to study in a quiet place, and remove any potential distractions. If at all possible, aim to study in the same place every day. This can help create a mindset that will allow you to sit down and get to work right when you need to. If you're naturally a morning person, you may prefer to study early in the day. If you're a night owl, you may find it easier to study in the evening. Any time of day is fine, as long as it works well with your body. However, studying later than your usual bedtime can make you too tired to retain the information you learn. Take periodic breaks. If you start to feel fatigued or frustrated with studying, it's a good time to take a break. Stand up and stretch, walk around a bit, and have a nutritious snack if you're hungry. Breaking up your study sessions like this can help prevent your brain from feeling overloaded. Memorize word forms. Most people learning a language do not commit each word's form table to memory, but in Latin this is necessary in order to fully understand and use the language. The easiest way to memorize word forms is to write out the tables for each word you're studying. Then keep writing out each form until you have memorized it. Unfortunately there is no easier method to memorize something than to practice it over and over until you've committed it to memory. Start with noun declensions and continue writing out each declension until you can instantly recall it. Then move on to adjectives. Then regular verbs in the indicative active, passive, and subjunctive forms. If you do this, you will eventually commit each word form to memory, and with continued practice you will never lose this knowledge. Try repeating the declension or conjugation you're studying that day during your spare moments. It can help speed up the time it takes to learn these word forms by memory. Look for cognates. A cognate is the most closely-related word(s) related to a given word or phrase. Identifying English cognates of a Latin word/phrase can help you get a better sense of how the word functions and what it means. Cognates rarely ever mean the exact same thing as the original term. Often the cognate will have a similar meaning but a different part of speech. For example, the Latin word "fidelis" is an adjective, but its English cognate is fidelity (which is a noun). Read in Latin. The best way to put your Latin skills to use is by learning to read a piece of text completely in Latin. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is the most efficient way to master the Latin language. Some scholars and educators recommend Lingua Latina (available online and in some campus bookstores) as a good introductory Latin text. It introduces grammatical concepts at a manageable pace and builds to tell a complex story completely in Latin, giving you all the skills you need to fluently read Latin along the way. Read slowly. It's important that you resist the urge to rush through the text, as you may miss the grammatical functions of words if you do not take your time. Take note of each noun's case and each verb's tense and mood. Try to get through an entire passage without looking up any words or forms the first time through. This is where intelligent guessing - the practice of using a word's context to understand that word - will be helpful. Then go back through the passage a second time and underline any words you absolutely cannot form a guess about. Look up those words, make flash cards of them, and practice them at length. Then go back and re-read the passage a third time until you can understand the entire passage. Use pop culture to learn Latin. Latin may be an archaic language, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun. Many Latin scholars have found ways to incorporate learning/studying Latin into contemporary popular culture. This may help reinforce what you've learned by applying your Latin studies to everyday pursuits. If you have a study partner, you can play a Latin version of Scrabble online to help reinforce your understanding of Latin grammar and spelling. Read contemporary books in Latin. Harry Potter has been translated into Latin, and you can purchase the book at an online retailer or read excerpts for free online. You can also read The Hobbit in Latin, or opt for some complex wordplay by reading The Cat in the Hat in Latin. Watch films in Latin. You can find a partial list of films with Latin dialogue on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) by searching for "Movies in Latin language."

Learn Latin verbs. Study Latin nouns. Understand Latin adjectives. Learn Latin adverbs. Use Latin conjunctions. Study cases and declensions. Learn verb mood. Understand deponent verbs. Invest in a Latin textbook. Buy a Latin dictionary. Make and use flash cards. Use mnemonic devices. Set aside study time. Determine your ideal study conditions. Memorize word forms. Look for cognates. Read in Latin. Use pop culture to learn Latin.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Conversation-with-a-Guy

How to Start a Conversation with a Guy

To start a conversation with a guy, introduce yourself and use circumstances around you, like the weather or waiting in a long line, to break the ice. Next, give him a compliment or ask an open-ended question to get him talking, then keep the conversation going by finding a shared interest and chatting about that. Be sure to maintain eye contact throughout the conversation and smile and laugh so he knows you're enjoying his company!

Introduce yourself. The most straightforward way to get a guy talking is to walk right up to him and introduce yourself. It doesn't matter if he's the new guy at work, the cute boy you've noticed around the school corridors, or the handsome stranger at the coffee shop - put your shoulders back, plant a smile on your face and approach him confidently. Say hi, tell him your name and ask for his - if you're lucky he'll take it from there! Once you find out the guy's name, use it frequently in the conversation. People like to hear their own name - it makes the conversation more personal and creates a sense of intimacy between you. Say something like "Hi, I've noticed you around here and I just thought I'd come over and introduce myself. My name's Kate, what's yours?" Simple! Use the circumstances around you. One of the easiest ways to start a conversation is to take advantage of your surrounding circumstances to get him talking. It could be literally anything, from the weather, to the traffic, to the results of a sports game. You can either make the comment to him directly or to yourself, hoping he sees it as an opportunity and responds. Commenting on the weather may seem like a mundane conversation starter, but it works nevertheless. Try saying something like "Beautiful day, huh? Don't you just love the sunshine?" When starting a conversation with someone you don't know, the point is to break the ice and open a line of communication first. Once you've done that you can move on to more interesting topics. If you're sitting next to a cute guy on the train or an airplane, try sighing and muttering to yourself about the delay or bumpiness of the ride. If he's interested, he'll take this as his cue to respond in sympathetic agreement. Once you have his attention, you can take it from there! Ask him for help. Men love to help women. They're biologically wired that way. So engaging the damsel in distress routine from time to time might just help to get the conversation going. Appeal to his manly muscle and strength - it will give him a confidence boost and make him feel more comfortable around you, allowing conversation to flow more freely. If you're struggling with a heavy stack of files or a bulky box, ask if he can help to lighten the load. If you just can't seem to open the coffee jar or unscrew the cap of your water bottle, see if he'll oblige. Make sure to smile and thank him sweetly after he helps you - everyone likes a little appreciation when they do a good deed. And he'll be ready to jump at the opportunity to help next time round. This step also comes with a warning: don't overdo it. You want a guy's respect as well as his attention, so don't play the damsel in distress too often or you'll come across as helpless. Compliment him. Guys like compliments just as much as girls do, so paying your guy an enthusiastic, genuine compliment will definitely get you in the good books and optimize his interest in the conversation. Paying him a compliment is a great conversation starter as you can be as intimate or as casual as you like, depending on how confident you're feeling. If you're feeling forward, compliment him on his amazing eyes, his killer six-pack or his George Clooney smile. This will let him know that you find him physically attractive, which all guys love to hear. If you're aiming to be a little less obvious, compliment him on his snappy suit, his funky band tee or his great-smelling cologne - letting him know that you think he has great taste. Compliment him on his performance at work or on the sports field, if you happen to be present at the time. Tell him he did a great job on the presentation or that he played really well. He'll know that you were paying particular attention to him. Alternatively, you can compliment him on something a little less personal. If you run into him walking his dog, compliment the dog instead (earning you major guy points). Or tell him that you approve of his choice of sandwich at lunch. Anything that grabs your attention and gets him talking. Ask a question. Questions are great conversation starters, especially if you're feeling a little awkward, as they provide you with an excuse to talk to the guy under the pretense of seeking out information. The questions themselves can be as short and simple as you like. Just try to avoid questions that can be answered with a short "yes" or "no" as this can lead to awkwardness, causing the conversation to fizzle away. Phrase questions in such a way that he will be forced to think about the answer, or at least provide more than a monosyllabic response. Men can be a little dull at times, so try to help them along a little. He'll soon realize that you're more interested in him than in finding out what time it is. Try asking him if he has a pen you could borrow or if he watched the basketball game last night. At this point it's just about grabbing his attention and getting the conversation going, so don't worry too much about the topic. Find a shared interest. Finding a shared interest is conversational gold. When you find a topic that both of you enjoy talking about, the conversation will flow much more easily. Even if it's something you're not particularly knowledgeable about, demonstrate your interest by asking him plenty of questions and allow him to do the talking. For example, if you discover that you both like to watch football, ask him about his favorite team, who he thinks their best players are and whether they'll make it to the playoffs this year. Once you get him going there'll be no stopping him, and he'll probably think you're a pretty cool girl for being interested. Pick up on hints about his interests from his clothing, desk or accessories. If he's wearing a band tee - bingo! He likes music. If he has a surfing picture set as his desktop background, that's a pretty good indication he likes to ride the waves. Picking up on small details can help you to choose the right topic to get him going. Ask open-ended questions. To really get the conversation going and to find out about your guy's interests and personality, it's important to ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions with one-word answers or rote questions that he'll automatically answer without thinking. For example, avoid starting a conversation with "how are you?" which he'll probably answer by reflex with a "fine" or a "good". Instead try asking him "what did you do this weekend?" or "what do you think of the new boss?" which will force him to think about his answer and actually string a sentence together. Alternatively, you can try asking him an "either-or" question, to initiate a playful debate. Ask him whether he prefers "The Simpsons" or "Family Guy", rock or hip-hop, burgers or hot dogs. Whatever he answers, gently tease him about it and soon you'll both be laughing. Listen more than you talk. Conversational etiquette dictates that you should always listen more than you talk. That's why you have two ears and only one mouth, right? So once you've got the ball rolling, take a back seat during the conversation and really listen to what he's got to say. Let him take charge of the conversation for a while - in case you've never noticed, guys tend to like the sound of their own voice. Even when you're not talking, try to stay engaged in the conversation. Acknowledge things he says with a smile, nod or other appropriate facial expression or gesture. Being a good listener during your conversation does two things: it allows you to make a good impression, letting the guy know that you're thoughtful and easy to talk to, while also giving you the chance to see whether you actually think this guy is worth your time. From the things the guy says, you'll get a pretty good idea of his personality and you can think about whether you want to take the next step. This is important because - let's face it - if you don't find him interesting now, you won't find him any more interesting on a date. Pose an interesting question. On the other hand, if you've got nothing to say for yourself, he may not find you very interesting. Elevate your conversation beyond everyday chitchat by posing an interesting or thought-provoking question that will make him think and ensure that you make an impression. Give him something to ponder and you'll be in his head long after the conversation has ended. For example, ask him fun yet interesting questions like "If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?" or "If your house were on fire, what three things would you save?" or "If you were a fictional character, who would you be?" These questions will hopefully make him smile and give you a little insight into his personality. Or you can get a little more serious and personal and ask him questions like "what is your biggest regret in life?" or "where do you see yourself in ten years?" Just to be clear, these are not the kind of questions that you ask to open a conversation or that you bring up completely out of the blue. If you do, he'll probably think you're just a teeny bit crazy. These questions are best reserved for when the initial awkwardness has passed, maybe after a couple of drinks. Bring up pop culture. Pop culture is the old reliable when it comes to conversational material. Everyone, no matter what their interests, will have something to say about movies, music, television shows, books or the latest crazy celebrity baby names. Once you've gotten a sense of what his interests are, you can ask him whether he's seen a particular movie, read a particular book, or heard a popular band's new record. Also try asking for the guy's opinion or recommendation when it comes to an aspect of pop culture he considers himself an expert on. Guys love to show off their vast knowledge, especially to a rapt audience. For example, if he loves Woody Allen movies but you've never seen any, ask him which is the best one to start with. Feeling confident? Maybe you could suggest watching it together. Or if you can find something random that you're just as knowledgeable about as he is, you're in luck. Impress him with your love of obscure 70's punk-rock bands or your readership of Franco-Belgian comic books. He might just think you're The One. End on a high note. The final step in successfully conversing with a guy is to know when to gracefully bow out. You should always leave him wanting more, not wishing you'd take the hint and leave. After a particularly successful joke or story, you should try to make your exit. Tell him that you need to get back to work or should be getting home. Hopefully he'll be disappointed you're leaving and will look forward to the next time you get a chance to talk. If you feel that things really went well and you like this guy even more now, put yourself out there and suggest that the two of you go out for coffee or drinks after work sometime. If you feel too awkward to say it out loud, do like the girls in the movies and slip him your number on a scrap of paper. Right before you leave, you should look the guy straight in the eyes, flash him a smile and say "I really enjoyed talking to you, *insert guy's name here*" It's personal, it's flirtatious and it's so much more memorable than "see you later". Smile and laugh. Guys are more attracted to happy, laughing, smiling girls than scowling, duck-faced divas. Fact. Smiling makes you seem friendly and approachable before you even open your mouth to speak. He'll instantly feel more comfortable around you and be more willing to open up. Laughing at his jokes will boost his ego and make him feel good, while also making you look more attractive. Win-win. Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the most vital aspects of successful conversations. Think about it. If you are constantly averting your eyes or looking away you'll either look awkward and uncomfortable or as if you're not interested in being there at all. Plenty of eye contact projects confidence and indicates interests, which is exactly what you're trying to achieve. Be careful not to stare though, that's just plain creepy. Be subtle. Ok, so you want this guy to know you're interested, but you don't need to wave it in front of his face. You can smile at him, make eye contact, laugh at his jokes and ask him questions, but don't do it too often or hang on his every word like an over-eager puppy. Try to retain a little bit of mystery and make him work a little for your attention. Guys like the chase, remember? Look your best. Attraction isn't always physical, nor should it be. You want a guy who's attracted to your intelligence, your sparkling wit, your sweet nature and maybe your ability to chug a pint of beer in under 7 seconds. But when trying to get a guy's attention, it doesn't hurt to look your best. This doesn't mean high heels and a full face of make-up. Rather it involves things such as dressing to suit your figure, always having freshly-washed, sweet-smelling hair or wearing make-up that draws attention to your best features, such as your full lips or beautiful eyes. Don't overwhelm him. Asking questions and getting to know this guy better is all perfectly fine, but try not to scare him off either. Don't ask him questions that you wouldn't feel comfortable answering yourself. Also, try to keep the questions breezy - you don't want him to feel like you're scrutinizing his answers, as if he were interviewing for a job or being cross-examined on the witness stand. Play nice. Make physical contact. A subtle brush against his shoulder or a hand lightly placed on his arm mid-conversation can give a guy chills and let him know, without having to say a word, that you're interested. You shouldn't overdo it, but once or twice over the course of a conversation will achieve just the desired effect. Ask him out. This is what it's all been leading up to, right? If you've spoken to your guy, decided you like him, and you're pretty sure he likes you back, why not bite the bullet and ask him out? It doesn't need to be a big, romantic gesture or anything so formal as dinner. Try asking him if he'd like to a grab a coffee (or something stronger) after work on Friday. This will give you a chance to spend some more time together without being in an overtly date-like situation. Just think of it as an extra opportunity to work on your conversation skills. Not so scary at all!

Introduce yourself. Use the circumstances around you. Ask him for help. Compliment him. Ask a question. Find a shared interest. Ask open-ended questions. Listen more than you talk. Pose an interesting question. Bring up pop culture. End on a high note. Smile and laugh. Make eye contact. Be subtle. Look your best. Don't overwhelm him. Make physical contact. Ask him out.

https://www.wikihow.com/Study-Efficiently

How to Study Efficiently

Studying may feel daunting, but learning how to do it more effectively and efficiently can help you get better grades and retain your knowledge. Create some good study habits by scheduling your sessions, working in a comfortable spot, and avoiding distractions, like technology. If you're studying from your class notes, write down the important ideas, concepts, names, and dates rather than attempt to record all of the information. Over the weekend, review your entire week's worth of notes to reinforce the things you learned that week. You can also make flashcards with key names, dates, and concepts on them so you can quiz yourself throughout the day. If you don't like feeling chained to your desk, then use a mobile app to make flashcards or notes that you can take with you and work on any time, anywhere.

Approach studying with the right mindset. Researchers have found that the way students approach studying is as important as what and how students study. Think positively. Don't let yourself feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Believe in yourself and your ability to meet this challenge. You can do this! Don't think about worst-case scenarios. Manage your time, and try to look on the bright side of your study situation, even if it's unpleasant or stressful. Just don't overdo it, or your optimism may make you overlook the seriousness of the exam or get you easily distracted. See each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow, cause obstacles are the skipping stones to success. Don't compare your grades to anyone else's. Competitive thinking will only stress you out further. You deserve how much you have practiced, and competitive thinking will only stress you out further, only if you are right now. Stick to a dedicated study routine. Staying on schedule can help you manage your time and your workload, and may make it easier to focus on the task at hand. Try entering a "date" with yourself to study in your planner or calendar. You may be more likely to take your study sessions as a serious responsibility if they're formal appointments with yourself. Try changing up your surroundings for more efficient study sessions. Studies suggest that alternating where a person studies can actually improve information retention. Know whether you work best in a quiet space or with ambient noise. Try studying with the windows open (weather permitting). Researchers have found fresh air to be energizing and revitalizing. Be as comfortable as possible. You shouldn't be so comfortable that you'll fall asleep, but feeling uncomfortable can make it difficult to concentrate. Set up a comfortable atmosphere conducive to studying. Choose a chair that will be comfortable to sit on for upwards of one hour at a time. Use a desk or table so you can spread out your study materials. Avoid your bed. You might get so comfortable that you don't study. Associating other activities than sleep with your bed can also make it harder for you to sleep well. Study without distractions. Turn your cell phone and TV off and resist the urge to check your social media accounts. These kinds of distractions can deter you from work and can make it difficult to retain information you are learning. You may think that you're a good multi-tasker, but studying while doing other things like using Facebook, Instagram, and the like is not good. Don't cram. Breaking up the material you need to cover into small, manageable chunks is more effective than trying to memorize everything all at once. Cover material in shorter sessions over a period of several days or even weeks for the best results. Have a little caffeine shortly before studying. This will keep you awake and help you focus as you read, study, and prepare for class. Studies have shown that caffeine not only helps you feel alert, it may help improve your memory. Just don't overdo it. Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery, anxious, or stressed-out. Experts recommend that kids and teens limit their consumption of caffeine to 100-200mg per day. That's just 1-2 cups of coffee, 1-3 Red Bulls, or 3-6 colas. Take a workout break. Studies show that making cardio workouts a part of your routine can improve memory and overall mental health. Consider joining a study group. Researchers have found that students who study together in groups tend to perform better on tests and quizzes. Record your class lecture, and listen to it at home or on the go. Ask your instructor's permission before recording any part of your class sessions. With his or her permission, use an audio recording device during class. If you're using a digital recorder, convert the file into an mp3 and listen to your lecture while you're commuting or working out in the morning. Consolidate and trim down your notes in class. Write down important ideas, concepts, names, and dates, rather than trying to take down every single word your instructor is saying. Review your notes every day. This should be done immediately after class, if possible. If you cannot study right after class has ended, studying as soon as possible that day is crucial, as most in-class information is forgotten after 24 hours. Read through each line of notes slowly and carefully. Ask your instructor about anything that doesn't make sense or is unclear to you. Transfer notes from class into a designated study notebook. This will allow you to compile the most vital information in one place, and can help you make more sense of the notes you took in class. But don't just copy the material mindlessly! Rephrasing class notes in your own words will also help you understand the material beyond simply re-stating what you've been told. Review the whole week's worth of notes over the weekend. This will help reinforce the things you learned that week, and may help you contextualize each day's lesson better within the framework of the entire week's lesson plan. Organize your notes. Color-coding your notes by lesson or topic may be helpful, or try using a series of folders to create an orderly system. Try different organization methods until you find one that works right for you. This may include organizing handouts separate from notes, or organizing everything by date, by chapter, or by topic. Make and use flashcards. Flashcards can help you memorize important names, dates, places, events, and concepts. They can be used for nearly every single subject taught in school. Choose the most important names, dates, concepts, etc. Write the name on one side and the definition on the back. For math formulae, write the equation on one side and the solution on the back. Quiz yourself. Once you've mastered giving the definition or solution based on the front of the card, try quizzing yourself by going through the cards in reverse - that is, read the definition or solution on the "back" of the card and challenge yourself to give the correct term or equation written on the "front" of the card. Break your flashcards up into manageable sections. Just as cramming from notes/lesson plans is ill-advised, research has shown that the strategy called "spacing" is also more effective than cramming when it comes to flashcards. Don't try to learn more than 10-12 flashcards at a time. Use mnemonic devices. Associating names or terms with something simple to remember can make it easier to memorize information from your notes. Don't get too complex with your mnemonic devices. They should be easy to remember and simple to apply on a test. Song lyrics might be easiest to use. If you get stuck, try humming the song's rhythm to yourself, associating the lyrics with whatever material you're trying to memorize. Go mobile. You don't have to be chained to a desk to study. Use technology to liberate your study sessions so you can study anytime, anywhere. Many mobile apps will allow you to create flashcards. You can review them anywhere, whether you're standing in line at the store or riding the bus. Try recording your notes in a wiki or blog. You can tag these posts with relevant keywords, making finding your material a snap when it comes time to study. You can also review them anywhere you have an internet connection. Skim each chapter before reading. Look for text written in bold or italics, or off-set in a chart or graph. Also look for sections at the end of each chapter that condenses the key concepts from that unit. Information presented in any of these ways tends to be of the highest importance when teachers prepare a test on that chapter or section. If you're studying a creative work, such as a play or novel, look for patterns and themes. Motifs (elements that carry additional meaning, such as darkness, blood, gold) may repeat across the text, suggesting that they're important to pay attention to. “Big ideas” are also good to focus on. If your teacher permits it, you can use a study guide such as Cliffs Notes or Shmoop to help you understand the plot, so that you can focus on more important themes and patterns. Don't rely on these guides to tell you everything you need to know! Use them only as supplements to other study and reading techniques. Read the chapter closely and take notes. Now that you've skimmed the chapter and made note of the key concepts, read the whole section at least once, paying attention to details and taking notes along the way. This will allow you to understand the material and contextualize that chapter within the larger unit. Be an active reader. Active reading, which involves asking questions of the reading and taking notes, is proven to be more effective and efficient than passively reading through just to finish the chapter. Draw a bracket around key concepts in the chapter, and circle any terms or names you're not familiar with. Write questions in the margins as you read, then find the answers to those questions. Restate key concepts in your own words. This will help you make better sense of the material and will help you remember those concepts more concretely. Remember that restating can also condense and focus. As you restate, make sure you pay attention to what seems most important. For example, consider this passage: “Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.” Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed. (1976): 46-47. A restatement of the key concept could look like this: “Take fewer direct quotations in notes bc too many could cause over-quotation in final paper. 10% max quotes in final.” As you can see, this has captured the most important information from the passage, but it's in your own words, and it's much shorter -- meaning it will be easier to remember later. Review everything you've read as soon as you finish the chapter. Go over your notes and any flashcards you've made. Quiz yourself once you've read through all of your notes several times through. You should be able to recall most of the key concepts, names, and dates. Repeat this review process as often as necessary to keep the information in your mind as you prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests. Don't try to do it all at once. Studies have found that the most efficient way to study is in short bursts, typically in 1-3 hour increments. Give yourself several days, each with several sessions, to prepare. Change up your subjects. Research suggests that studying related but varied material in one sitting is more efficient and effective than studying just one subject material in a given session. You can also try to relate material you're learning to stuff you already know. You can even create connections between new material and pop culture. You're more likely to remember new material if it's linked to things you're already familiar with.

Approach studying with the right mindset. Stick to a dedicated study routine. Try changing up your surroundings for more efficient study sessions. Be as comfortable as possible. Study without distractions. Don't cram. Have a little caffeine shortly before studying. Take a workout break. Consider joining a study group. Record your class lecture, and listen to it at home or on the go. Consolidate and trim down your notes in class. Review your notes every day. Transfer notes from class into a designated study notebook. Review the whole week's worth of notes over the weekend. Organize your notes. Make and use flashcards. Use mnemonic devices. Go mobile. Skim each chapter before reading. Read the chapter closely and take notes. Be an active reader. Restate key concepts in your own words. Review everything you've read as soon as you finish the chapter. Don't try to do it all at once. Change up your subjects.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Kool-Aid

How to Make Kool Aid

To make Kool-Aid, start by pouring 3 packages of Kool-Aid into a large pitcher. Then, add 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Next, pour 1 gallon, or 16 cups, of water into the pitcher, and stir everything together for a few minutes so the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Finally, serve your Kool-Aid in a glass over ice, or store it in the fridge for later.

Pour the Kool-Aid into a large pitcher. The pitcher needs to be big enough to hold at least a gallon of water. Pick the biggest one you have so there's plenty of room to stir your Kool-Aid mixture without splashing liquid everywhere. Add the sugar. Use a measuring cup to measure out a cup and a half of sugar, then add it to the pitcher. Add the water. Pour in an entire gallon of water (that's 16 cups) on top of the Kool-Aid mix and sugar. Stir the ingredients well. Keep stirring for about three minutes, until the sugar completely dissolves. If you drink it too fast, the sugar will still be in its crystal form. Taste test your Kool-Aid. See if it needs more sugar or water. Everyone likes their Kool-Aid to taste a little different. Enjoy over ice. Kool-Aid is delicious poured over ice. Fill up a glass with ice and pour in the Kool-Aid. Store your leftover Kool-Aid in the refrigerator for later use. Boil two cups of water. Pour the water into a small pot and set it on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a full boil. Turn off the heat. Keep the pot in place on the same burner, but turn off the heat. Add the gelatin to the water. Stir it in so it's fully incorporated, being careful not to splash the hot water. Stir in the sugar. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the remaining water and the Kool-Aid. Pour in the water and the Kool-Aid and mix until fully combined. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Plastic popsicle molds work perfectly, but if you don't have any on hand, just use an ice cube tray. Place popsicle sticks, straws or chopstick pieces in the center of the molds. Freeze the popsicles. Place them in the freezer and freeze the mixture for several hours, until it's completely solid. Remove the popsicles from the molds to enjoy. If you have trouble getting them out, run hot water over the bottom of the molds for 20 to 30 seconds, then try again. The hot water will help loosen the popsicles. Mix the Kool-Aid, sugar and milk in a bowl. Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan. A nine or ten-inch baking pan works quite well. It should be shallow enough to help the sherbert freeze evenly, but still deep enough so that the liquid is contained. Freeze the mixture for half an hour. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture and continue freezing for several hours. Stirring after half an hour will help the sherbert freeze evenly and acquire the right texture. Scoop the sherbert when it's firm. After a few hours, the sherbert should be scoopable. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to serve it up in small bowls.

Pour the Kool-Aid into a large pitcher. Add the sugar. Add the water. Stir the ingredients well. Taste test your Kool-Aid. Enjoy over ice. Boil two cups of water. Turn off the heat. Add the gelatin to the water. Stir in the sugar. Add the remaining water and the Kool-Aid. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze the popsicles. Remove the popsicles from the molds to enjoy. Mix the Kool-Aid, sugar and milk in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan. Freeze the mixture for half an hour. Stir the mixture and continue freezing for several hours. Scoop the sherbert when it's firm.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-the-Gap-Between-the-Stove-and-the-Counter

How to Fill the Gap Between the Stove and the Counter

To fill the gap between the stove and the counter, you can try using a premade gap cover. First, choose a gap cover that matches the style of your kitchen. Stainless steel or black plastic are popular choices. Then, measure the length of the gap and cut the cover to size if necessary. Once the gap cover is the right size, simply slide it into the gap between the stove and the counter. You can also try filling the gap using plastic tubing. First, get PVC tubing that's ¼ inch thicker than the gap. Slot it into the space until it's level. Then, use a pair of scissors to cut off the excess tubing.

Find a gap cover online or in hardware stores. Gap covers are long pieces of T-shaped plastic or silicone. The bottom part of the T fits into the space between the oven and the counter, while the top of the T sits flat on your stove and counter. They are available at most hardware stores or online retailers. The bottom arm refers to the bottom line of the 'T' shape. Choose a style that matches your kitchen. Gap covers come in many different materials, such as plastic and stainless steel, and are offered in many different colors. For a seamless look in your kitchen, find a gap cover that is clear or closely resembles the color of your countertop. Use a silicone material if there is any height difference between your stovetop and the counter. Silicone is more flexible and will fit the form better. Use stainless steel gap covers to match a metal stove-top seamlessly. Measure the depth of your counter and cut the cover if necessary. Many of the covers you will find will be of one uniform size. Measure from the edge of the counter to the back of the stove to determine the correct size for the gap cover. If the gap cover is shorter than the depth of your stove, leave a gap between the wall and the cover. More crumbs are likely near the counter space nearest to you. Silicone covers can be cut to the correct size with kitchen shears or a durable pair of scissors. Place the cover into the gap. Lay the bottom part of the cover into the gap or slide the cover in from the front. The bottom line of the 'T' shape will form a tight seal, preventing crumbs or liquids from spilling into the gap. Even if the top of the cover fits loose, the bottom strip will prevent food from falling into the space. Wipe away any crumbs under the cover with a cloth or rag. If the cover gets visibly dirty, remove it and hand-wash it in a sink with dish soap. Let the cover dry before placing it back in the gap. Measure the size of the gap between your stove and counter. Using a ruler or a tape measure, find the width of the gap so you can choose the right size tubing. Be sure to measure the gap on each side of the stove, as one side may have more space than the other! Purchase clear PVC tubing 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thicker than the gap. Using clear tube will make it close to invisible between your counter and stove. Using a slightly thicker tube will create a firm fit without it falling to the floor. Plastic tubing can be purchased at your local hardware store and is typically sold by the foot. While clear tubing is discreet, you can purchase other colors if it better fits the look and style of your kitchen. Push the tubing into the gap until it is level. Make sure the end of the tube is butting the wall before securing it. Using your fingers, push the tube into the space between your counter and stove. Keep it flush with tops of the counter. If you go too far down, crumbs will still fall onto the tubing and be trapped. Cut off excess tubing with a pair of shears. Match the length of the tube to the depth of your counter and use shears or scissors to make the cut. After making the cut, use your finger to push any excess tube into the gap until it is level with the countertop. The tubing can be removed and cleaned in a sink of soapy water. Let the tube air dry before putting back. If it gets dirty or stained, you can replace the tubing entirely. Purchase a roll of plastic T-molding to match the countertop style. Transition molding, or T-molding, is typically used in flooring to cover a gap and can be purchased at any big box hardware store. T-molding comes in a variety of colors and styles. Use clear plastic molding for better flexibility and have a less noticeable cover. Otherwise, find a color to add accent to your kitchen. Cut the molding to the correct length. Measure from the edge of your counter to the back of the stove. Trim the molding with a utility knife or a pair of molding shears so it fits the length of the gap. Create a tighter fit using duct tape, if necessary. If the molding fits loosely in the gap, cover the bottom arm with duct tape to make it thicker. Continue to add duct tape until the molding fits snugly in the gap. The bottom arm of the T-molding refers to the bottom line of its 'T' shape. Test the fit of the T-molding after each layer of tape until it holds firm. Ensure none of the adhesive part of the tape is exposed. Clean the molding with soapy water. If the molding is too dirty to clean with a dishrag, remove it and let it soak in soapy water. Scrub it with a sponge or dishcloth before letting it air dry. Replace the molding once it has dried. If the molding is stained and cannot be cleaned, repeat the processes to make another cover.

Find a gap cover online or in hardware stores. Choose a style that matches your kitchen. Measure the depth of your counter and cut the cover if necessary. Place the cover into the gap. Measure the size of the gap between your stove and counter. Purchase clear PVC tubing 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thicker than the gap. Push the tubing into the gap until it is level. Cut off excess tubing with a pair of shears. Purchase a roll of plastic T-molding to match the countertop style. Cut the molding to the correct length. Create a tighter fit using duct tape, if necessary. Clean the molding with soapy water.