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https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-an-Avocado-is-Bad

How to Tell if an Avocado is Bad

To tell if your avocado is bad, look for visible mold or a rancid odor, which indicates that it's not safe to eat and should be thrown away. While a ripe avocado will typically have a deep green or purple colored skin, a deep black skin can mean it's past its prime. Another way to tell if your avocado is ripe is to feel for a slight yield when you gently press on it. If a little pressure leaves an indent, then it has gone bad. If you've already bought the avocado, cut it open and check to make sure its flesh is a light green color. However, if the inside is black or brown, you shouldn't eat it.

Look at the outer skin of the avocado. If there is visible mould, or a rancid odour, the avocado is not safe to eat and should be discarded. If the avocado is severely dented and marked, or has squashed areas it has likely gone bad. Check the color. Different varieties of avocado have different skin colours. The most common variety of avocado, the Hass, will change colour to very dark green or purple colour when ripe. If a Hass avocado has reached a deep black colour, it may be past its prime. Most other commercially available avocados, like the Bacon, Fuerte, Gwen, Pinkerton, Reed and Zutano retain a green colour even when ripe. Hold the avocado in your hand and apply gentle pressure. Take care not to bruise the fruit with your fingertips. A ripe avocado will yield slightly with light force. If slight pressure leaves an indent in the avocado, it is a sign it has gone bad. Using the stem of the avocado to check for ripeness. Some people advocate checking for softness by pushing in or removing the stem. If the stem moves easily it means the avocado is ripe. Once the stem is removed the colour of the flesh is also revealed. This method may be effective when judging softness but not when judging colour. To get a good indication of the quality of the flesh more surface area needs to be seen. If you are examining avocados to purchase, you should avoid tampering with the fruit in this way. Removing the stem can compromise the quality of the fruit for other prospective purchasers. Cut the avocado open. If you already own the avocado, this is the quickest way to determine if it has gone bad. The flesh should be a light green colour. If the flesh is black or brown, the avocado should not be eaten. If there is some minor bruising in the form of small, isolated areas of brown discolouration, the avocado is okay to eat. Taste the avocado. If you have thoroughly inspected the flesh but are not sure whether the avocado has gone bad, it is safe to perform a taste test. Avoiding any brown spots, try a small amount of the green flesh. Avocado should be creamy, mild and subtly sweet. If it smells or tastes musky or off, it has gone bad. Avoid overripe avocados by storing them correctly. If an avocado has achieved optimal ripeness but will not be eaten immediately, store it in the fridge. An uncut, ripe avocado can last approximately 3-4 days at room temperature, or 7-10 days if refrigerated. Store cut avocados to preserve freshness. To store an avocado after it has been cut, cover tightly with plastic wrap and/or store it in an air tight container for up to 2 to 3 days. To retain a light green colour for as long as possible, sprinkle a light layer of lemon juice on the cut flesh. The slight acid content will help halt oxidation and prevent the flesh of the avocado from turning brown as quickly. When avocado flesh has oxidised, it does not mean that the fruit is inedible. Take a spoon or other utensil and gently scrape away the brown surface area. The underlying avocado flesh should be light green. Freeze avocado to avoid waste. To prolong the life of an avocado puree the flesh with lemon juice and keep in a sealed container. The puree will keep for up to 4 months in the freezer.

Look at the outer skin of the avocado. Check the color. Hold the avocado in your hand and apply gentle pressure. Using the stem of the avocado to check for ripeness. Cut the avocado open. Taste the avocado. Avoid overripe avocados by storing them correctly. Store cut avocados to preserve freshness. Freeze avocado to avoid waste.

https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Unlock-Secret-Crossy-Road-Characters

How to Unlock Secret Crossy Road Characters

To unlock secret Crossy Road characters, like Hipster Whale and Gifty, look carefully for the hidden characters. For example, Hipster Whale is in the river swimming like a log, so when you see him jump on him and then jump off. When your character dies, Hipster Whale should unlock. For Gifty, look for a present with feet that jumps when you tap it. Use Festive Chicken to go to the Christmas tree clearing, jump on the tree, and collect the coins. You'll unlock Gifty when your character dies.

Find Hipster Whale. He is hard to find but he will be in the river swimming like a log. Jump on him when you find him, then jump off him. Hipster Whale should unlock when you die. Find Gifty. This is a present with feet who jumps when you tap it. Use Festive Chicken. This is free for the Christmas season and not available in the prize machine. So tough luck for those who have to wait until next Christmas! If you have already unlocked the Festive chicken, go to the character select screen and play as the Festive Chicken. Note that instead of grass, the ground will be white and covered in snow, like it is when you play the Penguin. Eventually you will come across a big, square clearing with a Christmas tree in the middle. You might not come across it at first, but keep trying. Most likely it will appear during the first 100 steps or so. It will look like a normal pine tree except a star coming off of it, and it flashes while playing music also. Go up to the tree and jump on it, getting right next to it, there should be a lot of coins falling from the tree when you touch it (and while you are at it, collect all of the coins that pop up around it, too). Unlock Gifty. When you die, just as with the Hipster Whale, you will end up unlocking Gifty. Just as with Hipster Whale, Gifty has no associated easter eggs. Get Crab. To get this crustacean character you need to have at least one of the new Australian animals. (You'll know you're using one when the ground is covered with sand rather than grass). Play as any one of the Australian characters and when you are standing on sand, scoot from side to side as fast as you can, like a crab. Keep doing this every time you stand on sand, it is tricky at first but it will get easier. Note that this won't always get you the crab, but you will get it eventually if you keep trying. If this method still doesn't unlock the crab, try to pass your high score while doing this, scoot side to side faster and more often, or pick a different Australian character. Look for the drop bear. As with the crab, if you haven't unlocked any Australian characters, you will not be able to unlock this one. The Drop Bear is perched on top of a tree at a random point along the road so you'll just have to keep playing until you find him. You will eventually find him. Jump toward the tree, and once you jump next to it, the Drop Bear will jump on you and kill you. Afterwards, you will have unlocked the Drop Bear. Find Ben Weatherall is one of the creators of Crossy Road. His favourite character is the Dark Lord. To unlock him, all that you have to do is to get a “great score” or beat your highscore with the Dark Lord. Find Andy Sum. This is another Crossy Road developer. In order to unlock him, you have to get a Great Score or beat your highscore with the Mallard, which is his favorite character. After that, you'll unlock him and he will become one of your playable characters. Unlock Matt Hall. He, just like Andy Sum and Ben Weatherall, is a developer of the game. Like the other game developers, in order to unlock Matt Hall you need to beat your highscore or achieve a great score with his favourite character. In this case, his favorite character happens to be the Lucky Cat.

Find Hipster Whale. Jump on him when you find him, then jump off him. Hipster Whale should unlock when you die. Find Gifty. Use Festive Chicken. If you have already unlocked the Festive chicken, go to the character select screen and play as the Festive Chicken. Note that instead of grass, the ground will be white and covered in snow, like it is when you play the Penguin. Go up to the tree and jump on it, getting right next to it, there should be a lot of coins falling from the tree when you touch it (and while you are at it, collect all of the coins that pop up around it, too). Unlock Gifty. Get Crab. Play as any one of the Australian characters and when you are standing on sand, scoot from side to side as fast as you can, like a crab. Note that this won't always get you the crab, but you will get it eventually if you keep trying. Look for the drop bear. Jump toward the tree, and once you jump next to it, the Drop Bear will jump on you and kill you. Afterwards, you will have unlocked the Drop Bear. Find Ben Weatherall is one of the creators of Crossy Road. To unlock him, all that you have to do is to get a “great score” or beat your highscore with the Dark Lord. Find Andy Sum. In order to unlock him, you have to get a Great Score or beat your highscore with the Mallard, which is his favorite character. Unlock Matt Hall. Like the other game developers, in order to unlock Matt Hall you need to beat your highscore or achieve a great score with his favourite character.

https://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Indoor-Box-Turtle-Habitat

How to Create an Indoor Box Turtle Habitat

To create an indoor box turtle habitat, start by getting a container that's at least 3 square feet per every 8 inches long your turtle is. You can use a plastic container, a glass aquarium, or a turtle table, but avoid wire cages since they're not safe for turtles. Then, once you have a container, line the bottom with fir bark, sphagnum moss, or pea gravel, and fill the container with shelters, things to climb on, and a dish filled with water. You should also provide a heater and a UV light for your turtle.

Set up a large enough enclosure. Box turtles need a lot of room to roam like in the wild. Each turtle in your terrarium needs at least three square feet (0.28 m ) of floor space for every eight inches (20 cm) of their length. This provides them enough room to roam, dig, and explore. For example, a 12 inch (30 cm) turtle needs at least a 4.5 sq ft (0.42 m ) of space. If you have two turtles of 12 inches, you need 9 sq ft (0.84 m ) of space. Try a turtle table. A turtle table is a shallow, rectangular wooden box. You can buy a turtle box from a commercial seller, or make your own. It just needs four sides and a floor. Make sure the sides are high enough so that the turtle can't get out. Around 1.5 feet (0.5 m) (45 cm) should be tall enough. If you build the enclosure from wood, waterproof the inside bottom and sides. Nontoxic paint or water sealant works well. This keeps the enclosure from absorbing water. Do not use treated wood, as it may harm the turtle. Use a plastic container. You don't have to buy an expensive turtle enclosure or build one. You can use a plastic wading pool or a plastic storage container to set up a habitat. These are cheap and easily replaceable. They also are large enough so that you can fit multiple turtles inside. Wading pools are rather large, so you need a large amount of floor space for it. Consider a glass aquarium. Glass aquariums are not the best choice for box turtles because they are clear all the way around. However, if you want to place your turtle in an aquarium, just make sure you set it up correctly. Place cardboard or paper around three of the four glass walls to help give your turtle safety and security. Turtles don't like to be out in the open and constantly visible. It can cause them stress and they may hurt themselves. Avoid wire cages. Most cages that are designed for reptiles aren't suitable for turtles. Never place turtles in a wire reptile cage because they can injure themselves on the wire. Plastic reptile cages may be okay for your turtle, but they may be too small. You need to make sure they will be big enough. Create an enclosure that is escape-proof. Box turtles are notorious for escaping from their habitats. This means you should make sure to make your box turtle habitat as secure as possible. The sides should be completely vertical so the turtle can't climb up the side. They should also be high enough that the turtle cannot climb over, generally twice as long as the turtle. Place a cover on your habitat. You can use mesh screening or hardware cloth over the enclosure. Don't place any objects along the sides or in the corner of the enclosure. This just makes it very easy for the turtle to climb out. Add substrate. Substrate is the material that goes at the bottom of the cage. It helps hold moisture and gives the turtle plenty of opportunities to burrow. You can use peat-based potting soil mixed with orchid bark. You can also use fir bark, sphagnum moss, or pea gravel instead of orchid bark. These materials help retain humidity. Spread around two to three inches around the bottom of the entire enclosure. The potting soil should not contain additives like perlite, fertilizer, or Miracle-Gro. Avoid aquarium gravel or sand. They hold too much water, which can deteriorate your turtle's shell. Provide a heat lamp. Turtles need outside heat sources to stay warm. They like to bask in the sun in the wild, so you should provide them with warming spots. Half of your enclosure should be warm while the other side should be cooler so your turtle can adjust their temperature. Place an incandescent lamp on a far end of the enclosure to create a warm side. This should be set up on a timer so the turtle gets 12 to 14 hours of heat each day. Test the temperature. You should test the temperature on the warm side of the terrarium to make sure it is the appropriate temperature. Place a thermometer under the heat source at approximately the place your turtle will bask under it. The temperature should be around 85 degrees. Make sure the lamp doesn't make any part of the enclosure too hot to touch. This can burn your turtle. Place a heat rock in the substrate. Another option for a heat source is a heat rock. These heaters are buried underneath the substrate and provide heat to your turtles on their bellies. Make sure you cover the rock with substrate to protect your turtle. They shouldn't lie directly on the rock. Try an undercage heater. If you have a glass aquarium, you can place an undercage heater so the turtle can get heat from underneath. The heater can be attached directly to the tank. These types of heaters should never be used on plastic or wooden heaters. Provide a UV source. Box turtles need UV light to survive indoors. If you can expose your turtle to unfiltered UV light via a patio or open window for at least an hour daily, that should be enough. Otherwise, purchase a UV lamp. The UV lamp needs to provide both UVA and UVB rays. Place the UV light around 18 inches (45 cm) from the turtle. Pet stores sell lights that are a heat lamp and UV source in one, which can be convenient. Keep the proper humidity level. Box turtles need a humid environment to thrive. The enclosure should be between 60 to 80 percent humidity. To achieve this, use the proper substrate so it will hold moisture. You should also mist the turtles daily to keep humidity levels high. If your box turtle starts burrowing constantly, you need to up the moisture because they are searching for it in the ground. Add shelters. Your turtles need a place to hide away where they can't be seen. Otherwise, they get stressed out and can hurt themselves or get ill. You can provide anything for the turtle to hide in as long as your turtle can fit inside. You can use a hollow log or commercial hiding area. Box turtles are easy to please, so a plastic tub, a tipped-over flower pot, or some other solid area that provides cover will suffice. Add climbing obstacles. Turtles love to climb and explore. They need things to stimulate them, challenge them, and provide entertainment. Add climbing obstacles around the enclosure, such as rocks and logs. Use around an inch thick flat and quite wide rocks to make a climbing material for your turtle. If your turtle is tiny, it helps to use something that isn't too thick to ensure it is easy for climbing. Provide a swimming area. Box turtles need fresh water to drink and to soak in. They love to spend time in ponds, so you should place this kind of area in the enclosure. Choose a water container that the turtle can get its whole body inside, but not so deep that the turtle's head will be covered. They need to be able to stick their head out of water. Box turtles don't care what their swimming are looks like. You can get a bowl from a pet store, or use paint trays, storage tubs, flower pot dishes, shallow ceramic bowls, or any other shallow container that will hold water. It is best to use filtered water in their habitat. You can install a water filter in their pool to keep the water clean. If you don't have a filter, replace the water every two to three days.

Set up a large enough enclosure. Try a turtle table. Use a plastic container. Consider a glass aquarium. Avoid wire cages. Create an enclosure that is escape-proof. Add substrate. Provide a heat lamp. Test the temperature. Place a heat rock in the substrate. Try an undercage heater. Provide a UV source. Keep the proper humidity level. Add shelters. Add climbing obstacles. Provide a swimming area.

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-in-the-Desert

How to Survive in the Desert

If you find yourself stuck in the desert, find shelter and stay there during the day. Look for water by following birds, insects, or animal tracks. Once you've found a place that might have water, dig 1 foot down and feel for moisture. If you can feel some, expand your hole so it's 1 foot wide and wait for the hole to fill with water.

Wear clothing that minimizes sweat loss. Most of your body's water loss happens through perspiration. Cover as much skin as possible with loose, light-weight clothing. This will trap the sweat against your skin, slowing evaporation and therefore water loss. For this reason, it's probably best to go with a cotton undershirt rather than a wicking fabric. Cover it all with a light windbreaker. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and gloves. Pack wool or fleece clothing. If an emergency occurs, you may be traveling at night, when it can get quite cold. Light-colored clothing reflects more heat, but dark clothing usually provides better protection from UV light, which causes sunburn. If possible, find white clothing that's labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 30+. Bring lots of extra water. Whenever you enter a desert, bring more water than you expect. While walking in the sunshine and 40ºC (104ºF) heat, the average person loses 900 mL (30 oz) of sweat every hour. In an emergency situation, you'll be thankful for any water you carried. Divide the water you're carrying among several containers. This minimizes the amount of water you can lose to one leak. Store the excess in a cool spot in your vehicle, away from direct sunlight. Bring food that packs the most nutrition in the least size and weight. Energy bars, pemmican, jerky, and trail mix are popular choices. Do your research, experiment beforehand, and be prepared. When wheeled vehicles break down, it's just your two legs and the path to the next town, and you don't want to be carrying anything nonessential. Include some foods with salt and potassium, which are lost in sweat. These will help you avoid heat exhaustion and retain more water. However, if you are dehydrated, excess salt can make you feel worse. Food is not a priority in a desert emergency. If you are out of water, only eat the minimum required to function. Pack survival equipment. Here are the bare essentials for a survival kit: Sturdy emergency blankets Cords or rope Water purification tablets First aid kit Fire starters Powerful flashlight or headlamp. LEDs last longest. Knife Compass Signal mirror Goggles and a dust mask or bandana (for dust storms) Become nocturnal. In a desert survival situation, you do not want to be moving around during the day. The cooler night air enables you to travel farther and faster with minimum danger of heat exhaustion. In hot climates, this single decision will save your body about three liters (three quarts) of water per day. Stay in a shelter during the day. If you don't have a shaded car to stay in, string cords between a pair of objects in a place that gets shade most of the day. Drape a sturdy emergency blanket over the cords. Place a few pieces of brush on top of the blanket, then cover it with another emergency blanket (this one can be a thin Mylar sheet). The gap of air between the two blankets insulates the shelter, keeping it cooler. Build this in the evening or at night. If you build it during the day, you'll trap heat in. You can use an existing rock overhang or cave instead, but approach carefully as an animal may be using it. Signal for help. Building a fire is a great way to make a signal, creating smoke during the day and light at night. While in transit, keep a signal mirror in reach to reflect light at passing aircraft or distant cars. If you plan to stay in one spot until rescue, place rocks or objects on the ground to write SOS or a similar message, readable by aircraft. Decide whether to stay in place. If you have a supply of water and someone knows where you are, staying in one place may be your best chance of rescue. Traveling to find help will exhaust you much faster than staying in place, and water loss will cut your survival time way down if you can't find another supply. That said, if your water supplies are low, you will need to look for more. You cannot expect to survive more than a couple of days if you run out of water. Find water sources. If there's been a rainstorm recently, you may find pockets of water in rock outcrops or flat stone surfaces. More often, you'll need to search for areas with possible groundwater: Follow animal tracks leading downhill, birds circling around something, or even flying insects. Walk to the greenest vegetation you can see, especially large plants with wide leaves. Follow canyons or dry river beds upstream, and look for a depression, especially on the outside edge of a bend. Look for a slope of hard, non-porous rock, where rainwater would run into the soil. Dig in the sand or soil at the base of this slope. In developed areas, look for buildings or troughs. When the sun is low, its glare will reflect off distant metal objects and water collection structures. Dig for water. Once you've found one of the areas above, dig about 30 cm (1 ft) down. If you feel any moisture, enlarge the hole to about 30 cm (1 ft) in diameter. Wait for a few hours for the hole to fill with water. Purify water whenever possible. If you don't have the option, drink. Even if you do get sick, it will usually take a few days for symptoms to appear, while dehydration will get you much faster. Look for water elsewhere. Besides groundwater, you can find dew gathering on plants before dawn. You may also find water in hollow tree trunks. Gather these sources with an absorbent cloth, then squeeze it into a container. Half-buried rocks have a cool base in the early morning. Turn them over before dawn so a little condensation forms. Watch out for signs of dehydration. Many people make their journey much harder by underestimating their water needs. Trying to ration your supply is a mistake that can cost your life. If you notice any of the following symptoms, drink more water: Urine with a dark color or a noticeable smell. Dry skin Dizziness Fainting Rest if you experience heat exhaustion. If you feel lightheaded or nauseous, or if your skin feels cool and clammy, seek shade immediately. Rest and treat yourself as follows: Remove or loosen your clothing Sip a sports drink or slightly salty water (about 5 mL salt per liter water / 1 tsp per quart). Apply wet cloth on your skin to aid cooling evaporation. Warning: if untreated, this can progress to heatstroke. This causes muscle cramps, red skin that no longer sweats, and eventually organ damage or death. Stay away from dangerous animals. Most mammals and reptiles will stay away from you, especially if they are alone. Follow the same practice and be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidentally cornering something. If possible, research the wildlife of the local region beforehand so you know how to respond to specific species. Do not reach into small spaces or under rocks without poking it with a stick first. Scorpions, spiders, or snakes could be hiding there. In areas with killer bees, be alert and stay away from hives. Steer clear of spiny plants. Although it's not hard not to touch a cactus, you may not know that some of them scatter spiky burrs on the ground to spread their seeds. Although usually not a high priority, it's a good idea to steer clear of the area. In the worst-case scenario, you could cut yourself and get an infection.

Wear clothing that minimizes sweat loss. Bring lots of extra water. Bring food that packs the most nutrition in the least size and weight. Pack survival equipment. Become nocturnal. Stay in a shelter during the day. Signal for help. Decide whether to stay in place. Find water sources. Dig for water. Look for water elsewhere. Watch out for signs of dehydration. Rest if you experience heat exhaustion. Stay away from dangerous animals. Steer clear of spiny plants.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Cravings-for-Smoking

How to Stop Cravings for Smoking

Before you can stop your cravings for smoking, start by identifying your triggers, which are instances or events that make you want to smoke. These can include alcohol, sex, specific daily routines, and/or stress. You can prevent some cravings by temporarily avoiding triggering places, friends, and substances to break these mental associations. Another effective strategy is to distract yourself with fun, smoke-free activities, such as knitting, playing video games, doing challenging puzzles, or exercising. Remember that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and will fade away with time, so don't give up!

Recognize your pattern triggers. Smokers unconsciously associate each cigarette with another activity. Think about what activities cause you to grab a cigarette. You can't avoid all of them, but understanding what they are will empower you to not act on them. These are some typical trigger situations: Drinking alcohol Driving Taking a break from work Drinking coffee After sex After dinner During stressful situations Recognize your social triggers. Just like with pattern triggers, smokers unconsciously associate each cigarette with various social activities. Unlike pattern triggers, many social triggers can simply be avoided, especially during the early stages of trying to quit. These are some typical social situations that can trigger a craving: Going to a bar or a party Being around other smokers Celebrations Breaks at work Recognize nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine is a physically-addictive substance, and your body is used to regular doses of it. The longer you've smoked, the more pronounced any withdrawal symptoms will be. Some things that might trigger anxiety, irritability, and nervousness while quitting: Missing the smell of cigarettes Smelling cigarettes and wanting to smoke Missing the taste of cigarettes Missing the feel of a cigarette in your hand or mouth Recognize and respond to emotional and psychological triggers. Everything from stress to boredom to satisfaction can make you light up. Once you understand your personal triggers, you can address them as they occur. Discussing them with a friend or loved one can go a long way towards eliminating them as a trigger. Understand that cravings are temporary. The worst physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal only last a few days. The psychological cravings last a few weeks, and sometimes longer, but inevitably get better with time. Remind yourself often that any anxiety you may be experiencing is not permanent, and is simply a part of the transition to a smoke-free life. Avoid your social triggers. We've discussed some social situations that commonly cause cravings. Think of ways to avoid or change those situations. You may need to temporarily change your social habits. Visit smoke-free places. The less time you spend in smoker-friendly situations, the less likely you are to have a craving. Depending on where you live, smoking may still be allowed in many public places, but here are some ideas for locations that typically don't allow cigarettes: Movie theaters Museums Libraries Shopping malls Distract yourself with new activities. Your body is used to specific actions involving cigarettes. When you quit smoking, you eliminate the regular feel of a cigarette in your mouth and hands, the actual lighting of cigarettes and using an ashtray. Substituting new activities in their place will help to eliminate cravings. Try one or more of the following tricks: Hold a pen, a stress ball or a rubber band Chew gum Suck on lollipops or hard candies Knit, do a puzzle or play video games Hold a straw, a toothpick or a popsicle stick in your mouth Get some exercise. Physical activity not only distracts your mind, it begins the process of healing your body and may actually prevent some of the physical withdrawal symptoms. Change your eating habits. Have several small meals during the day rather than a couple of big meals. Controlling blood sugar levels in this way maintains your energy and helps to curb urges to smoke. Find a way to relax. The physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting smoking can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Try one of these activities: Yoga or tai chi Deep breathing exercises Listening to music or reading Meditation Remove any tangible triggers from your home. Throw away any hidden packs of cigarettes and get rid of all ashtrays. Try nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine patches, lozenges and gum all help to alleviate the physical withdrawal symptoms of nicotine, which in turn calm your psychological cravings. Undergo Habit Reversal (HR) therapy. HR therapy can help reduce repetitive behaviors and urges. A therapist can teach you how to distract yourself during cravings, respond to stressful situations without smoking, and cope when cravings do occur. Talk to a mental health professional to see if HR is right for you. Remind yourself why you want to quit. Outline the reasons you need to quit smoking, including your health and the health of those around you. Don’t try to handle cravings alone. Use your entire support network, from your doctor to your family. Use an app on your phone, or call Nicotine Anonymous at 1-800-QUIT NOW. Let cravings pass. If you start craving a cigarette, convince yourself to wait for 10 or 15 minutes before making that decision. In the interim, the craving may pass, allowing you to make a more rational choice. In the meantime, begin an activity that will occupy your time. Substitute a healthy snack when you crave a cigarette. Have an apple, a carrot or even a bottle of water instead of a cigarette. It's good for you and occupies your mouth and hands until the urge passes. Do something else—anything! When a craving occurs, it's best not to simply dwell on how you need to avoid giving in to it. Instead, simply find something else to do. Think of new things to do for the five minutes or so that each cigarette used to occupy. Breaking up your old routine will help you stay smoke-free, too.

Recognize your pattern triggers. Recognize your social triggers. Recognize nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Recognize and respond to emotional and psychological triggers. Understand that cravings are temporary. Avoid your social triggers. Visit smoke-free places. Distract yourself with new activities. Get some exercise. Change your eating habits. Find a way to relax. Remove any tangible triggers from your home. Try nicotine replacement therapy. Undergo Habit Reversal (HR) therapy. Remind yourself why you want to quit. Don’t try to handle cravings alone. Let cravings pass. Substitute a healthy snack when you crave a cigarette. Do something else—anything!

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Avocado-for-Beauty-Care

How to Use an Avocado for Beauty Care

Avocados are a great ingredient for a variety of beauty care treatments. To make a simple face mask, mix ½ of a mashed avocado with ½ tablespoon of honey. You can also add 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and ½ tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture. Massage the mask onto your face, leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. You can also make a hair mask from 1 mashed avocado and 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply the mask to your hair, cover it with a shower cap for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it out. For your next manicure, mash ½ avocado and ½ banana, massage the mixture onto your hands, and leave it for 10 minutes.

Make a basic mask with honey and avocado. This mask is great for dry skin, but it can also give your skin a healthy glow due to the avocado's nutrient rich makeup. Simply mash up the avocado until it is smooth and lump-free, then stir in the honey. Massage the mask onto your face fo a few minutes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted ½ tablespoon (11.25 grams) honey Moisturize dry skin with avocado, yogurt, olive oil, and honey. Mash up the avocado until no clumps remain. Stir in the plain yogurt and honey; for extra moisture, add some olive oil. Spread the mask over your face, avoiding the eyes. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water. Gently pat your face dry. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted 1 tablespoon (15 grams) plain yogurt ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) olive oil ½ to 1 tablespoon (11.25 to 22.5 grams) honey Treat oily skin with avocado, egg whites, and lemon juice. Mash up the avocado until it is smooth and free of clumps. Stir in the egg white and lemon juice. Apply the mask over your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted 1 egg white 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fight acne with avocado, honey, and cinnamon. Mash up the avocado until it is nice and smooth. Stir in the honey and cinnamon, then spread the mask over your face. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted ½ tablespoon (11.25 grams) honey ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Soothe sensitive skin with avocado, oatmeal, and honey. Mash the avocado until it is smooth, then stir in the honey and oatmeal. Apply the mask to your face. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the mask off. Gently pat your face dry. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted 2 tablespoons (10 grams) rolled oats 1 tablespoon (22.5 grams) honey Repair dry, damaged, dull skin with avocado, bananas, and olive oil. Mash up the avocado and banana until they are smooth, them mix in the olive oil. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water. Gently pat your face dry, then follow up with moisturizer. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted ½ banana, peeled 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil Mix up a simple mask with avocado and yogurt. Mash up the avocado until it is smooth, then stir in the plain yogurt. Apply the mask to dry hair, then cover it with a shower cap. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse the mask up. Follow with your usual shampoo and conditioner regime. 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 3 tablespoons (45 grams) plain yogurt Moisturize dry hair with avocado, bananas, and olive oil. Blend together the avocado, banana, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Apply the mask to damp hair, then tuck your hair under a shower cap. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse the mask out with warm water. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner. 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 banana, peeled 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil Repair brittle, dry hair with avocado, egg yolk, and olive oil. Mash up the avocado until it is smooth and clump-free, then stir in the egg yolk and olive oil. Apply the mask to your hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse the mask out with warm water. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner, if needed. 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 egg yolk ½ teaspoon olive oil Tame frizzy hair with avocado, olive oil, and honey. Whip together all of the ingredients listed below using mixer or a handheld beater. Apply the mask to damp hair, then tuck your hair up under a shower cap. Sit in a warm spot (with the cap on) for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse the mask out. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner. 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil 2 tablespoons (45 grams) honey Thicken limp, thin hair with avocado, coconut oil, eggs, and rosemary essential oil. Blend together all of the ingredients listed below. Apply the mask to wet or dry hair, then pin your hair up under a shower cap. Wait 20 minutes, then rinse the mask out with cool water. Follow up with shampoo. The rosemary essential oil in this mask is key to thickening your hair. 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 egg ¼ cup (52 grams) coconut oil 15 drops rosemary essential oil Mix up mask for your hands. Mash up the avocado first, then stir in the egg white, rolled oats, and lemon juice; make sure that there are no streaks of egg yolk. Massage the mask onto your hands, wait 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. ¼ avocado, peeled and pitted 1 egg white 2 tablespoons (10 grams) rolled oats 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice Combine your next manicure with an avocado treatment. Mash together the avocado and banana until the color and texture are consistent. Massage the mixture over your hands. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted ½ banana or 1 small banana, peeled Save the residue inside the peel for under-eye wrinkles. When you peel an avocado, there will always be some dark green pulp clinging to the skin. Scrape this pulp off with a spoon and apply it under your eyes. Close your eyes and place cotton pads soaked in cool water over them. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the pads and rinse the avocado off with warm water. This dark green pulp is full of concentrated vitamins. Lay down some place comfortable and relaxing, if you can. Turn an avocado into a rich face scrub with brown sugar, olive oil, and honey. Mash up the avocado until it is smooth and chunk-free. Stir in the olive oil, brown sugar, and honey; do not use white sugar as it will be too harsh. Dampen your face with water, then massage the scrub over it, avoiding the eye area. Rinse the scrub off with warm water, then pat your face dry. Do not use regular white sugar for this; it is too harsh for your skin. ½ avocado, peeled and pitted 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) brown sugar 1 teaspoon honey Turn a spoonful of the avocado face scrub into a lip scrub. Prepare the avocado face scrub using the recipe above. Reserve a spoonful and add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to it. Massage the scrub over damp lips, then rinse it off. The peppermint oil will help plump up your lips!

Make a basic mask with honey and avocado. Moisturize dry skin with avocado, yogurt, olive oil, and honey. Treat oily skin with avocado, egg whites, and lemon juice. Fight acne with avocado, honey, and cinnamon. Soothe sensitive skin with avocado, oatmeal, and honey. Repair dry, damaged, dull skin with avocado, bananas, and olive oil. Mix up a simple mask with avocado and yogurt. Moisturize dry hair with avocado, bananas, and olive oil. Repair brittle, dry hair with avocado, egg yolk, and olive oil. Tame frizzy hair with avocado, olive oil, and honey. Thicken limp, thin hair with avocado, coconut oil, eggs, and rosemary essential oil. Mix up mask for your hands. Combine your next manicure with an avocado treatment. Save the residue inside the peel for under-eye wrinkles. Turn an avocado into a rich face scrub with brown sugar, olive oil, and honey. Turn a spoonful of the avocado face scrub into a lip scrub.

https://www.wikihow.com/Store-a-Propane-Tank-Outside

How to Store a Propane Tank Outside

To store your propane tank outside, keep it in a dry, well-ventilated outdoor area. In addition to keeping your tank outside, make sure it's at least 10 feet away from flammable materials, like open flames or electrical devices. If you live in an area that gets cold during the winter months, keep your tank in a sunlit area so it can warm up every day, make sure it's full so the pressure doesn't drop too low, and keep it above negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While extreme cold isn't good for your propane tank, extreme heat is also risky, so avoid keeping your tank in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit since this could raise the internal pressure. During the warmer months, store your tank in a shady area to keep it cool.

Don't leave your tank inside or in a shed. If gas were to leak, it would contaminate the area and make it dangerous. Even the spark of starting a vehicle or lawnmower could ignite a propane leak and cause a terrible accident. If you live in a snowy area, mark the location of your tank in case it gets buried so you can easily find it and clear away the snow. Preferably, the tank should be stored under a waterproof cover, inside a tank box sold for that purpose, or under an open-air cover, in order to minimize rust and tank damage. Store the tank in a dry, well-ventilated outdoor area. Make sure that the area is flat so the tank doesn't tip over or roll away ,and the area is mostly shaded. Consider using one of the lower shelves on an outdoor shelving unit mounted to a secure wall. Always store a tank upright, since the over-pressure vent must be in contact with the propane vapor, not the liquid. Keep your propane tank out of enclosed spaces. Gas may leak and could make the area dangerous. Keep your tank above −40 °F (−40 °C) in cold months. As the temperature drops, the pressure in your tank will lower. Make sure the propane tank is in a sunlit area so that it can warm up everyday. But see below regarding warmer months! Keep your tank full so the pressure does not drop too low. Don't cover your propane tank to try to insulate it. This only blocks the sun and could lower the pressure more. Never use a heater or electrical device to warm up your tank. Avoid keeping your tank in temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C). As the temperature rises, the pressure inside your tank rises, too. Don't leave your tank in the sunlight during the hottest months. Try to find an area that has a lot of shade instead. Keep your tank out of the rain, to avoid rusting and tank damage.. Propane tanks have a release valve that will help relieve pressure if temperatures are consistently high. The built-up pressure will leak out and dissipate into the air. To work properly and not leak liquid propane, the tank must remain upright. Make sure there are no sources of ignition near the tank so excess pressure does not light. Place your tank 10 feet (3.0 m) away from flammable materials. This includes open flames or any electrical device. Do not store any extra tanks close together or near your grill. If one tank happens to ignite, you do not want other tanks nearby to ignite as well. Use a milk crate to hold the propane tank upright. Keeping the tank upright ensures that the valve does not get damaged and gas doesn't leak. A standard-sized milk crate should hold a 20 pounds (9.1 kg) tank that's used for gas grills. Special platforms to hold propane tanks are also sold in home and garden stores or online. Use a platform if your tank does not fit inside of a milk crate. Build a barricade around the tank with cinder blocks or bricks, but make sure to leave the valve and handles exposed. Keep your tank away from the vents and windows of your home. Never store or use your tank inside the home! Look for exterior vent grates anywhere near your propane tank. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it will sink closer to the ground and may go into vents or basement windows. In case of a leak, you do not want to place tanks in an area where it could easily enter your home and contaminate the air, and which might create an explosive mixture situation. Never store your propane tank near air conditioners, radiators, or heat vents since they could pull the gas into your home. If propane leaks into your home, evacuate the area immediately and call your local officials. Attach your tank to your grill for an easy storage option. Turn the valve off (on top of your tank), and turn all grill valves to the "off" positions. Use a grill cover to protect it from the elements and direct sunlight. This makes it easier for you to use the grill at any time of the year. If you store your grill in a shed or garage, remove the tank and leave it in a suitable place outside. Ensure the valve is closed when the tank is not in use. Turn the valve clockwise until it is hand-tight. This helps prevent any possible gas leaks from escaping the tank. If you smell something similar to rotten eggs or a skunk's spray, propane may be leaking from your tank; check the valve to ensure that it is turned off snugly. If there is still evidence of a leak, have the tank examined by a professional to determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. If the leak is only evident when the valve is on, check for a leak at the line connection to the tank (be sure the connection is tight) or for leaks along the length of any flexible line (where it may have been mechanically damaged or chewed by a rodent). If a fuel line is damaged or the connection to the tank cannot be properly sealed, replace it. Remove any shrink-wrapped plastic label to look for rust. Use a pair of scissors to cut the plastic wrap-around off of the tank. Water can get trapped underneath the sleeve and cause rust to form. Rust damage can ruin the integrity of the tank, making it more prone to damage. Save the label since it will have important graphics and handling instructions which you may want to consult later on. Inspect the tank for dents or peeling paint. Any external damage could ruin the integrity of the propane tank overall. If you find signs of rust, dents, or peeling paint, replace your propane tank before you store it. Do not fill a tank that has been weathered or damaged. Have any tank over 10 years inspected by a professional (the tank is stamped with an expiration date). An expired propane tank needs to be re-qualified and should be checked that it's still safe for you to use. Even if there doesn't seem to be any damage, it may have internal wear and tear. After an initial inspection, have your tank checked every 5 years afterward. The inspector should re-stamp the tank with a new expiration date.

Don't leave your tank inside or in a shed. Store the tank in a dry, well-ventilated outdoor area. Keep your tank above −40 °F (−40 °C) in cold months. Avoid keeping your tank in temperatures above 120 °F (49 °C). Place your tank 10 feet (3.0 m) away from flammable materials. Use a milk crate to hold the propane tank upright. Keep your tank away from the vents and windows of your home. Attach your tank to your grill for an easy storage option. Ensure the valve is closed when the tank is not in use. Remove any shrink-wrapped plastic label to look for rust. Inspect the tank for dents or peeling paint. Have any tank over 10 years inspected by a professional (the tank is stamped with an expiration date).

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Recycling-Business

How to Start a Recycling Business

To start a recycling business, start by finding out what materials are already being recycled in your local area. For example, if your town already picks up paper and glass, you might want to start a business recycling large wooden furniture or broken electronics. Additionally, figure out where you can sell the material you want to recycle, and how much you can make from it, to make sure your business can be profitable. Then, determine how much money you'll need to start your business so you can start looking for loans or investors.

Find your niche. The recycling business is very competitive, and much of the competition is from large, established businesses. In order to be profitable you need to offer a service that is in demand. Because a lot of towns and counties offer recycling pickup services for items like paper and glass, it may be best for you to focus on other materials that are not as easy for people to get rid of. Market research will be absolutely essential! You must investigate what recycling businesses already exist in your area, where you will be able to sell materials and for how much, and how much volume exists in your area. There are many different types of recycling businesses. You could choose to collect and resell household items like furniture and working appliances, collect materials like paper and glass to sell to processing facilities, collect and process recyclable materials into new products, or collect items that are difficult for consumers to get rid of, like broken electronics, and process them to remove the recyclable components. Keep in mind that the commodities market is volatile, which means your profit margins can change very quickly. Depending on the current market conditions, the going rate for materials like metal and paper can change dramatically, which will have a big impact on your bottom line. Budget. The amount of money that you will need to start your recycling business will vary greatly depending on what kind of operation you are planning to run. At the very least, you will need to budget for licensing and permits. Keep in mind that if you are quitting your job to start this business, you will need enough money to live on until your business becomes profitable, which may be months or even years. Other expenses might include: Vehicles to haul recyclables A space to store and/or sell recyclables Wages for employees Machinery to process recyclables Money to pay people for their recyclables Create a business plan. All of the research that you have done to plan your business will come together in your business plan, which is a formal document that outlines how you will develop and run your business. Your business plan will help you stay on track as you move forward with starting your business, and it will also help potential lenders understand the viability of your business. Your business plan should contain detailed sections on each of the following topics: Your company's goals What products/services you offer and who your target market will be How your business will be structured and managed How you will process materials and/or sell products How much money you will need, what you will need it for, and how much you will need to borrow What will make your business unique from its competition Market analysis, including how much competition you will have and how much demand there is for your services How much money you expect to make How you will market your business Get the capital you need. Once you determine how much money you will need to start your business, you will need to figure out how to get it. If you need to borrow money, you have several options beyond traditional bank loans. The Small Business Administration is a great resource for startup companies in the United States. Check with the Environmental Protection Agency's Jobs Through Recycling Program to see if they can offer you financial assistance. You may be able to get a loan from your state. Florida, for example, offers special reduced rate loans to entrepreneurs who can increase the state's recycling capacity. The Sustainable Jobs Fund may also be able to offer you assistance if your business will provide jobs in an economically distressed neighborhood. You may qualify for a loan from the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program if your business is in a rural area. Choose a business structure. When starting a business, you will have several types of business structures to choose from, including sole proprietorship, LLC, and corporation. The right choice for you will depend on the size and scope of your business. In general, sole proprietorships offer the best tax benefits but not protection from personal liability, corporations offer protection from liability but are taxed at the highest rates, and LLCs offer a middle ground between the two. Once you decide which business structure is right for you, contact your state's Secretary of State office to find out what you need to do to apply. The process varies from state to state. Each business type requires the submission of different forms. You may want to hire an attorney to help, especially if you are forming a corporation. It's a good idea to consult with an attorney and/or CPA if you are unsure which business structure is right for you, Make sure to put some thought into your business's name before you file any forms. It needs to be distinguishable from all other businesses registered in your state. You can check with your state's office to find out if the name is available, and with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to make sure your desired name has not been trademarked by another business. Register with the IRS. In order to operate a business in the United States, you need to register with the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You will use this number when you pay your business taxes and when you open a bank account for your business. It is similar to an individual's social security number, but for a business. Applying for an EIN is easy on the IRS's website. You can also submit the application by mail or fax, or even apply over the phone by calling 267-941-1099 (for international applicants only). Get a business license. In addition to registering your business with the IRS, you will need to register it with your state in order to obtain a business licence that allows you to legally operate within that state. Each state has different requirements, but a quick internet search should lead you to your state's online business license application. If you are unable to find what you need online, contact your state's Secretary of State office. Apply for permits. Just because you have a business license does not mean you are ready to operate your business! Each state also has its own requirements for permits that specific types of businesses need to obtain. The type of permits you need will depend on the type of materials you collect and whether or not you process them or sell them to the public. If you are handling any hazardous materials, such as mercury from electronics, you will need to comply with all state and federal environmental protection laws. Depending on your location and the nature of your recycling business, you may need special permits for environmental concerns like air emissions and waste water. In some states, you will be required to apply for an annual permit and report all of your recovered materials to the Department of Environmental Protection. Check with your state's Department of Transportation to find out what the requirements are for registering your commercial vehicles and whether or not you need any additional permits for your vehicles. Find a space. If you need a space to store, process, or sell recyclable materials, you will need to buy or lease a building. If you are simply collecting materials and bringing them to a facility for processing, you might be able to use an existing space, like a garage, to get started. Consider zoning restrictions. If you plan on having a physical location where you store or process recycling materials, you will need to make sure that your building is properly zoned for this kind of business. Although it might be ideal to have a central location near the city, residents and/or planning boards are likely to object to having a recycling business near residential areas. Contact your city's zoning commission, planning and development department, or building department for more information about the zoning restrictions in your area. If you need customers to come to your location, either to purchase items or to drop them off, you need to make sure it is a convenient place for people to come. It should be as centrally located as possible and have plenty of parking. You also need to make sure the building is clearly marked so people can find you easily. Hire employees. Your need for employees will depend on the scope of your business. If you plan on operating a resell store, you will need employees to operate the cash register and assist customers with loading items. If you are collecting recyclables, you will need employees to drive the vehicles and pick up heavy items. If you are processing recyclables, you will need employees to operate your machinery. In addition, you may also want to consider hiring employees to help with things like book keeping and marketing. Get the word out. In order to succeed in this business, you will need a steady stream of recyclable materials. Use flyers, business cards, ads, and other marketing materials to let businesses and residents in your community know that you are open for business. Remember that when marketing your business you need to focus on the value that you will be providing to your customer, whether it's top dollar for their materials or the most convenient way to dispose of them. If you will be reselling goods, keep in mind that some of your customers will be consumers who support the green lifestyle and are drawn in by your advertising, while others may just be looking to purchase used products that are in good condition to save money. It is a good idea to advertise to both of these types of customers. Look for big clients. You may be able to sustain your business with a large number of small customers, but it can give you a big boost of both revenue and credibility if you are able to secure a big customer, like a large office. Even after your business is established, never stop marketing yourself and networking with other business owners. Stay in compliance. Once your business is up and running, it is vital that you follow all of the guidelines imposed by the federal and local government for your specific type of recycling business. Failing to comply with environmental laws can be disastrous for your business. You may want to consider joining trade organizations like The Institute of Scrap Recycling Agencies to help stay on top of the latest environmentally friendly business practices. Certain types of recycling businesses, such as those that deal with used electronics, are routinely inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure that employees are using the correct equipment and handling procedures. You also need to make sure to meet your obligations for paying both federal and state taxes. Be sure to keep detailed books for tax purposes.

Find your niche. Budget. Create a business plan. Get the capital you need. Choose a business structure. Register with the IRS. Get a business license. Apply for permits. Find a space. Hire employees. Get the word out. Look for big clients. Stay in compliance.

https://www.wikihow.com/Texture-Paint

How to Texture Paint

Texturing your paint can give your walls a subtle and unique pattern with little to no extra cost. The easiest way is to mix a few ounces of silica sand with your paint in the roller tray and apply it like normal. Alternatively, apply a base coat of your chosen paint and a coat of glaze. Then, press a balled up cotton cloth or a sponge onto the glaze to leave dotted patterns on the walls. Press harder for a stronger effect or softer for a subtler style. You can also drag a comb over the glaze for a wood-grain look.

Fill a paint roller tray with flat latex paint. Pour 4 to 6 ounces (113.3 to 170 g) of silica sand into the paint. Stir the paint with a wooden paint stick. Add more silica sand for a coarser texture. Repeat the process of stirring before each application because the sand will settle on the bottom. Apply your base coat to the wall. Paint over the base coat (once it dries) with a glaze. Ball up a cotton cloth or rag and press it onto the wet glaze. Press harder to remove more of the glaze. Continue along the wall in a random pattern. Apply your base coat to the wall and then a glaze. Choose a comb with the desired tooth size and, starting at the top, comb through the glaze. This technique creates a wood grain appearance. Cut up a household sponge into an interesting shape or purchase a sponge with an interesting texture at a craft or paint store. Apply the base paint as you normally would. (An additional coating of glaze is optional.) Start in one corner of the wall and press the sponge into the paint. You can twist the sponge or just barely pat the paint depending on your desired effect. Apply the paint with a roller like you normally would. The long fabric of the paint roller creates a faintly textured look with almost no effort.

Fill a paint roller tray with flat latex paint. Pour 4 to 6 ounces (113.3 to 170 g) of silica sand into the paint. Stir the paint with a wooden paint stick. Add more silica sand for a coarser texture. Repeat the process of stirring before each application because the sand will settle on the bottom. Apply your base coat to the wall. Paint over the base coat (once it dries) with a glaze. Ball up a cotton cloth or rag and press it onto the wet glaze. Continue along the wall in a random pattern. Apply your base coat to the wall and then a glaze. Choose a comb with the desired tooth size and, starting at the top, comb through the glaze. Cut up a household sponge into an interesting shape or purchase a sponge with an interesting texture at a craft or paint store. Apply the base paint as you normally would. Start in one corner of the wall and press the sponge into the paint. Apply the paint with a roller like you normally would.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Cats-Without-Being-a-Cat-Lady

How to Have Cats Without Being a Cat Lady

If you want to have cats without being a cat lady, try to limit yourself to two cats. Not only are more cats associated with typical cat ladies, but the more cats you have, the harder it'll be to keep them well behaved. Additionally, no matter how many cats you have, make sure you clean after them by emptying litter boxes at least every other day. You can also spay or neuter your cats to keep them from breeding.

Avoid owning too many cats. One of the simplest ways of avoiding looking like a cat lady is to simply not own that many cats. Limit yourself to one or two cats and make sure you can easily provide for the both of them. Two cats is a great number to own. The cats will keep one another company when you are away from the house, dampening any guilt you may feel for leaving them alone. Too many cats running around the house tends to increase the chance of behavioral problems in the cats, such as fighting, spraying, or otherwise damaging the environment. Rescue responsibly. Compassion for abandoned cats and other animals lead many to rescue an animal in need, or take one in from the street. Don't let your compassion for such animals get the better off you. It's easy to fall into a habit of taking in every abandoned animal you happen upon, and before you know it, you have far too many cats to support in a healthy manner. Join an animal rescue group organization. There are countless cat rescue groups throughout the US. These groups are dedicated to finding homes for cats in need, and often guarantee a “no kill” policy for cats who are kept until they are adopted. Look for your local organizations to see how you can help better the lives of cats without necessarily owning them. Many organizations also need volunteers to help socialize young abandoned kittens. This is a great opportunity to help cats in need without getting in over your head. Spay or neuter your cat. Many cats (and dogs) find themselves without a home because pet owners fail to spay or neuter their pet. By doing your part and spaying or neutering your cat, you can ensure that more cats are not brought into this world that may not be able to find a home. Getting your pet fixed also improves the long term health of your pet. Spaying or neutering reduces the urge for your cat to roam, show aggression, and otherwise get themselves into trouble. Reducing harmful and aggressive behavior will also reduce the overall costs associated with raising your cat over the duration of your time together. Clean out the litter box at regular intervals. Failure to clean the box regularly can cause your cat to start relieving itself outside of the box! Litter boxes should be scooped at least every other day. If you have more than one cat, then you will need to scoop more frequently in order to keep the litter box clean, and your cats happy. The type of litter box you use is up to you, but choose a size that gives your cat plenty of room to move around in the box. The location of the litter box should not be placed too close to your cat's food and water, as they dislike being able to smell the litter while eating. Use a fine, unscented litter. Scented litter is harsh on cat noses, and may drive them away from the litter box. Most cats enjoy the feel of a fine litter more than a thicker, chunkier litter. However, a variety of litter types are available to suit you and your cat's needs, including natural and silica cat litter. Give them each a try to see what your cat likes best. A litter mat placed underneath the litter box can help remove litter from the paws of your cat before they track it all over the house. Ask a friend if your house smells of cat urine. It's easy to get used to the smell of your cats and not even notice if something is out of the ordinary when it comes to how your house smells. Avoid toxoplasmosis through good sanitation. Failing to clean after your cats is a sure fire way to be seen as a “cat person,” but can also lead to several health risks. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that is found in raw meat, as well as cat feces. For those who are pregnant or are immunocompromised, toxoplasmosis can lead to severe infection, resulting in headache, confusion, poor coordination and eye problems. This infection can be passed to a mother's unborn child as well, endangering the life of the child. Wash your hands after changing cat litter to make sure no litter or feces remain on your hands. You wouldn't want a mouthful of litter! Don't allow your cat to walk on the dinner table. Cats can drag litter and remnants of their feces around on their paws, potentially spreading toxoplasmosis throughout the house. Clean the dinner table prior to meals if your cat is prone to perching there on occasion. Toxoplasmosis activates after roughly 5 days, so regular vacuuming and household cleaning helps avoid infection risk from litter dragged throughout the house. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, avoid changing the cat litter if possible – have a friend take care of the task. If you have no other choice, wear disposable gloves and make sure to wash your hands afterwards. If you have a cat and plan on getting pregnant, or feel ill or not quite like yourself while owning one, consult your doctor and ask about toxoplasmosis. Clean up any mess your cat leaves, such as hair balls or any hair that they shed. This helps indicate a demarcation between the owner of the house and its pets. You own the house, not your cat! Maintain strong social bonds. Cat lovers carry the stereotype that their cats are the only love of their life. Keep a circle of friends to balance out your love for your cat. People provide a range of experiences and emotions that cannot necessarily be fulfilled by your pet. Choose to be social over staying home with the kitty. The reason why having a cat is wonderful is that he doesn't need to be walked or even taken to the bathroom. Cats are very content being on their own for long hours – capitalize on that fact and go out instead of staying home to cuddle up to your furry friend. He'll understand if you ditch him for a hot date. Close human friendship has been shown to improve longevity. Maintaining long term friends also helps reduce loneliness and stave off depression, as well as the chronic conditions associated with depression. Keep hobbies outside of cats. Owning a pet is a fun and rewarding activity. However, make sure you pursue interests outside of your cat as well. Staying well rounded and participating in other activities outside of your cat will keep you in touch with others socially and let you meet new people. Hobbies have a variety of health benefits as well, including warding off dementia and depression. Create some time in your schedule for a new hobby. Restructure your work/life balance and, yes, give your cat a little alone time in order to create the time you need. The benefits will be worth it. Talk about a variety of subjects. If you only ever talk about your cats, most people are going to assume that you are a “cat person.” There's no problem with mentioning your cats, particularly to fellow cat lovers, but avoid making them your constant topic of conversation. You may drive away potential new acquaintances this way. Join a club or group specifically dedicated to the love of cats. This can help give you an outlet to discuss your feelings for your cat with others who share the same sentiment for theirs. Avoid the cat theme. Keep the cat theme to a minimum when accessorizing your house and clothes. A few photos of your cat at the office or at home is fine, but plastering cats all over the home will give visitors the wrong idea. Cat clothing or handbags are cute! However, make sure to think about the rest of your clothing options when you go out shopping. Wearing something that is cat-themed every day will earn you a “cat lady” label from some people. Keep your home cat-friendly without overwhelming the aesthetic of your house for the sake of your cat. Tall cat condos, a cat bed, a few scratch pads in discrete corners, and some nooks and crannies for your cat to hide in will keep your pet perfectly happy. Your cat should have activities to do while you're out, such as toys or scratch pads. It's also a good idea to have two cats, so that they can amuse each other and not feel lonely. Don’t dress your cats in clothing or costumes (optional). Animals with little sweaters or costumes, though cute, may just indicate a skewed sense of priorities regarding your pet. Feel free to spruce up your pet for Halloween or other fun occasions, but regularly spending money on clothing for your cat is excessive. The exception to this rule is when directed by your vet, such as providing a blanket coat or an Elizabethan collar to stop scratching or biting. These are medical aids, not fashion accessories.

Avoid owning too many cats. Rescue responsibly. Spay or neuter your cat. Clean out the litter box at regular intervals. Avoid toxoplasmosis through good sanitation. Maintain strong social bonds. Keep hobbies outside of cats. Talk about a variety of subjects. Avoid the cat theme. Don’t dress your cats in clothing or costumes (optional).

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Tire-Swing

How to Make a Tire Swing

To make a tire swing, start by cleaning a tire with heavy duty detergent and drilling 3 holes into it in order to prevent rain water from accumulating on the inside. Next, find a branch that's about 10 inches in diameter on a thick, sturdy tree. Then, use a ladder to get up to the branch, and secure one end of a 50 foot rope to it by tying it in a bowline or fisherman's knot. Finally, knot the other end of the rope around the tire, making sure that the drainage holes are at the bottom of your swing.

Find a suitable old, unwanted tire. Make sure the tire is relatively clean and be sure it's still in good enough condition to not split under the weight of people. The bigger the tire, the better, up to a point. While you want plenty of room for kids to sit in the tire, a really huge tire will be especially heavy and may weight too much for a standard tree branch. Use your good judgement about the perfect balance between size and weight for your specific branch. Clean the tire. Give your tire a good wash down with heavy duty detergent, scrubbing all of the exterior surface and rinsing the inside as well. If a dirty tire cleans up well, then it should be okay to use. Use WD40 or a tire cleaning product to remove stubborn grease spots. People will be sitting on this tire, so the more gunk you remove, the better. Be sure to get any cleaner residue off as well! Find a suitable branch where you can hang your tire swing. The tree branch itself should be thick and sturdy, around 10 inches (25cm) diameter minimum. Be sure the tree is large and healthy, with no signs of weaknesses that might indicate the tree is unstable. An isolated Maple or Oak tree usually works best. The branch you choose will impact the length of rope you'll need. Good dimensions for a tire swing branch are about 9 feet (2.7 meters) from the solid tree branch to the ground. The branch should stick out away from the tree far enough that when you hang your tire swing off of it, the swing will not immediately hit the trunk of the tree. While you don't want to place your tire swing out at the very end of a branch, you can't attach it within a few feet of the trunk. The higher the tree branch, the higher the tire swing will swing. So, if you are making a tire swing for a small child, you may want to chose a branch that is lower to the ground. Purchase the rope. Obtain about 50 feet (15.2 meters) of rope. It should be quality rope that won't fray or break when weight is applied to it. There are a variety of ropes you can use for your tire swing, such as heavy duty climbing ropes or utility rope, but you can also use chain if you like. On a simple tire swing galvanized chain will last longer but rope is easier to handle, will potentially do less damage to the tree branch, and is easier to hold onto for kids. As well as quality rope, fraying can be prevented by the application of tubing down the length of the rope where fraying is most likely (wherever it comes into contact with the tree, the tire, and hands). Drill some drainage holes into the tire. Since this will be left in the rain, water will accumulate inside the tire if left solid. To avoid any accumulated water, drill three holes in the tire at what will become its base. Be careful when drilling through your tire. There may be metal strands on the inside of the tire, which you may hit with your drill bit. Just be prepared that you may hit a different layer while drilling through. Use a ladder to get up to the branch. Be sure to position the ladder safely so that you don't topple off it. Having a friend hold it steady as you climb is a wise precaution. If you don't have a ladder, you will need to find another way of getting the rope over the branch. Find a roll of duct tape or something of equivalent weight and tie it too the end of the rope. Then throw the duct tape over the branch, so that the rope is now looped over the branch. Once the rope is looped over the branch, untie the duct tape or whatever you used as weight for the end of the rope. Place the rope over the tree branch. Position the rope so that it won't be rubbed by knots or imperfections on the branch. You may want to wrap the rope around the branch a few times, just to make sure it stays in place. If you bought tubing, this part of the rope should have anti-fray tubing at either side of it (where it rests on the branch). Secure this end of the rope to the tree branch using a bowline or a fisherman's bend. ( Do not use a square knot. Square knots were designed as a first-aid knot. If you pull backwards on either lose end, it will fall apart.) Make sure that the knot is solid. If you can't figure out how to make one, find someone who can. If you have looped the rope over the branch from the ground, you will have to tie a slip knot from the ground and then tighten it up, so that it cinches up at the branch. Tie the other end of the rope around the top part of the tire. Again, use a square knot to secure the rope around the top of the tire. Before you make your knot, judge how far you would like the tire to be off the ground. The tire should clear any obstacles on the ground and should be high enough so that your child's legs don't drag on the ground, so it should be at least a foot off the ground. On the other hand, it shouldn't be so high that your child can't get into it on their own. Be sure that the tire is at this height when you secure the knot. Remember to keep the drainage holes at the bottom, with the top of the tire opposite the side with the holes. Trim off any excess rope. Tie the tail of the rope up, so that it will not accidentally get in the way or come undone. Fix the ground beneath the swing if you like. Add mulch or dig over the ground to make it a softer surface for landing when jumping (or falling) off the tire swing. Test the swing. Check that the swing is sitting well for swinging. Before allowing others on the swing, test your handiwork with a spotter nearby in case anything goes wrong. If it works well, you, and your kids, are ready to start swinging. Find a tire to use. It will need to be relatively clean and in good enough condition so that the side walls will not split under weight. You can choose whatever size tire you like but remember that huge tires can weigh a lot. You do want plenty of room for several kids to sit in the tire, a very large tire may weight too much for a standard tree branch. Clean the entire tire. Give it a good wash down with heavy duty detergent, scrubbing it inside and out. You can also use a tire cleaning product to clean your tire. Identify a suitable branch that you can hang your tire swing from. It should be thick and sturdy, about 10 inches diameter and 9 feet from the ground. Be sure the tree is large and healthy, with no signs to indicate that the tree is unstable or dead inside. Make sure that the point of attachment for your swing is far enough away from the trunk that the swing will not easily hit the trunk. This means that you need to attach your swing at least a few feet out from the trunk. The distance between the branch and the tire also dictates how high it will swing. The longer the rope, the higher your swing will go, so you may want to chose a branch that is lower to the ground if you are making a swing for a small child. Purchase your materials. You will need to purchase three "u-bolts," with two matching washers and nuts for each side of the bolt. In other words, you will need to have four washers and four nuts for each u-bolt. In addition you will need to obtain about 10 feet of rope, 20 feet of good galvanized chain, and an "s" hook large enough to have the end of three pieces of your chain hooked into one end of it. It should be quality rope that won't fray or break when weight is applied to it. There are a variety of ropes you can use for your tire swing, such as heavy duty climbing ropes or utility rope. Instead of a s-hook you can use a carabiner, connector link, or a locking swivel hook. These alternative give you the option of easily taking the swing down but will cost you a little bit more money. The chain does not need to be a huge gauge. When you purchase it, check the weight rating for the chain you intend to get. Make sure the rating is for enough weight that it will hold up a third of the weight of a few kids. It only needs to hold a third of the weight because you will have three chains to dissipate the weight. Fraying of rope can be prevented by putting tubing around it wherever it comes into contact with the tree. Drill some drainage holes into one of the sidewalls of the tire. This side will be the bottom of the swing. The holes will make sure that any water collecting on the inside of the tire due to rain will easily drain out. Be careful when drilling the holes through your tire. There may be metal strands on the inside of the tire that you will need to drill through. Place your ladder under the branch. Be sure to place it safely, so that it is on solid ground. Have a friend hold the ladder steady if you have one helping you out. Loop the rope around the tree branch and then secure the ends together. Encircle the branch several times before tying it off with a square knot. You will need to hook the s-hook onto the rope, at the bottom of the branch. Close it around the rope, so that the rope will not be able to slip out of the hook. Make sure that the knot is solid. If you can't figure out how to make one, find someone who can. Cut the chain into three pieces, each the same length. You will need to determine the length by deciding at what height you want to tire to hang. Measure down from the s-hook to the position you would like the top of the tire. This will be the length of each of your chain pieces. The tire should be high enough so that your child's legs don't drag, so it should be at least a foot off the ground. However, it shouldn't be too high, so that kids can't get in and out of it on their own. Hook one end of each chain piece into the bottom of the s-hook. Close the s-hook, by clamping it closed with some pliers, so that none of the pieces of chain can come out. Position and drill holes for the u-bolts. Be sure you have them spaced equally around the top sidewall of the tire before drilling holes for each end of the u-bolt to go through the sidewall. You will want to position the u-bolts so that they are near the outside edge of the tire, running along the circle of the tire, not across it. The outside edge of the sidewall is the stronger part of it and will assure that the tire is not misshapen when it's hanging. Remember to keep the drainage holes at the bottom, with the top of the tire where you are attaching the u-bolts opposite the side with the holes. Put one u-bolt through the end of each piece of chain. Make sure the chain is not twisted up at the top. Attach the u-bolts to the tire. Have someone help hold it up, so that you can attach the u-bolts. Place one nut and washer on each side of the bolt before sticking them through the holes toward the inside of the tire. Then attach a washer and nut onto the threads on the inside of the tire, so that the sidewall of the tire is sandwiched between the two washers and nuts. If you don't have a helper, simply place the tire on something that raises it up high enough to get the u-bolts attached. If the tire you used is excessively heavy, this may be a good idea whether you have a helper or not. Check that the swing is sitting well for swinging. Test your handiwork with a spotter nearby in case anything goes wrong before allowing others to use it. If all goes well, let the kids start playing on it right away!

Find a suitable old, unwanted tire. Clean the tire. Find a suitable branch where you can hang your tire swing. Purchase the rope. Drill some drainage holes into the tire. Use a ladder to get up to the branch. Place the rope over the tree branch. Secure this end of the rope to the tree branch using a bowline or a fisherman's bend. Tie the other end of the rope around the top part of the tire. Trim off any excess rope. Fix the ground beneath the swing if you like. Test the swing. Find a tire to use. Clean the entire tire. Identify a suitable branch that you can hang your tire swing from. Purchase your materials. Drill some drainage holes into one of the sidewalls of the tire. Place your ladder under the branch. Loop the rope around the tree branch and then secure the ends together. Cut the chain into three pieces, each the same length. Hook one end of each chain piece into the bottom of the s-hook. Position and drill holes for the u-bolts. Put one u-bolt through the end of each piece of chain. Attach the u-bolts to the tire. Check that the swing is sitting well for swinging.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Wobbling-Ceiling-Fan

How to Fix a Wobbling Ceiling Fan

To fix a wobbling ceiling fan, check and tighten all of the visible screws on your fan. This includes the screws holding the blades and any connections between the light and the fan. You should also remove the canopy where the fan attaches to the ceiling and tighten any screws there, as well as any screws where the rod coming from the ceiling attaches to the body of the fan. Make sure the fan is switched off or the circuit breaker to the room is turned off before you work on the fan.

Make sure the fan can't turn on while you work. Switch the fan on, then pull the cord controlling the fan to ensure that, even if someone flicked the switch on accident, the fan won't start turning while you work on it. If you plan on working on the motor, or want to feel extra secure, flip the circuit breaker so that there is no power in the room you are working on. This, however, will make it difficult to test the fan. Clean the fan blades. Dust, dirt, and debris collecting on the top of the fans can make it off balance, as well as get into the motor or grooves and cause wiggling issues. To clean them: Take a damp, soapy cloth and wipe down each blade to remove dust. A little dusting solution or a drop of dish soap should be enough. Rinse out the soap and wipe up any suds with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the blades by using a clean towel or paper wipes. Check and tighten all the visible screws on your fan. This includes the screws holding the blades and any connections between the light and fan. Loose screws on any part of the ceiling fan allow parts to move independently, making the whole thing wobble when the blades get up to speed. The screws should all be hand tight, but don't break your wrist trying to get them extra tight. Once they start resisting your turns, you're good to go. Remove the canopy where the fan attaches to the ceiling and tighten any screws. These screws keep the fan attached, and wobbling will be the least of your worries if they get too loose. Undo the screws and slide the canopy down, then hand-tighten any visible screws where the fan meets the ceiling to ensure that the fan is well attached. Check the hanger ball before reattaching the canopy. This small ball fits in a similarly shaped bowl like a bone in a socket. Attached to the ball is the center rod of the fan that keeps everything attached to the ceiling. Make sure the hanger ball is completely seated so the ball fits snugly in its joint and doesn't move around. Reattach the canopy when you're done. Tighten the downrod support screws. These small screws attach at the top of the motor, where the downrod (coming from the ceiling) meets the body of the fan. There are usually 2-3 screws that keep the fan attached, but they may be covered by a small metal piece to make the fan look more appealing. Simply unscrew or push this covering up the downrod and tighten any screws you see. Run the fan on high to check for any wobble. Once you've tightened the screws in the blades, downrod, and mounting, try the fan again and see if you've made progress. If not, the problem likely comes from unbalanced or warped blades. However, keeping the screws tight only takes a few minutes and helps prevent future problems. Use a step-ladder to check each blade for warping. Stand at fan height and look down each blade. Do any look warped, cracked, or bent? Check the blade holders, the metal pieces at the base of each blade, and check for any cracks or wear. If you have broken or warped blades or blade holders you should contact your fan's manufacturer for a replacement. Use a yardstick to measure for equal blade height. Hold the yardstick up to the ceiling and spin the fan so that the outside edge of a blade lines up with the yardstick. Note the height of the blade, and then check the other blades to make sure they are the same. Keep the yardstick in place the entire time, spinning the fan to make sure all the blades meet the yardstick at the same height. Since fans blades are usually tilted, make sure you measure from the same edge on every blade -- the highest corner is usually the easiest to mark. If you don't have a yardstick, a board or piece of paper should work too. Use a permanent marker to note the height of each blade, keeping your measurement instrument in the same place while spinning the blades. Tighten the screws connecting the blade hanger to the motor for any low blades. this screw may be covered up or hard to reach, but it is found where the blade hanger (metal piece attaching the wooden blade to the fan) meets the motor. Get in and tighten this screw, which should raise the fan. Gently bend the blade holders up or down to get them aligned. Do not do this if a blade holder is cracked, as it could cause it to break. However, light pressure can be used to bend the blade to the right height. Hold onto the base of the fan with one hand, keeping it still. Put gentle upward or downward pressure on the blade holder at the point where it meets the blade to align it correctly. Check the height of the blades one more time to make sure everything is well aligned. Remember to use your yardstick and spin the blades instead of moving the measuring stick. Test the fan. If the wobble is gone, it should stay that way unless someone accidentally clips a blade. A vertical variance of even 1/8" in one blade can cause it to wobble, so make sure you get this right before moving on to fan balancing. Know that unbalanced blades cause most fan wobbling issues. If there is a weight difference of even.5 grams you will be in for some wobbling when things start spinning at high speeds. This could be the result of improper installation, fan wear, or simply poorly designed blades. Purchase a blade balancing kit, or make your own. Blade balancing kits are simply small weights that you use to get your fan running smoothly. They consist of weighted clips and/or several adhesive weights meant to attach to your fan blade, allowing you to adjust the weight slightly and get everything balanced. Though balancing kits are cheap, you can use tape and a few nickels and dimes to make your own balancing kit at home, though the need to tape and untape the coins makes the process take a little longer. Hook the balancing clip on the center of a blade, using the edge angled higher. These small clips add weight to the blade, allowing you to test which one is ruining the balance. Turn on the fan and note if the wobble is reduced. Move the clip to another blade, testing each one until your find out which one is causing the problem. Look for the blade that, when the balance clip is attached, lowers the wobble the most. To test without a kit, tape a nickel in the center of a blade, then test it. Remove the nickel and try another one until you find the culprit. Slide the balancing clip up and down the blade, testing each time. Once you've found the unbalanced blade, move the clip up 6 inches, then test it again. Move it down towards the base and test that too, looking for the spot where the fan spins the smoothest. There are apps available which will help you find the best spot for the clips to remove the wobble. Attach a balancing weight at the location of the balancing clip, in the center of the blade. Once you know where you need to balance the fan, remove the adhesive backing to the weight and stick it on the blade so that it is lined up with the balancing clip. Remove the clip and test the fan again. If the fan starts wobbling again after you remove the clip, attach a second, smaller weight next to the first one to make up for the weight of the balancing clip. Swap the blade positions if more than one blade is out of balance or if the fan is wobbling right after installation. If you can't find one blade that is out of balance they may have been installed incorrectly. If your fan is brand new, you may have simply added the fans in the wrong order, and switching out the blades should fix your issue. Use post-it notes to label the blades (1,2,3,4,5), then switch them by unscrewing them from the blade mounts and reattaching them to the correct mount. For 4-blade fans, swap a set of neighboring blades and turn the fan on again to test. For 5-blade fans, swap blades two away from each other (such as the first blade and the third) and test. It may take 2-3 tries to get the right order.

Make sure the fan can't turn on while you work. Clean the fan blades. Check and tighten all the visible screws on your fan. Remove the canopy where the fan attaches to the ceiling and tighten any screws. Check the hanger ball before reattaching the canopy. Tighten the downrod support screws. Run the fan on high to check for any wobble. Use a step-ladder to check each blade for warping. Use a yardstick to measure for equal blade height. Tighten the screws connecting the blade hanger to the motor for any low blades. Gently bend the blade holders up or down to get them aligned. Test the fan. Know that unbalanced blades cause most fan wobbling issues. Purchase a blade balancing kit, or make your own. Hook the balancing clip on the center of a blade, using the edge angled higher. Slide the balancing clip up and down the blade, testing each time. Attach a balancing weight at the location of the balancing clip, in the center of the blade. Swap the blade positions if more than one blade is out of balance or if the fan is wobbling right after installation.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-the-Throat-of-Mucus

How to Clear the Throat of Mucus

To clear mucus out of your throat, try gargling with salt water and then spitting it out. You can also take a long, hot shower with the door closed so the bathroom gets steamy since steam can help clear up mucus. Drinking a cup of warm tea with lemon and honey is also effective. If you don't have any tea, drink some warm soup or broth instead, which will cut through the mucus so it clears out of your throat.

Clear phlegm or mucus from your throat by coughing. If an excess of mucus has made its home in your throat, it's okay to evict it by coughing it up. Find a remote place, such as a bathroom, and try to loosen the mucus from your throat by coughing or hacking. Make sure not to cough too hard or too much, as it can do some damage. Gargle with warm water and salt. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of lukewarm or warm water. Take the water into your mouth, tilt your head back, and without swallowing, gargle the salt water in the back of your throat. Drink plenty of liquids during the day. The right liquids can help loosen the mucus from the lining of the throat as the liquids pass down the esophagus. Try the following for time-tested mucus relief: Warm tea with lemon and honey. This should be one of your mainstays. The acidity of the lemon is good at breaking up the mucus while the honey coats the throat with a pleasant protective layer afterward. Warm soup. Chicken soup is a favorite because the broth is light and cuts the mucus. Stick with lighter broths instead of thicker, creamier soups. Cool water. Listen to your thirst and drink as much water as you need to stay satiated. Try steam treatment. Give yourself a steam treatment and let warm steam travel down your sinus and throat, loosening up some of the mucus that's lodged there. Try the following for relief: Wrap a towel around your head and breathe in the steam issuing from warm water. Even better, steep some tea (chamomile works great) in a large pot, carefully lower your head over being and breathe in the steam. Take warm showers. If you take a long shower, be sure to moisturize afterward as warm water robs your skin of essential oils and moisture. Use a humidifier/vaporizer. Allow your humidifier to pump moist air into your room. Take care not to pump too much moisture into the air; a little bit goes a long way. Use medicine that curbs mucus. Generic medicine, like guaifenesin (Mucinex), is available to thin out and loosen mucus. Look for medicines that are labeled "expectorants," which means to clear out phlegm or mucus. Remove mucus on your tongue with a tongue scraper. Place the tongue scraper on the back of your tongue, then slowly bring it forward. Wipe off the tongue scraper, then repeat as many times as needed. This can remove mucus from the back of your mouth. You can find a tongue scraper at your local drugstore or online. Use eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has long been used as an herbal mucus relief product. The most effective way to use eucalyptus oil is to line the upper chest area with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then rub in a few drops of the eucalyptus oil. This might make you cough a little more than expected, at first, but after a while it should help loosen mucus from your throat. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your vaporizer for another effective treatment option. Do not take eucalyptus oil orally. Add turmeric powder to liquids to keep the digestive tract working. Turmeric also works as an antiseptic. Add a one tablespoon of turmeric and one tablespoon honey to 8 ounces of hot water, dissolving. Drink the liquid, and repeat for best results. Eat spicy foods to get the mucus loose and runny. The list of spicy foods that can aid in mucus relief is long. A few foods you might eat include: Wasabi or horseradish Peppers, such as jalapeno or Anaheim Ginger and even garlic Stay away from milk and dairy. Although many dispute the evidence that dairy makes mucus worse, it's best to avoid it if you think that mucus may get worse after you reach for the milk. That's because the fat content in milk may be high, making mucus thicker and more irritating. Stay away from soy products. Soy products, such as soymilk, tofu, and tempeh, although rich in protein and otherwise healthy for you, may increase the viscosity of mucus and cause buildups of mucus in the chest. If you have a choice, it may be better to stay on the safe side and avoid soy. Stop smoking. Just another reason — one of many — to quit smoking if you haven't already. Smoking irritates the throat, worsens respiratory function, and causes congestion. Avoid other irritants such as strong chemicals or paints. Paints and household cleaners such as ammonia may be irritating to the nose and throat, causing further mucus production. Know if you have a cold. You probably know whether or not you have a cold. But do you know why colds are accompanied by persistent mucus? Mucus performs two functions : It coats organs, keeping them moisturized and preventing them from drying out. It acts as a kind of first defense against pollutants and bacteria, which often get caught in the mucus before infiltrating the rest of the body. Know if you may have post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip is when your body produces excess mucus, and the mucus runs down your throat instead of out your nose. Post-nasal drip can be caused by colds and allergies, certain medications (including medicines for hypertension), deviated septa, and fumes from irritants. Call your doctor if your drainage is foul-smelling or lasts for longer than 10 days. Know if the mucus is being caused by seasonal allergies or an allergic reaction. Allergies can stimulate the production of mucus. Mucus caused by allergies is usually clear, whereas mucus caused by a cold or flu is usually greenish yellow. If you're susceptible to allergies, avoid going outside on days when the pollen count is high, and stay away from: Mold Animal dander Dust mites Know that being pregnant can exacerbate mucus production. If you recently found out you are pregnant, that could explain your problem with mucus. While there's not anything you can take, aside from decongestants like Claritin, it should be comforting to know that your ramped-up mucus production won't last forever. Consider if mucus on your tongue could be thrush. If most of the excess mucus seems to be on the back of your tongue, then it could be a sign of oral thrush, which is caused by candida. You might also notice the following symptoms: White sores on your tongue, inner cheeks, gums, tonsils, and roof of your mouth Redness Burning Soreness Loss of taste Feeling like you have cotton in your mouth

Clear phlegm or mucus from your throat by coughing. Gargle with warm water and salt. Drink plenty of liquids during the day. Try steam treatment. Use medicine that curbs mucus. Remove mucus on your tongue with a tongue scraper. Use eucalyptus oil. Add turmeric powder to liquids to keep the digestive tract working. Eat spicy foods to get the mucus loose and runny. Stay away from milk and dairy. Stay away from soy products. Stop smoking. Avoid other irritants such as strong chemicals or paints. Know if you have a cold. Know if you may have post-nasal drip. Know if the mucus is being caused by seasonal allergies or an allergic reaction. Know that being pregnant can exacerbate mucus production. Consider if mucus on your tongue could be thrush.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Cracking-Your-Knuckles

How to Stop Cracking Your Knuckles

To stop cracking your knuckles, give your fingers something else to do, like twirling a pencil or rolling a coin. Additionally, try taking up a new hobby that keeps your hands busy, like drawing or arts and crafts. To try a behavioral therapy, wear a rubber band around your wrist. When you go to crack your knuckles, pull and release the rubber band so it snaps back on your wrist, making you associate knuckle cracking with pain.

Understand what causes the cracking sound. When you crack your knuckles, you are manipulating certain joints in the body in a manner that promotes the release of gas (currently thought to be primarily nitrogen) from synovial fluid. Synovial fluid exists within synovial joints, and its function is to reduce friction between cartilage. When a knuckle is cracked, the gases dissolved within the synovial fluid are compressed and form of a bubble. This bubble then bursts, making that familiar popping sound as it does so. It can take this released gas up to 30 minutes to dissolve back into the synovial fluid - that's why you usually have to wait a while before you can pop the knuckle again. Cracking your knuckles stimulates the nerve ending and stretches out the joint, which is why it feels so good. Be aware of the possible dangers of knuckle cracking. Although several studies have shown that knuckle cracking does not lead to arthritis, and although many will suffer no consequences after a lifetime engaging in the habit, some studies have suggested that people who crack their knuckles for long periods of time are at risk of developing the following symptoms: Soft tissue damage to the joint capsule(s). Damage to the hand's ligaments, the soft tissues that connect our bones. Understand behavioral therapy. No matter how much you crack your knuckles, if you want to stop, then behavioral therapy techniques are the way to go. In other words, cracking your knuckles is a behavior, so it is possible to use behavioral techniques to change your behavior. Simplifying a little, there are two basic forms of behavioral therapy: positive and negative. Positive behavioral therapy includes techniques like reward systems: Set goals and give yourself (or your loved one) a reward for meeting those goals. Negative techniques include minor punishments or other reminders to make the person aware of their habit, so they can stop. There are as many kinds of these techniques as there are people who would offer advice. Keep your hands busy. Give your hands something else to do, other than knuckle cracking. Learn to twirl a pencil or a coin , for example. Aspiring magicians practice moving a coin through, over, and around the fingers of one hand without touching anything else. A pen or pencil works too. This exercise is truly good for anyone at any age. Developing finger strength, coordination,and manual dexterity can be fun too as you master a new skill rather than hurt yourself. Take up a new hobby. Some kind of hobby that keeps your hands (and mind) busy is probably an excellent idea like drawing, writing, or arts and crafts. Use the rubber band method. The single most classic behavioral method is to wrap a rubber band around your wrist. When you notice you are about to crack your knuckles pull back on the rubber band and release, so it snaps back onto your skin. The slight sting you feel may help you to break your habit, as you may eventually come to associate your knuckle cracking with pain. Use other preventative methods. If the rubber band method doesn't appeal to you, there are several other things you can do to curb your cracking habit: Carry a small hand lotion around with you in your pocket or purse. When you feel the urge to pop your knuckles, get out the lotion and rub it on your hands. This will give you something to do with your hands, while also leaving them soft and moisturized! Have a friend put tape around your "knocking knuckles" or tape your fingertips to your palm to make a fist. Put socks on your hands while watching television or doing other activities that don't require the use of your hands. Keep a pen/pencil in your hand to prevent cracking or "strumming" your fingers. Become aware of your habit. Since knuckle cracking is often a nervous habit, it is often done "automatically." Most of the time people are not even aware they are cracking their knuckles until somebody tells them. However, if you wish to stop your knuckle cracking habit, it is important to become more aware of when you do it. It may be helpful to rope in a friend or family member to provide a gentle reminder whenever you crack. Knuckle cracking is generally a lot more obvious to outside observers than it is to the crackers themselves. Discover the source of the anxiety. Knuckle cracking may be classified as a nervous habit. Since a nervous habit is in response to stress or anxiety, identifying the source of the stress is the first step in dealing with the habit. Stress can be specific, like worrying about an upcoming test, or it can be general, like relationships with parents and peers, social acceptance, or any of many other factors. Try keeping a small notebook on you at all times, and make a note each time you crack your knuckles. This will help you to notice any patterns in your knuckle cracking behaviors and help you to identify your triggers. Avoid nagging. If you are a knuckle cracker or care for someone who cracks their knuckles, be aware that nagging or complaining about the habit is more likely to make it worse than make it go away. Nagging only leads to more stress, which increases the nervous reaction to that stress. Therefore gentle reminders will be much more helpful and effective than constant nagging. Maintain a support system. Although nagging or increasing stress is unlikely to help, there are many ways that friends and family can help the knuckle popper. A simple touch on the arm when somebody notices unconscious habits can go a long way to understanding and dealing with the problem. Give it time. Understand that most knuckle cracking is harmless and will probably go away with time. If the cracking does not coincide with other changes in behavior, patience is probably the best antidote. Consider getting professional help. Understand that prolonged excessive or any kind of habit that has a negative effect on the normal course of life is always a problem, or "issue," and should be faced. Truly excessive knuckle cracking, especially accompanied by the cracking of other joints in the body, can be an early sign of more serious anxiety disorders. If you believe your knuckle cracking may be a symptom of a more serious disorder, you should consider seeing a therapist.

Understand what causes the cracking sound. Be aware of the possible dangers of knuckle cracking. Understand behavioral therapy. Keep your hands busy. Take up a new hobby. Use the rubber band method. Use other preventative methods. Become aware of your habit. Discover the source of the anxiety. Avoid nagging. Maintain a support system. Give it time. Consider getting professional help.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Pet-Brush-or-Comb

How to Clean a Pet Brush or Comb

To clean your pet's brush or comb, start by pulling out any visible clumps of hair or dirt. Then, mix white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with water in equal parts to make a cleaning solution. Next, soak your pet's brush or comb in the solution for 5 to 30 minutes to remove dirt and grime. After that, rinse it with clean water, then spray it with a disinfecting solution of water and 10% bleach. Finally, set your brush or comb bristle-side down on a towel, and let it dry completely.

Remove all fur from the brush or comb. Before preparing your cleaning solution, pick out visible hairs and dirt from the brush's pad and bristles. You can do this with your thumb and forefinger, or with an old toothbrush or comb. Don't worry if you can't dig out every last speck of visible dirt or dander. The soak will loosen up and extract most things, so just aim to remove the most glaring clumps of hair and buildup. Prepare a solution of water and vinegar or shampoo. Depending on your preference, you can add vinegar or pet shampoo to a large mixing bowl of warm water. A vinegar-based solution should contain equal parts vinegar—either white or apple cider varieties will do—and water. If you're using shampoo, you only need to add two or three generous squirts to a bowl full of water. When choosing a pet shampoo, check the label in order to avoid harmful ingredients such as carcinogens, tar, propylene glycol, or perfumes. If possible, opt for an organic shampoo with few ingredients. Dip the brush bristles or comb teeth into the solution. Once you've removed excess hair and dirt, you should submerge your grooming instruments in the cleaning solution for between five and thirty minutes. This step is important even if you're planning to disinfect with bleach or an antibacterial spray. After all, most disinfectants—including bleach—don't remove dirt or grime, so you can't just substitute one for the other. Pet brushes and combs are generally made of plastic, but if you own one with a fabric pad, don't soak the entire head of the brush. If you do, moisture can accumulate in the fabric and eventually cause mold. Rinse with clean water. After soaking, your brush or comb will still have some residual dirt or hairs clinging to the bristles or pad. You can remove this remaining buildup by rinsing it in clean water and then lightly shaking it to whisk off any excess moisture. You can also dip your brushes in another bowl of clean, pure water if you don't want to rinse them in the sink. Spray a disinfectant onto the clean brush. While vinegar and shampoos have some antibacterial properties, you should apply a separate, stronger disinfectant if you're worried about germs, viruses, or other bacteria. You can buy aerosol, enzymatic, or essential oil disinfecting sprays from the store, or you can make your own solution with water and 10% bleach. If you have a lot of tools to clean, you might want to consider purchasing an ultraviolet light. Since UV light kills bacteria, you can lay all of your implements under the light to dry rather spraying each one individually. Place the brush on a towel to dry. Rather than using your newly cleaned and disinfected brushes immediately, set them out to dry thoroughly before subsequent use. Place them with the bristle side facing downward so that water doesn't drain into the handle or brush head. You can also use an old dish rack if you don't have the counter- or floor-space for laying out your grooming tools. Just be sure to arrange them in such a way that the moisture drains out of the brush and not into the handle or head. Inspect brushes and combs for signs of wear. Even the most diligently cleaned brush or comb will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Visible signs of deterioration mean that you should replace the brush or comb, so check your tools frequently to make sure they're holding up well. Cracks, broken bristles, or extracted teeth are all indicators that your brush or comb has reached the end of the road. Store tools in a dry, warm space. You probably know that you should keep brushes and combs away from chewing, playing animals, but keeping them out of reach from your pets isn't the only criterion for safe storage. Your grooming tools also need a warm, dry area to reside in between use, as cold temperatures keep germs alive longer, and moist conditions promote the growth of mold. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you might want to purchase a dehumidifier to keep your brushes dry. Just be aware that dehumidifiers can corrode a rubber pad, so opt for hard plastic brushes if you're going to use one. Repeat brush cleanings weekly. Since your brush gathers new dirt, hair, and germs every time you brush your pet, you should wash your brushes frequently. Some owners prefer to do so after every use, while others prefer a weekly or even biweekly schedule. Whatever schedule you decide on, be aware that you'll need to clean your brushes more frequently any time your pet is experiencing a skin irritation, pest problem, or other virus.

Remove all fur from the brush or comb. Prepare a solution of water and vinegar or shampoo. Dip the brush bristles or comb teeth into the solution. Rinse with clean water. Spray a disinfectant onto the clean brush. Place the brush on a towel to dry. Inspect brushes and combs for signs of wear. Store tools in a dry, warm space. Repeat brush cleanings weekly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Round-Cake

How to Cut a Round Cake

When you're cutting a round cake, use as long of a knife as possible, and soak the knife in warm water first so it cuts through the cake more easily. Use the knife the score a line in the frosting across the center of the top of the cake. Then score another line at a 70-degree angle from the first line to make a triangle. Score another line between the first two lines to make two smaller triangles. Repeat the process around the entire cake so it's divided into 10 even pieces. Finally, cut down through the cake along each of the lines you scored.

Select a knife that’s big enough to cut across the entire round cake. For example, if the diameter of your round cake is 10 inches (25 cm), your knife should be at least that long. If you're unable to find a knife as long as the diameter of your cake, choose one that's as long as possible. If your knife isn't as long as the diameter of your cake, you'll need to slide the knife along the top of the cake in order to make a complete line in the frosting. Soak your knife in warm water before using it to cut your cake. Fill a tall glass with warm tap water. Place your knife inside the water and lean it against the edge of the glass. Leave your knife in the water until you're ready to cut your cake. When you're ready to cut the cake, take the knife out of the glass and wipe the water off with a tea towel. You'll need to make sure your glass is tall enough to hold the knife you're using. Use your knife to score a line through the middle of the cake. Hold your knife above the cake with both hands. Hold the handle with your dominant hand and the tip of the knife with your non-dominant hand's fingertips. Place your knife across the entire cake, going through the middle of the cake. Use a rocking motion with the knife, from the tip to the handle, to score a straight line across the cake. Press into the frosting to score the line, only until you read the first layer of cake. Do not cut into the cake itself. Score a second line at a 70-degree angle to the first line. Start the second line from the middle of the first line. Move your knife so that the second line is at a 70-degree angle to the first line, which should create a piece that is about 1/3 of that half of the cake, or 1/6 of the entire cake. The first 2 lines have now divided the cake into 3 pieces. Created a third line through the middle of the smaller triangle. One half of your cake will look like it's made of 2 triangles, one larger than the other. The third score line should divide that smaller triangle exactly in half, from the middle. The first 3 lines have now divided the cake into 4 pieces. The 2 smallest pieces will be the size of all the final pieces. Score 2 more lines to divide the larger triangle into 3 pieces. The next 2 score lines will divide the larger triangle piece into 3 even sections. From a technical perspective, each of the 5 resulting triangle pieces should have an approximate 36-degree angle. This entire process is based on estimating the size of the slices, but you're aiming to make all the pieces equal in size. Use your knife to extend the 4 half-lines across the cake. One half of the cake is now scored into 5 pieces. Only 1 of the lines scored so far goes across the entire diameter of the cake. Four of the lines scored so far only go halfway across the cake. Use your knife to extend those 4 half-lines so they go across the entire diameter of the cake. The final result of this process will divide the round cake into 10 even pieces. If you have more than 10 people to serve, you can cut each of the 10 pieces in half to produce 20 even pieces. Cut your cake along each of the score lines to create 10 even pieces. Dip your knife in the warm water and wipe it off with a tea towel in-between each cut you make in the cake. Use your knife and cut through the entire cake following the score marks you've made. Cut from the middle point of the cake for each slice. Pull the knife out of the bottom of the cake slowly. Scoop up each piece of cake with an offset spatula after it's cut, or wait to start handing out cake pieces once the entire cake is cut. Warm your knife in water before you start to cut the cake. Put your knife into a glass or container filled with warm tap water. Leave it in the container until you need it to slice the cake. Whenever you take the knife out of the water, wipe it off on a tea towel. Make sure the glass or container you use is tall enough for the knife you've chosen to use. Slice the round cake into long, thin strips. Each strip should be about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Once you've sliced off a strip of cake, lay it flat onto a cutting board or plate. Remember to warm your knife between each large slice. If you don't need as many pieces of cake, you can make the strips larger/wider. Cut the long slice into 1 in (2.5 cm) strips. Once the longer slice is laying flat on a cutting board, use your knife to cut it into 1 in (2.5 cm) strips. The end result will be a piece of cake that's 1 in (2.5 cm) thick and 1 in (2.5 cm) wide, with a length that's equal to the height of the cake. You don't need to warm the knife in water to cut these small strips. You can also cut the flat slice into strips longer than 1 in (2.5 cm) if you'd like. Heat up your knife in warm water before you begin. Allow your knife to sit in a glass of warm tap water before you begin slicing the cake. Wipe the excess water off the knife with a tea towel when you take it out of the water. Re-warm the knife between each major cut in the cake. The warmed metal will cut through the cake quicker and easier than a cold knife. Cut a circle in your cake, 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge. Slide your knife into the cake vertically in a spot that's approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge. Keep the knife vertical and cut a circle in the middle of the cake that stays 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge all the way around. Essentially, you're creating a new round cake in the middle of your existing round cake. This method will only work for cakes that are 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter or larger. Smaller cakes should be cut into the typical triangle pieces. The end result will be an outer ring-shaped cake and an inner round cake. Cut the ring-shaped outer cake into 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide pieces. Re-warm and dry the knife before proceeding. Use the knife to cut the outer, ring-shaped cake into individual pieces that are about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide. For an 8 in (20 cm) cake, this will result in 21 pieces of the same shape and size. For cakes larger than 8 inches (20 cm), you can either keep the same slice width of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), which will result in more than 21 pieces, or you can increase the width of each slice in order to still create about 21 pieces. Slice the smaller round inner cake into triangles pieces. Once the 21 outer slices of cake have been removed, you have a new, but smaller, round cake to cut. Start but cutting the inner round cake in half, through the middle. Then cut the cake in half again, at a 90-degree angle to the first cut. Depending on the size of the inner cake and the number of slices you need, you can either cut each quarter section in half (which will give you 8 slices, or you can cut each quarter section into thirds, which will give you 12 pieces. For example, if the entire cake was 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, you'll have a 4 in (10 cm) mini-round cake left in the middle. Don't forget to rewarm and dry your knife before you start cutting the inner cake. However, you won't need to rewarm between cuts. Use this scientific method for cakes you plan to store. This method works best when you have a round cake that is not going to be eaten all at once, for example, at a party. If only a small portion of the cake is going to be eaten, and the rest is going to be stored in the fridge for later, this is the method that will provide you with the freshest cake day-after-day. This method was created by a British mathematician named Sir Francis Galton and first published in the journal Nature in 1906. Make one cut across the entire cake, slightly off-centre. This first cut needs to go the entire diameter of the cake, but not down the exact middle of the cake. Instead, the cut needs to be off-centre because you're essentially cutting a strip out of the middle of the cake. Make this first cut about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) to the right of the middle of the cake. The final piece of cake will be 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. If you want a larger slice of cake, cut the cake more than 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the middle. Cut the cake again, 1 in (2.5 cm) to the left of the first cut. The second cut will create a long, thin slice or strip of cake directly through the middle of the cake. This slice of cake will be 1 in (2.5 cm) wide but will be the entire diameter of the round cake. Again, you can cut a slice larger than 1 in (2.5 cm) wide, if you'd like. Use your knife to remove the thin slice from the cake. Slide your knife under the cake, just underneath the thin slice that you created with the first two cuts. Carefully lift the knife so you can remove the thin slice from the middle of the cake. Serve and/or eat the thin slice of cake you cut out. You can cut this middle slice into small pieces if you'd like. Slide the 2 ends of the cake together and secure them. Once you've removed the middle slice of cake, use your hands (or a spatula or knife) to slide the two ends of the cake together in the middle of the cake tray. Make sure the inside sections of the cake are touching each other. Secure the two ends together. The original method suggests securing the cake with a rubber band. However, this will only work if your cake has a harder exterior made of something like fondant (and isn't very big). Alternatively, you could use a ribbon, a thin piece of parchment paper, or a piece of plastic wrap to hold the two ends together. You could also avoid securing the cake, as simply sliding the two ends together have probably protected the inside of the cake well enough. Cut another slice from the middle, perpendicular to the first slice. When you're ready for another slice of cake, take it out of the fridge and cut another slice from the middle of the cake. However, this time, cut the slice at a 90-degree angle to your original slice. Then repeat the same process of sliding the ends of the cake together for overnight storage. When storing the cake in the fridge, it's up to you if you'd like to cover the cake with a lid or plastic wrap. The key to this method is that the inside part of the cake, or the sponge, will stay fresh because none of it is exposed to the air. Repeat the process until the entire cake is eaten. Each time you want another piece of cake, repeat the same process. Each time you repeat the process, turn the cake another 90 degrees so you keep alternating the direction the slice is cut. (This will help ensure the two ends are always approximately the same size when they're slid together.) Eventually, the pieces of cake left will be small enough to eat on their own and you won't need to continue cutting pieces from the middle.

Select a knife that’s big enough to cut across the entire round cake. Soak your knife in warm water before using it to cut your cake. Use your knife to score a line through the middle of the cake. Score a second line at a 70-degree angle to the first line. Created a third line through the middle of the smaller triangle. Score 2 more lines to divide the larger triangle into 3 pieces. Use your knife to extend the 4 half-lines across the cake. Cut your cake along each of the score lines to create 10 even pieces. Warm your knife in water before you start to cut the cake. Slice the round cake into long, thin strips. Cut the long slice into 1 in (2.5 cm) strips. Heat up your knife in warm water before you begin. Cut a circle in your cake, 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge. Cut the ring-shaped outer cake into 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide pieces. Slice the smaller round inner cake into triangles pieces. Use this scientific method for cakes you plan to store. Make one cut across the entire cake, slightly off-centre. Cut the cake again, 1 in (2.5 cm) to the left of the first cut. Use your knife to remove the thin slice from the cake. Slide the 2 ends of the cake together and secure them. Cut another slice from the middle, perpendicular to the first slice. Repeat the process until the entire cake is eaten.

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

How to Teach Piano

To teach piano, always start your lessons with a warm-up, like scales and chord progressions. After the warm-up, take some time to review topics from your previous lesson together, like a song your student is working on or a technical exercise you're teaching them. Then, introduce some new material, like a new song, and spend most of the lesson working on a new skill or piece of music. Remember to check in with your student frequently and ask how they're doing. If they're feeling overwhelmed, try slowing down a bit and focusing on the basics.

Practice playing the piano often. Teaching piano is a skilled job! It will be harder to recruit and teach students if you do not have extensive playing experience. If you have been playing piano for a long time and have a significant repertoire under your belt, you are probably already qualified to teach. That said, you should still practice playing the piano daily so that your skills stay fresh and up to date. A degree is not necessarily required if you have a high playing skill level. However, most successful piano teachers are highly trained with the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in piano with coursework in piano pedagogy (instruction). Advertise the genres of piano music that you're qualified to teach. Learning classical techniques is helpful for increasing overall playing skill and are necessary for aspiring concert pianists or future teachers. However, if your student wants to learn how to play jazz music in addition to classical, and you don't know how to play jazz piano, you may not be the best teacher for them. Brush up on your music theory. While some students take piano lessons to show their friends their favorite pop songs, others may learn piano to make a career out of it some day. In either case, being able to explain and demonstrate technical knowledge of scales, chords, intervals, clefs, meter, phrasing, and harmony is essential to their musical development. If you find your music theory to be lacking, there are many resources that can help, but a music theory course on Coursera or Nicolas Carter's book “Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” or can improve your theory skills in an approachable way. Invest in professional development. This can include taking private lessons from teachers who are more advanced than yourself, reading music teaching literature, attending concerts, practicing and learning new repertoire on your own, or browsing the internet or YouTube for inspiration. Remember that a good teacher is also a good student. Join your local, state, or national music teacher's associations to network with other teachers and be informed about new teaching methods and publications. You can also learn about various pedagogical techniques and select the method that you think will work best for you and your students. Make a business plan according to your time allotments. If you plan on making music instruction your full-time occupation, a thorough business plan is absolutely essential. If you are more of a hobbyist in your teaching, you will still need to prepare, but it may require less time and effort depending on the size of your studio. Set your rate. Lessons for beginners are typically 30 minutes long and will increase to an hour as the student becomes older or acquires more skill. If you have no teaching experience but are skilled at the piano, it is appropriate to charge $15-20 per 30 minutes or $30-40 per hour. Keep in mind that the rate you charge is dependent on many factors, including your educational pedigree, playing and teaching experience, references from your students, and the city you live in. As you gain experience, it is recommended that you increase your rates a little each year. Piano teachers with significant experience and skill can charge up to $60 per 30 minutes or $120 per hour. Charge a flat, monthly fee for lessons instead of a rate per session. This is to discourage skipping lessons, and it increases desire to make up missed lessons. Find a place to teach. While many teachers hold lessons in their own home, you may also travel to a student's home if they have a quality piano that has been tuned recently. You can also rent a space at a music store or community center. Be sure to use a space that will allow you to keep as much of your earnings as you need while being clean, welcoming, and conducive to learning. Factor the time and cost of travel into your fees if applicable. Purchase books at the level of piano you will be teaching. Some great titles for beginners include Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book series, Bastien Piano Basics Primer Level, and the Hal Leonard Piano Method Book series. While you may sell your copies of the books to students, it is better to have them purchase their own personal copies so that they can mark up their sheet music with notes and tips from lessons. It is also time-consuming to be constantly replacing books that you've given to students. Use a well-developed method, such as the Suzuki method, if you prefer its teachings or if you are having trouble finding a place to start. Some methodologies require official certification before they may be taught for commercial purposes, so research the certification costs and requirements before using that method in your pedagogy. Write out your studio policies. Make a comprehensive list of policies for your studio including information about payment schedules and amounts, weather and holiday cancellations, lesson make-ups, notice of termination of lessons, and attendance and practice expectations. Share this with the parents of your students at their first lesson, and ensure that both the student and their parents understand all of your policies. Advertise your services online, in print, and in person. Place an ad in your local paper, on CraigsList, and inside the building where you'll be teaching if you're holding lessons outside of the home. Ask to place fliers on the bulletin board in your local community buildings such as a recreation center, church, or library. Tell everyone you know that you're teaching piano, and offer a referral discount for current students. Only advertise the ages and genres you're qualified to teach. Reach out to local school music teachers. Introduce yourself, and offer free workshops and accompaniment for concerts and musicals. Be sure to stress that you want to help their program, rather than insisting that they send their students to you for piano lessons. Advertise on websites specifically designed to help people find music teachers in their area (like https://takelessons.com/ ), but be aware that you may have to pay a fee to promote your services. Plan personalized lessons thoroughly. Your lessons should be tailored to each student, taking into account their current skill level, goals, and weekly schedule. This is not to say that you cannot reuse lesson plans, but each student will require a different approach. Guide your lesson plans around their practice routine, which can be either a distinct to-do list that they must adhere to, or you can create a custom one with your student that varies daily. Be consistent about what they can expect at each lesson. Start your lessons with a warm-up. Effective warm-ups will involve slowly warming and loosening the hands for playing. Use technical exercises including scales, arpeggios, ear training, and chord progressions. Have your students show you how they usually warm up at home. If they rush through the warm-up, have them slow down to improve their accuracy and warm the hands safely. It is important to cover both ascending and descending scales and arpeggios since both occur in all music. Also, don't leave the lesson on minor scales for later - it is best to teach both major and minor from the start so that the ear can be trained to recognize each one over time. Review topics from the last lesson. A "topic" is usually a piece that the student is working on from a lesson book, but you may also focus on études, or small pieces of music that are used to drill a particular pattern. This may take up all of the lesson time occasionally, but that is not cause for concern. Other topics may include technical or music issues and nuances such as dynamics, pacing, or evenness of playing. Introduce new material slowly. Go over the key signature of the new piece by having them play that scale in different meters and tempos. Have them focus on one small, logical section of the music at a time, working down through the piece. Then they may string the units together and practice transitions. Don't push students to a harder skill too early. Instead, make sure that the current skill can be demonstrated repeatedly and consistently before moving on to a new one. Check in with your student periodically. Ask if they're happy with what they're working on, and if they're not, be open to requests from the student and their parents. Repetition is important, but boredom can diminish enthusiasm. Work music theory into everything you do. Quiz them on theory topics during your lessons, so that they can apply their knowledge to their instrument. For example, if you have been teaching them about intervals, play two notes from their piece one after the other and have them name the interval. Make sure that you use proper musical notation when talking about music theory, since you will want your students to eventually be able to identify features and patterns of the music by just looking at the page. It's important to make learning theory fun by offering verbal affirmation of progress and rewarding mastery of concepts. Younger students respond well to candy or stickers on the pages of music they've mastered. Have reasonable expectations for practice and progress. Some students will love practicing and will have a hard time taking breaks. Other students will resist practicing since it can be repetitive and highlights their areas for improvement. Do not make your students feel bad for their learning style, but stress the fact that practicing often and well is the key to real progress. Encourage your students often and be patient. Unforgiving, inflexible, and mean teachers can sometimes cause students to quit music altogether and develop an aversion to it, so always be aware of how your words and actions come across. It is your job to adapt to your student's needs, not the other way around. Never judge a student for their playing ability since everyone was a beginner at one point. However, if the student has demonstrated that they are not fully invested in paying attention during lessons or practicing, it may be time for a conversation with their parents about whether or not piano is the right activity for them.

Practice playing the piano often. Advertise the genres of piano music that you're qualified to teach. Brush up on your music theory. Invest in professional development. Make a business plan according to your time allotments. Set your rate. Find a place to teach. Purchase books at the level of piano you will be teaching. Write out your studio policies. Advertise your services online, in print, and in person. Plan personalized lessons thoroughly. Start your lessons with a warm-up. Review topics from the last lesson. Introduce new material slowly. Work music theory into everything you do. Have reasonable expectations for practice and progress. Encourage your students often and be patient.

https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-British-Gas

How to Contact British Gas

You can contact British Gas by phone or online. To contact customer service for assistance or to make a complaint, dial 0333 202 9532. If your service isn't working or you have leaky water pipes, call 0333 200 8899. To pay or view your bills, dial 0333 200 8899. If you're having trouble getting any help, you can escalate your issue by calling 0333 202 9774 and getting connected with a manager. To get in touch online, visit the British Gas website to use their online form or send them an email at customerservice@britishgas.co.uk. You can also chat with a customer service representative on their website's support page. If you have a complaint that isn't being addressed, email customercomplaints@britishgas.co.uk.

Call 0333 202 9532 to contact customer service. Calling this number will connect you to a British Gas customer service representative that can direct you to the right department. This is a quick way to speak to a customer service representative over the phone. You can also use this number to make a customer complaint. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday. Customer service is closed on Sunday. Call 0333 200 8899 if your services aren’t working. Call this number if you have your gas or heat isn't working properly. You should also call this number if you have leaky water pipes. Once you speak to someone, British Gas will schedule an appointment for a technician to come out and fix the issue. If the problem is easily fixable, they may even be able to troubleshoot the problem over the phone. Representatives at this number are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial 0333 200 8899 to pay or view bills. If you want to pay, view, or discuss your bill with a representative, you should call this number. Similiar to the customer service line, representatives at this number will be available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday. The service is closed on Sundays. Escalate your issue by calling 0333 202 9774. Call this number to escalate your issue to the Customer Service Directors Team and connect with a manager. It's best to go through the other contact methods before escalating the issue to a director. For example, if you spoke to the customer service and the representative was rude and didn't resolve your issue, you should escalate the issue to a manager. If you tried calling the other numbers and can't get through, call this number. Call 0800 111 999 if you smell gas in your house. If you smell gas or are worried that there may be a carbon monoxide leak, call this number to contact the Gas Emergency Services emergency line. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Chat with a customer service representative online. Visit https://www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/ and click the blue "Chat" button in the lower-right corner to bring up a live chat with a representative. This person will usually be able to resolve simple issues with your account and bill or give you the number to the department that you need. Escalate complaints by accessing their customer complaints page. If you've contacted British Gas using other methods and they don't respond, you can escalate the issue to their customer complaints department. Visit https://www.britishgas.co.uk/complaints.html and find the section that best describes your issue to determine the correct email address to use. Make sure to describe your experience and the issue you're having with their service in the body of the email. This method should be saved for the last resort. If you're unhappy with boiler and central heating system installation, you can email: installationcomplaints@britishgas.co.uk If you have a complaint about your boiler loan, you can email: Loancomplaints@britishgas.co.uk If you have an issue with an electric vehicle charger installation, you can email: ev@britishgas.co.uk For other complaints, visit https://www.britishgas.co.uk/complaints.html to determine the correct email address or phone number to use. Contact British Gas on Twitter or Facebook. You shouldn't use this method unless you've tried contacting them directly with no results. You can contact British Gas online by tweeting @BritishGas or @BritishGasHelp. This may get enough attention for someone to contact you and resolve your issue. Send British Gas a letter. Send British Gas a letter to praise them for their service or to log an official complaint. Address the letter to British Gas, PO Box 227, Rotherham S98 1PD. Remember to include postage so your letter doesn't get sent back. Type the letter if you have poor handwriting. Log a formal complaint if your issue hasn’t been resolved in 8 weeks. If you have an ongoing issue that British Gas refuses to fix, you can log an official complaint with the energy ombudsman service. To log a complaint, send an email to osenquiries@os-energy.org, call 0330 440 1624, or send a letter to Ombudsman Services: Energy, PO Box 966, Warrington WA4 9DF. Energy ombudsman services will investigate and resolve the issue.

Call 0333 202 9532 to contact customer service. Call 0333 200 8899 if your services aren’t working. Dial 0333 200 8899 to pay or view bills. Escalate your issue by calling 0333 202 9774. Call 0800 111 999 if you smell gas in your house. Chat with a customer service representative online. Escalate complaints by accessing their customer complaints page. Contact British Gas on Twitter or Facebook. Send British Gas a letter. Log a formal complaint if your issue hasn’t been resolved in 8 weeks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-You%27re-and-Your

How to Use You're and Your

To use you're and your correctly, remember that you're is short for "you are," and your is used to show ownership, like in "your house." If you don't know which one to use, try writing "you are" instead. If the sentence still makes sense, use you're. If the sentence doesn't make sense, use your.

Understand the proper usage of the word you need. The best way to do that is to sound it out. There is a replacement test that will tell you for certain which word will fit. Read the sentence with you are in place of where the your/you're is intended. If it makes sense, then you're would be right. If not, then your would fit. You could also replace your with my in the sentence. If it fits, then use your. Create a mnemonic to help you distinguish between the words. A mnemonic is a device that helps you remember something. You may find a mnemonic helpful when remembering the difference between you're and your. Elements such as parallelism and vivid imagery are usually effective mnemonic tools. Consider the sentence "If you're writing it you're , you're writing it right." You are doing something when you write, and thus the contraction you're is correct. You could also try something like the sentence "Your Outraged Unicorns Race," where the first letter of each word spells out the correct usage. Because the unicorns belong to you, they're your unicorns. Write you're as a contraction or a combination of the words you and are. Other examples of contractions include doesn't for does not, they're for they are, and can't for cannot. " You're a good friend" means "You are a good friend." "I don't know what you're talking about" means "I do not know what you are talking about." Remember that you're is actually a combination of two words. It thus fulfills two very important roles in a sentence or clause. Because it includes both a pronoun and a verb, you're will always be the subject and at least part of the verb of any clause in which it appears. Write your as the possessive form of you. The possessive form refers to something that a person has, something that belongs to the person in question, or the person you are talking to. Your reflects ownership, as in "yours, mine, and ours". "Is your stomach growling?" " Your book is on the table." Remember that the word your will usually not be followed by an adjective. In most cases, your will not be followed by an adjective (a word that describes something) when that adjective is describing the person that you are talking to. In other words, saying " Your very kind" will almost never be correct. "Your very kind" would only be correct if someone were describing a noun, as in "Your nice son brought me my coat." Here, your nice is correct because nice is describing the person's son. Take a look at some examples. Each of the following examples shows an incorrect use of your/you're, and why it is incorrect. "I can't read you're handwriting." Incorrect, because the contraction for you are is being used in place of the possessive form of you. "I can't read you are handwriting"' doesn't make sense. It should be replaced with your. "If your hungry, then you should probably eat something." Incorrect because there is no possession in question. You can be hungry, but in English you don't possess hunger. This passes the replacement test. Rewriting it with you are fits. Your should be replaced here with you're , or you are. "I think your very smart." Again, incorrect. The "very smart" does not belong to the person that you are talking to — this doesn't make any sense. Replace your with you're , or you are. "I'm smarter than you're " Correct, because the contraction for you are has been used in place of the possessive form of you. However, this unconventional usage is likely to confuse people, so avoid ending a sentence with you're even if it's grammatically correct.

Understand the proper usage of the word you need. Create a mnemonic to help you distinguish between the words. Write you're as a contraction or a combination of the words you and are. Remember that you're is actually a combination of two words. Write your as the possessive form of you. Remember that the word your will usually not be followed by an adjective. Take a look at some examples.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Gym-Equipment

How to Use Gym Equipment

Before using gym equipment, look for instructions on or near the machine, because there might be special safety information. Then, if you're using weight machines, adjust the seats and benches to fit your height, and start with a weight that you know won't be too heavy. Lift slowly, and add more weight if the workout is too easy. For cardio machines, start slow and increase your speed once you're comfortable. To finish, decrease your speed over several minutes.

Look for instructions. Most machines have a short set of instructions and illustration affixed to them. Find the adjustments. The machines' seats and benches adjust to the height of the user, and you can adjust moving parts to accommodate your leg or arm length. Adjust the machine so your joints line up with the pivot points of the machines, your legs (if sitting) are flat on the floor, and the pads rest comfortably against your limbs. Choose a weight that's not too heavy, so you don't run the risk of injuring yourself if you find you can't complete a repetition. If you can complete ten repetitions easily, choose a slightly heavier weight. Lift the weights slowly, concentrating on keeping the proper form and exhaling during the lift. Don't adjust your position to lift the weight because you will not get the full benefit of the machine, and you may injure yourself. Avoid letting the weight clang against the rest of the stack at the end of the repetition, because this annoys others. Wipe your sweat off the machine with your gym towel before leaving it. Watch yourself in the mirror. Because you don't have a weight machine to help you maintain the proper form, you have to pay careful attention to how you lift the weight. Resist the urge to jerk the weight to "get it started. " If you can't lift and lower the weight slowly and smoothly, choose a lighter weight. Work with a spotter if you're going to lift heavy weights. If you can't complete the last couple of repetitions, you could find yourself trapped under a barbell or straining your muscles in an attempt to maintain control. A spotter will help you lift the weight safely so you can finish your set. You can often ask another member to spot you in return for being his or her spotter. Add weight to barbells or dumbbells without clanging the plates together. Make sure you have the same weight on each side and that they're secured with collars. Rack the weights when you're done. Both dumbbells and plates are racked in order of weight. Dry your sweat from the bench when you're done. Read the instructions carefully. Ensure you know how to turn the machine off quickly if you run into trouble. Most aerobic machines will stop when you stop, but some, such as a treadmill, will not. Start slowly and increase your speed once you're comfortable with the movement. Resist the temptation to talk to the person next to you. Most people play music, watch TV or just listen to the sound of their breathing while they use an aerobic machine. Talk is distracting. Decrease speed over several minutes at the end of your workout to allow your body time to cool down. If you stop suddenly, you may lose your balance when you get off the machine. Use your gym towel to clean your sweat off the machine. Limit your workout to 30 minutes if all the machines are in use, other members are waiting to use a machine or if the fitness center is crowded.

Look for instructions. Find the adjustments. Adjust the machine so your joints line up with the pivot points of the machines, your legs (if sitting) are flat on the floor, and the pads rest comfortably against your limbs. Choose a weight that's not too heavy, so you don't run the risk of injuring yourself if you find you can't complete a repetition. Lift the weights slowly, concentrating on keeping the proper form and exhaling during the lift. Avoid letting the weight clang against the rest of the stack at the end of the repetition, because this annoys others. Wipe your sweat off the machine with your gym towel before leaving it. Watch yourself in the mirror. Resist the urge to jerk the weight to "get it started. Work with a spotter if you're going to lift heavy weights. Add weight to barbells or dumbbells without clanging the plates together. Rack the weights when you're done. Dry your sweat from the bench when you're done. Read the instructions carefully. Ensure you know how to turn the machine off quickly if you run into trouble. Start slowly and increase your speed once you're comfortable with the movement. Resist the temptation to talk to the person next to you. Decrease speed over several minutes at the end of your workout to allow your body time to cool down. Use your gym towel to clean your sweat off the machine. Limit your workout to 30 minutes if all the machines are in use, other members are waiting to use a machine or if the fitness center is crowded.

https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Friendship-After-a-Kiss

How to Maintain a Friendship After a Kiss

While it can be tough to stay friends after an unexpected kiss, by talking about it, agreeing how to move forward, and acting normally, you'll be on the right track. It may be awkward, but talk to your friend about the kiss and listen to what they have to say, since you won't be able to put it behind you without talking about it. After you've discussed your feelings, agree with your friend about what you want your friendship to be like. For example, you may agree to no more kissing or less physical contact. Make sure to continue communicating with your friend after your initial talk, because one or both of you may still have feelings about the kiss. Although it's perfectly normal to feel nervous or awkward after a kiss, try to behave normally around your friend so you don't encourage them to see you as more than a friend.

Take a break if you feel you need one. For many people, it might be helpful to put a little distance between them and the friend they kissed, especially since this can reduce some of the tension or awkwardness. Taking a break might give you the strength and the perspective needed to continue the friendship. Make sure to tell your friend that you think a break would be good. If you just stop talking to them or seeing them altogether, they might think that you don't want to be friends anymore. Before taking a break, discuss with your friend how it'll work. You might decide to not talk or hang out in person, but still text, or you may decide to take a break entirely. It's up to you. Talk about it. The first thing you should do after the kiss is talk about it. Talking about what happened is the first step in making sure you can maintain your friendship. Ultimately, your discussion will let you both agree upon how you want to act and how you want to proceed. Share your feelings about what happened. Say something like, "I feel we really need to talk about what happened." Discuss your concerns about what it means for your friendship. Say something like, "I'm worried that the kiss might hurt us as friends." Let each other know if you have deep and sincere feelings that go beyond friendship. If either of you do, it is best to know how the other feels. This way you'll both move forward as friends with full knowledge of how the other person feels. Come to an agreement. After you've talked about the kiss, you should both come to an agreement about how you want to handle it and move forward. Coming to an agreement will enable you both to know how you should both act. In your agreement, you should both try to come to an understanding about how you want to move forward as friends. Try to agree upon how you'll handle the kiss in terms of telling other friends. Try to agree upon how you'll want to maintain the relationship going forward. Try to establish some boundaries, like no more kisses or less physical contact. Continue to communicate. While your initial conversation might have solved a lot of problems and set the tone for a continued friendship, one or both of you might still be confused about your relationship. At the same time, one or both of you might still have some feelings for each other. This is why it is essential to continue communication in order to avoid confusion. Continue being open and honest about your feelings. Say something like, "I think we should be completely open about how we feel about the kiss and each other." If your friend wants to talk to you, encourage them to do so. If it works for your relationship, talk about your feelings on a regular basis. This could be weekly, or it could be more frequent. Abide by your understanding. After you've communicated, come to an agreement, and worked out any confusion, you need to abide by the understanding you've both come to. This will prevent any awkward situations. Try to internalize what your friend said in your prior conversations. If you've both agreed to just “be friends,” then you should both act as friends would. If you still hold feelings for your friend, resist the temptation to act on them. Remember, you both came to an agreement to be friends. If you both wanted to enter a relationship, you would have agreed to do so. Remember that the kiss was a one-time thing. Your goal is to be friends. Act as normal as you can around the person. Acting normal is key to maintaining your friendship. If you act awkward or treat your friend differently, it could endanger your relationship. There is no need to act all nervous afterwards or avoid the other person. It happened normally, so act normally. If you're nervous or feel awkward around your friend, talk to your friend about it. Being nervous or feeling awkward after a kiss is normal. Try taking a few deep breaths and remind yourself that the nervousness or awkwardness will fade with time. Stay friends. Perhaps the most important thing you need to do to stay friends is to do just that — stay friends. If you stay friends, and try to act the way you did before the kiss, your chances of maintaining the friendship are relatively high. Continue to talk to your friend as this includes confiding and sharing your feelings and thoughts as you did before Continue to do things together. You should try to continue doing the activities you did together before the kiss. Continue to view each other as friends. If you don't view the person as a friend anymore, there will be no way to stay friends. Avoid sharing information with others. An important thing to remember is to avoid sharing information about the kiss with other people. Sharing details about the kiss, or telling others about conversations you've had about it, will only endanger your relationship. Remember, the kiss and the post-kiss conversations were done in trust. By not sharing, you'll eliminate the possibility of gossip that could hurt or offend either of you. Avoid involving others in the post-kiss discussions. It is best to deal with the situation by yourselves. The only way you should tell others about the kiss or the post-kiss conversation is if both of you agree to do so. Resist the urge to be jealous. Ultimately, one or both of you might wind up in a relationship shortly after your kiss. While it is perfectly natural to feel a little bit jealous of the other person's new squeeze, you need to keep those feelings in check and resist jealousy as much as you can. In the end, being jealous or resentful will only undermine your friendship. Don't act out or be passive aggressive toward your friend after they've entered a new relationship. Tell yourself that you want your friend to be happy. If their new partner makes them happy, this should make you happy. Treat your friend's new love interest as a friend as well. Being mean will only endanger your relationship If you have any concerns or issues with your friend's new love interest, it is best to keep the thoughts to yourself or to discuss it with your friend. Maintain activities with mutual friends. An important part of staying friends is that you need to continue your relationship in the context of your social circle. This means that you should continue to do things with each other and with your other friends. Continue to do the same activities you've done before. If this includes going to the movies together (with other friends), do so. Don't try to win over or steal a friend in order to get someone on your side if you think the friendship is going south. If you were the one who previously invited friends to certain activities, continue to invite everyone and don't exclude the person you kissed.

Take a break if you feel you need one. Talk about it. Come to an agreement. Continue to communicate. Continue being open and honest about your feelings. Abide by your understanding. Act as normal as you can around the person. Stay friends. Avoid sharing information with others. Resist the urge to be jealous. Maintain activities with mutual friends.

https://www.wikihow.com/End-a-Cover-Letter

How to End a Cover Letter

To end a cover letter, start with a formal and appropriate closing word or phrase, like "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "All the best," followed by a comma. Then, add a handwritten or digital signature on the next line down, and type your full name on the line under your signature. Finally, include your phone number and email address underneath your name.

Get a little more personal. Think deeply about why you want this job. What true statement can you make about why you think this is the right place for you to work, and why the company should hire you? Authenticity is key when it comes to helping your cover letter stand out from everyone else's. There's no need to get too personal or emotional, but a heartfelt line about why you're right for the job is appropriate. Saying something like "The chance to join your office would be a tremendous opportunity" isn't going to hurt your chances. Consider including a highlight or two from the previous paragraphs. What information from your cover letter most qualifies you for the job? The final paragraph is your last chance to proclaim how perfect your skills are for the company to which you're applying. Don't just repeat the same information, though. Be a bit more specific about the experience or qualifications that make you right for the role. You might refer to the mission of the company. This is a good strategy because it demonstrates you understand what the company does and that you want to be a part of the organization. Referencing the company's outstanding reputation does not hurt your changes either. Some people also take a risk and add some flair to their cover letter ending. If you're going to crack a joke or use colorful language, you stand the chance of turning off the potential employer. But on the other hand, being funny might be just the ticket. No matter what, make sure your cover letter's ending matches the overall tone of your cover letter. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and confidence. The conclusion is your opportunity to repeat your excitement about the job and your ability to do the job well. For example, you might write: “I am very excited about the opportunity to make an immediate and valuable contribution to your company.” Reiterate how you will contribute to the company. Remind the employer how your skillset will transfer to the company and be put to use. What will you bring to the company? Focus on how the company will improve by hiring you, rather than how you will benefit. For example, you might write: “My professional skills in marketing, coupled with my passion for your products, will enable me to help grow the business segment.” Mention any enclosures. Your application may require that you send a resume, writing samples, or other materials with your cover letter. Mention that you are enclosing them in the envelope or attaching them to the email you're sending. "My resume is enclosed" or "I am enclosing my resume" are both fine ways of putting it. If you are including recommendation letters that will be sent separately by your references, you might write: “Recommendation letters from Dr. Patricia Smith and Dr. Joseph Johnson will arrive under separate cover.” Ask for an interview. Most applicants don't explicitly state that they would like an interview for a job. But some experts think that you're more likely to get an interview if you ask for one. For example, you can write: “Please call me at (your phone number) to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.” Outline the next step. Depending upon the contact information you have for the company, write that you will follow up next week with a phone call or email to ensure your application was received. Tell the employer that you can also answer any preliminary questions at that time. Include this kind of action that you'll be taking in order to demonstrate initiative. This will also help move your application forward. For example, write: “I will follow up my application with a phone call next week.” It is very important that you follow through on the promise you make in your cover letter. If you say you're going to follow up on your application, do so. It is also important to note if a company requests no phone call inquiries. If this is the case, email instead. Thank the employer. Always thank the reader for her time and consideration. It shows that you are polite and respectful of her time, something of great value in a busy work environment. Choose a closing word or term. When you're writing a business letter, your closing word or term options are limited, but you should still choose carefully. Be sure the closing is in keeping with the tone of your letter and appropriate for the type of company to which you're applying. "Sincerely," and “Regards,” are old standards that are fine to use for any employer. "Best regards," or "All the best," are commonly used in business situations these days, and both are safe bets. "Warmly yours," or "With gratitude," are less common, but if you know the person who is reading your letter, you might choose one of these options. Don't use them if you're writing to someone you've never met. Capitalize only the first word in the phrase, and end the phrase with a comma. Type and sign your name. Leave four lines blank and then type your name. If it's appropriate, include your title as well. Include your signature above your typed name. Sign with a good quality pen in blue or black ink. If you are sending an electronic cover letter, it's still a good idea to include your written signature. You can create a digital signature by signing a piece of paper, scanning it into the computer, and creating a digital image file. Paste this image into the signature area of your letter. Add your phone number and email address. Include your phone number and email address again underneath your name. While you have included your contact information in the header of your cover letter, you should repeat this information so the employer can find it easily. It's especially important to include a contact number or email address if you have written more than one page. Then, your number will be right next to your name and will be easily found. Make note of enclosures under the signature block. For a formal business letter, you need to tell the reader that the letter has enclosures. You should make mention of them within the body of the letter, but you should also make note by typing “Enclosure” or “Encl.” underneath the signature block. Standard business letters typically describe each enclosure: “Enclosures (2): Resume, Writing Sample.” Proofread your letter. It is essential to ensure that your cover letter is free from errors. You will not convey that you have attention to detail and professionalism if your cover letter has spelling and/or grammatical errors. Carefully comb through the letter for mistakes. Ask someone else to read through your letter as well. This person might catch an error that you didn't see. Convert your file to a PDF. Many job applications require that you send the letters via email or through a job application website. It's a good idea to convert a word processing document to a PDF. This way, you will embed all formatting and your document won't risk looking incorrect when it's opened. Send your cover letter in the manner requested. The employer will specify how she wants to receive materials. This may be in hard copy through the mail, or through a job application website, or via email. Whatever the delivery method, be sure to follow the employer's instructions closely. If you are sending the job application via email, you can choose to either include your cover letter in the body of the email, or you can include it as an attachment. If you do attach it as a separate document, write a brief cover letter in the body of the email to explain yourself briefly.

Get a little more personal. Consider including a highlight or two from the previous paragraphs. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and confidence. Reiterate how you will contribute to the company. Mention any enclosures. Ask for an interview. Outline the next step. Thank the employer. Choose a closing word or term. Type and sign your name. Add your phone number and email address. Make note of enclosures under the signature block. Proofread your letter. Convert your file to a PDF. Send your cover letter in the manner requested.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Urine-Smells-from-a-Pet

How to Remove Urine Smells from a Pet

If your pet smells like urine, you can get the smell out by washing it with a pet-safe shampoo. You may need to bathe your pet with shampoo a couple of times to fully get the smell out. If your pet regularly smells like urine, or you notice a change in its toilet habits, it might have a medical problem that's making it hard to control its bladder. In this case, take your pet to the vet so they can check it over and see what's going on. Your vet may recommend medication or dietary changes, depending on the problem.

Purchase a pet-safe shampoo. Removing the urine smell from your pet will require giving him a good bath. When you are at the pet store, you may not find a shampoo that is specific to removing a urine smell. Fortunately, a thorough cleaning with a mild, good-quality shampoo will likely be effective in getting the smell out of your pet's skin and fur. Deodorizing shampoos are available that contain baking soda or citrus to neutralize bad odors. Oatmeal- or aloe vera-containing shampoos are usually a good choice, since they will not dry out your pet's skin. If your pet has a skin condition (e.g., allergies, dry skin), your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that is specific to your his medical needs. Do not use a human shampoo (even baby shampoo). Although human shampoo is not toxic to your pet, it can contain ingredients or fragrances than can irritate his skin. In addition, human shampoo has a pH that could lead to a skin reaction. Consider purchasing a pet-safe conditioner that will help replenish the natural oils in your pet's skin and coat. Purchase a brush. If you do not have one already, purchase a brush from your local pet store. The brush will be needed to smooth out your pet's coat before bathing him. The type of brush you need will depend on the texture of your pet's coat. The staff at your local pet store can help you pick out the type of brush that would work best for your pet. For your cat, a metal comb and a bristle or rubber brush are useful for smoothing her coat and removing dead and loose hair. If your dog has a short and smooth coat, bristle and rubber brushes will loosen and remove dead skin and dirt. If your dog has long hair, slicker and bristle brushes are most useful. Gather together several towels. You will probably need at least a few towels for the bathing process. If you are bathing your pet in your tub, you will need to put a towel in the bottom of the tub to create a non-skid surface. At least one or two more towels (depending on your pet's size) will be needed to dry off your pet after his bath. Super-absorbent towels are available at your local pet store. If you have a cat or very small dog, he's probably small enough to be bathed in your sink. However, since he smells like urine, it is advisable to bathe him in your bathtub instead of your kitchen sink. Pet-specific blow dryers are available at your local pet store if you prefer to dry your pet with a blow dryer. They can be especially useful for long haired pets. Make sure that your pet is comfortable with the noise of a blow dryer before using it to dry him off. Organize all of your supplies. Dogs and cats are not particularly fond of being bathed. The experience will be even less enjoyable for them if you have to keep running back and forth to get the shampoo, towel, etc. Having everything in one place will make the bathing process easier for you and more tolerable for your pet. In addition to the aforementioned bath supplies, you may also need some cotton balls that you would place in your pet's ears to keep protect them from water. A small washcloth will be needed to clean your pet's face. Pouring or spraying water directly on your pet's face would be a very unpleasant experience for him. Nail trimmers could also be helpful if you want to trim your pet's nails before you bathe him. Trimming your pet's nails may keep you from being scratched when you are bathing your pet. It is important not to get shampoo in your pet's eyes, so you may want to consider purchasing an pet-safe eye ointment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on which ointment to purchase. If you are bathing your pet outside, you may want to purchase a pet-specific tub (available at your local pet store) or kiddie pool to set him in. If you are bathing your pet in your tub, it would be helpful to place a piece of steel wool in the drain to keep his fur from clogging your drain. Keep plenty of treats on hand. The treats will help your pet make a positive association with bath time. Bring your pet to the bathing area. If you have a dog, it is important not to call him to where you are. He will be expecting something positive when he comes to you, and may be very disappointed that you called him for something as unpleasant as a bath. It is preferable to either pick him up and carry him to the bathing spot (if he's small enough), or walk him there. You can pick up your cat, but he may run and hide from you if he knows that you are about to give him a bath. Entice him out of his hiding spot with a treat. Do not be surprised if your pet becomes resistant once he realizes where he is going. If this happens, do not raise your voice. Be gentle yet firm with him, since bathing him will be necessary to remove the urine smell. Once you get to the bathing area, it may be helpful to give your pet a treat or two. If you are bathing your pet in the tub, place a towel in the tub before he gets in. Brush your pet. Brushing your pet will remove any tangles or matted fur. Doing this before you bathe him is very important—trying to brush through tangles or mattes is next to impossible when your pet's coat is soaked with water. Start from your pet's neck and slowly work your way down to his tail. Trim your pet's nails. If your pet's nails have not been trimmed in a while, your pet could easily use his nails to scratch you while you are bathing him. If you are comfortable with doing so, trim your dog's or cat's nails. If you have to use styptic powder on any of the nails to stop bleeding, wait until the bleeding has stopped before bathing him. Place cotton balls in your pet's ears. Keeping water out of your pet's eyes, ears, and face will be important when you are bathing him. If your pet will let you, place one or two cotton balls in each ear. If he doesn't like having cotton balls in his ears, use extra care to avoid getting water in his ears. Remember to take the cotton balls out of his ears when you have finished bathing him. Get your pet completely wet. If you are using a hose or handheld shower head to bathe your pet, make sure that the water pressure is not too forceful. You can also use a large plastic pitcher to pour water over him. If you are giving your pet a bath inside, make sure that the water is no hotter than lukewarm. You may not be able to adjust the temperature of the water if you are bathing your pet outside. To get your pet comfortable with the sensation of getting wet, put the water on his back and shoulders first. Once he has relaxed, wet his neck and work your way back to his tail. Shampoo your pet. Place a generous amount of shampoo in your palm and use your fingers to gently work the shampoo into your pet's coat and skin, starting from his neck and working your way back. By working back from his neck, you will prevent any fleas from moving up his body towards his face and head. You will probably need to shampoo your pet more than once to get the urine smell out. Keep in mind that shampoo has the tendency to strip the skin and coat of natural oils, so you do not want to shampoo him too many times. Use a washcloth dampened with plain water (no shampoo- bold) to wash your pet's face. Talking with your pet in calming voice and offering him occasional treats will help make the bathing process more enjoyable for him. Be careful not to get the shampoo in your pet's eyes. Rinse your pet completely. Shampoo residue can make your pet feel itchy, so you want to make sure that you rinse out all of the shampoo before drying him. If you are bathing your dog, be mindful that your his hair is thicker than your own, so you will need to take extra time to work your fingers through his hair when rinsing out the shampoo. You will know when you have rinsed out all of the shampoo when you no longer see any suds in the water that you are using to rinse him. Consider giving your pet a quick sniff after you have finished rinsing him to see if you can smell urine. If you still smell urine, consider shampooing and rinsing him again. If you placed a piece of steel wool in the bathtub drain, remove and discard the steel wool after you have finished rinsing him off. Dry your pet. If you are bathing your cat, wrap her snugly in a towel and dry her off in a warm, draft-free location in your home. You may need more than one towel to dry off your dog, depending on his size. If you know that your dog is going to want to shake as soon as you finish rinsing him off, you can try gently holding his muzzle with your thumb and forefinger—a dog cannot shake his body if you hold his muzzle still. You can let go of his muzzle once he is at least somewhat dry. If you are using a blow dryer to dry your pet, set it on one of the cooler settings to prevent thermal damage to his skin. Your dog may be tempted to bolt and rub on something (e.g., furniture, carpet, ground) as soon as you have finished drying him off. Consider keeping him in a relatively confined area, such as the kitchen, until he is completely dry. Give him plenty of praise. Reward your pet with a generous amount of positive reinforcement. This can be a combination of treats, new toys, verbal praise, and extra playtime. Observe your pet's urinary habits. Your pet could smell of urine because of medical problems that make it difficult for him to control his urination, such as urinary incontinence or a recurrent urinary infection. For example, your cat may continually urinate outside of litterbox because of a urinary infection that makes it unable for him to get to the litterbox in time. Your dog may not be able to hold his urine until you can take him outside for a walk, which may cause him to urinate inside the house. Take your pet to the veterinarian. If you clean your pet but notice that the smell of urine keeps coming back, and see a change in your pet's urinary habits, it is time to take your pet to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Your veterinarian can perform various diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork and a urinalysis, to determine the cause of your pet smelling like urine. If your cat has arthritis, he may smell like urine because his arthritis prevents him from adequately grooming and cleaning himself. An obese cat would also be unable to groom and clean himself. Follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your pet with a urinary tract infection, he or she will likely recommend an antibiotic to clear the infection. If your cat is arthritic, your veterinarian will probably recommend an anti-inflammatory medication to help ease the joint pain. More complicated medical problems, such as kidney failure, may require more extensive treatment and dietary changes.

Purchase a pet-safe shampoo. Purchase a brush. Gather together several towels. Organize all of your supplies. Bring your pet to the bathing area. Brush your pet. Trim your pet's nails. Place cotton balls in your pet's ears. Get your pet completely wet. Shampoo your pet. Rinse your pet completely. Dry your pet. Give him plenty of praise. Observe your pet's urinary habits. Take your pet to the veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian's treatment recommendations.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Plant%E2%80%90Based-Diet

How to Start a Plant‐Based Diet

You can start a plant-based diet by making gradual changes to what you eat, such as eating 1 plant-based meal a week or 1 plant-based meal a day. To help you make these changes, try modifying meals you already enjoy. For example, you could eat oatmeal with almond milk instead of cow's milk for breakfast or a vegetable curry with chickpeas instead of chicken for dinner. If you're used to eating a lot of meat, look for good substitutes like grilled portabella mushrooms for a burger, or tofu and tempeh for chicken. Similarly, you can substitute dairy products with almond milk, soy milk, and cashew cheese.

Visit your doctor or dietitian to make sure a plant-based diet is right for you. Before making any significant change in your diet, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor or registered dietitian. They can provide advice on meal plans, vitamin supplements, or lifestyle changes. These may be tailored to your particular level of fitness and health. Create a 7-day meal plan. If you know exactly what you're going to eat when you begin your new diet, you'll be less likely to stray. Write down a menu of what you are planning to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert every day. For example, for breakfast, you might eat oatmeal with a little bit of almond milk poured over it. For lunch, you might plan to eat a salad with tomatoes, onions, and olives. For dinner, you might write that you are having vegetable curry. If you know you are going out one night, pick your meal in advance from your written menu. Buy whole foods when you go to the store. Whole foods are raw items that haven't been cooked yet. These include apples, bananas, spinach, and celery. Avoid buying prepackaged, processed foods, like chips, frozen meals, and sauces, as much as possible. You do not need to stop buying meat immediately. Avoid buying meat on a whim, however. Buy only the foods needed for your weekly meal plan. Make a grocery list ahead of time and don't stray from it. Start by going meatless 1 day of the week. Meatless Mondays are a popular way to begin a plant based diet. You can choose any day of the week, however. Whichever day you pick, do not eat any meat on that day. If you eventually want to go vegan, don't eat any animal products that day. Make changes 1 at a time. Making small changes in your diet will help you be more successful in the long run. You can start by eating fruit for a snack or by excluding animal products from your breakfast. Once this is a habit, move on to your next goal. When going out to eat, try to choose vegetarian options over ones with meat in them. For example, you could get a salad, eggplant parmesan, or a veggie burger. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert every night, you might start to eat fruit or a piece of dark chocolate instead. Don't give up the things you love at the beginning. If you're not ready to give up bacon, for example, try a simpler swap instead. Substitute vegetables for meat in meals. Many meals can be just as delicious without meat. You can try removing meat entirely from your favorite recipes or replacing them with a vegetable. Grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms make for a delicious entrée. You can take out the beef from chili. Add extra beans or use a vegetarian beef substitute. Tofu and tempeh are great substitutes for chicken. You can use them in stir fry, salad, or tacos. Eat a veggie burger instead of a beef burger. You can buy frozen veggie burgers or make your own. Look for plant-based sources of protein. Many people worry that they won't get enough protein on a plant-based diet, but there are many great sources of protein found in plants. Some good sources of protein include: Green peas Peanut or almond butter Chickpeas Beans Seitan, tempeh, or tofu If you are not on a vegan diet, you can still consume eggs and dairy as a source of protein. Choose high-fiber foods to keep you full. If you don't feel full or satisfied after a meal, you might start to snack or crave unhealthy foods. For each meal, make sure that you have at least 1 high-fiber ingredient to keep you full between meals. Some high fiber foods include: Legumes, including lima beans, black beans, lentils, and kidney beans. Whole grains, such as seeded breads, oatmeal, or quinoa. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, and swiss chard. Eat fruit or raw veggies as a snack. This is healthier than eating processed foods, such as chips, cookies, or crackers. There are many delicious plant based snacks, such as: Apple slices Carrots and hummus Roasted nuts Edamame Toasted pumpkin seeds Replace milk with non-dairy alternatives. If you want to eliminate dairy from your diet as well, you do not have to give up your favorite milk-based meals. Try using almond, soy, coconut, rice, or hemp milk instead. There are also non-dairy substitutions for yogurt, ice cream, and coffee creamer. Non-dairy milk may not work as well in baking. They can be used, however, in hot drinks, cereal, oatmeal, curries, mac and cheese, and smoothies. You can find non-dairy cheeses in your local groceries. These are usually made from nuts. Eat more dark greens to get enough calcium. If you are cutting out dairy, you may be missing out on an important source of calcium. Fortunately, there are some great plant based sources as well. Turnip greens, collard greens, kale, and broccoli are all rich in calcium. You need at least 500 to 700 mg of calcium a day. You can also get calcium-fortified soy milk, tofu, cereals, and juices. Consume legumes and leafy green vegetables to get iron. To prevent iron deficiency (also known as anemia), you should make sure that you are getting enough iron. Lentils, peas, spinach, and iron-enriched grain products can all help you get the iron you need. Iron is most easily absorbed from animal sources. This means that if you are on a meatless diet, you will need to consume twice as much iron from plant sources as you normally would from animal sources. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, can help your body absorb iron more easily. Men need about 8 mg of iron a day while women need 16 mg. Take supplements for B12 if you’re on a vegan diet. B12 can only be found in animal products. If you have cut out all animal products from your diet, you may need to take a supplement to get this important vitamin. You can get B12 supplements from drug stores, health food stores, and grocery stores. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Track what you eat every day in a diet journal. This will help you avoid developing a deficiency. Use an online nutritional tracker, such as Super Tracker, or an app, such as MyFitnessPal or LoseIt. Plug in what you have eaten that day. It will calculate what nutrients you have consumed. You can also keep your own private journal. You will have to look up the nutritional content of each food you ate, however. Visit your doctor. If you are worried about vitamin or mineral deficiencies, visit your doctor. They can do blood tests to check for any potential health problems. They may also provide some advice as to how to adjust your diet to enough vitamins and minerals. Mention any fatigue, weakness, clumsiness, dizziness, or tingling sensations to your doctor. Disorientation or personality changes can also be signs of nutritional deficiency.

Visit your doctor or dietitian to make sure a plant-based diet is right for you. Create a 7-day meal plan. Buy whole foods when you go to the store. Start by going meatless 1 day of the week. Make changes 1 at a time. Substitute vegetables for meat in meals. Look for plant-based sources of protein. Choose high-fiber foods to keep you full. Eat fruit or raw veggies as a snack. Replace milk with non-dairy alternatives. Eat more dark greens to get enough calcium. Consume legumes and leafy green vegetables to get iron. Take supplements for B12 if you’re on a vegan diet. Track what you eat every day in a diet journal. Visit your doctor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Pest-Control-Specialist

How to Become a Pest Control Specialist

Being a pest control specialist means working independently, interacting with a variety of people, and spending a lot of time outdoors. Before you start tackling the specific requirements, you'll need to make sure that you have a high school diploma or GED and a good driving record. Once you have these two prerequisites, complete a pest control training program through a local community college, technical center, university extension program, or pest control training center. Training can typically be completed in 3 months or less. After you finish your formal training, get on-the-job training through your employer. You'll likely work as an apprentice and be supervised by a licensed specialist during this time. Once you finish this program, you can take your certification exam. While some states only require a written exam to become certified, others require an oral exam or a practical exam, so make sure to check your state's guidelines.

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for most pest control jobs. As a pest control specialist, you will need to have good basic skills in math, writing, and chemistry. Knowing the identity and biology of pests is important for this career as well.. Have a good driving record. Pest control specialists drive to different locations throughout the day. Most companies require their employees to have a good driving record. Avoid getting any driving violations (e.g. speeding tickets, car accidents, parking tickets) and address any violations that you may have on your driving record. If you are unsure about your record, order a copy of your driving record from your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Talk the DMV about ways to improve your record such as taking a driver safety course. Complete a pest control training program. You can receive pest control training through community colleges, technical centers, university extension programs, or pest control training centers. Make sure the school is recognized by your state pesticide regulatory board.Your initial training will be classroom instruction only and will prepare you for an entry-level position as pest control technician. During pest control training, you will learn about rodent control, termite control, pesticide use and safety, and fumigation. To be a pest control specialist, you really have to understand the science and biology of pests That way, you can inspect a situation and think about the best course of action.. Training can usually be completed in 3 months or less. Receive on-the-job training. After you have completed a pest control training program, you will undergo hands-on training through your employer. You will likely work as an apprentice and be supervised by a licensed specialist. After you complete your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to sit for your certification exam. Some employers offer both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. You will not need to attend a pest control training program if you get a job at one of these companies. Large companies are more likely to offer this. The amount of on-the-job training you need will vary based on the state you plan to work. Check the requirements in your state before you begin training. Become certified. You must be licensed to work as a pest control specialist. This process often requires candidates to pass written examinations before becoming licensed. Some states require an oral exam, and still others require practical examinations. These tests cover a variety of pest and pesticide knowledge, including the ability to diagnose situations properly and prescribe appropriate pest control solutions. Visit the National Pesticide Information Center website to get contact information for your state pesticide regulatory agency. Find a job. Pest control specialist jobs can be found through online job boards, company websites, and through your pest control training school. The National Pest Management Association maintains a list of pest control companies that may be hiring. You can also access their career center as well to look for jobs. Advance your career. A pest control technician is an entry level position. Once you become certified and have more experience, you can become a pest control applicator. You will have to take another exam to become a certified applicator. After several years of experience as an applicator, you can become a certified supervisor. You will have to pass an exam for this position as well. Check with your state regulatory agency to determine the experience and licensing requirements for each level. Complete continuing education. The pest control management field is constantly changing. Animals become resistant to certain pesticides. Technology in the field changes. Companies are looking for environmentally friendly solutions. Participating in continuing education will keep you up-to-date on all the changes in your field. Continuing education is usually required to maintain your certification. Check with your state to determine the requirements. Know the risks. Working with pesticides is risky because you are being exposed to chemicals on a daily basis. Most pesticides have signal words that let you know how toxic they are. "Caution" indicates lower toxicity products. "Warning" indicates medium toxicity products. "Danger" indicates high toxicity products. While you may not suffer health consequences immediately, long term exposure to pesticides is associated with negative health effects (e.g. cancer, liver problems, reproductive issues). It is important that you take measures to limit your risk as you do your job. Minimize your exposure. Always read the directions on the label for any pesticides that you use and wear your Personal protective Equipment (PPE). When you get home from work, take your shoes off before you go inside, take a shower, and wash your clothes. If you are ever concerned about your work environment or have questions, call the NPIC at 1-800-858-7378, email npic@ace.orst.edu, or contact your state regulatory agency. Identify the pest. Before you can implement a strategy to get rid of a pest, you have to know exactly what you are dealing with. Are you dealing with roaches, rodents, or some other insect? What type of environments do these pests like to live in? What do the pests like to eat? Are the pests attracted to wood or certain fabrics? Integrated Pest Management focuses on preventing and managing pests in the most cost-effective and environmentally safe way. Understanding the type of pest you are dealing with is the foundation for the management plan you will develop. Also note the time of year it is, the weather conditions, and the characteristics of the damage that the pest has caused when you are doing your evaluation. Use non chemical methods to remove the pest. Pesticides are not the only option for dealing with pests. Prevention, cultural controls, physical and mechanical controls, and biological controls are options as well. You will probably have to combine some of these methods to manage the pests. Cultural controls are things you can do to prevent pests from entering the area. These include watering and fertilizing plants , using pest resistant plants, and having good sanitation habits. Physical and mechanical controls include using barriers, using heat treatments, and knocking pests off of plants by spraying water. For instance, if a home is having a rodent problem, you might inspect the roof, windows, and doorways for any small entry points the rodents could be using to get in. Biological controls include using insecticides that kill the target but not other beneficial insects and utilizing natural enemies of the target pest. A natural enemy is another organism that kills or eats the target pest. Try pesticides. If non-chemical methods do not work, use pesticides to take care of the pest. Choose the most effective, yet least toxic pesticide. Only treat the area where the pest has been found. By knowing the life cycle of the pest, you can administer the pesticide when the pest is most vulnerable. To treat a large infestation, like an ant problem, try using a bait that the insects can carry back to their nest. You can combine pesticide treatments with some of the other non-chemical methods. Once you have gotten rid of the pests, continue using non-chemical ways to prevent the pests from coming back.

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Have a good driving record. Complete a pest control training program. Receive on-the-job training. Become certified. Find a job. Advance your career. Complete continuing education. Know the risks. Minimize your exposure. Identify the pest. Use non chemical methods to remove the pest. Try pesticides.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Morning-Stiffness-in-Senior-Dogs

How to Deal with Morning Stiffness in Senior Dogs

To deal with morning stiffness in your senior dog, place its food and water dishes on the same level that it sleeps on so it doesn't have to climb any stairs for breakfast. If your dog is large, put the bowl on a raised platform so it doesn't have to bend down to eat. Additionally, cover laminate floors with non-slip runners, since your dog may slide on slippery surfaces. In order to ease its stiffness, try giving it fish oil or glycocerine supplements, which can improve joint health. You should also take your dog for a walk every day, which will benefit its joints and overall health. Once you reach an open space, like a park, play a game of fetch with its favorite toy to improve its flexibility and circulation.

Keep food and water dishes within easy reach. If your dog is stiff in the morning, don't force them to climb up or down stairs in order to get breakfast. Place the dishes on the same level of the house that the dog sleeps on. By the time doggie has had a bit to eat and walked around a bit, they should have worked a bit of their stiffness out. Use raised bowls. Larger dogs might develop stiffness in their necks as they get older. In order to help them during breakfast, place their food and water dishes on a low platform or step-stool. The raised dishes should be at the level of their mouth. This will save them the trouble of needing to crane their neck downwards to eat. Give your dog a helping hand. If your dog needs help jumping up on furniture or on the bed in the morning because it is too stiff, help your dog up. Lift your dog gently by cupping it beneath its “armpits” – the spot where its front legs and body meet. You might also place a low stepping stool in front of couches or bed in order to enable your dog to climb onto them itself. Always be gentle with your dog and respond to any signals it gives that you're pulling too hard. If your dog yelps or cries out, don't insist on pulling your dog up onto furniture. Cover slippery floors. Old dogs may have trouble walking steadily on laminate or linoleum floors. Provide non-slip runners for your dog to walk along. Keep your dog warm. Drops in temperature can affect the joints of older dogs more than younger dogs. Place an electric blanket or heating pad beneath your dog's bed at night. Keep the setting as low as possible at first. Gradually increase the temperature until you see a reduction in your dog's stiffness in the morning. If you notice your dog sleeping elsewhere, rather than its normal bed where the heating pad is under it, you probably have the electric blanket or pad turned up too high. Reduce the temperature to a comfortable level. Likewise, if your dog is getting up in the middle of the night, or going back and forth between its bed with the heat source beneath it and another, cooler area of the house, you should turn the heat down. Don’t let your dog sleep outside. Some dogs love spending all their time in their doghouse. But as your dog ages, it might become more susceptible to dips in temperature that never bothered it when it was younger. Insist that your elderly dog sleeps inside in order to prevent the cold from leaving your doggie stiff in the morning. Provide a soft, warm bed so your dog doesn't miss the doghouse. Provide the right bed. Memory foam beds are best for dogs that have problems with mobility. They provide extra support for sore joints and ensure your elderly dog gets the best night's rest it possibly can. Memory foam dog beds are available online and in most pet stores. Keep your dog lean. If your dog is too fat, it will have trouble moving and experience inflammation of the joints, which limits mobility in mornings. Carrying around a lot of extra pounds is hard on the skeleton and joints. Plus, obesity in dogs (as in people) also leaves them open to a host of other maladies, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Overweight dogs will suffer from stiffness. But your dog should also not be too skinny. The ideal dog weight is one in which you can feel the ribs, but they are not poking out. Your dog's abdomen should appear tucked – not hanging – when viewed from the side. Add supplements. Supplements that improve joint health can help relieve your dog's morning stiffness. They are available in oral, liquid, and (with a veterinarian prescription) injectable forms. Fish oil – used to improve joint support – is one of the most common doggie supplements. Other popular supplements the provide similar effects include glucosamine and chondroitin, which are often available in one combination supplement. Hyaluronic acid can also help lubricate joints for increased morning mobility. Always follow manufacturer directions when administering supplements. Only give your dog as much as is appropriate based on its age and weight. Don’t assume a senior dog food is best for your dog. Most dog food manufacturers offer dog foods designed specifically with older dogs in mind. These dog foods might have lower calorie counts per serving, or have increased levels of fiber. But these dog foods are not necessarily what your dog needs. If your dog remains active into its golden years, it might need a regular, higher-calorie dog food. Ask your vet about recommendations regarding its diet. Talk to your vet. Your vet might have specific recommendations about your pet's diet based on its health history and species. Explain the situation to your vet and let them know what you feed your dog. Ask, “Do you have any recommendations about what I should be feeding my dog to reduce its morning stiffness?” Take your dog walking. A daily walk will help your dog stay fit and trim. Strap on the leash and take your dog around the block. Or you could head to your local park and give your dog a chance to encounter some new sights and smells. Proceed slowly at first, but don't let your dog linger or walk lazily. The more intense your dog's walk, the better the benefits you will both reap. Don't push your elderly dog beyond what it is capable of. If your dog starts to slow down noticeably, reduce your pace and head for home. Play with your dog. Games and play are great for keeping your elderly dog active. For instance, toss your dog's favorite toy or ball across the room. Better yet, head outside to a space where your dog has lots of space to run about. After tossing the toy, encourage your dog to bring it back to you. Repeat several times until your dog is tired. This simple game will improve your dog's circulation and flexibility, leading to less morning stiffness. Playing with your dog is good for its mental and emotional health. Go for a swim. When your dog is swimming, the water's buoyancy lifts and supports your dog, allowing it to move about more freely than it would otherwise. Take your doggie to the lake or a slow-moving stream or river for a fun summer outing that can improve your dog's mobility. Make the exercise fun. Let your dog know before heading out to play or go for a walk. For instance, say “Walk?” repeatedly to your dog in an excited voice before heading out for a walk. Pet your dog lovingly as you say it. Over time, your dog will come to associate this word and the subsequent walk with the good feelings it has due to being paid attention and petted. After your walk is finished, pet your dog several more times and say “Good boy/girl” affectionately. Talk to your vet. The first course of action when dealing with stiffness in dogs – no matter the time of day – should be to talk to your vet. Your vet might be able to recommend solutions or managements techniques specific to your pet based on its health history and species. Your dog might be able to prescribe medication for your dog to help it cope with the stiffness in its joints. You should already have a vet for your older dog, but if you don't, check online veterinary organization databases. The American Animal Hospital Association, for instance, has a searchable list of animal treatment centers at https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx. Try surgery. If your vet thinks it is appropriate, you might be able to improve your dog's morning stiffness through surgery. Canine surgeons can provide added stability to joints and remove bits of bone that may have chipped off over time. Smaller dogs might benefit from having certain leg joints fused, or having the top portion of upper leg bones removed. Talk to your doctor to determine if your dog needs surgery. Try massage therapy. Dogs, like humans, can benefit tremendously from a good massage. Take your dog to a trained animal masseuse and explain that it experiences stiffness in the morning. Your dog might benefit from a good massage. Ask the masseuse for tips about how you might be able to provide a simple massage to your dog in the morning in order to reduce its stiffness. If possible, sit by and carefully watch the pet masseuse as they massage your doggie. Massaging your dog yourself can not only save time and money, but provide a great opportunity to improve the bond between you. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture – the application of needles to various points on the body – isn't just for people. This traditional Chinese health practice can make your dog more mobile and active in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Contact some traditional Chinese medical specialists and ask if they perform acupuncture on dogs. If they don't, ask them if they know of another acupuncturist who does. Try hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is the application of assisted swimming in order to help dogs keep their muscles and joints active. Dogs can more easily move around in water than they can on land because in water, they float. While floating, stress on joints and muscles is reduced. A hydrotherapy session might use underwater treadmills or jet pools in order to help your dog improve use of its limbs and stay limber. Ask your vet for recommendations of doggie hydrotherapy centers near you.

Keep food and water dishes within easy reach. Use raised bowls. Give your dog a helping hand. Cover slippery floors. Keep your dog warm. Don’t let your dog sleep outside. Provide the right bed. Keep your dog lean. Add supplements. Don’t assume a senior dog food is best for your dog. Talk to your vet. Take your dog walking. Play with your dog. Go for a swim. Make the exercise fun. Talk to your vet. Try surgery. Try massage therapy. Try acupuncture. Try hydrotherapy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Trap-a-Snake

How to Trap a Snake

To trap a snake, use a glue trap, which uses bait to entice a snake inside where it will get stuck on the glue strip. When you're ready to release the snake, pour oil over it to release it from the glue. Alternatively, if you have numerous snakes to deal with, try a minnow trap. Put a few eggs inside the wire mesh, and when the snake crawls in, it won't be able to find its way out. Whichever trap you use, place it in an area where you've seen snakes, like the garden, basement, or attic, and check it daily so you can release the snake immediately.

Identify the snake if you can. If you've already spotted the snake (or snakes) you intend to trap, it's a good idea to identify the species so you know what you're getting into. This will help you pick out the right trap and decide how gingerly you need to treat the snake once it's in your care. You can trap venomous snakes on your own, but you should take extreme caution when doing so. If you have kids and pets around and are worried that someone might get bitten, you can always call animal control to come and catch the snake for you. There are four types of venomous snakes in North America: rattlesnakes (common in the Western states and identifiable by their rattles), copperheads (copper and black-striped) water moccasins (found in rivers and streams in the Southeastern US) and coral snakes (extremely rare snakes with a brightly-colored coral pattern). Rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins are all pit vipers, and they share a few characteristics: they have thick bodies , triangular heads that are larger than their necks, and vertical pupils instead of round ones. Most snakes you'll encounter in the backyard or basement are nonvenomous and completely harmless. Finding a 5-foot king snake in the basement will almost certainly be alarming, but they pose no danger to humans or pets. Nonvenomous snakes do not have rattles, and they have round pupils. Common nonvenomous snakes you might encounter in a home environment include king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, gopher snakes, milk snakes and corn snakes. Get a glue trap. This is the most common type of trap used to catch snakes, and it's both effective and humane. Traps come in small or large sizes, and they generally look like boxes that you set up where you commonly see the snake you're trying to trap. Snake traps usually come with bait already installed to lure the snake inside. When the snake crawls in, it will get stuck to the glue lining the floor of the trap. When a snake is caught, you open the trap and pour oil over the snake so it can get loose and glide away. You should be able to find a glue snake trap in your local home and garden supply store. Make sure to pick out a trap that's big enough to contain the snake. There are several different glue trap brands, but they all work essentially the same way. The trap itself might be made of either heavy duty cardboard or plastic. Some traps are reusable, while others are single-use. Some let you release the snake, while others are designed to let you throw the snake away without opening the trap. Try a minnow trap. This is a good alternative if you have a lot of snakes to deal with and you don't want to have to purchase new glue inserts for a glue trap. Minnow traps are made of wire mesh and are cylindrical in shape, with holes at either end that invert inside the trap. Just put a few eggs inside to use as bait. The snake will crawl into one of the holes to get the eggs, but it won't be able to find its way out. Minnow traps are pretty inexpensive and easy to come by. Look for one at your local fishing supply store. The only drawback to using a minnow trap is that you have to bait it yourself, and it's a little more difficult to deal with the snake once you catch it, since the snake can crawl away as soon as you open up the trap. For this reason a minnow trap is probably best used to catch nonvenomous snakes. Set the trap in a strategic place. Whichever trap you use, set it up in an area where you've seen snakes before. Common places to set up traps include garden areas, the basement, the attic, or the chicken coop. There's no need to camouflage the trap - just set it up in an area that's highly trafficked by snakes. Make sure the trap is firmly closed when you set it. If you're using a glue trap, be sure the latch that closes the box is clasped. If you're using a minnow trap, set it up so that the cylinder is resting on its side, and place the eggs in the center of the trap. Check the trap often. Once you catch a snake, you'll want to deal with it as soon as possible. Don't let it die in the trap. This is both inhumane and unsanitary, since the snake will quickly begin to rot. Check the trap every day to see if you've caught something. If you're using a glue trap, you might be able to open the top of the box to see if there's a snake inside. Be very careful when you're undoing the latch. You can also tell by lifting the trap to see how heavy it is. If you're using a minnow trap, the snake will likely be in plain view, coiled around the eggs, patiently waiting for you to release it. Don't attempt to touch the snake. If you're really familiar with snakes, and you know that what you've caught is a garter snake or another nonvenomous snake, you might be able to get away with touching it. But if you're at all unsure what type of snake you've caught, don't take the chance. Wild snakes don't much like to be handled, anyway. Gently carry the entire trap to your vehicle and put it in the trunk or another enclosed area so you can transport it. Don't shake the trap or poke at the snake. Handle it with care. You might want to keep small children and pets away from the trap while you're handling it, just to be on the safe side. Drive at least a mile from your house. If you let the snake go too close to your house, it will find its way back to its home territory. Release the snake at least a mile from your home if you want to make sure it doesn't come back. However, if you trapped the snake in your house and you don't mind if it lives outdoors in the yard, you can just walk outside to release it there. Go to a natural area without many residences nearby. The snake will have the best chance at surviving without disturbing other people if you release it in a natural area. Go to a state park or another area without a lot of people living close by to release the snake. This way it won't end up in someone else's garden. Free the snake. Freeing a snake is not usually dangerous; in most cases, the snake will be happy to slither away and leave you alone. But just in case, wear long pants and gloves when you're freeing the snake. Watch the snake carefully and be ready to move out of the way if it decides to strike. Depending on which kind of trap you used, there are two different ways to free a snake: If you used a reusable glue trap, unlatch the lid of the box and open it up. Pour vegetable oil over the snake's body, making sure to cover the entire are that's attached to the glue. The trap is designed so that the snake will be able to wiggle free from the glue once the oil gets between the snake's skin and the bottom of the trap. By this time you should be standing a fair distance from the trap so you aren't blocking the snake as it leaves the scene. If you're using a minnow trap, put on a pair of heavy gloves, since you'll have to get a bit closer to the snake (though you still won't have to touch it). Carefully open the two sides of the trap to separate them at the middle. Leave just enough space for the snake to crawl out. Move away so you aren't in the snake's path when it crawls out. Kill the snake only as a last resort. All snakes, even venomous snakes, play an important role in their ecosystems and should be released if possible. But if the snake is venomous and you're concerned that someone could get harmed by it, you killing it might be the answer. If you used a cardboard glue trap, you can just put the whole thing in a garbage bag and seal it up. If you use a minnow trap, you can place the entire trap underwater for a few hours before opening it. Consider letting nonvenomous snakes stick around. While it can be surprising to encounter a snake while weeding your garden or walking around your yard, having a snake around isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, you should be proud - a good snake population in an area is a sign that the ecosystem there is healthy. In addition, snakes play an important role in keeping other pests, like mice and rats, from taking over. So if a snake isn't eating your chicken's eggs or otherwise being a bother, consider sharing your yard with it instead of trapping it and moving it elsewhere. Rat snakes and gopher snakes are especially beneficial to have around. They're as good as cats for keeping the rodent population down. King snakes go one step further and eat rattlesnakes. In fact, if you get rid of a king snake, the rattlesnakes are more likely to move in - and then you'll have a much more serious problem on your hands. Make your yard less hospitable to snakes. If you don't like snakes, a great way to keep them away is to make your yard less snake-friendly. Snakes hang out in areas that are a little unkempt and wild. They like tall grass, brush piles, wood piles, and other sources of shelter. To make your yard less inviting, do the following: Mow the lawn regularly. Get rid of piles of rocks, leaves, brush, bricks, or anything else that a snake could use as shelter. Keep your rodent population down by cleaning up acorns, sealing your trash, and removing other sources of food for rodents. Seal your house. If you've been finding snakes in your attic or basement, look for cracks and holes that might be letting them in. Make sure the doors and windows are sealed around the edges. Screen the chimney, vents, and any other spots that could serve as an entryway for a snake. Try snake repellent. Snake experts seem to agree that most repellents aren't effective, but they might be worth a try if you've exhausted other ideas. Try putting one of the following substances in your garden, chicken coop or wherever you have a snake problem: Spray a solution made with fox urine around the perimeter of your property. Some say that snakes are deterred by the smell of their predators' urine. You can find this solution in home and garden stores. Try putting rags soaked in ammonia around the yard. This substance is said to repel snakes and other animals. Put human hair clippings around your garden. The smell of the hair is said to keep snakes away.

Identify the snake if you can. Get a glue trap. Try a minnow trap. Set the trap in a strategic place. Check the trap often. Don't attempt to touch the snake. Drive at least a mile from your house. Go to a natural area without many residences nearby. Free the snake. Kill the snake only as a last resort. Consider letting nonvenomous snakes stick around. Make your yard less hospitable to snakes. Seal your house. Try snake repellent.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Triops

How to Care for Triops

To properly care for Triops, fill a tank with.5 to 1 gallon of spring water for each animal. Use a heat lamp and a thermometer to keep the water between 72° and 84°F, and line the bottom of the tank with soil, gravel, or sand. About once a week, clean the tank by taking out about 25% of the water and replacing it with clean spring water. If your Triops are fully-grown, or more than 7 days old, feed them about 1 pellet of Triops food twice a day.

Fill a tank with .5 to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 L) of natural spring water per Triops. Pour the water into an empty, clean aquarium or fish tank. Measure out the right amount based on the number of Triops you currently have or expect to have after hatching. Use natural spring water, which has calcium to help the animals grow. You can also use tap water, as long as it's been treated to remove all chlorine, which is toxic to Triops. Do not use mineral or distilled water. The mineral level in mineral water is too high, whereas distilled water doesn't have enough calcium for the Triops. Place a heat lamp above the tank to keep the water between 72 and 84 °F (22 and 29 °C). Because Triops need warm water to hatch and thrive, set a lamp over the top of the tank to maintain a mild water temperature. Position either a fluorescent or incandescent light about 12 inches (30 cm) above the water. Put an aquarium thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature. If the tank is sitting somewhere in the sun or in a warm room, you may not need the light to heat the water. Add substrate to the tank if you'd like to recreate their natural habitat. Line the tank with soil, gravel, or sand so the Triops can dig around. Fill the bottom with about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of your chosen substrate to protect any larvae and prevent the Triops from mistaking the eggs for a snack. You can buy the substrate at a pet store or from an online retailer. Wash the substrate with plain tap water before putting it in the tank to remove any potential chemicals or dirt. Choose plants carefully if you want to add decoration. While Triops don't require any plants or extra items, like large stones or fake castles, in their tank, you can put some in if you'd like it to look more appealing. Only use plants or decorations that are safe for aquarium use, however, so you don't accidentally poison the Triops. Never put things you find in nature, like a rock or a log, in the tank as they can contain harmful bacteria. Change out about 25% of the water in the tank once a week. To keep the water fresh, replace about 1/4 of it on a weekly basis. Scoop it out with a cup or bucket, then pour clean, natural spring water in. Be careful not to scoop up the Triops with it! Do not use soap when cleaning your tank. It's poisonous to Triops. If you notice any algae growing, which will look like green fuzz on the inside of tank, transfer the Triops to another container and wipe down the tank. Then, fill it with fresh water and put the Triops back. Buy a Triops kit from a pet store or online retailer. Select a kit that contains at least the Triops eggs, food, and care instructions. You can also find kits that come with a tank, thermometer, or dish for hatching the eggs. Most kits cost between $10 and $20. Sprinkle about 20 eggs into the tank. Out of these 20 eggs, you'll likely only get 1 to 3 Triops. Make sure that the eggs, which are as small as a grain of sand, go into the water and don't accidentally blow away or get stuck on the edge of the aquarium. Most kits come with around 40 to 60 eggs, so you can have 2 to 3 hatching cycles. You can also hatch your Triops in the small dish provided with the kit. To do this, simply place the eggs in the dish, then transfer the Triops to the larger tank after they hatch. Wait 1 to 4 days for the eggs to hatch. After you sprinkle the eggs into the water, expect them to hatch between 24 and 96 hours later. Look closely, as newborn Triops are so small, they're almost invisible to the human eye for the first few days. If you're hatching the eggs in the fall or winter when it's colder, it can take an additional 3 to 5 days for the Triops to hatch. Feed the Triops once a day starting on the 2nd day after they hatch. Wait 2 days after the Triops hatch to start feeding them. Crush 3-5 pieces of Triops food using a spoon and sprinkle it into the tank. If your kit didn't come with Triops food, you can use green algae powder instead. Always crush the food for the first 7 days, which is how long it takes the Triops to become full adults. Until they're adults, they can't eat regular-sized food. Increase the amount of food to 8 to 10 pieces on the 3rd day. For the 2nd feeding, crush 8 to 10 pellets and sprinkle them into the tank. Do this only once throughout the day. Be careful not to overfeed the Triops. Wait until all of the food from the 1st feeding is gone before you add more. Continue gradually increasing the amount of crushed food. Measure the amount of food using the spoon provided in the kit or with a teaspoon. On day 4, for example, crush enough food to fill 1 spoon if you have 5 or less Triops or 2 spoons if you have more than 5 Triops. For days 5 and 6, feed 1 spoonful twice a day for 5 Triops or less and 2 spoonfuls once a day for more than 5. On day 7, feed 2 spoonfuls twice a day for 5 or less and 4 spoonfuls once a day for more than 5. Feed each Triops about 1 pellet twice a day starting on the 8th day. Once the Triops are fully grown after day 7, give them uncrushed food 2 times a day. Space out the feedings so that all of the food from the 1st feeding is consumed before you give them more. If your Triops only eats 1 pellet a day instead of 2, that's okay. Just avoid giving them more than they can eat or the uneaten food will mold in the tank. If you run out of Triops food for your adult pets, use high-quality pellet fish food. Supplement your Triops' diet with protein if you want them to get bigger. To grow larger Triops, give them 1 teaspoon (6 g) of protein in the form of insect larvae, brine shrimp, or fish. Feed this to the Triops no more than 2 times a week. Make sure you cut up the food into the smallest pieces possible so it's easy for the Triops to digest them.

Fill a tank with .5 to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 L) of natural spring water per Triops. Place a heat lamp above the tank to keep the water between 72 and 84 °F (22 and 29 °C). Add substrate to the tank if you'd like to recreate their natural habitat. Choose plants carefully if you want to add decoration. Change out about 25% of the water in the tank once a week. Buy a Triops kit from a pet store or online retailer. Sprinkle about 20 eggs into the tank. Wait 1 to 4 days for the eggs to hatch. Feed the Triops once a day starting on the 2nd day after they hatch. Increase the amount of food to 8 to 10 pieces on the 3rd day. Continue gradually increasing the amount of crushed food. Feed each Triops about 1 pellet twice a day starting on the 8th day. Supplement your Triops' diet with protein if you want them to get bigger.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-Air-Purifier-for-Allergies

How to Choose an Air Purifier for Allergies

To choose an air purifier to help with your allergies, search online for purifiers that have an “Asthma and Allergy Friendly” certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. This certification signifies that the air purification system won't just redistribute pollutants, but will actually reduce them. When you look at different products, read customer reviews to get a better idea of how effective each purifier will actually be. You should also look for a purifier that has an easy-to-change filter, low-noise system, and a servicing indicator that let's you know when the filter needs replacing.

Choose a room air purifier. This is your only option for an air purifier if your home doesn't have forced-air heating or cooling. These range in weight from 10-20 pounds, have a handle for moving, and stand on the floor or table in the room of choice. They generally cost less than whole-house models, ranging anywhere from $60 to a couple hundred dollars. Room air purifiers require annual replacement of the filter that captures airborne particles responsible for allergies. Over time, this expense can approach the cost of the air cleaner itself. Some newer models have cleanable and reusable HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Air purifiers and filters can be purchased at your local department store or hardware store. Opt for a flat, whole-house air filter. This is an inexpensive option which works with your house's built-in heating and cooling unit. You simply replace your furnace's filter with your filter of choice. Filters come in four different varieties: flat filters, extended media filters, electronic filters, or ultraviolet filters. Replacement is required every 1-3 months. These are considered the most efficient way to filter household air because as long as the fan is running, the system is continuously filtering the air in your home. Your house's current heating and cooling system contains a flat filter that is used to protect your furnace from large particles of dust. Replace it with a pleated filter that attracts allergens like pollen and pet dander. They cost about $15 and should be replaced every 2-3 months. Try an extended media filter. An extended media filter is a whole-house filter piled in the shape of an accordion. Its shape makes it more effective than fiberglass filters. The filter is built into your home's ductwork, and requires professional installation. Media filters range in price from $400-$600, and the filters, which should be replaced annually, cost $40-$60. The pile of filters makes it more effective than flat fiberglass filters in catching allergens and air pollutants. Consider electrostatic precipitators. Also known as electronic filters, these filters put a high voltage charge on particles to attract them like a magnet. Electrostatic precipitators are built into the ductwork of your home and cost anywhere from $600 to $1000 installed. Electronic filters will never need to be replaced but wash the collector plates require in soapy water every few months. Ionization, or the process of charging particles, has been known to create trace amounts of ozone and cause lung irritation. The electric charge is also responsible for attracting allergens like pollen and pet dander. Avoid a dedicated ozone generator. Ozone generators are a type of room purifier which emit small amounts of ozone by design. Manufacturers suggest that the byproduct reduces allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen and mold. However, studies have shown that these claims are inaccurate, that packaging by manufacturers is misleading, and that the emission of ozone can cause health hazards. The state of California has banned the sale of ozone generators due to health concerns. Ozone generators are typically purchased for places where ozone is needed, such as places where there is gaseous pollution. They should not be used to remove allergens such as dust, mold spores, pollen, or bacteria. Consider the size of the purifier. When choosing an air purifier you have to consider the size of your household or office. Air purifiers range in size from some that are compact and portable to some that take up a lot of space. Always get one that is made to operate in a space that is slightly larger than yours actually is. This will help to guarantee that the machine will be capable of removing allergens and emitting fresh and clean air. Opt for a HEPA filter. HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air) are the most effective at capturing air pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. The HEPA filter guarantees that 99% of these contaminants are completely filtered. It is the model most recommended by doctors. The HEPA filter can be vacuumed meaning that it only has to be replaced every 5 years as opposed to every few months with other filters. It is important for those with allergies to avoid purchasing just any air purifier or vacuum cleaner. Ensure that you are purchasing a “true HEPA” by checking the particulate size noted by the manufacturer on the box. Make sure it has a servicing indicator. The indicator is a light that lets you know when it is time to clean or replace your filter. Whether it's a room purifier or a whole-house model, ensure that your purifier has a service indicator to make sure the air cleaner works effectively. Search for a low-noise system. Air purifiers can be noisy, particularly when they operate on the highest setting (the setting on which most manufacturers test their devices). Look for a system with quiet operation functions or choose a model designed for a larger area so it will clean better even at lower, quieter speeds. Look for easy-change filters. Search for an air purifier that requires no tools to remove the filter for cleaning or replacement. Look for a system that contains a pop-out door that allows the filter to be easily pulled out for replacement. The average person may put off changing a filter due to the difficulty or tediousness of the task. Look for the airflow rating or air change rate. Manufacturers list the airflow rating in CFM or cubic feet per minute. The airflow rating is a measurement of the air change per hour (ACH) or how many times the unit purifies the room during one hour. Look for a purifier that has 4-6 air exchanges per hour, or once every 10-15 minutes. The manufacturer's ACH rate is usually calculated at the maximum operating speed for the maximum room size. Running on maximum speed usually means a noisier air purifier. If you prefer to run your machine at a lower speed, oversize your purchase by 20-40%. Look for an efficiency rating certified by the AHAM. The clean-air delivery rate (CADR) measures the volume of air filtered and delivered by an air cleaning system. In short, it measures how quickly it can remove airborne pollutants. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers certifies the CADR of air purifier systems. A system with a CADR above 350 is excellent while anything below 100 is poor. The CADR measures how quickly the system can remove smoke, dust, and pollen. Smoke ranges from 10-450, dust from 10-400, and pollen from 25-450. The higher the number, the faster the machine. Search for an “Asthma and Allergy Friendly” certification. The “Asthma and Allergy Friendly” endorsement is a fairly new certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. This certification signifies that the air purification system won't just redistribute pollutants, but will actually reduce them. In order to meet specifications of the program, the air cleaner must reduce bio-allergen levels as a result of removal (and not just re-distribution, and must not contribute to ozone levels. This Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification was started in 2006 and the program independently tests consumer products. A list of certified devices can be found on the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Program's website. Read consumer reviews. Online consumer reviews are often helpful in determining whether products are as effective as they claim to be. Reading consumer reviews can address certain features that may not be discussed by the manufacturer such as lifespan, ease of changing the filter, effectiveness towards specific allergies, and more. There are many website, such as Consumer Reviews, that provide reviews and buying guides for consumers.

Choose a room air purifier. Opt for a flat, whole-house air filter. Try an extended media filter. Consider electrostatic precipitators. Avoid a dedicated ozone generator. Consider the size of the purifier. Opt for a HEPA filter. Make sure it has a servicing indicator. Search for a low-noise system. Look for easy-change filters. Look for the airflow rating or air change rate. Look for an efficiency rating certified by the AHAM. Search for an “Asthma and Allergy Friendly” certification. Read consumer reviews.

https://www.wikihow.com/File-Your-Nails

How to File Your Nails

Before filing your nails, cut them short if they are on the longer side, unless you want square-shaped nails. To start filing, hold the file parallel to the side of your nail and file from the side to the center. As you file, be sure to keep the file flat against the nail tip to reduce the risk of breakage. To finish the nail, hold the file parallel to the opposite side of the nail from where you started. After you're done, get rid of any filings attached to your nails by flicking the nail file upwards from under your nail tips, then apply cuticle oil and moisturizer.

Wash your hands. Before you file your nails, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of any film or oil that will disrupt your filing. Thoroughly dry your hands. Make sure your hands and nails are dry before you begin. Liquid can dehydrate nails and make them more prone to breaking while filing. Choose a nail file. While there are several types of nail files you can choose, emery boards are both affordable and effective. Try using a file with a softer grit of around 180-200 to keep the edges from looking rough or scraggly. If you want to use a separate file to finish your nails, choose one with a high grit, around 300-600, to get the smoothest edge. Coarse grits, around 80-100 grit, should only be used with acrylic nails. If you use them with natural nails, they will tear up your nails. Avoid metal files as they can also tear up your natural nails. Glass, or crystal, files are very effective and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Decide on your nail shape. There are many nail shapes to choose from, but the most basic shapes are oval, square, and almond. Deciding what shape you want will depend on what your preference is and what kind of nails you have. Oval-shaped nails are a great shape for growing out and maintaining your nails. It's the most functional since your nails will be least likely to break off in this shape. Oval-shaped nails are symmetrically round at the tip. This type of nail gives an elongated, feminine look. Square-shaped nails are a great statement and work well with people who have long nails. The square shape comes from filing the nail straight at the tip all the way across the nail. Almond-shaped nails are great for making your fingers look more slender. The shape mimics the curve at the base of your nail. Have short nails that can't be shaped? It's no big deal. Use what you've got to work with and apply cuticle oil to them every night to help them grow for future shaping. Cut your nails before you begin. If your nails are on the longer side, cut them down taking into consideration the nail shape you want. If, for example, you want square-shaped nails, you shouldn't cut your nails much, if at all, since square-shaped nails require longer fingernails. You can cut your nails a little shorter if you desire an oval-shaped nail. However, be sure to cut your nails in that oval shape. If you're aiming for almond-shaped nails, cut down the sides of your nails more than the tip. Hold the file parallel to the side of the nail. Hold the file parallel to the side of the nail when beginning your filing. This will prevent breakage. Be sure to not file too far into the side of your nail. If you do, this can make your nails more susceptible to breakage. File by moving from the side of the nail to the center. It's important to file your nail from the side to the center in one direction using a fluid motion. This will ensure that your nail is smooth, and not jagged. You should never “saw” your nails back and forth with a nail file. This will cause peeling and breakage of the nail. Hold the file flat against the nail tip. When filing your nails from the side to the center, you should always hold the nail file perpendicular to the tip of the nail. This will prevent weakening the nail while filing. Filing at an angle from above can cause the nails to thin. If your nails are already thin, hold the nail file flat to your nail, tilting it to file from slightly underneath your nail. Finish filing by holding the file parallel to the other side of the nail. Move the file from its perpendicular position at the tip of the nail to the opposite side of the nail from which you began. Make sure that you hold the file parallel to the side of the nail. Lift the file away from your nail for another pass. Since you should never “saw” your nails back and forth, lift the file away from your nail and return to the side of the nail for another pass. Remove any nail filings still attached to the nail. If you've got some nail filings still attached to your nails, remove them by placing the tip of the file underneath your nails and flicking upwards. Buff your nails. Give your nails a shine by buffing them after you finish filing. This will help show off your newly shaped nails! You can purchase a buffer at any beauty supply store. Apply cuticle oil and moisturize. Regularly apply cuticle oil to your nails and keep your hands moisturized to ensure healthy nails. Everytime you wash your hands, you should apply cuticle oil and moisturizer. Keeping your cuticles moisturized will help prevent hangnails. Keep cuticle oil and moisturizer next to the soap at your sink as a reminder to apply regularly. File your nails every couple of weeks. Only file your nails once every two to four weeks. Filing your nails too frequently can damage them as they won't have time to grow properly.

Wash your hands. Thoroughly dry your hands. Choose a nail file. Decide on your nail shape. Cut your nails before you begin. Hold the file parallel to the side of the nail. File by moving from the side of the nail to the center. Hold the file flat against the nail tip. Finish filing by holding the file parallel to the other side of the nail. Lift the file away from your nail for another pass. Remove any nail filings still attached to the nail. Buff your nails. Apply cuticle oil and moisturize. File your nails every couple of weeks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-With-a-Calligraphy-Pen

How to Write With a Calligraphy Pen

To write with a calligraphy pen, start by taping a piece of paper to your writing surface so it doesn't slip around while you're writing on it. To make a straight, downward stroke, hold your calligraphy pen so it's perpendicular to the top of the page. If you want to make a curved stroke, hold the pen at a 45-degree angle. Apply more pressure to the pen if you want your strokes to be thick, and ease up on the pen if you want them to be thin.

Understand the four most common types of calligraphy pens. Each pen has a different type of ink, and ink is one of the most important elements of writing calligraphy well. Choosing a calligraphy pen is a highly personal decision, as the ink must be suitable for calligraphy, the pen must fit your hand well, and you must be comfortable writing with it. There are four types of pens that are considered ideal for calligraphy, including: Felt tip pens: These are good for beginners, as they are cheap, easy to use, and do not require you to prepare the ink before use. However, felt tip pens tend to run out of ink fast and the ink can soak through the paper or your writing surface. These pens are good for practice, but should not be used for important documents or works of art. Fountain pens: These are commonly used by intermediate and advanced calligraphers. These pens contain changeable nibs and ink cartridges. The ink feeds into a nib and is fed on to the page via the slit in the nib. Dip pens: These pens are used by advanced calligraphers, but they can be used by beginners with patience and practice. Dip pens consist of three components: the handle, nib-holder, or shaft, which is what the calligrapher grips when she writes, the nib, which is usually made of metal and has a slit which releases the ink, and the reservoir, which is the small cup or depression that feeds the slit. Some reservoirs sit on the top of the nib and some sit underneath the nib. The reservoir holds a small supply of ink for the nib so you can write several lines or letters before replenishing the ink. Brush pens : These pens consist of a thin brush, between 6mm to 20mm wide, with a head made of nylon or sable. The brush head should be made of short and stiff bristles to give you more control over the lines, as you will need to dip the brush into the ink to write. Writing calligraphy with a square brush is different than using a pen with a nib, as the brush will respond to pressure by producing a thicker line and the brush will make a scratchy or lined look when it starts to run out of ink. These pens are also messy to use for beginners and may be more challenging than using felt pen or a fountain pen. Try one to two different pens at a time. Choosing the right calligraphy pen may be a process of trial and error. Pick two different pens, for example, a felt pen and a fountain pen, to get a sense of how each pen writes. You may also want to narrow down your choices by thinking about how messy you want the writing process to be, and how simplified you would like your calligraphy set up to be. A brush pen, for example, will require preparing the ink and constant dipping in the ink as you write. But it may write smoother lines than a felt tip pen, which requires no preparation but may not write as smoothly. If you are deciding between a fountain pen and a dip pen, keep in mind dip pens give you more freedom to choose nibs, inks, and different holders or handles. However, they can be messier and more temperamental than a fountain pen. A fountain pen, or another cartridge filled pen, will be less messy and more convenient, as you do not need to prepare ink before you write. But you are limited to only certain kinds of inks and nibs when you use a fountain pen and fountain pens will be less flexible to write with than a dip pen or a brush pen. Buy the ink for a dip pen or a brush pen. If you are using a dip pen, or a brush pen, you will need to purchase the ink for the pen. Use calligraphy ink, rather than fountain pen ink. Calligraphy ink is more viscous and will cling to the nib better, which will give you more control over the ink as you write. Look for thicker inks like India ink or Chinese stick ink. Avoid India inks that contain shellac, as this substance dries quickly and can damage the nib in your dip pen or brush pen. Many brush pens and dip pens will come in sets that contain the ink and the nib. Get ink cartridges for a fountain pen. Many fountain pens will come with ink cartridges and nibs recommended by the manufacturer. Start with the manufacturer's recommendations when you first start writing calligraphy. Some pens may also have converters so you can use different inks in the pen once you get comfortable with basic fountain pen ink. Fountain pen ink is thin so it will not clog the pen as you write, but the nib unit in more fountain pens is rigid, so it will not be as flexible as a dip pen or a brush pen. Other fountain pens may be piston pens. These come with an internal converter so you can dip the pen in the ink and basically have the pen suck the ink into the "cartridge". With piston pens, you do not need to invest in ink cartridges or a converter. Choose a nib for your pen. Fountain pens, dip pens, and brush pens use nibs to hold the ink in the pen and provide a supply of ink as you write. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to literally dip your calligraphy pen into a pot of ink. This will lead to blots and uncontrolled ink flow. Instead, invest in a nib. There are two types of nibs: Italic nibs: These nibs are usually used to write styles like Gothic and Italic in calligraphy. Italic nibs have a blunt edge and are rigid, so they are not very flexible and don't allow you to vary your lines or strokes when you write. Flex nibs: Most calligraphers use flex nibs. These nibs are rounded with two tines that end at a point. The more the tines' split on the nib, the wider the line width available on the pen. You must apply pressure as you write to separate the tines and create wider or thinner lines. Load the fountain pen with the ink cartridge. Your fountain pen will consist of three components: the cap, the nib, and the barrel. You will need to load the ink cartridge into the nib to get ink flowing in your fountain pen. To do this: Remove the cap and then remove the barrel from the nib by turning it clockwise. Insert the cartridge into the nib by pushing it firmly on the non pointed side of the nib. Once the cartridge is attached to the nib, you will hear a small click. You can switch between bottled ink and ink cartridges with a fountain pen as you get more advanced in your calligraphy writing. Use an eyedropper to put ink in the reservoir of the dip pen or the brush pen. Due to the nature of dip pens and brush pens, you will need to reload the reservoir on the pen with ink after several letters or words. To put ink in the reservoir: Hold the pen horizontally in your writing hand. Use your other hand to dip the eye dropper into the pen ink so there is several drops in the dropper. Apply ink from the dropper into the reservoir on the pen. Continue to hold the pen horizontally so you do not get any ink spots on your paper or your hands. Put the dropper on a saucer next to the ink. You will need to reload the pen again after a few minutes of writing. Test the ink-flow of the pen on a piece of scrap paper before you practice calligraphy on your main piece of paper. Write on fountain pen paper, not regular office paper. Low quality paper that is thin, like office paper, will cause your ink to bleed all over the paper and will likely ruin your calligraphy. Look for paper that is fountain pen friendly at your local craft store. Most fountain pen friendly paper will be thicker and of higher quality to prevent ink bleeding or feathering. When you are first learning how to write calligraphy, you may want to use practice sheets with lines and margins. You can access a practice sheet here and print it out on thick paper. This will help you get used to writing within certain guidelines so that as you continue practice, you can write on calligraphy paper with no lines. Use a sloped writing surface for dip pens or brush pens. These pens work well if they are writing on a sloped surface, like an angled writing desk, an easel, or a board on your lap that is sloped against the edge of a table. Always use a stable writing surface that cannot slide or shift. You should also adjust your seat so you are at a comfortable working height over the writing surface. Keep the calligraphy ink within reach of your non-writing hand, as well as the eye dropper, so you can re fill the nib of the pen easily. You should also have a small saucer for resting the brush in case you need to leave your work area. This will ensure there are no splotches on your paper or your hands. Fasten the paper to your writing surface. Use masking tape or paper clips to keep the paper flat against the writing surface. A shifting paper can lead to blotches and broken lines when you are practicing your calligraphy. If you are using a practice sheet of paper with lines, you may want to place another thicker piece of paper under it so the ink does not soak through your writing surface. You may also want to place a guard sheet under your writing hand so the oils from your hand do not absorb into the paper or get onto your calligraphy. Do a basic downward stroke. Hold the pen so it is horizontal to the top writing line. This is a zero degree nib angle. Keep the nib flat to the paper as you make a vertical downward stroke on the paper. Maintain equal pressure as you make the downward stroke. You should have a downward stroke that shows the thickest downstroke possible with your pen. To get the thinnest stroke, pull the pen horizontally across the paper from left to right. Make thick downward strokes and thin horizontal strokes to form the boxes. This will help you get a sense of how much pressure is needed to make thick strokes and thin strokes with your pen. Use your arm, rather than your wrist, to write with the pen. This will help your arm stay steady and give your writing flow. Make upward strokes. Adjust your pen so you are holding it at a forty-five degree angle. Use the boxes you drew as a marker. Forty-five degrees is halfway between o and 90, so cut one side of the box in half and place your nib parallel to that diagonal line. Practice making upward strokes with your pen at a forty-five degree angle, starting at the bottom line on the paper. Apply various amounts of pressure for each stroke. The more pressure you apply on the pen, the thicker your strokes will be. Thinner strokes are created with less pressure on the pen as you make the upward stokes. Do a sawtooth pattern. Use the lines on the paper to create a jagged pattern that will help you practice angling the pen. Keep your pen at a forty-five degree angle. Make diagonal upstrokes that are thin and vertical downstrokes that are thick. You should form a sawtooth like pattern. Lift your pen every third stroke and do one downward stroke and then one upward stroke. Continue to make sawtooth patterns for an entire practice sheet. Use practice sheets for different writing styles. Practice creating boxes and strokes with your pen until you feel comfortable with these basic lines. You can then move into writing script, such as letters and words, in calligraphy. There are several different writing styles, from Gothic to Italic to cursive writing. Each type has rules and guidelines for writing letters and words with a calligraphy pen. Print off practice sheets of each of these writing styles and practice each letter until you get comfortable enough to create short words and phrases.

Understand the four most common types of calligraphy pens. Try one to two different pens at a time. Buy the ink for a dip pen or a brush pen. Get ink cartridges for a fountain pen. Choose a nib for your pen. Load the fountain pen with the ink cartridge. Use an eyedropper to put ink in the reservoir of the dip pen or the brush pen. Write on fountain pen paper, not regular office paper. Use a sloped writing surface for dip pens or brush pens. Fasten the paper to your writing surface. Do a basic downward stroke. Make upward strokes. Do a sawtooth pattern. Use practice sheets for different writing styles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-the-Swelling-and-Redness-of-Pimples

How to Reduce the Swelling and Redness of Pimples

To reduce swollen and red pimples, hold an ice cube over them for a few minutes, which will contract the blood vessels under your skin so the pimples aren't as red and swollen. You can also try holding a steeped tea bag over the pimples since tea has anti-inflammatory tannins in it that can help reduce swelling. If you have some aspirin on hand, crush it up, mix it with water, and apply the paste to your pimples. After a few hours, rinse the paste off and your pimples should be less red and swollen!

Apply witch hazel to help with the redness and the swelling. Witch hazel is a plant that's often used as an astringent, meaning that is temporarily tones the skin. Yet witch hazel is also a common acne remedy for itching and redness relief. Although using witch hazel probably won't treat your acne, it definitely will soothe irritated skin and help minimize the appearance of the pimple. Witch hazel most often comes as an astringent. You can purchase witch hazel in a formula with or without alcohol (they usually come in solutions of about 14% alcohol), but it's recommended not to purchase witch hazel with alcohol. Alcohol has the ability to dry out and irritate skin. Use an ice cube. This short-term method helps if your acne is red and or painful. Use an ice cube which has been out of the freezer for a few minutes, and then hold it over the pimple to slightly reduce the swelling. The cold helps contract the blood vessels underneath the skin, minimizing the appearance and redness of the pimple. Use a soaked tea bag to cover the area. Let a tea bag steep in warm water for a minute; black tea helps especially. (You can drink the tea afterwards if you like for a healthy treat.) Take the tea bag out and squeeze most of the liquid from the bag. Then wait for the tea bag to cool down a little bit and place it gently on top of the pimple. Tea bags contain good amounts of tannins. These tannins help reduce swelling, and are often used topically to treat problems like puffy eyes. Try taking the ibuprofen substitute serrapeptase to reduce inflammation. Serrapeptase is a natural chemical taken from silkworms and officially classified as a dietary supplement. Serrapeptase reduces inflammation by breaking down proteins quicker and more effectively. Make a paste out of aspirin to reduce redness and swelling. Aspirin is a popular home remedy used to fight redness and swelling. That's because aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is a chemical used for minor pain relief and inflammation. The aspirin is supposed to reduce swelling while drying out the pimple, giving you an extra bang for your buck. Break the aspirin tablets up into a fine dust, and then mix with water, a few drops at a time. Add enough water to make it into a gritty paste. With a cotton swab or Q-tip, apply the paste to the pimple, covering entirely. Let the paste harden on the pimple and let stand for several hours. Many people choose to mix and apply the paste to the pimple right before bed, clearing the aspirin paste away in the morning when they wash their face. Try neem tree and tea tree oil to reduce swelling. Both these essential oils come from trees; they work to reduce swelling by fighting the bacteria that produce acne. While neem is sort of a cure-all for various diseases and maladies, tea tree oil is especially helpful in treating skin infections and disorders. Because both essential oils can be irritating in their pure form (there is too much of a good thing), dilute the oils in half with water before applying. Then use a Q-tip to dab the oil onto the pimple, letting stay for 10 to 20 minutes. Wipe off afterward. Try a clay mask. A clay mask is helpful in drawing out moisture from the skin, helping treat inflammation and draw puss out from the pimple. Pores can look noticeably smaller and tighter for many patients after the application of a clay mask. For best results, mask the entire face once a week and then spot-treat as necessary in between on problem pimples. Try lemon, cucumber, or tomatoes. This trifecta of natural ingredients has helped reduce inflammation for many patients seeking help at home. Though they all work differently, they're believed to fight acne with the same tenacity. Still, there is no scientific evidence that these natural ingredients can cure acne or reduce inflammation, so use it at your discretion. Cut off a slice of lemon and place it onto the top of the skin, over the site of the pimple. The citric acid in lemon juice is supposed to fight the bacteria of the acne and even help heal scars. Note that the application of lemon juice will sting. Cucumber is a known anti-inflammatory. Cut a slice of cucumber and place it over the site of the pimple. The cucumber should soothe the skin as it helps reduce inflammation. The mild acidity of tomatoes helps fight acne. In fact, many acne medications use vitamin A and vitamin C — sources of which are in tomatoes. Cut a slice of tomato and apply it over the site of the pimple, leaving for no longer than an hour. Determine your skin type. Everyone has a particular skin type: normal, dry, sensitive, oil or combination. Knowing your skin type allows you to find the right skincare products and create an effective treatment while minimizing irritation. If you don't know your skin type, you can ask a dermatologist, a make-up artist or an employee at a skincare/make-up store. They can test your skin and give you recommendations on skincare. Normal: barely visible pores, no sensitivity, good complexion. Dry: small pores, patches of red, less elasticity, dull complexion. Sensitive: you experience redness, itching, burning or dryness when exposed to an irritant. Oily: larger pores, shiny complexion, presence of blackheads, pimples and other blemishes. Combination: normal in some areas, dry or oily in others, especially in the T-zone. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Try to be as gentle as possible on the affected area and use warm, not hot, water. Brands such as Dove, Jergens and Dial make mild soaps that are designed to clear skin without further drying or irritating it. You could also use a facial cleanser with salicylic acid, a compound that helps remove and prevent acne. Wash with clean fingers and avoid irritants like buff puffs, loofahs, or cloths. Your hands are a perfectly acceptable way of washing your face. Anything else will probably irritate your skin more than it helps it. Moisturize. Moisturizing your skin is an important factor in keeping it irritant-free. Moisturizing regularly keeps your skin firm and healthy. For best results, moisturize after each time you wash your face, using a noncomedogenic moisturizer. "Noncomedogenic" simply means that it won't block your pores. Get a moisturizer or lotion that works for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, get a moisturizer that has 'oil-free' on the label. You don't have to use a moisturizer every twenty minutes, but it's good to have on hand if your skin got dry that day. This tends to be more of an issue in the winter because of the cold and the wind. Know that there are two kinds of basic moisturizers: gel-based and cream-based. Gel-based moisturizers work better for oily or combination skin, while cream-based moisturizers tend to work better on dry or sensitive skin. Stay hydrated. Drinking more water helps your body stay healthy and functioning at a high level. And drinking water means you're probably not drinking sugary drinks, such as juices, sodas, and energy drinks. Because, yes, there is growing evidence of a connection between what you eat and how much acne you get. Keeping your body hydrated in turn keeps your skin hydrated. This gives skin that plump, healthy look and feel. Be sure to wash off your makeup, if possible, before going to bed. Do not get lazy and leave it on. Makeup that is left on can clog pores and lead to more acne. If possible, keep some wipes next to your bed and use them when you feel too lazy to walk all the way to the bathroom to wash your face. Exfoliate once a week. This will help remove dead skin cells, soften skin and smooth out your skin tone. You can buy a scrub or exfoliant. Just remember that more is not always better. Exfoliating more than once a week can dry skin out and actually irritate it. Use an astringent. An astringent is a substance that firms and tones skin by tightening pores. While it's probably not great for your skin to use astringents too often, they can be good to remove oil and dirt before you wash your face. If you want to use a natural astringent, try rubbing lemon slices onto your skin, as mentioned above. Afterward, you rinse your skin and air dry or gently pat with a towel. This has the added benefit of leaving a clean aroma. If you use a strong astringent, make sure to apply a moisturizer to your skin to prevent over-drying. If you use lemon, be careful around your eyes. If you do get some of the juice in your eyes, stop and flush out your eyes with water for several minutes. Wear sunblock. While getting a little bit of sun is healthy, too much can create redness and irritation on your face. Also, UV rays can cause dark spots on your skin and put you at higher risk for skin cancer. Before you go out, try putting on a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or 45. Know that there is little need for products with a higher SPF; SPF 30 and 45 already block more than 90% of harmful rays. Recognize the different causes of acne. Teenagers and pimples stereo-typically go hand in hand, but pimples can be caused by several things. Some reasons include the following: Hormonal changes: this can be from going through puberty, taking certain drugs, being on birth control, etc. Diet: Dairy and gluten products can cause skin breakouts to occur Unwashed hair: the oil in your hair could be clogging your pores, especially around the crown of your head. Cosmetics: if you use make-up, even after washing your face, there could be residue covering up your pores and causing them to become pimples. You'll want to find a good make-up remover. Also, skin products that are too oily or harsh for your skin type can have the same negative effect. Excessive sweating and humidity: this might sound odd, but there is yeast on your skin called Malassezia. It can be on your skin without causing problems, but when the yeast is exposed to too much moisture, it can grow rapidly and can cause breakouts. Don't pick your acne or touch the skin on your face. While it may be tempting to pop your pimples (especially black- and whiteheads), it's actually counterproductive. Popping pimples spreads the bacteria that causes acne to different parts of your face, increasing the chance of the bacteria spreading. Not to mention that your hands contain dirt, oil, and other grime that doesn't mix well with sensitive skin. Try as much as possible to keep your hands from your face and other acne-prone areas.

Apply witch hazel to help with the redness and the swelling. Use an ice cube. Use a soaked tea bag to cover the area. Try taking the ibuprofen substitute serrapeptase to reduce inflammation. Make a paste out of aspirin to reduce redness and swelling. Try neem tree and tea tree oil to reduce swelling. Try a clay mask. Try lemon, cucumber, or tomatoes. Determine your skin type. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Moisturize. Stay hydrated. Be sure to wash off your makeup, if possible, before going to bed. Exfoliate once a week. Use an astringent. Wear sunblock. Recognize the different causes of acne. Don't pick your acne or touch the skin on your face.

https://www.wikihow.com/Transport-Fish

How to Transport Fish

If you need to transport fish, make sure no chemicals have previously been in the bucket you plan to use. Then, fill it with water from your tank and put your fish inside. Place the bucket in a dark place so the fish will be less active during the trip. Alternatively, fill 1/3 of a special fish bag with water and put 1 fish in each bag. Place the bags in a container insulated with bubble wrap so they don't burst during the trip.

Plan for transporting your fish. Unlike some pets, you can't just put a fish tank or fish bowl in the car and go. Instead, you need to figure out how you will transport them. Most fish can survive for around 48 hours of travel, but beyond that you increase the risk that they will not survive. When you stop for the night, you need to take the fish with you. Don't leave them unattended in cars or trailers. If you need to fly with your fish, contact the airline to find out what requirements they have for transporting fish. Change the water for a few days before moving. Some of the water in your aquarium should be changed prior to moving and transporting the aquarium. This helps ensure that the water in the tank is clean. Switch out 20 percent of the water in the aquarium daily for five days prior to transporting the aquarium. Avoid feeding your fish for one to two days before moving. When you are travelling, you don't want your fish to mess up the water more than they have to. Fish can go around a week without food, so they will be fine during your move. Don't give them food for 24 to 48 hours prior to transporting them. Wait until the last possible moment to pack the fish. You shouldn't pack the fish until you are ready to go. They shouldn't be packed and waiting to be transported. You want to take as little time as possible to transport your fish. You should also plan to unpack your fish as soon as you reach your destination. They should be the first thing you unpack. Avoid unnecessary travel with your fish. Fish are not pets that are easily transported. You shouldn't take them on vacation with you or carry them around in a vehicle for fun. Fish are very fragile, which means you should only transport them when it is absolutely necessary, like when you are moving. Place your fish in plastic bags. One way to transport your fish is to put them in plastic bags. You can get plastic fish bags from a pet store. Fill the bag a third of the way full with water from the aquarium. Then, place one fish into each plastic bag. Don't put multiple fish in the same bag. Place a second bag over the first bag so that it is extra protected. This helps in case the bag leaks. Use a rubber band to secure the bags so the fish and water cannot get out. If you are going to have the fish in bags for longer than an hour, get some pure oxygen from your local pet store to place in the bags with them. Transport the fish in five-gallon buckets. A five-gallon bucket can be an easy way to transport multiple fish in the same container. Make sure you buy a new bucket and don't use one that has had chemicals inside them. The bucket may have residual chemicals, which may kill or harm your fish. Make sure to cover the bucket with a water tight lid. Fill the bucket with water from your tank. Put the fish in a container. Another way you can transport your fish is in a sturdy container that has a lid. Fill the container with water from the tank. Make sure the lid is secure so your fish doesn't fall out and water doesn't leak out. This may be good for fish with sharp fins or who may get out of a plastic bag. Transport the aquarium if it is small. Small tanks can be moved with the fish and water in it. Large tanks should never be moved as a unit. If you move the aquarium with water and fish, make sure to remove all other objects. Take out all rocks, decorations, and filters. These may come loose and hurt your fish. You should also remove some of the water. This helps reduce the risk of spillage, along with giving your fish less room to be bounced around. However, even small tanks can be difficult to move. They are very heavy, but also fragile. If you drop the tank and it breaks, you may lose all of your fish. Tanks that are moved with water in them are more likely to get chipped or cracked. Transport your fish in an insulated, secure container. If you have placed your fish in a bag or small containers, you should pack them in a secure carrier. Place bubble wrap between the fish bag and the container or other fish bags. Make sure they are sturdy so they don't roll around. This can cause damage to your fish. If you have an insulated container, consider transporting your fish in it. A picnic cooler or styrofoam cooler will be great for this. Choose a container large enough for your fish. No matter which container you choose for your fish, you should choose one large enough for them to swim around in. They don't need a ton of room, but they should be comfortable. You should also make sure the container is large enough that the water has enough oxygen for the fish. You should only fill the container around a third of the way full. The rest of the container should be open for oxygen. Place all plants in plastic bags. If you have live plants in your aquarium, you should put them in plastic bags filled with water from the tank. This will keep the conditions close to what they are in the tank, and help keep good, essential bacteria alive on the plants. Fill the containers with water from the top of the tank. You need to place your fish in water from the tank, not from the tap. Fill your transport container with water from the top of the tank. This water is the cleanest. If you take water from the bottom, you will be placing waste into the small container and potential exposing them to bacteria that has settled at the bottom. Avoid placing items in the container with your fish. You shouldn't add your fish's favorite rock or plant into the bucket or container with them. The fish should be the only thing in the bucket, except the water from your tank. Any extra items may move around and harm your fish. Regulate the temperature. Fish need to stay at their normal water temperature. Any fluctuations in water temperature can cause your fish to get sick. Try to keep your fish's water the same temperature of their normal aquarium. This means you should transport them in the part of your vehicle where you can use the air conditioner or heater. You can also use insulation to the transportation container. This can help regulate the temperature. Check the fish's temperature to make sure it doesn't get too hot or too cold. Place your fish in a dark place. Transporting the fish in a darker state can help keep them from getting too stressed. Fish are active and awake during the day when it is bright outside. At night, they are less active. Place something over the fish if they are in a container where they can get light during the day. For example, you may place a sheet or rug over the container. Avoid feeding your fish during travel. Travel is very stressful for your fish, so you don't want to do anything to cause more stress. Don't worry about opening bags or containers to feed your fish. This also helps reduce the need for elimination, which can make the water it is traveling in dirty. Reintroduce the fish to the tank when you arrive. If you transported fish in bucket, you can pour them and the water directly into the tank. You may also want to use a net to move them from the bucket to the tank. If you transported your fish in bags, place the bags on top of the water and let them float. This helps regulate the temperature of the water in the bags. When the temperature of the water in both are similar, you can pour the fish into the tank. Empty the tank water into a fish-safe container. After you have secured the fish and the plants, place 80 percent of the tank water into a fish-safe bucket or bags. This water should be gotten from the top of the tank, not near the bottom. This limits the amount of waste you take with you. Place decorations in tank water. If you have rocks and other decorations in your tank, place them in a bag filled with water from the tank. This will preserve the beneficial bacteria that has grown on the ornaments. Don't transport these things in the tank. The tank could crack if it is moved with items inside it. Pack your filter media properly. The way you transport your filter media depends on how far you will be going. For short moves where the tank will not be separated for long, place the filter media in a clean, chemical-free, sealed container. Don't clean it. For long moves, you can clean the filter and reintroduce it when you arrive at the destination. You may also want to throw it away and buy a new one. Put your aquarium back together. When you arrive at your destination, you should put your tank back together like it was before. Place decorations and rocks into the tank, and then fill it with the water you kept from the tank. Replace all the filters, heaters, and pumps. Then, place the live plants back in the aquarium.

Plan for transporting your fish. Change the water for a few days before moving. Avoid feeding your fish for one to two days before moving. Wait until the last possible moment to pack the fish. Avoid unnecessary travel with your fish. Place your fish in plastic bags. Transport the fish in five-gallon buckets. Put the fish in a container. Transport the aquarium if it is small. Transport your fish in an insulated, secure container. Choose a container large enough for your fish. Place all plants in plastic bags. Fill the containers with water from the top of the tank. Avoid placing items in the container with your fish. Regulate the temperature. Place your fish in a dark place. Avoid feeding your fish during travel. Reintroduce the fish to the tank when you arrive. Empty the tank water into a fish-safe container. Place decorations in tank water. Pack your filter media properly. Put your aquarium back together.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Cat-with-Bloody-Diarrhea

How to Treat a Cat with Bloody Diarrhea

To treat a cat with bloody diarrhea, it's important that you take your cat to see a vet for a proper diagnosis since bloody diarrhea can be a sign of a serious condition. Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend a change in your cat's diet, or they might prescribe medication like antibiotics. For serious conditions, like blockage or cancer, your vet may want to perform surgery on your cat.

Take the cat to the vet. Blood in your cat's stool may be due to a variety of conditions, so you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can lead the cat to become dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea may be due to minor problems, like food intolerance, or serious conditions, like cancer. The vet will complete a physical examination and take a complete medical history. Get a fecal evaluation. The vet will probably do a fecal evaluation first. This takes a sample of the feces to check under a microscope. The vet will look for parasites and bacteria, which can cause blood in the stool. They will also look for the presence of blood. Have blood and imaging tests done. If the vet suspects a more serious condition or finds nothing in the fecal evaluation, they will then perform more tests. Blood tests will check for signs of infection, Feline Leukemia Virus, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. The vet may do a blood chemistry panel and perform other blood tests to check for certain diseases they suspect. They may check for anemia, liver disease, kidney disease, problems with the pancreas, or thyroid issues. The vet will do x-rays and other imaging tests if they believe there is a tumor, blockage, or other problem inside the cat's body. Change the cat’s diet. Food allergies may cause bloody diarrhea. If your vet believes this is the cause, you will be instructed to change the cat's diet. If the cat has a food allergy, they will be given a food without the ingredient they are allergic to. Some cats may need fiber added to or fat decreased in their diet. Never change a cat's diet suddenly. Always slowly phase out one food and replace it with the new food. Give the cat medication. If the bloody diarrhea is due to a parasite or bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe medication. Antibiotics are commonly given to cats. If the infection is serious, the antibiotics may have to be given intravenous instead of orally. Dewormers may be given to treat or prevent parasite infections. Anti-inflammatories may be given to help reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs may be given to cats with inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-anxiety medication may be given to cats with irritable bowel syndrome. Have the vet perform surgery. If the cat has a blockage from a foreign body, the vet may perform surgery. Surgery may also be the treatment if the cat has cancer and the vet wants to remove the tumor. Identify blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea is a symptom that needs immediate vet attention, so it's important to know what to look for. A cat may have blood in their feces from the small or large intestine. Keep in mind that the blood will look different depending on where the bleeding is coming from. Blood in diarrhea from the large intestine will be red and look like blood. You may see the blood on the litter and sides of the litter box, too. Blood from the small intestine will be black or dark brown in color. The dark-colored feces are often tar-like, but the blood may appear as dark flecks or specks in the feces as well. Dark or brown blood may be difficult to identify, so it's important to look for anything that looks abnormal. Determine if the diarrhea is acute or chronic. The vet can better diagnose the cause and find a treatment of the bloody diarrhea if they know how suddenly it started. Acute diarrhea means that it started suddenly. Chronic diarrhea is when the cat has diarrhea for several weeks. Intermittent diarrhea is when the cat has diarrhea, but it goes away, but it comes back again. This happens over several weeks. Identify related symptoms. Diarrhea may occur with other symptoms. The cat may stop eating and lose weight. They may become dehydrated or become thirstier than usual. The cat may also have fat and mucus in their feces. Some cats with diarrhea will eliminate outside of the litter box because they can't control it. Cats may also experience flatulence. Being able to give the vet additional symptoms that occur alongside the bloody diarrhea can help them better diagnose the underlying condition and find the appropriate treatment.

Take the cat to the vet. Get a fecal evaluation. Have blood and imaging tests done. Change the cat’s diet. Give the cat medication. Have the vet perform surgery. Identify blood in the stool. Determine if the diarrhea is acute or chronic. Identify related symptoms.

https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Cracked-Surfboard

How to Repair a Cracked Surfboard

To repair a cracked surfboard, clean and dry the board, and remove any rotten foam from the cracked area. Sand the crack until the fiberglass layer is exposed. Then, fill the crack with a UV-activated resin, and cover the resin with clear plastic before setting the board in the sun for 5-10 minutes. Let the cured resin sit overnight to harden completely, and then remove the plastic. Sand the resin with sandpaper until it is smooth, and enjoy your repaired board.

Wipe the board down with a damp cloth to remove wax, salt, and sand. Before you can repair it, the board needs to be clean. Simply wipe it with a towel and freshwater to collect any sand or salt, and make sure all of the board wax is off of the surface, especially around the crack. Use a cotton swab to clean out the crack. Any particulate left inside or around the crack can get caught in the resin and cause the repair to be weaker. Let the board dry overnight. To prevent the repair resin from trapping water and causing mold to form, set the board out and let it dry completely. After at least 6 hours, check that the board is dry, and inspect the crack. Before you begin working, squeeze the crack to make sure no water leaks out. If the crack is still wet, or the board feels heavier in that area, allow it to dry for another 1-2 days before beginning your repairs. Cut away any rotten foam from inside of the crack. If your board has been cracked for a while, or a lot of water got into the crack, you might have some rotten foam inside of your board. Look for brown or black foam that is soft to the touch. Use a sharp knife to slice through the foam in straight lines, and throw away any rotten foam that you remove. If you're having trouble seeing the foam, shine a light into the crack. Normally, you will be able to see the color of the foam inside the board. Sand the crack with rough grit sandpaper down to the fiberglass cloth. Rub a rough sandpaper over the crack in the board, sanding an area slightly larger than the crack. Once the fiberglass cloth under the outer coating of the board becomes visible, stop sanding. Sanding a larger area is important because you want to blend the resin in with the surface of the board. If you don't do this, you run the risk of only repairing part of the crack. Purchase UV resin online or in a surf shop. UV resin is great for small repairs or short-term fixes. It comes in liquid form and dries to a hard material after it's exposed to the sun. Search online or look in your local surf shop to buy the resin before starting your repairs. UV resin will hold up to most normal surfing dings and cracks for 2-3 months. After that, you will need to repair the board again or have it professionally repaired. Make a mixture of resin and Q-Cell filler to replace rotten foam. Q-Cell filler acts as a replacement for the foam because it expands when it cures. Pour 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of resin into a cup and slowly add the Q-Cell filler until the mixture is the consistency of toothpaste. You can find Q-Cell filler at most surf shops, or you can order it online through retailers like Amazon or eBay. If the crack is very large or you removed a lot of rotten foam, use 2–3 fluid ounces (59–89 mL) of resin to start out. Use a wooden stick or spoon to apply resin liberally over the crack. In a covered area out of the sun, squeeze the resin into the crack first, and then smooth the resin over the crack. Make sure the resin is touching the outer shell of the board. As you're working, push any bubbles out of the resin as they form. Try to make the resin as smooth as possible on the outside, but don't worry if there are a few small bumps. Cover the resin with plastic wrap to hold it in place. Once the resin is applied, wrap a piece of plastic wrap around the board and over the crack. This will hold the resin in place while it cures and mold it to match the general shape of the board. Try to avoid pressing on the plastic wrap after it's on the board, which can dent the resin before it cures. If you don't have plastic wrap, use a plain piece of clear plastic and tape it to the board. Expose the resin to sunlight for 5-10 minutes. Move the board into the sun to cure the resin. It will turn into a gel, and then harden after 5 minutes. Let it sit in the sun for an additional 5 minutes to harden completely. If the resin isn't hardened after 10 minutes, place it in the shade for 5 minutes, and move it back into the sun. Let the resin dry completely overnight. Although the resin is hard, it isn't completely dried yet. Don't touch the plastic covering or the cracked area while it cures. Let it sit undisturbed for at least 6-12 hours before removing the plastic wrap. Some resins require air to set. Check the directions on the packaging, and if necessary, remove the plastic wrap before letting it cure. Sand off excess resin until it is flush with the board. Start sanding with a rough grit sandpaper to remove larger bumps and imperfections in the resin. Then, switch to a finer grit to smooth the resin to match the board. Once the resin is smooth, wipe away the debris and make sure the edges of the resin are flush with the rest of the board. You may need to sand the edges of the resin a bit more to ensure that it lays flat against the board and isn't wavy or bumpy. Be careful not to over-sand with the rough grit sandpaper. Once the major bumps are flattened, switch to a smooth grit to prevent divots from forming in the resin. Add a layer of fiberglass and resin for added strength. If you're worried about your board cracking in the same place, cut a sheet of fiberglass in a circle slightly larger than the crack, and cover the crack with the sheet. Then, use a brush to apply a thin layer of resin over the fiberglass sheet. If you have a long crack in your board, cut a few smaller circles and line them up along the crack to cover the entire length. Cure and sand the resin again if you added a fiberglass layer. Once the resin has cured overnight, use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth the resin overtop of the fiberglass. Continue sanding until the resin is smooth with the surface of the board. Only use fine grit sandpaper over the fiberglass. A rougher grit may remove too much resin and could expose part of the fiberglass.

Wipe the board down with a damp cloth to remove wax, salt, and sand. Let the board dry overnight. Cut away any rotten foam from inside of the crack. Sand the crack with rough grit sandpaper down to the fiberglass cloth. Purchase UV resin online or in a surf shop. Make a mixture of resin and Q-Cell filler to replace rotten foam. Use a wooden stick or spoon to apply resin liberally over the crack. Cover the resin with plastic wrap to hold it in place. Expose the resin to sunlight for 5-10 minutes. Let the resin dry completely overnight. Sand off excess resin until it is flush with the board. Add a layer of fiberglass and resin for added strength. Cure and sand the resin again if you added a fiberglass layer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-CBD-Oil-for-Panic-Attacks

How to Use CBD Oil for Panic Attacks

Research shows that CBD oil may be able to help with anxiety and panic attacks. To use CBD oil for panic attacks, try taking CBD edibles. CBD edibles can produce a calming effect that lasts for several hours. You can also take drops of CBD oil or tincture under your tongue when you feel a panic attack coming on for faster relief. Start out taking 5 to 10 mg per day, and gradually increase your dosage if needed. Higher doses like 150 to 600 mg may even produce a sedative effect that helps with anxiety, but you should gradually work your way up to these higher doses to see how your body responds. Talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil to make sure it's safe and won't interfere with any medications you're taking. If CBD oil isn't helping with your panic attacks, talk to your doctor about other options, like therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.

See a doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they can be very frightening. If you suffer from panic attacks, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and tests to rule out other medical issues that have similar symptoms, such as heart problems, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Common symptoms of panic attacks may include: Feeling like you're losing control or dying Having a sense of impending doom Sweating Racing heart Shaking or trembling Chills or hot flashes Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat Nausea or abdominal cramping Chest pain Headache Feeling dizzy or faint Feeling detached from reality Numbness or tingling Ask your doctor if CBD oil might be helpful for you. Research into the potential benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so there's no guarantee that CBD oil will be helpful for a panic disorder. However, CBD oil appears to be safe for most people. There are some exceptions, such as if you're pregnant, nursing, or if you have a serious medical condition. Discuss all of the available treatment options for your panic attacks with your doctor and let them know why you'd like to try CBD oil. For example, you might try saying something like, “I have been taking anti-anxiety medication for over a year and I still have panic attacks regularly. I've heard that CBD oil can help with panic attacks and I'd like to try it.” Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking. CBD oil can interact with a variety of other medications. It may cause your medication to be less effective or increase the amount of the medication in your system, which can be dangerous. Tell your doctor about everything you take—prescription and over-the-counter—to reduce the risk of negative interactions. Some medications that are known to react with CBD oil include: Antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine, citalopram, and other selective serotonin inhibitors Anti-epileptic medications, such as clobazam, topiramate, and rufinamide Anti-psychotics, such as risperidone Blood thinners, such as warfarin Antacids, such as omeprazole NSAIDs, such as diclofenac Antifungals, such as ketoconazole Discuss anti-anxiety medications if CBD oil is not an option. If your doctor advises against taking CBD oil for panic attacks, they may offer you other medication options instead. The most commonly prescribed medications for panic attacks are antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. Antidepressants can help to reduce the number and severity of panic attacks, while sedatives are quick-acting drugs that can help to calm you down when you are having a panic attack. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for antidepressant medications to take effect. However, it's important to keep taking them regularly. Find a therapist to work through the triggers that cause panic attacks. Talk therapy is the most effective way of dealing with the root cause of your panic attacks. Even going to therapy for a few months can be very helpful. Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who has experience helping people who suffer from panic attacks. Your therapist may use a combination of techniques to help you with your panic attacks, such as: Cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves identifying and changing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks. Exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing you to what triggers your panic attacks and teaching you ways of remaining calm. This may be especially useful if your panic attacks are often triggered by specific situations, such as being in a crowded place or public speaking. Look into other strategies along with CBD oil. Even if you end up using CBD oil to help with your panic attacks, integrating other techniques for managing anxiety may also be helpful. Ask your doctor what might be beneficial for you. Some strategies you might try include: Using relaxation techniques , such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. Exercising regularly, such as by taking a 30 minute walk each day. Spending time with friends and family. Sleeping for at least 8 hours every night. Inhale vaporized CBD oil for the fastest delivery route. This delivery route may be the best option if you are having a panic attack and need a dose in a hurry to help you calm down. By inhaling CBD oil vapor, it reaches your bloodstream almost immediately. You'll need a vaporizing device, such as a vape pen, to inhale or “smoke” CBD oil. You can purchase a vape pen at a vaping supply store or online. Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for to get the desired dose. You'll need frequent doses if you want to keep CBD oil in your system, such as by taking a dose every 2-3 hours. You may also reserve CBD oil doses for times when you anticipate a panic attack. Take sublingual CBD oil to quickly administer a dose without smoking it. You can take sublingual (taken under the tongue) drops and sprays as an alternative to smoking it. You don't need any special equipment to administer CBD oil this way and it only takes about 15 to 30 minutes to get into your bloodstream. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosing details. Try edible CBD oil for a slower-acting way to take it. CBD edibles are available in everything from candies to baked goods to beverages. The downside of this administration option is that it takes around 30 to 90 minutes to work, so this might not be ideal if you are experiencing a panic attack and need something to calm you down right away. However, if you're just looking to keep CBD oil in your system, this might be a convenient way to do so. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how much of the edible to consume. Begin with a low dose of CBD oil and increase it only if needed. See what the manufacturer recommends as a starting dose and see if this helps you to feel calm. If not, increase the dose until you find a level of CBD oil that works for you. Stop taking CBD oil and call your doctor if you react negatively to it. Although it's rare, CBD oil may not agree with everyone. Be on the lookout for side effects and tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you. Most people only report mild sedative effects while taking CBD oil, but more severe side effects are possible. Stop taking CBD oil and call your doctor if you experience any adverse effects, such as: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Dry mouth Fatigue Loss of appetite and weight loss Increase in panic attacks Follow up with your doctor if CBD oil helps or not. Having fewer panic attacks by taking CBD oil or experiencing relief from a panic attack after taking it are both great outcomes. However, it's important to stay in touch with your doctor and let them know whether or not CBD oil is not helping you. If CBD oil doesn't help with your panic attacks, discuss other treatment options with your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest special monitoring or blood tests, especially if you are taking any medications known to interact with CBD oil. The long-term effects of CBD oil are unknown, so this may only be suggested as a precaution.

See a doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Ask your doctor if CBD oil might be helpful for you. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking. Discuss anti-anxiety medications if CBD oil is not an option. Find a therapist to work through the triggers that cause panic attacks. Look into other strategies along with CBD oil. Inhale vaporized CBD oil for the fastest delivery route. Take sublingual CBD oil to quickly administer a dose without smoking it. Try edible CBD oil for a slower-acting way to take it. Begin with a low dose of CBD oil and increase it only if needed. Stop taking CBD oil and call your doctor if you react negatively to it. Follow up with your doctor if CBD oil helps or not.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Bing-Off-Your-Computer

How to Get Bing Off Your Computer

To get Bing off your computer, start by opening your browser and navigating to its settings. Then, change your home page from Bing to your desired search engine or other website. If that doesn't work, you might have some malware installed on your computer. To get rid of this, run Windows Defender by searching for it in the start menu. When the program opens, click “Virus and threat protection,” and select “Scan now.” If it asks to confirm the removal of any programs or files, follow the on-screen prompts to delete them.

Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Open Windows Defender. Type windows defender into Start, then click Windows Defender Security Center near the top of the Start window. Click Virus & threat protection. You'll find this tab in the upper-left side of the window. If you don't see this tab, first click ☰ in the top-left corner of the window. Click Scan now. It's a grey button in the middle of the page. Doing so will allow Windows Defender to begin scanning your computer for malware. Allow the scan to complete. Windows Defender will usually run for around 10 minutes, during which it will remove any malicious programs it finds. If asked to confirm the removal of any programs or files, follow the on-screen prompts or instructions. Run an advanced scan. If Windows Defender didn't find any viruses, you may need to run a deeper scan. You can do this with the "advanced scan" feature: Click the Run a new advanced scan link below the Scan now button. Check the "Full scan" box. Click Scan now Follow any on-screen instructions or prompts. Understand how this part works. While Bing usually isn't a program in and of itself, some software can download additional programs or toolbars which will change your browser settings when installed. These programs can set Bing as your browser's home page and/or default search engine, and will often change these back to Bing even if you change the settings yourself. Removing any programs, apps, or toolbars you installed right before you started seeing Bing in your browser will usually fix this problem. If you only just started seeing Bing in your browser, the problem is likely due to a program you just installed. Open Start . Click the windows logo icon in the bottom-left of the task bar or press the ⊞ Win key to open the Start menu. Open Settings . Click the gear icon located on the left side of the Start menu. This will open the Settings window. Click Apps. It's in the Settings window. Doing so opens a list of your computer's installed apps. Sort the programs by date. Click the item next to the "Sort by" heading (usually Name ), then click Install date in the resulting drop-down menu. This will prompt the most-recently installed apps to appear at the top of the menu. You can skip this step if the Bing problem didn't start recently. Look for suspicious programs. There isn't a specific set of criteria to look for, but you should keep an eye out for toolbars or programs you don't remember installing. The following programs are also known to install Bing: Babylon Bing Bar Bing.Vc Bing Protect Conduit Search Module Search Protect Select a program. Click a program you want to uninstall. You should see the program's name expand. Click Uninstall. It's below the program's name. Click Uninstall when prompted. This will confirm your decision and launch the uninstallation process for the selected program. Once the program has officially been uninstalled, you can try changing your browser's default search engine to see if the program was responsible. Depending on the program, you may need to navigate through an uninstall wizard. If attempting to change your browser's default search engine doesn't work, you may need to uninstall a different program or adjust your browser's shortcut options. Find your browser's shortcut. Look for the shortcut on your desktop. If your browser's shortcut isn't on the desktop, this part doesn't apply to you. This part doesn't apply to Microsoft Edge as you can't adjust the shortcut properties for Edge. Right-click the shortcut. Doing so will prompt a drop-down menu. If your mouse doesn't have a right-click button, click the right side of the mouse, or use two fingers to click the mouse. If your computer uses a trackpad instead of a mouse, use two fingers to tap the trackpad or press the bottom-right side of the trackpad. Click Properties. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu. This will open the Properties window for your browser's shortcut. Click the Shortcut tab. You'll find it at the top of the Properties window. Review the "Target" text box. This text box is in the middle of the window. You should see a line of text which ends with.exe" in this text box, but there shouldn't be any text after the closing quotation mark. In order to see additional text, you may have to click once the "Target" text box to place your mouse cursor in it and then press the right arrow key to scroll right. Remove anything after the ".exe"" section. If you spot any extra URLs or commands after the ".exe" in the Target text box, highlight and delete the extra text. This includes anything that has dashes (such as "--") followed by any keywords. Click OK. It's at the bottom of the window. Doing so will save your changes and exit the Properties window. This should prevent the shortcut from launching a specific program or website in the future. Repeat this process for any other web browsers on your computer. Even if you don't use the other browsers very often, check any browser shortcuts for any extra URLs or commands that can override the homepage for your web browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. You cannot adjust the shortcut properties for Microsoft Edge. Open Google Chrome. Its app icon resembles a red, yellow, green, and blue sphere. Click ⋮. It's in the top-right corner of the Chrome window. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu. Click Settings. You'll find this near the bottom of the drop-down menu. The Settings page will open in a new tab. Scroll down and click Advanced ▼. It's at the bottom of the page. Clicking it unlocks more options below. Scroll down to the "Reset and clean up" section. This section is at the bottom of the Settings page. Click Clean up computer. This option is at the very bottom of the Settings page. Click FIND. It's a blue link on the right side of the page. Google Chrome will begin searching for interference from programs on your computer. Click Remove if prompted. You'll see this option if Google Chrome finds any malicious software or toolbars on your computer. Change Chrome's home page. Once you've gotten rid of programs which are harming Google Chrome (if applicable), you can attempt to change your home page back to something other than Bing. Reset Chrome to its defaults. You may need to do this in order to remove any additional settings changed by the malware: Click ⋮ Click Settings Click Advanced Scroll down and click Reset settings Click RESET when prompted. Open Firefox. The Firefox app icon resembles an orange fox wrapped around a blue globe. Click ☰. It's in the top-right of the Firefox window. Doing so opens a drop-down menu. Click Help. You'll find this option near the bottom of the menu. Click Troubleshooting Information. It's the option near the middle of the drop-down list. Click Refresh Firefox…. This is in the top-right side of the troubleshooting page. Click Refresh Firefox when prompted. Doing so will prompt Firefox to "refresh", which involves removing any installed add-ons (whether or not they were installed by you) and resetting Firefox to default settings. If the problem persists, repeat this process but select Restart with Add-ons Disabled instead. If this fixes the issue, you'll need to remove any add-ons from Firefox. Consider changing your homepage on Firefox. You may need to do this to prevent Bing from appearing as your home page even after removing problematic add-ons: Click ☰ Click Options (PC) or Preferences (Mac). Type a website address into the "Home page" text box or click Restore to Default Open Internet Explorer. Its app icon resembles a blue "e" with a yellow band wrapped around it. Click the gear icon. It's in the top-right of the browser window. This prompts a drop-down menu. Click Internet Options. You'll find this in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens a pop-up window. Select the Advanced tab. It's at the top of the Internet Options window. Click Reset…. You'll find this option in the lower-right side of the window. Click Reset when prompted. It's in the pop-up window. Select Close, then click OK. This will save your changes and exit the Internet Options window. Restart your computer. Doing so applies the changes and default settings. You may still need to manually change Internet Explorer's home page.

Open Start . Open Windows Defender. Click Virus & threat protection. Click Scan now. Allow the scan to complete. Run an advanced scan. Understand how this part works. Open Start . Open Settings . Click Apps. Sort the programs by date. Look for suspicious programs. Select a program. Click Uninstall. Click Uninstall when prompted. Find your browser's shortcut. Right-click the shortcut. Click Properties. Click the Shortcut tab. Review the "Target" text box. Remove anything after the ".exe"" section. Click OK. Repeat this process for any other web browsers on your computer. Open Google Chrome. Click ⋮. Click Settings. Scroll down and click Advanced ▼. Scroll down to the "Reset and clean up" section. Click Clean up computer. Click FIND. Click Remove if prompted. Change Chrome's home page. Reset Chrome to its defaults. Open Firefox. Click ☰. Click Help. Click Troubleshooting Information. Click Refresh Firefox…. Click Refresh Firefox when prompted. Consider changing your homepage on Firefox. Open Internet Explorer. Click the gear icon. Click Internet Options. Select the Advanced tab. Click Reset…. Click Reset when prompted. Select Close, then click OK. Restart your computer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Stomach-Ache-with-Ginger

How to Cure Stomach Ache with Ginger

To cure your stomach ache with ginger, simply cut off a small piece of ginger root and eat it plain. If the ginger tastes too strong on its own, try blending it with some water or juice so it goes down easier. Alternatively, if you think your stomach can handle a little bit of food, you can dice or grate ginger and add it to your meal. There are even ginger capsules you can buy at the store and take with water to quickly relieve an upset stomach.

Wash the ginger and peel it. Run the ginger root under cool water and use your fingers to gently scrub away any dirt or other materials. Then, use a potato peeler or a sharp knife to take the skin off the outside of the root. The skin can affect the flavor of the tea and it won't dissolve as well in water. Grate the ginger into small pieces. Use a cheese grater to gently grate the ginger root. Catch the pieces on a small dish or plate to use later. If you don't have a cheese grater, you can use a sharp knife to cut the ginger into thin slices. Grating the ginger will make it dissolve more easily in hot water. Add the grated ginger to 1.5  c (350 mL) of boiling water. Put water into your tea kettle and heat it up on the stove until it's boiling. Pour it into a mug and place 1.5 tsp (3 g) of grated ginger into the bottom of the cup, then stir it around. You can put more or less ginger into the water if you want a stronger or weaker flavor. Let the tea steep for about 3 minutes, then strain it. It won't take long for the ginger to flavor your tea. Use a strainer to get all of the large pieces of ginger out of your cup, since they are probably too spicy to eat. Drink ginger tea when you feel nauseated. The ginger will help to settle any stomach pain you are having, while the hot water is soothing on your throat. Drink little sips at a time so you don't overwhelm your stomach, especially if you've already vomited. You can safely drink 1 to 2 cups of ginger tea per day. Wash the ginger root with cool water. Use your fingers to gently scrub away any dirt or debris from your ginger root. It's really important to remove any debris from the root before you blend it, because you won't be peeling your ginger root. Cut the ginger into small pieces and add it to a blender. Use a sharp knife and a cutting board to slice 1 ginger root into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) thin pieces. You don't need to peel the ginger root before you slice, since you'll be blending it all up together. Slicing the root makes it easier on your blender so your juice will be smoother. Cut up apples and carrots if you want extra flavor. Take the tops off of your carrots and slice them into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) slices. Then, cut open 1 apple and remove the seeds and the core. Cut up the apple into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) slices and put all of your ingredients into the blender. Carrots and apples are mild enough to cut the intense flavor of ginger without upsetting your stomach. Add 1⁄2  c (120 mL) of water, then blend your ingredients. Start out by pulsing your blender 2 to 3 times to break up any large chunks. Then, turn it on the lowest setting until your juice is smooth. Make sure the ginger is especially well ground-up to spread out its flavor. Strain and press the mixture through a sieve. Catch the strained juice in a cup or a glass, and make sure that all the solid chunks of ginger are out. Use a spoon to press your mixture through the sieve to make it easier on yourself. Straining your juice makes it more like a liquid and less like a smoothie. Drink your ginger juice to help with your upset stomach. The natural soothing remedies in ginger can help to settle your stomach and relieve nausea. Try drinking ginger juice whenever you feel like your stomach is unsettled to help with some of your symptoms. You can drink 1 to 2 cups of ginger juice per day to help with nausea. Eat some fresh ginger for an easy option. Wash your ginger root with cool water and peel the skin with a potato peeler. Cut the ginger root into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) thin slices, then add some salt on top. Eat the ginger plain or add it to a salad for an extra kick. Eating plain ginger is the fastest way to get it into your stomach if you aren't feeling well. Although ginger ale is sometimes marketed to help with stomach aches, the added sugar can be too harsh on your body and make you feel worse. Plus, ginger ale doesn't usually have a lot of fresh ginger in it. Take ginger capsules when you feel nauseated. Try taking a 250 mg dose when your stomach first starts feeling upset. Wait about 30 minutes for the capsule to dissolve in your stomach before you start feeling the effects. You can take up to 4 capsules per day at a 250 mg dose. Ginger capsules contain powdered ginger. They may make you feel bloated, give you heartburn, or make you feel more nauseous. Suck on ginger candy for an incremental dose. Look for crystalized ginger candies or hard candies flavored with real ginger at a grocery store. Hold one of these candies in your mouth and let it dissolve when you first start feeling nauseated. Talk to your doctor before you use ginger to treat a stomach ache. While ginger is usually safe to consume, it may not be right for everyone. It can trigger heartburn in some people and may cause diarrhea in some cases. Similarly, you shouldn't use ginger if you're taking blood thinners, because ginger can reduce clotting. Talk to your doctor to make sure ginger is safe for you to use. Let your doctor know that you want to consume ginger often as a stomach ache treatment. Get immediate care for severe pain, persistent diarrhea, or bleeding. While you'll likely be okay, severe symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition. Go to your doctor to find out what's causing your symptoms. Then, ask your doctor for the best treatment. You may feel worsening pain or bloating. Contact your doctor if you have blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds in your stool or vomit. Talk to your doctor if you’re losing weight without trying. While you shouldn't worry, it's best to see your doctor if you're losing weight because of a stomach ache. You might have a more serious condition. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and recent weight loss. They can help you choose the right treatments to feel better. See your doctor if your stomach ache lasts longer than 3 days or recurs. If your stomach ache persists or comes back, you need to see your doctor. Talk to them about your symptoms and get a proper diagnosis. Then, they'll help you get the right treatment so you find relief. If you have recurring stomach aches, you may have a more serious health condition. Try not to worry because your doctor can help.

Wash the ginger and peel it. Grate the ginger into small pieces. Add the grated ginger to 1.5  c (350 mL) of boiling water. Let the tea steep for about 3 minutes, then strain it. Drink ginger tea when you feel nauseated. Wash the ginger root with cool water. Cut the ginger into small pieces and add it to a blender. Cut up apples and carrots if you want extra flavor. Add 1⁄2  c (120 mL) of water, then blend your ingredients. Strain and press the mixture through a sieve. Drink your ginger juice to help with your upset stomach. Eat some fresh ginger for an easy option. Take ginger capsules when you feel nauseated. Suck on ginger candy for an incremental dose. Talk to your doctor before you use ginger to treat a stomach ache. Get immediate care for severe pain, persistent diarrhea, or bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you’re losing weight without trying. See your doctor if your stomach ache lasts longer than 3 days or recurs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Restore-Human-Hair-Wigs

How to Restore Human Hair Wigs

If your human hair wig has become tangled, faded, or dirty, you can restore it with a few basic hair products. First, get 3 bowls of hot water and mix one with 2 ounces of bleach, another with 2 ounces of clarifying shampoo, and the last one with 2 ounces of ammonia. Submerge your wig in each bowl for 2 to 3 minutes in turn and gently comb the hair while it soaks. Rinse the wig with hot water, then rub conditioner into it. After that, place it in a sealable bag and microwave it for 30 seconds. This will create steam and help moisturize your wig. Leave it in the bag for 1 hour, then comb it again to leave it smooth and untangled.

Fill three bowls with 1 gallon (3.8 l) of hot water each. Ideally, you should use bowls or containers that will not be used for food. You can also use just 1 bowl or your sink, but you will have to empty, rinse, and refill it twice throughout the process. Add 2 ounces (57 g) of Clorox bleach to the first bowl. The bleach will open up the hair's cuticles and make it easier to detangle. It will also remove oils and dirt that have collected in the hair. Bleach can irritate skin, so you may want to wear rubber gloves as an extra precaution. Submerge your wig in the bleach bowl and gently comb it for 3 minutes. Use a wide-toothed comb or a vent brush to slowly comb through the wig while it's in the bleach water. It should detangle easily. Be careful not to leave the wig in the bleach water for more than 3 minutes, as it may affect the color of the wig. Move the wig to the 2nd bowl and add 2 ounces (57 g) of clarifying shampoo. This will clean the hair and help bring it back to a natural level of acidity after it interacts with the bleach. Move the wig around in the water for 1-3 minutes to get the bleach out and work the shampoo in. Place the wig in the 3rd bowl and add 2 ounces (57 g) of ammonia. The ammonia will help neutralize what's left of the bleach in your wig. Use a wide-toothed comb or vent brush to gently comb through the wig for 1-2 minutes while it's in the ammonia water. Rinse the wig thoroughly with hot water in the sink. Hold the wig so that the bottom of the cap, or the part that will touch your head, is facing up. This will keep the hair falling downwards and prevent it from tangling while you rinse it. Saturate the wig with conditioner while it's still wet. If you didn't do a bleach bath, or if the wig has dried since you did it, wet it thoroughly in the sink. Work at least 2 ounces (57 g) of conditioner into the wig and leave it in. Place the wig inside a plastic bag and microwave it for 30 seconds. This will heat the wet hair slightly and create some steam inside the bag, which will help to moisturize it. Use a zippable bag that's large enough for you to fit the wig inside it and seal it tightly. Let the wig sit in the bag for at least 1 hour. The bag may be hot, so be careful when handling it until it has cooled down. Letting it sit in the bag will give it time to absorb the water, steam and conditioner. You can also place a hot steamed towel over the bag to help retain some of the heat while it sits. Comb the wig with a wide-toothed comb or vent brush. Hold the wig upright or place it on a wig head and gently run a comb or brush through it while it's still wet. It should feel smooth and detangle easily. Let the wig air-dry on a wig head. Gently squeeze any excess moisture from the hair and then set it on a wig head to dry. You can also pin it up by its cap to dry, but this could slightly stretch or distort the shape of the cap. Shampoo and condition your wig regularly when it's in use. If you wear your wig frequently, you should care for it like you would your own hair. Shampoo and condition it at least every third day that you wear it. Store your wig on a wig head to prevent tangling. The best way to keep your hair smooth and untangled while not in use is to keep it on a wig head. This will keep the hair in its natural position, and it's unlikely to moved as often as if it were in a drawer or closet. Divide the hair into 3 or 4 ponytails to keep it in place when it's not in use. To keep the hair on your wig from becoming tangled, especially if you're transporting it somewhere, it can be helpful to secure it into ponytails. Use a ribbon or loose ponytail holder to avoid putting too much pressure on the hair. Place the wig inside a satin bag to protect it from dryness. If you don't plan on using your wig for a while, or if you aren't able to store it on a wig head, place it inside a satin bag to help retain some moisture. The satin will be soft and smooth, which will reduce friction and keep the hair from becoming tangled. Use a flat iron for a quick fix when your wig gets frizzy or tangled. If the hair on your wig is straight, you can use a flat iron to smooth it out when you don't have time for a longer treatment. Gently brush the hair, then divide it into sections and run a flat iron through each section, following it with a brush.

Fill three bowls with 1 gallon (3.8 l) of hot water each. Add 2 ounces (57 g) of Clorox bleach to the first bowl. Submerge your wig in the bleach bowl and gently comb it for 3 minutes. Move the wig to the 2nd bowl and add 2 ounces (57 g) of clarifying shampoo. Place the wig in the 3rd bowl and add 2 ounces (57 g) of ammonia. Rinse the wig thoroughly with hot water in the sink. Saturate the wig with conditioner while it's still wet. Place the wig inside a plastic bag and microwave it for 30 seconds. Let the wig sit in the bag for at least 1 hour. Comb the wig with a wide-toothed comb or vent brush. Let the wig air-dry on a wig head. Shampoo and condition your wig regularly when it's in use. Store your wig on a wig head to prevent tangling. Divide the hair into 3 or 4 ponytails to keep it in place when it's not in use. Place the wig inside a satin bag to protect it from dryness. Use a flat iron for a quick fix when your wig gets frizzy or tangled.

https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Your-Heartbeat

How to Raise Your Heartbeat

If you're looking for a low-intensity way to bring up your heart rate, try switching out your chair for an exercise ball or standing instead of sitting. You can also get your heart going by marching in your chair or doing seated jumping jacks. While you're out and about, choose the stairs instead of the elevator to get a little extra cardio in. If you want to get a little light, joint-friendly exercise, walking or swimming are great options. Finally, you can bring up your heart rate and get a good stretch with yoga or tai chi.

Change how you sit. Instead of just sitting in a normal chair, try sitting on an exercise ball instead. Sitting on an unstable surface engages and strengthens your core muscles while sitting in a normal chair does not. You can even forgo sitting, and stand as much as possible during the day. Even these small changes can affect your heart. Do chair exercises. Seated exercises can be a good way to start increasing your heart rate. Try marching while sitting or seated jumping jacks. Be careful only to choose exercises that aren't beyond your limits. Change how you get around. Instead of parking as close as possible to your work or the grocery store, park as far away as you can. Instead of taking the elevator to get up just one or two floors, take the stairs. Simply being more active will help you increase your heart rate. Walk around. Walk in order to get around or just go for a walk for the sake of a walk. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate. You don't even have to walk very fast! Just a normal pace will get your heart rate up and your body working. Swim. Swimming is a great exercise that has the added bonus of being gentle on your bones. Swimming is also great if you have weight or joint problems that keep you inactive because the water will redistribute your weight, taking the pressure off of your body and allowing you to move. Do yoga or tai chi. If you have trouble doing standard exercises, yoga and tai chi are good options. These will increase your heart rate and provide excellent low-impact exercise, helping to skirt weight problems and muscle or joint issues. Go on a hike. Hiking will not only get your heartbeat up, but it will also get you outside and experiencing the incredible world around you. You can hike in local nature areas, or you can even hike around your city! All you need is a couple of inclines and a route! Ride a bike. Ride a bike through your local neighborhood or in an area that is safe for bikers. You can even bike to get around, riding your bike to work or to your daily activities. You can go for a less strenuous workout and keep to the flat roads, or you can give yourself a bit more exercise and climb some small hills. Do squats. Squats are an exercise where you stand with knees apart and bring your butt down as if you're sitting in a chair. It's harder than it sounds to do it right! However, it's also an excellent exercise that will raise your heart rate and improve your core muscles, helping you to sit up straighter. Bodyweight squats (without additional weight) are much less intense, but you can gradually increase intensity by slowly adding weights in the form of dumbbells or barbells. Start weightlifting. Lifting weights is a low impact exercise that allows you to tailor the intensity of your workout precisely by gradually adding or removing weight if necessary. Start jogging. Jogging (which is a relatively slow, exaggerated running motion) is an excellent way to increase your heart rate. Start with lower impact exercises before working your way up to this, though. Starting on higher impact exercise too quickly can cause injury to your joints. Rock climb. Rock climbing, which can easily and safely be done indoors on your own or with a coach, is a wonderful way to raise your heartbeat and get in shape. Rock climbing can be a slightly more expensive exercise, but it's worth it (if you ask those who do it)! Go for a run. Progress from jogging to a full blown run. Having a track to run on is important here, as it will help you not only maintain speed but also reduce the chance of injury. Running can quickly raise your heart beat a tremendous amount. Jump rope. You might think of this as a kid's activity, but jump rope is actually incredibly good exercise. You'll be breathing heavy and feeling your heart pound before you know it! Just make sure you pick up a jump rope that is the right size for you. A child's rope will be too small and difficult to use for adults. Additionally, if simple jumping gets boring you can challenge yourself some tricks! Do push ups. The gym class classic, while hard and uncomfortable, is actually really good exercise that will get your heart racing and build up important muscles all over your body. Your gym teacher's weren't lying! Just make sure to do warm ups before doing exercises like this. Do burpies. Burpies are like the combination of all those exercises you always did in gym class. Start in a standing position, jump down onto your stomach, do a push up, and then jump back into a standing position. Repeat these movements as quickly as you can. Your heart will be absolutely racing.

Change how you sit. Do chair exercises. Change how you get around. Walk around. Swim. Do yoga or tai chi. Go on a hike. Ride a bike. Do squats. Start weightlifting. Start jogging. Rock climb. Go for a run. Jump rope. Do push ups. Do burpies.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Devotional

How to Write a Devotional

A devotional is a text or collection of texts that form a basis for spiritual reflection. To write a devotional entry, first choose a theme to tie your ideas and prayers together. For example, you could write a devotional for mothers on the theme of maternity. Your entry should consist of a scriptural passage, a meditation, a prayer, and a key thought. Look for a passage that links to your theme and teaches your readers something. Your meditation should reflect on the scripture and offer your own insight. Follow with a short prayer related to the teaching. Then, finish with a key thought that should summarize the lesson. For example, “Be mindful of every thought, word, and deed.”

Choose a market to submit to and follow their formatting guidelines. Read the submission guidelines for your favorite devotional magazine or website, or search online for a list of current markets that accept devotional submissions. Each publisher's submission guidelines will typically include a word count. Stick to this as closely as possible. The guidelines may also specify the basic format structure the publisher requires or the devotional style they prefer. You might also need to tailor your devotional to the target audience for each publication. For example, you might choose a publisher who specializes in devotionals that are geared toward women and that are 150-250 words long. When you're researching formatting guidelines, look for a submission calendar for that publisher. For instance, the publisher may put out a series of devotionals on the book of Psalms during the month of May, although the deadline for that collection might be in February. If the publisher is affiliated with a certain denomination, you may need to take their particular tenets and beliefs into account while you're writing. Open with a scripture passage. Devotionals are often a study of just one verse from the Bible, although that may vary depending on the publisher. You might choose a verse or passage that explains a Biblical principle, or you could opt for one that includes a detail that you can expand into a universal truth. If you choose a passage that's longer than one verse, try to include just the section that directly deals with the topic you'll be discussing. Different versions of the Bible can have slightly different wording, so be sure to double-check that your verse is exactly the same as the version you cite. If you're already working with a publisher, they may provide you with the passage. You could also choose a verse to fit a submission calendar, or you could find a passage that you feel is appropriate for your chosen market's target audience. For instance, if you want to submit to a collection of devotionals centered on the book of Psalms, you might choose a verse like Psalms 22:14: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me." Use a story to engage the reader right away. After you present your verse, open your devotional with an engaging anecdote or a vivid picture of what's being described in the verse. This might only be a few sentences long, but it should catch the reader's attention right away. Don't be afraid to let your personality show! Readers will relate better to your devotionals if you're authentic. For your devotional on Psalms 22:14, for example, you might share a personal example of a time you were grieving, such as: "In the fall of 2012, I was a wreck. I'd just been fired from my first real job, and then I got the call that my father had passed away. He was my spiritual mentor and my best friend, and I didn't know what I was going to do without him." Connect the story to your interpretation of the Bible passage. Once you've captured the reader's attention with a story, draw a clear line between your illustration and the passage. Keep the focus narrow—a devotional should focus on one main point of the verse, rather than trying to explain the whole thing. For instance, you might connect your story of grief back to Psalms 22:14 by saying something like: "I felt weak and empty—as though my bones had slipped out of joint, my heart had melted like wax, and my emotions had all been poured out. I felt like I wasn't in control of my body or my mind, but in the middle of that haze, something deep within me urged me to pray. I don't think there were even words—just a soul crying out to God. King David felt similarly broken and defeated, and yet his heart still called out for God." Relate the story back to a universal truth. You don't want the focus of the devotional to just be on yourself, even if you include a personal story in the passage. Try to include something relatable or universal so the reader can apply what they're reading to their own life, like a general statement about love, life, or loss, or a Biblical truth about God's love or power. In your devotional on Psalms 22:14, you might say something like, "Whether you're grieving a recent loss or there's an unhealed hurt in your past that you can't move past, God's love is big enough to heal your pain." Conclude with a prayer and a call to action. Challenge the reader to do something to help bring them closer to their loved ones, overcome an obstacle in their life, or pray about a problem they're having. Then, include a sample prayer they might say as they're meditating on their devotional for that day. For example, you might conclude your Psalms devotion with something like: "Try saying this prayer today: 'Dear Lord, please comfort my broken heart. Help me understand how to use this hurt for Your glory, and guide me as I try to figure out my path. In Jesus' name, Amen.'" Pray before you write. Writing a devotional is an inherently spiritual process, so don't just reduce it to word counts and catchy anecdotes. Before you write—and throughout the process—pray earnestly that God will guide you so you can share His truth in a way that glorifies Him. It may help to write your devotional after you've done your own morning prayers and Scripture reading. Try to focus on one aspect of the passage. When you're choosing the topic for your devotional, try not to let it become overly complicated. It's easy to take a deep dive into theology, but devotionals are meant to inspire the reader to meditate on some aspect of their own life. If you narrow your focus, it will also be easier to meet word count limits. For instance, if you're writing about John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends," you wouldn't write about all of the different types of love people have for each other. Instead, you might write about the deep love shown when someone sacrifices themselves. Consider the market's target audience when you're writing. The most effective devotionals are able to strike a balance between being very personal and universal. To ensure you're able to craft a message that will really hit home with your reader, think about who you're writing for, and use stories, examples, and language that will apply to them. For instance, if you're writing about forgiveness and you're submitting to a market geared toward married Christian couples, you might write about forgiving your spouse. However, if the market is geared toward teens, you might write about forgiving your friends, parents, or siblings instead. Write with a positive, uplifting tone. Even if your devotionals are calling out a specific sin described in the Bible, it's important that you avoid having a judgmental tone or seeming like you're talking down to the reader. Instead, try to write in a way that's relatable and encouraging, and that always emphasizes God's love, goodness, and forgiveness. For instance, you wouldn't want to say, "You've probably told a lie, right? That's a sin, and everyone who sins is going to hell." Instead, you might share a story about a time you told a lie to be polite, then got caught. Avoid controversial topics. Sometimes, theology can be a landmine full of differing opinions and interpretations of Scripture. With that in mind, try to steer away from complex, emotionally-charged topics that are frequently a source of division. Instead, try to focus on truths that anyone could apply to their own life, regardless of their stance on morally ambiguous issues. For instance, it's best to avoid writing about politics, sexuality, free will vs. predetermination, or whether Scripture is meant to be interpreted literally or as a metaphor. You may need to take the publication's denominational affiliation into account when you're deciding whether a topic is controversial. For instance, many Southern Baptists frown on drinking any alcohol at all, so it would be best to avoid writing about drinking in moderation if you were writing for a Baptist devotional magazine. If you do feel led to write about topics that are controversial within the church, consider publishing them as blogs, articles on Christian websites, or even in book form. Devotionals might not be the best fit for these subjects, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't write about them at all. Study your Bible each day. Sometimes you'll have an idea for a devotional and you'll need to find the right verse in your daily reading. Other times, you'll read a verse that will spark the idea for an entry. Either way, maintaining a vigilant daily Bible study is essential if you want to have a fresh perspective on God's word. Read each passage carefully so you don't accidentally write a devotional with a verse that's taken out of context. Take a notebook with you everywhere you go. When you're focused on applying Biblical truths to real-world dilemmas, you'll likely start to come up with story ideas as you go about your day-to-day business. To ensure you can jot ideas down as they come to you, always carry a small notebook and a pen in your purse or pocket. Each night, read through your notes and try to match them up with any verses that come to mind. Keep your entries consistent. When you're compiling a collection of devotionals, they should all be similar in length and tone. It can also help to have an audience and their particular denomination in mind, since this can help shape the focus of each entry. For instance, you might write a devotional book geared toward for teens, new mothers, busy professionals, or people who are grieving. Choose a number of devotionals to coincide with a calendar. For instance, you might 30 devotionals so you have a month-long study, you could write 52 entries so you'd have one entry a week for a year, or you could write a year-long daily devotional book with 365 entries. If you're working with a publisher, they may specify how many entries to include. Proofread your devotionals carefully. Once you've finished writing your collection, put them all aside for a week, a month, or longer. Then, come back to them and read them carefully, checking for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as issues with tone and phrasing. Try reading each entry backward—start with the last sentence and work your way to the first. This proofreading trick can sometimes help you find errors you wouldn't otherwise. It's often a good idea to ask someone else to help you proofread since they might catch errors that you won't see. Submit your collection to Christian publishers. When you're satisfied that your entries are ready for publication, send your manuscript to your preferred publishers. Remember to always be professional, courteous, and prompt in any communication with your publishers. Even if your manuscript is accepted, keep in mind that your collection will likely need to go through revisions with an editor. Be sure to carefully adhere to any deadlines, and don't take any editing suggestions personally.

Choose a market to submit to and follow their formatting guidelines. Open with a scripture passage. Use a story to engage the reader right away. Connect the story to your interpretation of the Bible passage. Relate the story back to a universal truth. Conclude with a prayer and a call to action. Pray before you write. Try to focus on one aspect of the passage. Consider the market's target audience when you're writing. Write with a positive, uplifting tone. Avoid controversial topics. Study your Bible each day. Take a notebook with you everywhere you go. Keep your entries consistent. Choose a number of devotionals to coincide with a calendar. Proofread your devotionals carefully. Submit your collection to Christian publishers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-Overnight

How to Lose Weight Overnight

To lose weight overnight, start each day by drinking a caffeinated beverage like coffee or tea, which helps your body flush water and waste products from your system. You should also add healthy snacks to your eating routine, such as a piece of fruit or cup of yogurt, since this will help you avoid binging at meal times. In order to boost your metabolism and sweat away excess water, perform 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day, like running or jogging. If you usually eat dinner late, try eating earlier in the evening to give your body time to digest food before you sleep. Before you go to bed, drink a cup of green tea, which is a natural way to increase your metabolism and help you burn fat. Additionally, limit your exposure to light by turning off all electronic devices and closing the curtains, since light exposure can reduce the quality of your sleep and cause you to gain weight.

Begin each day by drinking a natural diuretic. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, are natural diuretics—they stimulate your colonic muscles, causing them to contract. These contractions help your body flush water and waste products out of your system. In addition to regulating your system, drinking 1 to 2 cups of coffee or tea in the morning or over the course of the day will also help you to feel less bloated. Have a healthy mid-morning snack. While some people grab a sugary or fatty pick-me-up snack in between meals, others opt not to snack. Neither option, however, is conducive to losing weight. If you are a snacker, swap that tempting sugary, salty, or fatty snack, with a healthy snack that will sustain you until lunch. If you prefer not to eat between meals, you are more likely to binge at mealtime. To prevent overeating at lunch, consider adding a healthy mid-morning snack that will curve your appetite. Healthy snack options include a piece of whole fruit, a cup of yogurt, or a small bowl of oatmeal. Do a 30 minute cardio workout. Cardio exercise benefits your body in a number of ways. First, when we exercise, we sweat. Sweating is an easy and efficient way of ridding your body of excess water weight. Second, exercise boosts your metabolism. When your metabolic rate is increased, you burn more fat and rid your body toxins that cause you to retain water. Lastly, physical activity is an excellent way to reduce stress. When you feel stressed, you may overeat, retain water, or store more fat than is needed. Aim to workout for approximately a half hour each day. You can walk, bike, run, swim, or take an exercise class. Consider working out 2 to 3 hours before bed. Since your metabolic rate will be higher, you will burn fat throughout the night. Take 30 minutes to de-stress each day. When you are stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released when your body is physically stressed and or emotionally stressed. This hormone causes your body to store additional fat and water. By reducing your stress level, you can reduce the presence of cortisol in your system, and in turn begin to lose weight. The following activities may help you to unwind: Exercise. Take a brisk walk. Yoga and or meditation. Listen to your favorite music. Take a bath. Get a massage. Eat dinner early. After consuming a meal, your body has to digest the food. The digestion process can cause you to become bloated. As a result, if you force your body to digest food while you sleep, you may struggle to lose weight overnight. To avoid going to bed bloated, consume your dinner several hours before you go to sleep. Take an epsom salt bath 2 to 3 times a week. Epsom salt naturally flushes your body of toxins and excess water that cause you to bloat. Soaking in an epsom salt bath before bed will help you achieve your goal of losing weight overnight. Fill your bathtub with warm water and mix in 2 cups (500 ml) of Epsom salt. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes, and repeat this routine two or three times each week. Drink green tea before bed. Prior to falling asleep, make yourself a nice warm cup of green tea. Green tea, a natural diuretic, helps to boost your metabolism. When imbibed before bed, this warm, soothing liquid will help you burn fat more efficiently throughout the night. Create a calming sleep environment. In order to lose water and carbon weight throughout the night, you must be asleep. To ensure that you will fall asleep quickly and remaining slumbering throughout the night, transform your bedroom into an environment that is conducive to sleep and weight loss. Turn down the temperature in your bedroom to 66℉. When you sleep in a cold room, your body is forced to burn its stores of fat for warmth. Limit exposure to light. Exposure to light at night may not only prevent you from getting a great night of sleep, but it can also cause you to gain weight. You can limit your exposure to unnecessary light by covering your windows with blackout curtains, removing any night lights from your room, turning off your T.V., computer, and tablet, and setting your phone aside. Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping regulates your body's hormones that dictate when and how much you eat and it improves increases your metabolic rate. As you sleep, you also lose up to 2 pounds of water and carbon weight through your breath. The average adult needs 7-1/2 hours of sleep each night. If you aren't getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep, alter your schedule to allow for this amount of slumber. If you already get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, you may not notice much difference in your weight if you increase this amount by 30 to 60 minutes. If you're more severely sleep deprived, you should find it easier to shed weight once you start sleeping more. Drink more water. When your body is dehydrated, it is more likely to retain water. Therefore, in order to shed excess water weight overnight, you must drink the recommended amount of water during the day. The average man needs to drink 3 liters of water each day. The average woman needs to drink 2.2 liters of water each day. Avoid large amounts of caffeine and alcohol since both substances can dehydrate your body. Other beverages can help you remain adequately hydrated, but you should avoid drinking too many sugary beverages or drinks that are otherwise high calories. Reduce your sodium intake. When you consume a diet high in sodium, your body will retain water. The excess water may cause your stomach to bloat and your waist size to increase. In order to decrease your sodium intake, avoid: Foods that taste salty. Adding salt to your food. Foods do not taste salty, but contain hidden sodium. These may include canned food, processed meats, and frozen meals. Limit your sugar intake. A diet high in sugar increases your body's storage of fat. Throughout the day avoid sugary foods and beverages. These include: Candies, sweets, and desserts Fruit juices Sodas Alcoholic beverages Reduce your carb intake. As your body digests carbohydrates, the each gram of carbs retains approximately 4 grams of water. Once the digestion process is complete, the body stores carbs as sugars and fats. In order to reduce the amount of water your body retains, as well as the amount of fats and sugars it stores, you can limit your intake of carbohydrates. When you go on a safe, low-carb diet, you can lose around 10 pounds of water weight. Increase your consumption of protein, fiber, and potassium. In an effort to lose weight, especially if you want to do so without developing loose skin , swap your sugary snacks or carb-loaded meals with items high in protein, fiber, and potassium. Foods rich in protein, such as meats and legumes, promote muscle building and increase your metabolic rate. Items high in fiber, such as leafy greens and whole grains, and potassium, such as bananas and peanut butter, help your body to burn fat and lose excess water.

Begin each day by drinking a natural diuretic. Have a healthy mid-morning snack. Do a 30 minute cardio workout. Take 30 minutes to de-stress each day. Eat dinner early. Take an epsom salt bath 2 to 3 times a week. Drink green tea before bed. Create a calming sleep environment. Limit exposure to light. Get plenty of sleep. Drink more water. Reduce your sodium intake. Limit your sugar intake. Reduce your carb intake. Increase your consumption of protein, fiber, and potassium.

https://www.wikihow.com/Finger-All-Chords-on-Guitar

How to Finger All Chords on Guitar

While it's not necessary to learn every single chord on the guitar, if you practice the basic chords and their variations, you'll have a strong foundation for your playing. First, try learning the G major chord by placing your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the high E string. To play the C major chord, put your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. To play a D major chord, put your third finger on the third fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your first finger on the second fret of the G string. With just these 3 chords you can play tons of songs, such as Small Town by Jack and Diane and Already Gone by the Eagles.

Memorize the names of your guitar's strings. Try a mnemonic device to help you remember the names of the strings: EADGBE. Simply make up a sentence where the first letter of each word is the name of a string. If you're having a hard time coming up with your own sentence, you might want to use "Eat All Day Get Big Easy." Hold your guitar in front of you so that it's facing you and look at the strings. The thickest string on the far left is low E. The A string is next to it. The third string from the left is D, followed by the G string and the B string. Finally you have the high E string to the far right, which will be the thinnest string on your instrument. One thing to keep in mind is that as you're looking down at a guitar from a playing position, the lowest strings will be on the top of the instrument (if you're playing right-handed). However, when you're told to play the "top" strings, you're actually playing the thinner strings that correspond to higher notes. The "bottom" strings are the thicker strings that correspond to lower notes. Get familiar with your guitar's frets. The frets are the bars that span the neck of your guitar, spaced about an inch apart. You'll be placing your fingers along the neck of the guitar at a position just above the fret indicated. The first fret will be about an inch down from the nut or top of the guitar neck. The second fret is about an inch below that, the third fret about an inch below that, and so on. Basic open chords typically only use the first three frets, so when you're just starting out that's all you need to be worried about. Use fingerboard diagrams. Even if you know how to read music, musical notation won't tell you where to place your fingers to play chords on a guitar. Fingerboard diagrams can help you learn where to place your fingers. Find them online, or download a free mobile app. The fingerboard diagram reads from left to right. If you hold up your guitar in front of you as you did to learn the strings, the line to the far left of the diagram is low E. The vertical lines on the diagram are the strings, while the horizontal lines are the frets. There will be circles on the diagram to show where your fingers should be placed. You'll see a number in the circle that corresponds to the finger that should be placed there. Memorize the finger numbers. Your index finger is your first finger, your middle finger is your second finger, your ring finger is your third finger, and your pinky is your fourth finger. Some more complex chords also require you to use your thumb, which is represented by a "T" on most fingerboard diagrams. Try a G major chord. The G major chord is probably one that sounds familiar, as it is the basic chord in a lot of popular songs. To finger a G major chord, put your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the high E string. If this finger position feels uncomfortable, you can also make a G major using your first, second, and third fingers instead of your second, third, and fourth. However, keep in mind that as you progress this finger positioning may make it more difficult for you to transition quickly from G major to other chords. When you first place your fingers, strum each string individually. For G major, you're going to strum all six strings, even the unfretted ones. This is what makes it an open chord. With an open chord, each chord you strum should sound clearly. If a string sounds flat or muted, check your finger positioning. You should put the tip of your finger on the string to press it down, but your finger shouldn't touch any other strings. Move on to C major. To make a C major chord, put your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Notice that the finger numbers correspond to the fret numbers. That makes C major a pretty easy chord to remember. When you strum a C major, you want to stick to the top five strings – don't strum the low E. Since you're used to strumming all six strings with G major, this might take some practice to get right. Now that you know two chords, you might want to practice transitioning back and forth between them. This will help you memorize the chord shape and your hand positioning so that you can find the chords without needing to look at a fingerboard diagram. Find D major. To make a D major chord, you'll place your third finger on the third fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your first finger on the second fret of the G string. To strum D major, you only want to strum the top four strings. In addition to the low E string that you left out when you strummed C major, you're also leaving out the A string. You might want to practice transitioning back and forth between G major and D major, so you can get a better feel of which strings should be strummed. Start playing some songs. Once you're comfortable with G major, C major, and D major, you have all you need to learn some classic songs that can be played using only these three chords. Some examples of popular songs that you can play once you know G, C, and D include Already Gone by the Eagles, Small Town and Jack and Diane by John Mellencamp, and Thunder on the Mountain by Bob Dylan. You can find lists of songs that use those three chords online. If you can't read music, look for tablatures (or just "tabs") that simply give you the names of the chords played. You'll want to start slow. Eventually, you can pull up the audio recording of the song and play your guitar along with the recording. If you can find a live video of the musicians performing, this can help you nail the strumming pattern. It may be tough to get the hang of at first, but this will help you get your strumming and chord transitions up to speed. Curl your fingers. If the strings are buzzing or sounding flat, it could be because your fingers are flattening out and touching the strings beside the string you're fretting. Your two finger joints should make something of a box over the neck of the guitar. The first finger joint often has the most tendency to flatten out, and can muffle or mute the string next to the one you're fretting. To help get your fingers in the right position, think of holding an apple or a tennis ball in your hand with your fingers curled around it. This is how you want your fingers to be on the neck of the guitar – not flat. C major and G major are good chords to use to check your finger positioning. Since your fingers are further extended, it can be easier for the knuckles to flatten out. Stay close to the fret. If the chord isn't sounding right when you compare it to audio files, assuming your guitar is in tune, the problem may be that your fingers aren't close enough to the right fret. Generally, you want to try to keep your fingers as close to the fret as possible – but not on the fret. In your mind, visualize the space between the frets as divided into quarters. Your finger should be in the lower quarter of this space, and no higher. For example, if you're playing a chord that requires your third finger to the on the second fret, your finger should be about three-quarters down from the first fret, just above the second fret. Check your pressure on the strings. You don't have to press down too hard on the string to make the note sound. Too much pressure can cause tension and pain in your hand, not to mention injuring the skin on your fingers. When you make a chord, you should be applying even pressure on each of the strings that you're fretting. If you're applying too much (or too little) pressure to one of the strings, it can cause the chord to sound off. Unkink your wrist. Your wrist positioning is in many ways just as important as your finger positioning, especially if you eventually want to learn more advanced guitar chords and techniques such as bar chords or power chords. Make sure your wrist is in a neutral position. If you tend to kink your wrist forward in front of the guitar neck, you'll probably experience pain after playing for awhile, and your fingers will have less mobility. You also may have the tendency to kink your wrist behind the guitar neck. This may inhibit your ability to get a clean sound from your chords, as well as causing your fingers to flatten. Keep in mind that kinking your wrist not only affects your guitar's sound and your ability to position your fingers correctly, it also can damage your wrist and lead to more serious issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome over time. If you plan to play guitar often, find some good wrist strengthening exercises and stretches to help take care of your wrists and prevent such problems. Maintain good posture. If you aren't sitting (or standing) with good posture, you may have problems positioning your fingers or wrist correctly. Keep your thumb on the guitar to distribute the weight, and make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed. If you're hunched over or crunching your shoulders, you probably also have the tendency to kink your wrist. Check your elbows as well. The elbow of your fretting arm should be close to your side, not jutting out away from you. If you have the tendency to jut your elbow out, this may be causing you to hunch over or to kind your wrist. At least when you're first learning to play, it's typically a good idea to practice while sitting rather than trying to stand. That way you can balance the bulk of the guitar's weight on your lap rather than hanging from a strap, which can cause you to hunch if you're unaccustomed to the weight. Make an E major chord. To finger E major, your second finger will be on the second fret of the A string, your third finger on the second fret of the D string, and your first finger on the first fret of the G string. From E major, if you lift your first or index finger off the string and strum, you have an E minor chord. Practice strumming these two chords together by lifting your index finger on every other strum. Move your fingers over to A minor. With A minor, you use exactly the same finger shape that you used to make E major, but you move your fingers over to a different set of strings. This makes A minor easy to find after you've been practicing E major. When you strum A minor, leave the low E string out and only strum the top five strings. You'll strum the same strings for A major as you do for A minor. Find A major. For A major, your first, second, and third fingers will all be lined up along the second fret of the D, G, and B strings. This finger positioning can be difficult because there isn't much room for your second finger between your first and third. You'll find that your first and second fingers can't really be as close to the fret as would be ideal. You'll get more comfortable with practice and be able to stretch your fingers closer to the fret. Practicing switching from A major to E major is a good way to practice both chord shapes together. Remember that with E major you're strumming all six strings, while with A major you're only strumming the top five strings. Learn F major. While there is a more complex version of the F major chord that is a bar chord, you can learn a three-note F major chord that is much simpler. The key difficulty for you in playing the F major chord may be strumming the right strings. To make an F major chord, put your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the third fret of the D string. You probably recognize this configuration as the same you used for C major, just on different strings. When you strum F major, you only want to strum the three strings that you've fretted. Don't strum the low E, A, or high E strings. Look for more songs to play. Now that you know eight chords, there are hundreds of popular and classic songs you should be able to play. Search online for tabs of songs that you enjoy. Take it slow, concentrating on one song at a time until you get to the point that you can play it without the tab. For example, since you know G, F, and C, you can learn Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones, which uses those three chords. There also are a wealth of popular songs that use four chords. In fact, C, A minor, F, and G make up the most popular chord progression for country, rock, and popular music. Note that if you find the F major chord difficult, you can transpose the chords and play G, E minor, C, and D instead.

Memorize the names of your guitar's strings. Get familiar with your guitar's frets. Use fingerboard diagrams. Try a G major chord. Move on to C major. Find D major. Start playing some songs. Curl your fingers. Stay close to the fret. Check your pressure on the strings. Unkink your wrist. Maintain good posture. Make an E major chord. Move your fingers over to A minor. Find A major. Learn F major. Look for more songs to play.

https://www.wikihow.life/Pack-a-Beach-Bag

How to Pack a Beach Bag

To pack a beach bag, use a large water resistant tote bag, preferably one with compartments for all of your items. Start by packing sandals, towels, your swimsuit, and a change of clothes, which you can roll up these up to maximize space. Then, throw in some sunscreen and a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Make sure to also bring along several bottles of water to stay hydrated and throw in some snacks and entertainment like sand toys if you are bringing children.

Pick the right kind of bag. You can use a medium sized pouch, a backpack, or a large tote bag depending on the duration of your stay and how many things you need to pack. Consider a large water resistant tote bag if visiting with family or children, likely you will need several more supplies than you would if you were visiting alone or with a friend. Don't use your favorite bag. Because you are going to the beach, you will likely get seawater and sand in your space. Make sure to take a bag that you don't mind getting sandy. Get organized. Choose a bag with compartments and pockets. Since you will be packing several different things in a variety of sizes, having a bag with pockets, can save you time and keep things within easy reach. Compartments are crucial for separating things that have gotten sandy (like flip flops or towels) from clean things. If you are a skilled seamstress, you may be able to add pockets to a bag that doesn't have them. You can also use a purse organizer inside your bag to create extra pockets. Pack to maximize space. Since you will likely have a variety of different things in your beach bag, the way you pack them is important in order to get everything to fit. Fold or roll your beach towels and put them at the bottom of your bag. Save even more space by investing in a lightweight travel towel. You may also want to place your towel inside your beach blanket, roll it tightly, and slide the roll vertically into your bag so you can slip it out first thing. Pack skin care essentials. Be sure to bring plenty of insect and sun protection, lip balm, lotion, leave-in conditioner or hair protector, and sunglasses. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher. Follow application instructions on your sunscreen bottle for extended sun exposure. As a general rule of thumb, apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you are in the sun, and then reapply the same amount every two hours. Wider or bigger sunglasses will provide better eye protection. Leave your expensive pair of sunglasses at home where they won't be in danger of getting crushed, sandy, or washed away in the waves by accident. Pack skin care and hygiene products in a plastic bag in case they crack or burst. Pack the necessary clothing. For a day at the beach, you should bring a hat with a wide brim, a clean change of clothes, a bathing suit (unless you choose to wear it to the beach), hair bands and clips, a hairbrush and flip flops. Roll up your change of clothes and pack it near the bottom of your bag with your towels. You may want to pack a comfortable sweatshirt or light jacket, too, depending on the weather. You may also bring an extra swimsuit to change into if you want to stay in a swimsuit and stay dry. Pack enough water. The average adult requires 8 full glasses of water each day as recommended by doctors everywhere. Remember, when you are laying out in the hot sun, your body needs even more water. A good tip is to bring a gallon of water and a couple water bottles per person. Use reusable water bottles to cut down on costs and waste. You can fill a bottle half way with water and freeze it overnight, this way you will have a cold drink every time you pour water into the bottle over the ice. Consider using a water bottle with a filter if you plan to refill your bottle at a water fountain. Use a water bottle with double wall protection to keep your water cold. Bring snacks. Even if you know you are going to a beach with many restaurants, it's always a good idea to have extra snacks, especially if traveling with children. Make sure to keep all snacks out of direct sunlight once at the beach. Try bringing: 1 sandwich per person. Try peanut butter and jelly or a banana sandwich if you don't want to worry about refrigeration. Nuts, raisins and small crackers, like Goldfish. Fruit. Power bars or granola bars. You may want to bring a cooler if packing snacks that need to be kept cool. Bring beach chairs or umbrellas (optional). It is very difficult to pack these larger items in your beach bag. If you need them for your beach day, you will need to carry them separately or consider renting. Get on the Internet or make a quick phone call to your vacation rental, resort, or beach town's local municipal center. Ask if there are umbrellas or chairs available for use or rent directly on the beach. Additionally, you may want to see if such rentals are available at stores near the shore to which you are headed. You'll find beach-equipment stores that offer rents in virtually every American beach town. Pack a whistle (optional). Particularly when visiting with children, a whistle can come in handy when bunches of kids begin roaming the beach. Teach your family the “family whistle” and you'll be sure to have them back by your side in no time. Pack a basic first aid kit. Whether you are visiting with children or not, it is always a good idea to have basic first aid items. Make sure your first aid kit includes: Band-Aids. Neosporin. Benadryl. Calendula lotion (for sunburned skin). Pain reliever for kids and adults. Bring sand-toys. A tip is to pack sand toys in a soft mesh bag. This way, you can easily shake off any sand after use. Bring a book. Having reading material in arms reach is always a good idea. There is no better place to escape than a good book. Pack a portable speaker system. This is always fun, especially when you're sunbathing with a group of friends. Waterproof cases are available for virtually every kind of electronic device, from iPhones to Kindles to cameras. It only takes a small amount of water or sand to destroy a gadget. Grab a deck of playing cards. Break these out on the beach and play a game or two with friends while relaxing on the sand. Toss in a pair of binoculars. If you are a fan of gazing out at the endless horizon, you may enjoy having a pair of binoculars handy.

Pick the right kind of bag. Get organized. Pack to maximize space. Pack skin care essentials. Pack the necessary clothing. Pack enough water. Bring snacks. Bring beach chairs or umbrellas (optional). Pack a whistle (optional). Pack a basic first aid kit. Bring sand-toys. Bring a book. Pack a portable speaker system. Grab a deck of playing cards. Toss in a pair of binoculars.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Girlfriend-You-Want-to-Be-Intimate

How to Tell Your Girlfriend You Want to Be Intimate

If you want to talk to your girlfriend about being intimate, pick a time to talk to her when you are both relaxed and comfortable and you know you won't be interrupted. Start by reminding her that you love her, and be specific about why you want to have sex with her. Be open about any worries or concerns you may have, and encourage her to be open with you as well. Avoid pressuring her and give her time to think. You might say, “I love you, and I want you to be comfortable. If you're not ready, that's okay.”

Be confident in your decision. It can be difficult and embarrassing talking about sex, but it's important to talk about it and be sure about it before jumping into bed. Having sex is an important step in any relationship and will bring the two of you closer. Reflect on whether or not you're ready before approaching your girlfriend. If this is your very first time having sex, be confident in your decision. You might want to wait or reconsider if there's a risk you'll get in trouble with your parents, if it's against your religion, or if you feel pressured at all by others. If this is not your first time having sex, but it is your first time with this girlfriend, you still want to be confident in your decision. Sex can make a relationship more serious and you need to be sure you're ready for that. Tell her how you feel. Your girlfriend won't know how you feel about sex and about her unless you tell her. Try to be open and encourage your girlfriend to be open with you as well. Be specific about why you want to have sex with her, as well as any fears or worries you have about how sex will affect your relationship. Start by showing her you love her. You might say, "I've been enjoying our time together in this relationship, but I want to talk about becoming more intimate with you. I love you and I feel so close with you; I feel like we're ready for sex. What do you think?" Acknowledge that this might change how you feel about each other. For example, you might say, "I know that sex is a really important step and can complicate things. I want you to feel comfortable." Show her that it's not all about the sex. Restate why you want her or what you love about her. Instead of saying, “Do you want to have sex with me tonight?” you can say, “You're beautiful. I love you and I want to be with you.” Avoid pressuring her. Your girlfriend may not have an answer for you right away. Give her time to think. Let her know you want to talk about it again when she's ready and that you'll be there for her. Remember that your girlfriend has the right to say "no" to you, even if you've been in a committed relationship for awhile, or if she's had sex with other people before. Just because you've been together for a long time does not mean you can pressure her to have sex. You can reassure her so that she doesn't feel pressured. You could say, "I am nervous, too and don't want to rush you. If you're not ready, that's okay." Revisit the conversation if she's not ready or wants to wait, but don't pressure her to talk about sex every day. Get her consent. It's important that you're clear that she wants to be intimate and have sex with you. Consent means she agrees and is excited to have sex with you. Remember that: If she is silent or doesn't answer, that is not consent. If you have to beg, force, or manipulate her into having sex with you, that is not consent. Either one of you can withdraw your consent to intimacy and sex at any time during your relationship. "No" means "no." Ask each other questions. Your girlfriend may agree or want to have sex with you, but it's normal for her to have some concerns to address first. Be open and honest in your answers to her questions. You might have important questions you need answered, too. Talk about: Your previous partners Any history of STDs or STIs What your sexual preferences are, such as how you like to be touched or what positions you like Talk about safe sex. You and your girlfriend will feel much more comfortable if you have a conversation about safe sex and birth control before you have sex. Be honest with each other about what your preferences and expectations are for safe sex. Be willing to buy or use your own methods of birth control, such as condoms. Ask her what birth control methods she is on or prefers. You can ask, "Are you currently on any birth control? Do you like it or would you prefer doing something else?" Understand her preferences. Healthy communication about sex isn't just about being able to be vulnerable and express your desires. It's also about being able to ask her what she wants and likes. Try to understand what she wants. You might ask: What are your desires or fantasies? How do you like to be touched? Are there certain places you don't want me to touch? Pick the right moment. Sex is an emotional subject, so make sure you pick a good time to talk to your girlfriend. You might be scared or nervous to approach her for fear of hurting her feelings, overwhelming her, scaring her away, or being vulnerable yourself. Make time to talk to her when: You can be alone together. You haven't just had a fight. You won't be interrupted by anything else. You're relaxed, maybe enjoying dinner or wine together. You're not in the heat of the moment or about to become intimate. Relax together. Before initiating sexual intimacy, spend time together doing something relaxing or enjoyable beforehand. This will give you and your girlfriend a sense of connection and calm. Some ways you can relax together are: Have a quiet dinner together. Go on a walk. Watch the sunset. Take a shower or bath together. Touch her. If you slowly increase how much you're touching her, her sexual arousal may increase as well. Touching her is more subtle and could potentially lead to fun, more spontaneous sex. Kiss her. Give her a gentle shoulder massage. Hold her hand. Stroke her arm. Tickle her. Always check-in with her as you touch her to avoid making her feel pressured to have sex. You can ask, "Does this feel good to you?" or "How are you feeling?" Set the mood. Create a sensual environment to further set the mood for intimacy and sex. You want to make your girlfriend feel comfortable, turned on, and wanted. You'll also want to make sure you're in a safe place where you won't be interrupted. You can: Dim the lights. Put out candles or light a fire. Put out soft and clean sheets. Put on soft jazz or other instrumental music. Eat sweet fruit or chocolate. Be romantic. Be romantic in your relationship on a consistent basis. Women tend to need to feel connected to their partner emotionally before engaging in sex, and romance is a great way to achieve this feeling. Romance shows that you're thinking of her and makes her feel more secure in the relationship. Some romantic things you can do include: Buy her flowers. Write her a love note. Send her a romantic poem. Spend time talking with her and cuddling in bed. Be present. It can be difficult to create an intimate moment with your girlfriend if your mind is elsewhere, like on work or future plans, or even on how you are performing or how you look. You and your girlfriend will both enjoy your intimate moments more if you can try to fully be present in them. Instead of focusing on your nerves about sex with your girlfriend, or worrying about what you look like, try to just be with her in the moment. You can: Some ways to be mindful, or in the moment, include focusing on your breathing and hers, noticing the sensation of her skin on yours, paying attention to any sounds she's making. Being present in the moment can improve sexual performance, as you are more tuned into cues from your partner. It can also decrease performance anxiety, as you aren't focusing on what might happen or the future, but what you are feeling, doing, and experiencing only in that very moment. Being responsible about sex — such as using contraception and only doing it when you both are ready — can help remove any fears about STD's, pregnancy, or if you're rushing things. Avoid rushing. Do not rush through your intimate time together. This should be an enjoyable time for you and your girlfriend, so take your time. Your girlfriend may need some time and foreplay. Be playful, touch her, and ask what she likes throughout the process. Prioritize your relationship. Your sex life and your level of physical intimacy will thrive if you make time for each other. Prioritize your relationship and focus on strengthening emotional intimacy and connection with your girlfriend. If you make time for her outside of the bedroom, you'll be more likely to have a happier sex life. Try to: Share meals together. Take walks and talk together. Exercise together. Turn the TV off before bed and cuddle. Put yourself in a sexy mood. If you're in a serious relationship with your girlfriend, eventually your sex life may get more mundane and you might not find yourself in the mood as often. To keep this from happening, intentionally try to put yourself in the mood for sex and intimacy. Learn what turns you on and try to focus on that, then initiate with your girlfriend later. To put yourself in the mood, you might try to: Read something erotic or romantic. Listen to a sexy song. Wear lingerie. Think about the last time you had sex with your girlfriend. Try new things. To spice up your intimate moments, be adventurous and try new things with your girlfriend. Try not to stay in the same routine to keep intimacy alive and fun. Always remember to be safe and get your girlfriend's interest and permission before your try anything new. You might consider: Trying a different location or room, not just your bedroom. Trying to be intimate at a different time of day than normal. Trying new positions. Buying her new lingerie. Using sex toys. Flirt. Once you've been with your girlfriend for a while, it may be difficult to keep your chemistry alive. Try to flirt with your girlfriend like you did when you first started dating. You might send her a sexy text message during the day, or dress up a little to catch her attention.

Be confident in your decision. Tell her how you feel. Avoid pressuring her. Get her consent. Ask each other questions. Talk about safe sex. Understand her preferences. Pick the right moment. Relax together. Touch her. Set the mood. Be romantic. Be present. Avoid rushing. Prioritize your relationship. Put yourself in a sexy mood. Try new things. Flirt.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-in-the-American-1950s-Fashion

How to Dress in the American 1950s Fashion

To dress in the American 1950s fashion style for women, begin by selecting fitted, well tailored clothes, because a neat appearance is important for this style. For example, choose a well-pressed, fitted blouse with quarter length sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. Pair this with a suitable skirt, such as a full skirt with layered petticoats or a slim pencil skirt. For fun, you could select a swing skirt with a poodle design, which was all the rage in the 1950s. If you don't like skirts, you could choose either a shirt dress or Capri pants or you might like the looser styles from the late 1950s, like A-line or sack dresses. Complete your outfit with a hat shaped like a flower-pot, some quality cotton gloves and a pair of kitten-heel shoes.

Find a fitted blouse. Quarter length sleeves were popular during this time period. The shoulders were fitted rather than puffy. However, sleeveless blouses were also popular. Small collars close to the neckline, called Peter Pan collars, were typically round in shape. Look for jackets that are very fitted, with more rounded shoulders. This type of clothing was hemmed at the hip level to emphasize a woman's small waist. Collars on jackets were often small and rounded in the Peter Pan style, just like on the blouses. There were many types of decorative pockets and big buttons on jackets in the 1950s. You might also wear a fitted cardigan with pearl buttons. Choose the type of skirt. There were several different types of skirts that were popular in the 1950s. Styles often featured nipped-in waists and full skirts. Here are some of the most common styles: Full skirts. These had more fabric, often with layered petticoats to make it more full. The material could be sewn in many different ways including circle, gathered, pleated or gored. Pencil skirts. These skirts were narrow and straight. The skirts were designed to emphasize the woman's slim waistline, which was a very important factor in the 1950s Swing skirts. These were knee high skirts that were also called poodle skirts. However, poodles were not the only animal featured on swing skirts. Nearly any animal, insect, or flower could be depicted on this kind of skirt. Try a shirt dress. Shirt dresses were very popular. These had a shirt-like bodice, with no gathered/exaggerated waistline. A narrow belt was often worn with this kind of dress. Realize that further into the decade, styles changed. Here is a run down of silhouette styles after 1955: The A-line look (narrow shoulder to wide hem) was very popular. Looser fitting dresses were also seen mid-decade. Sac (or Sack) dresses became common; these were loose and baggy. At this time, the hemline for most skirts and dresses was near the knee. Jackets became boxy and the Chanel look (a type of woman's suit) was worn. This look had contrast trim around the jacket edges, no collar, and small pockets with contrast buttons. Get the right type of pants/trousers. There were several different styles of pants popular for women in the 1950s. Pant legs became narrow during the '50s. Pants were very popular and worn at home and for leisure. The capri was mid-calf length; the peddle pusher was a long short; Bermuda shorts were knee-length. These were worn with flat shoes, ballet-type flats, and simple sneakers (like Keds). Socks were optional. Wear a hat! Small hats worn close to the head were popular during the early 1950s , but during the latter years flower pot hats were seen. These kinds of hats were worn higher on the head and were bigger in shape. Know the hairstyles for women. Early in the '50s hairstyles were short and close, much like Audrey Hepburn's style, with short bangs in the front and short, flat layers on the sides and back. Later, women's hairstyles became larger and bouffant, in the fashion of Elizabeth Taylor. This style was often worn shoulder-length with buoyant roll curls in the front that continue into the sides of the hair in the wavy pageboy style. Invest in some period appropriate shoes and gloves. Gloves of all colors were worn with dresses. Longer (above the elbow) gloves were worn at night with bracelets for a more formal look, while shorter (wrist length) gloves were worn in the daytime. Shoes often had pointed toes and thin kitten heels. Carry a handbag. In the 1950s, handbags grew smaller, often envelope in shape. The "Kelley" bag was a simple hand bag with handle. Wicker and gold lame were popular handbag material. Most handbags had shorter handles (no long straps). Wear a fitted suit. During this time, suits were becoming more narrow - with slim "cigarette leg" pants and a sack coat shape (like a Brooks Brother's suit). Charcoal grey was a popular color for men's suits. Note: a white shirt was usually worn with this grey suit, along with a plain, narrow tie. Ditch the hat. Before the war, all men wore hats. But moving into the '50s, hats became less and less popular. Why? Because men were driving more and hats were bothersome to wear while in the car. Pay attention to the trends for shirts. For men, there were many situational fashions that were worn at certain times by certain types of people. Khaki and plaid shirts or button-down collared oxford cloth shirts were seen on students. T-shirts were seldom worn alone because they were considered an undershirt. Hawaiian shirts and box shirts were worn in the summer. Know what pants were in fashion. Slim-legged cigarette pants were a popular men's style during this time period. Jeans were typically used for outdoor wear, but many teenagers wore them more regularly. Bermuda shorts were often worn in the summer. Find the right shoes. In the 1950s, most men wore Oxford shoes (often two-toned), saddle shoes , or chukka boots. Saddle shoes are two toned (usually black and white) leather shoes with a flat heel, and they were very popular during that time. Chukka boots are ankle-high leather boots that typically only have 2-3 pairs of holes for lacing the shoelace. Know the hairstyles for men. Hair was worn short, in a post-military style. Men started to wear their hair longer at the end of the decade, but it was still groomed to stay off the ears. Some men also went for the longer, greased pompadour. Elvis Presley made this hairstyle famous in the 1950s.

Find a fitted blouse. Look for jackets that are very fitted, with more rounded shoulders. Choose the type of skirt. Try a shirt dress. Realize that further into the decade, styles changed. Get the right type of pants/trousers. Wear a hat! Know the hairstyles for women. Invest in some period appropriate shoes and gloves. Carry a handbag. Wear a fitted suit. Ditch the hat. Pay attention to the trends for shirts. Know what pants were in fashion. Find the right shoes. Know the hairstyles for men.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Escaped-House-Cat-to-Come-Home

How to Get an Escaped House Cat to Come Home

To get an escaped house cat to come home, start by making sure your cat's not in the house by checking its favorite hiding places. If you're sure that your cat's left the house, search the area around your house, since cats don't usually travel far from home. If you still can't find your cat, post missing poster flyers around your neighborhood. Additionally, put up social media posts about your cat to get the word out to as many people as possible. You should also call your local animal shelter, in case your cat was dropped off by someone who found it.

Make sure that the cat is not inside the house. Cats have a tendency to crawl inside drawers and love to sleep in confined spaces. Before alarming everybody and panicking the children, make sure that the cat is really outside. Call it and offer food. Quickly inspect its favourite places and look for an open window or door. Don't forget to check the garage and the garden. Your cat might just be napping on the grass. Look below the car and in warm places, where cats love to sleep. Call for help and explore the area around your house. If your cat just left the house, don't panic. Ask your household and your neighbours to explore the area around your house. Cats usually don't travel much and are likely to be close by. Be organized. Assign a street or two to each member of the search party. Ask them to be systematic and to look below cars and behind bins. Leave your front door open. The cat might want to come home after a while. Make sure that it can access the house. Leave its favourite blanket or litter box outside to let the smell travel. It will help your cat if it lost its way. Don't forget to leave someone inside to check for potential intruders. Don't run. You might want to hurry while searching for the cat in the streets. Sudden movements will scare your pet. Cats dislike sudden movements and are wired to hide when threatened. If you live near a major road, make sure your cat hasn't been hit by a car. Cats are unfortunately prone to these accidents. Call the police. If you have a pedigree cat, it might be worth going to the police station. Breeds have a monetary value and are targeted by thieves. Bring a picture and a description with you. Bring a picture and a description of your cat. It will help the police. Try to make sure that your cat hasn't escaped. You don't want to waste the time of the police. Organize a new search party between 5 and 8 pm. It is worth searching again in the evening if you didn't find your animal during the day. Cats hunt at night. They also dislike noise and are more likely to get out when everything is quiet outside. Remember that they have a better night vision than humans. Begin your search at dusk when the sun is still shining. The setting sun will create long shadows, which are ideal to spot your little friend. Don't forget to take a lamp torch with you. Remember that a cat's eye will reflect the beam of your torch, making it very visible at night. Point your lamp torch in all directions and below the cars. Look for the typical reflection in the retina. Shake a can of the cat's favorite food as you walk around. The sound might attract it. Investigate door-to-door. Cats like to sneak inside neighbours' houses for a nap or to eat food. It might be worth ringing bells to investigate. Start with the houses close to your home and extend the perimeter progressively. Don't forget to bring a picture of your cat. Give your coordinates to the people you meet. They might spot your cat soon after your visit. Be polite and apologise if you are disturbing someone. If you leave a good first impression, people might be more willing to help. Placard missing posters in the area. Your cat is gone for more than a few hours and it's time to be efficient. Create a poster with your computer and ask for a few friends to placard copies all over the area. Your poster should include a colour picture of your cat, its name, your name, the date and location it disappeared from, a phone number and an email address. Ask local business to placard your poster inside and outside their shops. Don't placard a poster if it's illegal to do so. You don't want to be fined. Use the power of the internet. Cats usually stay in the area where they live but can occasionally travel further. Using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, is the best way to alert a lot of people quickly. Target local website and popular social media. It's the fastest and most efficient way to make sure that the whole area where you live is covered. Publish an ad in the local newspaper. It is less effective but you want to be thorough. You could offer a reward. This might encourage children or other people to look for your cat actively. Contact animal charities. Your cat might have been found and brought to a shelter. It is always worth visiting them and making sure your cat is not there. There are also charities helping with the search process. Check online to see if there is one in your area. If you go to a shelter, bring a picture of your cat and its documents. They might want to make sure that you are the rightful owner. Don't wait too long to visit a shelter. In some countries, animals are sometimes put to sleep to make space for others. Fortunately, this is not such a common practice and most shelters will put only aggressive animals down. Call local veterinarians. They might have your animal. Approach your cat gently. If you or your friends spot the cat, be careful. Your animal might be afraid or wounded. Call your friends for backup and try to talk to the cat. Look for potential escape routes and try to anticipate its movements. Approach slowly and, if possible, offer food. Let the cat sniff your hand and give it time to trust you. Gently take the animal in your arms. If your cat is visibly wounded, try to be extremely careful. You don't want to aggravate the situation or cause unnecessary pain. Make sure you take the right cat! It's not always easy to distinguish similar animals. Look for distinctive marks and try to see if he recognises you. Make your cat comfortable. If your cat was away for a long time, you don't want to traumatize it further. Let your animal rest for a few days and offer plenty of food. Talk to your animal and show your love. Don't let your cat out too soon after its disappearance. It needs to find its marks and get used to the environment. If you decide to let your cat go out again, go with it. Let your pet explore a small area at first. Increase the zone in which it is allowed each day. Bring your cat to the veterinary physician. If you cat was out for a few days, it might be worth bringing your animal to an animal clinic. Injuries, such as a rib fracture, are not always easy to spot. Your cat might also have caught a skin disease or fleas. If there is a visible wound when you recover your cat, don't delay the visit. An infection might spread quickly. Don't forget to take its medical history with you. It might matter in a treatment.

Make sure that the cat is not inside the house. Call for help and explore the area around your house. Call the police. Organize a new search party between 5 and 8 pm. Investigate door-to-door. Placard missing posters in the area. Use the power of the internet. Contact animal charities. Approach your cat gently. Make your cat comfortable. Bring your cat to the veterinary physician.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Man-to-Chase-You

How to Get a Man to Chase You

To get a man to chase you, flirt with him by making eye contact, playing with your hair, and teasing him, to get his attention. Another way to get his interest is to let him see you talking to other men, since he'll want you more if he thinks there's competition. You should also remember to have fun being yourself when you want a man to chase you, which will make you more interesting and attractive to any guy. When you start texting, don't reply immediately, since this will keep him in suspense and won't make you seem overly eager. On the other hand, you don't want to seem too distant or he'll get bored so surprise him sometimes with a call or suggest a date to keep him coming back.

Catch him staring at you and walk right by. Sure, you can approach a man who is staring at you and start up a conversation. He can like talking to you and fall for you even more… or he can get more and more intrigued by the beautiful woman he saw walking by and may want to know even more about her. Let his eyes rest on you and wait for him to approach you instead. Or, if you know you'll see him again, come up to him the next time. Of course, if you really want to go up to him, he can be intrigued and find that refreshing, too. You don't have to be so dainty if it's not your style. Have your own life. Guys find nothing sexier than women with their own lives. Having a meaningful and fulfilling life where you pursue your career or passion and have a few hobbies or interests that you care about will make you a person who is worth knowing. Whether you want to be a writer or just really love painting, the guy will be much more into you if he sees that there are so many things that you care about that aren't him. If all you do is watch TV and wait for him to call, then he won't be as intrigued. Doing a lot of interesting things will also make you a more interesting person who is worth getting to know. If the guy thinks your schedule is wide open because you're not doing anything, then he'll be less likely to chase you, because he'll always know where to find you: at home. Wow him with your confidence. Guys can be intimidated by girls with a lot of confidence, but they are also deeply attracted to them. Let him see that you love who you are and what you have to offer to the world. Instead of being insecure, always complaining, or looking to the guy for validation, know that the validation comes from within. If you're happy with who you are, the guy will be happier with who you are, because he'll know that he can enjoy your company instead of trying to validate you all the time. Of course, everyone can work on being more confident. In the meantime, you can start spending more time doing what you love, having open body language and good posture, and addressing those pesky things you don't like about yourself. Flirt with him. You've got to get your flirt on if you want the man to chase you. You have to make eye contact, play with your hair, tease him a little bit, and even maybe blush and get a little bit girly to catch his eye. You can playfully touch him on the arm, give him a little smile even when nothing is funny, and just be playful and fun when you're together. The flirtation is supposed to spark his interest, and to give him a taste of what it would be like if you were together. Keep it light, fun, and exciting. Don't come on too strong. Flirt a bit, and then pull back. Make him work for it. Stay sexy. Find whatever sexy means to you and go for it. If it means getting your hair and nails done, then do it. If it means having the natural look and just wearing a bit of lip balm and a big smile, do that too. You can wear sexy clothes or just flattering clothes that make you feel great. Do whatever makes you feel confident and gives you the feeling that you're taking care with your appearance. If you want a man to chase you, then you've got to put in some effort. This is not to say that you should do anything that feels unnatural. You want him to chase you, not some version of you that wears five pounds of makeup and uncomfortable stilettos. Let him see you getting attention from other men. Don't talk too much about hanging out with other guys, or the guy will see that you're trying a little too hard to get his attention. Instead, let him see you talking to other guys, and be yourself when you talk to them. Don't laugh too hard, touch the guys too much, or make it look like you're making way too much of an effort to make the guy feel jealous. It should happen naturally. Whether you're hanging out or walking with another crush or just a platonic guy friend, be engaged and interested and the guy will be jealous. Though it's totally dumb, it's true that having other guys interested in you will make you more desirable. The guy will want you even more if he sees that other people want you, too. Make sure not to take this too far, though. If the guy always sees you around other guys, he may think that you're just a big flirt or that you're not interested in him, anyway. Don't always be available for him. If you pick up the phone as soon as he calls, or if you agree to go on a date with him even if he asks you out just hours before, then he'll start to think that there's nothing exciting in your life besides hanging out with him. If you want the guy to chase you, then he has to feel like you have a lot going on and that you're difficult to get a hold of. Of course, you don't want him to think you're so busy that you can never hang out with him, or he'll get bored, but strike a balance between being busy and being available enough to see him so he stays interested. If he calls you, don't pick up on the first ring. Better yet, let a few hours go by before you return his call. The same goes for texting. If he shoots you a text, let some time go by before you get back to him, unless it's particularly time sensitive. Be a little bit naughty. Once you've established some kind of a relationship and have hooked up a few times, don't be afraid to let him know when you're in the mood when you're apart. You need to call him one day at work and tell him about the naughty things you've been thinking about doing to him. It will make him lust after you until he can get his hands on you. Do this sparingly, at the right moments, and you'll have him wrapped around your little finger. Choose your timing well. You don't want to tell him you're feeling frisky if he's about to head into a job interview or is spending his day with his grandmother. Surprise him with kindness once in a while. Sure, playing hard to get is great fun, but if you do it too much, he'll start to think that you're too hard to get. You have to back up and give in a little bit, letting him know that you do care about him. Cook him a homemade meal on his birthday. Call him just to say hi. Get two tickets to his favorite team's home game. Do something nice for him to keep him interested, and then pull back again. If you cook him that homemade meal every day, then yeah, he'll start to take you for granted. Find a balance between playing hard to get and giving in every once in a while. You can't always act one way or another. Don't tell him everything right away. If the second he meets you, you tell him you have five sisters, that you dream of being an actress, and that you have a complicated relationship with your mother, he'll feel like it won't take a lot of effort to pull back the layers and really get to know you. Instead, make him work for it. Tell him one interesting and unique thing about yourself when you first meet, and drop these pieces of information like rare pieces of the most delicious chocolate throughout your next hangouts. Make him work to get to know you; if he thinks you're putting it all out there anyway, he won't try nearly as hard. Men love it when they feel like women who are more reserved or less open open up to them. They feel like they've won a prize. Don't reach out to him as much as he reaches out to you. Let him be the one to call you first more often than not. Let him text you to say hi. Wait for him to suggest a fun party you both should go to. Though you don't have to do this all the time, you should wait for him to take the initiative more, seeming like you're busy or have more important things to do than to worry about whether or not he'll call. Of course, you can still get in touch with him or suggest an awesome outing for the two of you, but make sure the ball lands back in his court. Nobody said these tactics were for the patient-minded. If you're the type who goes crazy waiting around for a guy to get in touch with you when you'd much rather take over and steer the relationship in the direction where you want it to go, then this will be tough for you for sure. Have fun with your girlfriends. Don't be one of those girls who never calls her girlfriends back once she gets a boyfriend. You should have fun with your girlfriends and enjoy those girls nights out, regardless of your relationship status. If the guy sees that you like going out dancing with the girls, having drinks with the girls, or just getting in your girl time, he'll think it's cool that you prioritize your friends. He'll also get more jealous, because he'll be thinking about all of the guys who may approach you on those girls nights! Making time for your girlfriends will keep you centered and will keep you from being too boy crazy. Be unpredictable. If you want the guy to keep chasing you, then you have to keep him on his toes. Suggest a random weekend trip. Jump into the ocean even if it's a little cold and windy out. Go to Chuck E Cheese for a date. If you always do the same old things or say the same old things, then he will get bored and will stop chasing you. But if he doesn't know what to expect, then you'll have him where you want him! You don't have to be spontaneous 24/7, but make it a priority to be surprising when the moment presents itself. Resist the urge to plan, plan, plan everything and leave something up to chance. Let him pick you up without asking what you're going to do every second of the date. Remember that the chase is never over. Even if you think the guy is falling in love, you should always keep him on his toes. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't open up to him gradually and that you have to not be yourself, but it does mean that you have to be on the alert and to never get complacent in your relationship. Don't worry about letting your guard down, but keep things fresh and exciting at the same time. Keep complimenting him, making him feel special, and making him feel like he has to work for it -- in a great relationship, you both have to do a bit of work to keep up a healthy amount of love and affection!

Catch him staring at you and walk right by. Have your own life. Wow him with your confidence. Flirt with him. Stay sexy. Let him see you getting attention from other men. Don't always be available for him. Be a little bit naughty. Surprise him with kindness once in a while. Don't tell him everything right away. Don't reach out to him as much as he reaches out to you. Have fun with your girlfriends. Be unpredictable. Remember that the chase is never over.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-It-Through-the-Day-when-You%27re-Sick

How to Make It Through the Day when You're Sick

The best way to make it through the day when you're sick is to rest, so reduce your workload as best you can and call in sick, if necessary. To relieve cold symptoms like mucus and congestion, try taking a warm shower or keeping a humidifier near you throughout the day. If you're dealing with a scratchy throat, however, gargle salt water, which can relieve inflammation. Alternatively, if the problem is nausea, focus on your diet and stick to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are all low in fiber and easy to digest.

Take a warm shower or bath. Warm or hot water can be very helpful for relieving many symptoms of sickness. It can loosen mucus in the nose, clear the head, relieve congestion and soothe tense muscles. Your bath or shower water should be between 36 and 40°C (or 95 to 105°F) to minimize the risk of burning your skin. Check the temperature with a thermometer or simply adjust the temperature on your water heater. Breathe in the steam from the water. Add Epsom salts or an aromatherapy oil such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the water. Either product can have a sedative effect and also open up stuffed nasal passages and your head. Consider keeping a humidifier near you to help keep your head clear of congestion throughout the day. Gargle with saltwater. Rinsing your throat with saltwater can relieve a sore and scratchy throat. This remedy can relieve inflammation and may make it easier to swallow and talk. Mix 1/2 a teaspoon of salt into an 8-oz glass of warm water to make saltwater. Rinse with a mouthful of the solution for 30 seconds. You can do this as often as necessary. Reduce your workload. You may not have any choice but to go to work or school, or even just stay home. Reducing your workload by eliminating strenuous tasks can help you get much needed rest as well as relieving symptoms such as pain and discomfort. Take it easy wherever you can. For example, try and reschedule meetings or don't participate in gym class. If you work at home, leave strenuous work such as the laundry or cleaning until you feel better. Decreasing and shifting your workload can be especially important if you are taking medications that make you foggy or drowsy. Stay away from exercise until you feel better. This may give you enough energy to get through the day. Call in sick. If you are feeling too sick to get through your day, call in sick to work or school. This may help you feel better more quickly while minimizing the risk that you spread any illness to colleagues. Be honest with your superiors about why you are not coming. For example, “I'm suffering from terrible congestion and a very bad headache. It makes it difficult to concentrate.” This is a good option if you work at a job such as construction where you cannot do less strenuous activity until you feel better. If you work with children, the elderly, or people with weakened or compromised immune systems, or if you work with food, you absolutely should not go to work when sick. Hydrate properly. Ensuring that you are properly hydrated can replace fluids you lose as a result of being sick. This may help relieve your symptoms so that you feel well enough to push through the day. Drink at least nine cups of water for proper hydration if you are a woman and 13 cups if you are a man. Drink clear liquids such as water, juice, clear broth, or non-caffeinated soft drinks. Steer clear of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, black teas, and soft drinks. They could dehydrate you and exacerbate your symptoms. Consume chicken soup. Several studies have shown eating chicken soup can relieve the symptoms of a cold or other illness. Having some chicken soup can help keep you hydrated as well as minimizing your symptoms. There are many options for chicken soups including tasty chicken noodle soup. Chicken soup possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help increase the movement of mucus through the nose, which can alleviate congestion and other symptoms. Eat the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is low in fiber and easy to digest. It can help ease an upset stomach and replace nutrients. You can also eat crackers, boiled potatoes, and gelatin to help soothe an upset stomach. Add more complex foods such as cereal, fruits, and vegetables once you are able to keep down BRAT foods and chicken soup. Be gentle on your stomach, especially if you're nauseous, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Dairy, fatty or fried foods, or spicy dishes may exacerbate your symptoms. Steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold. Avoiding these products while you are sick may make you feel better and reduce the duration of your symptoms. Rest as much as possible. Ensuring that you're getting sufficient rest is an important part of feeling well enough to get through your day. You can take naps or even just sit quietly to give your body rest. Take naps during the day and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Both an make it much easier to get through the day if you're sick. Sleep in a space that is comfortable, warm, and slightly humid. Use a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier keep the air moist and help alleviate congestion and coughing. Allow a fan to circulate air. You can also open a window if it is not cold outside. See your doctor. If your symptoms persist and resting doesn't make you able to function through the day, schedule an appointment with the doctor. She can treat your symptoms and may give you medication that can help you function enough to make it through any day. Soothe your throat with oral analgesics. Throat lozenges or sprays generally contain mild analgesics and other elements such as eucalyptus or camphor. These products can not only alleviate throat pain and inflammation, but may also relieve congestion. Use oral analgesics every two to three hours. Don't try to chew or swallow analgesic lozenges. This may numb your throat and cause further difficulty swallowing. Inhale nasal drops. Nasal and head congestion can make you feel particularly miserable, especially if you have to get through a class or meeting. Using nasal drops may reduce overall congestion and help you feel well enough to tackle the day. Use saline nasal drops to relieve congestion. You can purchase these at most pharmacies. Decongest yourself with medication. If you have nasal, head, or bronchial congestion, take a decongestant or antihistamine. These may relieve your symptoms enough to help you get through the day. Look for "non-drowsy" decongestants if you need to be at work or school. There are a wide variety of decongestants and antihistamines on the market. You can also find options that also contain pain relievers. Take decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine and antihistamines such as loratadine or triprolidine. Read the labels to see what ingredients are in your chosen product. This can help ensure that you don't overlap with other medications you are taking to help you get through the day. Try pain relievers. Most people have body aches when they're sick. Taking an over-the-counter medication can help get rid of any aches, pains, and discomfort you're experiencing. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can get rid of any aches you have that keep you from getting through the day. Never take more than 4grams total in a 24hour period of all of these combined to avoid liver toxicity Take anti-diarrheal medication. If you have any illness that is accompanied by diarrhea, consider taking an anti-diarrheal medication. These can help reduce the number of watery bowel movements you have. Take over the counter anti-diarrheals such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). If your diarrhea doesn't subside or gets worse, make sure to see your doctor to rule out a serious condition. Consider alternative medicine remedies. Although there is no definitive scientific evidence that alternative medicine can relieve illness, many people still use natural remedies. See if taking vitamin C, echinacea, or zinc can help alleviate your symptoms enough to help you get through the day. Avoid intranasal zinc, which may permanently damage your sense of smell. Try raw garlic, which may help relieve sore throat symptoms. Even if alternative medicines don't work, they may help based on the placebo effect — if you expect the treatment to help you feel better, you might actually experience real relief. Just make sure the treatment doesn't also have any negative side effects.

Take a warm shower or bath. Gargle with saltwater. Reduce your workload. Call in sick. Hydrate properly. Consume chicken soup. Eat the BRAT diet. Steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. Rest as much as possible. See your doctor. Soothe your throat with oral analgesics. Inhale nasal drops. Decongest yourself with medication. Try pain relievers. Take anti-diarrheal medication. Consider alternative medicine remedies.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bond-a-Pair-of-Conures

How to Bond a Pair of Conures

To successfully bond a pair of conures, put them in the same cage together if they're both less than 1 year old, since young conures will naturally bond if they're raised together. However, if your conures are older than 1 year and they weren't raised together, you should keep them in separate cages at first so they don't fight. Place the cages next to each other, and give your conures time to get used to each other. Once they show signs of bonding, like sitting near each other, eating at the same time, or bobbing their heads together, you can move them into the same cage.

Raise the birds together from an early age. If two conures are both relatively young (less than one year old) and have already been weaned, they can probably be placed together in a cage immediately. When the birds are raised together, they are more likely to think of each other as partners and companions. Place birds who were not raised together from a young age in separate cages. When introducing birds who are a bit older (more than one year old), place them in two separate cages, but place the cages side-by-side. Look for signs of bonding, including sitting side-by-side, eating at the same time, or mutual head bobbing. Bring the bonded pair together in one cage. When bonding a conure pair that was not raised together, unite them in a neutral cage (not one of the cages they used individually) after detecting signs of bonding. This will reinforce the bond between them. Since a single conure requires an enclosure 24″ wide x 24″ deep x 30″ high ( 61 cm x 61 cm x 76 cm), two conures should be housed together in an enclosure with dimensions twice as large. Purchase unrelated birds. Birds who are related might have a more difficult time bonding. When purchasing your birds, choose a qualified seller who offers written guarantees that the two conures are from different nests. Obtain birds that are the same age. If one bird in a pair is of a different age than the other, it might try to take on an “alpha” role in the pair, which could cause it to act aggressively. To increase odds of a successful bonding, match two birds that are the same age or close to the same age. Don’t bother your conures. The more you interact with your conures, the less interested they will be in each other. To encourage bonding, minimize your contact with them by only visiting to provide food. This rule also applies if you want to breed your conures. Stay away from them until they've produced an egg. Keep mirrors away from the cage. If a conure sees its image in a mirror, it could become confused and begin bonding with its reflection. Therefore, don't place mirrors or toys that include mirrors in or near the conure cage. Look for the pair sitting together. When birds sit next to each other, it means that they like each other. Provide perches and stands in the conures' cage so they can sit near each other. If you notice the birds nestling up to each other and mirroring each other's actions, then this is a good indication that they have bonded. Keep an eye out for rapid head bobbing. If your conures rapidly bob their heads up and down when interacting, it means they like each other. You might see this behavior with same-sex conure pairs or in male-female pairs. Look for tongue touching. Conures have sensitive tongues and often examine objects or birds with them. Curious or affectionate conures might press their tongues against their companion. Check for preening. Conure friends often lick, nibble, or gently pull at each other's feathers. These behaviors help the bird on the receiving end keep its feathers properly oiled and groomed, and protect it from water and cold. This social behavior is an indicator that your birds are getting along. Look for the pair eating together. When your conure pair share feeding habits, you'll know they've really hit it off. Conure friends might bring food back to a shared perch or cluster around a single food dish and eat together. If the birds are of different sexes, one might feed the other (either directly or by chewing the food and then regurgitating it into the other's mouth). Expect the occasional squabble. Although bonded conures are devoted to each other, they may occasionally squabble. However, they will usually sort things out on their own and you will not need to intervene.

Raise the birds together from an early age. Place birds who were not raised together from a young age in separate cages. Bring the bonded pair together in one cage. Purchase unrelated birds. Obtain birds that are the same age. Don’t bother your conures. Keep mirrors away from the cage. Look for the pair sitting together. Keep an eye out for rapid head bobbing. Look for tongue touching. Check for preening. Look for the pair eating together. Expect the occasional squabble.

https://www.wikihow.com/Type-a-Dash

How to Type a Dash

Dashes are often overlooked, but they're very useful to break up sentences and add flavor to your writing. If you use Microsoft Word, hold down “Control” and press the dash key on the number keypad to create an en dash, which is typically used to separate numbers. The em dash, which is used to break up sentences in a similar way to parentheses, can be made by holding down the “Control” and “Alt” keys, and pressing the dash key. If you're using a mac, hold down the “Option” key and press dash to make an en dash. For an em dash, hold down the “Option” and “Shift” keys and press the dash key.

Open your Word document. Place your cursor where you want the dash to appear. When you are ready to enter your dash, use one of the following key combinations. En dashes are typically used to separate numbers in a range, while an em dash can signify a break in a sentence. Stylistically, the em dash acts similar to parentheses, though it reads stronger. See this guide for more details on proper usage. Write an en dash. Hold down Ctrl and press - on the numeric pad. Your en dash will appear. Write an em dash. Hold down Ctrl + Alt and press - on the numeric pad. Your em dash will appear. Use this method in any text field in Windows. Almost all versions of Windows in North America and Western Europe support Alt codes. These are key combinations that can be used in any text field to access special characters, such as the en and em dash. If you are using a laptop, you will need to press the NumLock key first in order to activate the numeric pad. Pressing the number keys on the top of the keyboard will not result in symbols appearing. Write an en dash. Hold down the Alt key, press 0 1 5 0 on the numeric pad, and then release the Alt key. The en dash will appear in the text field where your cursor is. Write an em dash. Hold down the Alt key, press 0 1 5 1 on the numeric pad, and then release the Alt key. The em dash will appear in the text field where your cursor is. Use this method in any text field in Mac OS X. Almost all versions of OS X support these codes. You can use them in any text editor or any other field where you can input text. Write an en dash. Hold down the ⌥ Option key and press - on the numeric pad. Your en dash will appear. Write an em dash. Hold down the ⌥ Option + ⇧ Shift keys and press - on the numeric pad. Your em dash will appear. Use codes to create dashes. Much like Windows, Linux has support for four-digit codes that call special symbols. To access the code input, place your cursor where you want the dash and press Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + U. You will see an underlined “u” appear. Enter the code you need and the symbol will appear. To create an en dash, press 2 0 1 3 and then press ↵ Enter. To create an em dash, press 2 0 1 4 and then press ↵ Enter. Use the Compose key. If your keyboard doesn't have a dedicated Compose key, you can assign a key on your keyboard to become the ⎄ Compose key, which will allow you to quickly create symbols. You should pick a key that you don't typically use. To map the ⎄ Compose key, open your Settings in Linux, and then select Keyboard Layout. Click Options and then assign a key on your keyboard to be the ⎄ Compose key. To create an en dash, press ⎄ Compose and then - -. To create an em dash, press ⎄ Compose and then - - - Open your HTML editor. You can use special HTML codes to display dashes on your website. There are a couple of options, and barring any browser-specific bugs, both should output the same thing. You may want to use the second option in each case, as it is easier to read if someone is going through your code. Write an en dash. To insert an en dash into your site, type “–” or “–”

Open your Word document. Write an en dash. Write an em dash. Use this method in any text field in Windows. Write an en dash. Write an em dash. Use this method in any text field in Mac OS X. Write an en dash. Write an em dash. Use codes to create dashes. Use the Compose key. Open your HTML editor. Write an en dash.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sit-Like-a-Lady

How to Sit Like a Lady

The easiest way to sit like a lady is to sit upright in your seat with your knees touching. Cross one ankle over the other and angle your legs so your feet are off to one side. Don't forget to rest your hands in your lap when you're not using them.

Stand in front of your seat as close as you can. By starting out close to the chair, you will have less work to do and are much less likely to expose yourself or miss your mark and fall. At most formal functions, it is customary for a gentleman to help you be seated. He will pull out your chair, wait for you to stand in front of it, and then nudge the chair forward to touch the back of your legs. This is sometimes done by your date, a waiter, or another man seated nearby. Put your knees together. Make sure both your knees and most of your legs are lined up and squeezed next to each other. One leg should not be in front of the other. By sitting down with your legs together, you will keep your undergarments from showing, no matter how short your skirt may be. Ease down gently. Do not bend forward; make sure to keep your torso straight. Keeping your knees together, sit down smoothly by bending your knees. Your calves will naturally tilt forward, which is a position you will want to hold. Try not to use your hands for balance. Keep your arms either straight down or slightly bent at the elbow. Smooth your skirt under you. If you are wearing a skirt or dress, it may have become rumpled while you sat down. Sitting will also have raised its hemline. If you don't want your skirt looking rumpled or shorter than it actually is, smooth it down gently with your hands. Decide how to place your feet. You have two main options for your feet: flat on the ground or crossed at the ankles. If you are short enough that your feet don't touch the floor, be sure to go with the ankle-cross. When crossing your ankles, be sure to do so with your knees still together. There should be no space between your ankles. Angle your legs. If your legs are long or you've chosen not to cross your ankles, you will likely need to angle your knees to either your left or right. Such placement will make you look less stiff and more feminine. You do not need to maintain this angle for the duration of the event. In fact, it is polite to shift your knees towards the person you are speaking to. Sit up straight. Do not lean back into your chair. For formal occasions, it's most appropriate to sit in the center of the seat with your back not in contact with the chair. Likewise, do not lean forward and slouch in your chair. Place your hands in your lap. When not in use, keep your hands folded or holding a clutch. Rest them just above your thigh. However, if you are attending a formal dinner in France, be sure to place your hands on the table on either side of the plate instead. There, it is considered rude to place your hands underneath the table on your lap. Ease into your chair with your knees together. Keep your torso straight without leaning forward. While you will eventually cross your legs, the act of sitting down is identical to the one used for maintaining traditional ladylike posture. Keep in mind that crossing your legs at the knee is much less modest than keeping your legs parallel. It will both emphasize your legs while raising your skirt's hemline. Place your hands in your lap. Once you are seated, fold your hands and place them on your lap between your legs. Maintain this placement when your hands are not in use. This position will also weigh your skirt down, preventing you from flashing your undergarments while crossing your legs. Move your right leg to the left. Begin by raising your right thigh slightly. Then, place your right calf in front of your left. Be sure to keep your thighs together. Spreading your legs, even when adjusting in your seat, is traditionally considered unladylike. Also, even with your hands in your lap, spreading your legs runs the risk of momentarily exposing your underwear. Position your right calf over your left. Your right knee should now be directly on top of your left knee. Your calves should be tight together, forming a diagonal with your feet pointing towards either your right or your left. You will not be able to have a straight up-and-down leg placement with both feet on the floor in this position. Maintain a straight line with both legs. Your right and left calves should remain as parallel and as closely lined up to each other as possible. Be sure that your legs remain firmly together while you sit. Keep your toes pointed downward. Remember to always sit up with your torso straight. Switch legs gracefully if necessary. At some point while sitting, you may want to switch positions so that the opposite leg crosses over the other. This can be done if you are quick and graceful enough but should be avoided if you are wearing a particularly short skirt. Simply uncross your legs so that they are in the same position they were in right after you first sat down. Then, simply move the chosen leg over the other to return to a crossed position. Remember to make sure your hands are in your lap while uncrossing and recrossing your legs.

Stand in front of your seat as close as you can. Put your knees together. Ease down gently. Smooth your skirt under you. Decide how to place your feet. Angle your legs. Sit up straight. Place your hands in your lap. Ease into your chair with your knees together. Place your hands in your lap. Move your right leg to the left. Position your right calf over your left. Maintain a straight line with both legs. Switch legs gracefully if necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Registered-Nurse

How to Become a Registered Nurse

To become a registered nurse, start by focusing on classes such as biology and chemistry, since these subjects are foundational to a career in nursing. If these subjects don't come easily to you, hire a tutor to help you with math and science courses. Then, determine if nursing is a natural fit for you, because nurses must have both compassion and an ability to think critically. After you graduate high school, apply to a program for either a Bachelor's degree, or an Associate's degree at an accredited university.

Understand the profession. According to the American Nurses Association, nursing today is designed for the protection, promotion and optimization of health and the prevention of illness and injury. Nurses are advocates in the care of individuals, families and communities. The standardized education of today's registered nurses, in contrast to the past, reflects the high expectations communities and physicians have on the men and women who fill these roles. In recent years, the employment of nurses has grown and will continue to grow in part because of the aging of the baby boomer population and the associated growing rate of chronic conditions like diabetes. The nursing profession is not just for women; there are over a hundred thousand registered male nurses working in the US. People with chronic diseases, such as heart and lung disease, are living longer than ever, which equates to sicker patients living longer and requiring skilled medical services. Determine if the roles and responsibilities of nursing interest you. The foundation of all nursing practice is based in human anatomy and physiology. The chief mission of the nursing field is to protect, promote and optimize health. Key responsibilities for nurses include (but are not limited to): Triaging and assessing injury levels in emergency situations. Performing physical examinations and taking medical and family histories. Providing counseling and education about health promotion and injury protection. Administering medication and providing wound care. Coordinating care and collaborating with other professionals including doctors, therapists and dietitians. Directing and supervising care and providing education to patients and family, which enables patients to be discharged sooner. Know the skills and qualities involved in nursing. Beyond having a breadth of knowledge in medicine (and being someone who does not get squeamish easily!), a nurse must also be skilled in other areas. In this sense, nursing is like any other profession in that there are specific individual qualities that make the job easier and a more natural fit for some people. It's important to determine whether your personality and abilities can accommodate the various responsibilities and tasks that come with being a nurse. Key qualities include: Interpersonal and communication skills : Being a nurse requires working with people every day—doctors, other nurses, technicians, patients, caregivers, and others. To communicate information clearly and do their jobs effectively, nurses need strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to break down complex information into something that is accessible for ordinary people (i.e., non-specialists). Compassion : Caring and empathy are valuable when taking care of individuals who are sick or injured. Remember that patients may be scared or in pain and need to be comforted, reassured, and motivated to fight through their illnesses. Critical thinking : Registered nurses must be able to assess changes in the health status of their patients and make a quick referrals. Detail-oriented and organized : Nurses often work with multiple patients and healthcare professional at a time and so they need to be able to keep track of what has been done and what needs to be done. In addition, attention to detail is key; medication needs to be given on time and emergency protocols must be followed to the letter. Stamina : Nurses are often required to perform physical tasks, such as lifting patients, and also work long shifts of between eight and 12 hours, which may include night shifts. Get a high school diploma. Admission into a school of nursing requires a high school diploma or, alternately, passing the General Education Development (GED) test. If you want to be a nurse, pay attention to your performance, skill, and interest in courses like biology, physiology, and chemistry throughout high school. The knowledge from these courses will be important in your post-secondary education. A good foundational knowledge and understanding of how the human body works is necessary in the field of nursing and begins already in high school. Don't get discouraged if these subjects don't come easily to you. Consider hiring a private tutor to help you in your math and science courses in order to improve and develop effective study and learning strategies. Undertake post-secondary education in nursing. There are three ways to become a registered nurse. Whatever path you choose, the coursework involved will include physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy. Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). This level of education is like a bachelor's program in all other fields. It is awarded by a college or university and usually takes four years to complete. Classes will include community health, pharmacology, health assessment, microbiology, chemistry, human development and clinical practice. In addition, bachelor's programs usually include more training in social sciences than other nursing programs. You may take courses in sociology, communications, leadership, and critical thinking. Associate's degree in nursing (ADN). This is the most common way to obtain a registered nursing license and involves a two-year program at a community or junior college. Many students transition to BSN programs after having completed an ADN and holding an entry-level nursing position. In these cases, nurses are able get further education using an employer's tuition assistance program; they're also able to work and earn an income while getting the next level of education. Diploma from an accredited nursing program. You can also be eligible for licensure by completing a vocational nursing program. These accredited programs are often associated with a hospital and vary in length, though they are typically up to three years long. In this program, classroom learning, clinical practice, and on-the-job training are combined. This education path is on the decline since hospitals have placed a limit on the number of diploma graduates they can hire due to recommendations by the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education. Make sure your school is accredited. The national accreditation agency for nursing schools is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This agency ensures the quality and integrity of bachelor, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Accreditation is voluntary but ensures that colleges and schools providing nursing education are operating at the same professional level and educating future nurses in a manner which ensures that they can provide effective and standardized care. Get licensed. Registered nurses must have a nursing license. Take the National Council Licensure Examination — Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) once you have graduated from your accredited program and thus have completed the appropriate education requirements. This test is the nationally recognized licensing exam for registered nurses. Prerequisites to and fees for the exam may differ between states. Check with the requirements for your state, or for the state you plan on practicing in. Note the following requirements in order to sit the licensure examination: Application for the examination must include a U.S. social security number. Individuals must be accompanied by a recent passport-style photograph. Application must identify the school from which the applicant graduated. Transcripts must be forwarded to prove that the individual met all educational requirements. Find a job as a nurse. There are more than two million nurses in the United States, making the position the largest in the healthcare field. There are a variety of settings in which a nurse can work, including hospitals, physician's offices, elderly care homes, prisons, college campuses and schools. Newly certified nurses should consider working in a specialty unit, as the patients in these facilities are more homogeneous. Examples of specialty units include orthopedic and pediatrics units. Nurses with a bachelor's degree have better employment prospects than those who do not; they are recognized as having capabilities from their curriculum that prepare them for management, case management and leadership roles. Decide what specialty interests you. There are a variety of fields for nurses to practice, including pediatrics , adults, OB/GYN, geriatrics, community health, occupational health, rehabilitation, surgery, neonatal , intensive care, and emergency. You will likely have already started thinking about this during your RN educational training. Each RN program gives their nursing students clinical rotations through which they gain experience in these various areas of the hospital and community. Nursing students may have a full semester in a particular clinical rotation, such as pediatrics, adult or community health. They will also experience several hours in an intensive care unit, emergency room and neonatal unit. Not all schools will give nurses rotations through a physical rehabilitation unit for patients following strokes or spinal cord injuries. Most schools will expect that nurses get experience with geriatric care while caring for adults. Once you know what field of nursing you'd like to work in, you can apply for jobs in that field. Stay up-to-date with your practice. Even after completing the required education and certification, nurses should continue to read medical journals, be aware of the policies of the healthcare organization they work for, and take additional courses in medicine. Scientific and medical knowledge and technologies are constantly changing and evolving and so staying up-to-date is key to providing effective healthcare. Consider becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The term advanced practice registered nurse is an umbrella term used for nurses who have achieved at least a master's degree in nursing (MSN). The academic program to become an advanced practice nurse is one to two academic years, depending upon the specialty, school, and your previous work experience. There are four main advanced practice settings in which nurses can practice under this APRN umbrella: Clinical Nurse Specialist. These nurses typically work in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. They handle a wide variety of physical and mental health problems and may work within the fields of research, education and administration. Nurse Practitioner. These advanced practice nurses may work in clinics, and nursing homes, hospitals or private offices. They see a wide range of primary and preventative health patients. In most states, nurse practitioners can prescribe medication, diagnose illness, and treat minor injuries. Certified Nurse Midwife. These nurses provide gynecological and low risk obstetrics care in hospitals, homes and birthing centers. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. This is the oldest of the advanced practice nursing specialists. Each year certified registered nurse anesthetists provide more than 65% of the anesthetics given to patients in hospitals and outpatient settings. Be aware of other career paths. Some nurses move into management positions, which are increasingly requiring a graduate degree in nursing. Other nurses move into the business aspects of healthcare, while still others opt to work outside the healthcare setting directly by becoming instructors in colleges and universities. All in all, the nursing field is varied and offers a huge number of opportunities for individuals interested in health and wellness.

Understand the profession. Determine if the roles and responsibilities of nursing interest you. Know the skills and qualities involved in nursing. Get a high school diploma. Undertake post-secondary education in nursing. Make sure your school is accredited. Get licensed. Find a job as a nurse. Decide what specialty interests you. Stay up-to-date with your practice. Consider becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Be aware of other career paths.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Strong-Nails

How to Get Strong Nails

To get strong nails, rub olive oil or a thick hand cream into your cuticles to moisturize them and keep your nails from becoming brittle. Also, make sure to wear gloves when you do housework, since cleaning chemicals can damage your nails. If your nails are very weak, try taking a 2.5 mg biotin supplement each day to strengthen them. Then, when you file your nails, use a fine-grit emery board and file in only one direction, instead of back and forth, to prevent breakage.

Moisturize the cuticles with oil. Dry nails are brittle nails. To reduce splitting and breaking, rub a moisturizing cream or olive oil into the cuticles daily. Petroleum jelly or a thick, greasy hand lotion that seals in moisture should do the trick as well. Your nails need to be moisturized regularly, just like your hands, feet, and the rest of your body. Every time you moisturize your hands, moisturize your cuticles. That way, your new nail growth will always be nourished, so they should grow in stronger. Consider biotin supplements. Biotin may not have much of an effect unless you have severely brittle nails, but it may be worth a try. A daily dose of 30 mcg is enough to avoid deficiency. Some people take a much larger daily dose of 2.5 mg to strengthen nails. You can also increase your biotin intake naturally by consuming more eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and other dietary sources of this B vitamin. Talk to a doctor first before you start taking any new supplements or make any major dietary changes. File carefully. Shape nails with a fine-grit file (at least 180 grit), avoiding metal files and rough emery boards. File in one direction only, never back and forth. Smoothing away nicks and rough edges can help prevent breakage, but stick to this careful approach. Make sure your nails are completely dry before filing. Always wait to file for at least 10 minutes after showering or doing the dishes. Try shaping long nails to an oval, rather than a point or square, to reduce pressure. Never file down the sides of nails, as it can lead to infection and seriously weaken your nails. Eat a healthy diet. Many beauty websites and magazines tout specific foods or supplements. There is little to no evidence that most of these work. In general, a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals from food should be enough to avoid nail problems. Some people may benefit from calcium, iron, zinc, or vitamin B supplements, but only if their diet is low in these substances. Talk to your doctor for more information. Don't believe myths about gelatin or garlic strengthening nails. These have no noticeable effect when eaten or used to soak the nails. Make sure you're eating enough protein, which is necessary for growing nails. Use your own manicure tools only. Anything that touches your nails should be used on your nails only. Sharing files, brushes, and other tools can spread infection, leading to puffy red cuticles and weak nails. Even a professional nail salon may not clean its instruments properly. Bring your own tools or make sure the salon staff sterilizes their instruments. Leave your cuticles alone. The cuticles at the base of your nails protect against fungi and bacteria. Cutting them can lead to an infection that permanently damages the nail bed. Do keep your cuticles moisturized, but avoid pushing them back or cutting them. Fake fingernails that extend over the cuticles also cause harm. Use fake nail tips instead. Avoid nail hardeners. These products make untested claims and are rarely worth the risks. Even if they succeed in hardening your nails, the end result may be brittle and easily broken. Switch nail polish brands. Some nail polishes, especially ones that contain formaldehyde, make the nail brittle and dry. Try switching to a different brand for a few weeks and see what happens. Avoid quick-drying formulas, as these can further dry out your nails. Some dermatologists recommend leaving nail polish on for no longer than five days. Take care when removing polish. Never chip or peel off the polish. Always soak it with a nail polish remover until you can easily scrub it away. These polish removers do dry out your nail, so moisturize afterward with nail cream, thick hand cream, petroleum jelly, or olive oil. Unless you are removing acrylic nails, look for a non-acetone formula of nail polish remover. Minimize wear and tear. Manual labor, housework frequent hand washing, and exposure to cleaning chemicals can all tear your nails. Wear gloves during these activities when possible. If nail stress is unavoidable, possibly due to work-required hand washing, or playing classical guitar, you may need to moisturize several times daily. Type with the pads of your fingers, not your nails. Go without polish 1-2 times a month to let your nails breathe. Wearing thick polish or wearing polish every day can dry your nails out, making them brittle. Spend at least a few days every month without polish to let your nails breathe and maintain their strength. When you do wear polish, always use a protective base coat and apply your polish in thin layers. Giving your nails a break from polish can make them stronger. The chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover can be very drying to your nails, especially over time.

Moisturize the cuticles with oil. Consider biotin supplements. File carefully. Eat a healthy diet. Use your own manicure tools only. Leave your cuticles alone. Avoid nail hardeners. Switch nail polish brands. Take care when removing polish. Minimize wear and tear. Go without polish 1-2 times a month to let your nails breathe.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Wood-Laminate-Floors

How to Clean Wood Laminate Floors

To clean wood laminate floors, sweep daily with a dry dust mop to avoid scratching the surface. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum with a wood floor setting. In addition to daily maintenance, clean spills right away by soaking them up with a soft cloth or sponge. If you want a deeper clean, start with hot water as it is least likely to damage your flooring or leave streaks. If you need something a little more powerful to clean dirt and grime, add ½ cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of hot water.

Sweep the floor. In order to maintain your wood laminate floor, you must remove any dirt or dust every day. Focus on high-traffic areas and locations near exits, where dirt can accumulate. Avoid using a traditional dry broom. The bristles could scratch the surface of your floors. Instead, opt for a dry dust mop or dry Swiffer. Vacuum the floor. Alternatively, you can remove dust and dirt daily by using a vacuum. You must ensure that your vacuum does not have a “beater bar,” also called a “bristle bar,” that can damage your floor. Also, if possible, you should set your vacuum to a “wood floor” setting. A "beater bar" is a spinning bar with bristles. Look at the bottom of your vacuum to determine the presence of a "beater bar." Look for a vacuum with a wood floor setting. Clean spills right away. Moisture can damage your wood laminate floor. As such, you should clean any spills as soon as they happen. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel to clean spills. Soak up excess liquid with a dry cloth. Dampen a cloth or sponge to remove any remaining residue. Dry the area. Start with hot water. Most of the time, pure hot water will be the best choice for cleaning your wood laminate floor. This is the most gentle cleanser possible, and is least likely to damage your floors. Water is also the least likely to leave streaks on your floor. Dilute vinegar. If you need something a little more powerful than plain water, try adding white vinegar to hot water. This can be a slightly more powerful (though still gentle) way to remove dirt and grime from your laminate floors. Add ½ cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of hot water. You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a nice smell. Purchase wood laminate floor cleaner. Another option is to purchase the specific cleansing produce created for your floor. Often times, you can find the exact brand to match the brand of your flooring (such as Pergo or Quick Step). Wood laminate floor cleaners can be found at most home improvement stores. Try baby shampoo. An inexpensive option for cleaning your laminate floors is to use baby shampoo. This is a great way to remove dirt or mud without damaging your floors. Add two Tablespoons of baby shampoo to one gallon of hot water. You can purchase baby shampoo at pharmacies, grocery stores, and big box stores. Do not try this with regular "adult" shampoo, as this will leave a residue on your floor. Fill a bucket. Once you've chosen the right cleaning product for you, it is time to actually mop your floor. Start by filling a big bucket with clean, hot water. If you will be adding any additional detergent or cleanser, add this to the water now. You should plan to mop your wood laminate floor around once per month, or anytime the floor gets really dirty. Wring out your mop. Excess moisture can damage your wood laminate floor, so you will want to choose a mop that can be effectively wrung out. Dip your mop into the water and wring out it as much as possible. Sponge mops are usually best for this task. . Wipe the floor Carefully move your mop across the floor from one side of the room to the other. When your mop becomes too dry, return it to the water and wring it out again. Make your way across the room. Dry the floor. Once again, moisture can damage your floors, and water should never be left to stand. Use as little water as possible while mopping. After mopping, use a soft towel to completely dry your floors. Use a cleaner labeled for use on laminate floors for best results. Apply the product directly to the stain. Then, wipe up the cleaner using a mop or clean rag. Follow all of the instructions on the product label. Laminate floors are easy to damage, so it's important not to use harsh chemicals. Your best option is a floor cleaner manufactured by a company that sells laminate flooring. These products are specially made for laminate floors. Make your own cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Pour your baking soda into a bowl, then add enough water to create your paste. Apply the paste only to the stain. After the paste dries, re-wet it and wipe away the residue with a clean, wet cloth. Finally, dry the area with a fresh cloth. You can add vinegar to your paste to make it stronger. Create your own cleaner with vinegar and warm water. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm water. Stir the ingredients to mix them. Use this solution to clean stains, but only apply it to the stain itself. Vinegar can dull your laminate floors if you apply too much or leave it on too long. Wipe the area down with warm water after the stain is gone. Then, pat the area dry with a clean rag. Dab away stains like ink, nail polish, or lipstick with rubbing alcohol. Wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then dab it directly onto the stain. Once the stain lifts, clean the area with warm water, then dry it. Make sure you only apply it to the stain itself, as alcohol can dull the finish of your laminate flooring. Acetone can be used sparingly for very stubborn stains. Harden wax or gum with ice before scraping it off. Hold the ice against the wax or gum until it feels hard to the touch. Then, use a plastic scraper to pry it up. Be careful not to scratch the surface of your laminate. It's very easy to scratch laminate! Be careful when prying up the gum or wax that you don't dig into the laminate.

Sweep the floor. Vacuum the floor. Clean spills right away. Start with hot water. Dilute vinegar. Purchase wood laminate floor cleaner. Try baby shampoo. Fill a bucket. Wring out your mop. . Dry the floor. Use a cleaner labeled for use on laminate floors for best results. Make your own cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Create your own cleaner with vinegar and warm water. Dab away stains like ink, nail polish, or lipstick with rubbing alcohol. Harden wax or gum with ice before scraping it off.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fight-Your-HOA-(Homeowners-Association)

How to Fight Your HOA (Homeowners Association)

To fight your Homeowners Association, make sure you keep copies of any emails, letters, and bills relevant to your case, which you can later use as evidence to support your claim. If your issue is with an undue fine, pay it first and then contest it to the board to avoid incurring more charges. Once you're ready to make your case, write to the HOA and politely request a hearing to resolve your dispute. Then, present your evidence and calmly make your case to the board. Remember that most board members are unpaid volunteers, so getting along with them is in your best interest. If your evidence and argument are reasonable, you'll have a good chance of winning the dispute.

Understand your relationship to the HOA. Generally, when a home (or lot) that is part of an HOA is purchased, the buyer automatically becomes a member of the HOA. As a member, the homeowner must comply with the rules of HOA membership, including payment of HOA dues and following all conditions and restrictions in the community. While the HOA's primary function is to protect and maintain the value of both the private and communal property in the community, the actions of the HOA's board and its interpretation and application of the HOA's rules sometimes cause problems for individual homeowners. Are you allowed to put up a storage shed? Can you paint your house a different color? Does your tree need to be pruned? Can you park your R.V. in the driveway? The HOA probably has rules applicable to each of these circumstances. Review your HOA's rules. Different states have different requirements for what documents the HOA must maintain as part of the HOA's rules. Most frequently those documents include: (1) the Articles of Incorporation, (2) the Bylaws, and (3) the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. These documents collectively describe the powers, limits, and obligations of the HOA. These documents also usually include a description of how the rules can be amended, how the HOA board is elected (or removed), what powers the board holds, how meetings are called, and the consequences of any violations of the HOA rules by the members. The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) document outlines the rules for community members, such as how they maintain the outsides of their homes and what they can, and cannot, do in public inside the community. The HOA's rules operate much like a contract between the HOA and each individual member-homeowner. Any breach of the contract could be grounds for legal action. One of the remedies available to the HOA for the homeowner's breach of the HOA rules is foreclosure against the homeowner's property. Understand the duties and responsibilities of the HOA board. In general, the Board of Directors is responsible for managing all matters concerning the homeowners peaceful enjoyment of their homes and the common areas of the residential community. The Board may delegate daily management functions to an outside property management service, however, ultimate control and responsibility remains with the Board. The Board's powers and duties to all homeowners within the HOA include enforcing the rules governing the ownership and management of the residential community, paying all taxes and assessments and avoiding liens upon the common area, securing general liability insurance on behalf of the HOA, securing contracts for materials and services in order to maintain the common area, electing and/or organizing committees, officers, or employees of the HOA, and overseeing the preparation of budgets and financial statements on behalf of the HOA,. They are also responsible for writing all rules of operation for the common areas and facilities within the HOA and notifying all homeowners of these rules on a regular basis, notifying homeowners of any violation of the rules and conducting investigative meetings and/or disciplinary proceedings against members of the association for violations of the rules, and placing a lien on any homeowner's property when timely payment of dues and assessments are not made. Understand your duties. Owning a home that is managed within a HOA obligates you to accept and follow the HOA's rules. The CC&R sets the rules and responsibilities of living within your residential community and enjoying the common areas within the development maintained by the HOA. Homeowners must follow all written rules set forth within the CC&R, for example, parking restrictions, home maintenance, home improvement, and prohibited conduct. Homeowners must pay all fees and assessments on a monthly basis to contribute to the cost of repairing and maintaining the common areas within the residential community. Homeowners cannot refuse to pay any fees and assessments, however, a member has the right to take action against the HOA in order to contest any unwarranted charges. Determine the nature of your action or conflict. If you are in a dispute with your HOA can be because the HOA is taking action against you or because you are taking action against the HOA. If the HOA is taking action against you, it is typically in order to collect past dues and fines. If you are taking action against your HOA it is usually in order to ask a court to require the HOA to perform the responsibilities it is obliged to perform under the rules. For example, to approve your reasonable request for improvements to your home. Review the HOA rules. If your board does not provide you with a specific section of the rules that you are breaking, you will need to find it. Sometimes, the rules do not say what the HOA's Board members think they say. Look for general or ambiguous language. (Or, for that matter, completely absent or omitted language.) In some cases, different sections in the HOA documents internally conflict, i.e. say opposite things regarding the same issue. Document your actions. In general, keep copies of emails, letters, bills, and warnings from the HOA. If you have a conversation with anyone acting as a representative of the HOA, be sure to write down your understanding of the conversation in the form of a confirmation letter, and mail a copy of that letter to the HOA. This gives the HOA an opportunity to correct anything you might have misheard. If the HOA does not correct your understanding, as set forth in your letter, the statements in your letter could serve as strong evidence of what was actually said. If the HOA has routinely violated or ignored the rules in the past, while presently seeking to enforce a rule against you arbitrarily, you will be able to document that the HOA is not treating you fairly and reasonably. This is showing how the HOA has dealt with your similar issue in the past. As a member, if you were granted an exception to the HOA Rules, be sure to document that exception in writing, specifying precisely what was granted, who granted it, when, and for what time period. Some such exceptions might need to be recorded with your county recorder's office in the same way as your property deed. To avoid keeping heaps of paper, simply scan these documents and keep electronic copies, ensuring that you have adequate file backups in case of a computer malfunction, burglary, or catastrophic loss. Make sure your HOA has updated and amended their rules recently. This includes incorporating your state's current HOA governing statutes. If not, your HOA Rules may be found to be unenforceable by the court. For instance, a number of states have enacted laws governing flags and solar panels placed upon structures and the Federal Communications Commission governs the placement of antennas and satellite dishes. Pay your fines and dues. Pay your fines (and/or dues) now, and contest them later. If you ignore the HOA's bills, not only will they begin to add up, but they likely will begin to accumulate additional late fees, penalties, and/or interest. The HOA usually has the power (and likely the will and ability) to place a lien on your property and even to foreclose on the property in order to collect the fines. If you are successful in your fight against the HOA, you likely will be able to get your payments refunded with interest. Remember, however, to make an effort to negotiate a resolution of fines and/or collection disputes between you and your HOA or its lawyer. Your HOA may be incentivized to settle your matter in order to avoid future expensive attorney fees. Connect With Your Neighbors. If you are having an issue with your HOA, your neighbors might be having the same issue with the HOA. They can help to advise, support, and strengthen your fight. The more that members join together, the more likely the HOA will back down. It could be useful to gather signatures of neighbors who agree with you into a petition. As a unified group, you can more easily make positive changes by convincing board members to vote for specific changes to the rules or by voting in (or out) board members. Attend regular HOA board meetings. The best proactive measure you can take when challenging an action your HOA has taken against you is to regularly attend and participate in HOA board meetings. Being present and knowing what actions the board is planning to take, and discovering past actions the board has taken, will alert and inform you of what you can expect as a challenging homeowner. HOA Board meetings can show you how the HOA addresses specific issues. Therefore, requesting copies of the minutes of a prior board meeting that addressed a similar circumstance will help you in laying a foundation in court that the HOA is treating you unfairly and being unreasonable. Remember that most Board Members are unpaid volunteers. If you treat them with respect and kindness, you likely will get closer to your own goal. Remain professional, write well-reasoned letters, and speak politely in a cool, collected tone. While it may feel good to contemplate kicking in the door to a board meeting and calling the board members a variety of names, it will not help your cause. Instead, simply convey your position, any evidence you have to support your position, and what you actually want the HOA to do for you. This is not to say that you should avoid a show of strength. In fact, it is a good idea to make sure the HOA board knows that you intend to advance your position. Just be respectful. Request a hearing. Write a professional letter respectfully asking for a hearing on your issue. Attend the hearing with multiple copies of your evidence and/or a signed petition showing neighborhood support. When you speak, keep it factual. While you may feel anger and frustration, keep your statement clear, concise, and professional. You might also consider filing a grievance with the HOA against specific individuals in the HOA (or under the HOA's control) who are harassing you, randomly and capriciously enforcing regulations against you, or otherwise treating you poorly. In your written request for a hearing, request copies of the HOA's records that were used as a basis for the HOA action against you, or the denial of your request for improvements to your property. However, some executive sessions of the HOA board meetings may be able to be held back from you, so check the rules. Change the HOA rules or the board members. Oftentimes you can remove a troublesome board member by as little as 10% of members voting for such a recall. You can also try to amend the rules, though this process likely would require a substantial effort. However, if you can “sell” a change in the rules to fellow members as something that would benefit them (rather than simply helping you personally to avoid a fine), you might be able to gather the required support. Another, easier alternative to amending the rules would be to apply for a “variance.” This is, essentially, a request for an exception to the rules for your particular case. For example, perhaps you have a medical condition that requires a large handicapped-accessible van be parked in front of your home but parking vehicles long term on the street is usually restricted. The HOA might make an exception (grant a variance) in your case either as a gesture of good will or in order to avoid a lawsuit. Think Outside the Box. Remember that internal hearings or meetings are not the only ways to fight the HOA. For instance, if you can attract the attention of local media, you might cause your HOA to “give in” to community pressure. Consider if your conflict should be taken to court. Some causes of action you may consider in bringing a small claims action are: Is the HOA acting arbitrarily and capriciously against you by preventing you from exercising your rights as a homeowner? Is the HOA discriminating against you based upon race, religion, or sexual orientation? Is the HOA misappropriating funds? Is the HOA neglecting their duties to repair and maintain the common areas? Does the HOA fail to notify members of meetings? Even small claims actions can be emotionally difficult, financially draining, and long-lasting. Remember, also, that the Board Members of the HOA you are suing probably are your neighbors, which can make your daily life even more difficult. Further, if you lose, your HOA rules may require you to pay the HOA's legal fees, which easily exceed any damages you are claiming in your action. Although you may prevail in your action, the HOA might still be able to pass at least a part of their legal costs (and, even the damages award they're ordered to pay you) back to you through a special assessment where all members must contribute a sum to the HOA (which won't help you make friends with your neighbors). Courts often apply the standard of “reasonableness” when determining whether or not a HOA's action against a homeowner is enforceable by court order. If the court determines that the HOA's action or fine against a homeowner is not more likely than not unreasonable, it could find in your favor and reverse the action or fine imposed against you. Watch for discrimination. If the HOA is citing and fining you, but not other members for the same infractions, it potentially is acting in an arbitrary and capricious manner, which opens the door for lawsuits based on discrimination. For instance, if you are denied permission to build a pool, but other neighbors have been allowed to do so, it is worth the effort to catalogue which neighbors, the location of their pools, and the approximate dates your neighbors installed their pools. If you can show that your denial was based on a “protected characteristic” such as your race, gender, national origin, religious belief, marital status, etc. you are well on your way to winning your fight against the HOA. Courts may find against HOAs when their actions fail to be fair and uniformly applied to all homeowners and you do not necessarily need to prove that they discriminated against you based upon a protected class. If you can show that your HOA treated you differently than it did other homeowners in your similar circumstance, its case against you will be weakened dramatically in the court's eyes. Some states, such as Arizona, have a separate administrative process specifically designed to handle HOA disputes. Consult a lawyer. You should consider retaining a lawyer. Doing so does not necessarily mean filing a lawsuit will be necessary. The mere presence of a lawyer in the mix often can cause the HOA to reconsider its position. Further, a lawyer can give you valuable advice regarding your strategy, can send letters and demands on your behalf, and can represent your interests in an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) process or in litigation. Hire someone with experience in handling HOA disputes. This might not necessarily be a real estate lawyer. HOAs are not-for-profit organizations similar to corporations, which is a different thing entirely from typical real estate issues. Your local Bar Association can often give excellent recommendations and referrals. File a small claims action. In the event you are unable to resolve your dispute with the HOA (for example, the HOA has imposed a fine against your that is not fair or within the rights of the board), the next option you may consider is to file a small claims action in municipal (magistrate) court. Most small claims jurisdictions are limited to damages of up to $10,000 and/or an order for specific performance against the HOA. You can bring a cause of action against the board claiming that it acted wrongfully and, as a result, you have suffered a financial loss. If you are successful in small claims court against the HOA, the court can order the HOA to reimburse you for the amount of fine you were wrongfully required to pay as well as your court costs. Personally visit your local clerk of court's office or visit its website to obtain instructions and forms on how to proceed with your action.

Understand your relationship to the HOA. Review your HOA's rules. Understand the duties and responsibilities of the HOA board. Understand your duties. Determine the nature of your action or conflict. Review the HOA rules. Document your actions. Make sure your HOA has updated and amended their rules recently. Pay your fines and dues. Connect With Your Neighbors. Attend regular HOA board meetings. Remember that most Board Members are unpaid volunteers. Request a hearing. Change the HOA rules or the board members. Think Outside the Box. Consider if your conflict should be taken to court. Watch for discrimination. Consult a lawyer. File a small claims action.

https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-Eloquently

How to Speak Eloquently

The key to speaking eloquently is using language people understand and pronouncing your words clearly. Avoid using filler words like “Um” and “Like” when speaking, since you'll sound more professional and articulate without them. You should also enunciate each syllable when speaking so people can follow what you're saying easier. If you catch yourself speaking too fast, try to slow your speech down so they can hear each word clearly. If you're speaking about an idea people might not understand, try referencing pop culture, classic literature, and art to help you explain. It's also important to read so you can expand your vocabulary. However, you should always use simple words when you can, since this will be easier to understand.

Stick with clear and succinct vocabulary. Although it may not always be the case, a broad vocabulary doesn't necessarily equate to a strong vocabulary. When it comes to sounding eloquent, less is more. A wordy explanation is not more eloquent than a simple and clear explanation, if they both accomplish the same thing. Don't add in extra vocab words to sound more intelligent. Use what you know. Make attempts to learn new vocabulary whenever possible, but when you're speaking, stick to words you know. One of the least eloquent things you can do is misuse a large vocabulary word, or combine too many large vocabulary words and leave your listener confused. Make helpful references. When applicable, make allusions to things that help explain a thought or idea, or that will otherwise give the listener a better idea of what you're trying to say. References to pop culture, classic literature and art, and historical people and events are all incredibly helpful and give you an added air of intelligence. Don’t use filler words. Nothing sounds less professional and eloquent than filling up silences and spaces between words with filler words like “um,” “like,” “so,” and “yeah”. Make a conscious effort not to fill up your speeches with these words, and don't feel like you must insert words into every empty space. If it is helpful, think through exactly what you're going to say before you say it so that you don't fall back on these fillers. Enunciate each word. You could have the most eloquent speech in the world prepared, but if you can't properly enunciate the words in them, your listeners will end up confused and in the dark. Take the necessary time to pronounce each word in your sentence correctly, minimizing an accent if necessary. If you have particular trouble with proper enunciation, hire a voice/speaking coach to help you pronounce words properly. Familiarize yourself with transitions and adjectives. One of the common issues people have with speaking, is they end up grasping for words, leaving an awkward pause in their speech, and then they seem unprepared. Beat this by becoming familiar with a list of popular transitions and popular adjectives. If you do forget what you were going to say, it won't take you as long to supply a word when you can refer to these mental lists. Common (and eloquent) transitions include furthermore, additionally, moreover, in particular, nevertheless, and despite. Common (and eloquent) adjectives will vary based on what you're talking about, but may include gorgeous, disgusted, absurd, tasteful, resonant, brief, pleasant, and lovely. Formulate your sentence in advance. In order to prevent stumbling over your thoughts and jumping straight into speech, think about what you're going to say before you say it. Similar to writing a response, thinking in advance will give you time to formulate exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it. Just be careful that you don't script yourself so much that you sound fake or accidentally leave out important words. Overcome speaking and social anxieties. It will be incredibly difficult to sound eloquent if your voice quivers, you speak too quietly, or you get a stutter when you begin speaking. Take the necessary measures to overcome these social anxieties by visiting a speech pathologist, speech therapist, or a counselor. Stay relaxed. Similar to the aforementioned note on overcoming your anxieties, if you're uptight, stressed, or look nervous, you won't perform as eloquently. Do what is necessary in order for you to relax, whether it be imagining your audience in their underwear or simply remembering that the worst thing that could happen is that your audience gets bored (which really isn't that bad at all). Speaking should come naturally, not feel forced, so let the words flow and don't worry too much about how to say them or what people are thinking of you. Speak with confidence. Have you ever noticed how people who act confidently automatically seem more charismatic and eloquent? When you speak with confidence, you instill a sense of curiosity in your audience. Even when you don't feel it, act confident, and your speech will come across more professional and well-spoken. Plus, as you pretend to be confident, you'll actually start to become more confident. A win-win situation, for sure. Slow down your speech. Talking too fast will make even the most eloquent of speakers sound anxious and unprepared. When you're worried about saying something, it is a natural reaction to speed up your spoken words per minute so that you're done speaking faster. This doesn't sound professional and makes you seem stressed. Take time to slow down your speech; it is better to speak too slow than to speak too fast. Pay attention to the listener. Strong speakers make eye contact with their audience on a regular basis, and address their speech to individual people. This shows that they're not just speaking into the air, but that they care that their audience is listening and truly hearing what they're saying. When you speak, even if to a single person, make a point to make eye contact with your listener(s) on a regular basis. Use notes if you need to. If you're worried about a public speech rather than just daily conversation, don't feel guilty about keeping notes on hand. Organizing your thoughts and having them around for brief glances is a great way to keep your speech in order. Don't use your notes as a script, but rather as a way to quickly remind yourself of key words and phrases that you can insert into your speech to be better understood. Practice in front of a mirror. Yes, it may seem silly, but if you can watch yourself speak you can see what you need to change. Either set up camp in front of a mirror or record yourself speaking into a video camera. This will help you to pinpoint what you do well when you're speaking, and what you need to improve. Spend more time reading. Reading books not only increases your vocabulary and reading comprehension, it also introduces you to the eloquent and well-spoken characters of fiction and history. Read on a regular basis, and pay particular attention to the things characters say that you find eloquent. You can mimic those speech patterns and behaviors in your own speaking if you so desire.

Stick with clear and succinct vocabulary. Use what you know. Make helpful references. Don’t use filler words. Enunciate each word. Familiarize yourself with transitions and adjectives. Formulate your sentence in advance. Overcome speaking and social anxieties. Stay relaxed. Speak with confidence. Slow down your speech. Pay attention to the listener. Use notes if you need to. Practice in front of a mirror. Spend more time reading.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Ob-Gyn

How to Become an Ob Gyn

To become an OB/GYN, focus on taking upper-level science and math classes since they'll help you later on in university or college. Also, consider volunteering at a local hospital or clinic to get first-hand experience in the medical field. As an OB/GYN, you'll be required to have an extensive understanding of women's reproductive organs and pregnancy, so make sure you're interested in learning about things like child delivery, fertility testing, and cervical exams. If being an OB/GYN seems like it's right for you, look into enrolling in a pre-med program to get started.

Research an OB/GYN’s roles and responsibilities. Some OB/GYNs will eventually specialize in either obstetrics or gynecology, but the majority treat both. Becoming an OB/GYN requires extensive knowledge of women's reproductive organs and all stages of pregnancy. Before deciding to become an OB/GYN, ask yourself if you are interested in spending years learning about and eventually providing procedures such as: Cervical exams Pap smears Fertility testing Uterine surgery Child delivery Abortion STI/STD screening Hysterectomy Ovarian surgery Bladder surgery for prolapse Surgery for incontinence Surgery for rectal prolapse Plan for university or college. If you decide on becoming an OB/GYN while still in high school, take upper-level science and math courses, as this will help you later on. Work hard to obtain the high grades necessary to attend the university or college of your choice. Research the reputations of pre-med programs and available scholarship opportunities. Start preparing your university or college applications early so they are polished and stand out. If you pursue college or university in the United States, start studying for the SAT test right away. An excellent SAT score is necessary for admission to prestigious universities and colleges. Your school may also require ACT scores, so find out if you need to take both tests. Consider getting involved in extracurricular activities at your high school, and volunteering in your community, preferably at a hospital or clinic. The best universities and colleges prefer well-rounded applicants who give back to their communities. Enroll in a pre-med program. A pre-med program is not a degree; it is an educational trajectory that will help you get into medical school. Pre-med entails coursework in fields such as biology, organic chemistry, and statistics. These courses will satisfy medical school prerequisites, and help you prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Although pre-med is not a requirement for entry into medical school, it will give you a big advantage over the competition. Many pre-med programs offer work or volunteer opportunities at hospitals and clinics. Consider pursuing such opportunities because they can enhance your application to medical school, and affirm that an OB/GYN career is truly what you want. Keep your GPA at 3.5 or above as an undergraduate, as this will significantly improve your chances of getting into medical school. You should complete a four year undergraduate degree program, and preferably an honors degree. Take the MCAT. This test is a mandatory requirement for most medical schools in North America and many schools internationally. It will require months of studying and preparation; don't try to “cram” close to the deadline. The test is comprised of multiple choice questions pertaining to the physical sciences, biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. The MCAT is held in designated testing locations with varied schedules and seating capacity, so be sure to register in advance. If unsatisfied with your grade, you can retake the MCAT. But medical schools can see how many attempts you have made, and multiple failed attempts will weaken your application. Each time you take the MCAT costs money, generally around 300 dollars. If you want to become an OB/GYN outside North America, research the medical school examination requirements in your home country. Apply to medical school with a good reputation in OB/GYN. Choosing a medical school can be difficult due to factors such as tuition cost, location, and reputation. But try to get into a school that is known for OB/GYN and women's health. This will result in desirable professional connections and potentially greater employment opportunities down the road. Do online research to see which medical schools have the best rankings in the area of OB/GYN. U.S. News and World Report has one of the most comprehensive rankings for American schools. Consider contacting OB/GYN physicians for advice on where to apply. Complete your Medical Doctorate. In general, a medical doctorate takes four years to complete. The first two years entails coursework on a range of medical issues. In the final two years of the degree, you will complete a series of medical rotations, working with patients under the direction of licensed physicians in many fields, such as OB/GYN. It is particularly important to obtain strong grades in the OB/GYN rotation if you plan to pursue this specialization. Be sure to complete at least one sub-internship in the field prior to graduation. Complete a residency in OB/GYN. In general, a residency program is four years in length, and entails hands-on experience in gynecology, obstetrics, and benign gynecological surgery. During a residency, you will care for patients under the supervision of more senior physicians, and will earn a relatively low salary (often in the $45,000 dollar range); however, at this phase of OB/GYN training, you will have the rewarding experience of doing everything from helping women through difficult pregnancies, to performing surgeries that will greatly improve lives. Consider your residency options carefully, as programs vary greatly. Conduct research into the reputation and stability of residency programs, the support available from peers and superiors, whether schedules are flexible or on-call hours, and opportunities for advancement. The Residency Navigator is an excellent tool for learning about residency programs. Visit: https://residency.doximity.com/ Obtain a license. Following a successful residency, the next step is to apply for a license to practice medicine. Although the licensing process varies between states and countries, all jurisdictions require a medical licensing examination. In the U.S., there are two licensing examinations: the United States Medical Licensing Examination (required for licensure of medical students from Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs and optional for medical students attending from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) programs) and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), which is required for licensure of D.O. medical students. Gain certification. After becoming licensed physicians, many OB/GYNs pursue certification by a professional governing body. Applicants must submit proof of experience and pass an additional written and an oral exam. In the U.S., certification is issued by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and/or the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Consider a fellowship and further specialization. Following licensing and certification, some OB/GYNs pursue three-year fellowships at teaching hospitals that allow them to specialize and conduct research in areas such as maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology. Pursuing such specializations can double your annual salary. For example, gynecologic oncologists generally make well over $400,000 a year, while general OB/GYNs typically earn over $200,000 a year. Consider where you want to work. OB/GYNs can work in a variety of settings. Some join or establish private practices or women's clinics. Others work primarily out of hospitals. Some OB/GYNs focus on obstetrics and childbirth, others emphasize gynecology. A smaller number of OB/GYNs join academic medical schools as full-time faculty members with administrative, teaching and research responsibilities.. The options for OB/GYNs are numerous; choose an employment direction that is in keeping with your personality, goals, and interests. While obstetrics can be stressful because it entails late-night phone calls and sudden deliveries, many OB/GYNs love being part of the emotionally charged process of childbirth. A rewarding aspect of gynecology is greater opportunities for surgical research. While the process of becoming an OB/GYN is long and difficult, once trained and licensed, the job prospects are excellent; there is extremely high demand for OB/GYNs now, and this demand is only projected to grow in the future. Find employment. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains excellent online resources for job-seekers. At http://www.acog.org/ , you can browse for jobs by specialization, location, keyword, and other filters. This website also has many articles regarding how to prepare an OB/GYN resume, tips for job interviews, and the pros and cons of working in different cities and regions.

Research an OB/GYN’s roles and responsibilities. Plan for university or college. Enroll in a pre-med program. Take the MCAT. Apply to medical school with a good reputation in OB/GYN. Complete your Medical Doctorate. Complete a residency in OB/GYN. Obtain a license. Gain certification. Consider a fellowship and further specialization. Consider where you want to work. Find employment.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Fencing

How to Install Fencing

To install fencing, start by measuring the area you want to fence so that you know how many panels and posts you need to buy. Next, plant a small stake at each corner to mark the spots clearly. Then, dig the hole for the first post, making sure that it's twice the diameter and one-third of the height of the post itself. Position the first post in the hole and continue digging holes until you've placed all of the posts. Finally, put fence panels between the posts to connect them and install the panels with screws.

Check building codes. Contact your local municipality or homeowner association to ask about codes, restrictions, and permits relevant to your project. It's also wise to discuss the project with your neighbors. If the fence is on an adjoining property line, you may be able to split the costs 50/50. Measure the area to be fenced. Depending on the size and shape of the area in which you're installing fencing, you'll need to figure out how much fencing you'll need to enclose the given space. If you just want a decorative fence, measure the length of the side of your yard you want to fence. If you want an enclosed fence, measure the total area and the length of each side. If you want a prefabricated fence, measure a single panel before buying. Mark off this distance along your planned fence line and stake the position of each fence panel. You'll end up setting fence posts at each stake, aligning them with the twine line and mounding soil around them above ground level. Locate and mark all buried utility lines. Call the local utilities companies to determine the locations of your lines if you aren't sure. Do not dig anything until the utility company representatives have identified and marked all the buried lines. You can also call 811 in some areas to get information about power lines. Buy an appropriate amount of fencing for the space. Take your measurements to the hardware store and purchase fencing that suits your tastes and your needs. Larger wooden fences might need to be cut from scratch, while prefabricated fences are available in a wide variety of styles and methods of installation. If you're buying a pre-fabricated fence, take your measurements to the store and shop around for possibilities. Acquire fence posts. If you want to cut your own fence posts, you'll need wood that will hold up underground. This can be wood rated for direct ground contact, pressure-treated wood which has been injected with preservative, or wood coated with wood preservative at home (as described below). Gate posts and corner posts are usually larger than the rest. Stain the fence posts and panels. Before installing the fence, you'll need to complete any staining and painting that you'd like on the wood. It'll be easier to do this before you put it together. This should definitely be done on fence posts that you're cutting yourself, and also possibly on pre-fab models that are untreated. Brush the posts and fencing panels with oil-based wood stain. Wipe off excess stain and allow everything to dry completely. Apply wood preservative to fence posts. If the wood is not pressure-treated, paint the fence posts with copper naphthenate or another wood preservative to one-third of their height and allow them to dry thoroughly, following the manufacturer's instructions. This hinders rot from the contact with the damp soil and the underground sections of the posts. Treat all cut ends with preservative as well. Alternatively, you can paint on just the below-ground portions in advance, to reduce mess during installation. Treat the rest with an airless sprayer once the fence is complete. Follow all safety instructions on the preservative label. Copper naphthenate can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Place a stake at the location for each corner fence post. Whatever kind of fence you're installing, it's a good idea to mark each corner of the fenced-in area with stakes. At each corner, plant a small wooden stake to mark the spot clearly. Dig a hole for the first post at the corner of the fence. To get started, you'll need to start installing the fence posts, which will form the corners of the fence. Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the post and one-third of the height of the post, using a posthole digger. Make the bottom of the hole slightly larger than the top to make sure you'll be able to seat it properly and securely. It's a good idea to place the dirt you remove on a tarp, so you'll be able to keep it in an even pile for putting it back in and securing the post. Remove any large rocks and roots from the hole. If necessary, cut large roots free. If you're going to be digging a lot of holes or setting a lot of posts, consider renting a gas-powered hole digger. This machine requires a strong helper and close attention to safety precautions to avoid injury. Install some gravel. Add 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) of gravel to the hole, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This allows proper drainage away from the fence posts during inclement weather, extending the life of the fence itself. Pea-sized landscaping gravel, often just called "pea gravel" is usually the most affordable and effective type of gravel for the job. Seat the first fence post. Set a corner or end post into the hole, and add 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of soil. Check the level of the fence post by placing a carpenter's level on at least 2 sides. When the fence post is level, tamp the soil to compact it solidly into the hole. Add another 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of soil, check the level and tamp the soil. Repeat until you have filled the hole completely. Instead of filling the holes back up with soil, you can mix up a small batch of concrete and use that to fill in above the gravel. For an even easier time, there's a variety of concrete specifically for fence posts, which can be added dry to the hole and soaked with a hose to allow it to set up quickly and easily. Brace the post plumb before filling by using 1" x 4" boards (4' to 6' long), staking, and screws or duplex nails. Build a mound at the bottom of the fence post. Mound dirt around the fence post at ground level, rounding it with a trowel, if you filled in around the post with soil. This will direct rain and snow melt away from the fence post, as well as help to secure the post in the ground. If you do use concrete, you still want to have a gentle slope away from the post. Fill it halfway with concrete and ensure that the post is still level when you install. Let the concrete cure properly, then fill the rest of the hole with dirt. Set the height between the fence posts with twine. In most pre-fab kits, twine is used to connect the fence posts to the stakes and make sure that everything will be installed at an even height to match the fencing panels. If you're installing your own fencing, you can use the same technique. Tie twine to a corner or end post, about 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground. Stretch the twine taut to the position of the next corner or end post. Affix it to a stake at the same height to use as a reference. Repeat with the rest of the posts. Set the corner and end posts first, using your twine as a height reference. Continue on, repeating the steps above until you've installed all the fence posts. Before seating each one, double-check the precise distance between posts with a tape measure. Connect the first two fence posts. Depending on what kind of fence you're installing, you might need to either install a cross-beam to provide yourself something to attach individual fence panels onto, or you might just set up the large piece of fence paneling and slot it into the fence posts. Each fence will be different, so you'll need to proceed according to your own plans for the fence if you're making your own, or following the directions of the fence kit you purchased. If you're cutting your own panels or fence slats, install cross-beams with wood-screws between each set of fence posts. You can either use a crossing "X" pattern, or flat beams parallel to the ground, depending on what you're going for. Cut fence panels of the appropriate height for your fence. If you're installing a pre-fab fence, most panels will be quite large, but you'll need to install a post between every panel, meaning that you might need to install more posts as you work. You can either install a post, attach the panel and support it while you dig the next post, or go around and install all the posts before you start inserting the panels. Brace recently installed posts during this process to ensure adequate panel support while the post fill cures or sets. Attach each panel with screws. While you work, it's usually a good idea to use two-three inch galvanized wood screws to attach your panels securely. Drill pilot holes to keep the wood clean and sharp-looking, then install enough wood screws to attach the panels securely. Support the fence panels as you work. Whatever kind of fence you're installing, it's a good idea to support the crossbeams with some supporting blocks to avoid putting stress on the wood as you work. You can use wooden wedges to level the panel. Continue installing paneling. The hardest part of installing the fence is getting the posts dug and seated securely. After that, it's just a matter of filling in the rest with panels or planks. Take your time to measure each new piece of paneling for plumb with your carpenter's level and install each securely according to the directions.

Check building codes. Measure the area to be fenced. Locate and mark all buried utility lines. Buy an appropriate amount of fencing for the space. Acquire fence posts. Stain the fence posts and panels. Apply wood preservative to fence posts. Place a stake at the location for each corner fence post. Dig a hole for the first post at the corner of the fence. Install some gravel. Seat the first fence post. Build a mound at the bottom of the fence post. Set the height between the fence posts with twine. Repeat with the rest of the posts. Connect the first two fence posts. Attach each panel with screws. Support the fence panels as you work. Continue installing paneling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Kinetic-Sand

How to Make Kinetic Sand

To make kinetic sand, start by adding 1 1/2 cups (355 mililiters) of water to a large bowl. Then, stir 3 cups (680 grams) of cornstarch into the water until there are no more lumps. You can also add a few teaspoons of glitter to make your sand sparkly, or a few teaspoons of powdered drink mix to change the color. Finally, mix in 6 cups (1360 grams) of sand. To store your kinetic sand, keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into a large bowl. Something that isn't your finest china and is easy to clean later will be best. A large, plastic, not-so-fancy bowl will do well. If you want to color your sand, consider stirring in a few drops of liquid food coloring or liquid water color. To make glow-in-the-dark moon sand, consider stirring in a few drops of glow-in-the-dark paint into the water. To give your moon sand a scent, consider adding in a few drops of baking extract, such as lemon or vanilla. You can also add spices to your sand later on instead. Pour 3 cups of corn starch into the water. Stir thoroughly to remove any lumps that are tempted to form. Corn starch has a tendency to clump. Consider adding color, scent, or glitter to the sand. You can buy colored sand, or plain sand. Colored sand will be more expensive, but plain sand will give you a clean slate to work with. If you hand plain sand and want a range of colors, you'll need to separate out the sand evenly into smaller containers and then add the different colors separately. Here are a few ways you can spruce up plain sand: Mix in a few teaspoons of glitter to the sand make it sparkly. Mix in a few tablespoons of powdered tempera paint, powdered watercolor, or powdered chalk to the sand to give it color. If you already colored the water, you don't need to do this. Keep in mind that powdered tempera paint will give you a brighter color. To give your moon sand a nice scent and color, consider adding in a few teaspoons of powdered drink mix, such as Kool-Aid). To give your moon sand a nice scent, consider adding in a sprinkle of baking spices, such as: apple pie, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla sugar. Mix in the sand. At this stage, it is vital to mix the concoction well to ensure that all the ingredients are combining completely. Keep stirring! Try to get clean sand from your local home improvement store or arts and crafts store. Sand from the beach or playground isn't always very clean. If you have not already colored your sand, consider using pre-colored sand instead. You can find it in the children's crafts section or the floral section of an arts and crafts store. Make time for playtime. Although making this is a lot of fun, do remember to leave time at the end for your child to enjoy it, too! And when you go to play with it later, you can revive the stuff with 2-3 tablespoons of water. And when you're done, package it all up in a resealable, air-tight container. Store it in a cool, dry place to maximize its longevity. It should keep and be usable for 2-3 months. Pour the flour into a large bowl. If you want to make different colors, divide the flour up into separate bowls. How many bowls you use will depend on how many colors you want. The best part about using flour and baby oil is that it stays nice and light, clean-looking, and a little less like sand (and the kids might just believe that it's from the moon). Add any powder-based colors, scents, or glitter to the flour. It is a lot easier to mix dry materials with other dry materials than with wet. If you plan on adding any color, glitter, or scents, do so now. Be sure to mix it into your flour well. Here are some powders that you can add to your flour right now: Add a tablespoon or two of powdered tempera paint, powdered water color, or powdered chalk if you just want to add color. If you are using an oil-based food dye, hold off for now. Add some powdered drink mix, such as Kool-Aid to give your moon sand a color and a nice smell. Add in a few teaspoons or tablespoons of glitter to give your sand some extra powder. Add in a sprinkle of spices, such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, vanilla sugar, cocoa, or cinnamon if you want to give your moon sand a nice smell. Add any oil-based scents and colors to the baby oil and stir well. Water and oil do not mix, so regular food coloring or liquid water colors will not work. If you don't have any powdered paint or spices, you can still color and scent your sand by adding stuff to it. Here are a few suggestions: To color your moon sand without powdered paint, try using oil-based food coloring or oil-based candy coloring. To scent your moon sand without spices, add a few drops of essential oil or baking extract (like vanilla or strawberry). Add the baby oil to the flour. Once your color is mixed in (or not, if you want a blank slate), add in 1 1/4 cups of baby oil. It'll probably be easiest to just mix it up with your hands, though you'll get a bit dirty. Or you could just let the kids do this step! Mix it up and play with it. Once everything is in—color, scent, glitter and all—mix it all up thoroughly and get to playing with it. What'll be your first creation? A giant octopus? A castle? The moon itself? If you're dealing with small children, just make sure they don't get any in their mouths. Baby oil and flour isn't dangerous, but paint or chalk added into the mix won't be any fun. Store in an air-tight container. Moon sand does keep for a solid month or two, but you'll probably find that you want to make more anyway before the first batch gets old. But until then, store this batch in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place, like your pantry or in a child's toy box. When you go to pull it back out for playtime round two, revive it with a couple tablespoons of water. It will come back to life and be just as good as new. Pour 4 cups of corn starch into a large bowl. If you can't find any corn starch were you live, try searching for cornflour instead. This sand will be pure white if you don't add any color to it. It can look almost like snow! If you plan on creating different colors or smells, separate the corn starch into different bowls. Mix in any glitter, scents, or powdered colors to the corn starch, if desired. It is much easier to mix dry ingredients with other dry ingredients. If you have any glitter, spices, or powdered colors that you want to add to your sand, do so now. Here are a few ways in which you can spruce up your sand: Add in a few teaspoons of glitter to make your sand sparkle. If you are leaving your moon sand white, consider using white, iridescent glitter instead. Add in a few tablespoons of powered tempera paint, powdered watercolor, or powdered chalk to give your moon sand some color. Add in a packet of powdered drink mix, such as Kool Aid, to give your sand a nice scent and color. Sprinkle in some baking spices, such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla sugar to give your sand a nice smell. If you want to add any essential oils or oil-based food dyes, save those for later. Mix in any oil-based dyes or essential oils to the vegetable oil, if desired. You will need ¾ cup of vegetable oil. Because oil and water do not mix, you cannot use any water-based coloring or dyes. Whatever you add to the oil must be oil-based. If you can't find any powdered colors but still want to color your sand, add in a few drops of oil-based food coloring or oil-based candy coloring. Do not use plain old liquid food coloring; oil and water do not mix. If you can't find any spices that appeal to you, but still want to make your sand smell nice, add in a few drops of essential oil or baking extract, such as: vanilla, almond, or orange. Mix the vegetable oil into the corn starch to keep it looking like snow. If it seems a little on the dry side, add a tablespoon or two of vegetable at a time to loosen it up. If it is too wet, add some more corn starch. The main advantage to this recipe is that these two ingredients combined make a moon sand that looks like snow. Only it's not cold, wet, and doesn't turn to black the more you play in it. Mix it up well and start play time. Once everything's in, put your hands in and start being creative. How do the colors combine? What's it feel like? Ask more questions to get your child engaged in sensory play, which moon sand is notoriously great for. Keep it in an air-tight container. After your child has gotten his or her fill (and you have, too, of course), transport the moon sand into an air-tight, resealable container. Keep it in a cool, dry location, like in a closet, under the bed, or in a toy box. When you go to play with it again (it keeps a few months, though it's cheap enough you could always make a new batch), bring it back to life with a few tablespoons of water. Start molding the sand with your hands to work the water in, and it'll be good as new in no time.

Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into a large bowl. Pour 3 cups of corn starch into the water. Consider adding color, scent, or glitter to the sand. Mix in the sand. Make time for playtime. Pour the flour into a large bowl. Add any powder-based colors, scents, or glitter to the flour. Add any oil-based scents and colors to the baby oil and stir well. Add the baby oil to the flour. Mix it up and play with it. Store in an air-tight container. Pour 4 cups of corn starch into a large bowl. Mix in any glitter, scents, or powdered colors to the corn starch, if desired. Mix in any oil-based dyes or essential oils to the vegetable oil, if desired. Mix the vegetable oil into the corn starch to keep it looking like snow. Mix it up well and start play time. Keep it in an air-tight container.

https://www.wikihow.com/Thread-a-Needle

How to Thread a Needle

To thread a needle, start by cutting a piece of thread and moistening the tip so it's smooth and straight enough to fit through the needle. Then, hold the thread with one hand and the needle with the other, and guide the tip of the thread through the eye of the needle. Next, pull the thread through the needle, and bring the 2 ends of the thread together. Finally, tie the ends of the thread together to make a knot.

Cut your thread. The length, color, and type of thread will depend on what you're sewing. Make sure that it's long enough for your purposes! In general, a thread about 18-24 inches in length should be plenty to begin with. Neaten the thread. Examine the tip that you plan to put through the needle, and make sure that it is sharp and tight. Moisten and squeeze the tip by putting it between your lips. Bring the strands to a sharp point that will fit through the eye of the needle. If the tip of the thread is uneven, trim it down with scissors. Match needle with thread. Compare the eye (the hole at the top) of the needle with the thickness of the thread. The thread should be able to easily fit through the eye. If the thread is too thick, try to find a thinner thread or a needle with a wider eye. If you're new to sewing, and the work isn't terribly intricate, try using a needle with a large eye for easier threading. Hold the thread in one hand and the needle in the other. At first, it's generally easiest to grip the needle between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Hold the thread comfortably between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Raise the needle and the thread up to your eye level, about two inches apart. Make sure that there's plenty of light to see everything clearly! Consider pinching the thread between your fingers so that only the tiniest tip is visible. If you're having trouble, this technique might help you steady the thread. Guide the thread into the eye of the needle. Line the tip of the thread up with the eye-hole, and make sure that you have a clear view of the hole. Keep your hands steady. Push the thread slowly and surely through the eye-hole until you see it poke through the other side. Try holding the needle sideways, so that you can't see the eye, but you can see the thread as soon as it peeks through the eye. This may take a couple of attempts. Keep trying! If you're having trouble, try moistening and smoothing the tip of the thread again. If you keep trying, but you can't get it, consider using a needle with a bigger eye-hole. Pull the thread through. Use your fingertips to carefully tug more of the thread through the eye. Go for at least 10cm (four inches) so that there's little chance of the thread-tip slipping back through. Let this end hang through the needle eye, and shift your attention to the other end of the thread. Pick up the far end of the thread. Let one end of the thread hang through the eye of the needle. Hold the other, longer end between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Make sure that you have a sturdy grip! Wrap the long end around your forefinger. Loosely loop the end of the thread around your finger – enough that it is secure, but not so tightly that it cuts off circulation. Wrap the thread three times around for sturdiness. Roll the thread into a loop. Use the thumb of the same hand to roll and slide the thread off the tip of your forefinger. The thread should form a tangled loop as you do this. Don't worry if it doesn't look neat – as long as there's a loop! Tighten the thread. Grasp the loose loop between your thumb and forefinger. Now, pull it down toward the end of the thread until it tightens into a knot. This process is simple, but may take a little practice. Once you've knotted the end of the thread, you can be sure that it won't slip through the eye of the needle. Make sure that the knot is thicker than the eye is wide!

Cut your thread. Neaten the thread. Match needle with thread. Hold the thread in one hand and the needle in the other. Guide the thread into the eye of the needle. Pull the thread through. Pick up the far end of the thread. Wrap the long end around your forefinger. Roll the thread into a loop. Tighten the thread.

https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-Skrill

How to Contact Skrill

If you want to contact Skrill, you can easily do so by phone, social media, or through their website. Call 44-203-308-2519 to reach Skrill customer service if you live in the UK, or call 44-203-308-2520 if you live in any other country. Be sure to have your customer ID number handy so they can look up your account. You can also send a message to the Skrill Facebook page. You should receive a response within a day. If you'd rather contact them on the Skrill website, click on the Support page, then click “WEB,” which should open up a contact form where you can describe your issue.

Navigate to https://www.skrill.com/en/support. You will see a search bar that says 'Type your question here'. You will see this page whether or not you are logged in. Search for the 'Contact us' page. Just type 'contact' and hit return. You will see a page with 3 options: web, email and phone. Click ‘Web’. Look for the 'WEB' link under the @ sign. Click this link to be redirected to a contact webform. Here you can choose the issue you are having from drop-down menus of categories and subcategories (such as 'Payments' and 'Failed Transactions'), then enter up to 2500 characters to describe the issue. Be sure to include all relevant details so they can resolve your issue quickly. This link will not work unless you are logged in. If you do not have an account or have forgotten your login details, click the 'EMAIL' link instead: this will direct you to a different webform. Find your Customer ID. You can find it at the top right of the screen on your Account Overview page, underneath your email address. This is not essential, but Skrill will be able to answer your call more quickly if you have your customer ID. Call the relevant phone number for your country. You can find a list of phone numbers and opening times on the Skrill website. When prompted, press 1 to enter your Customer ID if you have it. The UK phone number is +44 203 308 2519. If you're calling from the US, use the International number: +44 203 308 2520. Explain your issue to the call handler. Start by specifying which Skrill service your issue relates to. This helps them understand how to direct your call. Navigate to Skrill’s Facebook page. You can find this by entering 'Skrill' into the Facebook search bar. Alternatively, visit http://www.facebook.com/Skrillpayments. Click ‘Send Message’. You can click on one of several prewritten message options, such as 'Can I get customer service help?'. If your query does not fit into one of these categories, you can just type into the text bar. Wait for a response. Skrill usually reply to Facebook messages within one day. Choose a different contact method if your query is urgent. They also have a Twitter account, but if you tweet at them they will ask you to contact them through their website.

Navigate to https://www.skrill.com/en/support. Search for the 'Contact us' page. Click ‘Web’. Find your Customer ID. Call the relevant phone number for your country. Explain your issue to the call handler. Navigate to Skrill’s Facebook page. Click ‘Send Message’. Wait for a response.

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

How to Be Influential

If you want to be influential, focus on pursuing your passion so you can inspire other people with your expertise and dedication. For example, if you like coding, you can take a course on the subject to gain more knowledge and hone your talent. By working hard at your passion, you'll be able to earn the trust and respect of others, which makes it easier to influence them! Another way to build your influence is to be optimistic since people are drawn to positivity. Instead of being a naysayer, try to look to the bright side to lift up those around you. Since it's easier to influence people who are comfortable around you, you can make yourself more likable by smiling and making eye contact during conversations.

Pursue your passions. It's hard to get other people to believe in you and follow your guidance if they don't feel your passion for the cause or topic. To influence others, you have to be inspired to dedicate yourself to expertise and action—in your career, on an important issue, and so on. Influential educators, for instance, usually believe deeply in the importance of their work and are driven to improve the lives of their students. A teacher who's just there for the paycheck is less likely to be influential on their students' lives. Become an expert in your field. Train in something--basketball, coding, social work, accountancy, or whatever your passion may be--that you would like to do for many years. Influential people often have seniority that they've built up over the years. Pick hobbies or work that you feel you can sustain with true dedication. Younger, less experienced people can become influential, but building up expertise through time and effort is the more likely avenue to influence. Pursue a quality education, and increase your knowledge on topics that interest you most. Hone your talent. Talent and influence often go hand in hand. You can gain a reputation as someone who should be heard by distinguishing yourself in your work. Be hard-working, reliable, and consistent. You'll earn the trust and respect of those around you and, in turn, become more capable of influencing them. At work, for example, put in extra hours to get a promotion or earn more respect in your company. If, for instance, you're a member of an activist group pursuing better conditions for low wage workers, give your best effort. Show up to every meeting and event, volunteer to help out in whatever way possible, and share your enthusiasm for the cause. Build a network of colleagues and collaborators. Loners don't tend to become influential. Connect with others in your career or field of interest and earn a reputation for reliability and expertise. Over time, you'll become influential within your network, and possibly in your network members' networks. Seize opportunities to be around other people with similar goals or interests. Attend conferences and parties, or become part of a community organization. Use your online presence to build your professional and/or social networks as well. If you have a professional profile on LinkedIn, for instance, use it to build a growing base of contacts within your field. Work on being engaging and sociable. A respected person who is outgoing usually has more influence than a quiet person, because they are able and willing to make and use connections. Without these connections, it is difficult to transmit influence. This doesn't mean a naturally quiet or introverted person can't be influential. You will have to find ways to engage with others on a personal level, though. Exude genuine optimism. Pessimists and naysayers can be influential, but people typically are more eager to be uplifted and inspired. People will usually see through you if you try to manufacture fake enthusiasm, but when you do feel good about something, let it show! An influential coach is more likely to be encouraging players and talking about how it's “a great day for a ballgame” instead of harping on what the team did wrong last game. Stay in touch with your goals. Regularly ask yourself, “Why do I want to be influential?” and “What kind of influence do I want to have?” Determine what you want to gain from social situations, board meetings, meetings with managers, and other affiliations. Work toward those goals to keep your influential focus on track. If you're looking to be influential in order to gain fame, wealth, or power, accept that there are no guarantees and that you may never be satisfied. If you're trying to become influential in order to effect positive change, you might also never be fully satisfied with your results, but you may derive more pride and joy from your efforts. Embrace leadership opportunities. Become useful to people, and soon they will look to you for advice. Being an adviser is being an influencer. This is especially important if you do not already have status or prestige. Being a leader is a great way to gain the power to influence others. Volunteer to be the team leader for a tough work project, or become an officer with your social group. Never turn down a chance to show off your leadership skills. Engage your interpersonal network regularly. This can be as simple as saying “hi” to your colleagues in the office every morning, or striking up a conversation in the breakroom instead of eating lunch at your desk. Your ability to stay in touch with people will make you more socially powerful. Find little ways to keep in contact and open the door to your influence. Call an old friend once a week. Do it just to catch up, instead of only calling when you need a favor. Join and actively engage with charitable organizations that your friends are involved with. Compose personalized, thoughtful, hand-written thank-you and holiday notes to your friends and colleagues. Start a yearly event, such as a summer barbecue, a company holiday party, or a Halloween mixer where you invite people from your social and business circles. Grow and utilize your social media network. Having a large number of Twitter followers or Facebook friends might be seen as proof of your potential influence. Engage with these contacts regularly in order to maintain an open conduit for your influence. Respond to posts and requests, and share your informed perspectives in a friendly manner. Keep up to date with social media networks as they wax and wane in popularity, especially if you are looking to influence younger people. Also make sure you are a part of networks that are appropriate for your position and goals. Start a LinkedIn profile, for instance, if you are gaining influence in the business world. Use existing connections to make new connections. Always look for ways to add to your network of friends, colleagues, and followers. Whether in person or online, keep track of names and key information about new people. This will enable you to build a rapport with them and potentially become influential. For example, join alumni groups for the university you graduated from. Becoming actively involved in these is a great way to expand your network and possible influence. Do favors and ask for favors. You will not be able to influence others if you are afraid to ask them for things. Likewise, you'll lose any influence you have if you always turn down requests for assistance. Start trading little favors early, so that you can influence important decisions later on. As you start doing favors and building connections based on reciprocity, your influence will likely grow. For instance, offer to help out a colleague with a difficult project, then ask them for a bit of help in turn. Adapt to changing circumstances. You might have built up influence through your leadership position at work, then have a corporate restructuring sweep it away. Or, your online influence may decline as users migrate to other platforms or technologies. Never assume that influence is permanent, or that what works today will work tomorrow. It takes just as much effort to remain influential as it does to become influential. You have to keep demonstrating passion and expertise, building networks, and establishing reciprocal connections. Aim to be likeable. Smiling, laughing, and complimenting are great ways to open the door to influencing people. If people are comfortable around you, they are more likely to take your inspiration or guidance to heart. Effective salespeople put potential customers at ease right away with charm and tact. In a similar manner, you need to put others at ease in order to “sell” them on your wisdom and leadership qualities. Practice looking and acting likeable during interactions in front of the mirror, or with good friends or family members. Make eye contact during conversation. Look at people as you talk to them, and as they speak to you. Nod and use other visual or verbal affirmations to show that you are listening. Keep eye contact more often than not, but don't stare at the person the whole time. Look away briefly every 15 seconds or so, then return your gaze to them. Repeat important information to show you understand and have made connections. Quickly summarizing what the other person has just said to you proves that you've been listening and enhances the connection being made. People won't be influenced by you if it seems like you can't even be bothered to pay attention to them for a few seconds. After they finish speaking, say something like, “So, you feel like HR isn't responsive enough to the needs of working mothers,” then transition into your thoughts on the matter. Learn to name-drop judiciously. Successful name-dropping means suggesting connections or meetings within your circle. If you are at a party and you want to meet new people or introduce people, use the names of people that are already in the circle. Don't name-drop people outside of the social circle. Name-dropping can quickly change to bragging, if you suggest you know politicians, celebrities or musicians that aren't relevant to your contacts. Good name-dropping might be: “Oh, I need to introduce you to Don. He's right over there, and he's also an environmental attorney.” Bad name-dropping might be: “You know, when I was an intern for Senator Brown…” Find common ground with other people. During the course of any conversation, you should aim to connect through a shared interest, hobby, or experience. You can reference it to establish common ground going forward. This doesn't mean you should limit yourself to a network of people who are as much like you as possible. Embrace diversity and differences, and seek out elements of commonality through conversation and connection. The common ground might be something as trivial as a shared fandom for a sports team. Or, you might both be passionate about a political cause, despite some differences in the particulars of your views. Follow up on contacts and conversations. You'll increase your chances of influencing someone if you give them a follow-up call or other form of contact. Depending on the circumstances, you may want to see if they have any questions, or ask them how things turned out. Basically, you want to demonstrate your ongoing interest and availability. However, make sure you don't end up nagging them. A single follow-up a few days afterwards is usually sufficient, but try to follow their cues regarding their interest in follow-up conversations. You might simply call and say something like, "Hi, John, I just wanted to check in and see how that meeting went that we were talking about the other day. Did you get to mention those sales figures we discussed?"

Pursue your passions. Become an expert in your field. Be hard-working, reliable, and consistent. Build a network of colleagues and collaborators. Work on being engaging and sociable. Exude genuine optimism. Stay in touch with your goals. Embrace leadership opportunities. Engage your interpersonal network regularly. Grow and utilize your social media network. Use existing connections to make new connections. Do favors and ask for favors. Adapt to changing circumstances. Aim to be likeable. Make eye contact during conversation. Repeat important information to show you understand and have made connections. Learn to name-drop judiciously. Find common ground with other people. Follow up on contacts and conversations.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pop-Up-Birthday-Card

How to Make a Pop Up Birthday Card

To make a pop-up birthday card, start by printing out a pop-up template, then cutting and folding it along the designated lines. Next, pick a piece of thick cardstock that is slightly larger than the template, tape them together, and fold them in half along the dotted line of the template. Then, cut along the lines of the template to create your pop-up shape. Finally, pick a piece of cardstock, glue the base of the template to the creased edge of the card, then glue the top halves of the shape together so it puffs up when the card is opened.

Print out a pop-up template. Run a quick search online for “pop-up card templates” to find a template you want to use for your card. There are many different kinds of templates available, so you'll have plenty of options. Try to find a template that is not too difficult to cut and glue correctly. For the purposes of this tutorial, follow along with the steps using the birthday cake template linked here (PDF). Cut and fold the template. Cut out the cupcake section of the template and fold it along the center dashed line. This will serve as the base of the pop-up part of the card. Make sure you're cutting out the full, symmetrical portion of the template. The individual parts will be cut out later to decorate the pop-up shape. Some pop-up card templates will be a single shape, while others will include duplicates of certain shapes that can be cut out in different colors and superimposed over the pop-up shape to allow you to use different designs. Cut a piece of cardstock for the template. Choose a piece of thick cardstock in a color you want to use for the bottom of the cupcake. Place the template over this piece of cardstock and cut it slightly larger than the template. Once the cardstock is cut, fold it in half along the center as well. Use 65lb cardstock. This is thicker than paper, but not too thick to fold and open neatly. You can buy 65lb cardstock at any craft or office supply store. Attach the template to the cardstock. Double-back a piece of tape to secure the template to the cut card stock. You'll be cutting the cardstock to match the shape of the template, so make sure the two layers don't slide around while you're cutting or you might make a mistake and have to start over. Tape the back of the template on either end since you'll be cutting in the middle, then fold both template and cardstock in half together. Double-back tape by folding a piece approximately two inches long back on itself and sticking the adhesive side of one end onto the top side of the other, making a small loop with the adhesive side outward. Cut out the designated lines of the template. Follow the lines on the template to cut the cardstock for the pop-up shape. Cut the vertical lines at the bottom first, then move on to the outline of the shape. Be precise: this is the shape that's going to be displayed when you open up the card. Make sure to cut through both halves of the folded cardstock. Make sure the scissors you're using are sharp and the blades are thin enough to handle fine line work. You may want to pick up some specialty crafting scissors, just in case, as conventional kitchen scissors may be too wide to neatly cut out small details. Fold the cupcake shape in half along the bottom. Find the dotted lines on the template that indicate where to fold along the bottom and use them to fold the cardstock shape you just cut. Accuracy is important while folding these lines. If the fold is messy or crooked, the card may not open or shut properly. There should be two folded edges when you're done, along with the original crease you made when you folded the template. The first crease created by folding the template and cardstock down the middle is where the pop-up design will fit into the fold of the card. Select a piece of cardstock for the base of the card. Pick another piece of cardstock to serve as the body of the card. This piece can be in a different color, or you might find a certain pattern you like that will make the pop-up portion stand out. Cut this piece of cardstock so that it is roughly 4.5”x11”, then fold it in half. The folded card will fit a standard 4”x6” invitation envelope. Glue along the folded edge on the bottom of the cupcake. Dab a small dot of glue on the flat surfaces where you folded the bottom of your shape. Place this side of the shape downwards and attach it to the backing card (the creases in the center of both pieces of cardstock should fit together, as this is where the card will open). After the glue dries, the shape will be secured and the other side will be able to move freely once you open the card. Only glue one side of the shape, and do not glue above the folded lines. A hot glue gun might work best for this task, or you might find a craft glue with a strong hold. Ordinary Elmer's glue will suffice but may eventually come unglued after drying. Glue the top halves of the shape together. Use another blot of glue to put together the candles on the top half of the cupcake. Close the card and press firmly to make sure that the glue sticks properly. Keep the card closed until the glue is dry, then open it to make sure both halves of the top of the pop-up shape are in alignment. Remember to connect only the top halves of the cupcake; the bottom section should remain unglued to allow it to "puff up" when the card is opened. Cut out the other individual shapes from the template. Return to the template sheet and cut out the remaining shapes. There should be two or more of each shape on the template, including outlines for the frosting and candles. You'll be using these template shapes to cut them of colored cardstock, like you did with the original pop-up piece, and layer them onto the pop-up portion of the card. Leftover pieces can be saved or else used to make your own embellishments to the pop-up designs (i.e. adding more candles). Cut the shape from the chosen cardstock. After you've cut out the individual template shapes, choose what color cardstock you want to use for each on the finished card. Attach these shapes to the selected cardstock and cut them out. If you desire, you can fold these pieces of cardstock in half before gluing and cutting; this way you can cut out two pieces at once. Glue the different shapes to the pop-up section of the card. Once you've got all the individual pieces of cardstock cut and ready, glue them in the appropriate places on both sides of the pop-up piece already in your card. For this template, the candle will be placed at the top above the frosting shape, and the frosting in turn should overlap the first pop-up piece you cut which serves as the base of the cupcake. Press these pieces flat inside the closed card and give them ample time to dry. Try out your card. Open up the card and see how it works. If you've cut, folded and glued the base shape correctly, it should pull a little on the outer edge where it's been glued to cause it to stand up when the card is opened while still lying flat once it's shut. It's alright if the pieces aren't perfectly aligned or the shape doesn't quite stand up on your first attempt. Try again until you have a neat, colorful handmade pop-up card. Decorate the card with markers, glitter, stickers or paint, then give it to a friend and watch their face light up! If your pop-up shape doesn't stand up correctly, it most likely means a slight mistake was made cutting the cupcake shape or gluing it down. Give it another attempt, making sure to cut the pop-up shape as precisely as possible and gluing only the folded edge of the underside to the base cardstock. Misaligning the candles at the top of the cupcake can make the pop-up shape look crooked and may prevent it from lying flat when the card is closed. Both candle halves should be perfectly superimposed before you glue them. It might be helpful to print out multiple copies of the original template in case you need a practice run or two.

Print out a pop-up template. Cut and fold the template. Cut a piece of cardstock for the template. Attach the template to the cardstock. Cut out the designated lines of the template. Fold the cupcake shape in half along the bottom. Select a piece of cardstock for the base of the card. Glue along the folded edge on the bottom of the cupcake. Glue the top halves of the shape together. Cut out the other individual shapes from the template. Cut the shape from the chosen cardstock. Glue the different shapes to the pop-up section of the card. Try out your card.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Leprosy

How to Cure Leprosy

If you have symptoms of leprosy, such as light-colored lesions or numb areas on your skin, see your doctor for treatment immediately. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of a full recovery will be. Let your doctor examine you so they can determine which kind of leprosy you have and how best to treat it. They will likely prescribe a combination of different antibiotics to treat your condition, and you may need to stay on these medications for several months. To ensure that you recover fully, follow your doctor's instructions for taking your medications carefully. While you have leprosy, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Seek care as soon as possible. Leprosy is treatable with medication, and most patients can continue their lives normally if they are treated. The disease is only mildly contagious when it is untreated, and once you are taking the medication, you are no longer contagious to others. However, if leprosy is left untreated it can cause severe problems with the limbs (hands and feet), eyes, skin, and nerves. Take care not to spread the disease to others. Hansen's disease is moderately contagious when untreated. It can spread to others by air, such as when you sneeze or cough. Remember to cover your face when you cough or sneeze to prevent airborne droplets from spreading the disease to others until you can see a doctor and begin treatment. Have your doctor determine the form of leprosy you have. Sometimes leprosy manifests only as a skin lesions, and sometimes it takes more severe forms. The particular treatment plan you follow will depend on the form of leprosy you have. Your doctor can diagnose this. Leprosy can be diagnosed as paucibacillary or multibacillary (which is more severe). A case of leprosy is also classified as either tuberculoid or lepromatous (more severe, causing large lumps and nodules on the skin). Take a multiple drug treatment (MDT) provided by your doctor. A number of antibiotics (usually a combination of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine) are prescribed to treat leprosy. These drugs kill the bacteria that causes the disease (Mycobacterium leprae) and cure people infected by it. Your doctor will prescribe medications to take based on your particular case of leprosy. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the MDT free to patients around the world through the Ministry of Health. In the United States medication for leprosy is provided by the National Hansen's Disease Program. Once you start taking the medications, you can no longer spread the disease to others. You do not have to be quarantined. Daily and/or monthly doses of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine may be prescribed for 24 months in many cases of leprosy. If leprosy only shows as a skin lesion, patients may be recommended to take the medication treatment for six months. In the United States, multibacillary cases may be treated for one year and paucibacillary cases for two years. If leprosy only manifests as a single skin lesion, the patient may be able to treat it with just a single dose of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Multibacillary cases may require multiple treatments to cure. Drug resistance to these medications is rare. Side effects of these drugs are generally mild. Talk to your physician if you have questions. Take your antibiotics. Continue to take the antibiotics your doctor prescribes you, according to the directions you have been given. If you do not take the antibiotics as directed, you could become sick again. Monitor your progress for any side effects or complications. If you notice changes in your condition, experience pain, etc., then talk to your doctor. In particular, leprosy patients are susceptible to certain complications: Neuritis, silent neuropathies (nerve damage without pain), pain, burning, tingling, and sudden numbness may occur. This can be treated with corticosteroids. If left untreated, it can cause permanent injury and loss of function. Iridocyclitis, or inflammation of the iris of the eye can also occur. If does, you will need to see an eye specialist right away. It can be treated with special drops, but permanent damage can result if it is left untreated. Orchitis, or inflammation of a testis can also occur. It can be treated with corticosteroids, but let your doctor know immediately if you notice this symptom, as sterility can result. Ulcers on the foot can result from leprosy. You doctor can develop a treatment plan to reduce this problem using splints, special footwear, and dressing of the wounds. The nerve damage and skin problems associated with leprosy can cause disfiguration and loss of function in the hands and feet. Plans to prevent and/or manage these symptoms, specific to your case, can be provided by your physician. Take care to prevent injuries. Leprosy can cause numbness. If this happens, you might not notice when the numb area is in pain, and you might harm the area without realizing it. Be extra cautious to avoid injuries like burns and cuts on these affected areas. Wearing gloves or special footwear can protect you if you have numbness in your extremities. Continue to see your physician. Keep track of your progress as you recover, and note any symptoms you have. Continue to see your doctor for monitoring, and be sure to ask any questions you may have.

Seek care as soon as possible. Take care not to spread the disease to others. Have your doctor determine the form of leprosy you have. Take a multiple drug treatment (MDT) provided by your doctor. Take your antibiotics. Monitor your progress for any side effects or complications. Take care to prevent injuries. Continue to see your physician.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Startup-Programs-on-Your-Computer

How to Change Startup Programs on Your Computer

On Windows , press Ctrl , Esc , and ⇧ Shift at the same time to open Task Manager, then click the Startup tab to view startup programs. Enable or disable these programs for startup by clicking a program and then clicking Enable or Disable in the bottom-right corner. On a Mac , open System Preferences , click Users & Groups , click Login Items , and check or uncheck programs to enable or disable them at startup. You can also add programs to this list by clicking the + icon below the list of programs and then selecting a program.

Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Type task manager into Start. This will search your computer for the Task Manager app. Click Task Manager. It's the computer-shaped icon at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open Task Manager. You can also press Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Del to open Task Manager directly. Task Manager may take a few seconds to finish loading. Click the Startup tab. This tab is at the top of the Task Manager window. Select a program. Click the name of a program that you want to disable. You can see a program's impact on your computer's startup speed to the right of the program's name (e.g., a high-impact program has "High" to the right of its name). Click Disable. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Doing so will prevent the program from turning on the next time that you start your computer. If you want to turn back on a disabled program, you can select it and then click Enable in the bottom-right corner instead. Open the Apple Menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click System Preferences…. It's near the top of the drop-down menu. The System Preferences window will open. Click Users & Groups. This icon resembles the silhouettes of two people. Click the Login Items tab. It's at the top of the window. Select an application. Click on an application that you want to prevent from starting up when you turn on your computer. Click -. It's below the bottom-left corner of the startup program section of the window. Doing so will remove the program from the list, meaning that it will no longer start automatically when you turn on your Mac. If you instead want to add a program to your Mac's startup list, click + here, then select a program from the resulting list. Close programs before turning off your Mac. Your Mac will re-open programs that you recently had open if you don't close them before turning off your Mac. There are a couple of ways to do this: Apps - Programs found in the Dock or Launchpad that didn't come from the App Store (e.g., Audacity or Microsoft Word). Click the Apple Menu, click Force Quit , then click an app and click Force Quit. Menu bar programs - These are programs like iCloud that you'll find in the top-right corner of the screen. Click the program's icon, then click Quit in the drop-down menu.

Open Start . Type task manager into Start. Click Task Manager. Click the Startup tab. Select a program. Click Disable. Open the Apple Menu . Click System Preferences…. Click Users & Groups. Click the Login Items tab. Select an application. Click -. Close programs before turning off your Mac.

https://www.wikihow.com/Live-With-a-Nymphomaniac

How to Live With a Nymphomaniac

If you live with a nymphomaniac, start by reassuring your partner that you are sexually attracted to them and that you love all their affection. Then set boundaries by explaining that your sex drive is not as high as theirs, so you can't keep having sex multiple times a day. If you are comfortable with masturbation, consider giving your partner the green light for regular masturbation to help make up for the times you are not in the mood for sex.

Watch for symptoms of hypersexual disorder. Unequal sex drives between partners is a common problem in relationships, but a high sex drive does not always mean that someone has hypersexual disorder. To be diagnosed as someone with a hypersexual disorder, the person must have repeatedly experienced three or more of these criteria over a period of six months or longer: Not being able to complete goals, activities, or other obligations due to sexual fantasies or a preoccupation with sex. Using sexual fantasies as a way to escape from a boredom, anxiety, or depression. Using sexual fantasies to deal with stress. Having a hard time controlling sexual urges or behaviors. Harming others or putting others at risk of harm (physical or emotional) while responding to sexual urges. Express your concerns. If you think that your partner is engaging in behavior consistent with hypersexual disorder, then the first thing you should do is have a conversation with your partner about your concerns. Tell your partner what you have noticed and explain why you are concerned about his or her behavior. For example, you might say something like, “I am concerned about you and your recent behavior. I have noticed that you have been using sex to deal with stress. I am worried that this behavior might not be healthy.” Encourage your partner to seek help. Hypersexual disorder has not been well-researched research, there are no researched treatments, and the professional community disagrees on where to draw the line between normal and abnormal sexual behavior. However, there are therapists who are willing to help. If your partner is showing signs of hypersexual disorder, then advise your partner to seek help. Help your partner find a therapist to begin treatment. To find a psychologist near you, try this site: http://locator.apa.org/ Keep in mind that hypersexuality can also be a symptom of a different mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder. However, seeing a therapist will still be necessary to determine if this may be the cause. Get help for yourself. You may also benefit from some one-on-one support from a therapist while your partner seeks help for his or her problem. This may be especially true if your partner's behavior has made life difficult for you. For example, you may have suffered if your partner has cheated on you, spent money to feed his or her sex habit, or pressured you into sex. Set boundaries. If you live with someone who has an overactive sex drive, then he or she may want to have sex at odd times of the day or even multiple times of the day. It is important for you to express your feelings about this behavior and set clear boundaries about when you are willing to have sex. Keep in mind that your partner may feel rejected or think that you don't like to have sex with him or her at all. Make sure that you emphasize your attraction to your partner to minimize conflict. For example, if your partner often wants to have sex in the morning when you are trying to get ready for work, explain why this is inconvenient for you. You might say something like, “I love all of the affection that you give me in the morning, but I have been late a few times because of it. I think that we need to keep these encounters to the evening when I have more time to spend with you." Or, if your partner wants to have sex multiple times every day, then you might say, “I am glad that you are attracted to me. I am attracted to you too. However, my sex drive is not as high as yours, so I can't keep having sex two or three times every day.” Encourage your partner to find non-sexual outlets. People with high sex drives may benefit from incorporating vigorous exercise and other activities into their daily lives. If your partner does not exercise much or if he or she does not have any hobbies, then encourage your partner to do these things. For example, your partner might take up running, cycling, dancing, or swimming to provide an outlet for sexual desire and frustration. Your partner might also take up an enjoyable hobby, such as knitting, cooking, or playing an instrument. Tell your partner that you are okay with masturbation. Some people might feel like it is not appropriate to masturbate when you are in a relationship, so you may need to discuss your feelings about this with your partner. If your partner is interested in having sex every day or multiple times per day, then he or she may need to masturbate once per day or every other day to control his or her sex drive. Talk to your partner about masturbating on a regular basis. For example, you might say something like, “I enjoy having sex with you, but my sex drive is not the same as yours. Would you be willing to masturbate a few times per week or more to help make up for the days that I am not in the mood for sex?” Consider other ways of meeting your partner’s needs. If your partner just has a high sex drive, but does not feel as though sex is a compulsion, then you may need to try some new things to satisfy your partner sexually. Although you may not be up for sex as much as your partner is, there are still ways you can satisfy his or her needs. For example, you could: Incorporate more oral sex into your lovemaking. Try out some sex toys. Watch pornography together. Try phone sex when you are apart. Build emotional intimacy. Some people who have overactive sex drives may use sex as a way to feel closer to their partners on an emotional level. If your partner is using sex as a way to feel emotionally close to you, try to find other ways you two can feel emotionally close other than through sex. Look for other ways to build emotional intimacy with your partner, such as: Asking about your partner's day and sharing about your day. Confiding in your partner when you have a problem or concern. Telling your partner how much he or she means to you. Going on romantic dates.

Watch for symptoms of hypersexual disorder. Express your concerns. Encourage your partner to seek help. Get help for yourself. Set boundaries. Encourage your partner to find non-sexual outlets. Tell your partner that you are okay with masturbation. Consider other ways of meeting your partner’s needs. Build emotional intimacy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-and-Treat-Arthritis

How to Prevent and Treat Arthritis

To prevent and treat arthritis, make sure you're getting enough calcium in your diet by eating foods like broccoli, dairy products, and leafy greens. Additionally, exercise at least 5 times a week to keep your joints active and healthy. If you're already suffering from arthritis, try doing yoga or tai chi to reduce stiffness and improve your flexibility. You can also use breathing exercises to relax, since stress can cause tension and pressure on your joints.

Meet your daily calcium requirements through food or a supplement. Calcium supports strong, healthy bones, so it's important for lowering your risk of arthritis. Adults up to age 50 should ingest 1,000 mg of calcium each day, while adults over age 50 should intake at 1,200 mg per day. Don't consume more than 2,500 mg of calcium daily, as this can cause harm in the long term. Eating your calcium is best, but you can always take a supplement if your doctor approves it. Great food sources of calcium include leafy greens, broccoli, dairy products, canned sardines or salmon with bones, and fortified cereals, juices, and soy products. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Too much calcium can harm your kidneys and cardiovascular system. If you do use a supplement, take 500 mg at a time to increase absorption, and take it with vitamin D, which helps it absorb. Engage in physical activity at least 5 times a week. Exercise not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, it also keeps your joints active and healthy. Moderate exercise strengthens your heart and lungs and builds the muscles that support your joints. You don't necessarily have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment to get regular exercise. Choose an activity that you enjoy. Even walking regularly helps keep you active. Make choices throughout your day to be more active. For example, you might park at the far end of the parking lot and walk, or use the stairs instead of the elevator. If you've started experiencing symptoms of arthritis, exercising may be uncomfortable. You can opt for low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga. Avoid activities that involve repetitive movements. Overuse of joints may lead to the development of arthritis. If you type extensively for work, play a musical instrument, or engage in other repetitive activities, you may be at a higher risk of developing arthritis. Talk to your doctor about your risk profile and look for ways to reduce repetitive activities so that they don't cause long-term harm. Arthritis can present in one part of your body or all over your body, depending on its cause and what type it is. Doing exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hands and fingers may help reduce the risk. Warm up your muscles and gently stretch before engaging in repetitive activities. If it isn't possible to avoid repetitive movements, protect your joints to reduce your likelihood of developing arthritis. For example, you might wear a brace or do exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints. You don't have to give up an activity you love simply to avoid arthritis. For example, if you enjoy playing guitar, warm up and stretch your hands before playing. Practice for 20 to 30 minutes, then take a break to gently stretch your hands and fingers. . Maintain a healthy body weight While anyone at any weight can develop arthritis, excess weight puts additional pressure on your weight-bearing joints, particularly your hips and knees. For this reason, being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for developing arthritis. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps keep your weight in a healthy range for your height, age, and gender. Work with your doctor, a dietitian, or another weight loss specialist if you struggle to reach your goals. Use effective stress management techniques. Excessive stress causes physical tension and added pressure on your joints, increasing your risk of developing arthritis. If you frequently feel anxious or have difficulty coping with life's demands, you may want to talk to a professional about ways to manage stress more effectively. Try breathing exercises and other methods to reduce stress on your own. Stress management alone won't prevent arthritis, but it's an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking excessively. Smoking cigarettes impacts your overall health, and also leads to bone loss and damaged cartilage. Drinking alcohol regularly also increases your risk of developing arthritis. If you feel you have a problem with smoking or drinking , reach out to a healthcare professional. They have resources available to help you, and will work with you to design a plan to quit. Exercise with moderate intensity for 30 minutes 5 days a week. Staying active slows the progression of arthritis. If you have difficulty exercising for a full 30 minutes, break your exercise sessions into 3 10-minute sessions a day. Simply walking can improve your health and help you stay active, increasing your overall mobility. Swimming is a low impact exercise that is also beneficial for managing arthritis symptoms. As another option, you can work with a physical therapist to learn appropriate exercises that won't overly stress your body. Ask your doctor for a referral. Keep your weight within the healthy range for your height and age. Anyone can experience arthritis, but carrying around extra weight can make it worse. Your doctor can help you determine if your weight is in a healthy range. If it isn't, you can work with a dietitian and possibly a physical therapist to learn new ways of managing your weight that work for your life. You can also try apps and support groups that can provide you with valuable resources. Carrying excessive weight puts more stress on your joints, and can limit your mobility. If you have extra weight, losing just 5 percent of it can lower your pain levels. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important if arthritis affects your knees. Added weight puts excessive pressure on your knees. Try alternative remedies to reduce pain. There is limited evidence that alternative remedies, such as acupuncture or massage, effectively treats arthritis. However, many people find relief from these methods. Acupuncture helps reduce many types of pain, and some people may find relief from arthritis pain. Arthritis suffers also may find temporary relief from massage. Let your massage therapist know which joints are affected, and the pain you experience. Yoga and tai chi help reduce stiffness and improve joint flexibility and mobility. Visit the Arthritis Foundation website at https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/workouts/other-activities/tai-chi-arthritis.php for tai chi and yoga videos designed for arthritis symptom management. Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the affected joint. Alternating hot and cold therapy may help ease arthritis pain and reduce inflammation. Apply heat to the affected joint for 10 to 15 minutes, then apply an ice pack for another 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the cycle 2 to 3 times. Wrap the heating pad or ice pack in a towel to protect your skin from getting burned. Do paraffin wax treatments to help manage pain and stiffness. You can use paraffin wax as a source of wet heat on your arthritic joints. Melt your wax in the specialized machine provided in your treatment kit. After the wax melts, dip the affected area into the wax, then immediately remove it. Repeat this 10-12 times. Cover the treated area with a piece of plastic wrap or a plastic glove, then wrap the area in a towel. Leave the wax on for 20 minutes. The temperature of the wax should be 125 °F (52 °C) when you put your affected area into it. There will be a thin film over the wax. You can buy a paraffin wax treatment kit at your local department store or online. Read and follow the instructions that come with your kit. Use a cane or other assistive device to protect your joints. Look for assistive devices in drug stores and department stores. You typically don't need a prescription from a doctor to buy these devices. Experiment and see what helps you. If you have arthritis in your hands, there are products available that make it easier to open or grip objects. You might find these helpful if you have limited mobility in your fingers. Get a medical diagnosis from your doctor as soon as possible. If you suspect you are developing OA, visit your doctor for a physical exam. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the more options you'll have for treatment. Your doctor may take samples of joint fluid to help identify the type of arthritis you have. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, help track arthritis progression and detect problems in your joint. Discuss medication to address your symptoms. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to treat arthritis. Which medications are right for you depends on your symptoms, the type of arthritis you have, and how far the disease has progressed. For example, prescription and OTC analgesics, such as acetaminophen, oxycodone, or hydrocodone, may relieve your pain. However, they will do nothing to counter inflammation. OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) address both pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system. They typically are injected directly into the affected joint. Try physical therapy to improve your range of motion. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, particularly if joint stiffness has decreased your range of motion. Physical therapy stretches and exercises help improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints. Follow your physical therapist's recommendations carefully. If you find particular exercises difficult or painful, let them know as soon as possible so they can adjust your program. Have surgery if other treatments are not effective. If your arthritis has advanced, your doctor may suggest surgery to reduce your pain and help improve the function in your joints. Your doctor will help you evaluate the risks and potential benefits of surgery. Joint repair surgery is arthroscopic surgery performed through small incisions. The surgeon smooths and realigns the surfaces of the joint to help your joint move more smoothly. In more serious situations, your doctor may recommend joint replacement. This is a more extensive surgery, in which your damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. Joint replacement is most common with hips and knees.

Meet your daily calcium requirements through food or a supplement. Engage in physical activity at least 5 times a week. Avoid activities that involve repetitive movements. . Use effective stress management techniques. Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking excessively. Exercise with moderate intensity for 30 minutes 5 days a week. Keep your weight within the healthy range for your height and age. Try alternative remedies to reduce pain. Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the affected joint. Do paraffin wax treatments to help manage pain and stiffness. Use a cane or other assistive device to protect your joints. Get a medical diagnosis from your doctor as soon as possible. Discuss medication to address your symptoms. Try physical therapy to improve your range of motion. Have surgery if other treatments are not effective.

https://www.wikihow.com/Regain-Control-of-a-Spooked-Camel

How to Regain Control of a Spooked Camel

To regain control of a spooked camel, maintain a firm grip on the reins to steady it, but avoid pulling hard on them since that could scare the camel even more. Instead, gently pull on the reins in one direction to get the camel to walk in a circle so it calms down. If you can't get it to walk in a circle, press yourself down into the saddle, and hold on until the camel stops running. As a last resort, you may need to dismount the camel and jump to the ground.

Stay calm and try not to tense up. Camels are very intuitive creatures. They will be able to tell if you're feeling nervous and angry. If they sense your anxiety or anger, they'll get even more spooked. Because of this, it's important to try to manage your emotions as much as you can, even if you're scared out of your mind. Focus on your breathing. Some people find that breathing in quickly, and then exhaling slowly, helps them feel calmer. Other people find that breathing in and out on counts of three helps. The important thing is to keep your breathing consistent. Remember that camels are calm by nature. Your camel will eventually regain its composure and slow down pretty quickly, so long as you keep your wits about you. Talk to the camel softly, and don't ever raise your voice at it. Yelling at the camel to stop will make it even more spooked. Instead, talk to the camel in a gentle, soothing voice as you attempt to get it to slow down. Don't kick or hurt the camel as an attempt to slow it down. This will only make the camel feel even more scared and confused (and may cause it to speed up or become more erratic). If you want the camel to trust you, then he has to look at you as a friend, not an enemy. Maintain a firm grip on the reins, but don't pull too hard. Pulling too hard may cause the camel to panic. It may also break the reins or pull the peg out of the camel's nose. This will cause it to panic even more. At the same time, however, you want to keep a firm grip on the reins. If they are too slack, the camel may sense a lack of control and take advantage of it. Camels are cud-chewing animals, so their reins are usually attached to a peg inserted into their noses, as opposed to being attached to a bit in the mouth. This means that, unlike with a horse, you can't try to steer an out-of-control camel by pulling hard on the reins. Make sure you have sturdy reins and a head halter, especially if you don't have much riding experience. A head halter can make it much easier to regain control of your camel, and you won't have to worry about hurting it by ripping the peg out of its nose. Try to get the camel moving in a circle. If the reins are attached to a head halter, you can pull on the reins gently to get the camel to turn in a circle and eventually slow down. Even if the camel has a nose halter, try to pull the reins in the direction that the camel wants to go (right or left) while getting it to move in a circle; work with the camel, not against it. If the camel decides to turn its head the other way, allow it to do so, and pull the rein on that side instead. The goal is to remain close to the group and not to get too off course or lost. Only apply a slight pull to the reins when trying to get the camel to turn. It usually doesn't take much, and an overzealous pull can hurt your camel if the reins are attached to a nose peg. Remember, a hurt camel is a frightened camel. Try to remain saddled until the camel stops. If you can't get it to circle, you must hang on and let it run. Press yourself to the camel to lower your center of gravity. Grip the camel between your legs and hold the horn of the saddle (if it is available). If you aren't using a saddle, hold on as well as you can, and lean back a little. This way, you won't be riding near the tip of the hump, which will be a very bumpy ride at high speeds. Consider a quick dismount if all else fails. This should be your last resort. You should only do it if you've lost the reins or are moving quickly toward an even more dangerous situation, like a cliff. To dismount the camel, kick out of the stirrups and try to slide off the back side of the camel. If you can't, try to slide sideways out of the saddle. Try to hit the ground running, bending your knees slightly as you land. Once you're on the ground, try to grab the reins. The camel will most likely come to a stop once you have the reins in your hands again. Most camels like to stay close to the herd. If you dismount and cannot grab the reins, the camel will likely come back once it calms down. Get off the camel once you have it under control. Once the wild ride is over, have the camel sit. Dismount and keep a firm hold on the reins. Keep a safe distance from your camel. Unlike horses, camels can kick in all directions. Their kicks are very powerful, and very strong. A frightened camel is a spooked camel. If you get too close to it too quickly, it may try to defend itself by kicking you. Do not run away from the camel. If you turn your back to the camel, it may chase after you. Do not make any sharp or sudden movements. Even if your camel is no longer running, it may still be feeling anxious. Any sharp, sudden movements may only spook it further. Try walking in a slow circle around your camel while talking to it calmly. This may help calm and reassure the camel. Talk soothingly to it, and try not to make any sharp, sudden movements. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the reins.

Stay calm and try not to tense up. Focus on your breathing. Remember that camels are calm by nature. Talk to the camel softly, and don't ever raise your voice at it. Don't kick or hurt the camel as an attempt to slow it down. Maintain a firm grip on the reins, but don't pull too hard. Try to get the camel moving in a circle. Try to remain saddled until the camel stops. Consider a quick dismount if all else fails. Get off the camel once you have it under control. Keep a safe distance from your camel. Do not run away from the camel. Do not make any sharp or sudden movements. Try walking in a slow circle around your camel while talking to it calmly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Shuttle-Run

How to Survive a Shuttle Run

A shuttle run is an exercise where you have to run back and forth between 2 lines, and with the right preparation, you can survive it. The night before your shuttle run, eat a high-carb meal and get plenty of sleep so you'll be in your best shape. Before you start the shuttle run, warm yourself up by jogging in place and stretching. While you run, only focus on the next stretch instead of thinking about how far you have to run in total so you don't get overwhelmed. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to help you conserve energy.

Practice your side-standing long jump. When it comes to the shuttle run, lateral—or side to side— speed is key. The side-standing long jump can help to increase your lateral power, which in turn will increase your lateral speed. Squat low, with your feet planted hip width apart. Jump to the right side by exploding off your feet and covering as much distance as possible. Do the exact same to the left side. Keep your center of gravity low, and maintain this low stance throughout the drill. Distribute your weight evenly across your feet. Do five repetitions on each side to complete one set. Do three to five sets. Do carioca running drills. You've probably seen this drill before, and maybe heard it called the “grapevine.” To do this, move sideways toward the right. Take normal side steps with your right foot, and alternate crossing your left foot in front of the right and then behind the right. Do this for a stretch to the right, and then for a stretch to the left, alternating your left foot to the front and back. Try to hold your arms in the same position you would hold them for a normal run. This drill will help you become comfortable quickly crossing your feet over each other for fast, explosive acceleration from side to side, which you will need during your shuttle run. Do five reps to each side for three to five sets. Run on hills. For a great shuttle run, you ultimately want strong, fast sprinting power. However, sprinting day in and day out can cause pulled muscles and injuries. By taking your sprints to the hills, your speed will naturally be slowed down despite doing the same amount of work. In other words, you can sprint as hard as you possibly can, thus improving your leg and cardiovascular strength, while protecting your legs with reduced speed and increased control. Keep your sprints short, generally between eight to ten seconds. Take a full recovery after each sprint. Focus on standing tall as you sprint up the hill, rather than bending over and leaning into the hill. Reduce your risk of injury by doing these drills two to three times a week. Shuttle runs have been criticized for causing twisted ankles, falls, and other injuries. While any athletic endeavor can potentially cause injury, doing side-standing long jumps, carioca drills, and hill sprints regularly can help prepare your body. These training techniques will increase your agility and strength, and they will help you develop the muscle memory and proper skills for the quick and explosive shuttle run. Incorporate jumping and sprinting exercises into your routine. There are a wide range of exercises that can help improve your performance. These include jumping lunges, squat jumps, slalom jumps, jumping jacks, tennis drills, and burpees. To do a tennis drill, face a net on a tennis or basketball court. Sprint from side to side while still facing the net. Next try sprinting from corner to corner while still facing the net. Eat a high-carb meal the night before the run if you're competing. You might have heard of the concept “carbohydrate loading,” and it is something that many competitive runners do before a big race. Carbohydrates are a main source of energy for our body, so loading up on carbohydrates the night before your shuttle run is like filling your gas tank. This will help you avoid burning out in the middle of the sprints. Be careful not to go too far. It might be tempting to dive into a gigantic bowl of fettuccini alfredo in the name of athletic performance, but be careful not to overindulge. You can end up sabotaging yourself, and wake up with an upset stomach or feeling groggy and slowed down. Things like rice, peanut butter, potatoes, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, and granola are excellent options for a pre-run dinner. This is a great idea if you're competing or running a timed test. If you're just doing the shuttle run as a training exercise, you may not need to carb-load beforehand. Sip water throughout the day. The importance of properly hydrating the days before your shuttle run cannot be overstated, but don't over hydrate. If you chug large amounts of water the day before the run, you risk throwing your body out of whack and actually feeling dehydrated on the day of your run. Remember to hydrate by keeping a bottle of water handy at all times. Sip it slowly but steadily. If you don't enjoy drinking water and have difficulty drinking enough, sip on sugar-free sports drinks or juice diluted with water. Add 2 parts water to every 1 part juice. Get enough rest. This applies to resting your legs before the run, as well as getting enough sleep. While you want your legs to be rested and ready for your race, you also don't want them to be rusty. In an ideal world, you can figure out what works best for you— maybe an intense workout followed by one day of rest is the best recipe, or maybe you need to do a low-intensity workout the night before. While you're figuring out what exactly works best for you, just make sure you don't overdo it the night before. If your energy is drained or your legs are sore on the day of your shuttle run, you probably won't give your best performance. Try to get a full night's sleep before you do your shuttle run. Sleep deprivation can hurt your performance. Everyone has different sleep requirements, but aim to get however many hours you know works best for you. Avoid training for a few days before the run. This is especially important if this run is a major competitive event or a test. Eat another high-carb meal two hours before your run. The most important thing about your final meal before the run is to choose food that you have eaten before and know won't upset your stomach. Bananas, toast, and oatmeal are all great options. Make sure you give your body enough time to digest, so that you aren't running with an uncomfortably-full belly. In general, you shouldn't be eating to the point of fullness on the day of your run at all— just eat enough to feel satisfied. Continue to drink water up to two hours before your run. By stopping your intake two hours before, you give your body enough time to process the water. You also give yourself time to use the restroom, which is important because running with a full bladder is not ideal or comfortable. Of course, you can take occasional sips of water as needed, just don't chug a large bottle of water right before you hit the start line. Wear comfortable shoes. When it comes to running, shoes are your most important (and only!) pieces of equipment. For a fast shuttle run, you'll want to wear light weight shoes that will keep your steps light and quick. Make sure that you've trained in whichever shoes you decide to wear for your shuttle run, because you need to know beforehand if they are slippery, painful, or any other potential downfalls. Make sure your shoelaces are double-knotted and out of the way, because you will be rapidly changing directions during the shuttle run and don't want to risk taking a spill! Warm up. Rather than doing static stretches right before your shuttle run, move around to get your blood flowing. Jump, jog, bounce your shoulders, swing your arms, and keep yourself moving. Get your heart rate up and get oxygen flowing to your muscles, so that you are ready to take off when you get to the start line. This can also help you shake off any pre-run jitters. Don't disregard stretching completely. You can incorporate a few stretches into your warm-up, but just make sure you are moving around and actively engaging the muscles as well. You can focus on static stretches more after you complete the run and are cooling off. Allow your nerves to energize you. Instead of letting your nervousness overwhelm you before your run, think about using that energy to make your legs faster than ever. Having anxiety just means you are motivated to do well, so look at it as a positive thing. As you run, channel all of those doubts and concerns into your legs, using it to propel you through the run and to the finish line. Don't let your nerves or anxiety cause you to be hard on yourself. Continuously tell yourself that you will give the best performance that you can give, but it is not a life or death situation. Positive self-talk can go a long way, so it's important to amp yourself up rather than expect the worst. Focus on one stretch of distance at a time. Rather than thinking about how far you have to go, just think about making it to one line at a time. Look at the line you are running to. Is it really that far? You've probably run that distance before— maybe even dozens of times. Just get to that line, and don't think about what will come next. Your mental and physical strength can and will surprise you, just focus on the immediate task at hand. Breathe through your nose and out your mouth. These are calming breaths. They will help you conserve your energy, relax your muscles, and focus on the race in front of you. Try hard to keep your breathing steady, and focus on taking in as much air as possible. If you begin breathing rapidly, your breaths will be shallow and unhelpful. Deep breaths will deliver oxygen to your muscles more efficiently and help drive you toward the finish. Relax your mind and let your legs work. When you think of completing a sprint drill, “relaxed” is probably not the first word that comes to mind. However, when your mind is relaxed, your body becomes relaxed. When you let go of physical tension, your legs become efficient running machines. Try to clear your mind before you begin your run. When you are at the start line, remember that you have prepared fully for this moment and there is nothing left to do but complete the run, which will be over before you know it. As you run, focus on keeping your hands unclenched and your shoulders relaxed. As you relax your arms and shoulders, you will allow your energy and focus to go to your legs. Repeat calming and empowering phrases in your head as you complete the shuttle run. This race will not break you, and the feeling of accomplishment afterwards will be worth any momentary discomfort.

Practice your side-standing long jump. Do carioca running drills. Run on hills. Reduce your risk of injury by doing these drills two to three times a week. Incorporate jumping and sprinting exercises into your routine. Eat a high-carb meal the night before the run if you're competing. Sip water throughout the day. Get enough rest. Eat another high-carb meal two hours before your run. Continue to drink water up to two hours before your run. Wear comfortable shoes. Warm up. Allow your nerves to energize you. Focus on one stretch of distance at a time. Breathe through your nose and out your mouth. Relax your mind and let your legs work.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Your-Chinese-Horoscope

How to Read Your Chinese Horoscope

To read your Chinese horoscope, you'll need to match your birth year with its corresponding animal using a Chinese horoscope chart. There are 12 birth animals, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal has different strengths and weaknesses associated with it. For example, people born in the year of the tiger are considered to be tolerant, valiant, considerate, intelligent, and respected. People born in the year of the dragon are generally bright, selff-assured and romantic. They're lively, intellectual, and energetic.

Find your birth animal. Consult the chart below to find the year of your birth and the corresponding animal. (Chinese astrology determines your animal sign based on your birthday in the Chinese astrology year, which begins on or around February 4 every year. Year of your birth and your matching Zodiac animal: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 — RAT (鼠) 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009— OX(牛) 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010— TIGER(虎) 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011— RABBIT(兔) 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012— DRAGON(龙) 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013— SNAKE(蛇) 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 — HORSE(马) 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 — GOAT(羊) 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 — MONKEY(猴) 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 — ROOSTER(鸡) 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 — DOG(狗) 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 — PIG(猪) These years are in accordance with the lunar (not solar) calendar. As a rule of thumb, the new year is usually around February 4th. If you're born before the new year, you're technically born in the prior year. The New Year changes every year, so do more research to be certain. Some refer to the goat as the sheep or ram. Read about your zodiac animal traits. Just like in Western astrology, each sign is commonly associated with a number of traits. Here are a few details on what each sign is like Rat : This sign has spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality. These people are bright, sociable and ambitious, generally making them wealthy and successful. However, they are also timid, lack concentration and stability, and don't fit most leadership positions. Ox : This sign is intelligent, self-confident, and a naturally-born leader. They are honest, industrious, patient, and above all else, do things steadily. No matter what, they always maintain a strong devotion to their work. However, they are also prudish, obstinate and poor at communication. Tiger : These individuals are tolerant, valiant, considerate, intelligent and respected. They like challenges and are quite good at expressing themselves. They are also short-tempered and not easily interested in much. Rabbit : This sign is gentle, sensitive, compassionate, amiable, modest. They are humorous and add spice to life -- mainly because they can't stand things being dull. However, they tend to throw away money and are stubborn yet undetermined. Dragon : This sign is bright, self-assured and romantic. They are also lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable. They make good leaders, always aiming for perfection. However, they can be arrogant and impatient, and sometimes over confident. Snake : This sign is charming and is skilled at communicating effectively through saying little. They are very moral and full of wisdom. For most, money isn't a problem. However, they can be jealous and suspicious and often tend to overdo things. Horse : This sign is cheerful, quick-witted, kind to others, and like to have adventures. They are also perceptive and talented, making good entertainers. However, they can be impatient, lack substance, and come across as superficial. Goat : These people are tender, polite, clever, gentle, and kind-hearted. They appreciate art and beauty and have a soft spot for quiet living. However, they can be shy, pessimistic, moody, and worry too much. Monkey : This sign is incredibly clever. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted, and are very talented problem solvers. And they're very giving to boot! Weaknesses? They can be rather jealous, conniving, and selfish. Rooster : These people are deep thinkers, often thought of as honest, bright, communicative, and warm-hearted. They have high self-worth and tend to be independent. However, they also have difficulty relating with others and tend to assume they are always right. Dog : These people are loyal, courageous, warm, responsible, smart and realistic. They can easily inspire confidence in others. However, they lack stability, can have a biting tongue, and easily find fault. Pig : This sign is diligent, courageous, honest, chivalrous and gallant. They are tolerant, calm, and optimistic. They hate conflict and don't lie easily. However, they can be naive, impulsive, and don't know when to draw the line. Know your sign's details. We'll cover three topics: your lucky numbers, lucky colors, and whether you're a "yin" or "yang" sign. We'll describe yin and yang in more detail in the next section; for now, know that every person has both sides in them, but one side is typically more apparent (depending on the sign). Rat : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 2, 3 Lucky colors: blue, golden, green Ox : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 9, 1 Lucky colors: blue, red, purple Tiger : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4 Lucky colors: blue, grey, white, orange Rabbit : Yin sign Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 9 Lucky colors: red, pink, purple, blue Dragon : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 6 Lucky colors: golden, silver, hoary Snake : Yin sign Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9 Lucky colors: red, light yellow, black Horse : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7 Lucky colors: brown, yellow, purple Goat : Yin sign Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 4 Lucky colors: green, red, purple Monkey : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 1, 8, 7 Lucky colors: white, golden, blue Rooster Yin sign Lucky numbers: 7, 5, 8 Lucky colors: golden, brown, brownish yellow, yellow Dog : Yang sign Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9 Lucky colors: green, red, purple Pig : Yin sign Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8 Lucky colors: yellow, grey, brown, golden Know your most compatible matches. It is believed that each sign romantically lines up (or really, really doesn't line up) with other signs. Here's what is believed makes for the easiest (and most difficult) relationships: Rat : most compatible with dragon, monkey, and ox; least with sheep, horse, and rabbit Ox : most compatible with rat, snake, rooster; least with horse, dog, sheep Tiger : most compatible with horse, dog; least compatible with snake, monkey Rabbit : most compatible with sheep, pig, dog; least with rat, dragon Dragon : most compatible with rat, monkey, rooster; least with ox, rabbit, dog Snake : most compatible with ox, rooster; least with tiger, pig Horse : most compatible with tiger, sheep, dog; least with rat, ox, rabbit Goat : most compatible with rabbit, horse, pig; least with ox, dog Monkey : most compatible with rat, dragon, snake; least with tiger, pig Rooster : most compatible with ox, dragon, snake; least with rat, rabbit, dog Dog : most compatible with tiger, rabbit, horse; least compatible with ox, dragon, sheep, rooster Pig : most compatible with sheep, rabbit; least with snake, monkey, pig Don't just stop at your Zodiac sign! There is far, far more to Chinese astrology than just the twelve signs of the Zodiac. There's also the Four Pillars of Destiny -- which does use the Zodiac, but goes much, much further. It uses the year you were born and the month, day, and time of your birth, as well. It's similar to the birth chart used in Western astrology. It is believed to be a lot more accurate, telling more about your personal life instead of your sign as a whole. The four pillars are those four factors, in that order. They are also combined with yin and yang and the 5 elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth). It is all believed to determine your luck, affluence, longevity, happiness, and wealth year by year. Chinese astrology works in 60 year cycles. If you're a math fiend with nothing better to do, you could break down the patterns of all these ideas into a sexagesimal cycle. Know your "inner" animal. Let's go further than the animal of your birth year. Your "inner" animal is determined by the month you were born in. It is believed to determine your later years in life or information about your parents. Here's how it correlates to the Western calendar: February 4th - March 5th: Tiger March 6th - April 4th: Rabbit April 5th - May 4th: Dragon May 5th - June 5th: Snake June 6th - July 6th: Horse July 7th - August 6th: Goat August 7th - September 7th: Monkey September 8th - October 7th: Rooster October 8th - November 6th: Dog November 7th - December 6th: Pig December 7th - January 5th: Rat January 6th - February 3rd: Ox Know how your day pillar works. This is the third pillar, believed to determine information about your adult or married life in the day-to-day. A pretty important one! Again, it is a sexagesimal cycle that starts when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°. Therefore, each year is just a teeny bit different. Because it'd be ridiculous to list the entire 60-day cycle here, it's advisable to visit an online calculator to find out your element and Zodiac sign for your day. If you're really bored, map out the entire cycle! Know your secret animal. In the Four Pillars of Destiny, the hour you were born represents the final and most personal pillar -- it also determines your "secret animal". This is thought to be the truest representation of yourself, the self that has been covered by layers and layers of nurture and environment. It is also used to represent information about your kids or your senior years. Here's how it lines up: 1:00 - 03:00 AM: Ox 3:00 - 5:00 AM: Tiger 5:00 - 7:00 AM: Rabbit 7:00 - 9:00 AM: Dragon 9:00 - 11:00 AM: Snake 11:00 - 1:00 PM: Horse 1:00 - 3:00 PM: Ram 3:00 - 5:00 PM: Monkey 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Rooster 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Dog 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Pig 11:00 - 1:00 AM: Rat Know if you're yin or yang. There's a few things to consider here: Every year is either yin or yang. Odd years are yang and even years are yin. Whatever the current year is, it's that side of the spectrum that tends to get emphasized. Every sign is yin or yang as well. This is the side of your personality that naturally has more power -- though anything can change in alignment with the stars. Yin is associate with passivity, cold, femininity, submissive, dark energy. Yang represents activity, heat, masculinity, aggressiveness, and light energy. Before you go assuming the worst, know that everyone has both -- it's just a cycle. You start with yin, say, until it blooms and turns into yang. And take into account the year's yin or yang, too! Know your element. Almost done! Now we're getting to your element. On the outside, it's quite simple. Just take the last number in the year of your birth! 0 or 1: Metal 2 or 3: Water 4 or 5: Wood 6 or 7: Fire 8 or 9: Earth What does this mean? Again, it's a cycle, this part emphasizing movement and change. Whatever element you are will naturally be emphasized, but how does it mix with the element of the current year? It is believed that the element of the year is the dominant one -- some years will work with your element, while others will work against , creating harmony and disharmony. There are believed to be two cycles: the creative cycle and the destructive cycle. For example, water destroys fire but produces wood and so forth. Each element affects others in different ways, ideally creating a perfect balance. It is believed that the elements line up with the 4 seasons. Wood is the strongest in spring, fire in summer, Earth during the season transitions, and so on. Each element is dominant for 2 years in a row. The cycle repeats every 10 years (there being 5 elements and all). Know the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches. You have your own complicated sign, but the years have more detail to them too; each one has a stem paired with a branch. For example, the year 2002 has a Yang Water Stem on the Horse Branch. The horse branch has not only Yin Fire behind it, but Yin Earth too. It's how your pillars fit into every year that determines your cyclical fate. The Ten Heavenly stems are a combination of yin and yang and the Five Elements. Therefore, your options are Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire , Yang Earth, Yin Earth, Yang Metal, Yin Metal, Yang Water, Yin Water. These go in a 60-year cycle as discussed above. Year 1 was Rat Yang Wood; year 61 will be the same, cycling through with no repetitions before that. The Twelve Earthly Branches are the Zodiac animals discussed in the first section. You know, the ones you find on Chinese take-out menus. Work with your cycles. Remember that this is a blueprint or map. It cannot be changed. That is nothing to fret about! The Chinese believe that this is knowledge to make you powerful -- you will be better able to overcome obstacles and grasp opportunities when need be. In other words, you can always do the right thing at the right time. Remember that good luck and all positive things don't just happen. This chart is telling you that at certain times, they have potential. You have to go out and get it! By knowing this chart, you'll know when those times are and when you should make your move in alignment with the stars. Talk to an astrologist or Feng Shui master. To know what seasons (parts of the cycle, not "winter") or years will be for the better or worse, talk to a master of Chinese astrology. They'll be able to pinpoint your when you're lucky and, quite frankly, when you're not. Certain seasons (days, even) will be better than others (especially to take action) and they can outline that cycle for you. Carry a lucky symbol with you. Let's say you're a goat and it's a bad year for you, but it's a great year for the Ox. Carry a little trinket of an Ox around you to circumvent the negative airs around you. Use an online calculator if you'd like to figure out your sign the easy way. Remember to account for Chinese time -- if you input the timezone of your birth, some calculators can do that for you. And don't forget the new year!

Find your birth animal. Read about your zodiac animal traits. Know your sign's details. Know your most compatible matches. Don't just stop at your Zodiac sign! Know your "inner" animal. Know how your day pillar works. Know your secret animal. Know if you're yin or yang. Know your element. Know the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches. Work with your cycles. Talk to an astrologist or Feng Shui master.

https://www.wikihow.life/Slice-an-Apple

How to Slice an Apple

To slice an apple, place it upright on a cutting board. Slightly offset the knife blade from the stem so that you avoid slicing through the core. Push the blade straight down through the apple to create your first quarter. Work your way around the apple and repeat the same motions to cut the remaining 3 quarters. If you want smaller pieces, cut each quarter into 3 wedges or dice them to your desired size.

Place the apple upright on a cutting board. The apple should rest upright on its own, but you may need hold it steady to ensure a clean cut. Cut around the core. Hold a sharp knife in your dominant hand. Slightly offset the blade from the stem so that you avoid slicing through the core. Try, however, to cut as close to the core as possible. Once the knife is in place, apply force to push the blade straight down to the cutting board. Slice through all the sides of the apple until only the core remains. Cut the apple into thirds or quarters – whichever is easiest for you. Quarters will preserve more of the edible apple around the core, but thirds may take slightly less time to cut. Dispose of the core. Compost the core, if possible. If you don't have access to a compost bin, put the core into the garbage. Feel free to nibble away any remaining apple that clings to the core. Avoid eating the seeds! Slice the apple. Place the flat side of each large slice face down on the cutting board. Then, use the knife to slice or dice the apple into pieces. You can make thin slices for snacking or baking. Try dicing the apple to mix into salads and other dishes! Carve the apple into four equal chunks. First, arrange the apple upright on a cutting board. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the fruit in half directly through the core. Finally, slice each of these halves in half along the stem axis. You should have four roughly-equal quarters. Remove the core. Use your knife to scoop out the seeded portion of each apple slice. To preserve as much as the apple as possible, carve out only the small crescent that encases the seeds. Compost the core, or dispose of it the garbage. For a slightly quicker method, simply slice off the edge of the apple quarter that includes the core. You might lose some edible apple this way, but you won't need to be so precise. Slice the quarters into wedges. Place the apple quarter skin-up on the cutting board. Then, slice or dice each apple quarter into pieces of your desired size and shape. For a snack-ready portion, try slicing each quarter into three wedges. Feel free to eat the apple quarters as they are. You have removed the core and the seeds, so the apple is perfectly edible in this form. Make the initial cuts. Hold the apple upside-down, and slice vertically through the fruit a few centimeters away from the core. Make two parallel cuts: one on each side of the core, so that the apple falls into three pieces. Slice the grid. Make two more vertical cuts in the apple, equidistant from the core but perpendicular to the first two cuts. The apple should be sliced into a neat grid with nine clean pieces. The central piece is the core. Put a rubber band around the apple. The band should be tight enough to hold the apple solidly together. If the rubber band is loose, try double-wrapping it. Alternately, wrap the apple in saran wrap or anything else that will hold the pieces together. Take it on the go. Now, you have an easy-to-eat apple snack that you can bring along with you on your daily journey. The band will hold the apple together without exposing the delicate insides to the air. This will keep the apple from browning. Finished.

Place the apple upright on a cutting board. Cut around the core. Dispose of the core. Slice the apple. Carve the apple into four equal chunks. Remove the core. Slice the quarters into wedges. Make the initial cuts. Slice the grid. Put a rubber band around the apple. Take it on the go. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Interest

How to Calculate Interest

To calculate interest, start by determining the principal, which is the amount of money you'll be calculating interest on. Next, determine the interest rate, which was agreed upon at the outset and should be presented in a decimal number for calculation. Then, determine the length of time, or term, the interest will be accruing, which is measured in years. To calculate the interest, multiply the principal by the interest rate and the term of the loan.

Determine the principal. The principal is the amount of money that you will use to calculate the interest. This could be an amount of money that you deposit into a savings account or bond of some kind. In that case, you will be earning the interest that you calculate. Alternatively, if you borrow money, such as a home mortgage, the principal is the amount that you borrow, and you will calculate interest that you owe. In either case, whether you will be collecting the interest or paying the interest, the amount of the principal is generally symbolized by the variable P. For example, if you have made a loan to a friend of $2,000, the principal loaned would be $2,000. Determine the interest rate. Before you can calculate how much your principal will appreciate, you need to know by what rate your principal will grow. This is your interest rate. The interest rate is generally advertised or agreed upon between the parties before the loan is made. For example, suppose you loaned money to a friend under the understanding that at the end of 6 months your friend would pay you back the $2,000 plus 1.5%. The one-time interest rate is 1.5%. But before you can use the rate of 1.5% you must convert it to a decimal. To change percent to a decimal, divide by 100: 1.5% ÷ 100 = 0.015. Measure the term of the loan. The term is another name for the length of the loan. In some cases, you will agree to the length of the loan when you borrow it. For example, most mortgages have a defined term. For many private loans, the borrower and lender may agree to any term they wish. It is important that the length of the term match the interest rate, or at least be measured in the same units. For example, if your interest rate is for a year, then your term should be measured in years as well. If the rate is advertised as 3% per year, but the loan is only six months, then you would calculate a 3% annual interest rate for a term of 0.5 years. As another example, if the rate is agreed to be 1% per month, and you borrow the money for six months, then the term for calculation would be 6. Calculate the interest. To calculate interest, multiply the principal by the interest rate and the term of the loan. This formula can be expressed algebraically as: I = P ∗ r ∗ t {\displaystyle I=P*r*t} Using the above example of the loan to a friend, the principal ( P {\displaystyle P} ) is $2,000, and the rate ( r {\displaystyle r} ) is 0.015 for six months. Because the agreement in this example was for a single term of six months, the variable t {\displaystyle t} in this case is 1. Then calculate the interest as follows: I = P r t = ( 2000 ) ( 0.015 ) ( 1 ) = 30 {\displaystyle I=Prt=(2000)(0.015)(1)=30}. Thus, the interest due is $30. If you want to calculate the amount of the full payment due (A), with the interest and the return of the principal, then use the formula A = P ( 1 + r t ) {\displaystyle A=P(1+rt)}. This calculation would look like: A = P ( 1 + r t ) {\displaystyle A=P(1+rt)} A = 2000 ( 1 +.015 ∗ 1 ) {\displaystyle A=2000(1+.015*1)} A = 2000 ( 1.015 ) {\displaystyle A=2000(1.015)} A = 2 , 030 {\displaystyle A=2,030} Try another example. Just for more practice, suppose you deposit $5,000 in a savings account with a 3% annual interest rate. After only three months, you withdraw the money and any interest due at that time. A = P ( 1 + r t ) {\displaystyle A=P(1+rt)} A = 5000 ( 1 +.03 ∗ 0.25 ) {\displaystyle A=5000(1+.03*0.25)} A = 5000 ( 1.0075 ) {\displaystyle A=5000(1.0075)} A = 5037.5 {\displaystyle A=5037.5} In three months, you would earn $37.50 interest. Note that t=0.25 here, because three months is one-fourth (0.25) of the original one year term. Understand the meaning of compound interest. Compound interest means that as your interest is earned, the interest goes back into the account, and you begin earning (or paying) interest on top of interest. As a simple example, if you deposit $100 at 5% interest per year, then at the end of one year you will earn $5 interest. If you return that to the account, then at the end of the second year, you will earn 5% of $105, not just the original $100. Over time, this can increase quite substantially. The formula for calculating the value (A) of compounding interest is: A = P ( 1 + r n ) n t {\displaystyle A=P(1+{\frac {r}{n}})^{nt}} Know the principal amount. As with simple interest, the calculation begins with the amount of the principal. The calculation is the same, whether you are calculating interest on money borrowed or money loaned. The principal amount is generally denoted with the variable P {\displaystyle P}. Measure the rate. The interest rate must be agreed upon at the outset and should be presented in a decimal number for calculation. Recall that the percent number can be converted to a decimal by dividing by 100 (or, as a shortcut, moving the decimal point two places to the left). Make sure that you know the length of time that the interest rate applies to. The rate is noted algebraically as r {\displaystyle r}. For example, a credit card may advertise interest of 15% per year. However, interest is generally applied each month, so you may want to know the monthly interest rate. In that case, divide by 12, to find the monthly interest rate of 1.25% per month. These two rates, 15% per year or 1.25% per month, are equivalent to each other. Know when the interest will compound. Compounding interest means that the interest will be calculated periodically and added back to the principal amount. For some loans, this may happen once a year. For some, it may happen each month or each quarter. You need to know how many times a year the interest will be compounded. If interest is compounded annually, then n=1. If interest is compounded quarterly, for example, then n=4. Know the term of the loan. The term is the length of time for which the interest will be calculated. The term is generally measured in years. If you need to calculate interest for some other length of time, you will need to convert into years. For example, for a loan of one year, then t = 1 {\displaystyle t=1}. But, for a term of 18 months, then t = 1.5 {\displaystyle t=1.5}. Identify the variables from the situation. Suppose, for this example, you deposit $5,000 into a savings account that pays 5%, compounded monthly. What will be the value of this account after three years? First, identify the variables that you need to solve the problem. In this case: P = $ 5 , 000 {\displaystyle P=\$5,000} r = 0.05 {\displaystyle r=0.05} n = 12 {\displaystyle n=12} t = 3 {\displaystyle t=3} Apply the formula and calculate the compounded interest. Once you have understood the situation and identified the variables, enter them into the formula to find the amount of the interest. For the problem started above, this would look as follows: A = P ( 1 + r n ) n t {\displaystyle A=P(1+{\frac {r}{n}})^{nt}} A = 5000 ( 1 + 0.05 12 ) 12 ∗ 3 {\displaystyle A=5000(1+{\frac {0.05}{12}})^{12*3}} A = 5000 ( 1 + 0.00417 ) 36 {\displaystyle A=5000(1+0.00417)^{36}} A = 5000 ( 1.00417 ) 36 {\displaystyle A=5000(1.00417)^{36}} A = 5000 ( 1.1616 ) {\displaystyle A=5000(1.1616)} A = 5808 {\displaystyle A=5808} Thus, after three years, compound interest will have amounted to $808, in addition to the original $5,000 deposit. Understand continuously compounding interest. As you saw in the previous example, compound interest grows faster than simple interest by adding the interest back to the principal at certain times. Compounding quarterly is more valuable than compounding annually. Compounding monthly is even more valuable than compounding quarterly. The most valuable situation would have the interest compounding continuously - that is, every instant. As quickly as interest can be calculated, it is returned to the account and adds to the principal. This is obviously only theoretical. Using some calculus, mathematicians have developed a formula that simulates interest that is compounded and added back to the account in a continuous stream. This formula, which is used to calculate continuously compounding interest, is: A = P e r t {\displaystyle A=Pe^{rt}} Know the variables for calculating the interest. The formula for the continuously compounding interest looks similar to the early situations, with some slight differences. The variables for the formula are: A {\displaystyle A} is the future value (or Amount) of money that the loan will be worth after compounding the interest. P {\displaystyle P} is the principal. e {\displaystyle e}. Although this looks like a variable, it is actually a constant number. The letter e {\displaystyle e} is a special number called “Euler's constant,” named for the mathematician Leonard  Euler who discovered its properties. Most advanced graphing calculators have a button for e x {\displaystyle e^{x}}. If you press this button, with the number 1, to represent e 1 {\displaystyle e^{1}} , you will learn that the value of e {\displaystyle e} is approximately 2.718. r {\displaystyle r} is the interest rate per year. t {\displaystyle t} is the term of the loan, measured in years. Know the details of your loan. Banks typically use continuously compounding interest on home mortgage loans. Suppose you want to borrow $200,000 at a rate of 4.2% for a 30 year mortgage. The variables that you will use for the calculation are, therefore: P = 200 , 000 {\displaystyle P=200,000} e {\displaystyle e} , again, is not a variable but is the constant 2.718. r = 0.042 {\displaystyle r=0.042} t = 30 {\displaystyle t=30} Use the formula to calculate the interest. Apply the values to the formula to calculate the amount of interest that you will owe on the 30 year loan. A = P e r t {\displaystyle A=Pe^{rt}} A = 200000 ∗ 2.718 ( 0.042 ) ( 30 ) {\displaystyle A=200000*2.718^{(0.042)(30)}} A = 200000 ∗ 2.718 1.26 {\displaystyle A=200000*2.718^{1.26}} A = 200000 ∗ 3.525 {\displaystyle A=200000*3.525} A = 705000 {\displaystyle A=705000} Notice the enormous value of compounding interest continuously.

Determine the principal. Determine the interest rate. Measure the term of the loan. Calculate the interest. Try another example. Understand the meaning of compound interest. Know the principal amount. Measure the rate. Know when the interest will compound. Know the term of the loan. Identify the variables from the situation. Apply the formula and calculate the compounded interest. Understand continuously compounding interest. Know the variables for calculating the interest. Know the details of your loan. Use the formula to calculate the interest.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tape-a-Thumb

How to Tape a Thumb

To tape a thumb, keep in mind that taping is best for a sprain, strain, or slight dislocation, but it's not a good idea if your thumb is fractured or badly cut. To get started, place a strip of tape in a comfortable ring around the base of your wrist as an anchor. Once you've done that, make a side loop of smaller tape at the hollow where you would take your pulse, winding the tape around your thumb and attaching it to the anchor. Then, for good support, make a front loop by starting at the front of the wrist and looping around the back of the thumb.

Assess the seriousness of the injury. Taping an injured thumb is helpful if the injury is a sprain, strain or slight dislocation, but it's not a good idea for fractured or badly cut thumbs. Sprained thumbs cause mild-to-moderate sharp pain and often lead to some inflammation, redness and bruising. In contrast, a broken or severely dislocated thumb is typically very painful, looks crooked, moves unnaturally, and involves considerable inflammation and internal bleeding (bruising). These more serious types of injuries are not candidates for thumb taping and require immediate medical attention instead, which often involves splinting, casting and/or surgery. Do not tape a severely cut thumb. Instead, clean the wound, put pressure on it to stop or slow the bleeding and wrap it in a bandage (if possible) before going to the hospital for an assessment. "Buddy taping" fingers together for support and protection is common for sprain injuries, but the thumb cannot be taped to the index finger. Doing so would put the thumb in an unnatural position and risk further injury. It would also prevent the index finger from being functional. Remove any hair from the area. Once you've decided that your thumb injury is appropriate to tape, grab a safety razor and shave the entire area around the thumb and back of your hand (stopping at your wrist). The purpose of shaving the skin is to make the tape adhere better and to prevent irritation and pain when you need to take the tape off. In general, it's recommended that you shave the skin about 12 hours prior to taping, which allows it to heal from any irritation caused by the shaving. Make sure to use shaving cream or other lubricants while shaving because it will reduce the risk of any nicks or cuts to your skin. After you finish shaving, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils and sweat, then dried with a clean cloth. Don't apply any moisturizers because the tape won't stick as well. Alcohol wipes are great for cleaning skin. The isopropyl alcohol is not only a good antiseptic, but it also gets rid of any oily or greasy residues that might prevent the tape from sticking to your skin. Consider spraying an adhesive over the area. Cleaning your skin with soap and water and/or alcohol wipes is usually sufficient for the tape to stick well, but consider using some adhesive spray to get the best contact. Spray the adherent to your wrist, palm, thumb and back of your hand, then allow it to dry and become slightly tacky. Adhesive spray better prepares your skin for the athletic tape and prevents discomfort to sensitive skin while allowing easy removal. Adhesive spray can be purchased at most pharmacies and all medical supply stores. Your physiotherapist or athletic therapist is also likely to have some. Avoid breathing in as you spray the adherent because it can irritate your lungs and cause coughing spasms or sneezing. Use an underlying wrap for sensitive skin. Although hypoallergenic (low-irritant) tape is widely available, those with especially sensitive skin should consider pre-wrapping their thumb and hand with a hypoallergenic underlay. Underlying hypoallergenic wraps are thin and soft and meant to go underneath the athletic tape. Be careful not to wrap the underlying material too tight, particularly if you have diabetes or a circulatory problem, or if the wounded thumb has been swelling or is discolored, as the bandage and underlay can become too binding. This may lead to tissue damage. Hypoallergenic underlying wraps are usually sold at the same places as athletic tape, adhesive spray and other medical and physical therapy supplies. Lay down an anchor first. Place a strip of tape in a comfortable (not too tight) ring around the base of your wrist, just below the bony prominences. This strip is considered an anchor, which gives support and provides fixation points for the various taping methods you can use to tape or strap your thumb. Before taping the forearm area, make sure to position your wrist / hand in a neutral position — your wrist should be extended backwards a little. Apply anchors gently and with care to prevent circulatory problems. If it's too tight, your hand/fingers will tingle, feel cooler to the touch and start to turn bluish. You may also wish to add an anchor near the end of your thumb — near the most distal joint. However, this can sometimes cause the entire scaffolding come loose and get dirty. The single anchor around the wrist often works best with the figure eight loops around the thumb. The best tape to use for the thumb is adhesive, water resistant, non-stretch (rigid), and between 25 – 50 mm in width. Make a side loop. With your tape anchors laid down, make a side loop of smaller tape, (usually 10 or 20 mm maximum) at the hollow where you would take your pulse, just beneath the mound of your thumb. Wrap up your thumb, looping the tape around your thumb comfortably along the line of the webbing of your finger. Carry the tape back down, crossing it over the first strip and attaching it to the anchor tape directly beneath the index finger. The loop of tape should look like an 'awareness ribbon' wrapped around your thumb. Make at least two side loops. Your thumb should also be in a neutral position — look at the healthy hand in resting position for a guide. For more support and rigidity, make three or four loops around the base of your thumb with the athletic tape. The loops should not pull your thumb back so far that it looks like you're hitchhiking. Remember that your thumb may be hypermobile due to stretched ligaments, so try to tape it in a neutral position. Make a front loop. After securing the side loop, make a few more in the opposite direction, which are called front loops. As the name implies, front loops start at the front of your wrist / forearm, then loop around the back of your thumb and return to the frontal (anterior) wrist area. Make at least two loops for good support or a few more if greater rigidity is required or wanted. An alternative method for providing more stability is to take lengths of two inch (50mm) tape and wrap these over the loops, in the same direction as the anchor tape. Cover from where the loop tape starts at the back of the hand to the fleshy part of the palm under the thumb. Take these strips from anchor tape to the first joint of the thumb to support the muscles that attach the thumb to the hand. Thumb taping should only be used if it is comfortable and does not cause more damage to the injury. The tape should not be too tight because this will prevent blood flow to the thumb and this will cause more damage. Tape over the distal joint if it's sprained. There are two joints in the thumb: the proximal one closer to the palm, and the distal one closer to the thumbnail. The side and front loops are more for securing and supporting the proximal joint, which is sprained / injured more often. However, if the distal thumb joint is sprained or slightly dislocated, then wrap a few strips of tape directly over it and connect to the thumb anchor. When this joint is involved, make sure the taping holds the thumb closer to the rest of the hand, to avoid catching the rigid, taped distal joint and re-injuring it. There's no need to tape the distal joint if the proximal thumb joint is sprained because you'll have almost no mobility in your thumb. Tapping directly over the distal thumb joint is a common preventative strategy in sports such as football, rugby and basketball.

Assess the seriousness of the injury. Remove any hair from the area. Consider spraying an adhesive over the area. Use an underlying wrap for sensitive skin. Lay down an anchor first. Make a side loop. Make a front loop. Tape over the distal joint if it's sprained.

https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Plastic-Bags

How to Organize Plastic Bags

If you've got cupboards full of old plastic bags, you can use a few tricks to keep them organized. One easy method is to stuff your bags into an old tissue box so you can easily pull one out when you need it. You can also store a lot of bags inside a shoe box, or simply store them inside another plastic bag. Alternatively, get a basket that's designed for storing plastic bags from a home accessories store. These hang on the side of a cabinet and give you easy access to your bags. If you have more bags than you can store, take the extras to a grocery store that recycles old bags next time you go.

Make sure the bags are clean and dry before storing them. Throw away any plastic bags that are covered in food particles, as these will become unsanitary and might lead to unpleasant odors. Bags should be dry and free from food waste before being taken to a recycling facility. Anything made out of plastic film, like bread bags, dry cleaning wraps, bags that newspapers come in, and cereal box liners, can usually be recycled alongside plastic grocery bags. If you aren't sure what your local recycling facilities will accept, call them and ask what's okay to recycle. Use an empty tissue box for easy access. One of the easiest no-hassle ways to store plastic bags is to stuff them into an old tissue box. The opening at the top of the box makes it easy to insert new bags and to take them out as you use them. Repurpose an old shoe box if you need to store a larger number of bags. If you have an old shoebox, you can store it at the bottom of a cabinet and use it as a container for plastic bags. Some people find the sight of loose plastic bags displeasing, and a shoe box will keep the plastic bags hidden from plain view. Store bags in another plastic bag for convenience. Compress bags into a ball and store them in another bag, then tie off the storage bag at the top. This keeps the bags together in one place and makes it easy to recycle them. When you're ready to take them to be recycled, you can easily grab a bag of bags and take it with you. Consider using a plastic or metal basket. If you have an extra basket that can hang on the side of a cabinet, you can store many bags in it before it becomes full. You can also use an old container of cleaning wipes or a plastic filing box as a container. If you think it's worth the investment, you can buy containers specially-made for plastic bags from home goods stores like Ikea. Make sure whatever container you use is clean, dry, and free from sharp edges that could damage the bags, especially if you plan on reusing them. Keep your container tucked away, but easily accessible. You might prefer to keep the container out of sight if you prefer not to have the plastic bags in plain view. It's common to store your plastic bags in a cabinet, in the laundry area, or on the floor of the pantry. Tie the bags into knots. Tying the bags into knots is a great way to reduce the amount of space they take up. An easy way to make a knot is to fold them lengthwise and make a simple overhand knot. Once they're knotted, you can store them in your container of choice until you're ready to use them. Whenever you need one, just take out a knotted bag and untie the knot. Fold the bags into triangles for a crafty alternative. Plastic bags can be folded into compact triangles that make them more visually appealing and easy to store. It takes a bit more effort than balling them up or tying them into knots, but turning them into triangles can add some fun to the task. Think of it as a craft instead of a chore. Fold them into stackable squares. Straighten the two handles and lay flat on a hard surface. Fold the bottom upwards onto the top half, and fold from left to right. Roll the bags into a cylinder if you want to keep them all together. Lay several bags flat on a hard surface, roll them into a cylinder, and then tie them together with another bag or a rubber band. This will keep all of the bags together and makes it so you only have one item to keep track of. Regularly recycle and reuse your bags. There are several ways to recycle your newly-organized plastic bags. Most curbside recycling programs don't accept plastic grocery bags, but you can usually drop them off at a grocery store or a similar retail location like Walmart or Target. Get creative! You can reuse the bags as trash liners, wrapping for delicate items, pillowcase stuffing, and much more. If you notice that your containers start accumulating a lot of bags, it might be time to make a recycling trip.

Make sure the bags are clean and dry before storing them. Use an empty tissue box for easy access. Repurpose an old shoe box if you need to store a larger number of bags. Store bags in another plastic bag for convenience. Consider using a plastic or metal basket. Keep your container tucked away, but easily accessible. Tie the bags into knots. Fold the bags into triangles for a crafty alternative. Fold them into stackable squares. Roll the bags into a cylinder if you want to keep them all together. Regularly recycle and reuse your bags.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Scams

How to Avoid Scams

To avoid scams, keep personal information, like passwords and account numbers, in a safe place so scammers can't easily get a hold of them. If you receive mailings asking for personal information, research the company online by using the name, followed by “complaint" or “scam” to see if other people have complained about them. Alternatively, if you're solicited over the phone, ask for the company name so you can end the call and look up their customer service number. Then, call that number and ask if they're attempting to contact you for any reason.

Examine common practices. A majority of scams follow similar types of fact patterns. This occurs because scammers know what works and what doesn't, and they try to scam you by doing what works best. First, scammers will use fear to try and get you to do something. For example, some scammers might say that a relative has been arrested and needs money. Second, scammers will try to rush you to make a decision quickly. The longer you think about what is happening, the more likely it is that you will not become a victim. Identify popular scams involving money. Just as scammers use common practices like fear and panic, they will also use the same scams over and over again. If you can learn what types of common scams are out there, it will be easier to identify them and avoid them. Scams can take place online, over the phone, through the mail, and even in person. The most common scams include: Advance fee scams, which occur when people tell you that you have won a lottery, or that you can invest in something, and all you have to do is pay a small fee upfront. Charity scams, which occur when people tell you they are collecting money for some charitable cause. In reality, once you make a "donation," the scammers keep the money for themselves. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scams, which occur when people tell you that you owe money in taxes or that they need your personal information to make sure your taxes were filed properly. These people try to get money as well as personal information in order to steal your identity. Phantom debt scams, which occur when people contact you pretending to be debt collectors. They will threaten you and tell you that you owe money that you do not really owe. Recognize possible phishing scams. Phishing scams occur when individuals contact you claiming there is a problem with some account you might have (e.g., credit card accounts and loan accounts). They will tell you they can fix the problem, but they need to verify your personal information. Once they have your personal information, they use it to steal your identity. Get scam alerts. One of the best ways to keep up-to-date on recent scam schemes is to get government alerts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers an alert that is sent to your email periodically. The alert will give you tips and advice on how to avoid scams. If you want to sign up, you can do so through the FTC's website. Keep your personal information to yourself. Because some of the most common scams attempt to gain access to your personal information, one of the easiest ways to avoid scams is to protect that personal information. Keep passwords, account numbers, and sensitive paperwork in a safe place. Do not keep this information on your phone where it can be found. In addition, do not leave your mail somewhere where scammers might be able to get ahold of it. If you can, have your mail deposited directly into your home, as opposed to a mailbox. If you have a mailbox, take your mail out as soon as possible. If you get a solicitation asking you for your personal information, never willingly give it out. Take extra steps to ensure the solicitation is legitimate before you move forward. Conduct online searches. When you get mailings that ask for money or information, follow-up and do some research about the company or person asking for the information. Never assume a solicitation is legitimate. Try doing the following, which should help you avoid scams: Type the company's or product's name into an online search. Use words like "complaint," "review," or "scam." Search using phrases and sentences that describe your situation. For example, if you got a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, search for, "IRS call asking for Social Security Number." Look up the phone number that was used to call you. When you type the number into an internet search engine, some of the top results will usually tell you whether that number has been used for scams before. Call people back using genuine phone numbers. In today's world, it is easy for scammers to manipulate caller IDs and phone numbers. Therefore, you should never trust the name and number as it shows up on your phone. If you get a phone call from someone, ask them for their name and the company they work for, so you can call them back. Once you get off the phone, look up that company's information online and only call back legitimate numbers found on reputable websites. For example, assume you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and they need some personal information. Instead of giving it to them right away, hang up the phone. Go online to the IRS's official website and find the customer service phone number. Call that number back and ask whether anyone would have called you asking for personal information. Avoid paying any money upfront. A lot of scammers will request money in exchange for a promise to send you more in return. Scammers will usually tell you that you have won a prize and that you need to pay taxes or fees in order to collect the prize. They might also ask you to pay in advance for a job, debt relief, or for loan assistance. However, you should never pay any money upfront. Check the legitimacy of these programs and solicitations before giving anyone anything. In general, once you give these individuals money, you will not receive the service or product you were promised. Think about the payment method being requested. Scammers will request money from specific sources in order to avoid detection. Most scammers will request cash, money wires (e.g., Western Union), or prepaid credit cards (e.g., Vanilla). These payment methods are difficult to track and nearly impossible to reverse. No legitimate company will ask you to pay using these methods. Most legitimate companies will ask you to pay using credit cards and personal checks. These payment options offer built in fraud protection and give you the ability to cancel charges and withhold money. Consult people you trust. Before you give out your personal information or money, talk to someone you trust about what is going on. This could be friends, family, or professionals (e.g., a lawyer, a bank employee, or a government employee). Tell them about the solicitation and ask whether they have seen anything similar before. Remember, scammers want you to move quickly without thinking. By stopping and talking to someone else, you are giving yourself a chance to avoid the scam. Read cancellation policies. A lot of free trials will automatically turn into large monthly charges, and some trials will not even allow you to cancel for a certain period of time. Before you accept a free trial for things like television channels, weight loss supplements, or anything else, make sure you look over the company's cancellation policy. A lot of companies will allow you to cancel at any time. However, these companies might continue to charge you until you dispute the charges with your bank. In addition, a lot of companies will only give you the free trial if you agree to purchase more of the product or service at the end of the trial. If you accepted a free trial of something, make sure you cancel in a timely manner and check your bank accounts regularly for suspicious charges. Avoid depositing checks from people you don't know. A lot of scammers will offer you a large amount of money by check if you send a smaller amount of money in cash or through a wire. However, the check you receive will usually be fake. While a bank may accept the check upfront, it will always be uncovered as fake at some point. When that time comes, it will be your responsibility to repay the bank. Therefore, never accept a check from someone you don't know without first checking it out. Keep suspicious solicitations. If you gave out your personal information or gave a scammer money, you will want to report the scam to the proper authorities. When you contact various reporting agencies, they will want to look over any evidence you have regarding the scam. Therefore, if you received any suspicious mailings, got any voicemails, or were handed any paperwork in person, keep it. This information will help identify the source of the scam and what they are attempting to do. Take detailed notes. In addition to keeping documents you received, you will also want to take your own notes of what is happening. These notes will help you remember details when it comes time to report, and it will help you describe the scam accurately. For example, if you contacted someone regarding the scam, write down who you contacted, what you talked about, how long the conversation was, and what the outcome of that conversation was. If someone called you asking for money or personal information, write down the number they called from, who they said they were, and what they asked for. Ask for help. If you have friends or family who witnessed the scam take place, or who have seen the emails or other solicitations, ask them to write a brief statement about what they saw. These statements can help back up your story and provide additional information that you may have missed. Additionally, if you know others who were victims of the same scam you were, ask them to report the scam with you. The more people you can get to join you, the more seriously your complaints will be taken. Call your local police department. If you have been scammed and you gave out personal information or money, the first thing you need to do is contact your local police department. The police department will be able to do the most for you personally, because they will investigate if a crime occurred and attempt to get your money back. When you contact the police, they will want as many details as possible to help them investigate the scam. Provide them with your notes and any documents you received throughout the scam's life. File a report with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is a resource that consumers use to look up common scams and scams that have happened recently. When you file a report with the BBB Scam Tracker, you will not receive an individual response. The Scam Tracker allows you to tell your story, so others might be able to avoid the trap you fell into. To file a Scam Tracker Report, visit the BBB's Scam Tracker website. They will ask you for the following information: Information about the scammer (e.g., the business's name, the person's name, their phone number, their website) Information about the scam (e.g., how you were contacted, what was being asked for, what did they say happened, whether you lost money) Your personal information (e.g., your age, where you live, your name) Attachments of things you received from the scammer Use word of mouth. Email or call your friends and tell them what happened to you. In doing so, you can help others avoid scams and possibly find people who received the same scam information as you did. As word spreads, you might get information about who is responsible, what others did to report the fraud, and what could possibly be done as a group to help catch who is responsible. Track down the proper agency to contact. While most agencies will not be able to help you individually, any information you provide in a complaint is used to track scammers and take action against them. The agency you contact will depend on the scam you were a victim of. Some examples of common scams and who you would contact to report them include: Most types of fraud - contact the FTC. Mail fraud - contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Identity theft - contact the FTC. Bank fraud - contact the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. Visit the proper government agency's website. Using the information you found while tracking down possible government contacts, you need to visit the agency's website and determine how a complaint can be filed and what information you will need to provide. For example, if you want to file a complaint for most general types of fraud (e.g., a lottery scam or a gift scam), you would visit the FTC's Complaint Assistant website. From there you can read about the types of scams they cover, how you can report a scam, and how your complaint will be handled. Use this information to determine how you want to proceed and file your complaint. File an online complaint. Most agencies will allow you to file a complaint quickly and easily online. Each agency will proceed differently, and each agency will ask for different information. Follow the directions on each website to successfully submit your complaint. For example, if you use the FTC's Complaint Assistant, you can file a scam complaint by doing the following: Selecting a category of scam, you were the victim of (e.g., identity theft, scams and rip-offs, credit and debt) Clicking a sub-category of scam (e.g., counterfeit checks, imposter scams, prizes and lottery scams, romance scams) Telling the FTC how you were contacted (e.g., over the phone, in person, through the mail) Detailing the scam (e.g., how much were you asked to pay, how much did you pay, how did you pay, how did you respond to contacts, did you try to contact the scammers) Providing information about the company or person that scammed you (e.g., their name, address, phone number) Giving the FTC your information so you can be contacted if the FTC wants more information Call to report the fraud. A lot of agencies will allow you to report a scam over the phone if you do not have regular access to the internet. You can find the agency's phone number online or by asking someone with access to the internet. For example, if you need to report mail fraud, you can contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. Once prompted, you can press "4" to report the fraud. When you file a complaint over the phone, you will give the agency information very similar to that you would give them using the internet. Mail in a complaint. If you prefer sending a hard copy through the mail, most agencies will offer it as an option. This could be useful when you have documents and solicitations that you would like the agency to have. For example, if you want to file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, you can mail a letter that contains information similar to that you would provide online. In addition, if you have other documents, make sure you attach them to your letter. You will then be able to mail the complaint to the address provided, which for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is the "Criminal Investigations Service Center, Attn: Mail Fraud, 222 S. Riverside Plz, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL, 60606-6100."

Examine common practices. Identify popular scams involving money. Recognize possible phishing scams. Get scam alerts. Keep your personal information to yourself. Conduct online searches. Call people back using genuine phone numbers. Avoid paying any money upfront. Think about the payment method being requested. Consult people you trust. Read cancellation policies. Avoid depositing checks from people you don't know. Keep suspicious solicitations. Take detailed notes. Ask for help. Call your local police department. File a report with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use word of mouth. Track down the proper agency to contact. Visit the proper government agency's website. File an online complaint. Call to report the fraud. Mail in a complaint.

https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-from-a-Collapsed-Lung

How to Heal from a Collapsed Lung

To heal from a collapsed lung after you leave the hospital, you should take any medications prescribed to you to help with the pain and discomfort. You should also rest while sitting up, at least for the first one to two weeks, as this reduces pressure on your lungs. Also, limit yourself to light activities such as walking, as strenuous exercise could trigger another collapse. If possible, sleep in a recliner, as this makes it easier to get up and lie down. Additionally, you should avoid smoking at all costs, as cigarette smoke can increase the risk of another lung collapse.

Get to the emergency room. Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain, or any other symptoms of a collapsed lung such as difficulty breathing, nasal flaring, chest tightness, and easy fatigue. If there was any blunt trauma to your chest, a doctor should be seen if shortness of breath and chest pain occurs, or if you cough up any blood. A collapsed lung can be caused by a variety of factors. Most often, it is the result of trauma to the chest or ribcage. It can also be caused by air pressure changes and certain pre-existing medical conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis. Call 911 for immediate medical services if there is any significant chest pain or shortness of breath. A collapsed lung can deteriorate rapidly, so the sooner you seek medical care the better. You will undergo tests when you get to the ER, a doctor will perform a variety of tests to diagnose a collapsed lung. The doctor will examine your chest, listening with a stethoscope. He or she will also check your blood pressure, which will likely be low as a result of a collapsed lung, and look for symptoms like blueness of the skin. A definitive diagnosis is usually made with an x-ray. Undergo treatment. Your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you based on the type and severity of a collapsed lung. Your doctor might recommend observation and bed rest as treatment if the collapsed lung is mild and can heal on its own. This usually takes about one to two weeks of observation, rest, and doctor's appointments. If the lung collapse is severe, a needle and chest tube will be needed to remove the air. A needle, attached to a syringe, is inserted in the chest cavity. The excess air is pulled out by a doctor, much like a syringe is used to draw blood. Then, a tube will be placed into the chest cavity to keep the lung re-inflated for a few days. If a chest tube and needle treatment fail to work, your doctor might recommend surgery as a treatment option. In most cases, surgery is relatively non-invasive and can be performed via small incisions. A tiny fiber-optic camera will be passed through these incisions, allowing the doctors to see what they're doing as they insert narrow, long-handled surgical tools into the body. The surgeon will look for openings in the lungs that caused the leak and seal them closed. In some cases, a portion of diseased lung tissue will need to be removed. Treatment time varies and depends on the severity of a collapsed lung, but be prepared for an extended hospital stay. Chest tubes sometimes need to stay in place for a few days before removal. In the case of surgery, most people will need to stay in the hospital for five to seven days after surgery. Begin healing in the hospital. While you're in hospital care, the healing process will begin while you wait to go home. The nurses and doctors will help you with your care. In the hospital, you will be asked to do a lot of breathing exercises, as well as sitting up and walking to build strength in your lung. If you went through surgery, you will also receive shots to prevent blood clots and may have to wear special stockings on your feet and legs to prevent clotting. Your doctor will explain to you what to do in terms of at-home care, medications, and returning to work. Listen closely and, if you have any questions, ask. You want to make sure you understand what's best for you and your body to heal fully. Take any medications prescribed to you. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, and any allergies you might have, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to be taken during the first few weeks after your treatment. Try to stay ahead of pain. Take meds when you begin to feel pain as it's easier to stop severe pain before it starts than deal with after it has begun. The first 48 to 72 hours will be the worst in terms of pain. Pain and discomfort will diminish but full recovery can take several weeks even after severe symptoms pass. Have patience and use meds as needed. Rest, but make sure you stay active. Bed rest is not necessary with a collapsed lung. You should rest while sitting up, and do very light, low-impact activities, such as walking. It will be one to two weeks before you fully recover from a collapsed lung, so make sure you plan to be laid up for this timeframe. Do not push yourself to resume regular activities too quickly, as this can trigger another collapse. Make sure your breathing is normal and pain has passed before you engage in household chores, high-impact exercise, and other physically strenuous activities. Sleep in a recliner for the first few days. Breathing will be difficult in the aftermath of a collapsed lung, and how you sleep can help make breathing easier. Sleeping in a recliner, moved to a somewhat upright position, results in less downward pressure on your chest cavity and lungs. Recliner sleep also makes getting up and lying down more comfortable. Movement can be painful after a collapsed lung, and this is easier on your body. A pillow on the affected side can make the chair more comfortable while sleeping. Be careful with your clothing and padding options. It's important to avoid putting undue pressure on your ribcage after a collapsed lung. People are often tempted to put padding on the area to ease pain, but this must be done correctly to avoid causing harm. To lessen symptoms, you can try holding a pillow against the chest wall. This eases the pain of each breath. Do not tape your ribs or chest. This can impair respiration and worsen the situation. Wear loose-fitting clothing for the first few days. If you wear a bra, wear a sports bra or a bra larger than your regular size. Do not smoke. If you are a smoker, inhaling smoke of any kind during the recovery period can cause stress on your lungs, which you want to avoid during the healing process. Cease smoking completely until the symptoms pass. Talk to your doctor about options such as the nicotine patch or pills to help you cope without cigarettes. As smoking can increase the risk of another lung collapse, it would be best to consider quitting altogether. You can talk to your doctor about quitting and find support groups in your area. Avoid sudden changes in air pressure. Air pressure changes cause stress on the lungs and make re-collapsed more likely, and therefore should be avoided during recovery. Avoid flying. If you must travel, go by car, train, or bus. If this is not possible, it might be best to postpone a trip for a later date, when you have the okay from your doctor. Avoid high altitude areas. Tall buildings, mountains, and hiking should be avoided until recovery is complete. Refrain from swimming underwater, and scuba diving especially, during your recovery. Do not drive until you have healed completely. Reaction time is often slowed after a collapsed lung due to pain and any medications, as well as the effect surgery and other treatments have on the body. Make sure your pain is gone and reaction times are normal before getting behind the wheel. If you are unsure when it is safe to drive again, consult your doctor. Watch for recurrences. There is, in general, no long-term effect on your health once the collapsed lung has healed. However, having a collapsed lung once increases the likelihood of it happening again. Up to 50% of people have a collapsed lung again, usually occurring within a few months of the first one. Be aware of any symptoms you're having during this time. If you think you're experiencing the symptoms of a collapsed lung again, seek immediate medical intervention. Breathing might feel strange at first after a collapsed lung. Some discomfort or a pulling sensation in the chest can occur for a few months after treatment. This is normal and is not usually a sign of another collapse.

Get to the emergency room. Undergo treatment. Begin healing in the hospital. Take any medications prescribed to you. Rest, but make sure you stay active. Sleep in a recliner for the first few days. Be careful with your clothing and padding options. Do not smoke. Avoid sudden changes in air pressure. Do not drive until you have healed completely. Watch for recurrences.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Face-Burns

How to Treat Face Burns

If a facial burn appears white, is oozing clear liquid, or is blistering, call for medical attention immediately since these are signs of a severe burn. Try to keep the burn cool for up to 20 minutes by running it under cold water, which will limit further damage while you wait for medical care. If you decide to treat the burn at home, dab it gently with a cool, damp cloth to remove dirt or bacteria. Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to the burn every few hours to keep it moist. You should also wear a non-stick gauze bandage over the burn to prevent infection. Attach it to your skin with medical tape, but make sure the tape doesn't stick to your burn. Even if you treated your burn at home, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to check how bad your injury is.

Call for immediate medical attention. If your burn is white or charred and oozing clear liquid, you may be suffering from a severe burn. Other signs of a severe burn are blistering and sweating. All chemical and electrical burns should be immediately checked out by a doctor, regardless of how serious they might look. If the person has a weakened immune system or another medical condition like diabetes, call for help. Similarly, if they are over the age of 60 or under 5, they should get immediate attention. Cool down the burn by running your face under cool water. While you wait for emergency care, try to reduce the damage of the burn. You can use a shower, hose, or sink. Alternatively, you can fill a cup of water and pour it over the wound. Keep the burn cool for up to 20 minutes to prevent more damage. Do not use ice or ice water to cool down burns as the cold temperature could cause more damage. Similarly, avoid using butter, oils, or lotions on the skin immediately following a burn. Place a layer of cling film or plastic wrap over the burn. Do not wrap the film tightly around the burn. Just place a single layer over the skin. This will protect the burn until you can get medical care, and it won't peel the skin off when you remove it. Sit up as long as possible to reduce swelling. While it may make you feel better to lie down, it is better to sit up until you can get medical attention, especially if your eyelids are burned. Keep yourself warm if you start going into shock. Signs of shock include sweating, cold clammy skin, rapid or shallow breathing, weakness, and dizziness. Drape a blanket over yourself or put a sweater on while you wait for care. Get the burn debrided by a doctor. Debriding is the process of removing damaged tissue from the burn so that it can heal more effectively. To debride a facial burn, doctors may use a water jet tool to gently remove the burned tissue. In some cases, doctors may debride the wound by cutting away the burned tissue. Debriding can be a painful procedure. You'll need pain medication to help you manage the pain. Undergo reconstructive surgery if needed. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to reduce scarring or to graft skin onto the wound to help it heal. You may need to undergo separate surgeries for each region of your face (such as your cheeks, eyes, forehead, nose, and chin). Your doctor will discuss the best course of action for you. Skin grafting is a procedure in which the surgeon will remove healthy skin from one part of your body and apply it over the wound. The skin will grow over the wound to help treat it. You will need to undergo anesthesia for surgery. Recovery times can vary based on the severity of the burn and the type of surgery done. It can take between 12-24 months for you to recover completely. Discuss whether a face mask is necessary with your doctor. Severe burns or burns that cover large parts of your face may require the use of a face mask. You would wear this mask for 18-20 hours a day for between 8 months and 2 years. The mask helps your face heal with minimal scarring by keeping your skin as flat as possible while healing. You may be required to stay in the hospital while you wear the mask and recover. Visit your doctor to assess the level of burn. If you did not require emergency medical treatment, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will do a physical examination of the burn. They will decide if it is a first, second, or third degree. In some severe cases, they may refer you to a burn specialist. First degree burns are very minor and can be treated at home. These may be pink or red in color. They may be a little painful at first, but this will go away after a few days. Second-degree burns may be a splotchy red or white tone. They may be blistered. Second-degree burns smaller than 3 inches (7.6 cm) are usually treated in the same way as first-degree burns while larger second burns are considered to be more serious. Your doctor will likely recommend an antibacterial ointment and a painkiller. Third-degree burns are the most severe. They may start out as gray or white but turn brown or black. They may be painful or they may feel numb. There is a good chance you will need surgery. Report any symptoms you’ve experienced since your burn. Tell your doctor how you received the burn and how the burn has changed since the injury happened. In particular, be sure to tell your doctor if: The pain has gotten worse since you were burned. The burn has changed colors. You have had any pus or blisters forming. You have had a fever since the burn. It is difficult for you to move parts of your face. Get a tetanus shot if you have not had a booster in 5 years. Burns are very susceptible to tetanus infection. If you have had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, you may be safe. If you have not, tell your doctor so that you can get a booster. Get a prescription for an antibiotic ointment. This ointment can help prevent your burn from becoming infected. Your doctor may prescribe an ointment containing chlorhexidine, silver nitrate, silver sulfadiazine, bacitracin or mafenide. Follow your doctor's instructions to learn how much and how often you need to apply the cream. If the burn is minor, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin. Your doctor may also prescribe you an oral antibiotic. Clean the burn with running water. Dampen a clean cloth and gently pat around your burn to remove dirt and bacteria. When you're finished, rinse off your face with cool running water from a shower, hose, or cup of water. Pat the burn dry with a clean, dry cloth. Shave facial hair around the burn. Get rid of all hair at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) around the burn. Use a disposable razor to gently shave away the hair. If you are having trouble shaving around the burn, ask your doctor for help. Apply a gel ointment to the burn. If your doctor gave you a prescription for an antibiotic ointment, apply it according to the directions on the label. You can also use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or Aquaphor or pure aloe vera gel. Apply the ointment to clean, dry skin once every 2 hours or as directed. Do not use creams, lotions, oils, or butter, as these can irritate the burn. If you use vaseline or aloe vera gel, wear gloves or use a spatula to remove the gel from the container so it doesn't get dirty. Avoid using babies vaseline. Tape a non-stick gauze bandage over the burn. Talk to your doctor about the best kind of non-stick gauze to use. Cut a piece of gauze that is slightly larger than the wound itself. Use medical adhesive tape to tape the wound down to your face. Make sure that the tape does not stick to the burn itself. Replace the bandage once a day. This will prevent the wound from rubbing against surfaces like pillows or scarves. If you often rest your hand against your face, a bandage will help you keep your hands away from the wound. Take an over-the-counter painkiller to reduce the pain. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Read the label of the medicine to learn the appropriate dose. Avoid scratching or picking at the burn as it heals. Burns may blister, peel, or itch as they heal. Try to avoid touching the wound as much as possible. No matter what, do not burst blisters or pick at scabs, as this could damage your skin and increase the risk of infection. Try sitting on your hands whenever the burn starts itching. You can also squeeze a stress ball or a ball of clay. Contact your doctor if the wound gets worse. Keep an eye on your burn as it heals. Look out for any signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or increased pain. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Call for immediate medical attention. Cool down the burn by running your face under cool water. Place a layer of cling film or plastic wrap over the burn. Sit up as long as possible to reduce swelling. Keep yourself warm if you start going into shock. Get the burn debrided by a doctor. Undergo reconstructive surgery if needed. Discuss whether a face mask is necessary with your doctor. Visit your doctor to assess the level of burn. Report any symptoms you’ve experienced since your burn. Get a tetanus shot if you have not had a booster in 5 years. Get a prescription for an antibiotic ointment. Clean the burn with running water. Shave facial hair around the burn. Apply a gel ointment to the burn. Tape a non-stick gauze bandage over the burn. Take an over-the-counter painkiller to reduce the pain. Avoid scratching or picking at the burn as it heals. Contact your doctor if the wound gets worse.

https://www.wikihow.com/Not-Be-Lazy

How to Not Be Lazy

If you're having trouble getting motivated, try to find reasons to stay active. For example, if you've been meaning to get fit, think about how exercising will improve your overall health and self-confidence in the long run. As you work on your goals, create an incentive to keep going by celebrating your successes. It's also important to take it easy on yourself if you slip up or fall behind—setbacks are a natural part of any difficult process! If you're having trouble staying motivated on your own, try to find an accountability buddy to help keep you on task.

Find reasons to stay active. A major reason for laziness is a lack of motivation. You can be discouraged by a daunting pile of tasks, or a feeling that the challenges of your day simply aren't worth motivating yourself for. Evaluate the goals you've set for yourself. When you're passionate about what you're doing, it's much easier to be motivated. However, even when you have to accomplish something you're not excited about, you can still find energy and motivation when you're satisfied with who you are. Think of the big picture. It can be easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks of life and not realize what you're working toward. Take some time out of each day to remind yourself how the task at hand is contributing to larger goals for your life. These can be financial, fitness, or education goals that will help your career and personal life. Make a list of reasons why you want to accomplish tasks before you. Celebrate success and milestones. You may feel less motivation to do something if it feels insignificant. Stay optimistic and when you complete a task, give yourself a pat on the back. This will also help keep you from being lazy because you are seeing the fruits of your labor. Whether its exercise, school, or work, make sure you have objective, achievable goals along the way. Write them out and check them off when you accomplish them. Don't beat yourself up. Laziness can be a self-perpetuating cycle. It can be a type of self-loathing. When you are lazy and fail to complete a task, you can sink into a depression that makes you less likely to keep pushing. Try replacing the negative thoughts in your head with positive ones. For instance, you might tell yourself repeatedly that you are a person of action. Visualize yourself as a hardworking person finishing all the necessary tasks at hand. Do this every day for 30 days until it becomes a habit. If you think you're lazy because someone else has put you down and made you feel that way, remind yourself that the only important perspective is the view you have of yourself. If you're honest with yourself about what works for you and what doesn't, you'll find it easier to make changes to move yourself forward. Make time for relaxation. There is a tendency to always associate inactivity with laziness. This produces guilt and can perpetuate more laziness. Rather than beat yourself up, allow yourself time to relax with no guilt. Encourage accountability. Rather than go at everything alone, put yourself in a situation where peers and family can help motivate you. Group accountability is great motivator for staying fit, staying on task, and moving toward goals. If you're trying to get in better shape, find a gym buddy or an exercise class. It will feel like you are letting others down if you skip and you are more likely to keep at it. If it is a school goal, find a friend in the class that can help you study and stay on track with achieving grades you want. Recognize that you're procrastinating. Sometimes part of procrastinating is filling our day up with so many side tasks that we have difficulty seeing what we are really doing. Look for useful indicators that you're procrastinating that include: Sitting down to do something important and then deciding to get coffee or a snack. Filling up your day with low priority tasks. Re-reading memos or e-mails many times before deciding what to do with them. Schedule your day. Many people are inclined to make to-do-lists. However, these can make your day seem daunting and without being tangibly incorporated into your day are little more than wishful aspirations. You need to consider how much time you have and how long each task will take in order to effectively get moving and avoid a day of laziness. Make sure you actually account for how long tasks will take you. This reduces the chance you will procrastinate because you are working along a tangible schedule. Also, realize that things may come up that alter your schedule. This is okay. All you need to do is add this to the schedule and adjust your day. Set boundaries. People who are prone to procrastination should avoid blending life/work boundaries. Assuming you will end each work day at 5:30 P.M. forces you to be productive within a certain timespan. Do fewer things well. You may procrastinate when you feel like there are too many things to do and you shouldn't bother even starting. Most people believe that they are working harder than they actually are. This is because people feel so overwhelmed and fragmented by endless tasks. We live in a world of constant stimulation and information. Simplify your life and you'll be less likely to be overwhelmed into inactivity. Try media fasting for a week. Not all the information that we consume everyday from all kind of media is useful. Unless it's required for you to consume certain information for your work, stop everything else for a week. No TV, no newspaper, no social websites, no leisure Internet surfing, no watching videos on the Internet. You might want to create your own rule for this tip. Make it a habit to do anything simple as soon as you see it. For example, if you see a stack of papers need to be dumped, dump into the bin it straight away. It is not important but sooner or later you have to do it. Make it a habit to do it now and you'll stop having an endless list of tasks to do later. This will be hard at first, but it will help you to build a good habit. The tendency to put things off until later can snowball procrastination and laziness. Start your day right. Don't hit the snooze on your alarm or go back to sleep but get right out of bed to start your day on the move. You are more likely to get and stay energized by starting your day out active. This can take practice to make it a habit. Try placing your alarm clock out of arm's reach. This will insure that you need to actually physically get out of bed before hitting the snooze. Get plenty of rest. You are more likely to start your day out groggily if you are sleep deprived. This can also hurt your motivation and your ability to not be lazy the following day. Get plenty of rest to make sure you're at your best when you get up in the morning, feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to start your day! Everyone needs different amounts of sleep to function their best but shoot for at least six or seven hours. Put away all electronics and screens when you're winding down for bed. Try to get as comfortable as possible and block out any possible distractions that will keep your mind moving. Start your day out on the move. Exercise first thing in the morning. This will help your energy level remain high and take advantage of peak hormone times. Exercise is also proven to help concentration and focus for the rest of the day. Don't skip breakfast. Breakfast has physiological benefits, but also mental and mood improving effects. Eating a healthy breakfast will help your energy level stay up, your brain function peak, and even improves memory and concentration.

Find reasons to stay active. Celebrate success and milestones. Don't beat yourself up. Encourage accountability. Recognize that you're procrastinating. Schedule your day. Do fewer things well. Make it a habit to do anything simple as soon as you see it. Start your day right. Get plenty of rest. Start your day out on the move.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Rocket

How to Make a Simple Rocket

To make a simple match rocket, first roll 2 matches in a small piece of aluminum foil so the match tops are covered and the sticks are poking out at the end. Then, twist the end of the foil closed near the match tips and leave the other end rolled loosely. Once your matchsticks are wrapped, anchor them by stabbing them into a piece of cardboard so they stand up on their own. Finally, hold a lighter under the part of the foil that holds the match tips. When they get hot enough, the matchsticks will rocket out of their aluminum holder!

Roll two matches in a piece of aluminum foil. Put two matches on aluminum foil with the plain ends sticking out and the match tips pointing in. Roll the matches up like a burrito. Twist one end of the foil tightly around a match and leave the other end rolled loosely. Anchor the matches. Stick the matchstick of the tightly rolled match into a piece of cardboard. This will hold that match in place. Being anchored in the cardboard also allows you to aim the match and launch in whatever direction you choose. Heat the aluminum foil. Use a candle or lighter to heat the foil. Put the flame directly under the area of foil that conceals the match heads. When the matches get hot enough, they will ignite. This will send the loose match shooting out of the aluminum holder. When the match heads ignite, gas is rapidly formed and this expanding gas forces the loose match out of the aluminum holder with a considerable amount of force. Gather your materials. The body of your rocket will be made from a plastic water bottle, a paper cone, and two paper or cardboard triangles. You will use three pencils to make a stand. You will also need a cork, water, and a bicycle pump to pressurize the bottle. Make a rocket from a bottle. Reduce the drag of the water bottle by taping a paper cone to the top of the rocket (the bottom of the bottle). Tape paper or cardboard triangles on either side of the bottle to act as fins. The triangles should come about halfway up the bottle. Build a rocket stand. Tape pencils around the sides of the bottle to make a stand. Make sure that the pencils are pointing down. This stand will allow you to point your rocket up (or at an angle if you wish). Without a stand, your rocket will likely just flail around near the ground instead of lifting off. Put water in the bottle. You should fill the bottle half full of water. The water will provide the mass needed to propel the rocket during the launch. You can add food coloring for a colorful blast off. Cork the bottle. Throw away the bottle's original cap and replace it with a cork that fits into the opening of the bottle. The cork will allow pressure to build inside the bottle. The cork will also pop out allowing the contents to shoot out rapidly and propel the bottle. Pump air into the bottle. Use a bicycle pump with a needle. Insert the needle into the bottle through the cork and pump. Once enough air has been pumped into the bottle, the pressure will force the cork out and launch the rocket into the air. Tape pencils around a bottle. Make sure that the ends of the pencils come up past the top of the bottle. This will ensure that they touch the ground when the bottle is upside down. The pencils will allow you to stand the bottle up on its top. Wrap baking soda in a tissue. Put two tablespoons of baking soda in a tissue and roll it up. Make sure that the sides are folded over so that no baking soda is exposed. This will provide a time delay on the very rapid vinegar and baking soda reaction. Put vinegar in the bottle. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with vinegar. The vinegar is acidic and will react with the basic baking soda to neutralize. Carbon dioxide will be produced in this reaction, which will cause pressure to build inside the bottle. Insert the baking soda packet. Drop the baking soda packet into the vinegar. From this point forward, you will need to move quickly. The tissue will unravel quickly. The reaction will start as soon as the baking soda comes in contact with the vinegar. Cork the bottle. Quickly place the cork in the opening of the bottle. This will prevent gasses from leaving the bottle and cause pressure to build. With the cork in, set the bottle upside down on the pencils. Watch it launch. As the tissue unravels and the baking soda and vinegar react, more and more gas will build inside the bottle. This will force the cork out from the bottom of the rocket. That force will propel the rocket off of the ground and into the air.

Roll two matches in a piece of aluminum foil. Anchor the matches. Heat the aluminum foil. Gather your materials. Make a rocket from a bottle. Build a rocket stand. Put water in the bottle. Cork the bottle. Pump air into the bottle. Tape pencils around a bottle. Wrap baking soda in a tissue. Put vinegar in the bottle. Insert the baking soda packet. Cork the bottle. Watch it launch.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reuse-Water-from-Your-Washing-Machine

How to Reuse Water from Your Washing Machine

Saving water from your washing machine to use in your garden is a great way to be environmentally and economically friendly. Start by unplugging your machine and finding the discharge hose, which you'll find at the back of your machine connected to a utility box. Turn off the water supply before you disconnect the discharge hose. Then, place a large plastic container near your machine and add an extension to your discharge hose so the water dumps into the container. Install a length of garden hose at the bottom of the water container. Extend the hose to your outdoor plants or mulch so you can water them with your used washing machine water.

Find your washing machine’s discharge hose. You'll find this at the back of your washing machine, running to a utility box in the wall. The utility box will have the hose itself as well as two connections to water valves. You'll likely need to move your washing machine away from the wall for easy access to the discharge hose. Unplug your washing machine’s power cord. Before touching the discharge hose, you need to make sure there is no electricity going into the washing machine. Since it's likely you'll splash a bit of water as you set up your gray water system, you risk getting shocked. Find the power outlet your washing machine is plugged into and unplug it. Turn off the water supply. You want to avoid any water running into the washing machine as you get to work. Find the two valves in the utility box and turn both to the off position. Disconnect the discharge hose. The discharge hose will be the largest of the tubing at the back of your washing machine. It usually runs directly into your home's sewage system through a hole in the wall. Simply pull the hose up and out; it should come free rather easily. You're likely to splash water on the floor as you connect the discharge hose. Lay towels on the floor behind the washing machine and keep a bucket nearby. Set the hose in a bucket and let it drain completely before disconnecting it from the washing machine. Attach an extension to the drainage hose. You can find extension kits at home hardware stores. They include a length of hose as well as a coupler, a small piece of plastic with two holes to insert the extension and the hose already attached to your washing machine. These kits have clamps that you can slide onto the coupler using pliers. They squeeze around the coupler, tightening the seal around the hose. Set up a large plastic container near your washing machine. This container needs to be large enough to hold the significant amount of water used by a washing machine. While newer washing machines use 14 to 25 gallons (53 L to 94.6 L), older washing machines can use up to 45 gallons (170.3 L) per load. Err on the side of caution and use a container that can hold at least 50 gallons (190 L). If possible, your container should be set up in your yard, just outside the laundry room. This will make getting the gray water to your yard much simpler. Keep the container elevated with cinder blocks or bricks. Run the washing machine’s discharge hose to the container. Put the hose into the top of the container. Water from your washing machine will flow into the container after each load of laundry. You can cut a hole in the container's lid large enough to fit the hose. This will prevent water from splashing out of the open container. Install a length of garden hose at the bottom of the container. To do this, you'll need to drill a one inch hole and insert a male pipe thread to garden hose thread adapter. This adapter will let you connect a garden hose to your container. Make sure the garden hose thread side of the adapter is coming out of the container. You can use a silicone gun to create a better seal at the bottom of the container. Just squeeze the trigger to put silicone all around the garden hose adapter. This will prevent any water from leaking out. Lay the other end of the garden hose near a plant. The water will flow from your washing machine, through your hose and into the ground. You'll be reducing the amount of water by reusing water from washing machine to water your plants. If your landscape doesn't have any plants that need watering, add some wood mulch to your yard. The gray water will run through the mulch and into the ground without bogging your yard. Avoid using detergents with bleach, boron, or salt. These chemicals are damaging to plants, and some are toxic to people and animals. If you intend to reuse water from your washing machine, you'll need to keep a close eye on the contents of your detergent. Move the hose around your yard frequently. Ideally, you should move it for every load. Otherwise, you'll flood parts of your yard, potentially killing any plants that grow there. If you have multiple spots with plants that need water, move the hose to each plant between loads. Otherwise, you may simply have to let the water drain into your grass. Dismantle your system for harsh winters. If you live in a climate where the ground freezes for a good portion of the year, you'll need to avoid using gray water in the winter. Plants don't need watering in this period, and draining gray water outside becomes a more complicated matter. If your system's container is kept outside, you'll want to at least disconnect your washing machine from it. Make sure to insert the drainage hose into the sewage disposal hole at the back of the washing machine.

Find your washing machine’s discharge hose. Unplug your washing machine’s power cord. Turn off the water supply. Disconnect the discharge hose. Attach an extension to the drainage hose. Set up a large plastic container near your washing machine. Run the washing machine’s discharge hose to the container. Install a length of garden hose at the bottom of the container. Lay the other end of the garden hose near a plant. Avoid using detergents with bleach, boron, or salt. Move the hose around your yard frequently. Dismantle your system for harsh winters.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Avocado-Dessert

How to Make an Avocado Dessert

While avocado isn't a traditional dessert ingredient, its buttery texture makes it perfect for creamy yet healthy dessert recipes. You could try making an avocado chocolate pudding by blending avocado, chocolate, milk, and vanilla. For extra flavor, you can also add coconut or banana to the pudding. Another dessert to try is avocado ice cream. Simply combine avocado, condensed milk, and whipped cream before freezing the mixture until it's completely firm. Fudgy avocado brownies are a good gluten-free dessert option. Blend together avocado, eggs, sugar, and cocoa, and then bake the batter in the oven.

Cut the avocados in 1/2 and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Put 2 pounds (0.91 kg) ripe avocados on a cutting board and carefully cut lengthwise through both sides of each avocado. Use your hands to twist the sides of the avocado apart. Then, use a spoon to remove the pits and scoop the flesh from each 1/2 into a food processor. There's no need to cut the avocados into chunks since you'll be blending them. Add milk, cocoa, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Pour ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of plain, chocolate, or non-dairy milk into the food processor. Then, add 3 tablespoons of (21 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons (9.9 ml) of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of salt. For example, use almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or hemp milk. If you'd like your pudding to have a stronger chocolate flavor, add an extra 2 tablespoons (14 g) of cocoa powder. Blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds. Turn on the food processor and blend the ingredients until the avocados are completely smooth. You might have to stop the machine and scrape down the sides if bits of avocado are getting stuck. Set aside the avocado mixture while you prepare the chocolate. Chop 2 to 3 ounces (30 to 45 g) of chocolate into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) pieces. Put dark or bittersweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids on your cutting board. Then, use a large knife to carefully cut the chocolate into ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) chunks. It's important to use a dark or bittersweet chocolate so your pudding has a rich flavor. Microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments until it's melted. Transfer the chocolate chunks to a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate for 20 seconds. Stir the chocolate and microwave it for another 20 seconds. Stir frequently to help the chocolate melt evenly. It will take 45 to 60 seconds total for the chocolate to melt. Stir 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of your choice of sweetener into the melted chocolate. To sweeten your avocado pudding, use sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, for instance. Stir the sweetener into the chocolate until it's incorporated. Adding the sweetener will make the melted chocolate thicker. Scoop the melted chocolate into the avocado mixture. Take the lid off of the food processor or blender and scrape the melted chocolate into it. Avoid spooning the melted chocolate through the food processor's feeder tube because too much of the chocolate will stick to the tube. Add coconut cream or a banana to the processor if you want to flavor the pudding. For a slight coconut flavor, add 1 to 3 tablespoons (19 to 57 g) of coconut cream to the food processor. If you want your pudding to be a little sweeter, add 1/2 of a very ripe banana. The banana will also make the pudding smoother and thicker. Blend the pudding for 2 minutes or until it's completely smooth. Put the lid on the food processor and blend the ingredients for 1 minute. Then, stop the processor and scrape down the sides of the processor. Blend the pudding for 1 more minute so it's smooth and thick. If the pudding is too thick for your liking, blend in your choice of milk 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time until it's the consistency you want. Chill the avocado pudding for 20 to 30 minutes before serving it. Spoon the pudding into a large bowl or individual serving bowls. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes. Refrigerate leftover pudding in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Scoop the flesh from 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of avocados into a blender. Set the avocados on a cutting board and carefully slice lengthwise down each side of the avocados. Use both hands to twist the sides in opposite directions so the pieces separate. Then, lift the pit out with a spoon and discard it. Use a spoon to scoop the ripe avocado flesh into a blender. If you don't have a blender, use a food processor instead. Put the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt in the blender. Open a 14-ounce (396 g) can of sweetened condensed milk and scoop it into the blender. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lemon juice and 1 pinch of sea salt. Blend the ingredients until they're smooth and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Blend for at least 30 seconds so there aren't any chunks or pieces of avocado visible. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if pieces get stuck. Once the avocado mixture is smooth, pour it into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Beat 1 1⁄2 cups (350 ml) of heavy cream in a separate bowl on high speed. Pour the chilled cream into the bowl of a stand mixer and use a whisk attachment to beat the cream on high speed. Keep beating until the cream holds firm peaks. If you don't have a stand mixer, use a hand mixer instead. Fold the whipped cream into the avocado mixture until it's incorporated. Carefully spoon the whipped cream into the bowl using a spatula. To fold the whipped cream, hold the spatula and use a gentle twisting motion with your wrist to curve the spatula around and through the center of the mixture. Keep doing this until there aren't streaks of avocado. It's important to fold the mixture instead of stir it since you're trying to keep the volume in the cream you whipped. Pour the mixture into a 9 in × 5 in (23 cm × 13 cm) loaf pan and cover it with foil. Use the back of a spoon to make the mixture level in the pan before you cover it with aluminum foil. If you prefer, put the mixture into an ice cream maker instead. Follow your machine's operating instructions to freeze the avocado ice cream. Freeze the ice cream for 6 hours before serving it. Remove the loaf pan once the ice cream is completely firm. Then, scoop the avocado ice cream into serving bowls and enjoy! Because there are no preservatives in this ice cream, store the leftover ice cream in the freezer and use it within 1 day. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and line a 9 in × 9 in (23 cm × 23 cm) pan. Tear off a piece of parchment paper and lay it in the bottom of the baking pan. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter. If you don't have parchment paper, spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut 2 avocados in 1/2 and scoop the flesh into a blender. Put the ripe avocados on a cutting board and carefully use a knife to cut the avocado lengthwise. Then, twist the avocado apart and use a spoon to scoop out the pit. Take the spoon and scoop the avocado flesh into a blender. If you don't have a blender, use a food processor. Add 2 eggs, both types of sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt, and vanilla to the blender. Crack the eggs into the blender and add 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated sugar, 2/3 cup (135 g) of packed brown sugar, 2/3 cup (85 g) of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vanilla. This recipe doesn't contain flour so it's gluten-free. Blend the brownie batter for 30 seconds. Put the lid on and blend the ingredients until the avocado is completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure that avocado pieces aren't stuck. Add 1 1/2 cups (262 g) of chocolate chunks and pour the batter into the pan. Pour the chocolate chips directly into the brownie batter, but don't use the blender to mix them. Pour the batter into the parchment paper-lined pan and use a spatula to scrape all of the batter out. Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes. Put the pan into the preheated oven and cook them until they start to pull away from the edge of the pan. To test if they're done, lightly touch the top of the brownies. If they're done, the brownies will feel firm and will spring back slightly. If your finger leaves an indent, cook the brownies for another 3 to 5 minutes and check them again. Remove the brownies and cool them for 5 to 10 minutes before serving them. Turn off the oven and wear oven mitts to take the pan out of the oven. Let the brownies cool for 5 to 10 minutes so they're easier to cut. Serve the brownies warm or at room temperature. Put leftover brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1 week. If you prefer, freeze them for up to 4 months.

Cut the avocados in 1/2 and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add milk, cocoa, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds. Chop 2 to 3 ounces (30 to 45 g) of chocolate into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) pieces. Microwave the chocolate in 20-second increments until it's melted. Stir 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of your choice of sweetener into the melted chocolate. Scoop the melted chocolate into the avocado mixture. Add coconut cream or a banana to the processor if you want to flavor the pudding. Blend the pudding for 2 minutes or until it's completely smooth. Chill the avocado pudding for 20 to 30 minutes before serving it. Scoop the flesh from 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of avocados into a blender. Put the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt in the blender. Blend the ingredients until they're smooth and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Beat 1 1⁄2 cups (350 ml) of heavy cream in a separate bowl on high speed. Fold the whipped cream into the avocado mixture until it's incorporated. Pour the mixture into a 9 in × 5 in (23 cm × 13 cm) loaf pan and cover it with foil. Freeze the ice cream for 6 hours before serving it. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and line a 9 in × 9 in (23 cm × 23 cm) pan. Cut 2 avocados in 1/2 and scoop the flesh into a blender. Add 2 eggs, both types of sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt, and vanilla to the blender. Blend the brownie batter for 30 seconds. Add 1 1/2 cups (262 g) of chocolate chunks and pour the batter into the pan. Bake the brownies for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the brownies and cool them for 5 to 10 minutes before serving them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Flowers

How to Dry Flowers

To dry flowers by air-drying them, start by stripping each flower of all its side shoots. Then, tie the end of each flower or bunch of flowers with a rubber band or piece of twine. Next, hang the tied flowers upside-down in a warm, dark, dry location. After 2-4 weeks, the flowers will be ready if their petals are crisp to the touch. If you'd like to preserve your flowers for even longer, mist them with hairspray! If you'd prefer to press your flowers, choose small, flat flowers like pansies or lilacs. Then, place one layer of flowers on a matte, non-glossy sheet of paper like newspaper or tissue paper. Place another sheet of dry paper on top. Next, place something heavy with evenly dispersed weight over the flowers. A large book will work well, but you can also use heavy boxes or pieces of wood. After 3 weeks, remove the flowers and replace the papers with fresh, dry sheets. Then, put the heavy object back on the flowers. After a few more weeks, take off the weights and papers. Your flowers should be crisp, thin, and transparent!

Pick your flowers. Most flowers air-dry best when they are just beginning to open. They will continue to open slightly as they dry, and a fully open flower may lose its petals. This method works best for small, sturdy blossoms, such as lavender or larkspur. Wilting and pest damage becomes more obvious after drying. Choose only the best flowers, and pick extra in case of problems. Prepare the flowers in bunches. Strip each flower stem of all leaves. Separate the flowers by species, then make bunches with up to 10 flowers of a single type. Large flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies should be dried individually instead. Strawflower and some other species have weak stems that break apart when dried. Cut the stem off instead and thread florist's wire through the base of the flower. Tie the end of each bunch with a rubber band. Wrap a large rubber band around two or three stems, wrap it several times around the whole bunch, then finish by wrapping it around another two or three stems. The stems will shrink as they dry, but the rubber band will stay tight around them. The rubber band shouldn't press so hard that it creases the stem; this can cause damp pockets and lead to rot. If you're concerned about this, tie the bunch with twine or raffia instead. You may need to re-tie the twine halfway through drying. Hang the bunches upside-down. Keep them in a warm, dark, dry location to prevent rot and minimize fading. Air circulation helps the flowers dry and prevents mold, so keep the bunches spaced out in an area with a good cross-breeze, at least 6 inches (15cm) below the ceiling. You can hang the flowers from hooks, nails, or coat hangers. One easy way to do it is a paper clip bent into an S-shape. Poke one end underneath the rubber band, and the other end over the hook. Wait for 2–4 weeks. The flower is ready when the petals are crisp to the touch. Occasionally a bunch will take longer than four weeks, usually because the room isn't ideal or the flower petals are unusually thick. The stems usually dry completely straight. If you want a more natural, curved look, submerge the stems in warm water until soft. Bend them however you like, and hold them in position with weights until they dry again. Preserve them with hairspray (optional). A light mist of aerosol hairspray or floral sealer will set the flowers' shape. This will make them less susceptible to breaking or dropping petals. Choose your flowers. Microwaving works best for flowers with many petals, and no hairy or sticky surface. Roses, zinnias, and marigolds are good options, although varieties with thick petals might not work out. Pick the flowers when half-open and firm, before petals start dropping. Cut the stems pretty short for this method — about 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm) Wire the flowers (optional). The stems won't be flexible after microwaving. If you want to bend the flowers for an arrangement, stick a 20–24 gauge wire through the base of the flower, then wrap it in a helix around the stem. Though it is best not to use metal in a microwave oven If the flower doesn't have a thick base, stick the wire through the center of the flower and into the stem. Push it down as far as you can to hide the wire from view. Pour desiccant into a microwave-safe container. A desiccant is any substance that absorbs moisture. Silica gel is the best option for delicate and colorful petals, but you can use clay cat litter instead, or a 50/50 mix of borax and cornmeal. Fill the container to a depth of 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm). Bury the flowers under the desiccant. Carefully position the flowers right-side up, with at least ¾ inch (2cm) of space between them. Pour more desiccant slowly over the flowers, burying them. Use a toothpick to rearrange the petals if they get bent out of shape. Start with just one or two flowers in case they end up burnt. It will get easier as you learn how much drying each flower will take. Put a cup of water in the microwave. A separate, shallow cup of water absorbs some of the microwave's energy. This makes accidental burning or over-drying less likely. Microwave. Add the container to the microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Poke through the desiccant with a toothpick to see if the flowers were dry. If not, heat them for 1-minute intervals, checking after each one. This step can take a lot of trial and error, since there's so much variation between flowers and microwaves. Some thin flowers like daisies do best at low microwave settings, just above defrost. Others with many, thick petals can take as long as 8 minutes on medium or high temperatures. Let cool for one day. Remove the container from the microwave. Cover the container, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and leave it alone for 24 hours. The desiccant (especially silica gel) can take a long time to cool to a safe temperature. Leave dahlias, pansies, and peonies for 36 hours instead. Larger, thicker flowers such as roses and carnations may be ready in as few as 10 hours. Keep this out of reach of children and animals. Brush off the desiccant. Now that the container is cool, tip it gently to expose the flowers. Gently pull out the flowers, supporting them from below. Brush them off with a fine brush. Optionally, preserve them with hairspray or floral sealer. Choose your flowers. Pressing flowers is done best with small, flat flowers, such as pansies and lilacs. Stay away from flowers with fleshy stems or extra-thin petals, which can end up damaged. Place the flowers on dry paper. Place your flowers on a matte, non-glossy paper such as newspaper, cardboard, or tissue paper. Arrange your flowers in a single layer, then place another sheet of dry paper over the top. The more absorbent materials you use, the better your flowers will turn out. Try placing the flowers between newspaper, the newspaper between blotter paper, and the blotter paper between corrugated cardboard. Tape the whole pile shut. Press the flowers. Place them under something that has a large, evenly dispersed weight. Typically, dictionaries or encyclopedias are a good option for this, but you could also use heavy boxes or pieces of wood. Keep the stack in a warm, dry place. Wait for 1–3 weeks. After the first week, remove the flowers and replace the paper with fresh, dry sheets. Then put the flowers back under the weights to continue pressing them. Remove the weights. After the flowers have been left for a few weeks, take off the weights and papers and pull out your flowers. They should be crisp and paper-thin, and transparent to light. Prepare your flowers. Cut a piece of chicken-wire or fine-mesh wire in a big enough size for all your flowers to fit. Then, slide the stems through the holes in the wire, so that the bud holds the body of the flower up while the stem dangles below. The best flowers to be oven-dried are compact, with many-petals. These include cornflowers and chrysanthemums. Heat at low temperature for several hours. With your convection oven heated to 100ºF (38ºC), put the wire with the flowers onto the rack. The low heat will dry the flowers slowly; leave them in the oven for several hours. The total drying time will vary based on the type and number of flowers you used. A well-ventilated convection oven will do the best job. Do not try this with a normal oven. Normal ovens contain too much moisture and usually have a minimum temperature much higher than 100ºF (38ºC). Remove the flowers. Once the flowers have dried completely, you can remove them from the oven and set them on a drying rack to cool down. Wait until they are back to room temperature before handling. Apply hairspray or floral sealant for sturdier, longer-lasting dried flowers. Choose your flowers. This is the best way to dry large, delicate flowers such as lilies, as long as the flower doesn't drop its petals too easily. Ideally, pick the flowers when they're about half open, and dry immediately. Choose your desiccant. A desiccant is an extra-absorbent material, that will slowly pull out water from your flowers. Whichever desiccant you choose must be completely dry to be effective. Here are the most common options: Silica gel: the fastest option, available at garden supply stores. Although more expensive, it can be reused many times (see Tips below). Borax and white cornmeal: a cheap and lightweight option. Mix in equal quantities, or with as little as 1 part borax to 6 parts cornmeal — it shouldn't make much difference. Fine sand: this just supports the shape of the flower, allowing the air to dry it. The slowest option, but sometimes the cheapest. Add non-iodized salt (optional). Some people suggest that salt helps the petals keep their color, although not everyone agrees. Try it with 3 tbsp salt per quart of other materials (15mL per L). Choose a container. If you have plenty of material, pick a container that can fit the entire upright stem. Most people save on materials and just cut off the flower stem, leaving a blossom that can fit in a shallow container. Different materials require slightly different setups: For silica gel, use a container that can be sealed airtight. A coffee can is a good option for a single flower. For borax or sand, use an open container. A strong cardboard box is ideal, but check the base for holes first. Bury the flowers in the desiccant. Pour your material into the container, to a depth of 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm). Place the flowers upright in the material, making sure they're stable. Sift or slowly pour more desiccant on top of them, until they are buried. If using sand, you don't need to bury the flowers completely. The sand is mostly for support, and air exposure can help dry the petals. Flowers from the daisy family dry best upside-down instead. Some flowers, such as snapdragons and delphiniums, dry best when laid horizontal. If the stems are still attached, fill the container as deep as necessary to hold them. Wait until dry. Store the container in a warm, dry location. If using an open container, keep it in a room with good air flow. Check after a few days, using a toothpick to probe the petals and test for dryness. Silica gel is the fastest means of drying flowers; most take only 2-4 days to dry completely, while thick flowers can take up to a week. When silica gel turns pink, it's absorbed as much moisture as it can. Borax mixtures can take 5–14 days to dry the flowers. Sand takes longest of all, usually about 14–21 days. Remove carefully. Tip the container sideways and tap the sides until the flower is exposed. Gently remove the dry flower, supporting it from underneath. Brush away the packing material with a small brush. If the material is clinging to the flower, pour a thin stream of sand from about 12 inch (30cm) above the flower. This should dislodge the stuck particles. Removing the flowers too soon can cause drooping. Test the edge first for a crisp, papery feel before you pick it up. Floral sealer or hairspray will postpone breakage.

Pick your flowers. Prepare the flowers in bunches. Tie the end of each bunch with a rubber band. Hang the bunches upside-down. Wait for 2–4 weeks. Preserve them with hairspray (optional). Choose your flowers. Wire the flowers (optional). Pour desiccant into a microwave-safe container. Bury the flowers under the desiccant. Put a cup of water in the microwave. Microwave. Let cool for one day. Brush off the desiccant. Choose your flowers. Place the flowers on dry paper. Press the flowers. Wait for 1–3 weeks. Remove the weights. Prepare your flowers. Heat at low temperature for several hours. Remove the flowers. Choose your flowers. Choose your desiccant. Add non-iodized salt (optional). Choose a container. Bury the flowers in the desiccant. Wait until dry. Remove carefully.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Starbucks-Coffee

How to Make Starbucks Coffee

If you want to make Starbucks coffee, use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 6 ounces of water. Grind whole Starbucks coffee beans just before brewing for the freshest flavor, or purchase a Starbucks blend that's already ground. Use filtered water heated to 195 to 205 °F, then brew your coffee in a press, a traditional drip coffee maker, or by pouring the hot water over very fine coffee grounds through a cone-shaped filter, all of which are methods used by Starbucks.

Use the right proportion of coffee to water. At Starbucks, they use two tablespoons, or 10 grams (0.35 oz), of ground coffee for each six ounces of water. A member of Starbucks' Coffee Education Team says that "Too few coffee grounds result in over-extracted or bitter coffee. Too many grounds result in under-extracted coffee that does not achieve the full flavor of the blend." Choose a good grind method. This step implies that you are, in fact, grinding your coffee. If you want to make your brew taste just like Starbucks, don't buy pre-ground coffee. Grind it yourself just before brewing for optimum freshness. Depending on your brew method (see part 2) you will need a different level of coarseness for your brew. Pour-over brewing requires a fine grind (like granulated sugar), traditional drip coffee is best with a medium grind (like sea salt) and coffee presses require a coarse grind. Over-extracted coffee tends to taste considerably worse than coarser, under-extracted coffee, so when in doubt go for an under-extracted (coarse) grind. To make it taste like Starbucks coffee, you might want to use the blends available for purchase at Starbucks franchises. Use quality water. This may seem like a silly point. Water is just water, right? Wrong. To make Starbucks-quality coffee, always use fresh water, filtered of impurities. Additionally, be sure to heat the water to "just off boil," i.e. between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90 to 96 degrees celsius). Use fresh coffee. As alluded to in Step 3, it's important to use fresh coffee. This means grinding it yourself immediately prior to brewing, but also keeping your beans in an airtight container. Be sure not to keep your coffee in refrigerator or freezer, even in airtight containers. Another Starbucks' coffee educator says these two appliances are "“not the friend, but rather the enemy of good coffee." This is because while being stored in refrigerators and freezers, moisture develops which damages the flavor. Select the brewing method that works for you. Now that you're following Starbucks' Four Fundamentals of brewing, it's time to select a brewing method. There are three general methods Starbucks uses (technically four, but two of them are just versions of the same thing). These are: coffee press, traditional drip coffee, and pour over (which can be either hot or iced). Use a coffee press. Coffee press is the method of brewing most strongly advocated by coffee connoisseurs, as it is believed to be the most effective at staying true to the flavor profile of the beans. A coffee press requires a coarse grind, so be sure your grounds resemble the size of sea salt. Fill the press with your grounds, then pour hot water (just off the boil) over the grounds, making sure to completely saturate them. Place the plunger back on the press but wait four minutes before pressing it down, giving the coffee time to brew. After you've pressed the plunger down, enjoy your coffee! Use a traditional drip coffeemaker. Drip brewing is perhaps the most convenient method of brewing. You can make multiple cups of coffee in a single brew, and you can do it fast. With the right grind, quality of beans, and pure, fresh water, you can make a brew that rivals that of a coffee press. For flat-bottom filters be sure to use a medium-sized grind, like the sea salt grind used for a coffee press. Meanwhile, cone-shaped filters are best with a finer grind, like granulated sugar. After you've got your grind right, just measure out your coffee (2 tablespoons for every six ounces of water) and press "Brew" on the machine! While the convenience is tempting, if you want Starbucks-quality coffee every time, only make however much coffee you need for one sitting. Don't reheat coffee or you will dull the flavor. Use a pour-over method. Another, perhaps lesser-known but equally satisfying, method Starbucks uses is the pour-over, which can be either hot or iced. With the pour-over, you can only make a single cup of coffee, but it will be wonderful. Boil your water, remembering the 2:6 ration from above, but adding a little extra. Use this extra hot water to moisten your filter. Once you've boiled your water a pre-moistened your filter, grind your coffee using a fine grind, like that used in cone-shaped filters. It should resemble granulated sugar. Once you've got your coffee measured out and sitting in your filter, pour your hot water over the grounds, but pause when you've filled it half-way. This allows the coffee to be fully and even saturated, developing flavor. After your pause, pour over the rest, going in small circles to distribute the water evenly. It should take about three minutes for your cup to be finished brewing. To make iced coffee, just pour your brew over fresh ice, let it chill, and serve! Pour the brewed coffee. Now that you've brewed your coffee according to Starbucks' Four Fundamentals and used one of their brewing methods, pour your cup! You can pour it into mug or, for a true Starbucks experience, get some of their paper cups and sleeves and misspell your name on the cup. Flavor your cup. Depending on your tastes, add a shot of flavored syrup and/or artificial or natural sweetener to the coffee and stir. If you really want to re-create the Starbucks experience, snag a few packets of your favorite sweetening products the next time you're at a Starbucks and use it in your cup at home! Or perhaps you're a hardy soul and take your coffee black? If so, you're done! Add a bit of milk or other creamer and stir some more. You can gauge how much creamer you are adding by looking at how light the coffee gets. There really is no "right" way to do this, since this part of making a Starbucks coffee is always up to you, whether it was brewed by a barista or your own hands. Wait for it to cool a little and enjoy!

Use the right proportion of coffee to water. Choose a good grind method. Use quality water. Use fresh coffee. Select the brewing method that works for you. Use a coffee press. Use a traditional drip coffeemaker. Use a pour-over method. Pour the brewed coffee. Flavor your cup. Add a bit of milk or other creamer and stir some more. Wait for it to cool a little and enjoy!

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Federal-Tax-ID-Number

How to Find a Federal Tax ID Number

If you need to find the federal tax ID number for your employer, also called their Employer Identification Number or EIN, check your W-2 form under section “b.” If you haven't gotten a W-2 yet, call your employer's payroll division instead. If you are trying to find the tax ID number for a third-party, such as a child-care facility or a non-profit organization, check any invoices or other paperwork you have received from them. If the information isn't listed in your records, check the company's website or call the business directly and ask for the EIN.

Check your records. If you need to find a company's EIN and you have done business with them, that number may appear on any invoices you've received or other records you have of your transactions with them. For example, you may need the EIN of your child's babysitter or child care facility so you can claim the child care credit on your taxes. It is customary for child-care services to put their EIN on invoices and sometimes even on letterhead. Nonprofit organizations also typically list their EIN on any official correspondence. If you have made a charitable contribution and need the EIN for tax purposes, the number may be located on the receipt you received from the organization. Check the business's website. If the business or organization for which you need an EIN has a website, they may list their EIN there. This is typically true of publicly traded companies as well as nonprofit organizations. On the company's website, look for an "about" or "legal information" page. That's typically where you'll find the EIN if they've published it on their website. Call the business or individual and ask. Businesses typically are understanding of the fact that you might need their EIN to claim a deduction on your taxes. If you call the business and speak to someone in human resources or accounting, they should be able to give you the EIN. If the company has gone out of business, there will be someone in charge of wrapping up the business, typically an attorney or one of the owners. You can find their contact information by searching the business directory of the website of the secretary of state for the state where the company was located. If you're trying to get the EIN or TIN of a business or independent contractor who has done work for your business, have them fill out a Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, available here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf. Use an online service. There are official websites that maintain directories of active EINs for publicly traded companies and nonprofit organizations. You can use those directories free of charge to find a company's EIN. For a publicly traded company, use the EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system) maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). EINs can be found on the company's 8-K, 10K, or 10-Q reports. Melissa Data provides information about nonprofit organizations, including their EIN. Make sure you search using the corporate office's zip code rather than the zip code of a local office. You also may be able to find a business's tax ID number using the website of the relevant tax authority of the state where the business is located. Contact the IRS directly. If you can't contact anyone in the company or find the EIN through other means, you may be able to find out the company's EIN from the IRS. Find contact information on the IRS's main website at irs.gov. When you talk to an IRS agent, explain your situation and the steps you've taken to attempt to find the company's federal tax ID number. The agent should be able to help you, or will at least give you some additional assistance in how to find it yourself. Hire a private investigator or attorney. If the company has gone out of business, or if you are otherwise unable to find the EIN by any other means, you may need a professional to assist you with finding the company's EIN. Before you hire someone, consider whether the deduction or other benefit you would receive are worth paying a private investigator or attorney. Keep in mind you may be charged several hundred dollars for this service to be performed for you. Attorneys also will have access to legal search engines, which they may be able to use to help you find the EIN of a private company. Check your W-2 form for an SSN. Anyone with a Social Security Number (SSN) can use it as a tax ID. Your employer is required to send you a W-2 form each year by the end of January. This form lists your SSN as "Employee's social security number" in box "a" at the top of the page. Ask your employer. If you do not have any W2 forms, you can request a copy from any current or past employer. All employers are required to keep this information for at least 4 years after you leave the company. Request a replacement SSN card. If you cannot find your social security card, you can apply for a new one online using a driver's license or state ID. You can also fill out this application and bring it to a Social Security office, along with a birth certificate and photo ID. Check your old tax forms for an SSN. All individual tax forms (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) list the taxpayer's SSN in the top right corner of the first page. Check recent tax forms for an ITIN. If you do not have an SSN but have filed taxes in the past, those forms used an ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number). Any ITIN used in 2013 or later is still valid, unless the IRS has sent you a letter telling you to renew it. The ITIN is entered in the box labeled "Social Security Number." For example, your old Form 1040 lists your ITIN on the first page, in the top right corner. If you received a letter telling you to renew your ITIN, or if you have not used an ITIN since before 2013, fill out form W-7 to request a new ITIN. It takes about 7 weeks to get a new one. Call the IRS about an ITIN. If you cannot find your ITIN, call 1-800-908-9982. This number is only available from the US. Check your W-2. Any W-2 form your employer sent you lists the employer's identification number in box "b", near the top left corner of the form. Call your employer’s payroll division. You may be able to get your employer's EIN by requesting it directly from your employer's payroll division. Even if you have recently left the company, they may be able to help you. Check the SEC filing for a public company. If your employer is a publicly traded company, check the investor section of its website for its SEC filings. Open the most recent quarterly report or the document named "current SEC filing report." The employer identification number is usually listed near the top of the first page. You can also look up the company using its name or ticker symbol at sec.gov's EDGAR search. Look at the business' tax records. Every W-2 a business sends to its employees lists its employer identification number (EIN). Find a W-2 from any year and look in box "b", near the top left corner of the page. Any other tax documents the business has filed should also include the EIN, usually near the top of the first page. A business switches to a new EIN if it goes bankrupt, changes ownership (for sole proprietorships or partnerships), or has a major change in organization (for instance, it incorporates or merges). Do not rely on forms from before one of these events. Check with your bank. You can obtain your EIN from your bank if you are a business owner and used the EIN to open a bank account for your business. Ask local or state governments. If you used your EIN to obtain any kind of license for your business, try contacting the city, county, or state government that issued the license. Call the IRS. Call the IRS business and specialty tax line at (800) 829-4933. The IRS can search for your number and give it to you if you have lost it. You may have to provide your name, position, and SSN to prove you are authorized to obtain this information. This telephone line operates from 7:00am to 7:00pm in your local US time zone, Monday through Friday. Check your records. The IRS sent an automatic notice when your business first applied for an EIN. Check both digital and physical records, as you may have received this notice over email. Apply for a new EIN. If your business went through a major change (such as transfer to a new owner), you will need a new EIN. You can apply online from the IRS website , or fill out Form SS4 and mail it to the IRS. This is a free service.

Check your records. Check the business's website. Call the business or individual and ask. Use an online service. Contact the IRS directly. Hire a private investigator or attorney. Check your W-2 form for an SSN. Ask your employer. Request a replacement SSN card. Check your old tax forms for an SSN. Check recent tax forms for an ITIN. Call the IRS about an ITIN. Check your W-2. Call your employer’s payroll division. Check the SEC filing for a public company. Look at the business' tax records. Check with your bank. Ask local or state governments. Call the IRS. Check your records. Apply for a new EIN.

https://www.wikihow.com/Graph

How to Graph

If you need to make a basic graph, start by analyzing your date and identifying your variables, which are the two things you need to measure. Next, determine the independent variable, or the factor you can control, which will be the x variable and be recorded on the x-axis. The other variable will be the y variable and you'll plot that point on the y-axis. Then, plot your points and connect the dots so you can measure the slope.

Take your data and analyze your variables. Your variables are the two things that have been measured. You need to determine which axis you want each variable to lie; the general rule is that the independent variable , or the factor you control lies on the x-axis, whereas whatever you measure in relation to that is the dependent variable. For example, if you are measuring how changing the amount of water fed to a sunflower plant affects growth, you would control how much water you give each sunflower plant and measure each plant's growth after a fixed amount of time. Because the amount of water is controlled, the amount of water given each day would be recorded on the x-axis. It is understood that you expect plant growth to be dependent on how much water you give; therefore, it is dependent on the independent variable, and would be recorded on the y-axis. Plot each point. Each data point has two numbers: the x-value and the y-value. These come in pairs and create a link between the two variables. For example, if a plant that is watered 2 cups of water a day grows 6 inches (15.2 cm) in three weeks, its x-value is 2 (because it represents the variable that is controlled: water) and its y-value is 6 (because that is the variable that is measured: plant growth). Plot all your points and draw a line of best fit. This is a smooth line or curve that follows the dots as best as possible without making sharp corners. This line does not necessarily have to go right through each point as long as it the curve is as smooth as possible and runs very close to as many points as possible. This line represents the relationship between your two variables. For example, in the case of watering plants, giving too little water will completely dry out your plant and keep it from growing, but giving too much water will drown the plant and make it rot. Therefore, growth is very low for very low or very high quantities of water, and highest when the quantity of water is somewhere in between. The amount of water that causes the most growth is the highest point on the line Figure out the slope of the line. The slope is how much the y-value increases when the x-value increases by 1. On a straight line, the slope is constant. This is because the line does not ever get any steeper or flatter. As x increases, y increases by a constant amount, creating a straight line. On a flat, horizontal line, the slope is 0. This is because no matter how x changes, the change in y is always zero. On a vertical line, the slope is undefined. This is because you can't measure how y changes with x because x never changes. On a curved line, the slope is not constant. This is because the line changes in steepness as you go across; one unit of change in the x-axis does not always create the same change in the y-axis. On a line with equation y=mx+b, the slope is m. This is because when x changes, y increases or decreases by the m multiplied by however much x changes. So, if x increases by 1, y increases by m. Find the y-intercept. This is the value at which the line crosses the y-axis. Note that every point on the y-axis has an x-value of 0. So, the y-intercept generally refers to the y-value at which the line crosses the y-axis. On a line with equation y=mx+b, the y-intercept is b and lies at point (0,b). This can be shown by plugging in 0 for x. y = m*0 + b = b You can find the y-intercept for any equation with variables x and y by simply plugging in x=0 and solving for y. Figure out how the graph works. A polar coordinate has two values: (r,θ). r is the distance from the center to the point and θ is the angle between the terminal axis and the line connecting the center and the point. Understand the equation. r is dependent on θ, meaning that as the equation goes around the center, the distance from the center r changes accordingly. A circle has the equation r=k, where k is a constant number. This is because no matter the value of theta, the equation is always a set distance from the center. As you may recall that is the definition of a circle; the set of all points equidistant from a single point. To convert polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, use the equations x=rcosθ and y=rsinθ, giving the coordinate (rcosθ, rsinθ).

Take your data and analyze your variables. Plot each point. Plot all your points and draw a line of best fit. Figure out the slope of the line. Find the y-intercept. Figure out how the graph works. Understand the equation. To convert polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, use the equations x=rcosθ and y=rsinθ, giving the coordinate (rcosθ, rsinθ).

https://www.wikihow.com/Counter-Sue

How to Counter Sue

To counter sue someone, start by printing out the counterclaim form from your state court's website. Then, complete the form with all the facts related to your claim, and be as clear as possible about your reasons for counter suing. Make sure to include the specific statues from your state's civil code that give you grounds for your counterclaim. You may also want to consult an attorney to ensure that your counterclaim is formatted correctly, and that it contains all the necessary elements.

Learn the purpose of a counterclaim. A counterclaim is a claim against the party that originally instituted an action against you. In some states, a counterclaim is called a “cross-complaint.” Under the federal rules, you can file a counterclaim against your opponent for any claim that you have against them, whether or not the claim relates to the lawsuit filed against you. If the claim that you have against the opposing party arises from the same event or action for which they are suing you, you must file a counterclaim. You will otherwise waive your right to sue them in the future. For example, say someone with whom you were in a car accident decides to sue you. If you believe that the car accident was actually their fault, you must assert a counterclaim against them. You cannot sue them at a later date. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern counterclaims in federal court. If the lawsuit is in state court, the state rules of civil procedure for your state probably govern the proceedings. However, most states have adopted rules that are very similar to the federal rules. Understand when to file a counterclaim. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, you usually have 21 days from the day you receive your summons and complaint to file your answer. Read the summons and complaint carefully. Both state and federal courts offer standardized “answer to complaint” forms for the respective jurisdiction. These forms usually have space to introduce a counterclaim. You should file your counterclaim with the answer to complaint if possible. If you need more time to file, you may file a motion with the court asking for more time. For instance, you can find instruction for the Southern District of New York Federal Court here and the form for the California state courts here. Though many states follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, it's not mandatory. Ensure you find out how much time you have to file in your state. Failing to file an answer or counterclaim on time may result in a default judgment hearing and potentially a default judgment against you. The court can grant your motion for “good cause,” which is left to the discretion of the judge who is handling your case. A lawyer is your best option for determining the validity of the counterclaims you wish to bring against the person suing you. File your counterclaim after you have answered the complaint only in situations where the counterclaim arises after the initial filing. Your counterclaim against the opposing party may not arise or become apparent to you until after you have already answered the complaint. In this case, the court may permit you to file a supplemental pleading asserting a counterclaim that matured after serving an earlier pleading. Look up the elements of the action that you wish to use. Your counterclaim will require the specific statutes from your state's civil code that you wish to use as grounds for your counterclaim. You can find this information by looking in your state's civil code, searching online for common law principles, or calling the clerk of court to ask. You should also consider talking to and hiring an attorney. Correctly filing your counterclaim is very important to your case, because the opposing side could attempt to get it thrown out of court. Having an attorney write your counterclaim for you will insure that it appears in the correct format and contains all of the necessary elements. The opposing side can use statements you make in both your answer and counterclaim against you in ways you might not anticipate. An attorney will not only file the counterclaim correctly but ensure the proper wording of all claims as well. Prepare a counterclaim form. Many states offer a standardized counterclaim form that you can use to file. You can also search online for examples of counterclaims that others have previously filed. If you are not using a form, make sure you identify the party and what you allege that they did wrong. Put the facts of the occurrence in your counterclaim. Be as specific as possible. Usually, you will number the allegations you have against the opposing party and include your facts that way. File your counterclaim. Give the clerk of courts a copy of your complaint at the same location where the plaintiff filed the original complaint. You may file the counterclaim at the same time you file your answer. Make sure that you keep a copy of the counterclaim for you records. Pay the filing fee. The filing fee will vary depending on the court where the plaintiff filed the lawsuit. You can call ahead or look online to determine the fee for your specific court. Serve the opposing party’s attorney. Once you have filed your counterclaim, you need to give a copy of it to the opposing party. The party will have to file an answer the same way you did. If the opposing party is represented by counsel, you may serve a copy of the counterclaim to the opposing party's counsel. You or your attorney can simply call the attorney for the opposing party and ask them if they will accept service for their client. If they say yes, there is no need to serve the opposing party. Serve an unrepresented opposing party. If the opposing party is unrepresented, you must serve the counterclaim by a different method. As a party to the lawsuit, you cannot personally serve the opposing party. You must confirm the appropriate ways to serve an answer and counterclaim under your state's laws. Options include: Certified or first class mail. To serve by certified or first class mail, tell the clerk that you would like to serve this way, and pay a small fee, usually around $10. Remember, you cannot mail a copy of the counterclaim to the defendant yourself. Personal service. A personal service means that someone will hand a copy of the counterclaim to the opposing party in the suit. Usually, the sheriff's department in the county where you file the counterclaim will personally serve the defendant for a small fee. When you file, tell the court that you want “sheriff service” and the clerk will facilitate the service. You can also hire a private “process server” from a legal services company, and that person will serve the opposing party.

Learn the purpose of a counterclaim. Understand when to file a counterclaim. File your counterclaim after you have answered the complaint only in situations where the counterclaim arises after the initial filing. Look up the elements of the action that you wish to use. Prepare a counterclaim form. File your counterclaim. Pay the filing fee. Serve the opposing party’s attorney. Serve an unrepresented opposing party.

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Rip-Tide

How to Survive a Rip Tide

Getting caught in a riptide is very dangerous, but if you stay calm, you'll have a better chance of getting to safety. Keep your head above the water and take slow, deep breaths. Do not try to swim against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore or float with the current until it weakens, then swim diagonally to shore, away from the current. If you're not a strong swimmer, wave your arms and yell for help and float until someone reaches you.

Remain calm. If you get caught in a rip current, don't panic. You'll have a better shot at getting out of the situation if you stay calm. Keeping your cool can help you conserve energy and think clearly. Call for help if you’re not a strong swimmer. Escape involves floating with the current, then swimming parallel to the shore to cross the current's edge. If you can't swim, call for help and wave your arms to get the attention of a lifeguard or other people on the beach. If you know how to swim, you should be able to escape and swim back to shore at an angle away from the current. However, if you have any doubt about your ability to break free of the current, call and wave for help. Float or tread water until you can swim out of the current. Your instincts may be to fight the current and swim directly back to shore. However, that's the most dangerous thing you could do. Instead, focus on keeping your head above water until the current has weakened and you're able to swim through its boundary. Most rip currents weaken about 50 to 100 yards (46 to 91 m) from shore. Once the current has begun to subside, you'll have an easier time swimming out of it. Even the strongest swimmers can't fight a rip current. Trying to swim against it can lead to exhaustion and drowning. Swim parallel to shore to escape the current. Most rip currents are between 30 and 100 feet (9.1 and 30.5 m) wide. Look for the nearest breaking waves; they indicate the current's edge. Swim toward the waves, and be sure to move parallel to the shore instead of directly towards it. Swim diagonally to the shore after you're out of the current. Once you are out of the current, make your way back to shore at an angle away from the current. Swimming diagonally away from the rip current minimizes the chance that you'll reenter it. Rip currents often form around jetties and other structures perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the beach. If you are near one of these structures, swim away from it. If necessary, stop and float periodically to rest. If you're exhausted and can't swim any further, call for help and wave your arms. Try to spot areas to avoid before going in the water. Checking for signs of a rip current can help you avoid getting caught in one in the first place. Just keep in mind it's not always possible to identify a rip current, so use caution even if you don't see any warning signs. Signs of a rip current are subtle and aren't always present. A rip current could also form while you're already in the water. Check the shoreline from an elevated position. When you first get to the beach, look at the area where the waves meet the sand. A high spot, like a dune or boardwalk, offers the best vantage point. It's easier to spot a rip current from an elevated position than at eye level. Polarized sunglasses can help make it easier to spot warning signs of a rip current. Without the sun's glare, you might have an easier time recognizing signs such as a gap in wave patterns or debris being carried out to sea. Look for gaps in the incoming wave patterns. Check for areas that don't have white foam or don't seem to have any breaking waves. Note that you're not looking for gaps between a wave and the one behind it. Gaps that indicate rip currents are within the horizontal wave line itself. Try searching online for images of rip currents. They're tough to spot, but a good indicator is a gap in the wave pattern. Spot any foam or seaweed being carried away from the shore. Usually, waves carry foam, seaweed, and other debris toward the sand. Look for a channel of objects steadily traveling out to sea instead of bobbing up and down or moving toward the shore. It may look a bit like a river within the ocean flowing away from the shore. Additionally, the water within a rip current may be slightly discolored. This is due to the sediments picked up by the current. Avoid any areas where you suspect a rip current has formed. Don't go in the water in the area where you've spotted signs of a rip current. Tell the nearest lifeguard; they'll likely already be aware, but it's helpful to check in with them just in case. Ask them about the beach forecast and if there are any warnings or alerts about hazardous conditions. Keep your guard up even if you don't see any signs of a rip current. They're difficult to spot, and a rip current may be present even if you don't see any indicators. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Avoid swimming alone, and stick to guarded beaches. Additionally, go swimming in the water in front of a lifeguard stand, especially if there are any alerts about possible rip currents or other hazardous conditions. Swim near a lifeguard stand, but remember not to set up your blanket or chairs in front of the stand. The lifeguard will need a clear path to the water if they have to make a rescue. If you do go swimming on an unguarded beach, avoid going in deeper than your waist. It's also best to bring a floatation device into the water with you. Check your local beach forecast before going in the water. When you get to the beach, look for flags or signs that indicate potentially dangerous ocean conditions. If you see a flag and aren't sure what it means, ask a lifeguard. If you live in the United States, check your local beach forecast at https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts. Use caution even if the weather is nice. While strong winds can make waves choppier, rip currents aren't directly caused by the weather and can form even in calm conditions. Key factors include the shape of the ocean bottom, sandbars, and structures such as jetties, rocks, and piers. Rip currents can form at any time, but they're more likely to develop at low tide. Don’t try to rescue someone caught in a rip current. Only a lifeguard or other trained emergency responder should attempt a rescue. If there is no lifeguard present, call emergency services and yell out instructions to the person caught in the current. Yell to them “Stay calm! Don't try to fight the current. Swim parallel to shore to get out of it.” Try to find an object that floats and, if possible, throw it to the person caught in the current. If you don't have rescue equipment, such as a life jacket or ring buoy, a surfboard, boogie board, cooler, or foam noodle could work as improvised floatation devices.

Remain calm. Call for help if you’re not a strong swimmer. Float or tread water until you can swim out of the current. Swim parallel to shore to escape the current. Swim diagonally to the shore after you're out of the current. Try to spot areas to avoid before going in the water. Check the shoreline from an elevated position. Look for gaps in the incoming wave patterns. Spot any foam or seaweed being carried away from the shore. Avoid any areas where you suspect a rip current has formed. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Check your local beach forecast before going in the water. Use caution even if the weather is nice. Don’t try to rescue someone caught in a rip current.

https://www.wikihow.com/Test-for-Dementia

How to Test for Dementia

If you fear that someone you love is showing possible symptoms of dementia, you can administer a Mini-Mental State Examination at home. To do so, ask a series of questions to evaluate the person's orientation of time and place, like what year is it and what city are you in, and test their mental abilities by asking them to recall words and follow commands. Once you've finished the test, calculate their score: low score means they may have dementia.

Make an appointment with a doctor. The other sections on this page contain tests which you can take at home. These can give you a little information if you have no other options, but they are not a good replacement for a doctor's diagnosis, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Prepare your medical history. Certain drugs and medical conditions can increase your risk. Similarly, a family history of dementia and other risk factors can put you at a higher risk of developing dementia, though the disease isn't necessarily genetic. It's important for your doctor to rule out conditions that can mimic the symptoms of dementia, such as depression, thyroid issues, and side effects to medications, which can affect your memory and thinking. If your issues are caused by these conditions rather than dementia, you may be able to reverse your symptoms. Be ready to give your doctor the following information: Your diet, alcohol use, and drug use. Bring the bottles of any medication you are taking. Other known medical issues. Changes in your behavior (especially related to social situations or eating habits). Which of your biologically related family members have had dementia or dementia-like symptoms, if any. Take a physical exam. Your physical checkup should include a blood pressure reading, taking your pulse, and a temperature measurement. Your doctor may also test your balance, reflexes, and eye movement, or perform a variety of other tests depending on your exact symptoms. This helps them rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms and make a more thorough diagnosis. Take a cognitive exam. There are many types of mental exams used to test for dementia, some of which are included in this article. Some common questions include: State the day, month, and year. Draw a clock face at twenty past eight. Count backward from 100 by 7s. Undergo lab tests if necessary. If your doctor does not request blood samples or other lab tests, you might want to ask about thyroid hormone tests and vitamin B12 tests, since these are common tests that can potentially narrow down the cause of your symptoms. There are many other tests that could be requested based on your specific medical history, but those are not necessary for every patient. Ask about brain scans. If you are showing some symptoms but the cause is not clear, the doctor may recommend a brain scan to investigate possibilities besides dementia. CT scans, MRI scans, and EEG tests are the most common types of scans used to help diagnose dementia-like symptoms. However, keep in mind that there is no definitive test for dementia. Your doctor will use the brain scan to rule out other conditions. If your doctor is considering an MRI, let her know about any implants or alterations that cannot be removed, such as tattoos, replacement joints, pacemakers, or shrapnel fragments. Ask about genetic testing. Genetic testing is controversial, as even a gene linked to increased risk of dementia does not necessarily mean you will be affected. Still, if there is a history of dementia in your family, especially early-onset dementia, a genetic test could be useful to you or your doctor. Keep in mind that genetic testing is a new field of research that is rapidly developing. It's possible your results won't be very useful. Similarly, the test may not be covered by insurance. Understand that this cannot be used as the only method of diagnosis. The Alzheimer's Association does not recommend using home tests instead of a doctor's visit. Use this quick, 10-minute test only if you do not have immediate access to a doctor, or if you cannot convince a family member or friend to visit a doctor. Do not take this test if you are not fluent in the language it is being given in, or if you have a learning disability or dyslexia. Visit a doctor instead. Understand how to take the test. The person who has possible dementia-like symptoms just needs to listen to instructions. A second person reads the steps below, and gives instructions or asks questions directed at the person being tested. Take note of how many points the test-taker earns for each section. At the end of the test, add up the scores in each section. Any score of 23 or below (out of 30 total) suggests possible cognitive impairment, which could indicate dementia or other health issues. No calendars should be visible during the test. Usually, 10 seconds are given to answer each question, with 30–60 seconds for questions involving spelling, writing or drawing. Test orientation to time (5 points). Ask the person suspected of dementia the following questions, one at a time, in order. Score one point for each correct answer. What year is it? What season is it? What month is it? What is today's date? What is the day of the week? Who is the president? Who am I? What did you have for breakfast this morning? How many kids do you have, and what are their ages? Test orientation to place (5 points). Ask where the person is currently located, in five separate questions. Score one point for each successful answer to the following: Where are you? What country are you in? What state are you in? (Or "province," "territory," or similar term) What city are you in? (Or "town") What is the address of this house? (Or "What is the name of this building?") What room are we in? (Or "What floor are we on?" for hospital patients.) Test registration (3 points). Name three simple objects (for example, "table, car, house"), and ask the person to repeat them immediately after you. You must say them all together, with pauses in between, and the test-taker must also repeat them back to you all at once. Also, tell them that you will ask them to recall these words in a few minutes. Score one point for each word successfully repeated on the first try. Keep repeating the three objects until the test-taker succeeds. Do not score any points for successes after the first try, but write down the number of repetitions it takes for the test-taker to remember all three objects. (This is used in some expanded versions of the test. Test attention (5 points). Spell the word WORLD ("W-O-R-L-D"). Then ask the test-taker to spell the word WORLD backwards. Score 5 points if he succeeds within 30 seconds, and 0 points if he does not. Some medical professionals find it helpful to write down the exact response the test-taker gives to this question. This step should not be translated into another language directly. Try to find a version of the MMSE in that language to see what word is usually used. Test recall (3 points). Ask the person to repeat the three words you told him to memorize earlier. Score one point per word remembered. Test language (2 points). Point to a pencil, and ask "What is this called?" Point to a wristwatch, and repeat the question. Score one point per correct answer. Test repetition (1 point). Ask the person to repeat the phrase "no ifs, ands, or buts." Score one point if he succeeds. This is another step that cannot be translated directly to other languages. Test ability to follow complex commands (3 points). Ask the person to follow a 3-step command (3 points). For example, tell the person to take a piece of paper in their right hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor. Test ability to follow written commands (1 point). On a piece of paper, write "close your eyes." Pass the paper to the test-taker, and ask him to follow this command. Score one point if he does within ten seconds. Test ability to write a sentence (1 point). Ask the person to write any complete sentence. If it includes a noun and a verb, and makes sense, score 1 point. Spelling errors do not matter. Test ability to copy a drawing (1 point). Sketch a geometric design on a piece of paper: one pentagon (five-sided figure), with a second pentagon overlapping on one corner. Ask the test-taker to copy this design on his own piece of paper. Score one point if he succeeds in matching the following characteristics: Two shapes, both pentagons An overlap that creates a four-sided shape (or however many sides your original figure had). Check the results. If the test-taker scores 23 or below, visiting a doctor is recommended. Do not attempt to tell the test-taker what the results mean, if you do not have medical training in this area. If the results are 24 or above, but symptoms are still concerning, try taking the MoCA test as well.

Make an appointment with a doctor. Prepare your medical history. Take a physical exam. Take a cognitive exam. Undergo lab tests if necessary. Ask about brain scans. Ask about genetic testing. Understand that this cannot be used as the only method of diagnosis. Understand how to take the test. Test orientation to time (5 points). Test orientation to place (5 points). Test registration (3 points). Test attention (5 points). Test recall (3 points). Test language (2 points). Test repetition (1 point). Test ability to follow complex commands (3 points). Test ability to follow written commands (1 point). Test ability to write a sentence (1 point). Test ability to copy a drawing (1 point). Check the results.

https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-a-Bookshelf

How to Organize a Bookshelf

To organize a bookshelf, try organizing it by size, with the tallest books on the bottom and the shortest books on the top. Alternatively, you can make a fiction and a nonfiction pile, and sort your fiction books by author or genre and your nonfiction books by topic. Or, you can sort your books from largest to smallest, by color, or by frequency of use.

Give away unwanted books. It's easiest to part with books before you organize the whole collection. Box away books you'll never read again, or that you'll never get around to. You can sell these or give them away at used bookstores, charity stores, libraries, or websites such as Book Mooch or Book Scouter. Check for size restrictions. Before you construct a master plan, make sure you know the limitations. Some bookcases have shelves of different spacing, which may require keeping paperbacks on one shelf and hardbacks on another. Textbooks or coffee table art books may need to be stacked flat in order to fit. Divide your books to fit these restrictions, and treat each pile as a separate organization task. Large, heavy books should be shelved on sturdy shelves, usually the lowest one. Do not shelve them above head height. Divide into fiction and nonfiction. Take all the books off their shelves and place them into fiction and nonfiction piles. You're usually in the mood for one or the other, so this makes it easy to browse for an impromptu read. Sort fiction by genre or author. Divide a large, varied fiction collection by genre, keeping each one on a separate shelf or group of shelves. Within each genre, sort alphabetically by author's last name. If you only have two or three shelves of fiction, or most of your fiction is in the same genre, sort by last name without dividing them. Common fiction genres include mystery, literary, young adult, fantasy, and science fiction. Sort nonfiction by topic. Sort your nonfiction books into separate stacks by topic. Get a feel for how much you have in each category. Ideally, you'll want about 1–3 shelves in each category. You may need to think of broader or narrower topics to achieve this. There are many broad nonfiction topics, including gardening, cooking, history, biography, biology, and reference books. A specialized collection can be sorted with many subtopics. For instance, a history collection can be divided by continent, then country, then time period. If your home has more nonfiction than your local library, use the Dewey Decimal system. Sort by size. Consider this if you have books ranging from trade paperbacks to oversize art albums. Place the tallest books on the lowest shelf, placing smaller and smaller books as you move upward. This creates a tidy, organized appearance. On some bookcases, this is a necessity to adapt to the height of each shelf. Place books based on color. This system looks great, but are best used if you have only one bookcase. In larger collections, they can make a book difficult to find. In addition, you need to consider that you may have to split books from a series, when they do not have the same colour. Here are a few sorting systems based on spine color: One color per shelf (a blue shelf, a green shelf, and so on). If you're having trouble filling a shelf, wrap some of the books in kraft paper. A gradual "rainbow" flowing from one color to the next, or from the most saturated colors to pastels. A pattern that creates a flag or other simple image when the whole bookcase is filled. This is time-consuming, but impressive. Arrange by frequency of use. This is a great system if you consult your books frequently for research or reference. Keep the ones you use daily on the shelf at eye height. and a couple shelves below, where you can easily see and reach them. Books you only use occasionally go on the lowest shelves. Books that you almost never open go on the shelves above your head. If you have enough books to fill two or three bookcases, fill the most visible bookcase with the important books. If you have an even larger collection, this system may not work well. Divide based on your reading plans. If you have a large number of books you'd like to read, why not give them their own shelf? Keep an empty shelf on the same bookcase so you can slot the finished books back easily. You might want to revisit your organization once you're through your reading list, but this can be convenient in the meantime. Create a chronology of your life. Fill the top shelf with books you read in early childhood, and move down adding books in the rough order you discovered them. This one works best for books with strong associated memories – and for people with strong memories as well. Reserve a shelf for your favorites. No matter which system you chose, you have the option of leaving one special shelf. Usually the most visible one, this is where you keep your first editions, your signed copies, or the books that have changed your life. Create a dark backdrop (optional). The bookcase will look more striking if the backdrop is darker than the surrounding walls and shelves. Consider painting the back of the bookshelves to create this vivid effect. For open-backed bookshelves, hang a cloth between them and the wall. Collect possible decorations. Know what you'll be working with before you start filling the shelves. Vases, fancy tableware, figurines, trinkets, candlesticks — your house is your oyster. Gather more things than you think you'll need, so you can test more options. Vertical, straight-lined objects look similar to the books. This creates an austere, rigid appearance. A few bowls, baskets, or other round objects lead to a friendlier atmosphere. Start with the largest objects. Set aside the largest decorative objects, and oversize books if you have them. Space these out along the bookcase, leaving plenty of space between them to create separate focal points. A zig-zag pattern works well, placing these on the left end of the first shelf, then the right end of the second, then the left end of the third. Shelve books in different orientations. Catch the eye for longer by varying the position of your books. Stack books on top of each other on some shelves, and vertically next to each other on others. Try a pyramid of books, topped with a small trinket. Use small decorations for contrast. As you place your books, add a decorative object wherever it looks needed. Use colorful objects in contrast with drab book covers, or vice versa. A pair of tall candlesticks frames a row of short books nicely. Shore books up with heavy objects. Bookends come in handy and a variety of decorative shapes. Alternatively, you can use any heavy object to keep your books in place. Leave plenty of empty space. Gaps often look better than a shelf clogged with paperbacks and origami. This is especially important for open-backed bookcases placed in the middle of a room, which need a large amount of space to let light through.

Give away unwanted books. Check for size restrictions. Divide into fiction and nonfiction. Sort fiction by genre or author. Sort nonfiction by topic. Sort by size. Place books based on color. Arrange by frequency of use. Divide based on your reading plans. Create a chronology of your life. Reserve a shelf for your favorites. Create a dark backdrop (optional). Collect possible decorations. Start with the largest objects. Shelve books in different orientations. Use small decorations for contrast. Shore books up with heavy objects. Leave plenty of empty space.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sure-Your-Cash-Gifting-Is-Legal

How to Make Sure Your Cash Gifting Is Legal

If you're giving or receiving a cash gift, you'll want to make sure it's legal so you don't have problems with the IRS. In the U.S., any cash gifts totaling under $14,000 a year are tax-free. Cash gifts over $14,000 for tuition, medical bills, or donations to charities and political organizations are also exempt from tax. However, you'll need to file a Form 709 if the cash gift is over 14,000, regardless of its purpose, to let the IRS know. Cash gifts to your spouse are also exempt from tax, no matter the amount. Usually, the sender is required to pay the tax on cash gifts, but you can also arrange to pay the tax as the recipient.

Give a cash gift to friends or family. Cash gifting is when you give someone any amount of money without an exchange of goods or services. You can give cash gifts without paying taxes under a certain limit. Any cash gifts under $14,000 per person in a calendar year are not taxed. Cash gifts under this amount are not required to be filed as a gift underneath that limit. Cash gifts over the $14,000 limit are applicable to be taxed. This is per person, so if you give $28,000 to your son and his spouse then it will not be taxed. It is usually the responsibility of the donor to pay taxes over this amount. Pay attention to exclusions to taxable gifts. There are some exclusions to taxable gifts. Even if you are over the $14,000 limit, you may not have to pay taxes on these types of gifts. Tuition or medical expenses are excluded from taxable gifts. If you are paying tuition for your son or daughter, you won't have to pay taxes on those gifts even if they are over the limit. Gifts to your spouse are excluded from taxes for the most part. Since you are considered a unit by the IRS, you do not have to pay taxes on gifts to your spouse. Any amount given to charities or political organizations are also not taxed as gifts. These usually fall under a separate classification for tax purposes. File a Form 709 if circumstances apply. If the gift is over the $14,000 exclusion amount, you have to file a Form 709, which reports the gift as not meeting exclusions. For the most part, you will have to pay some taxes on your gift. Gifts that exceed the minimal exclusion ($14,000) to multiple people require you to file a Form 709. This does not apply to gifts to your spouse though. Gifts that are not for immediate use, but rely on future interest, may require a Form 709. Cash gifts require that the gift can be used immediately in order to count as an exclusion. Any interest in property that you gave your spouse that's not for immediately use requires a Form 709. This is especially true if that interest is given for only a limited time. Realize that gifts are not tax-deductible. Gifts are not usually tax deductible unless they are sent to charities rather than individuals. Unless your son or daughter is literally a charity, legally speaking, you cannot deduct gifts given to them. If you are giving to charities, especially when paying from a business account, this is usually deductible under your taxes. The charity must be legally recognized by the IRS. When donating to friends or family, they must be a legally recognized charity for you to be able to deduct the gift on your taxes. Otherwise, you must follow regular cash gifting procedures. Receive a cash gift from family or friends. If you receive a cash gift, your requirements are only to file for taxes it if it is above the $14,000 per person limit. You will still have to report it so it falls under the “annual exclusion” for gifts. When you receive cash gifts, you have to file it under an “annual exclusion”. This “annual exclusion” states that the amount of money you received can be used immediately. Even if you will not be using the full amount of the cash gift immediately, it can be filed as an immediate use. The IRS just wants to verify that your cash gift is not an investment or payment for goods or services, which are both taxable. Be prepared to pay taxes if the donor does not. For the most part, donors are required to pay taxes if they do not meet the "annual exclusion" requirements. However, you can arrange to pay the taxes instead. In many cases, the donors will pay the taxes of the gift. If they pay you more than $14,000 per person, then taxes will be due. You can arrange to pay the taxes instead of them if you desire. If your parents are giving you money for a house down payment, you may want to pay the taxes on it rather than having them pay taxes on their gift to you. Be sure to talk to tax accountants first before making such arrangements. Be aware that cash gifts are irrevocable. If you receive a cash gift from a relative, there can be no stipulations on that gift. Once it is gifted, it belongs to you permanently. In the case of cash gifts for house down payments, your family can set this up as a loan if they wish to have legal recourse in the future. You can usually get banks to set up loan paperwork between individuals for a fee. Family members that want their money back or some form of payment after a cash gift have no legal recourse. In order to be considered a gift, the amount can have no requirements on its use. Recognize cash gifting clubs. You may occasionally be contacted by people or websites promising a windfall of money. These are “cash gifting” schemes that are illegal and can cost you money or even jail time. Cash gifting clubs work by new participants paying money out to join the scheme. These initial fees go to those who have been in the cash gifting scheme the longest. Though money is promised, those joining cash gifting clubs almost never receive any money. After paying money to those at the top, they only lose all of their money. Think about what a "gift" truly means. If you were truly getting a gift, then it would not be necessary for you to make an investment or give the person or club something in exchange for the gift — true gifts are given with no expectation of something in return. As with cash gifting between friends and relatives, cash gifting cannot be transactional. If cash gifting schemes argue that you will receive payment, this is illegal per IRS guidelines for cash gifting. Even if ads say that members of the club consider their investments a gift, expecting nothing in return, don't fall for it. This is an attempt to cover up the club's illegal activity. Any cash gifting schemes cannot require members to do anything based on their cash "gifts". This means that those who you give money to are not required to give anything back in return. Don't believe success stories. Very few members of cash gifting clubs ever receive any money. If anyone does, it is usually only those at the very top running the scheme. You may hear many success stories when first learning about a cash gifting club. Realize that these stories are either made up or extremely rare. And, if they are true, chances are they are exaggerated. Only those at the top of the pyramid get any money in the scheme. You are not going to make any money as someone at the bottom of the pyramid. Take your time when you hear a pitch for cash gifting. If someone is pressuring you to make a decision on the spot, walk away. If the person says you will lose out on this amazing opportunity if you don't join immediately, walk away. Anyone who is making a legal, legitimate offer will allow you time to consider your decision. If someone is pressuring you into making a decision today, it may be a bad decision. Take a day before you decide anything about your finances. Emotions can play a strong part in your decision making. Never make a financial decision when you're feeling emotional, especially if those emotions are overwhelmingly positive. Report cash giving. If you are contacting by a cash gifting club, you can report them to the authorities. Either your state's Department of Justice or the IRS has online forms or phone numbers where you can report cash gifting clubs. Find your state's Department of Justice website. If you search for cash gifting, you should be able to find a form to contact them by e-mail or phone. You may also want to contact the IRS; however, it may be more difficult to get an immediate response from them.

Give a cash gift to friends or family. Pay attention to exclusions to taxable gifts. File a Form 709 if circumstances apply. Realize that gifts are not tax-deductible. Receive a cash gift from family or friends. Be prepared to pay taxes if the donor does not. Be aware that cash gifts are irrevocable. Recognize cash gifting clubs. Think about what a "gift" truly means. Don't believe success stories. Take your time when you hear a pitch for cash gifting. Report cash giving.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Girlfriend-Want-to-Spend-Time-Alone-with-You

How to Make Your Girlfriend Want to Spend Time Alone with You

Although you can't make your girlfriend want to spend time alone with you, you can encourage her by making it more exciting. Look for things you have in common and use those as a reason to hang out. For example, if you both love the same TV show, invite her over to binge watch it. Or, if you both like walking in nature, look up nice areas to explore in your area and invite her for a walk and a picnic. When you ask her to spend time with you, try to word it positively so she'll be more likely to say yes. For instance, say something like, “Would you like to watch The Walking Dead? We can get some snacks and cuddle up.” If you're still unhappy, tell your girlfriend that you'd like to spend more alone time with her to get to know her better.

Explore and share your interests. Finding common ground with shared interests is a great way to build a better bond between you and your girlfriend. By sharing what your interests are with each other, you can find out which ones you have in common and might enjoy together. Plan some activities that your girlfriend might like. Talk with your girlfriend and learn about what interests she has and any activities she enjoys. Once you have a good idea what she might like to do, plan to do some of those things with her. For example, if your girlfriend likes to paint, try taking her to a painting class and paint together. Practice open communication. Openly and honestly communicating your needs, or having your partner discuss what they need, is a required part of any good relationship. Keeping the lines of communication open will allow for honest expression and will make sure both peoples needs are being met. Honesty needs to be allowed for in conversations. Both parties need to be allowed to speak about their feelings in regards to the relationship or any other topic. Actively listen to what your partner may say. Hear them objectively and fairly, without adding your own meaning. Always use “I” statements when talking about your feelings regarding the relationship. Avoid getting defensive if you hear something you don't like. Avoid using “You” statements and respond fairly with your own thoughts and feelings. Spend the right amount of time together. Regardless of where you meet, you and your girlfriend will have to work together to find the right amount of time you might want to spend together. Each couple will have individualized amounts of time that they may want to spend together. You will have to find out how much time together is right for both of you. You will likely both have different preferences in how much time you want to spend together. Some favour independence while others require more time together. Work together to find the best balance between both of your needs. Ask your girlfriend directly what her needs are. This is the most direct way to assess how much time spent together is best. Don't forget to spend time with your friends and family. Bring your girlfriend into your existing social circles for a great way to include them in your new relationship. Set aside time together. Try to make a set time for you both to spend together and keep it. Requirements for time together may change over time. Respect both your partners needs and your own when it comes to the amount of time being spent together. Make sure your relationship is a healthy one. There are signs in any relationship that can be indicative of it being a healthy one. If you should notice any signs that might indicate your relationship is unhealthy, you should work to improve those aspects or consider leaving the relationship. You should both have mutual respect, trust, honesty, and support in your relationship. Your relationship should also have elements of fairness and the preservation of your own identities. Both of you should have open communication with each other. If you feel danger, fear, mistrust, manipulated, controlled, or otherwise unsafe your relationship is likely unhealthy. Respect both yourself and your girlfriend. Remember that you both are individuals with your own needs and wants, which need to be respected. Never try to disrespect something your partner may need or want. Work together to make your relationship one of trust and respect to improve your bond. Never lose your temper during a discussion or argument. Avoid name calling or verbal attacks. Apologize and forgive. Do not become resentful for any feelings of wrong doing after they have been addressed. Know that you can argue without fighting. Take care of any issues as you become aware of them. Ignoring any trouble in the relationship will likely only make it worse. When you feel the time is right, try your best to openly and fairly address any potential problems you feel have arisen in your relationship. Leaving problems for later can cause resentment over time. Letting old problems go unresolved may cause defensiveness and create difficulties in communication. Discuss the issue when the time is right. Sometimes you will need to wait for the right moment to discuss the issue. A simple rule is to never discuss an important issue while angry. Make sure you inform people you live with. Similar to any other time you might invite someone over to your house, you should let those you live with know. It's polite to inform them and allows them to properly plan their own time during the visit. Plan activities for the visit. This will be determined largely by what you and your girlfriend like to do during your time together. Make the visit a fun one by doing things you both love. Try some of the following examples: Watch a movie or TV show. Cook dinner together. Dance to some of your favorite music. Invite your girlfriend over to your house. Once it feels appropriate to you and you have established a good relationship with your girlfriend, you can invite her to your house. Let her know when and what you have planned. Don't have any expectations when you ask. The response is entirely up to your girlfriend. If she says yes, enjoy your time together. If she doesn't want to visit you at your house, do not become upset. Suggest another place and time to meet. Clean your house. First impressions matter and having a dirty or messy house can make any new guest uncomfortable. Make sure your house is clean before inviting your girlfriend over to make the visit comfortable. Try to clean up the most common areas of the house: Vacuum or sweep floors. Clean and dust surfaces. Tidy up items around the house. Do any dishes or laundry. Take out garbage as it can cause your house to smell bad.

Explore and share your interests. Plan some activities that your girlfriend might like. Practice open communication. Spend the right amount of time together. Make sure your relationship is a healthy one. Respect both yourself and your girlfriend. Take care of any issues as you become aware of them. Make sure you inform people you live with. Plan activities for the visit. Invite your girlfriend over to your house. Clean your house.

https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Virgin

How to Date a Virgin

If you're dating a virgin, try to take things slow and communicate with your partner about their boundaries and needs. If they're comfortable talking about it, ask your partner about why they're a virgin. How you approach the situation will depend on whether they're purposefully abstaining from sex, if they just haven't had the opportunity before, or if they're uncomfortable with physical intimacy. The more you communicate with your partner and understand their needs, the easier your relationship will be. Regardless of the reason for their virginity, let them take things at their pace and always check if they're comfortable with any physical intimacy. Take the time to get to know them better and work on your communication skills.

Learn your partner's expectations. If you're going into a relationship with someone who's never had sex, you'll want to learn your partner's expectations. Everyone has different feelings about sex and sexuality. You should understand your partner's expectations for a romantic relationship, including expectations regarding physical contact. Your partner may be a virgin because he or she practices abstinence. Abstinence means refraining from sexual activity. Your partner may be abstinent because of religious reasons. He or she may also be abstinent because he or she does not feel ready to have sex yet. If your partner is practicing abstinence, understand his or her expectations. People define abstinence in different ways. Some people define abstinence as refraining from genital-to-genital contact and may be open to other forms of sexual activity. However, others define abstinence more strictly. Ask your partner what he or she expects in terms of physical contact regarding the relationship. Your partner may also be asexual. Asexuality means your partner does not experience sexual attraction or desire. Unlike people who practice abstinence, asexuality is not a choice. It is part of someone's inherent identity and sexual orientation. People who are asexual may experience feelings of attraction without feeling the need to act on those feelings. Many people who are asexual engage in romantic relationships as they have an emotional need for intimacy. However, an asexual person may not want sexual activity to be part of a romantic relationship. If your partner is asexual, he or she may have specific expectations regarding sex in your relationship. Make sure you have a discussion about those expectations going into the relationship. Listen to your partner. When discussing sex, virginity, and relationship expectations, make sure to listen your partner. You want to make sure you understand what your partner needs and wants out of your relationship. Therefore, practice active listening when discussing expectations with your partner. Active listening is a manner of listening designed to promote mutual understanding. When listening actively, give your partner your full attention. Use non-verbal cues, like nodding on occasion, to show you are listening. Focus on what your partner is saying rather than formulating your next response in your mind. Repeat your partner's words back when he or she finishes talking. You want to make sure you are completely understanding of what is being said. If you misinterpreted something, your partner can help clarify for you. If you are not a virgin and your partner is, it's important to listen. Your partner may feel intimidated by your sexual history as things may feel unbalanced to him or her. You want to make it clear you respect the fact your partner is a virgin and want him or her to feel as comfortable as possible in the relationship. Respect your partner's needs regarding privacy. Talking about sexual history can be complicated. While you may feel curious about certain aspects of your partner's past, he or she may not want to share everything with you. Boundaries in a relationship are personal and subjective. Your partner may not want to answer certain questions regarding his or her virginity. Conversely, if you have a sexual history, your partner may be uncomfortable hearing about it. While communication is important, if your partner is not comfortable with certain topics, be respectful. Do not push your partner to have a particular discussion prematurely. Allow the relationship to progress at a pace that's comfortable for both of you. Do not push your partner out of his or her comfort zone. If your partner is a virgin, physical intimacy may come slowly. It's vital that you respect your partner's wants and needs. Even if you're eager to get physically intimate, make sure you do not push your partner to engage in any form of physical contact before he or she is ready. Always ask your partner if something is okay before engaging in a new form of physical intimacy. Be respectful of the answer your partner gives. If the answer is no, stop. Be open about expectations regarding physical contact. It can be awkward to discuss physical contact and sexual needs. However, it's better to have a discussion early on rather than inadvertently doing or saying something that makes your partner uncomfortable. At the beginning of the relationship, take efforts to be upfront. Try to be open about expectations regarding sex and physical contact. Know when and if your partner would be open to having sex. Your partner may not feel ready for a physical relationship at this stage in his or her life. He or she may also want to wait until marriage to engage in sex. If you're dating a virgin, sex may not be a part of your relationship in the immediate future. Understand this going into the relationship. Understand what kind of physical contact your partner would enjoy. People who abstain from sex may enjoy kissing, hand holding, cuddling, and other light forms of physical contact. Your partner may also be open to more intimate forms of sex play, like mutual masturbation or oral sex. You should also be very clear on what your partner does not enjoy. It can be awkward to pause in the moment to discuss boundaries. If there is a form of physical contact that is off the table, ask your partner to be upfront about this right away. Say something like, "I understand you're a virgin. I want to know where the line is. What forms of physical contact are you not okay with?" You want to make sure you do not inadvertently make your partner uncomfortable during a moment of intimacy. Write lists. This may sound overly formal, but many people find lists helpful in terms of establishing healthy boundaries. You can find checklists online which detail a variety of sexual activity or sex play. You and your partner can check off what on the list is okay. You can also simply ask your partner to make a list of what types of physical contact and activity he or she would be comfortable with and what types of activities are unacceptable. This can be an effective way to know concrete boundaries and avoid any confusion in terms of physical contact. Take things slow. If your partner is a virgin, he or she may need to ease into physical contact with you. Be willing to go at your partner's pace. Physical intimacy does not need to happen quickly for you to feel happy and fulfilled in a romantic relationship. If your partner is less sexually experienced than you, it might be better to let him or her decide when to move things forward physically. Communicate throughout the course of the relationship. When a relationship progresses, physical boundaries and expectations may change. Your partner may feel comfortable becoming more intimate at a certain point in the relationship. Conversely, there may be certain forms of physical contact you or your partner enjoy less as time goes on. Therefore, keep communication open throughout the relationship. Periodically reconsider boundaries. Return to the checklists you made earlier in the relationship and see if you're both still comfortable with the activities you checked. You should talk to your partner during moments of physical intimacy. Throughout physical contact, ask questions like, "Is this okay?" and "Does this feel good?" You want to make sure your partner feels safe and comfortable with you. Talk to your partner about the need for communication. On occasion, say something to your partner like, "If you ever want to do something different physically, I want you to feel comfortable letting me know." As stated, some people simply do not feel ready to have sex. It's possible that, at some point in the future, your partner may be open to a sexual relationship. He or she will feel more comfortable engaging in sex for the first time if he or she knows the two of you can discuss things like safe sex, STI status, and birth control beforehand. Take things slowly if you do decide to be intimate. If your partner decides that they're ready to lose their virginity to you, it's important to take sex slowly. Take your time during foreplay to ensure you're both physically and emotionally ready before the actual act, and remember that sex is more about the journey than just the release. Don't put too much pressure on expecting the first time to be perfect. Remember, the more comfortable you both are, the better the experience will be. Explore alternative means of physical intimacy. Physical intimacy is important to a romantic relationship. If your partner is a virgin, you may struggle to feel close to him or her. You also want to make sure sexual desires in a relationship are mutually fulfilled. Talk to your partner about alternatives to penetrative sex. Kissing can be a very sexually stimulating, especially if you kiss your partner on sensitive areas like the neck and the ears. If your partner is not ready to have sex, you can both gain some sexual pleasure from simple kissing. You can also touch your partner in sexually sensitive areas. The breasts, the penis, and the clitoris are all very sensitive body parts. If your partner is open to it, you may enjoy sexual touching instead of actual intercourse. Oral sex can also be a pleasurable activity for you and your partner. However, keep in mind if your partner is abstinent due to moral or religious, reasons he or she may consider oral sex a form of sex. Mutual masturbation is another alternative to sex. This is where you and your partner masturbate together. This can be an arousing form of sex play that does not involve physical contact with your partner. There are a variety of forms of sexual contact and sex play you can engage in without having penetrative sex. The best way to figure out what works for you and your partner is to discuss and explore your options together. Talk to your partner about porn and erotica. Many couples find watching porn or reading erotica together an intimate, arousing experience. This can also help you get a sense of what your partner finds arousing. If you have sex at some point in the future, it can be helpful to know what turns your partner on. Talk to your partner about watching pornography or reading erotica together. You can feel intimate with your partner as the two of you can explore your sexual desires together. Keep in mind not everyone is comfortable watching pornography or reading erotica. Remember to be respectful if your partner does not want to participate in this activity. Establish emotional intimacy. Physical contact is not the only route to intimacy. Becoming emotionally intimate is very important in a successful relationship. Talking, listening, enjoying one another's company, and sharing thoughts and feelings can help establish emotional intimacy. Talk to your partner. Engage in activities like long walks, long phone calls, and late night conversations. Go out to a coffee shop for a few hours and simply converse. Be willing to be vulnerable and share with your partner. Meet your partner's emotional needs. If your partner needs to talk to you after a hard day, try to give him or her your full attention. Provide comfort when necessary. Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out how to best comfort someone. People respond differently to different kinds of feedback and comfort. It can be helpful to ask your partner something like, "What can I do to make you feel better right now?" Emotional intimacy takes time to establish. The best way to be emotionally intimate is to simply spend a lot of time together. Make time to talk to your partner every day.

Learn your partner's expectations. Listen to your partner. Respect your partner's needs regarding privacy. Do not push your partner out of his or her comfort zone. Be open about expectations regarding physical contact. Write lists. Take things slow. Communicate throughout the course of the relationship. Take things slowly if you do decide to be intimate. Explore alternative means of physical intimacy. Talk to your partner about porn and erotica. Establish emotional intimacy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Duck-Sauce

How to Make Duck Sauce

To make a duck sauce, whisk together fruit jam, soy sauce, and dried spices in a large bowl until the sauce is all the same color and well-combined. Then, strain your sauce with a sieve to remove any large chunks and transfer it into an airtight container, like a glass jar with a lid. Refrigerate your sauce for at least 2 hours to let the flavors combine, then take it out 30 minutes before serving.

Remove any pits or hard peels from the fruits. If you're using plums, peaches, apricots, or any other fruit that contains a pit, cut it in half and use a knife or spoon to remove the pit. If you're using pineapple or any other fruit with a hard, inedible peel, use a knife to carefully remove the peel. Cut all the fruit into chunks 1 inch (2.5 cm) square. Use a large, sharp knife to carefully chop your fruit into pieces that are roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) square. Softer fruits like plums may get a little mushy and juicy when cut, which is fine. Peel and grate the fresh ginger if you’re using it. Fresh ginger will give you the best flavor, but there's nothing wrong with using dried ginger to save time. Remove the outer peel from the ginger with a small knife or vegetable peeler, and use a fine grater or zester to grate it. Peel and mince the fresh garlic if you’re using it. Place your knife flat on top of the garlic and press down on it with your hand to crush the clove. This will make it easier to remove the peel. After you've peeled the garlic, cut it into very fine pieces with a knife or use a garlic press to mince it. Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan. Use a large knife to slide your chopped fruit off the cutting board into the saucepan, along with any juice that may have gathered on the cutting board. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir them a few times. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Set the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a boil. Stir it every 1 minute or so to make sure the mixture isn't sticking to the bottom of the pan. Make sure you are using your stirring spoon to reach the corners of the pan and remove any sauce that might stick there. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Once the mixture has come to a full boil and you see large, rapid bubbles in the liquid, set the heat to low. Set the timer for 30 minutes, and stir the sauce every 5 minutes or so. Check the sauce to see if it has thickened. If it has, turn the heat off. If not, cook it for another 5 minutes and check it again, repeating this process until the sauce has become thick. Stir it every time you check it. Puree the sauce with a food processor or immersion blender. A food processor on a low setting should blend your sauce until it's smooth. If you use an immersion blender, make sure your saucepan is deep enough that the blender's blades can be fully submerged when you use it. Blend it until it appears smooth and you don't see any chunks. If some chunks remain after blending the sauce several times, you can also strain the mixture through a sieve. Store any unused sauce in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Put whatever's left of your sauce in an airtight container, preferably glass, and put it your fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Put all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir them with a whisk. Add the ingredients and stir them thoroughly until the mixture appears to be all one color. Strain the mixture through a sieve. Pour the sauce into another bowl through a fine sieve to strain out any large chunks. Use a wooden spoon to gently force the liquid through. If any chunks remain in the sieve, throw them out. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours to let the flavors combine. This will give the ingredients a chance to meld and create a single flavor. Pour the sauce into an airtight container and leave it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Bring the sauce to room temperature 30 minutes before serving it. If you are using the sauce for a glaze or marinade, there's no need to bring it to room temperature, since it will be heated in the process of cooking or grilling. However, if you're using it for a dipping sauce, take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature. Store any unused sauce in the fridge for up to 1 month. Since this sauce is made with preserved fruit instead of fresh, it will last at least 1 month if refrigerated. Store it in an airtight container in your fridge. Use duck sauce as a dip for egg rolls, wonton, dumplings and rangoons. The sweet, tangy flavor of duck sauce makes it a great addition to any savory snack meant for dipping. Although it's traditionally used with Chinese cuisine, you can also try it with French fries, roasted vegetables, and chicken wings. Glaze meats with duck sauce. With its sweet flavor and thick consistency, duck sauce can make an ideal glaze for meats. Brush it onto chicken drumsticks, pork tenderloin, or ribs before roasting or grilling. Marinate meats in duck sauce before grilling. Duck sauce can add a tangy, delicious flavor to grilled meat, and makes for an interesting alternative to traditional barbecue sauce. Pour duck sauce into a pan or dish and let the meat sit in it for at least 30 minutes, turning it once so both sides are marinated. If you are grilling something large like a thick steak, marinate at least 1 hour. For a whole chicken, marinate it at least 4 hours.

Remove any pits or hard peels from the fruits. Cut all the fruit into chunks 1 inch (2.5 cm) square. Peel and grate the fresh ginger if you’re using it. Peel and mince the fresh garlic if you’re using it. Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Check the sauce to see if it has thickened. Puree the sauce with a food processor or immersion blender. Store any unused sauce in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Put all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir them with a whisk. Strain the mixture through a sieve. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours to let the flavors combine. Bring the sauce to room temperature 30 minutes before serving it. Store any unused sauce in the fridge for up to 1 month. Use duck sauce as a dip for egg rolls, wonton, dumplings and rangoons. Glaze meats with duck sauce. Marinate meats in duck sauce before grilling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Season-Cast-Iron-Cookware

How to Season Cast Iron Cookware

If you want to season cast iron cookware, start by washing the cookware with warm water and soap. Dry the cookware thoroughly by placing it in the oven at 350 °F for about 10 minutes. Take the cast iron out of the oven, then coat it inside and out with cooking fat or oil. If the cookware has a lid, coat it too. Place the cookware and the lid back in the oven for about an hour, then turn off the heat and let the cookware cool to room temperature. Repeat this once more, then again every time you wash the cookware.

Place the cookware in a self-cleaning oven. Run one cycle. Alternatively, place in a campfire or directly on a hot charcoal fire for 1/2 hour, and heat until it turns a dull red. The crust will be flaking, falling and turning to white ash. After allowing the cookware to cool a bit (to avoid cracking the cast iron), use the following steps. If you have more rust than crust, try using steel wool to sand it off. Wash the cast iron cookware with warm water and soap. Scrub using a scouring pad. If you have purchased your cast iron cookware as new, then it will be coated in wax or an oily coating to prevent rust. This will need to be removed before seasoning so this step is essential. Soak in hot, soapy water for five minutes, then wash off the soap and air dry. Dry the cookware thoroughly. It helps to put the pan in the oven at 350F for a few minutes to make sure it's really dry. Oil needs to be able to soak into the metal for a good seasoning and––oil and water don't mix. Coat the pot or pan inside and out with lard, Crisco (cooking fat), bacon fat, or corn oil. Over time, oils will make your pan sticky. Bacon fat is the best choice. Ensure that both sides of the lid are also coated. Place both the lid and the pot or pan upside down in the oven at a high temperature (300ºF to 500ºF/150ºC-260ºC, depending on your preference). Heat for at least an hour to bake on a "seasoning" cover that will continue to protect the pan from rust and provide a stick-resistant surface. Place a sheet of aluminum foil or a large disposable foil roaster under the pan, on a lower rack or on the bottom of the oven, to catch drippings. Let cool to room temperature in the oven. Repeat. For best results, repeat steps three and four and five. Maintain the cast iron with ongoing care. Every time you wash your cast iron cookware, season it without fail. Place the cast iron cookware on the stove and pour in about a 3/4 teaspoon of corn oil (or other cooking fat). Wad up a paper towel and spread the oil across the cooking surface, any bare iron surfaces, and the bottom of the cookware. Turn on the burner and heat until smoke starts to appear. If using an electric stove, heat slowly as hot spots can crack the cast iron. Cover the cookware and turn heat off. Leave until cooled before placing in storage. Wipe off any excess fat before storing. If your cast iron gets sticky from using oil instead of bacon fat, use it over a campfire to make some bacon or other item which renders pig fat, and the stickiness will burn off. Use the self cleaning oven to strip down the cast iron cookware. Place the utensil in your self cleaning oven on the shortest cleaning cycle (usually 3 hours on most models). It will come out looking like the day it came out of the mold. Allow it to cool overnight. Wash the residue off with water only in the sink, using a stiff abrasive pad. Dry the cast iron utensil off with a paper towel, and immediately place the cookware back in the oven at 350ºF/180ºC for 10 minutes or so. Take the utensil out of the oven after the 10 minute drying time is complete. Lightly brush the utensil with a paper towel coated with Crisco (or other solid cooking oil). Liquid vegetable oil will do in a pinch, but it's better to save the liquids until after the initial seasoning. It is important in this step only to lightly coat the cast iron with a thin coating of oil, just enough until it barely glistens. Do not allow any puddles or pools of liquid as this will cause problems at a later time. Place the cast iron cookware in the oven. Set to 500ºF to 550ºF/260ºC to 290ºC degrees. Have the cooking side of the cookware facing the bottom of the oven. This allows for any excess oil to drain off to the sides, and prevents pooling during the seasoning process. The higher heating temperatures allow for the oil to truly "cook" as opposed to just "gumming up" at lower temperatures. Cook undisturbed for 1 hour. Note: During this step, it will be best to turn off any smoke alarms in the immediate area as the cookware may smoke quite a lot. Ceiling fans also aid in ventilation. Finally, after the cast iron cookware is finished seasoning for 1 hour or so, take it out of the oven. Immediately wipe it down with another extra-light coating of Crisco. Allow it to completely cool before storing.

Place the cookware in a self-cleaning oven. Wash the cast iron cookware with warm water and soap. Dry the cookware thoroughly. Coat the pot or pan inside and out with lard, Crisco (cooking fat), bacon fat, or corn oil. Place both the lid and the pot or pan upside down in the oven at a high temperature (300ºF to 500ºF/150ºC-260ºC, depending on your preference). Repeat. Maintain the cast iron with ongoing care. Use the self cleaning oven to strip down the cast iron cookware. Take the utensil out of the oven after the 10 minute drying time is complete. Place the cast iron cookware in the oven. Finally, after the cast iron cookware is finished seasoning for 1 hour or so, take it out of the oven.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Company-Name

How to Choose a Company Name

To choose a company name, start by researching your target market to get an idea of what names would appeal to them. Next, write a mission statement for your company, make a list of product attributes, and use a thesaurus to look up synonyms for those attributes. Then, use this information to brainstorm different names and narrow it down to a few options. Consider asking family and friends for opinions before making your final choice.

Research the market you will be selling to. Is your product or service a luxury item appealing to an upscale audience, or will it be purchased by people with less disposable income? This information will greatly influence the type of company name you choose. For example, for an upscale audience you could consider a French name such as "La Petite Chou" as opposed to "Joe's Bar and Grill." Consider the message you want to convey. This would be a good time to write up a company mission statement if you don't already have one. If your goals are to save people money, offer a higher quality product or help save the environment, you will want your company name to reflect this. Make a list of product attributes. Think about the ways your product is better than the competition's. Is it faster, less expensive, easier to use, built with higher quality materials, or does it come with a long-term warranty? Write these down and then use a thesaurus to look up synonyms for these attributes. Add adjectives or make up words. For example, a clothing company could add "urban" for Urban Adventure. An innovative software development company could be Univation. Or add a personal touch using a name such as Betty's Homemade Pet Treats. Avoid using "fancy" words when simple ones will do. For example, don't use "Epigraphic Technology Corporation" if no one will know what epigraphic means. Consider puns or alliteration. A good example of a play on words is The Reel Bait Company. Alliteration (two or more words beginning with the same letter) was used well with Jamba Juice. These can help make a memorable company name. Consider portmanteaus or literary references. A portmanteau is two words combined into one, such as Groupon. Alice's Wonderland of Fun might be a great name for a toy store. Ensure your company name adheres to the SMILE standard. SMILE stands for Simple, Meaningful, creates Imagery, has Legs and evokes an Emotional response. If you can incorporate most of these standards you will have a company name that resonates with potential customers. Create a name that is "Simple." The name should imply a single, easily comprehended thought to your customers and clients. Any name that relays complex concepts should be ruled out immediately. Compaq Computer worked well when small PCs and laptop computers were first introduced. Pick a company moniker that is "Meaningful." The company name will be how customers learn about the purpose of your business. The name must give customers an immediate understanding of what you do or the service you provide. Victoria's Secret is a good example. Select a name that creates "Imagery." Customers should get a mental picture when they think of your company's name. Discard any ideas that do not instantly create an image in your mind. For example, Subaru Outback gives one an image of a rugged car out in the wilderness. Ensure your potential name has "Legs." The name should be strong and clear enough to carry the brand to the customer's mind. Additionally, a name that can be used with many marketing opportunities or slogans is beneficial. For example, who could ever forget the Piggly Wiggly supermarket? Choose a name that evokes an "Emotional" response. Empower or engage the customer with your name. Save the Children catches our attention and encourages us to help. Disregard any names that qualify for the SCRATCH standard. SCRATCH stands for Spelling-challenged, Copycat, Random, Annoying, Tame, Curse of Knowledge, and Hard to Pronounce. Company names with any of these characteristics will turn off potential customers and may affect future sales. Get rid of a name that is "Spelling-challenged." Don't use any name that is difficult to say or spell. For example, Hephaestus is the Greek god of blacksmiths, but you would probably not want to name your metal works company after him. Refrain from being a "Copycat." Naming yourself something similar to your competition will only confuse your company with another. For example, IVM is way too close to the well-known IBM. Avoid names that are "Random." Random names that do not provide a connection to your purpose or product are disadvantageous. An example would be The Red Company. Is this someone's name who has red hair, or could it be a company that sells paint or clothing? Reject a name that is "Annoying." Picking a name that seems forced or is irritating to hear or say will not encourage potential customers to frequent your business or purchase your product. A restaurant called Spageddies comes to mind or an ice cream shop called Udders. Dismiss names that are "Tame." Names that are missing inspiration or passion are useless and miss great marketing opportunities. "The Cloud" might define what a business is about, but it certainly lacks passion. Stay away from industry jargon or the "Curse of Knowledge." If your name only addresses information known by industry insiders, keep searching for another name. For example, Amphenol might only be recognized by other pharmaceutical companies. Set aside any names that are "Hard to Pronounce." Names that are difficult to say or rely on specific punctuation should be set aside. Most people do not know how to correctly pronounce "croissant" much less spell it. Conduct a trademark search to prevent duplication. Many states have online databases with names of companies that have already been taken. Check with your state's Secretary of State or the Department of Finance and Taxation. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers a free online Trademark Electronic Search System database. You can enter the registration name of any trademark you find into the Trademark Applications and Retrieval Database to find out if the trademark is currently registered or has lapsed. Consult the Thomas Register. This directory lists business names and registered trademarks. It's available online or your local library will have a printed copy. Brainstorm a name that starts near the beginning of the alphabet. Many search options and phone books divide companies alphabetically. Naming your company with a letter at the beginning of the alphabet ensures its placement near the beginning of the list. Keep the name short. Long names are harder to remember. A name in a foreign language might also be harder to remember, unless it is very short. Don't use geographic regions. Open your company up for future growth. Resist the urge to use your geographic region in your name, because your company may expand later. Rochester Paint Supply might limit you to only that area. Test the name. Ask family and friends for their opinion and perhaps give them several choices. You can also hire a market research company to form an objective focus group. Seriously consider their input before making a final decision. You can find market research consultants through a local chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Research the market you will be selling to. Consider the message you want to convey. Make a list of product attributes. Add adjectives or make up words. Consider puns or alliteration. Consider portmanteaus or literary references. Ensure your company name adheres to the SMILE standard. Disregard any names that qualify for the SCRATCH standard. Conduct a trademark search to prevent duplication. Brainstorm a name that starts near the beginning of the alphabet. Keep the name short. Don't use geographic regions. Test the name.

https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Mockingbird

How to Identify a Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are a common type of bird found in the southern United States. They're average-sized birds, similar in size to Robins, and they're gray with some white feathers on their wings and tails. Mockingbirds have a long, narrow tail and long legs. You can easily recognize mockingbirds by the loud, sharp song they sing on repeat. They're also good at copying the sounds of other birds and animals, which gives them their name.

Notice the size. If you want to figure out if a bird is a mockingbird, take note of its size first. This can help you determine whether he fits the characteristics of a mockingbird. Male and female mockingbirds are both of similar sizes. However, some males may be slightly larger than females. Mockingbirds should be about the size of an American Robin. It's a fairly average sized bird. Their wingspans are about 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm). Take note of the shape. Once you've observed the bird's size, pay attention to its shape. This can give insight as to whether or not you're looking at a mockingbird. Mockingbirds are thin in appearance with longer tails. A mockingbird will have a somewhat small head. Its beak will be long and curved downward slightly. Mockingbirds have relatively long legs in comparison to most birds. A mockingbird has short, somewhat stubby wings. In flight, the nature of the wings make their tails look even longer. Pay attention to colors. Coloring is one of the best tools you can use to identify a mockingbird. Mockingbirds have specific color patterns on different parts of the body. Overall, mockingbirds are gray-brown in color. Their breasts and bellies tend to be grayer. Their coloring is darker and more solid in appearance on the upper parts of the body, like the head and back. There are bits of white on specific places in the mockingbird. You'll see a few white feathers on their tales. Their wings should each have one white bar. A younger mockingbird will have a similar color scheme, but the grayish colors may be spottier and somewhat dappled in appearance, especially on the belly and breast. The mockingbird can be mistaken with the northern shrike, which has similar coloring. However, shrikes do not have white on their wings and their coloring tends to be blacker, especially around the face. Listen to the sounds the bird makes. You can also identify a mockingbird by its call. Mockingbirds both sing and call to one another. The call of a mockingbird is loud and sharp. When singing, the mockingbird produces a complex series of notes and sounds. It tends to repeat the same songs over and over again. During the breeding season, in spring and summer, males will sing 24 hours a day. If you hear a bird singing for the entirety of a day, you might be hearing a mockingbird. See if the bird behaves in a territorial manner. Mockingbirds tend to be territorial. You can identify a mockingbird by paying attention to how it behaves around other birds. Mockingbirds are easy to spot as they sit out in the open. If a bird is sitting on a tree branch in plain sight, hopping along the road, or in other easy-to-see places like fences or telephone poles, it may be a mockingbird. The mockingbird will be protective of what it sees as its environment. It's not uncommon to see a mockingbird dive and then attack other birds or animals that invade its space. A bird that is aggressive with intruders may very well be a mockingbird if it also matches the physical description. See if it's mimicking other sounds. Mockingbirds get their name because they are excellent imitators. A mockingbird will often imitate the noise of other bird's songs. However, you may also hear a mockingbird imitating the sound of a cat, a dog, or other animals in the area. If you hear a grayish brown bird imitating a variety of odd noises, you're likely looking at a mockingbird. Take in the habitat. Mockingbirds live in specific environments. If you're still unsure if what you're looking at is a mockingbird, examine the bird's environment. Mockingbirds typically live in the southern half of the United States. They're present year-round in parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and in the southern part of Maine. In some nearby states, like Colorado and Utah, you may see mockingbirds in the spring or summer during mating season. Mockingbirds are often present in suburbs or towns. They prefer open country areas where there are some woods and foliage present. If you live in a more urban town or suburb, with little forest, you're less likely to encounter a mockingbird.

Notice the size. Take note of the shape. Pay attention to colors. Listen to the sounds the bird makes. See if the bird behaves in a territorial manner. See if it's mimicking other sounds. Take in the habitat.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Diagnose-Balance-Problems-in-Dogs

How to Diagnose Balance Problems in Dogs

If you notice that your dog is having a problem with its balance, it's important to take it to the vet right away. You might notice that your dog's limbs appear weak, or it might limp, stagger, lean to one side, or topple while it's trying to walk. Also, pay attention to your dog's eyes, since changes such as its eyes rapidly moving back and forth could be a sign of balance problems. Your vet will give you instructions on how to care for your dog based on their diagnosis.

Look for changes in your dog's gait. Balance problems can show up when your dog's limbs appear weak. Weak limbs can make your dog appear to limp or walk differently. Your dog might put their weight on one side, stagger, topple, or walk as if drunk. For example, you might notice that your dog only likes to use the limbs on one side of their body or only likes to use their hind legs. Monitor your dog's movements. The most obvious signs of a balance problem are often swaying, tipping over, staggering and stumbling. At first, you might think that your dog is just a little clumsy. However, your dog may have a balance problem if they continue to struggle with simple walking or running in an open space. Your dog might fall suddenly and have trouble getting back up if it has balance problems. Watch your dog's head. In addition to the full-body signs of a balance problem, you should also look at your dog's head. Your dog's eyes might move rapidly from side to side, as though watching the ball at a tennis match. Your dog may also tilt their head or shake it if your dog is having trouble balancing. Any changes in your dog's eye movements can indicate a balance problem. Pay attention to how much your dog eats. Keep track of how much food your dog eats at meal times. If it seems like your dog isn't eating as much or has nausea in addition to showing some of the other signs described in this article, then they may have a balance problem. Your dog may also hack or struggle to eat. The balance problem can make your dog feel motion sick which is why they develop nausea. Take your dog to the vet. As soon as you notice any sign of a balance problem, get your dog examined by the vet. There are many conditions that can cause balance problems in dogs and the vet will need to make a diagnosis before your dog can start treatment. Give detailed information about the signs you've noticed. For example, you might say that your dog always wobbles after it stands up or maybe your dog has stopped eating meals. It may help to write down the signs so you can easily tell the vet your dog's symptoms. Chances are your dog's condition will respond best when treated early. This is why it's important to get your dog examined quickly. Get a diagnosis of ataxia. Ataxia is a sensory dysfunction that causes balance problems in dogs. The vet will run tests to look for a lesion in your dog's brain, inner ear or spinal cord. These tests may include radiographs, x-rays, MRIs, and tomography scans. The vet may also want to test fluid from your dog's spinal cord and test the blood and urine. Ataxia is further diagnosed as vestibular, proprioceptive or cerebellar. Since there are different types, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis from the vet. Test your dog for an ear infection. To diagnose a middle or inner ear infection, the vet will examine deep inside your dog's ears and may take x-rays. Your dog will probably have to be anesthetized since this is a detailed examination that may be uncomfortable for your dog. Get a diagnosis of vestibular disease. To get this diagnosis, the vet will take a full medical history and watch your dog's movements. The vet will also test your dog's blood and urine. Your dog might need testing like radiographs, MRIs, or tomography scans to look for tumors. In order to diagnose vestibular disease, your dog must: Be an older dog Experience sudden balance problems Not have another condition causing the balance problems (like ear infection, trauma, thyroid problems, etc.) Recover from the balance problems within a few weeks Have your dog examined for poisoning. Your dog may develop balance problems if their ears have been poisoned by drugs or chemicals. Since there are no specific tests to determine if poisoning caused the balance problems, the vet will take a full medical history and test your dog's hearing to determine any hearing loss. Tell the vet if your dog has been exposed to any of these: Aspirin Quinine Loop diuretics (water pills) Antibiotics Anti-neoplastics (anti-cancer drugs) Environmental chemicals (like lead, tin, manganese, mercury, carbon monoxide) Any drop or cleaner has been put in the dog's ears Treat your dog's ataxia. Treatment will depend on the location of the lesions, how severe your dog's balance problems are, and how old the dog is. Some dogs still have balance problems even after the lesions have been treated. Your dog may need help recovering from the balance problems, so make your dog's environment safe so they can't injure themselves. Remove furniture with sharp corners, lay down soft pillows, and block off stairs. Get treatment for ear infection. If your dog is diagnosed with a mild infection, the vet will probably prescribe oral and topical antibiotics. The vet may also give an antibiotic injection. If your dog is diagnosed with a severe ear infection, the vet may have to surgically remove fluid from the ear drum or remove part of the inner ear. If allergies or tumors caused the infection, the vet will create a treatment plan to manage the underlying cause. Help your dog recover from vestibular disease. Most dogs with vestibular disease will recover on their own within a few weeks. Since vestibular disease isn't usually caused by anything, the vet will treat the balance problem itself. The vet might recommend giving your dog intravenous fluids or hospitalization, if your dog can't walk or eat on their own. The vet may also prescribe medications. The vet may recommend giving your dog a sedative that will help them relax as they recover. Your dog might also take motion sickness or anti-nausea drugs to help them cope with the balance problems. Work with the vet to manage ototoxicity (ear poisoning). As soon as the vet determines that your dog's ear has been poisoned by something, your dog shouldn't be exposed to the substance anymore. For example, if a medication (like an antibiotic) caused the hearing loss and balance problems, the vet can prescribe a different medication. If the ototoxicity was caused by environmental poisoning (like lead), you'll need to remove all lead from your dog's environment. Note that there are relatively few antibiotics that are toxic to the ear. You and your vet will need to discuss why it is necessary to use that particular antibiotic, should this be the best treatment option. Unfortunately, hearing loss caused by ototoxicity can't be reversed. The sooner you can identify the toxin causing the problems, the better.

Look for changes in your dog's gait. Monitor your dog's movements. Watch your dog's head. Pay attention to how much your dog eats. Take your dog to the vet. Get a diagnosis of ataxia. Test your dog for an ear infection. Get a diagnosis of vestibular disease. Have your dog examined for poisoning. Treat your dog's ataxia. Get treatment for ear infection. Help your dog recover from vestibular disease. Work with the vet to manage ototoxicity (ear poisoning).

https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Your-Hair-the-Perfect-Shade-of-Blonde

How to Dye Your Hair the Perfect Shade of Blonde

Before dyeing your hair blonde, determine whether you have warm or cool toned skin to choose the right shade for you. If you tan easily, your skin is warm toned, so choose a darker honey shade of blonde. If you burn easily, choose a lighter shade of blonde, like strawberry or light blonde. Go for a natural shade of blonde if you are dyeing your hair at home and consult a professional if you want to bleach your hair or go more than 3 shades lighter than it's current shade.

Determine your skin tone. Most people are either warm or cool toned. The shade of blonde you choose for your hair depends on the underlying tones in your skin. Warm toned people have golden, olive, or dark skin with brown or dark eyes. Their hair is black, brown, blonde, red, or strawberry blonde. People considered warm tan easily. If you are warm toned, your hair reflects gold, and gold jewelry looks good on your skin. Cool toned people have fair skin with blue or green eyes. They have blonde, black, or brown hair. These people burn instead of tanning. If you are cool toned, your hair might reflect silver in the light. Silver jewelry looks good on your skin. Turn your arm over. Look at the veins in your wrist and forearms. If they appear to be green, you have warm tones. If they are blue, you are cool toned. Another method is to hold a white piece of paper up to your face. If you are cool toned, your skin will look blue compared to the paper. If you are warm toned, your skin will look yellow or golden next to the paper. Understand what shades of blonde you are considering. Whether you are dyeing your hair from a box or at a salon, the shades can sound like food options at a bakery. Warm shades contain words like warm, honey, golden, butter, caramel, or copper. Cool shades are called ash, beige, pearl, and ice. Go for a natural shade of blonde if you're dyeing at home. No matter what skin tone you have, if you want your hair to look natural, only go 2-3 shades lighter than your natural hair color. Also consider the color of your eyebrows when deciding on a natural blonde shade. Going a few shades lighter can easily be done at home. Lifting your hair's natural hair color a few shades can be achieved through a boxed dye. If you are going a few shades lighter on already dyed hair, but your hair naturally is dark, go for ash-toned blonde shades. Consider dyeing your hair with cool or neutral shades of blonde if you are doing it at home. Warm shades, with golden or honey in the title, can end up making your hair look orange. Go for cool colors if you have a pinkish hue to your skin. Adding warmth to your hair if you have a pinkish hue can result in an over-reddening of your face. Go for cooler blonde shades, like sandy blonde, ashy blonde, or beige blonde. Go for a darker, honey blonde if you have darker toned skin. Anyone can go blonde, but you have to find a complimentary shade for your skin. Darker and olive toned skin may not be right for a super bright blonde shade. Try a honey blonde instead. Another suggestion is to keep your darker roots and ask for golden beige highlights. The roots help prevent your face from washing out. Caramel is another shade of blonde that will compliment your tones. Alternately, you can try buttery or strawberry blonde shades. If you have brown hair, be careful going too light because it can wash you out. Avoid platinum, white, or orange. Go for blonde highlights or lowlights instead. Add more color to your hair if you have medium skin. You can try golden blonde, beige blonde, or even light blonde. Keep warmth in your hair to match your warm skin tone. To get a subtle ombre, keep your light brown base and add varying tones of honey highlights through the middle of your hair, going a bit lighter at the ends. If you have warm skin tones, avoid brassy blonde colors. Brassy blonde colors can end up giving you an orange hue. Ashy colors can leave you washed out. Go for golden when you have fair skin. If you have light skin, you want to choose golden, strawberry, or light blonde while staying away from white, ash, and reddish. The lighter your skin, the lighter the shade of blonde you can go while still looking natural. Try buttery highlights on a caramel base. For a multi-dimensional, natural lighter blonde, go for a mix of butter, gold, and honey. Dyeing your hair blonde works well if you were blonde as a child, or your hair got blonde as you spent time in the sun. Consult a professional for drastic dye jobs. For a bold blonde that goes beyond 2-3 shades lighter than your natural hair color, seek the help of a professional hair stylist. Extreme blonde shades or highlights require multiple bleachings, and most of the time, multiple visits to the salon. If you try to bleach your hair at home, you could end up with banana or canary yellow hair or brassy, golden orange. Anyone can be platinum blonde, but it may take months to achieve. Lighter hair will be much easier to dye a white blonde. Hair that has been dyed before or naturally dark hair will take much longer. To safely dye your hair, you need to gradually lighten the hair. If your hair is dark, you won't going to be able to reach platinum blonde in one visit. It could take months of dyes in lighter shades to work you up to a white blonde. Most hair colors need at least 3 appointments to achieve full blonde status. For a white blonde, go for ice blonde if you are warm toned. Platinum blonde works better on cool tones. Remember - there is no white. Ask a hair specialist to help you understand the different white shades if you have trouble. Correct a brassy dye job at home by using purple shampoo. Be careful when bleaching your hair. At home bleaching can go very wrong. If this is the first time you are dyeing your hair, go to a professional. When bleaching at home, make sure to follow the directions on the box exactly. Don't leave the bleach on for more than 45 minutes. Your hair should be a pale yellow when you finish bleaching. If it's an orange, which happens sometimes with very dark hair, wait a week to bleach again. Put conditioning treatments on your hair during this week. If you are trying to dye your hair platinum at home, you will need to use a purple toner or shampoo on your hair. This is a must if you want to dye your hair white blonde because it erases the yellow brassiness. Go for a 30 or 40 volume toner. Rinse with white vinegar to help keep the toner color longer. Don't try to leave the bleach on your hair for a shorter amount of time to reach a darker blonde and a longer amount of time to reach a lighter blonde. Bleach doesn't work this way. It strips the hair if the pigments. Be prepared for the time and money. Blonde hair is a large undertaking. Your hair will need a lot of maintenance to keep it looking healthy, and you will need to spend time and money every few weeks filling in roots or getting touch ups. If you are not prepared for the responsibility of blonde hair, think about going a few shades lighter instead of anything drastic. Prep your hair before you dye. Before you do any kind of dye job, it is important to prep your hair. Avoid washing your hair the day before you dye it, as the natural oils help protect your scalp from irritation from the products. Condition your hair after you dye it. This step is essential. Dyeing your hair strips it of its pigment and lipids, which dries it out. Switch your regular conditioner for a deep conditioner. If your hair is dry, use a moisture product; if it is brittle and damaged, use a damage product. Use dry shampoo so you don't have to wash it every day and dry it out. Use conditioning masks when you wash your hair. If you go platinum or ice blonde, use shampoos that contain blue pigment to maintain the color. Choose a color-care or bleach-safe shampoo and conditioner to preserve color. Try putting coconut oil on your hair once a week. Melt it down and put it on your hair, wrap your hair in plastic wrap, cover it in a towel, and leave on for about an hour. Cut your hair after you dye it. Bleaching your hair can damage it, so to keep your hair healthy, cut it right after you dye it. This removes the dead ends, which can lead to breaking. Use a heat-protectant when styling your hair with heat tools. Straightening, blow drying and curling your dyed hair can damage it, so make sure to use a heat-protecting product before you grab the curling iron. Stay away from styling products that contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out your hair, which is a problem with bleached and dyed hair. Hairsprays, gels, and mouses all contain alcohol. Check the label before buying and putting it on your hair. Get regular touch ups. Unless you don't mind your roots growing in, you probably want to get them touched up regularly. Plan on touching them up every 4-6 weeks.

Determine your skin tone. Understand what shades of blonde you are considering. Go for a natural shade of blonde if you're dyeing at home. Go for cool colors if you have a pinkish hue to your skin. Go for a darker, honey blonde if you have darker toned skin. Add more color to your hair if you have medium skin. Go for golden when you have fair skin. Consult a professional for drastic dye jobs. Be careful when bleaching your hair. Be prepared for the time and money. Prep your hair before you dye. Condition your hair after you dye it. Cut your hair after you dye it. Use a heat-protectant when styling your hair with heat tools. Get regular touch ups.

https://www.wikihow.com/Staple-a-Booklet

How to Staple a Booklet

To staple a booklet, start by laying down a piece of thick cardboard to protect your work surface. Next, put the booklet face down on the cardboard with the cover side up. Then, pull apart the arms of a stapler and put the stapler head on the center fold of the book. Once the stapler is lined up, push down on the head to staple the pages and repeat the process a few times along the spine of the booklet. Finally, flip the booklet over and fold down the prongs poking through the paper.

Put down a layer of corrugated cardboard or other protective material. This method involves stapling your booklet against a soft material, then manually pushing the staples down against the booklet. You may use corrugated cardboard, foam, or any other material soft enough for the staples to dig into without attaching. Only use material you don't mind damaging. If you have a large number of booklets to staple, you'll probably prefer the Specialized Stapler method. If you don't have any suitable material and your booklet is thin, try the Two Books method. Place your booklet face down over the cardboard. Make sure all the pages are in order and aligned with each other. The outside cover should be visible, not the inner pages, or you will have more trouble folding the booklet after stapling. Pull the two arms of the stapler apart. Grasp the upper arm near the joint, not next to the staple-deploying head. Use your other hand to hold down the base, and pull up on the arm. The two sections of the stapler should swing apart. Align the stapler head over the booklet's center. The center of the booklet should receive 2–4 evenly spaced staples to form the spine, depending on how large the booklet is and how sturdy you would like it to be. Each staple should run in the same direction as the spine (vertical when the finished booklet is held for reading), so you can fold the sheets of paper in half around the staples without tearing them. Align your stapler head according to these guidelines. Push down on the stapler head to deploy the staple. Because you are stapling the paper against corrugated cardboard or other soft material, you may not hear the distinctive stapler sound you're used to. Push down firmly, then release and pick up the stapler. Lift the booklet carefully and inspect the staple. Most likely, the staple is partially attached to the cardboard beneath. Lifting the booklet slowly and gently should pull the two prongs of the staple out of the cardboard, but you may need to bend the staple straight with your finger before pulling. If the staple is firmly attached to the material, the material is too thin to use for this purpose. Detach the staple with a staple remover, then try again with thicker, corrugated cardboard. Push the staple prongs down over the paper. After detaching the staple from the material beneath, you should see the two prongs poking through the paper, but not folded down. Fold these down toward each other along the spine's length. You may use your fingers, approaching carefully from the side to avoid the sharp point, or lay the paper flat and gently hammer them down with any hard object. Repeat with remaining staples. Place the booklet over the cardboard again and align the stapler head over the next portion of the spine to be stapled. Try to line up the staples as evenly as possible. Use this method to staple thin booklets. This method requires no specialized materials, but it is only suitable for thin booklets made from a few sheets of paper. Your stapler needs to be powerful enough to deploy a staple through the booklet when there is no supporting surface behind it, so do not use a stapler that is rusty or jams easily. If you have a large number of booklets to staple, you may wish to save effort by using the Specialized Stapler method. Place two large books next to each other. Select two books that are exactly the same height when laid flat on a table. Place them flat on a table or other hard surface, leaving a tiny gap between them. The gap only needs to be wide enough to staple the booklet over it without attaching the staple to the book; 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25–2.5cm) should be plenty. Lay your stack of paper face down over the books, with the center over the gap. Make sure all your pages are in order and aligned, then lay the stack of paper over the two books. The center of the outside cover should be directly over the gap. Pull the two arms of the stapler apart. Pull the arms of the stapler apart. If only the cover comes off (revealing the staples), put it back and on and try again while holding the sides of the upper arm more firmly. Hold the paper in place and align the top arm over the spine. Hold the booklet in place with your hands or by placing a heavy object on top of each side. Align the stapler arm so the head of the stapler is oriented in the middle of the booklet, where you'd like the first staple to be. Depending on how large the booklet is, you will probably want somewhere between 2 and 4 staples, spaced evenly down the spine. Push down on the stapler head swiftly. Because there is nothing but air underneath the spine, you will have to push down quickly to get the staple to deploy. Hold the paper in place as you do this to make sure it is not dragged down with the stapler. Do not push so hard that the paper tears; the motion should be firm but over quickly. Bend down the staple prongs. Pick up the stack of paper and see if the staple went through the paper. If it did, all you need to do is bend the two prongs of the staple flat against the paper, pointed toward each other. You may do this with your fingers, avoiding the sharp point, or by gently hammering them down with any hard object. If the staple did not pierce through the whole stack of paper, your stapler may not be strong enough for this method, or you may not have pushed hard enough. Try again after pushing the two books closer together, and make sure the paper is held down firmly when you apply the staple. Repeat with remaining staples. Continue until the spine has enough staples to hold the paper in place firmly when folded to form a booklet. 3 is enough for most projects, while a particularly thick or tall booklet may require 4 or more staples. Purchase a centerline or rotating-head stapler. If you staple booklets together frequently, it may be worth investing in one of these two specialized stapler varieties. Centerline staplers are simply oversized staplers which can reach the booklet spine from the correct direction to orient a staple. Rotating-head staplers are shorter, but have a stapler arm that can rotate to apply the staple with the correct orientation. Either variety is suitable for booklets. Centerline staplers are sometimes referred to as booklet staplers or long reach staplers. For centerline staplers, check that the "throat depth" can reach across the full width of your booklet's page. Check the maximum number of sheets the device can staple. Keep in mind this is the number of pieces of paper, not the number of numbered pages in your finished booklet. Assemble your booklet. Make sure that all the pages are in order and that the paper is evenly aligned before inserting into the stapler. Decide how many staples are required down the spine of the booklet. Usually two will suffice (this is standard) but depending on the size of your booklet, one staple may suffice or you may need three or four. If you need more than one or two staples, it can be helpful to make small pencil marks in advance that show you where to position the stapler. With practice, this will likely become easier. Position your booklet with the outside cover facing upwards. Place it into the specialized stapler so that the center portion is aligned underneath the stapling mechanism. Make sure the booklet is aligned with the stapler, and that the margins on either side of the stapler are as close to the same width as possible. Push the stapler arm down on the spine where you want to place each staple. Once the stapler arm is aligned, push down on the end of the upper arm until you hear the staple go through the paper. Repeat the process above to align your stapler on a different place on the spine, and staple until the booklet has as many staples as you choose. Two or three staples are generally enough. Check that all staples have been properly inserted and sit flat. If any of them failed to puncture the paper, or did not close properly, remove them so you can try again. Do this by carefully unbending each arm of the staple until it is straight, then pushing it out through the hole made by the stapler.

Put down a layer of corrugated cardboard or other protective material. Place your booklet face down over the cardboard. Pull the two arms of the stapler apart. Align the stapler head over the booklet's center. Push down on the stapler head to deploy the staple. Lift the booklet carefully and inspect the staple. Push the staple prongs down over the paper. Repeat with remaining staples. Use this method to staple thin booklets. Place two large books next to each other. Lay your stack of paper face down over the books, with the center over the gap. Pull the two arms of the stapler apart. Hold the paper in place and align the top arm over the spine. Push down on the stapler head swiftly. Bend down the staple prongs. Repeat with remaining staples. Purchase a centerline or rotating-head stapler. Assemble your booklet. Decide how many staples are required down the spine of the booklet. Position your booklet with the outside cover facing upwards. Push the stapler arm down on the spine where you want to place each staple. Check that all staples have been properly inserted and sit flat.