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https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Burst-Blister

How to Care for a Burst Blister

To care for a burst blister, start by washing your hands so you don't spread germs to the area and cause an infection. Then, gently wash the area with soap and water to clean it. When you're finished, allow the blister to air dry, or gently blot it with a towel. Once it's dry, apply an antibacterial ointment and put a clean bandage over it. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.

Wash your hands thoroughly. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash your hands before touching the blister site. Wash your hands for 15-20 seconds. This will help prevent the spread of germs, which could cause an infection in the blister area. Wash the area thoroughly with gentle soap and water. Don't scrub the blister; this could tear the skin further. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the exposed skin. Allow the blister to dry. Let it air dry, if possible, or blot gently with a towel. Don't rub the blister area with a towel, as this could tear the skin. Leave the skin flap intact. The skin flap that formed the top of the blister may eventually come off, but will still help protect the raw skin underneath while it heals. If possible, leave it intact, and smooth it down over the raw skin underneath. If the blister has torn, or if there is dirt under the skin flap, you may need to trim it away to prevent infection and keep it from ripping further and damaging healthy skin. First, wash the area thoroughly. Then, disinfect a pair of small scissors (nail or first aid scissors work best for this) using rubbing alcohol. (You can also sterilize scissors by placing them in boiling water for 20 minutes, or holding them over an open flame until the metal turns red, and then letting them cool.) Carefully clip away the dead skin. Don't clip too close to the healthy skin. It is better to leave a bit of excess than risk further injury to your skin. Apply an antibacterial ointment or cream to the area. This will help prevent infection, which is the biggest risk with burst blisters. Common over-the-counter antibacterial ointments and creams include Neosporin and “triple antibiotic ointment,” both of which contain neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin. Apply a clean bandage over the blister. For smaller blisters, a regular bandage should work fine, but for larger blisters, you may need to use a nonstick gauze pad held in place with first aid tape. Be sure to only use non-stick bandages and gauze pads on an open blister. Regular gauze will stick to raw skin! Hydrocolloid bandages may help accelerate healing. They will adhere to skin, but not to the blister. Use a special bandage for a raw or especially painful blister. If the skin over the blister has come away, or if the blister is on your foot or another sensitive area, you may want to use a special bandage designed for blisters. There are numerous brands of special blister cushion bandages that are padded to protect delicate skin. You can also use moleskin on blisters. Moleskin is a soft, felt-like substance that often has an adhesive backing. Cut two pieces of moleskin slightly larger than your blister. Cut a circle roughly the size of your blister in one of the pieces. Apply this piece over the blister, positioning it so that the “window” is directly over the blister. Apply the second piece of moleskin on top of the first. Resist the urge to use a liquid bandage like New-Skin. These are more suited to cuts or lacerations, and could cause further irritation or infection if used on a blister. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or call your doctor for a specific recommendation. Change the bandage on your blister frequently. You should change the bandage daily, or anytime it becomes wet or soiled. Each time you change the bandage, gently wash and dry the area, and reapply antibiotic ointment to the site. Continue to bandage the blister until the skin has healed completely. Manage itching caused by a healing blister. It is common for a blister to itch as it heals, especially if it is allowed to dry out, but it is important not to scratch it and risk further skin damage. Keeping the area cool and wet is one way to decrease itching. Soak a clean cloth in ice water, and apply it to the site, or soak the area in a tub of cool water. Be sure to clean the area, reapply antibiotic cream and bandage it again afterwards. If the skin around the bandage becomes red, bumpy, or itchy, you may have an allergy to the adhesive in the bandage (or the bandage itself). Try a different brand, or try nonstick sterile gauze pads and medical tape. You can apply hydrocortisone 1% ointment to the irritated skin around the blister to help with itching, but don't apply it to the blister itself. Remove the skin flap once the wound is no longer sore. Once the skin underneath the blister has had a chance to heal and is no longer tender, you can safely trim away the skin flap over it using a pair of clean, sanitized scissors. Watch for signs of infection. Open blisters can become infected easily, so pay close attention to them as they heal. If you notice any signs of infection, or if your blister isn't beginning to recover within a few days, seek medical attention. Signs of infection include: Increased pain around the blister. Swelling, redness, or warmth near the blister. Red streaks on your skin heading away from the blister; this is a sign of blood poisoning. Pus draining from the blister. A fever. Seek medical attention for blisters. Many blisters will heal naturally on their own, given a little time. However, there are some cases in which you should see your doctor for a blister as soon as possible. You should seek prompt medical attention if your blisters: Are infected (see the previous step for signs of infection) Are causing a lot of pain Keep returning Occur in unusual places, such as the inside of the mouth or on the eyelids Are the result of burns, including sunburn or scalding Are the result of an allergic reaction (for example, to an insect bite) Wear shoes that fit. Friction is a very common cause of blisters, especially on the feet. Wearing properly fitted shoes will help reduce your likelihood of developing blisters on your feet. You can also attach moleskin or special blister prevention tape to the inside of your shoes' heels, where rubbing often occurs. Wear thick socks to protect feet from blisters. Moisture-wicking socks are a particularly good choice, as blisters are more likely to develop when your skin is damp. You can also help protect your feet by wearing tights or hose if thick socks are not an option for your outfit. Keep skin dry. Blisters are more likely to form on the moist skin. You may be able to find a gel or “friction block stick” to apply to areas that are likely to form blisters. These products can help keep skin dry and prevent rubbing. Try dusting the insides of your shoes and socks with a talc-free baby or foot powder. Avoid talcum powder, since some studies, show it may be a carcinogen. Some powders also have odor-killing agents in them. You can also try a foot spray to help reduce sweating. Wear gloves. Wearing gloves, especially during manual labor such as manufacturing, gardening, or construction, will help prevent the development of blisters on your hands. You should also wear gloves while doing activities such as weight-lifting, which can also cause blisters on the hands. Stay sun-smart. Severe sunburns can also cause blisters. Protect yourself in the sun by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen lotion. Blistering is a sign of second-degree sunburn. It can take 10-21 days to heal.

Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash the area thoroughly with gentle soap and water. Allow the blister to dry. Leave the skin flap intact. Apply an antibacterial ointment or cream to the area. Apply a clean bandage over the blister. Use a special bandage for a raw or especially painful blister. Change the bandage on your blister frequently. Manage itching caused by a healing blister. Remove the skin flap once the wound is no longer sore. Watch for signs of infection. Seek medical attention for blisters. Wear shoes that fit. Wear thick socks to protect feet from blisters. Keep skin dry. Wear gloves. Stay sun-smart.

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

How to Refinish a Deck

Before you refinish a deck, put on a pair of rubber gloves and protective clothing, since you'll be working with strong chemicals. Then, scrub your deck with a solution of water and trisodium phosphate to get rid of dirt or mold. Next, wait for your deck to dry, and apply a waterproof deck finish to the railings with a paint brush. Once you're done with the railings, use a roller brush to coat the deck and stairs, working with the grain of the wood, parallel to the boards. After that, follow the instructions on your refinishing product to apply multiple coats, if necessary.

Get your equipment. There are a few things you're going to need for this project, including supplies to clean the deck, fix problems, and refinish the deck. Many of the tools and supplies you'll need include: A broom and a hose or power washer Cleaning agent, such as trisodium phosphate A bucket and water A stiff-bristle brush with synthetic bristles Soap and water to remove mildew A paint brush, tray, and roller Sandpaper Painter's tape A waterproof deck finish Rubber gloves and protective clothing Choose the right finish. Unless your deck is less than a year old, a clear or fully transparent stain or sealer is not recommended. For a natural wood look that still hides knots and grain pattern, choose a semi-transparent stain. To cover the wood completely and hide its natural color and grain patterns, choose a solid stain instead. An oil-based stain or sealer will penetrate the wood deeper and last longer, but a water-based product will be easier to clean. It's also best to choose a stain that provides: A waterproof finish (not just water-resistant) to protect it from the elements. UV-resistance to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Protection from water damage (it will contain a mildewcide). Insecticide if your home is prone to wood-eating bugs. Find plastic to cover your plants. Although most deck sealants are safe for plants, it's better to protect nearby foliage from cleaner and paint run-off. You can either buy large sheets of plastic or cut open plastic garbage bags, but make sure you cover up nearby plants before you move on to the next stages. Remove furniture. Move tables, chairs, umbrellas, carpets, barbecues, and anything else you might have on the deck. Clear the surface of the deck completely, as well as the railings and steps. This may include removing lights, plants, and other items as well. Before emptying your deck, you might want to clear a space below, in the garage, or in the basement where you can store your deck furniture for a few days while your refinishing project is underway. Sweep and inspect the deck. Sweep to remove dust, dirt, and other debris completely. As you sweep, do a visual check of the deck, looking for problem areas such as popped nails, loose screws, warped, rotted, or split boards, chips, or areas that require sanding. Sand down any areas where splintered wood way cause slivers. Tighten down loose screws and hammer down popped nails. Replace single boards that have split or broken. Tape areas you want to protect. Apply painter's tape to any areas of the deck that adjoin the house, concrete, or other non-deck surfaces to protect them from splashing cleaner and paint. Choose your day and time. Spring is a good time for a refinishing project, but if you attempt this in the summer, you are better off applying sealer or stain in the early morning or late afternoon. You don't want to be refinishing your deck if the temperature is going to drop below 50 F (10 C) or soar above 95 F (35 C). Don't try to refinish the deck on a sunny day, as applying your refinishing product in direct sunlight will make it dry too quickly, which will cause lap marks, and prevent the stain from absorbing into the wood properly. You should also have a look at the long-range forecast to help choose a day when it won't be raining. Clean and scrub the deck. In a large bucket, dilute one cup (8 ounces) of trisodium phosphate in one gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Use the brush to scrub the railings and stairs with the water and trisodium phosphate solution. Attach your stiff-bristle brush to the long handle and continue scrubbing the entire surface of the deck. Scrubbing will clean off dirt, mold and mildew, old paint or stain, and grime. It will also help open the pores in the wood so that your finish will penetrate more deeply. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety equipment when working with heavy-duty cleaners. It is generally not necessary to actively strip old stain or sealer from a deck. Rinse with water. Once you've scrubbed the entire deck, use your garden hose to rinse it off well. A power washer isn't necessary at this stage, but if you do want to use one, avoid areas that have sustained damage from the elements, keep the nozzle 12 inches or farther from the surface, and don't linger on a single spot for too long. Concentrate your pressure washer use in the corners and areas where it was difficult to reach when you were scrubbing. Allow the deck to dry. If you are using a water-based stain or sealer, you can apply the product when the deck is still damp. However, if you chose an oil-based stain, you will have to wait two to three days until the deck has dried completely before you can proceed with the refinishing. Apply the new finish to the railings. Pour your refinishing product into the paint tray. Dip in your paint brush a few times to saturate it, gently brush off the excess, and begin refinishing your deck, starting with the railings. Don't apply an overly thick coat, and brush away any pools immediately. Refinish the deck surface and stairs. When you're ready to start painting the deck surface, attach the roller to your roller frame, and attach the roller frame to your long handle. Soak your roller in an even coating of stain and roll off the excess. Dip the roller back in the tray as needed. Start in an inside corner closest to the house if possible, and apply the stain parallel to the boards (in the direction of the wood grain). Work your way toward the stairs, and then refinish the stairs starting at the top and working your way down. Use a brush for delicate areas along the house or near other edges where you don't want to paint the adjoining surface. Avoid lap marks. To prevent some areas from getting more stain and being darker than others, only work on a few boards at a time, and cover the entire length of those boards before moving over. Also make sure that when you stop to get more paint on the roller, you don't take so long that your edge has time to dry. Apply multiple coats if necessary. Check the can and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding wait time between applying coats. Once you've waited the allotted time, apply your next coat according to the same process. Note that some products have to be applied while the first coat is still slightly wet in order to absorb into the wood properly. Allow the deck to dry fully. Check the manufacturer's instructions for exact time, but most will recommend waiting two or more days before replacing furniture and walking on the deck again.

Get your equipment. Choose the right finish. Find plastic to cover your plants. Remove furniture. Sweep and inspect the deck. Tape areas you want to protect. Choose your day and time. Clean and scrub the deck. Rinse with water. Allow the deck to dry. Apply the new finish to the railings. Refinish the deck surface and stairs. Avoid lap marks. Apply multiple coats if necessary. Allow the deck to dry fully.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Shove-it-on-a-Skateboard

How to Do a Shove it on a Skateboard

A shove it is a popular skateboard trick that involves rotating your board 180 degrees in the air. To do a shove it, start by pushing off a couple of times so you're rolling at a comfortable speed. Place your front foot over the front bolts and your back foot between the back bolts and the tail of your board. Then, jump up while shoving the tail to your heel side with your back foot. At the same time, move your front foot in the opposite direction to create momentum. This will make your board spin horizontally. Time it so you land on the board as it straightens out again. It might take you a little while to get it down, but if you practice the trick while stationary, then slowly build up your speed, you'll get it!

Hold onto a railing for support at first. One of the best ways to practice a trick before trying it out is to hold onto something for support. You can still go through the motions of a trick without rolling on cement. Practice somewhere like a garage and use a railing to hold onto. You can also practice tricks while sitting down. You just need to make sure that your board has enough space to move. Alternatively, try practicing the skateboard on the deck alone first (without the trucks or wheels). Practice the stance. Place your front foot directly above the front wheels with your toe pointed slightly out. Next, place your back foot on the edge of the board with your toe slightly overhanging the tail, also with your toe pointed slightly out. Last, center your body weight above the board. Practice the motion. The shove it is a simple trick that relies on the friction created from your feet. The idea is that you move each foot in the opposite direction. With enough force from your feet, the skateboard will spin at 180 degrees. If done correctly, the board should rotate and land on an even line. It is best to practice while holding onto something because you jump off your skateboard while the board spins. You control most of the spin, or the "shove," with your back foot. Your back foot has more influence than your front foot. The motion is sort of a scissor kick, where your back foot kicks the board behind you and your front foot goes up in the air. You are definitely at risk of hurting yourself once you land on the board after it spins. Control the spin of the board. Once the board is spinning, it is important to land on the board when after a 180 degree rotation. Pay attention to where your feet land. If you do not balance your feet onto the board after the rotation, you could fall. Watch how the board spins and practice getting the board to land as close to where you started. On the landing, attempt to balance your feet by placing each foot on the opposite end of the board. Remember to pop with your back foot but then lift your foot into the air so it can stay above the board before landing again. Attempt the trick while stationary, but without holding on. Use the same location you attempted the trick with railing, but this time don't hold onto anything. If you fall, you are learning. Falling is a requirement for learning how to skateboard. Practice until you land the trick without holding onto anything for support. Eventually move on to practicing the trick while rolling. This will be the true test of whether you can do the trick. Many skateboarders think that you'll get better faster the sooner you begin practicing your tricks on the move. Start rolling at a comfortable speed. Try to find a patch of concrete that is smooth. The best way to undergo this trick, at first, is at a slow speed. Start with two pushes and then prepare to do the trick. Wear a helmet if you are scared of jumping on and off your skateboard. Position your feet. Place your front foot over the front bolts or even a little farther forward. Have your back foot between the back bolts and the tail. Before a trick, it helps if you crouch down and bend your knees. There isn't one position you should take for this trick. All skaters perform tricks in their own style. If your footwork is different from the recommended setup, then try it out. You should strive for comfort. Once you get used to it, start to place your front foot closer and closer to the middle of your board. Initiate the shove it. Without stomping the tail, use your back foot to shove the tail to your heel side. Use your front foot to help turn the board. Jump in the air as the board starts spinning. When you see the tail come around (i.e., when the board has spun 180 degrees), extend your legs and land on the board. Try not to land both feet on one side of the board or you will fall. While in the air make a conscious effort to place each foot on different sides of the board. Practice until you perfect it. Skateboarding takes hard work and determination. You probably won't be able to land the trick after trying 10 or more times. Eventually you will find a way to modify your technique to land the trick. The goal is to land the trick 4 out of 5 attempts. You should expect to fall when practicing a new trick. Use your weight to balance the impact of landing. Wear knee pads, elbow pads, and any other protective equipment you think you may need.

Hold onto a railing for support at first. Practice the stance. Practice the motion. Control the spin of the board. Attempt the trick while stationary, but without holding on. Start rolling at a comfortable speed. Position your feet. Initiate the shove it. Practice until you perfect it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Roth-IRA-Account

How to Open a Roth IRA Account

Before you open a Roth IRA account, go to the IRS website and search “Publication 590-A" to calculate your modified adjusted gross income (AGI). Then, visit RothIRA.com to check whether you qualify to contribute to a Roth based on your AGI. If you qualify, research online or speak to a financial advisor about investments like stocks and money market accounts to determine which ones are right for you. Then, choose a brokerage or financial institution that offers such investments by researching RothIRA.com's account providers list.

Learn the basics of an IRA. Quite simply, an Individual Retirement Account or IRA is a retirement savings account. Inside an IRA, you can hold stocks, bonds, mutual funds, treasuries, cash, or certificates of deposit. The main benefit of an IRA is that the investments you hold within it are allowed to grow tax-free. Investments are subject to a variety of taxes. For example, if you purchase a stock, the dividend income paid to you is subject to taxation. Similarly, if you buy a stock and sell it in a year for a profit, that profit is also taxed. Within an IRA, any money you make from your investments can grow tax-free. This, in turn, allows your wealth to accumulate faster. In a taxable account, your returns would constantly be reduced by taxes owning. IRA's are subject to limitations. For example, you could face a penalty charge of 10% for withdrawing any profits you have made before you turn age 59.5. In addition, there are limits to how much you can contribute annually to an IRA. There are two main types of IRA's -- Traditional IRA's, and Roth IRA's Understand Traditional IRA's. A traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) allows you to make tax-deductible contributions. This means you do not need to pay any income taxes on income that you contribute to your Traditional IRA each year. For example, if you make $50,000 one year, and contribute $5,000 to your IRA, you will only pay tax on $45,000. You cannot withdrawn any contributions or profits before age 59.5, or else you are subject to a 10% penalty tax. With a traditional IRA, you pay taxes when you withdraw the money, at which point they are taxed as if they are income. For example assume you turn 60, have $1 million in a Traditional IRA, and choose to withdraw $50,000 per year. That $50,000 would be taxed at whatever your income tax rate is at the time. If you are under 50, you can contribute $5,500 per year, and if you are over 50 you can contribute $6,500 per year. You must start making withdrawals before age 70. Understand a Roth IRA. Roth IRA's are similar to traditional IRA's with one key difference -- your Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible. This means if you contribute $5,000 of your income to a Roth IRA, you must pay tax on that income. The benefit is, unlike a Traditional IRA, you pay no taxes when you withdraw your money. This means if you withdraw $50,000 per year when you are 60, you receive $50,000 per year, completely tax-free. This benefits many people because incomes are often higher in old age, which means so are income taxes. Roth IRA's also allow you to withdraw your contributions any time, tax-free. The key word here is contributions. Any profits from your contributions are subject to the 10% penalty tax unless withdrawn after 59.5. For example assume you are 40 have contributed $20,000, which has in turn made $10,000 in profits, giving you a total account value of $30,000. You can withdraw $20,000 (your contributions) without facing penalty, but if you withdraw $30,000 you will face a penalty tax on your $10,000 in profits. The contribution limits for a Roth IRA are the same as a traditional IRA. Unlike a traditional IRA, you do not need to make withdrawals before age 70. Choose the correct account type for you. Certain types of IRA's are better for certain people. Generally, a Roth IRA's a better choice if you think you will have a higher income in retirement, want access to withdraw your contributions before age 59.5, or want the flexibility to let your money to continue to grow tax-free after age 70.. Since you do not pay tax on a Roth IRA when you withdraw the money after age 59.5, if you think your retirement income will be higher than your current income, a Roth IRA allows you to contribute now when your income is lower, and avoid paying taxes at a higher tax bracket on your higher retirement income. If you pay little or no income tax, you won't get a beneficial tax deduction for a Traditional IRA, so a Roth IRA makes better financial sense in the long run. A Roth IRA also benefits those who need flexibility. For example, if your employment situation is unstable,or you foresee needing to withdraw money before age 59.5, a Roth IRA provides that flexibility. Calculate your modified adjusted gross income (“AGI”). Your modified AGI is used in determining your eligibility for a Roth IRA and can be calculated using http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a/ch02.html#en_US_2014_publink1000230988 provided by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Alternatively, Google search "modified adjusted gross income calculator" for a variety of online calculators. Determine if you are eligible to open a Roth IRA. Not everyone is eligible. Roth IRAs have an income limit, and those who have an adjusted gross annual income higher than the maximum allowed income for their tax filing status may not open or contribute to a Roth IRA. To determine if you are eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, use your modified AGI and the http://www.rothira.com/what-is-a-Roth-IRA provided by RothIRA.com. Currently, if you are single, the amount of money you can contribute annually to your Roth IRA begins to phase-out if your income is between $116,000 and $131,000 annually. If you are married and filing your income taxes jointly, the amount you can contribute begins to phase-out if your income is between $183,000 and $193,000. If your income is below $116,000, you can contribute the full $5,500 annually if you are under age 50 and $6,500 per year if you are over 50. Decide what type(s) of investments(s) you will purchase. You can purchase almost any investment you wish with a Roth IRA and should do some research to determine which investments are right for you. This will also help you choose where to open your account, as not all investment firms provide every type of investment option. Some guidelines when selecting investments include: Stocks provide investors with the most potential for growth but also come with the most risk. Money market (or cash) investments may be the least risky options, but they also provide the lowest rate of return. The younger you are, the more risk you can afford to take, as your investments have more time to recover from market downturns. Investments such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds may be easier to research and evaluate. For help choosing specific investments, you could use Fidelity Investments' online tools to find and evaluate investment opportunities. Do not be afraid to consult with a financial adviser or planner to explore investment options. Decide where you will place your account. Do some research and find the brokerage or financial institution most suitable for you. A good place to begin researching and comparing brokers is RothIRA.com's Account provider list. You may also want to check local banks and investment firms. Compare the following: Account fees. Some brokers charge annual fees and others do not. Make sure you know in advance if the broker you choose charges annual fees and in what amount. Mutual funds charge management fees which may be "hidden," (not readily apparent), so read the prospectus before investing. Minimum required contribution to open an account. Brokers may require an initial deposit of up to $2,500. Some companies will waive the initial contribution limit if you set up automatic, recurring contributions from your bank account. The maximum annual contribution for 2014 was $5500 ($6500 if you were age 50 or over). Investment choices. Brokers typically offer a wide variety of investment choices. They should be willing to provide you with detailed information about those choices. Tools and information provided. Many large brokerage firms offer online calculators, personal advice, and market commentary from experts. Account funding options. Review the brokerage firm's account-funding options to ensure that funding your account will be easy and hassle-free. Many firms offer the chance to transfer money directly from a personal bank account. Locations. Some brokers are online only and do not offer local offices where you can get a face-to-face meeting with an account specialist or customer service representative. If you want to be able to speak with someone in person from time to time, choose a broker with a local office. Determine whom you will name as beneficiary. When opening any financial account, you should name a beneficiary to inherit the account in case something happens to you. Your brokerage firm or financial institution should provide you with a form to designate a beneficiary. Keep this information up-to-date, should your situation change. You don't want an ex-spouse claiming your hard-earned money, for example, when you want to leave it to your children. Apply for a new account. Most brokers allow new customers to apply for a new account online. However, if you have chosen a local broker with a brick-and-mortar office and wish to open an account in person, call for an appointment. To open an account online, visit the broker's website and follow the onscreen instructions. Some information you may need to provide when opening an account include: Your Social Security number and the Social Security number of your beneficiary. Your checking or savings routing and account numbers. Your income information. Brokerage firms and financial institutions use this to determine your eligibility for a Roth IRA. Begin making contributions to your account. Follow your brokerage firm's instructions for making contributions. Keep in mind that there are yearly limits on the amount that you can contribute to a Roth IRA. You can use http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590a/ch02.html#en_US_2014_publink1000230988 provided by the IRS in publication 590.

Learn the basics of an IRA. Understand Traditional IRA's. Understand a Roth IRA. Choose the correct account type for you. Calculate your modified adjusted gross income (“AGI”). Determine if you are eligible to open a Roth IRA. Decide what type(s) of investments(s) you will purchase. Decide where you will place your account. Determine whom you will name as beneficiary. Apply for a new account. Begin making contributions to your account.

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Motivation-to-Do-Homework

How to Find Motivation to Do Homework

To find the motivation to do your homework, give yourself small rewards after you accomplish a goal, like a 5 minute video after finishing a reading assignment. For larger accomplishments, like completing an important paper, give yourself a bigger reward, like going out for pizza with friends. You can also try giving yourself a treat, like a scoop of ice cream or 10 minutes to text your best friend, before you begin working to lift your mood and make you more productive. If you have a friend who won't distract you, see if they want to do homework together so you can keep each other on track.

Reward yourself when you meet a homework goal. Rewards can be a powerful motivator! Whenever you accomplish a goal—even a little one—take a moment to reward yourself. Your rewards don't have to be anything elaborate or fancy. It could be something as simple as watching a funny 5-minute video after completing a short reading assignment. Give yourself bigger rewards for bigger accomplishments. For example, you might go out for pizza with a friend after handing in an important paper. Treat yourself before you start working, too. You don't have to save all the rewards for when you're done working. Sometimes it can help to give your mood a lift before you get down to a task. Take a few minutes to enjoy a favorite snack or check your social media. Just make sure you limit yourself to a specific amount of time (like 10 minutes, for example) so that you don't end up getting totally distracted and wasting a few hours. Work with a motivated study buddy. Working with a friend can make homework more enjoyable. You and your buddy can also help keep each other on track. Make sure you choose a friend who is serious about getting their work done so that you don't end up goofing off and distracting each other. Doing homework with a friend doesn't necessarily mean collaborating on the same assignments. You can just spend time together while you each do your own work. Check with your teacher first before working together with a friend on an assignment. They may want you to do the work by yourself. Determine when and where you work best. Some people work best when they first get up in the morning, whereas others feel more energized in the late afternoon or evening. You might also find that some study environments work better for you than others. Experiment to figure out what works best for you. For example, if you're a morning person, try doing your homework right after you eat breakfast. If you tend to get distracted while working at your desk at home, experiment with doing your homework in the library or a coffee shop instead. Some people also find it helpful to change their routine from time to time. If you find yourself getting bored, try working at a different time from usual or finding a new study space. Set some SMART homework goals. Setting specific goals can help you stay motivated and make your work feel more manageable. To get the most from your goals, make them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Write down your goals and be sure to celebrate whenever you achieve one, no matter how small! Setting vague goals can lead to frustration. Instead of saying, “I'm going to get all my homework done this week,” try something more specific—e.g., “I'm going to work on my English essay for 1 hour every day this week.” Remind yourself of why you’re in school in the first place. Even if you're not that excited about the classes you're taking right now, looking at the big picture and setting some personal goals for yourself can help. Think about the ways that doing well in school will help you in the long run. For example, maybe you want to get good grades so you can get into your dream college, or possibly you're working towards an exciting career. Doing a good job in your classes can also be its own reward—knowing that you worked hard and did your best is a great self-esteem booster! Take care of your physical needs before working. It's hard to concentrate on homework if you're tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. Try to get plenty of sleep if you know you'll have to do a bunch of homework the next day, and don't try to work on an empty stomach or with a full bladder! If you feel physically tense, do some yoga or light stretches before you begin to work. Doing breathing exercises can also help you feel more comfortable and alert. If you're not already in comfy clothes, get changed before you start working. This may mean joggers, sweatpants, pjs, shorts, underwear, or even being completely naked. It's your choice. Find a quiet and comfortable work space. Your environment can make a big difference in how well you focus on your work. Before you begin doing your homework, find a spot that is quiet, well-lit, and gives you plenty of space to spread out. You'll want a place where you can sit comfortably, but don't get too comfortable. If you do homework in bed or on a cozy couch, you may be tempted to fall asleep! If you have to work at home, ask anyone who lives with you to give you a little quiet time while you do your homework. Put away your phone and other distractions. If you're constantly looking at your Facebook feed or checking your Instagram notifications, you won't get much work done. Put your phone in a place where you can't get at it easily, like inside your bag or in a desk drawer. Turn off notifications if they distract you. If you can't resist messing around on your phone or visiting time-wasting websites on your computer, consider installing an app or a browser extension that blocks tempting apps and sites. Don't try to work with a TV or radio on. If you listen to music while you do your homework, choose something that's quiet and not too exciting, like some gentle classical music. Energize yourself with water and healthy snacks. While you study, keep a bottle of water and some snacks on hand. Staying hydrated and eating healthy foods can help you wake up, focus, and stay alert. Choose foods that can help boost your brain power, such as: Whole grains Healthy proteins, like fish, beans, or nuts Blueberries Leafy greens Take frequent breaks while you work. You'll get burnt out and lose focus quickly if you try to work too long without a break. Try working for an hour to an hour and a half and then taking a 15-minute break. This will give your tired brain a chance to rest and recharge. During your breaks, you can go for a walk, have a snack, do a little meditation , or even put your head down for a quick power nap. You can also use your breaks to reward yourself with a fun video or a quick game on your phone. Switch between different tasks to help you stay sharp. If you've reached the point where you can't stand to look at your assignment any more, take a break and then try switching to another task for a while. This way you can give your brain a break (and get some variety) while still being productive. For example, if you've been working on an essay for an hour or two, take a break and then switch to doing some math problems. Don't try to do more than one task at once, though. Trying to multitask will disrupt your focus and cause you to make more mistakes. Create a daily work and study schedule. When you're in school, it can be hard to stay on top of all your obligations. Setting a consistent schedule for yourself can help you stay on track and make all that work feel more manageable. Set aside specific times each day to do your studying and homework, and stick to the schedule as closely as possible. Setting a schedule also makes it easier to avoid procrastinating. Make sure to schedule in time for breaks and relaxation, too! Prioritize your assignments and do the most urgent or difficult ones first. It may be tempting to put off big, difficult assignments for last and do the easy ones first. However, letting the more important tasks wait will ultimately lead to panic, frustration, and missed deadlines. Look at all your assignments and decide which ones are most important or urgent and which ones you can put on the back burner for now. Make an ordered list of all your tasks. Try to prioritize ones that are due soon, count towards a major part of your grade, or seem like they will be the most complicated to complete. Put assignments that aren't due for a while or that you know you can finish quickly and easily at the bottom. Break your assignments down into manageable pieces. Large or complicated assignments can feel overwhelming if you try to approach them all at once. Instead, break them down into smaller chunks and approach them one piece at a time. This will help big tasks feel much more manageable—plus, you can reward yourself for each chunk of the assignment that you complete! For example, if you're writing a big paper, you might break it up into pieces like doing the research, composing a bibliography, writing an outline, drafting the introduction, and so on. Try a productivity app to help you stay organized. If you a hard time staying on task and organizing your time, productivity apps can be a big help. Try downloading an app like Todoist, Hours, or Any.do to help you keep track of deadlines, create to-do lists, and monitor how much time you're spending on each assignment. Productivity apps are helpful for some people, but they're not for everyone. Make sure you don't spend so much time worrying about the app that it starts to cut into your homework time!

Reward yourself when you meet a homework goal. Treat yourself before you start working, too. Work with a motivated study buddy. Determine when and where you work best. Set some SMART homework goals. Remind yourself of why you’re in school in the first place. Take care of your physical needs before working. Find a quiet and comfortable work space. Put away your phone and other distractions. Energize yourself with water and healthy snacks. Take frequent breaks while you work. Switch between different tasks to help you stay sharp. Create a daily work and study schedule. Prioritize your assignments and do the most urgent or difficult ones first. Break your assignments down into manageable pieces. Try a productivity app to help you stay organized.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Soda-Bottle-Volcano

How to Make a Soda Bottle Volcano

To make a soda bottle volcano, first combine 2 parts vinegar, 1 part water, and a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Then, put the mixture in an empty 2-liter soda bottle and add a spoonful of baking soda, which will react with the vinegar to make your volcano erupt. Alternately, you can drop Mentos candies into a 2-liter bottle of cola. You can then watch the eruption, which happens when the candies react with the carbon dioxide in the soda to push the liquid out of the bottle. Just be sure to move away quickly, since the eruption can make quite a mess!

Find a base for your volcano. This can be a plastic cutting board, a piece of scrap wood, or any other sturdy, flat surface that can be spared for a while. Avoid cardboard, as it will likely be too flimsy to support your project. If you're working with scrap material, consider decorating the base to look like a flat landscape. You may want to paint it, cover it with moss, apply green felt to indicate grass, attach miniature trees, etc. Attach a full, unopened, 2-liter soda bottle to the base. Since you will build the volcano around the bottle, be sure to place it in the center of the base. How you attach it will depend on what your base is. If it's a kitchen cutting board, place a lump of clay or Play-Doh on the board and lightly crush the bottle into it for a loose hold. If you're using scrap wood, use a plastic/wood adhesive. A caramel-colored soda will probably look the most like lava when your volcano erupts, so avoid clear drinks. Both diet and regular soda work for this experiment, but diet soda erupts higher. If gluing the bottle, let the bottle reach room temperature. A cold, sweating soda bottle will never glue properly. Avoid using hot glue, which might melt the bottle and make a mess. If you're doing a vinegar and baking soda volcano, you will attach an empty bottle to the board. Build the volcano around the bottle. For a textured look, shape some chicken wire into a lumpy, mountainous cone around the bottle. Cover the chicken wire with papier-mâché. An alternative to paper-mâché is to sculpt some clay around the bottle. For a more solid look, shape green, gray, or brown play-dough or clay around the bottle. Avoid covering the cap of the bottle or you won't be able to activate the volcano. Ensure you have access to the opening so you can add Mentos or baking soda for the eruption! Paint the volcano. After you have let the paper-mâché dry, paint it with acrylic paint (which will also help seal out moisture). Use shades of brown and orange around the top and add some green to look like grass. You may even want to press pebbles, dirt, and moss into the surface to give it a more natural appearance. Gather the necessary materials. To make this type of volcano, you will need a two-liter bottle of cola, a roll of Mentos brand candy mints, and a large open area. Diet cola appears to work better than regular soda (it's also less sticky than regular soda). Sodas with caramel color look more like 'lava' when they erupt as compared to clear lemon-lime sodas. This experiment is best done outside, but if you must be inside, lay down a large plastic tarp first. Position the volcano in a large, outdoor area and open the soda bottle. Avoid doing this experiment inside, as it will create a huge, sticky mess. Make sure your outdoor area is also uncovered since the soda can erupt quite high. Remove the cap from the soda bottle. Warn any spectators to stand back. Prepare a whole roll of Mentos to drop into the bottle. When Mentos come in contact with the soda, a reaction occurs that causes the carbon dioxide gas in the soda to push the liquid out of the bottle. The more Mentos you drop in all at once, the greater the eruption; however, this can be difficult. There are a few different ways to deliver the Mentos into the bottle. Method 1: Make a paper tube with the same width as the bottle neck. It should be long enough to fit the number of Mentos you want to put inside. Place an index card over the bottle mouth, place the tube over the hole, and fill it with Mentos. When you are ready to erupt, you will slide the card out, releasing the Mentos into the bottle. Method 2: Loosely scotch tape the entire roll of Mentos together. When it's time, you will drop the taped chain directly into the open bottle. Method 3: Insert into the bottle a funnel with a mouth that is wide enough to allow the Mentos to pass, but small enough to fit inside the neck of the bottle. You will drop the Mentos through the funnel and remove the funnel once the Mentos are in the bottle. Release the Mentos into the bottle and run. Getting all the Mentos to fall in the bottle simultaneously is quite hard. If done incorrectly, the volcano will only rise a few inches or so. Practice getting the Mentos to drop simultaneously a few times before wasting your bottle of soda. Once the Mentos drop into the bottle, run a few feet away to observe the eruption! If using the paper tube method, remove the card holding the Mentos in place and let them all slide into the bottle at one time. If using the tape method, simply drop the piece of taped-together Mentos into the mouth of the bottle. If using the funnel, drop all the Mentos into the funnel at the same time. Remove the funnel once they're all in and run back. Gather the necessary materials. For this volcano, you will need 400 milliliters (13.5  fl oz) of vinegar, 200 mL of water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid, a large spoonful of baking soda, an empty 2-liter soda bottle, and red food coloring. Do a little experimentation to find the proper amounts of each material to get the size of eruption you want. Use red-wine vinegar for the best lava coloring. Alternatively, you can also add red or orange food coloring to white vinegar. You can use a smaller plastic bottle, but will have to adjust the ingredients accordingly. Combine vinegar, water, and a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Add the ingredients to the volcano. The liquid soap breaks the surface tension of water, therefore creating a larger eruption. Place the volcano on a plastic-covered table or over a linoleum floor. This method won't make as big a mess as the Mentos method, but you definitely don't want to have to scrub the results out of a carpet or rug. If the weather is agreeable, place the volcano outside. Add a spoonful of baking soda to the mixture. The baking soda will react with the vinegar mixture and cause your volcano to erupt! If you want a larger explosion increase the amount of vinegar and baking soda used.

Find a base for your volcano. Attach a full, unopened, 2-liter soda bottle to the base. Build the volcano around the bottle. Paint the volcano. Gather the necessary materials. Position the volcano in a large, outdoor area and open the soda bottle. Prepare a whole roll of Mentos to drop into the bottle. Release the Mentos into the bottle and run. Gather the necessary materials. Combine vinegar, water, and a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Place the volcano on a plastic-covered table or over a linoleum floor. Add a spoonful of baking soda to the mixture.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Four-O%27-Clock-Flowers

How to Grow Four O' Clock Flowers

Four o'clock flowers are trumpet-shaped blossoms that bloom in the evenings. It's best to wait until the weather warms up in early April or May to plant your flowers. You'll need to soak the seeds in water overnight to help them germinate. You can plant them in your garden or in a large pot. Just place the seeds ½ inch deep and at least 1 foot apart. Choose a sunny location where they'll get 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Once you've planted your seeds, keep the soil moist and fertilize it once a month with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Wait until the weather warms up. Plan on planting the seeds during the early spring, after the danger of frost has passed for the season. Depending on where you live, this can be between early April and mid May. Since four o'clock flowers grow quickly, there is no need to start them early indoors. It is recommended that you wait until the weather warms up so that you can sow them directly outdoors. Soak the seeds. The evening before you plan to plant, place the seeds in a small saucer and cover them with water. Allow the seeds to soak in the water overnight. The shells of these seeds are very thick, so they might not germinate well if they are not thoroughly soaked. When ready, the seeds should be somewhat swollen but still firm. Note that if you are planting the seeds during a rainy season, when the soil is thoroughly drenched, you may omit this step and plant the dry seeds directly in the soil. Choose a sunny location. Four o'clock flowers do best when planted in direct sunlight or in light/partial shade. For optimal growth, choose a spot that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight on a regular daily basis. Too much shade can cause the plants to grow lanky and may hinder flower production. Loosen the soil. Use a small trowel or garden fork to dig up the soil in the planting area. Loosen the soil roughly 1 or 2 feet (0.3 or 0.6 m) deep. You should not need to amend the soil. Even though these flowers thrive in rich, well-draining soil, they generally do well in all soil conditions, even when the soil is of fairly poor quality. Gently press the seeds into the soil. Press each seed into the soil with your fingers, placing it no more than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep. Make sure that a loose layer of soil covers the seed to protect it from weather and wildlife, especially birds. This soil should be no greater than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep. Space the seeds 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) apart. Usually, you should only plant one seed per one foot (30 cm) of space. You will eventually need to thin out your seedlings so that the plants are 2 feet (0.61 m) apart. For that reason, you may also opt to sow the seeds 2 feet (0.61 m) apart, saving yourself the extra effort later on. Water well. Gently water the seeds with a watering can or the mist setting of a garden hose. Make sure that the soil is thoroughly moist, but not soggy. Note that the seeds will usually sprout within 7 to 14 days, depending on how warm the temperatures are. Warmer temperatures tend to mean quicker germination. It is crucial that the soil remain moderately moist while the seeds germinate. Never flood the soil, however, since doing so can wash the seeds away. Soak the seeds. Place the thick-shelled seeds in a saucer or cup. Fill this dish with just enough water to cover the seeds and let the seeds soak overnight. Since the shells of these seeds are so thick, they germinate much better when they are softened with plenty of water. The seeds should still be firm after you soak them, but they will feel a little softer and appear more swollen. Find a large enough container. You should use a 1 to 5 gallon (3.8 to 19 L) pot or other planting container. Ideally, the container should have four or five drainage holes. If you are keeping the container indoors, set it on top of a saucer to prevent excess water from creating a mess as it drains. Fill the container with potting soil. Instead of using soil from your garden, fill the planting container with medium to high quality commercial potting mix. Any all-purpose, standard commercial potting mix should suffice. These flowers do not require special soil. Water well. Soak the soil with water before you plant the seeds. The soil should be thoroughly moist, but not soggy. Allow any excess water to drain before you sow the seeds. You will need to make sure that the soil is moderately moist throughout the germination process. This stage will usually take one or two weeks. Place 4 to 7 seeds in the container. Gently press each seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.25 cm) into the soil. Space them apart at even intervals. Four seeds should fit into a 1-gallon (4-L) container comfortably. If you are using a 5-gallon (20-L) container, you can sow a dozen or so seeds without crowding them out too much. Keep in direct sunlight. Set the container in a sunny location where it can receive around 6 hours of sunlight daily. If the weather is warm enough, you can place the container outdoors on a porch, balcony, or patio. If the plants do not receive enough sunlight, they might look lengthy. Bloom production might also suffer. Thin out the seedlings. Once the seedlings have established themselves, then the plants out so that there are 2 feet (0.61 m) between them. If you are growing the plants in containers or otherwise want the plants to remain short and stunted, it is possible to leave only 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) between each seedling. Wait until the stems of the seedlings have already developed two sets of leaves before thinning them out. Keep the healthiest, strongest looking plants and remove the weakest. Keep the soil moist. Four o'clock flowers are somewhat drought-resistant, but the should not be allowed to remain dry for more than a day or two. Try to give the plants at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly, either by rainfall or hand watering with a hose or watering can. Note that flowers grown in a container will require more regular waterings than those grown outdoors. Apply a mild fertilizer monthly. Choose a water-soluble, all-purpose floral fertilizer and apply it before a rainfall or when you water the plants. Choose a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, which contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This type of fertilizer will promote an overall even state of health for the plant. Treat for insects and diseases only as needed. Four o'clock flowers rarely have problems with insects and diseases, so pre-treatment for such conditions is highly discouraged. If problems do develop, treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. The product can either be organic or chemical. Consider digging up the tubers before winter. Each bush should grow a large tuber below ground. If you live in mild climates, you should be able to leave this tuber in the ground without causing damage to the plant. If you live in notably cold climates, however, you should dig it up in the late fall. Store the tubers in between layers of newspaper in cardboard boxes or wooden crates. You can also store the tubers in peat moss or sand. Do not use plastic containers or other closed boxes, since these can encourage the tubers to rot. Place the tubers in a garage, shed, or similar environment. They should remain dry and dark throughout the winter. Replant the tubers in the spring. Dig a hole large enough for the tuber in the same location it once grew. Place the tuber back in the ground, cover with soil, and care for the plant as before. Consider covering the area with mulch. If you do not want to dig up the tuber, you can usually protect it over the winter by covering the planting area with 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5 cm) of organic mulch. Organic mulch can include leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, and newspaper. The mulch provides insulation and keeps the soil a little warmer. Note that in notably cold climates, mulch may not be enough to protect the tuber over the winter. If you are growing the plants in containers, it is also recommended that you spread mulch on top of the container during the spring or summer to help reduce the amount of water evaporation that takes place. This can help prevent the soil from drying out too severely. Wait for seeds to develop. Seeds form when a flower on the bush dries up and falls off the stem. After the flower drops, you should see black pea-sized seeds left in its place. Each four o'clock plant should produce a large quantity of seeds. Collect the seeds. Pluck the seeds off by hand or wait until they drop off the stem on their own. If they drop to the ground, pick them up as soon as you see them. If the seeds are left alone once they drop, more four o'clock flower plants can grow in that spot. Another way to collect the seeds is to gently shake the seed-bearing stems, encouraging the seeds to break off and drop to the ground all at once. Dry the seeds for 5 days. Spread the seeds out on a clean, dry paper towel and leave them in a dry location for five days. The seeds can rot if they are stored while still moist, so this pre-drying step is very important. Dry the seeds indoors to prevent birds and other animals from taking them. Store in paper envelops. Place the dried seeds in paper envelops. Mark the envelop, then gently seal it and store the seeds in a dry location. You can use paper bags, as well. Paper allows air to circulate. Do not use an airtight container, though, like a plastic container. Storing the seeds in this type of container can cause mildew to form or may encourage the seeds to rot.

Wait until the weather warms up. Soak the seeds. Choose a sunny location. Loosen the soil. Gently press the seeds into the soil. Space the seeds 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 0.61 m) apart. Water well. Soak the seeds. Find a large enough container. Fill the container with potting soil. Water well. Place 4 to 7 seeds in the container. Keep in direct sunlight. Thin out the seedlings. Keep the soil moist. Apply a mild fertilizer monthly. Treat for insects and diseases only as needed. Consider digging up the tubers before winter. Consider covering the area with mulch. Wait for seeds to develop. Collect the seeds. Dry the seeds for 5 days. Store in paper envelops.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Job-Interview

How to Prepare for a Job Interview

To prepare for a job interview, research the company's goals and plans to make yourself seem like a good long-term investment. Use your research to speak in-depth about the position you are applying for and the organization in general. Moreover, to express your active interest, think about questions to ask your interviewer, such as where they see the company heading. Finally, anticipate questions such as “What's your biggest weakness” to make sure you have an authentic yet positive way to answer.

Respond appropriately and promptly to the invitation to interview. While it may not feel like a big deal, responding to an invitation to interview already forms a part of your interview impression. Most interview invitations are sent via email and it is both prudent and courteous to reply by email, in a brief, pleasant and cordial manner. Thank the sender for their time and for the opportunity to undertake the interview, confirming that you will be available at the determined time. For detailed help on getting this important part of the interview process right, read How to Respond to an Interview Invitation. If you need more information on things such as parking, door codes, what to bring, etc., this is the time to ask. Research the company's profile and background. Start by looking into their future goals and plans. Conducting the interview with this in mind will make you seem like a good long-term investment. You should also be ready to talk in depth about the industry, the organization, and the position you are applying for. Learn your interviewer's name and job position before going to the interview. You may need to call the company to find out. Talk to current employees. Show initiative while getting a feel for the office environment. Learn as much as you can about the company from people who work there. Know as much about the company as possible. You can't change your employment history or your qualifications, but you can work harder than every other applicant by being supremely knowledgeable about the company. Use the company's website, their annual report, and newspaper/business magazine articles to gather as much information as possible. Think of questions to ask your interviewer. Participating actively during the interview gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. It's a good idea to come prepared with at least three thought-provoking questions to ask your interviewer. (Avoid asking anything that could be easily answered through a quick internet search, or you will simply come across as lazy.) Ask questions that reflect your interest in future prospects. “Which are new markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years?” or “What are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity?” Both show that you want to be on the same page as the people you'll be working for. Ask questions to bond with the interviewer and project your enthusiasm. Inquire about his/her position and background or how long (s)he has been with the company. Ask questions about what is discussed during the interview itself. Though you may be tempted to respond to everything with an “Absolutely!” or a “Sure thing!” to show how competent you are, this will actually make it look like you're not listening. Show that you are paying attention by asking for more details whenever something isn't clear. (Avoid asking questions for the sake of asking, though, or it'll seem like you can't keep up.) Practice with a friend. If you have a friend who is also preparing for an interview, consider preparing together. Not only will this give you a way to structure your preparation, but it will also help you get comfortable with giving answers, telling anecdotes, and using appropriate terminology. Practice giving concise, complete answers and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer(s) while you give them. Make sure you aren't speaking too slow or too fast and that your answers are stated with confidence. Get feedback from a friend. Even if you think their feedback isn't on the mark, it's something to consider: We don't always know how we come off to other people, and the actual interviewer could share some of the same concerns. Know basically what you want to talk about before the interview. If you're stumbling and fumbling for an answer on a very basic question, you're not putting your best foot forward. Have your very basic answers down pat, and anticipate some of the tougher questions before you step into the interview. Anticipate questions from the interviewer. It's best to prepare for a wide variety of questions by thinking about your own career goals, long-term plans, past successes, and work strengths, but you should also brace yourself for the deceptively simple questions that most employers like to throw at their interviewees. “What's your biggest weakness?” is a classic canned interview question that many people dread. Answering this question is a bit of a tightrope walk: While you don't want to be too honest (“I have a really hard time staying motivated”), you won't fool anyone by trying to spin an obviously good quality into a weakness (“I just can't bear to do less-than-outstanding work!”). Instead, think of a genuine issue you have as well as ways you have managed to work with/around it (“I'm not naturally a very organized thinker, but I've become very organized on paper and in my personal space as a result”). “Where do you see yourself in five years?” is another common question that can take you off guard if you don't see it coming. Your panicked reaction might be to blurt out, “Working diligently for you, of course!” but unless you are actually trying to get a job in your chosen career, this probably isn't a good strategy. If you're going after what will clearly be a short-term job – or even one that lasts only several years – be honest about what your greater aspirations are (ex. going back to school, starting your own business); ambition is a very desirable trait in an employee – to say nothing of honesty. “Why do you want this job?” is so straightforward it can throw you for a loop. If you're going into a field you care about, you will have a much easier time answering this. However, if, like many people, you're just trying to make ends meet, you can answer the question by using it as a way of highlighting your skills (“I shine in fast-paced, high-pressure situations and would love to have the opportunity to cultivate my talents here”). “Why did you leave your last job?” is a common question that shouldn't be hard to answer provided that you didn't have a major blowout with your previous employer. If you did, be honest (without being bitter or laying blame, as this will make you look ungracious and hard to work with) and try to put a positive spin on things. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. While you definitely want to seem knowledgeable, don't lie to make it seem like you know something you don't. You probably won't fool your interviewer, and admitting to not knowing something is much more impressive than lying during your interview. If need be, just acknowledge that you do not know the answer but will find out more about it and let them know afterwards. Dress-for-work. In any workplace, your wardrobe is a sign of your professionalism and is sometimes used to gauge your level of competence. When your coworkers and customers look at you, they should immediately feel comfortable working with you. It's easy to rule yourself out of a job just because you didn't take care of your appearance. As a rule of thumb, you should dress for the interview the way you would for the job itself. If the job is unusually casual, however, you might want to show up in business-casual clothes, but it's always better to be formal. Both men and women should choose subdued colors (blues, browns, grays, black) which make a professional impression. Make sure that your clothes are lint- and wrinkle-free. Avoid wearing perfume, after-shave, or scented lotion (but do wear deodorant). For women. Dressing professionally means wearing a smart knee-length skirt suit in a dark color, along with sheer, non-patterned hosiery, closed toe shoes and subtle makeup. For men. Choose a white shirt, dark-colored suit and tie and dark-colored shoes. Applicants in the service sector may sometimes be invited to wear business casual to an interview, although business formal is optional and usually best. For women, this means a simple, knee length dress with conservative shoes (no jeans). For men, this means dark or khaki pants with a collared button-up and leather shoes. If you're unsure of the customary interview clothing expected by the company, simply ask the HR rep or interview liaison. There's no shame in it. There is shame in feeling horribly under-dressed when you show up for an interview. Show up in the best possible shape. Make sure you know exactly how to get there and, if you drive, just where to park so that you can arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Go to bed early the day (or the days) before the interview so that you look rested and healthy on the big day. Bring an extra copy of your resume , CV , and/or references in case your interviewer wants to go over any points with you or neglects to bring their own copy. If the interview is in the morning, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast. This is not just an empty suggestion. A breakfast high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, will help improve brain function and leave you feeling more alert and invigorated. Consider exercising before the interview to annihilate stress and increase blood flow. If you're generally nervous or fidgety before an interview, it might be a good idea to work out before your interview. Go hard for an hour, and give your body at least another hour to calm down. Shower after exercising. Show courtesy to everyone during the interview. This means everyone from the reception staff to the interviewer herself. You never know who has input in the hiring process, and you can only make a first impression once. Look everyone in the eye and smile. Looking people in the eye will telegraph alertness, and smiling will signal friendliness. Speak clearly and say "please" and "thank you." Make sure the people you talk to during the interview can make out what you're saying. Talking audibly, with good enunciation, tells people you're confident, while good manners tells them you're considerate of other people. Don't noodle around on your phone or electronic device while waiting. In fact, leave it in your car. Even though it's practically acceptable, playing around on your phone can communicate boredom and frivolousness (even if that's not the case). Stick with a book or review your notes while waiting. Be honest. Many people think that an interview is the perfect time to embellish. While you want to structure your answers so that your best, most qualified aspects take center stage, you don't want to deceive or outright lie. Companies do perform background checks, and lying about your experience is simply not worth it. In a pinch, take a cue from politicians. When a politician hears a question they don't like, they simply answer a different question. You don't want to do this all the time , but you can do it in a pinch. Keep things simple and short. Talking about yourself can be very difficult to do well: You're trying to convince someone you don't know that you're qualified for a position without sounding too cocky or pompous. Stick to what you know well, and keep things short and sweet. Structure your answers so that you're talking in 30-90 second chunks. Any less and you're likely to seem unqualified; any more and your interviewer is likely to lose interest in what you're saying. In the "tell me about yourself" question, highlight 2-3 illustrative examples about yourself before wrapping up. Don't use slang or off-color humor during your interview. It's important not to say "awesome" or "rad" during an interview, unless you're interviewing for the local lifeguard position. It's also a good rule to avoid off-color humor; you never know when someone might take offense, and it's best not to risk it. Talk about what other people think you do well. Don't add the preamble, "My friends think I'm a competent social organizer." Just go out and say it with the right touch of confidence and humility. Women tend to underestimate their overall job performance, so be aware of that before you second-guess or undercut yourself, because it's unlikely to get you a job. Don't criticize your former employer. When you're talking about your past experience, be courteous about your former places of employment. Be honest about your experience — what you liked and disliked — but don't indict your former boss unnecessarily. Your class and restraint will shine through. Be personable. Try to come off as a genuinely likable person if you can. If you're cynical, pessimistic, and absolutely disabused of any faith in humanity, try to tone it down during the interview. Being personable is about getting the interviewer's emotional side to like you and believe in you. Employers don't always hire the candidates most qualified for the job, but rather the candidates they like the best. Shake hands with the interviewer and exchange pleasantries. Try to invest some feeling into the handshake and pleasantries, even if you think you bombed the interview. The interviewer should give you a time frame for when to expect to get a callback, if applicable. Hold your head high and keep your cool. Your emotions are probably teetering at the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, but try to stay measured. Project a cool confidence — not cockiness — and walk out of the interview with your head held high. If the interviewer does not tell you when they will contact you if you're a good fit for the position, it's appropriate to ask, "When can I expect to hear back from you about the position?" This will prove important later on. Send a thank-you letter to your interviewer and/or liaison. Now is a good time to thank the person you interviewed with, even if it's just a formality. You can say something like: "Dear [interviewer's name] , Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. I remain very impressed by [interviewer's company] , and invite you to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you about this position." If you missed any important points in your interview you wanted to stress, you may include one or two in the thank-you letter. Keep the points brief, and tie them into a discussion point that you or the interviewer made during the interview. If you received any help in getting the interview, follow up with appropriate parts of your network. Inform them that you received an interview, are grateful they helped you in your career search, and would be eager to help them in the future. Follow up with the interviewer at the appropriate time. You should have received some information about when you could expect to hear back from the employer. The standard time is about two weeks, but it can depend. If you've waited past the designated callback date — or the callback date wasn't set and it's been two weeks — follow up with the interviewer in a short email. You can say something like: "Dear [interviewer's name] , I interviewed at your company [at such and such date] , and am still interested in the position if it hasn't yet been filled. I'd greatly appreciate any information you might have about my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you." While you can't control your past experience or the way someone measures you against someone else, you can control how much of your time you dedicate to showing the interviewer you really want the position. Don't be needy, and don't be greedy, but be persistent and courteous. You'll work harder than at least half the other candidates, and it could be the decisive factor in getting a job offer.

Respond appropriately and promptly to the invitation to interview. Research the company's profile and background. Think of questions to ask your interviewer. Practice with a friend. Anticipate questions from the interviewer. Dress-for-work. For women. For men. Show up in the best possible shape. Show courtesy to everyone during the interview. Be honest. Keep things simple and short. Be personable. Shake hands with the interviewer and exchange pleasantries. Send a thank-you letter to your interviewer and/or liaison. Follow up with the interviewer at the appropriate time.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hash-Browns

How to Make Hash Browns

To make hash browns, you'll need 4 medium Russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. After you peel the potatoes, shred them into a towel-lined bowl using a cheese grater. Next heat a skillet over medium-high heat, melt your butter in it, and add the potatoes. Cover the potatoes in butter, season with salt and pepper, and flatten the mixture with a spatula. Cook until both sides are golden brown, remove from the heat, and enjoy.

Peel the potatoes. Wash the potatoes well in cold water, then peel using a small knife or a vegetable peeler. Russet potatoes, or other potatoes with a high starch content, work best for hash browns. Shred the potatoes. Line a bowl with a clean dishtowel, then shred the potatoes directly into the towel-lined bowl, using a cheese grater. Squeeze out the moisture. You must squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes. This is the most important step in achieving crispy (rather than mushy) hash browns. To do this, gather the corners of the dishtowel containing the shredded potatoes and twist the neck until you form a tight package. Continue twisting the cloth and squishing the potato in your fist until you've squeezed as much liquid as you can from the potato. Alternatively, you can try squeezing the moisture from the potatoes using a potato ricer. You do not need to force the potatoes through the ricer, simply use it to press out the moisture. Heat the skillet. Heat a large skillet pan (preferably cast iron) over a medium-high heat. Add the butter to the pan and allow to melt. Once the butter has melted, add the dry, shredded potatoes to the pan and toss to coat with butter. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the hash browns. Once the potato has been coated with butter, flatten it using a spatula to maximize contact with the hot pan. It should be no more than 1/2 an inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, flip, then cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side. The hash brown potatoes are ready when each side is crisp and golden brown. Serve. Slide the hash brown from the pan, or lift using a large spatula. Cut it into halves or quarters, if necessary. Serve on its own, with hot sauce or ketchup, or alongside bacon and eggs for a top notch breakfast. Cook the potatoes. Wash your raw potatoes well in cold water. Cook the potatoes, either by baking or boiling. If boiling , place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then cook potatoes until tender. This should take about 20 minutes. If baking , pierce the skin of the potato with a fork 3-4 times. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil or place directly on the middle shelf of an oven, preheated to 350 °F (177 °C). The potato will bake in about an hour. If you already have leftover, cooked potatoes from a previous meal, you can go ahead and use those to make hash browns. Leave to cool, before peeling. Allow the cooked potatoes to cool. Leave overnight in the refrigerator, if possible. Once the potatoes have cooled, you can peel them using a small knife or vegetable peeler. Shred the potatoes. Shred the potatoes using a cheese grater. They will shred very easily as they are soft when cooked. At this point, you can either cook them, or freeze them. To freeze them, lay them flat on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Put the cookie sheet into the freezer for a couple of hours or until the potatoes are frozen, then transfer them into freezer bags to use at your convenience. Heat the skillet. Heat a large skillet pan (preferably cast iron) over a medium-high heat. Add the butter to the pan and allow to melt. Once the butter has melted, add the cooked, shredded potatoes to the pan and toss to coat with butter. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the hash browns. Once the potato has been coated with butter, flatten it using a spatula to maximize contact with the hot pan. It should be no more than 1/2 an inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, flip, then cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side. The hash brown potatoes are ready when each side is crisp and golden brown. If you are using the frozen potatoes that you prepared earlier, you can cook them in the exact same way. They will just take a few extra minutes. Serve. Slide the hash brown from the pan, or lift using a large spatula. Cut it into halves or quarters, if necessary. Serve on their own, or alongside breakfast or dinner.

Peel the potatoes. Shred the potatoes. Squeeze out the moisture. Heat the skillet. Cook the hash browns. Serve. Cook the potatoes. Leave to cool, before peeling. Shred the potatoes. Heat the skillet. Cook the hash browns. Serve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dance-Flamenco

How to Dance Flamenco

If you want to dance Flamenco, understand that the dance is improvisational so you should perform the steps in time with the music in any way you like. To learn the basic steps, bring your foot down flat to create a loud stamp, which is known as a flat. You can also tap by bringing your toe or heel down on the floor and holding it in place. As you dance, move your hands and arms in wide circles in time with the music. Additionally, keep your weight over your hips so you generate enough power in your flats and taps, and bend your knees slightly to avoid injuring your back.

Stamp correctly. The stamp is known as a flat. Quickly bring your foot down to make contact with floor. You want to create a single loud stamp as your heel and toe land at the same time. Tap correctly. Plant either your toe or heel down create a sound as it makes contact with the floor. Keep contact with the floor and don't lift it again. Beginners usually should tap with their toe first. The basic foot tap is toe-heel, not the other way around. Keep your weight firmly over your hips. You want to generate the appropriate amount of contact to be able to differentiate between the stamp and tap. Put the whole ball of your foot down when tapping your toe. Keep soft knees. Do not lock your knees or straighten your legs when producing the stamp or tap. This will injure your lower back, knees, and legs. You want to be simultaneously fluid and rigid when you make the quick strike to produce the distinct sounds of the stamp and tap. Try a beginners flamenco step. First practice these steps with your dominant foot, then practice with your other foot once you've mastered the movements with your first foot. You should be creating five sounds with this sequence. Toe: Tap your toe down and let it stay on the ground. Heel: Tap your heel down. Heel: Tap down your heel again and keep it on the floor. Toe: Tap your toe down and let it stay there. It should have remained touching the floor as you performed your heel taps. Flat: Your entire foot should be touch the floor. Raise it and perform a flat, or stamp. The entire sequence then is Toe - heel - heel - toe - flat. Practice until you have perfected it. Add slow and beautiful hand and arm movements. Your movements will be in time with the music but usually involve fluid, wide circles. Your movements should be in time with the rhythm of the music as well as your steps. Braceo (bra-SAY-oh) is when you position your arms so that they move from one position to another to create a continuous fluid movement. You want the movement to originate between your shoulder blades, and to flow from the center of your back. Picos are rhythmic finger snaps that you can add both to keep time and have dramatic affect. Add head movement. The positioning of your head will depend on the music and the routine you devise. Your routine will be based on tempo, steps, and turns. You may flip your head to the rhythm of the music. Add Pellizco. Pellizco is a pinch of your own flavour. It's a spontaneous gesture or fun movement to heighten the effect of your movement. It can be humourous or flirtatious and can be done with the flip of your head, shimmy of your shoulders, or the look in your eye. Understand that it is improvisational. Allow the music to dictate your dance as your improvise your movements. The dance should be loud, exciting, fiery and even sensual. The movements should evoke a romantic atmosphere. Take a class. While the dance is improvisational, you may learn proper techniques and routine from a class. You may also learn about the history and tradition of the music and songs related to the ancient dance. Having a good teacher can help you develop a routine that suits your coordination and skill level. Don’t be intimidated. While there are complex counting patterns that may be learned at more advanced levels, the soul of Flamenco dance is to be passionate and evocative. Sensual movements using basic elements can easily be achieved. Wear proper clothing. Beginners should wear tops that do not restrict their arms. Trousers should not be too long because you want your stamp and taps to sound clean. You don't want cloth impeding the sound. Wear proper footwear. Avoid wearing sneakers as you want to be able to generate a sound as you tap and stamp. The noise is a large part of the dance so be aware of what footwear can generate the cleanest sound while still keeping your comfortable and mobile. Wear shoes with solid soles. Rubber won't generate a clear enough sound. You want to generate a distinctive tap and stamp noise. Invest in proper Character Shoes if you want to pursue this dance further. They can be purchased online or your local dance shoe provider. They resemble tap shoes with metal plates at the toe and heel. Be patient. Whether you're a beginner learning on your own or have a teacher, be patient as you progress in the dance. If you have a teacher, ask her to slow down and simplify steps that you are having difficulty with. If you are learning on your own, master the basics before moving onto full routines. You may find Flamenco dance classes and teachers online or at your local dance studio. Find something that suits your schedule and skill level. The dance is colourful and passionate so be prepared to encounter big personalities and fun lessons.

Stamp correctly. Tap correctly. Keep your weight firmly over your hips. Keep soft knees. Try a beginners flamenco step. Add slow and beautiful hand and arm movements. Add head movement. Add Pellizco. Understand that it is improvisational. Take a class. Don’t be intimidated. Wear proper clothing. Wear proper footwear. Be patient.

https://www.wikihow.com/Open-an-eBay-Store

How to Open an eBay Store

Before opening an eBay store, create an account and list items for sale individually. Continue doing this for 3 to 6 months to get an idea of what buyers want. Additionally, make sure you're earning $500 or more in sales each month, and maintaining 25 listings at a time before you open your store. Then, pay eBay a flat fee for a certain amount of listings per month, select a store name, and design your billboard to get your store running.

Open an eBay account. To buy or sell anything on eBay, you must have a registered account. At the top left corner of the eBay home page, there's a “Register” link. Follow it to provide your name and email address and create a password. You'll also have to agree to eBay's user agreement. There's no fee to sign up for an eBay account. eBay does charge a listing fee and a seller's fee when you actually sell items, though. Be sure to read the eBay user agreement carefully, so you know exactly what eBay's selling policies are. If you plan to make a business of selling on eBay, you should opt for a business account over a personal account. However, you must have a registered business to start a business account. Decide what you want to sell. If you already have a brick and mortar store, you probably already have inventory that you can sell. On eBay, you can sell handmade items or items that you've purchased wholesale to resell. It's best to stick to one type of item, such as clothing, beauty products, or home decor, so you can provide high quality items. Buyers tend to trust sellers who specialize in a single product category. It can make you seem like an expert. List some items. Before opening a store, you'll need to list items for sale individually. eBay charges a fee for each listing, so it's best to start out with only one or two. Make sure that your listing's title contains terms that buyers would search for, and include a thorough description and some photos as well. Keep in mind that you'll also have to pay a fee when you sell items. Price your item to make a profit. The best price for an item depends on the current market value and how much you paid for it. In offline retail businesses, prices are decided using a 2 to 1 markup. For example, if you paid $5 for an item, you'll want to charge about $10 for it. Lower prices tend to convince buyers even if the difference is minuscule, so $9.99 would be more enticing than $10. There are a few methods for listing items on eBay: auctions, fixed prices or Buy It Now, or auctions plus Buy It Now. With an auction sale, choose a starting price. Buyers then bid on the item for a certain time period. You can start the price as low as $.01. For auction sales, you can set a reserve price so the item doesn't go for too low a price. For example, you might set the starting price at $.01, but set the reserve for $20. If the auction doesn't reach $20, you don't have to sell the item. With a fixed price or Buy It Now sales, you set a certain price for the item, and buyers can pay that price at any point to buy the item. With an auction plus Buy It Now sale, a buyer can purchase the item for a fixed price until a bid is placed. If a bid is placed on the item, then the auction rules take effect. You'll also need to settle on a shipping cost for the item(s) you're selling. You can include them in the price of the item(s) or separate them. Include high quality photos in your listing. Buyers will be more inclined to purchase your items if your product photos are clear and well detailed. Take your photos in front of a solid, uncluttered backdrop. It's best to turn off the flash and use diffused lighting. Don't forget to take photos from different angles too, so buyers can see all of the item's details. Make sure that the item fills up the photo's frame. With some items, it helps to show scale in the photo. You can place a coin beside the item, so buyers have a sense of its size. Create an accurate and appealing description of the item. Use complete sentences to describe the item, and make sure the spelling and grammar is correct as well. Be sure to include all pertinent details, such as color, shape, size, manufacturer, age, and notable markings. Be honest about any flaws or damage that the item might have. Make it clear what pieces are included. For example, if you're a dish set, list how many of each type of plate is included. Gain several months of selling experience on eBay. For the best results, it's a good idea to have at least 3 to 6 months of eBay selling experience before you open a store. You'll have a better idea of what buyers are looking for and how eBay sales work. Make sure that you’re generating a good amount of sales. Even if you've been selling on eBay for several months, it's best to wait to open a store until you're making a strong amount of sales each month. If you're earning $500 a month or more in sales, you're in a good position to open a store. Be sure that you have 25 listings. eBay recommends that you don't open a store unless you have at least that many listing on the site at all times. It can be tough to manage that many listings at once, so you must be comfortable with that volume of work. Add an automatic payment method to your account. In order to open a store, eBay requires that you have an automatic payment method on record to cover your seller fees. That typically means putting a credit card on file with eBay to ensure that you don't miss any payments. Have a verified PayPal account. Buyers often use PayPal to pay for purchases, so eBay requires that you have a verified PayPal account to open a store. Requirements for verification vary by country, but in most cases, you'll need to provide your bank account information, credit card number and information, and a tax identification number, such as a social security number. Choose a subscription level. eBay requires that you purchase a subscription plan to operate a store. That means you won't pay individual listing fees; you'll pay a flat fee for a certain amount of listings each month. The more items you plan on selling, the better the deal that you'll get from eBay. Follow the Subscribe Now link in the upper lefthand corner when you've logged into your eBay account and accessed the Seller's Dashboard. You don't want to pay for listings that you won't use, so it's best to start with a smaller subscription and upgrade if you see your business expand. Select a store name. When you're chosen a subscription level, you'll need to add a name for your store. Your store name will determine your store's URL, so choose carefully. It helps to choose a name that's optimized for search engines. Instead of something generic like “Joe's Cool Stuff,” try something like “Joe's Comic Books and Collectibles.” Subscribe to eBay stores. After you've chosen a subscription level and store name, you simply have to agree to the terms to officially subscribe. Once you have an active subscription, your store is open and you can work on its design to maximize sales. Follow the “Build Your Store” link. When you've officially opened your store, clicking the link at the bottom right corner of the page allows you to customize its look. It's important to create a welcoming design for your store, so buyers will want to return again and again. Choose a billboard image. It sits at the top of your store's page, so it should really catch a buyer's eye. A photo of the products that you sell or artwork that's related to your store's inventory can work well. You can also use the image to highlight promotions that may be going on with your store. For example, if your store sells jewelry making supplies, your billboard image might be a photo of eye-catching beads. If your store sells sports memorabilia and collectibles, your billboard image might be artwork that features sporting equipment, such as basketballs, helmets, ice skates, or baseball gloves. The billboard space is approximately 1200 pixels wide x 270 pixels tall. If your image is smaller, a border is automatically added. If it's larger, it will be resized, which may distort the image. Add your store’s name and description. You can add a graphic symbol that contains your store's name and logo to help establish your brand. You should also include a description of your store that clearly identifies what type of items you sell, so buyers can easily find your store with keywords. For example, if you sell watches, your description might read, "Welcome to Tim's Timepieces. We're an Atlanta-based business that sells attractive wrist watches for men, women, and children. From leather bands to bracelet styles, we'll help you keep time -- and look great too!" Create categories for the store. eBay allows you to categorize your products so buyers have an easier time finding what they want. For example, if you sell clothing, you can break down your listings in categories such as “Tops,” “Skirts,” “Jackets,” and “Pants.” Add listings to your store. Once you've settled on a layout for the store, you can begin filling it with product listings. You can showcase products that are newly added, have auctions ending shortly, or are particularly popular at the top of the page.

Open an eBay account. Decide what you want to sell. List some items. Price your item to make a profit. Include high quality photos in your listing. Create an accurate and appealing description of the item. Gain several months of selling experience on eBay. Make sure that you’re generating a good amount of sales. Be sure that you have 25 listings. Add an automatic payment method to your account. Have a verified PayPal account. Choose a subscription level. Select a store name. Subscribe to eBay stores. Follow the “Build Your Store” link. Choose a billboard image. Add your store’s name and description. Create categories for the store. Add listings to your store.

https://www.wikihow.health/Get-More-Magnesium

How to Get More Magnesium

To get more magnesium, try eating fruits and vegetables that are high in magnesium, like apples, avocados, and spinach. Meat and meat substitutes are also high in magnesium, so try eating more chicken, tempeh, or tofu to get your daily nutritional requirement. If you still aren't getting enough magnesium, you can introduce a magnesium supplement into your diet. You can choose between a capsule, powder, or liquid form depending on how you prefer to take it. Just make sure to check the labels of any medications you're already taking to be sure they're safe to take with magnesium.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of magnesium, and an important part of your daily diet. Common fruits and vegetables that contain magnesium include: Apple (one medium-sized fruit, raw) — 9 mg Avocado (one cup) — 44 mg Broccoli (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 12 mg Carrot (one medium-sized vegetable, raw) — 7 mg Edamame/baby soy beans (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 52 mg Okra (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 50 mg Potato with skin (cooked, one medium-sized potato) — 47 to 52 mg Prickly pear (one fruit, raw) — 88 mg Raisins (1/2 cup) — 23 mg Spinach (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 83 mg Swiss chard (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 80 mg Tamarind (1/2 cup) — 58 mg Consume meat or meat substitutes. In addition to fruits and vegetables, protein should be an important part of your daily diet. Whether you get your protein from meat or from meat substitutes (for vegetarians and vegans), you should make sure you get enough magnesium from that protein source. Meats tend to be relatively low in magnesium, while meat substitutes are significantly higher. Common protein-based sources of magnesium include: Beef (ground, 90% lean, pan broiled, three ounces) — 20 mg Chicken breast (roasted, three ounces) — 22 mg Tempeh (cooked, 3/4 cup) — 116 mg Tofu (prepared with magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate, 3/4 cup) — 45 to 80 mg Sirloin (1 oz) — 8.8 mg Lamb (1 oz) — 7.4 mg Turkey (1 oz) — 7.9 mg Veal (1 oz) — 9.4 mg Add seafood to your diet. If you like seafood, you'll be happy to know that it typically contains high levels of nutritional magnesium; however, it's important to moderate your seafood intake due to heavy metals (like mercury) and other pollutants that are absorbed by fish. Try to limit your seafood intake to 12 ounces a week. Some of the best seafood for nutritional magnesium include: Atlantic snow crab (cooked, 2.5 ounces) — 47 mg Chinook salmon (cooked, 2.5 ounces) — 92 mg Halibut (cooked, three ounces) — 80 mg Mackerel (cooked, 2.5 ounces) — 73 mg Pollock (cooked, 2.5 ounces) — 64 mg Snack on nuts, seeds, and legumes. Nuts, seeds, and legumes all contain moderate to high levels of nutritional magnesium. They make excellent snacks, and many can be incorporated into meals. Some sources of magnesium include: Almonds (dry-roasted, one ounce) — 80 mg Beans (cooked, 3/4 cup) — 60 to 89 mg Brazil nuts (without shell, 1/4 cup) — 133 mg Cashews (dry roasted, one ounce) — 74 mg Flaxseeds (two tablespoons) — 78 mg Lentils and split peas (cooked, 3/4 cup) — 52 mg Peanuts (oil roasted, 1/4 cup) — 63 mg Peanut butter (two tablespoons) — 49 mg Pine nuts (without shell, 1/4 cup) — 70 to 86 mg Pumpkin or squash seeds (without shell, 1/4 cup) — 317 mg Sesame seeds (two tablespoons) — 56 to 68 mg Soybeans (cooked, 3/4 cup) — 109 mg Soy nuts (1/4 cup) — 99 mg Sunflower seeds (without shell, 1/4 cup) — 119 mg Incorporate grains into your diet. Grains can provide you with moderate to high levels of magnesium, depending on what types of grains you choose. Always check the nutritional facts on your food packaging and look at each product's recommended serving size. Some grains that are high in magnesium include: all bran cereal (30 grams) - 94 to 111 mg Bread (whole wheat, two slices) — 46 mg Oatmeal (instant, one packet in water) — 36 mg Quinoa (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 47 mg Rice, brown (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 42 mg Rice, white (cooked, 1/2 cup) — 10 mg Shredded wheat cereal (two large biscuits) — 61 mg Wheat germ cereal (toasted, 1/4 cup) — 96 mg Drink/eat dairy or dairy substitutes. Dairy can provide you with low to moderate levels of magnesium; however, dairy substitutes (suitable for vegans or people with lactose intolerance) often have considerably higher levels of nutritional magnesium. If you're looking for dairy or dairy substitute sources of magnesium, try drinking/eating some of the following: Milk (one cup) — 24 to 27 mg Soy cheese (1.5 ounces) — 114 mg Soy milk (one cup) — 61 mg Soy yogurt (3/4 cup) — 70 mg Yogurt (low fat, eight ounces) — 42 mg Choose a form of supplement. Magnesium supplements come in a variety of forms. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences, such as whether you'd prefer to swallow it in pill/tablet/capsule form or drink it with water. Common forms include: Capsule Powder (for suspension) Liquid Tablet Capsule Packet Syrup Take the right dosage. It's important to talk to your doctor about any supplements before you begin taking them. Different supplements have different recommended dosages, and those recommendations can even vary from one country to another. In the United States, the proper dosing depends on your age. Adult and teenage males should take between 270 and 400 mg daily. Adult and teenage females should take between 280 and 300 mg daily. Pregnant females should take 320 mg daily. Breast-feeding females should take between 340 and 355 mg daily. Magnesium is safe in children at low levels. For instance, children aged one to three years can receive 65 mg of magnesium, children four to eight years of age can receive 110 mg of magnesium, and children over eight years of age can receive 350 mg of magnesium daily. Talk to your pediatrician before administering any nutritional supplements to children under 12 months old. Check for drug interactions. Magnesium supplements are generally not harmful by themselves (if taken properly); however, if you are on other medications, magnesium supplements could cause problems. If you are planning on taking over-the-counter supplements (without a prescription), it's best to just avoid the supplements and increase your dietary magnesium. Sometimes these interactions are unavoidable if both the magnesium and the secondary medication are both prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor has prescribed both, they will probably change the dose or the frequency of dosage to reduce the chances of an interaction. Avoid taking over-the-counter magnesium supplements with the following prescriptions: Dabrafenib Digoxin Eltrombopag Elvitegravir Gefitinib Ketoconazole Ledipasvir Levomethadyl Licorice Mycophenolate Mofetil Mycophenolic Acid Pazopanib Phenytoin Quinine Raltegravir Rilpivirine Vismodegib Tell your doctor about other medicines you're taking. Your doctor may already know what prescription drugs you take (though you may want to remind them just to be safe). It's important not to forget your over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements. Many OTC medications contain magnesium, some as a primary ingredient. For this reason, it is important that you let your doctor know about any other over-the-counter medications you take, including the dosage size and frequency, to prevent an accidental overdose of magnesium. Many laxatives (including milk of magnesia) use magnesium as a primary ingredient. Certain heartburn and acid indigestion medications, like Rolaids and Tums, also include magnesium. Make sure your over-the-counter medications do not put you over the recommended daily limit of supplemental magnesium. Keep a list of your medications and take them into your appointments with your doctor and go over them at every visit so that the doctor is aware of what you are taking. Let your doctor know of your medical history. If you are in good health, then magnesium supplements should be safe for you, provided that you follow the recommended dosage; however, certain health conditions can be affected by magnesium supplements. Avoid taking supplements if you have either or both of the following conditions: Heart disease — Magnesium supplements can worsen this condition. Kidney problems — Too much magnesium in your blood could make it difficult for your kidneys to adequately perform their job. Recognize the signs of a deficiency. A magnesium deficiency can lead to a number of other medical complications ranging from mild to severe. Your doctor will run laboratory tests to confirm a magnesium deficiency, but you may notice certain signs and symptoms at home. Common symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include: Agitation/irritability Anxiety Sleep disorders (including insomnia) Nausea and/or vomiting Abnormal heart rate Low blood pressure Poor nail growth Confusion Restless leg syndrome Muscle spasms and weakness Hyperventilation Seizures Learn if you're susceptible to a deficiency. Magnesium is present in many foods, and if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you should be getting adequate magnesium; however, some people are susceptible to magnesium deficiencies due to complications from certain medical conditions. The following conditions can cause you to have a magnesium deficiency: Gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis Diabetes Pancreatitis Hyperthyroidism Kidney disease Heavy menstruation Excessive sweating Prolonged stress Anything that requires you to take diuretics on a regular basis Check other aspects of your diet. In addition to medical conditions, a magnesium deficiency can also be caused by dietary factors. Talk to your doctor about your dietary intake if you've been diagnosed with a magnesium deficiency. You may have lower magnesium levels if you drink too much coffee, soda, or alcohol on a regular basis. Eating too much sodium (salt) can also cause you to have lower levels of magnesium. Know magnesium's role in treating other conditions. If you suffer from chronic health conditions, you may not realize that magnesium can increase the effectiveness of some medications/treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if increasing your magnesium intake might improve your health conditions. Common conditions improved by magnesium intake include: Altitude sickness Anxiety Asthma Chronic fatigue syndrome Diabetes Fibromyalgia Hearing loss Kidney stones Lyme disease Migraines/headaches Osteoporosis Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Urinary incontinence

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Consume meat or meat substitutes. Add seafood to your diet. Snack on nuts, seeds, and legumes. Incorporate grains into your diet. Drink/eat dairy or dairy substitutes. Choose a form of supplement. Take the right dosage. Magnesium is safe in children at low levels. Check for drug interactions. Tell your doctor about other medicines you're taking. Let your doctor know of your medical history. Recognize the signs of a deficiency. Learn if you're susceptible to a deficiency. Check other aspects of your diet. Know magnesium's role in treating other conditions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Not-Be-Hungry-All-the-Time

How to Not Be Hungry All the Time

It can be frustrating to feel hungry all the time, so it's important to make sure you're eating the right kinds of foods and for the right reasons. Aim for a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins, and whole grains. Foods that have a lot of air or water in them will help you feel full faster, so try eating more legumes, soup, and fresh fruit. Since lettuce also has a high water content, try eating a salad before meals to cut down on your hunger. Another reason why you might be feeling hungry all the time is if you're experiencing emotional hunger instead of physical hunger. Emotional hunger can be triggered by boredom, stress, and exhaustion, so try getting out for a walk, listening to calming music, and getting enough sleep every night.

Eat a balanced diet. You may feel hungry if you are not receiving the nutritional benefits of a balanced diet. Be sure that you eat items from each of the food groups. You should get plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, and whole grains, as well as a moderate amount of healthy oils and fats. A balanced breakfast could be a half a cup of whole-grain oatmeal with a drizzle of honey, a cup of fresh strawberries, and a half a cup of cottage cheese. A healthy lunch could be a salad of dark mixed greens with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled cheese such as feta or goat cheese. You can make your own dressing or opt for a reduced-calorie dressing. Don't like salads? Make a wrap! Wrap up those greens, cranberries, and sunflower seeds into a pita or a whole grain tortilla. You could also add a lean meat such as turkey to the wrap, and drizzle a little dressing on it. A balanced dinner could be a 4-oz serving of meat or fish, two vegetables, and a whole grain. For example, you could have grilled salmon, wild rice, roasted or steamed broccoli, and roasted butternut squash. Eat voluminous foods. Foods that have a lot of air or water in them have greater volume. These will make you feel full faster and will give you the sensation of eating a larger quantity, which may help if you feel hungry. Some foods with higher volume include: Legumes Soup Vegetables Popcorn Fresh fruit Whole grains Eat salad before meals. Lettuce has a high water content, so eating a salad with light dressing prior to your meal can help you fill up faster and feel less hungry after your meal. A salad doesn't have to be complicated to be tasty. Try tossing some mixed greens in lemon juice and olive oil, then topping with a few cherry tomatoes. If you are feeling more ambitious or creative, try mixing fruits and vegetables into your salad. You could make a salad that includes fresh blueberries or strawberries along with sweet peppers or marinated beets. Eat healthy snacks. Snacking on high-energy snacks such as fruit and nuts can help you feel less hungry between meals. Nuts make an especially good filler snack because their healthy fat and protein content digests slowly, giving you more energy than a sugary snack. Sip water between bites of food. Sometimes increasing the amount of water you drink can help you eat less. Drinking plenty of water before a meal and continuing to sip water while you eat will help you feel fuller without overeating. If you tire of drinking water, try mixing up your routine with other options that are calorie-free. You could substitute seltzer water for plain water occasionally. Drinking green tea in place of water can give you a break from plain water. Green tea also acts as an antioxidant, which can contribute to weight loss. Avoid junk food. Junk food, processed food that is high in fat, salt, and sugar, makes you feel hungrier when you eat it. It is also designed to stimulate your taste buds and leads, essentially, to addiction and overeating. Foods high in fat cause a chemical reaction in your brain that signals you to eat more, even though you're likely not really hungry. Over-processing foods strips the foods of their nutrients. Your body needs nutrient-rich foods to run efficiently,so it will send a hunger signal even if you just ate a meal or snack with 1000 calories in it. Eating salty foods can lead you to crave sweet foods, so you end up eating twice as many snacks as you need. Distinguish between emotional and physical hunger. This may be surprising, but emotional hunger can easily mask itself as physical hunger. Knowing the differences between the two can help you make appropriate food choices. Here are some ways in which the two kinds of hunger differ: Physical hunger slowly builds, while emotional hunger is sudden and immediate. Physical hunger is not specific to a type of food, while emotional hunger may manifest as an intense craving for a specific food or food type. Emotional hunger can be triggered by boredom, while physical hunger isn't. Try occupying yourself with another activity. If the hunger goes away, it was emotional. If it persists, it could be physical. Calm specific food cravings. Sometimes, a craving for a specific food can seem overwhelming. It's okay to respond to such a craving; just acknowledge that the craving is likely emotional and not tied to true hunger. Indulge in a little bit of what you're craving. Have a killer craving for French fries? Get a small order and savor them slowly. Want chocolate? Get a couple of small squares of dark chocolate and nibble on them between sips of coffee or tea. Substitute similar foods. Craving salty potato chips? Try substituting salted nuts, which may satisfy your salt craving while offering protein and healthy fat, which will keep you full longer. This can cut down on your desire to snack later. Craving fried chicken? Try breading and oven baking chicken, which can offer a similar texture to fried chicken. Want something sweet? Eat fresh, seasonal fruit. Delay eating. If you are beginning to feel as though you want to snack, try to delay eating for a little while. Some tricks that can help you reduce your feelings of hunger until your next meal include: Smelling fruit. Sniffing an apple or a banana can temporarily satisfy feelings of hunger. Looking at the color blue. The color blue acts as an appetite suppressant, while red, orange, and yellow increase appetite. Surround yourself with blue while you adjust to a new eating schedule. Going for a walk. If you feel ready to snack, try going for a brisk, 15-minute walk (preferably outdoors) instead. This can distract you from your desire to snack and you will benefit from the exercise. Reduce your stress levels. Increased stress causes your body to create more cortisol, which causes you to feel hungry. Decreasing your stress can lessen the amount of cortisol and make you feel less hungry. The following are some suggestions for stress reduction: Listen to music. Many people find music therapeutic. Make yourself a stress-free playlist, and take a mental break by listening to it periodically. Laugh more. Laughing reduces your stress and makes you feel happier. Next time you feel stress-related hunger, try calling your funny friend or watching a hilarious new viral YouTube video of a baby or a cat (whatever makes you laugh). Meditate or pray. Nourishing your spiritual side through meditation or prayer can help reduce your stress. Set aside time that you can be alone and quiet with your thoughts every day. Get exercise. Getting plenty of exercise can reduce your stress and help cut down on boredom-related hunger. Even walking for 30 minutes every day can make a huge difference to your emotional and physical health. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is good for your mental and physical health. It can help lower your stress, help you deal with increased stress more effectively, and will help you stay healthier in general. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Avoid hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause you to feel hungry. It can also cause shaking and lightheadedness. You can have your blood sugar tested with a glucose monitor, or you can treat the effects of hypoglycemia with dietary changes. Eat small meals frequently. Avoid sugary foods. Even though “low blood sugar” makes it sound like you need sugar, the solution is not foods that are high in sugar. Instead, choose foods that have sustained, longer energy release. Get tested for diabetes. If you always feel hungry, it's possible that you have Type 2 Diabetes. This disorder results from the inability of your cells to use insulin to extract sugar from nutrients and allow it to enter your bloodstream. Because your body is not getting adequate nourishment, it sends a signal to your brain asking for more food. Have your thyroid tested. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can also make you feel hungry all of the time. The thyroid controls your metabolism, or the rate at which your body processes food. An overactive thyroid processes food too quickly, causing your body to need more food. Be wary of eating disorders. If you feel hungry all of the time because you are not receiving adequate nutrition, you may be suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Even extreme dieting can be a form of anorexia. If you have a low body weight, you feel unhappy with your body image and have trouble eating, or if you make yourself purge (vomit) after eating, seek immediate help from a mental health professional.

Eat a balanced diet. Eat voluminous foods. Eat salad before meals. Eat healthy snacks. Sip water between bites of food. Avoid junk food. Distinguish between emotional and physical hunger. Calm specific food cravings. Delay eating. Reduce your stress levels. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid hypoglycemia. Get tested for diabetes. Have your thyroid tested. Be wary of eating disorders.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Room-Cool

How to Keep a Room Cool

To keep a room cool, try placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan, which will create a nice, cool breeze in the room. You can also set up one fan that's blowing air out a window and another fan that's sucking air in, which will increase airflow in the room and make a nice cross breeze. During the day, close all of the shades so the sun doesn't heat up the room. At night, open the windows so the cool air from outside can blow in.

Turn a fan on. You can purchase stationary fans or use ceiling fans in your house. Fans will push around the air in a room and keep it cool. Ceiling fans are often the most effective way to cool down a room, while stationary and tower fans are usually cheaper to purchase. Determine how large you want the fan to be and how it blends in with your existing decor. If you don't have a lot of space, you could purchase a smaller desk fan. If you need to cool multiple people, you should consider purchasing an oscillating fan. Stationary fans can come in the form of box fans, table fans, and tower fans. You can purchase a stationary fan at most department stores or online. You can also use the ventilation fan on your oven to move warm air outside. Place ice cubes in front of a running fan. If you place ice cubes or an ice pack in front of a fan, it will create a cool breeze that can significantly cool down a room. This is a great alternative if you don't have air conditioning. You will have to replace the ice as it melts. Create a cross-breeze with two fans. Hold your hand in an open window to get the orientation of the wind. Determine which way the wind is naturally blowing and point the fan in the same direction. Position another fan in a different window facing outward, so that it pushes hot air out of the room. This will increase airflow and create a breeze that will cool down the room. Try to remove obstructions in the path of the two windows to improve the airflow. Use an air conditioning unit that’s strong enough to cool the room. Whether it's a window unit, central air, or a stationary unit, air conditioning is the easiest way to keep a room cool. Look on the product detail sheet or the packaging of a stationary or window unit to make sure that it's optimized for the size of the room you want to cool. Then, once you have air conditioning, turn down the thermostat to reduce the temperature of the room. Central air is the most effective type of air conditioning. Stationary or mobile units are the least energy efficient types of air conditioning units. The most efficient AC units are ductless wall-mounted units, because having less ducts minimizes energy loss due to air leaks. Choose a unit with a SEER rating of around 20-22, which is a high-efficiency unit. Be sure to use the proper size air conditioner for your space, which will prevent short cycling and overrunning. Keep your windows and curtains closed while the sun is out. Around 30% of heat comes in through your windows. Your south and west-facing windows receive the most heat throughout the day, so make sure they remain closed while the sun is out. You can determine which windows are facing south and west with a compass or by using GPS software like Google Maps. The temperature is usually the hottest around noon to 3 p.m. Open the windows after sunset if you don’t have air conditioning. The temperature usually drops after the sun goes down. If you've built up heat in your room during the day, opening the windows after the sun sets will allow cool air to flow into your room. You can also open your windows early in the morning to take advantage of the cool morning air. Keep your windows closed when using air conditioning. Opening the windows allows cold air to escape and hot air to enter your room. If you're using air conditioning, your windows and curtains should be shut at all times during the day to prevent the sun from heating up the room. Install low-E window film or insulated curtains on your windows. Low-E window film and insulated curtains are specially made to keep heat out of your room. To apply low-E film, peel the sticky sheet from its plastic backing and stick it onto the inside surface of your window. Insulated curtains are installed like regular curtains but are made of special materials that keep heat out of the room. You can purchase low-E film and insulated curtains online or in the windows department of most hardware stores. Plant trees or plants in front of windows that face south or west. Leafy trees, reeds, and sunflowers can block out the sun during the hot weather. Plant the trees or plants on the outside of the house and position them so that the leaves block out the sun. This is usually most applicable to rooms on the first floor of a house. Close off spaces that you aren’t occupying. Fans and air conditioning will have to work harder to cool down larger spaces. If you aren't occupying other rooms in your house, you should close the doors to those rooms to trap more cool air in the room you're in. This will only work if the fan or air conditioning is in the room you're currently occupying. Keep all doors and vents open if you're using central air. Closing your ducts or doors could cause damage to your air ducts or central air unit. Turn on the stove fan after you cook. Cooking will increase the temperature of your kitchen significantly. If you're trying to cool down your kitchen or a room connected to your kitchen, you can minimize the heat coming off of your stove or oven by turning on the exhaust or stove fan. You can usually find a switch or button on your stove for the fan. This will suck the hot air out of the room and expel it outside. Turn off unnecessary heat-generating appliances. Electronic equipment and appliances like computers, stoves, televisions, and dryers can heat up a room. If you aren't using a heat-generating appliance, turn it off or unplug it when you aren't using it. Use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce the level of humidity in a room and could cool you down. Purchase a dehumidifier online and turn it on in the room that you want to cool down. If you're unsure of whether the humidity in your room is high, a humidistat can be used to measure it. Average humidity in a room should be between 50% to 55%. Take a cold shower. A cold shower will lower your body temperature and make the room feel cooler. Excess steam from hot showers can raise the humidity in a room. This can be especially helpful for cooling down right before you go to bed.

Turn a fan on. Place ice cubes in front of a running fan. Create a cross-breeze with two fans. Use an air conditioning unit that’s strong enough to cool the room. Keep your windows and curtains closed while the sun is out. Open the windows after sunset if you don’t have air conditioning. Keep your windows closed when using air conditioning. Install low-E window film or insulated curtains on your windows. Plant trees or plants in front of windows that face south or west. Close off spaces that you aren’t occupying. Turn on the stove fan after you cook. Turn off unnecessary heat-generating appliances. Use a dehumidifier. Take a cold shower.

https://www.wikihow.com/Julienne-Peppers

How to Julienne Peppers

To julienne peppers, you'll want to cut the peppers into long, thin pieces. To do so, start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pepper. Next, cut one side of the pepper to open it up and remove the core. Then, use your knife to remove the remaining seeds and ribs so the pepper lies flat. Finally, flip the pepper skin side up and cut it into thin strips.

Cut the pepper in half lengthwise. Stand the pepper on the cutting board, stem side up. Grip the knife by pinching the blade, right above the handle, with your thumb and the second knuckle of your index finger; your remaining three fingers should grip the handle to give you more control over the blade. Cut the pepper from top to bottom, starting close to the stem and cutting through to the bottom. Remove the core. Pick up one half of the pepper, cupping it firmly on the outside. Using the tip of your knife, trace and cut away the halved seed cluster from the inside of the pepper piece. Carefully remove and discard it, then repeat with the other pepper half. Cut each half in half again, width-wise. Brace the halved peppers carefully and cut them into quarters. Using the tip of your knife, carefully remove the stem from the top piece and discard it. Scrape out any remaining seeds from the inside of the pepper pieces. Press the quarters of the peppers flat. Lay the pepper pieces on the cutting board, skin-side up. Using the blade of your knife or the palm of your hand, gently press down the pieces and flatten them as much as possible; this will make the pepper much easier to cut. Flip up the pieces and use the tip of your knife to remove the ribs inside. Julienne the pepper pieces. Push the blade downward onto the pepper pieces in a rocking motion while holding them steady with your free hand; be sure to keep your fingers out of the blade's way. As you rock the blade downward, push the handle away from you slightly, which will draw the blade over the cutting surface more efficiently. Continue until all pieces are julienned. Remove the top and bottom of the pepper. Grip the knife carefully, right above the handle, and brace the pepper lightly with your free hand. Cut off the top of the pepper so that the stem is completely removed. Cut off the bottom as well, leaving the pepper in a cylindrical shape. To salvage the top of the pepper, push the green stalk through the pepper top with your fingers and discard it, keeping the rest. Cut open the pepper. Set the pepper down on one end. Brace it gently and use the tip of your knife to cut cleanly down the side to open it up. Gently pull open the pepper; remove and discard the core. Be careful when pulling open the pepper- the seeds inside are small and will scatter easily. Remove seeds and flatten the pepper. Place the pepper skin-down on the cutting board. Brace the side of the pepper and gently work the knife through the inside wall, keeping the blade parallel to the cutting board. Remove and discard the remaining seeds and ribs, flattening it as you move along. Cut the pepper into thin strips. Brace the rectangle-shaped piece of pepper with one hand and grasp the handle of your knife firmly with the other hand. With each cut, bring the knife down, touching the tip to the top corner of the rectangle. Lower the rest of the knife down to the cutting board and through the pepper, leaving small, thin strips of pepper. Feed the pepper towards the knife as you cut until all of it is julienned. Cut off the sides of the pepper. Turn the pepper sideways and cut off the stem. Hold the pepper upright and cut off each side (4 or 5 large pieces). Discard the remaining core. This method should allow you to discard the seeds without separating them from the core or making a mess. Flatten the pepper pieces. Turn the large pieces of pepper skin side down on the cutting board. Flatten them against the board with your fingers or knife. Use the tip of your knife to remove rib from inside. Slice the peppers. Half the pepper pieces before chopping if desired. Brace the side of the pieces carefully, keeping fingers away from the blade. Grip the top of the blade and the knife handle firmly, and carefully chop the pepper into thin strips. Finished.

Cut the pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the core. Cut each half in half again, width-wise. Press the quarters of the peppers flat. Julienne the pepper pieces. Remove the top and bottom of the pepper. Cut open the pepper. Remove seeds and flatten the pepper. Cut the pepper into thin strips. Cut off the sides of the pepper. Flatten the pepper pieces. Slice the peppers. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-Small-Business

How to Run a Small Business

To run a small business, contact your local Small Business Development Center to help you develop a business plan and secure financing. Once your business is up and running, make sure you have a collection method established. Download a credit control app to help with this process. For daily operations, delegate tasks to employees and managers, if applicable. To increase revenue, do some targeted marketing campaigns.

Put your idea into writing. It is important to take the ideas in your head and get them down on paper. Most successful businesses offer a new product or service or fill an existing niche in the market. Whatever your reasons may be for starting a small business, make sure to clearly and concisely put them in writing. It can be helpful to go through many drafts or iterations of your business plan. Include as many details as you can in your business plan. Overthinking the details is never as damaging as ignoring the details. It can also be useful to include questions in drafts of your business plan. Identifying what you don't know is as helpful as listing things you are sure about. You do not want to present a business plan with unanswered questions to potential investors, but laying out relevant questions in your initial drafts will help you identify questions that require answering in your final business plan. Meet with your local Small Business Development Center. SBDC's provide help during all stages of the business life cycle. They can help you create a stellar business plan to approach a lender with and their counseling is always free. Identify your customer base. In your business plan, you need to identify who you think will buy your product or service. Why would these individuals need or want your product or service? The answer to these questions should help to determine all other aspects of your business' operations. Here, it useful to ask questions of your service or product. For example, you may want to ask questions like, does my product/service appeal to younger or older people? Is my product/service affordable for lower-income consumers or is it a high-end purchase? Does my product/service appeal to people in specific environments? You won't be selling many snow tires in Hawaii or beach towels in Alaska, so be realistic about the appeal of your product. Outline your finances. In your business plan, you need to address key questions about your business' fiduciary situation. How will your product or service generate money? How much money will it generate? How much does it cost to produce your product or service? How do you intend to pay operational costs and employees? These, and others, are critical question you need to answer in planning your small business' financial future. Project growth. All successful small businesses need to grow their customer base and production capabilities over the first few years of operating. Make sure you have identified how your business can and will respond to growth potential. Be realistic with your growth potential. Keep in mind that growing your business requires a growth in investment capital as well. Projecting too much growth in too short a time period can quickly deter potential investors. Make your bank work for you. Run your small business with financial efficiency by exploring all the options that banks offer small business owners and choosing the right bank for your business' financial plan. Many financial institutions offer accounts with low fees, loans with discounted rates or free direct deposit programs for small business account holders. Banking with the institution that gives you the best deals will help you stretch every dollar. Use banking options against one another to secure the largest upfront capital and lowest interest rates. For example, if one bank offers you a $10,000 loan at an interest rate of 4%, you may be able to take that offer to a competing bank to see if they can provide more upfront capital or a lower interest rate. Secure a loan or other type of investment. Successful businesses need capital to get off their feet. Be sure that you have arranged and secured enough fiscal backing to cover all of your small business' operating, production, and marketing costs until your business is in a position to generate and operate on its own profits. Be sure to investigate the various interest rates applied to small business loans. Ensure collection methods are in place. Be sure to account for how your business will collect on bills due and outstanding debts to your company. A successful business needs constant cash flow. Being unable to accept customer payments or waiting on those who owe you money will disrupt your business. You will need to decide if you will accept cash, credit cards, checks, or some combination of the three from your clients and customers. Cash transactions are easiest to deal with on a day-to-day basis, but are often difficult to track over longer periods. Also, dealing with cash makes securing your company's incoming cash flow more difficult, as it is easier for employees to steal from a cash-based businesses. While accepting checks helps to prevent theft from within the business, checks can bounce, leaving you to handle outstanding issues with the bank. Credit cards and debit cards are generally the most secure forms of payments, but accepting them requires your to take on additional fees paid to various credit card companies which, depending on the size and complexity of your business, may not be worthwhile. Consider using a credit control app. These are apps that help small businesses improve their cash flow through better management of day-to-day cash collection and customer credit control tasks. This would allow you to take-on new customers or monitor existing ones, chasing invoice payment or running cash collection more safely. There are several software providers that can help you with this such as iKMC from where you can also get a free trial. Manage your inventory efficiently. Inventory management can make or break a small retail business, so manage it carefully to ensure that you're maximizing every dollar spent. Invest in small inventory quantities at first and continuously monitor inventory numbers so you know what's selling and what isn't. Rotate inventory frequently to remove slow sellers and replace them with new items. Inventory management is often dictated by the "shelf-life" of the product you are selling. For example, if you are dealing with perishable items, it is critical to move the oldest products out of your inventory first to maximize the profits of your business. Consider hiring a financial professional. It may be fiscally worthwhile for you to hire a dedicated staff member who can control the financial affairs of your small business. Accountants can help you identify areas of your business that are not running efficiently from a fiscal standpoint, allowing you to maximize your profits. You do not necessarily need a full-time employee to handle financial responsibilities. For example, if you have a solid grasp on your inventory flow and cash flow management, you may only need a CPA when tax time comes around. Get your license. Remember to register and acquire your small business license in the particular industry of your business. This step is important to ensuring that you're running your business legally and according to industry regulations. Be sure to register for permits related to particular services you offer, like home repair or tax preparation, which could require registration and certification. You will not be able to hire effective employees if your business is not operating with the appropriate licenses and permits. Not all businesses require licenses. Be sure to check with your local small business administration to see what your business requires. Certify employees. Employ individuals with certification in your business' field, like certified public accounting or electrical repair technician. Having certifications for all employees will ensure that your employees are skilled at the highest level and will increase your client's confidence in your business. Stay organized. Organization of your time, employees, finances and inventory is one of the keys to successfully run a small business. Develop a spreadsheet that helps you keep track of all the important details so you don't have to keep them straight in your head, and make time -- at least once a week -- to review everything. Organizing weekly, bi-weekly or monthly meetings between you and your staff can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and will help you avoid wasted time or overlap in the various responsibilities of your team members. Meetings can also help you analyze who is and who is not adequately performing the duties assigned to them. Delegate responsibilities. You can't do everything yourself, so delegate the various jobs and responsibilities to qualified employees. Small businesses often require employees to take on many tasks and responsibilities that may not fall firmly in their areas of expertise. It is often helpful to break your business' overall operations down into specific functions and delegate those functions to various employees or members of your team. Also, when delegating responsibilities, make sure you are assigning oversight of a specific function to a qualified individual. For example, you would not want an accountant representing you in a legal matter or a lawyer balancing your financial books. Thinking of your business functions in this way should also help you identify your needs when you are in the process of hiring employees. Be involved. Once you have decided who should be responsible for the duties in your business, you need to remain involved to make sure all of your employees are following through with the tasks that have been assigned to them. Also, you need to be responsive to the needs of your customers. Make sure you are aware of customer needs and feedback and don't back away from engaging with your customer base, even if that duty has been assigned to an employee. From time to time you will need to hire or fire an employee. Make sure you are aware of all state and federal laws that deal with employment equality and anti-discrimination laws in your area as they pertain to the hiring, firing, disciplining and treatment of employees. Leaving customer feedback strictly in the hands of your employees is a dangerous managerial tactic. Employees may benefit from presenting you with skewed information about customer satisfaction or product usefulness, which, in turn, will lead you to make bad managerial decisions for the company as a whole. As such, do not simply accept what your employees tell you about your business without seeing evidence of their claims. It is your company and you have put yourself in a position of risk, so be proactive in overseeing business results. Employ targeted promotional and marketing campaigns. It is important to get the word out about your company. Make sure the money you set aside for marketing is well-spent by conducting demographic research. This will help you tailor your marketing plan to be as effective as possible. It is helpful to think of promotions and marketing relative to the capacity of your business. Paying to run a commercial on a national network does you little good if your business is only designed to operate at the local level. Think about who is most likely to buy your product and why they would buy it. For example, if you are selling dentures, it makes little sense to include younger people in your marketing considerations. Network as much as possible. Gain the support of other local small businesses by networking with other small business owners. Join small business associations and participate in community events to raise awareness of your business. Participate in community functions so potential clients will be aware of the services you offer. Know your business. Stay on top of what's new or trendy in your business so your small business can stay competitive within the industry. Subscribe to periodicals or online newsletters to stay informed about current events in your small business' industry. Staying at the cutting edge of your industry will help you draw customers away from competing businesses. Offer references. Compile a list of satisfied clients that are willing to serve as references to potential clients. This will give future customers the ability to verify your work and customer service. Be accessible. Make sure potential clients and customers can get in touch with you and your business whenever they may need to. The best way to grow your reputation as a respectable business is to be responsive to your customers' needs. Large businesses can afford to be unresponsive and lose a handful of customers from time to time. Small businesses cannot. As a small business owner, it is up to you to make yourself and your company accessible to potential clients and your customer base. This may require you to make your personal cell phone number or email address accessible to clients as you attempt to grow your business. Deliver what you promise. Your small business will need to offer a product or service of some kind to be successful. However, if you want to grow your business by growing your customer base, you have to give people not only what they want, but what you promised them. If your product or service does not match what you advertise consistently, you will have incredible difficulty in growing your customer base. Delivering what you promise begins with how you tailor your approach to sales. If you or your sales team is offering or promising too much, your customers will be understandably disappointed when they receive or use your product or service, leading to negative reviews and bad word-of-mouth about your business. Remember, good sales tactics should be centered around identifying and understanding your customer's needs and making them see the realized benefits that your product has, not lying to your customers and clients about the potential of your product.

Put your idea into writing. Meet with your local Small Business Development Center. Identify your customer base. Outline your finances. Project growth. Make your bank work for you. Secure a loan or other type of investment. Ensure collection methods are in place. Consider using a credit control app. Manage your inventory efficiently. Consider hiring a financial professional. Get your license. Certify employees. Stay organized. Delegate responsibilities. Be involved. Employ targeted promotional and marketing campaigns. Network as much as possible. Know your business. Offer references. Be accessible. Deliver what you promise.

https://www.wikihow.com/Put-On-a-Hijab

How to Put On a Hijab

To wear a hijab in the basic triangle style, start by choosing a square-shaped scarf and folding the top right corner to the bottom left corner to make a triangle. Next, place the scarf over your head so the widest part of the triangle falls at the top of your forehead and the corners drape over your shoulders. Then, to size your hijab open your mouth to form an “O” while you pinch the edges of the scarf under your chin and cross the corners over your neck. Finally, drape the tails over your shoulders, and pin them behind your head.

Choose a square-shaped scarf. This method works well with a lightweight, square-shaped scarf made from any type of fabric. Choose a light satin or cotton fabric works well in the summer, and a heavier wool fabric is warm for winter. You will also need two scarf pins. Fold the top right corner to the bottom left corner. The folded scarf is now shaped like a triangle. Place the scarf over your head. The widest part of the triangle should fall at the top of your forehead, with the two corners draped over your shoulders. The third corner of the triangle is at the back of your head. Pinch the edges of the scarf under your chin. Open your mouth to form an "O" while doing this, so your jaw will have room to move around once the hijab is in place. Pin the scarf under your chin. Cross the corners of the scarf over your neck. Cross the left side to the right, and the right side to the left. Drape the tails over your shoulders. Pin the tails of the scarf behind your head. Lift up the back corner of the scarf and pin the ends at the back of your head, then drape the corner over the pinned part. Adjust as needed. Make sure the scarf is straight and securely in place. Choose a rectangular scarf. A pashmina or another large rectangular scarf works well here. You will also need one pin. Drape it over your head. The edge of the scarf should pass over the top of your forehead, with the sides draping over your shoulders. Adjust the scarf so that one side hangs down twice as low as the other. Wrap the long end of the scarf around your chin and over your head. Drape the end of the scarf over your opposite shoulder. Pin the end in place on the side of your head. Use a scarf pin to keep the scarf in place. Adjust the scarf as needed. The scarf should look as though it forms one long, flowing loop around your head and under your chin. Make sure it's secure and won't slip off. Choose a one or two-piece Al-Amira scarf. The one-piece version is made with a hole in the middle, so you can easily slip it over your head. The two piece version also includes an underscarf for extra coverage on your head. Place the underscarf on your head. Put it on like you would a headband. It should sit over your forehead, to provide extra coverage there. If you have a one-piece version, you can skip this step. Slide your head through the opening of the scarf. Arrange it so that your face is encircled by the scarf, with its folds draping over your shoulders, chest and back. Arrange the folds in a comfortable fashion. Make sure it's securely in place and won't fall off.

Choose a square-shaped scarf. Fold the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Place the scarf over your head. Pinch the edges of the scarf under your chin. Cross the corners of the scarf over your neck. Pin the tails of the scarf behind your head. Adjust as needed. Choose a rectangular scarf. Drape it over your head. Wrap the long end of the scarf around your chin and over your head. Pin the end in place on the side of your head. Adjust the scarf as needed. Choose a one or two-piece Al-Amira scarf. Place the underscarf on your head. Slide your head through the opening of the scarf. Arrange the folds in a comfortable fashion.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Black-Russian-Cocktail

How to Make a Black Russian Cocktail

To make a classic Black Russian cocktail, fill a stainless steel shaker with about a cup of ice cubes, then add 2.5 oz of vodka and 1 oz. of coffee liqueur. Shake your ingredients for about 10 seconds or until frost forms on the outside of the shaker. Once everything's completely blended, strain the liquid into a rocks glass filled with ice, and serve your cocktail right away.

Put 3⁄4 to 1  c (180 to 240 mL) of ice cubes into a stainless steel shaker. Filling the shaker with ice will chill all of your ingredients while you mix them. A stainless steel shaker will work best for creating your Black Russian cocktail. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can also mix your ice and ingredients directly in a rocks glass. You can add or decrease the amount of ice you use, depending on your preference. Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into the shaker and shake it. Add 2.5  fl oz (74 mL) of vodka and 1  fl oz (30 mL) of coffee liqueur to your cocktail shaker. Shake your ingredients for around 10 seconds to ensure that they have mixed thoroughly. You may opt to pour your ingredients directly into your rocks glass. Use a stir stick to mix your ingredients together. You can use any type of coffee liqueur. Keep in mind that they all have a slight variation in taste. Make sure to taste test them ahead of time, so you know how much you want to add to your drink. Strain the liquid into a rocks glass filled with ice if you're using a shaker. Fill your glass about ¼ of the way full with ice. Strain your drink into the glass and give it one more quick stir before serving. Use either a traditional old-fashioned glass that holds 6–8  fl oz (180–240 mL) or a double old-fashioned glass that holds between 12 and 14  fl oz (350 and 410 mL). Serve your cocktail right away. To prevent your drink from becoming watered down, serve it before the ice has a chance to melt. If you are making your cocktail ahead of time, you can make it in a shaker and add the ice right before you serve it. Use cola to make it a Dirty Black Russian. Top your cocktail off with a dark cola to make it a highball drink. Add as much or as little cola as you want. The cola will help dilute the alcohol and add extra flavor and a bit of fizz. A Dirty Black Russian is also called a Black Russian with Coke, Tall Black Russian, or an Australian Black Russian. Coke is the cola recommended to make a Dirty Black Russian, but you can use whichever dark cola you prefer. A highball drink is a spirit mixed with soda or soda water. If you pour the mixture into an old-fashioned glass, it is considered a lowball. Compliment your cocktail by making it a Brown Russian with ginger ale. This carbonated soft drink adds a subtle sweetness that reduces the strength of the Black Russian. Simply pour your ingredients into a highball glass with ice and top it off with ginger ale. A highball glass holds 8 to 12  fl oz (240 to 350 mL) and is used to serve a variety of mixed drinks. Replace the cola with a stout to create a Smooth Black Russian. This drink is usually made in a highball glass with ice and topped off with Guinness stout. The amount of stout you add will vary depending on the size of your glass. However, the recommended amount of stout to use is about 3.4  fl oz (100 mL). Add a splash of cola to make it an Irish Russian. You may choose to use a different stout, but flavors will vary. Add lemon juice for a tangy twist. A Black Magic Cocktail is a variation of a Black Russian that is served with a dash of lemon juice and garnished with a lemon twist. Try adding 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of lemon juice at a time until you get your desired tangy flavor. Create the perfect winter cocktail by adding cinnamon whiskey. To create a Cinnamon-Vanilla Black Russian, add 1  fl oz (30 mL) of cinnamon whiskey or pumpkin spice vodka. Replace the original vodka of the Black Russian with 1  fl oz (30 mL) of vanilla vodka. You can also add a splash of cola for added flavor. Make your Black Russian a dessert drink. Due to the slightly sweeter taste of the coffee liqueur, Black Russians pair nicely with creamy desserts. Some desserts that go great with a Black Russian are tiramisu, bonet, and blueberry cheesecake. Enjoy your Black Russian slowly. Black Russians have a higher ABV (alcohol by volume), so it is best to pace yourself while indulging in this cocktail. The ABV depends on the size of your drink, but it is wise to have a 12  fl oz (350 mL) glass of water in between drinks. Sip your Black Russian cocktail slowly when drinking before a meal. Consuming alcoholic beverages with a higher ABV can cause you to feel full before you get to your meal. Slowly sipping this crisp cocktail makes a great appetizer, just remember to pace yourself. Although Black Russians are a great drink to sip on before a meal, it is never a good idea to drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Put 3⁄4 to 1  c (180 to 240 mL) of ice cubes into a stainless steel shaker. Pour the vodka and coffee liqueur into the shaker and shake it. Strain the liquid into a rocks glass filled with ice if you're using a shaker. Serve your cocktail right away. Use cola to make it a Dirty Black Russian. Compliment your cocktail by making it a Brown Russian with ginger ale. Replace the cola with a stout to create a Smooth Black Russian. Add lemon juice for a tangy twist. Create the perfect winter cocktail by adding cinnamon whiskey. Make your Black Russian a dessert drink. Enjoy your Black Russian slowly. Sip your Black Russian cocktail slowly when drinking before a meal.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Yourself-Cough

How to Make Yourself Cough

To make yourself cough, try breathing in sharply and then closing your throat. As you try to exhale, keep your throat and stomach tight, which can produce a cough. If you have cystic fibrosis or COPD, do a huff cough by taking a breath and exhaling slowly to the count of 4. Then, take a shallow breath and form an "O" shape with your mouth. As you exhale, contract your abdominal muscles, which should make a soft huffing sound. You could also try inhaling steam from boiling water to make yourself cough.

Breathe in sharply and close your throat. Changing the way you breathe in and out, combined with restricting your airflow, can induce a cough. Take in a deep, sharp breath to dry out your mouth and throat. Tighten your throat and try to exhale. Tighten your stomach and push air out while keeping your throat restricted. This can help induce a cough. Try doing a huff cough. A huff cough is a gentle, low pressure cough that is useful for individuals who do not have the lung capacity to perform a normal cough. These include patients with cystic fibrosis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), among others. To do a huff cough: Slow down your breathing by exhaling for a count of 4. Breathe in about 75% of a normal inhalation. Shape your mouth into an O and try to keep your voice box open. Contract your abdominal muscles to force air up through your mouth. You should make a soft “huff” sound. Inhale a quick, shallow breath and make another “huff” sound. Try doing a fake cough. When you start making a coughing sound on purpose to simulate a cough, a real cough might follow. To do a fake cough, start by clearing your throat. Force air out of your throat by tightening your abdominal muscles and pushing air up and out of your mouth. Breathe in cold, dry air. Winter air is often cold and dry, and can contribute to increased coughing. Cold, dry air can eliminate water vapor from your throat and mouth, which can cause a spasm in your airway. This might make you cough, especially if you are prone to asthma. Take big, deep breaths in the cold air. Make sure the air reaches down into your lungs. Breathe in steam from boiling water. Boil water in a kettle and pour it into a bowl. Put your face over the bowl, being careful to avoid getting burned. Breathe deeply and quickly to draw the vaporized water into your lungs. It will condense in your lungs, whereupon your body will mistake it for water in your lungs. Your body will try to expel the water by coughing. Inhale citric acid. Citric acid has been used in a number of medical trials as a tussive agent (something that causes the cough reflex). Put citric acid such as orange or lemon juice in a nebulizer to produce a mist that you can then inhale into your lungs. This should induce a cough. Breathe in aromatic oil of mustard. An older medical study indicates that oil of mustard can be inhaled to induce coughing. Put a few drops of aromatic oil of mustard in a bottle. Sniff the bottle and you will begin to cough. Cook up chili peppers. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which can irritate your mouth, throat and airways. When you have exposure to capsaicins by cooking chili peppers, some of the molecules become airborne. You may inhale them and cause irritation in your throat and lungs, which, for many people, causes a coughing fit. , Suck mucous back into your throat. If you have a cold and your nose is runny or plugged, bring the phlegm back into your mouth and throat to induce a cough. This will contribute to a postnasal drip, which is when mucous seeps into your throat through your nasal passages. Postnasal drip will contribute to your cough, potentially prolonging it. Inhale an allergen like dust or smoke. Deliberately inhaling allergens such as dust, pollen or smoke will likely make you cough, especially if you are sensitive to them. Hold your face over a feather duster and open your mouth. Breathe in a quick, deep breath. Alternately, ask someone to blow cigarette smoke in your face. Breathe in through your mouth to bring the smoke into your lungs. If you are not a smoker, this may cause you to cough. If you are a smoker, this may not be very effective. However, remember, even if you're a smoker, the smoke can be dangerous for you. Take a big sniff of a foul smell. The lungs have a means of detecting odors and irritants that cause a coughing reaction, such as toxic chemicals or bad smells. The lungs are imprinted a sort of “memory” so that they protect themselves. This is why you often have a sudden and violent response, such as gagging and coughing, to irritants and odors. Find something that smells really awful, like rotting food or feces. You may have a reaction to the smell that includes gagging and coughing. Use a cough stimulator. This type of device is typically used for quadriplegic individuals who do not have the ability to cough on their own. The device is implanted under the skin near the neck or upper chest, and sends electronic pulses to the neck's phrenic nerves. This causes the diaphragm to contract, simulating a breath inhalation. Continuing these pulses will cause minor spasms to initiate coughing. Apply pressure to the chest. A caregiver can help a disabled patient to cough by pressing firmly on the torso just below the ribcage. At the same time, the patient should exhale or try to cough. The pressure should induce a sort of cough that will, for example, help clear lungs during a chest infection. The caregiver must apply very careful pressure so as to not cause injury to the patient. Use fentanyl to induce a cough. Fentanyl is a pain medication administered as an anesthetic by a health care professional. An intravenous injection of fentanyl tends to induce coughing in the patient. , This is only used when a patient is undergoing anesthesia for a medical procedure and would not be a common method of inducing a cough.

Breathe in sharply and close your throat. Try doing a huff cough. Try doing a fake cough. Breathe in cold, dry air. Breathe in steam from boiling water. Inhale citric acid. Breathe in aromatic oil of mustard. Cook up chili peppers. Suck mucous back into your throat. Inhale an allergen like dust or smoke. Take a big sniff of a foul smell. Use a cough stimulator. Apply pressure to the chest. Use fentanyl to induce a cough.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Ink-Stains-from-Fabric

How to Remove Ink Stains from Fabric

To remove an ink stain from fabric, try blotting at it with some rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover. The alcohol in these liquids will help break down the stain so it comes off. For stubborn stains, try using equal parts of vinegar and room-temperature water. You might even be able to get the stain off using just soapy water if the ink is water-based. Whatever solution you end up using, remember to test it on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first to make sure it doesn't cause the color to fade.

Opt for alcohol-based solvents for most permanent ink stains. Permanent inks are usually oil-based and can be broken down by applying an alcohol-based solvent. There are many common household items that will work. Choose hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or an acetone nail polish remover. Hairspray used to be the most recommended product for cleaning ink from fabrics. Today, however, most hairsprays are made with much less alcohol and will not be very effective at breaking down an ink stain. Don't water down or dilute the solvent in any way. You will apply it directly to the stain. Use soap and water to clean water-based ink stains. For semi-permanent and non-permanent water-based inks, you should be able to clean it up using dish soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent. To make the solution, just mix about 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water with a few drops of soap in a bowl. A mild laundry detergent will work best, but you can use a dye-free shampoo or soap as well. Make a vinegar and water solution to tackle tough stains. Vinegar can act a stronger solvent than some of your other alcohol-based cleaners, but it is also very acidic and corrosive and should be used with caution. Dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Either make the solution in a bowl and dip your cleaning cloths in it, or fill a small spray bottle with 1 part vinegar and 1 part room-temperature water. Don't use water that is too hot as it may damage your fabric when you apply it. Choose chlorine bleach on white fabrics as a last resort. If you have not been able to salvage the fabric with other methods, you can try a chlorine and water solution. Make the solution in a bowl or spray bottle with 1 part water to 1 part bleach. Chlorine bleach not only removes dyes from fabric, but it's also a harsh chemical that can break down the fibers and cause damage. Making a mistake with chlorine bleach is usually irreparable, so only use it with extreme caution. Color-safe non-chlorine bleach is not always as safe for fabric as it is advertised. Use it with caution and spot test a hidden part of the fabric first if you want to use it. Soak up any wet ink as soon as you can with dry paper towels. If you get to the stain immediately after it happens, the first thing to do is quickly soap up as much ink as you can. Use dry paper towels or clean white rags and blot the spill until the stain no longer looks wet. If you are able to turn the fabric over, blot up excess ink that leaked through the reverse side as well. Keep blotting up the ink until no more comes off on the towel when you gently press on the stain. Spot-test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the fabric. Choose an inside hem on an item of clothing or a hidden corner of carpet or upholstery and apply a little of the cleaning solution. Let it sit for a few minutes and make sure it doesn't fade the color or cause pigments in the fabric to bleed. If it does bleed or fade, choose a different cleaning solution and repeat the spot test. Wet a cotton ball or clean cloth with your chosen cleaning solution. Don't apply the cleaning solution directly to the fabric, as that may cause it to spread and make the problem worse. Instead, apply the solution to the cotton ball or cloth first. You want it to be wet enough that the cleaning solution is soaked in, but not dripping wet. Blot the stain with the solution until it's gone. Apply repeated gentle pressure on the stain, moving from the outside of the stain to the inside. Rotate the cloth or cotton ball as you dab to ensure you are using a clean part of it. Replace the cotton balls or cloth with new ones when they become saturated with ink to avoid spreading the stain farther. Repeat the process until no more ink comes out of the fabric and the stain disappears. If you are cleaning clothing or linens that you can easily move around, place a clean towel or paper bag underneath the fabric as you blot the ink so it can help to soak up any pigment that is soaking through the fabric. Never rub an ink stain—always blot—otherwise you will spread the stain around and make it worse. Wash away the cleaning solution with soap and water. If your fabric is clothing or linens and can be washed in the washing machine, launder as you normally would. If you are cleaning a carpet or upholstery, dab away the cleaning solution with a damp, slightly soapy cloth. Only use one or two drops of soap on the cloth so that you don't leave behind a soapy residue on the fabric's surface. Don't put clothes or linens in the dryer until you are certain all the ink has been removed. If there are still traces of ink, the heat from the dryer will set the stain and they may be impossible to remove after that. Dry the area by dabbing it with a clean towel or let it air dry. If you aren't drying the fabric in the clothes dryer, you can either dab it with a clean towel or just let it air dry. Take care not to walk on carpet or sit on upholstery while it is still damp as dirt and oils from your clothes, shoes, or body may transfer into the fabric, creating another mess for you to clean up.

Opt for alcohol-based solvents for most permanent ink stains. Use soap and water to clean water-based ink stains. Make a vinegar and water solution to tackle tough stains. Choose chlorine bleach on white fabrics as a last resort. Soak up any wet ink as soon as you can with dry paper towels. Spot-test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the fabric. Wet a cotton ball or clean cloth with your chosen cleaning solution. Blot the stain with the solution until it's gone. Wash away the cleaning solution with soap and water. Dry the area by dabbing it with a clean towel or let it air dry.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-If-Your-Knuckle-Is-Broken

How to Know If Your Knuckle Is Broken

To know if your knuckle is broken, consider whether you felt a popping or snapping sensation accompanied by severe, immediate pain at the time of injury. Additionally, see if your injured hand feels much warmer and more swollen than your other hand. You may also notice bruising or a sunken knuckle if you've suffered a break. In order to test your mobility, see if you're able to make a fist, which will be very difficult if you've broken your knuckle.

Experience a popping sensation. People who break knuckles often report feeling a popping or snapping sensation in their hand the moment the break occurs. The snapping feeling can be caused by the actual breaking of the bone or pieces of the bone popping out of their original place. If you feel this occur, it is a good idea to stop what you're doing and examine your hand. The popping sensation isn't always present when a knuckle is broken. Whether or not you'll experience a popping feeling depends on the severity of your fracture. Identify the cause of the injury. A broken knuckle is often referred to as a “boxer's fracture” because it occurs most often when a person punches a hard surface. When your injury happened, were you punching a wall or some other immovable surface? Maybe you were involved in a fist fight. If you have been hitting something solid, there's a good chance you may have broken your knuckle. There are other possible ways to break your knuckle that are not as common. You can break your knuckle while falling down, working with machines or doing any activity that exposes your hand to trauma. Some doctors now call a broken knuckle a “brawler's fracture” instead of a “boxer's fracture” because boxers prevent broken knuckles by wearing protective gear. You're more likely to break a knuckle hitting something with your bare fist. Feel immediate pain. A broken knuckle will be accompanied with severe, immediate pain. Right when the injury occurs, you will experience a sharp pang in your hand which will be followed by an intense throbbing feeling. Depending on your body's tolerance for pain, the feeling can be debilitating and force you to stop whatever you're doing. If your knuckle only has a minor fracture, the pain may not be as severe. However, you should still stop using your hand as you could further injure your knuckle. Take the temperature of your hand. The moment you break your knuckle, the blood will start flowing towards the area of the fracture causing your hand to get hot. Check the temperature in your injured hand and then your other hand. If your injured hand feels much warmer than the other one, your knuckle could be broken. Check for swelling. If your knuckle is broken, it should start to swell after about ten minutes. The swelling will be centered around your broken knuckle and may spread out to the rest of your hand. The swelling from a broken knuckle may be severe. You may find it difficult to move your hand if it gets swollen enough. When your knuckle starts to swell, you may experience a tingling or numb sensation as well. Take aspirin, ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication to decrease the swelling and deal with the pain. Doctors may not be able to work on your hand if it has swollen too large. Applying ice to the injury early can help alleviate swelling. Wrap an ice pack with a paper towel and apply it to your knuckle or use a bag of frozen vegetables. Keep the ice pack on for up to 20 minutes at a time and then give your skin a chance to return to normal temperature before applying the ice pack again. Look for bruising. A bruise from a broken knuckle will appear much faster than a normal bruise. As blood rushes into your injury, the area will begin to discolor within a matter of minutes. Bruising will also make your injury very tender. It will likely hurt to even touch a broken knuckle. There are cases of bones breaking without any bruising present, but they are rare. Keep your hand elevated to decrease bruising. Keeping your hand above your heart will allow the blood to flow away from the injury. Find a sunken knuckle. A surefire way to tell if you have a broken knuckle is to see if it has sunk beneath your other knuckles. If you can, curl your injured hand into a fist and look at your knuckles. They should stick out. If there is one knuckle that you can't see, then that knuckle is definitely broken. The fracture may affect the position or angulation of your knuckle, causing it to sink. Locate any areas where the skin is broken. If your bone is sticking through your skin, you have an open fracture and you will need surgery to repair it. Make sure to wash the entire area with antiseptic soap. It will be easy for any open wounds around your broken bone to become infected which will make the injury much more complicated to treat. It may hurt to wash your tender knuckle, but it's very important that you do. Make sure to dry your wound completely as moisture makes it easier for bacteria to grow. You can also cover the wound with a clean dressing to prevent infection. Remove any loose pieces of material from the injury. If there is an impaled object in your knuckle, leave it in place for the doctors to remove in the hospital. Bend your finger. Try to bend your injured finger to check for dislocation or malrotation of your knuckle. If your knuckle is dislocated, you may not be able to bend it at all as the bone will have moved in a way that does not allow you to use your finger. If the bone has rotated, you might be able to bend the finger, but it will be pointed towards your thumb. Malrotation means that the bone has twisted in such a way that the finger will bend in a different direction than normal. If your bone is dislocated or malrotated, you will need a doctor to reset it. A malrotated or dislocated knuckle often takes longer to heal than a simple broken knuckle. Make a fist. If your knuckle is broken it will be very difficult for you to close your hand. You can test the severity of your injury by trying to make a fist. Your hand may have swollen too large or it may simply be too painful for you to move your fingers if your knuckle is broken. You may also be able to close all your fingers except for the one with the broken knuckle. If you can make a fist, and your knuckle is broken, your injured finger may not align properly with the rest of your fingers. Don't push yourself. If you try too hard to fight through the pain and make a fist, you could injure or dislocate your knuckle further. Grip something. A broken knuckle will drastically reduce your finger strength. Your brain can shut down the muscles around a severe injury to prevent further damage. If you find yourself unable to get a tight grip on anything, there's a chance your brain is trying to protect your broken knuckle. If you have a minor fracture of your knuckle, you may still be able to use most of your grip. If you suspect you might have a fracture though, take it easy. Gripping something too hard could cause the fracture to become more severe. Try out your wrist. Your knuckle is at the top of your metacarpal bone. The bottom of your metacarpal bone is connected to your carpus or wrist bone. Because the two bones are connected, a broken knuckle can affect the mobility of your wrist. Move your wrist from side to side and up and down. If you feel a sharp pain shoot through your hand, you most likely have a severe broken knuckle. Seek treatment. If you suspect that your knuckle is broken, then see a doctor or visit an emergency room as soon as possible to get treated. You will probably have to wear a splint or brace for a few weeks until the knuckle heals. Casts are not often necessary for breaks in the hand and fingers.

Experience a popping sensation. Identify the cause of the injury. Feel immediate pain. Take the temperature of your hand. Check for swelling. Look for bruising. Find a sunken knuckle. Locate any areas where the skin is broken. Bend your finger. Make a fist. Grip something. Try out your wrist. Seek treatment.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deter-House-Wrens-from-Nestboxes

How to Deter House Wrens from Nestboxes

To deter house wrens from nestboxes, regularly clear out any dummy nests in your nestboxes, which are fake nests made of loose sticks that house wrens use to claim their territory and drive away other birds. By clearing out the dummy nests, you'll make it easier for other bird species to nest in your nestboxes. Additionally, remove old nests at the end of each season since house wrens tend to return to nestboxes that have old nests in them. Alternatively, if you're willing to upgrade to new nestboxes, you can get larger ones with smaller holes, which aren't as preferable to house wrens.

Clean out dummy nests. House wrens create a number of nests, including dummy nests, in order to claim territory and ward off competitors. They also use dummy nests to cover the eggs and hatchlings of competitors, making it impossible for them to incubate their eggs or feed their young. Dummy nests consist of loose sticks, whereas an active nest has a lining of feathers and often eggs. Removing dummy nests makes it easier for other species to nest in a box. It is illegal to remove an active house wren nest. Make sure it is a dummy nest before removing. Removing dummy nests requires constant monitoring because house wrens will return and repeatedly try to rebuild them. Use a birdcam to watch the nestbox. Do not drop sticks from dummy nest on the ground near the nestbox. House wrens will reuse the sticks if left nearby. Remove old nests. House wrens often return to nestboxes with old nests, perhaps because they indicate a safe location from predators and competitors. If you want to make sure house wrens do not nest in a certain location, be sure to clean out any old nests at the end of the season. House wren nests are usually empty by fall. Plug the nestbox hole. If a nestbox has a dummy nest inside, place a cap over the hole to discourage house wrens from returning. This can be done with a rubber drain stopper or a piece of cork. Plugging a nestbox for a few weeks may convince local house wrens to move on to new territory and open up space for new tenets. Although this may drive the house wrens away from one particular nestbox, it may also encourage them to move on to another one with birds actively nesting in it. Use larger nestboxes. House wrens love tiny nestboxes, particularly the tiny ornamental birdhouses that can be found in many backyards. Multiple small boxes placed close together have a tendency to create large populations of house wrens and drive out other species. On the other hand, bigger boxes placed over a large area tended to facilitate the growth of other bird species. It is believed that house wrens prefer the smaller floors of little nestboxes because they offer a better space for building their compact nests. Try nestboxes with smaller holes. Slot, Gilbertson and Gilwood boxes have openings that make it easier for house wrens to fill them with sticks and create dummy nests. They also tend to have a smaller size that house wrens are drawn to. Use nestboxes with openings that make it difficult for house wrens to create dummy nests. House wrens prefer a home with a diameter of roughly 1 1/8 inches. Making a hole smaller than this may prevent their entry. Avoid gourd nestboxes, which also seem to attract house wrens. Locate the box 200–300 feet (61–91 m) away from woods or areas near rivers. House wrens prefer areas with lots of thickets, brambles, trees or shrubs. Placing nestboxes near house wren habitat, but not within it, will encourage their spread into the territory of other birds. Although the size of their territory is unknown, it is believed that house wrens may travel 100-230 feet from their nest site. Be sure to give yourself plenty of space between your nestbox and the nearby house wren habitat. House wrens prefer nesting in deciduous trees, so place your nestboxes near conifers. Remove shrubbery near the nestbox. You can also place nestboxes facing away from shrubbery. House wrens prefer shrubs over trees. If possible, place boxes out in the open. Mount nestboxes high. Although there is evidence that house wrens can nest between 10 and 30 feet, some birders claim that placing a nestbox above 12 feet will deter house wren nesting. This is believed to be because the height places the birds at a greater distance from shrubbery. This is common in urban settings where boxes along trails tend to be hung above 12 feet. Remove extra boxes from endangered habitats. Taking down extra boxes will keep the number of house wren from exploding and minimize its impact on other populations. With fewer house wrens attacking their nests, other birds will be able to utilize the space. Keep in mind that house wren territory may extend beyond 300 feet and that boxes beyond your property may attract house wrens to your area. Place extra boxes without predator guards in house wren habitat. Placing extra boxes in house wren habitat will ensure that they do not steal them from other species. Removing the predator guard will also make it more difficult for house wren to safely nest and minimize the local population. Eventually, removing the predator guards may also drive house wren into other areas. This may be more of a short term solution. Make or purchase a Wren Guard. A Wren Guard is an L-shaped piece of wood that extends over the hole of a nestbox and obscures it from view. You can easily make a Wren Guard at home or purchase on from a retailer. It is believed to be effective because it makes it difficult for house wren to enter the box. The birds tend to perch on the roof before entering the nestbox, but this is difficult to do with the guard in place. The guard should be made of the same material as the nestbox so that it blends in, but you can also make one of cardboard and plastic in a pinch. Typically you have to make your own guard since the dimensions will be slightly different for each bird you are looking to protect. The space between the nestbox hole and the guard will vary depending on the bird nesting inside. However, there are some retail models available. Watch the nestbox. Using a Wren Guard requires quite a bit of observation on your part. You need to pay attention to when birds begin nesting in the box so that you know when to attach the guard. The song of a house wren indicates that they have moved into the area and that you need to be vigilant. Male house wren sometimes do not sing when entering a new area and remain unnoticed until they begin destroying nests. Use a birdcam to keep a closer eye on your nestboxes. Put the guard up after the desired bird has laid an egg or two. If you put the guard up too early, it is likely that the nesting birds will not return. If it is installed too late, a house wren may destroy the nest before you have a chance to stop it. The nesting birds need enough time to realize that they are in a safe space. Once they have laid a few eggs, they are invested in the space and much more likely to return. Check the nest daily or install a birdcam to monitor it. Remove the guard after the hatchlings are about a week old. The guard will make it difficult for the adult birds to feed the nestlings and may interfere with their eventual fledging. It may become more of a threat to the hatchlings than a house wren. At this point the baby birds will be too big for the house wren to throw from the nest or cover with twigs. Chickadees and titmice nestlings need about two weeks before the guard can be removed. For bluebirds, the guard can be removed 4-7 days after hatching.

Clean out dummy nests. Remove old nests. Plug the nestbox hole. Use larger nestboxes. Try nestboxes with smaller holes. Locate the box 200–300 feet (61–91 m) away from woods or areas near rivers. Mount nestboxes high. Remove extra boxes from endangered habitats. Place extra boxes without predator guards in house wren habitat. Make or purchase a Wren Guard. Watch the nestbox. Put the guard up after the desired bird has laid an egg or two. Remove the guard after the hatchlings are about a week old.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Liver-Cleanse

How to Make a Liver Cleanse

To make your own liver cleanse at home, all you need is Epsom salts, extra virgin olive oil, and 1 large grapefruit. In the days leading up to your cleanse, eat a lot of apples and drink apple juice to prepare your liver. The day before your detox, drink 8 ounces of apple juice every 2 to 3 hours. Then, the morning of the detox, eat a light, nonfat breakfast. At 2pm, mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts in 3 cups of water and refrigerate the mixture. At 6pm, drink ¾ cup of it, followed by another ¾ cup at 8pm. At 9:45pm, juice a large grapefruit, add ½ cup of virgin olive oil, and drink the well-stirred mixture before bed. To finish the cleanse, drink another ¾ cup of the Epsom salts the next morning and the final portion 2 hours later.

Understand the benefits of this cleanse. This 24 hour detox is designed to remove toxins from the liver and flush gallstones from the gall bladder. It has helped people alleviate and cure problems such as chronic acne, yeast infection and symptoms associated with leaky gut. To perform this cleanse, all you'll need is Epsom salts, extra virgin olive oil and one large grapefruit. Prepare your body for the cleanse. In the days leading up to the detox, you should eat a lot of apples and drink as much apple juice as possible — this prepares the liver for the detox. On the last day before you start the detox, try to drink 8oz of apple juice every 2 - 3 hours. On the morning of the detox, eat a light breakfast that contains no fat. A healthy smoothie or some wholegrain cereal with fruit are two good options. Prepare and drink the salt mixture. At 2pm on the day of the detox, mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts in 3 cups of water. Pour the salt mixture into a large jar or jug and leave the cool in the fridge. Do not eat any food after 2 pm. At 6pm drink 3/4 cup of the salt mixture. If you find the taste difficult to stomach, you can mix in a little powdered vitamin C. Drink another 3/4 cup of the salt mix at 8pm. Prepare and drink the grapefruit mixture. At 9.45pm, juice a large grapefruit (you should end up with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of juice) and pour it into a jar. Add 1/2 cup of virgin olive oil, then replace the lid and shake the jar vigorously to combine. Drink this grapefruit and oil mixture (through a straw if necessary) and then go to bed and lie down immediately — this is important for the cleanse to work property. Lie on your right side with your right knee tucked up towards your chest. Try to sleep. Finish the cleanse. The next morning, drink another 3/4 cup of the Epsom salts immediately upon waking, then drink the final portion 2 hours later. After another 2 hours, you can transition back to drinking fruit juice and to solid food two hours after that — just make sure that whatever you eat is light and healthy. You can expect to have one or more bowel movements the morning of the liver cleanse. You may see round, green stones in your waste — these are gallstones. Having gallstones in your waste is completely normal and means that the cleanse has worked well. Understand the benefits of this cleanse. This detox is used to cleanse the liver and colon, clearing out toxic waste in order to eliminate bloating, increase energy levels and aid weight loss efforts. To perform this cleanse, you will need unsweetened cranberry juice, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, 2-3 oranges, 2-3 lemons and several packets of stevia (a natural sweetener). Prepare your body for the cleanse. Before you perform this cleanse, it's essential that you prepare your liver by following a healthy diet in the 7 days running up to the cleanse. This will help you to avoid feeling tired and sluggish on the day of the cleanse. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, kale), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), citrus fruits, sulfur-rich foods (eggs, garlic and onions) and liver-healing foods (asparagus, beets, celery). Also make sure to drink plenty of water (72 fluid oz per day) and avoid any high fat or processed foods, refined carbohydrates or gluten products. You should also cut out alcohol, caffeinated beverage and any non-necessary medications. Prepare the cleansing cranberry drink. On the morning of the cleanse, prepare the cranberry drink. First, dilute the unsweetened cranberry juice to a quarter of its original strength with filtered water, to make 72 fluid oz of liquid. Add this cranberry water to a saucepan and bring to a low boil over a medium heat. Add a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to a tea ball and place in the boiling cranberry water. For a stronger infusion, place the spices directly into the liquid. Allow the cranberry water to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, then take off the heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, squeeze the oranges and lemons and add the juice to the cranberry water. Taste the liquid and add a couple of packets of stevia for sweetness, if desired. Drink the cranberry mix throughout the day. On the day of your cleanse, drink the cranberry water one 8oz glass at a time. Alternate between drinking the cranberry water and drinking regular, filtered water throughout the day, until you have consumed at least 72 fluid oz of each. Be forewarned — you will need to pee a lot! You should also take a colon-caring supplement (such as 2 teaspoons of powdered psyllium husks or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed) twice throughout the day — once in the morning and once in the evening. Allow your body to recover from the cleanse. For the three days following the cleanse, you should follow the same dietary guidelines as required for the week before the cleanse, otherwise the results won't be as good. You should also try to incorporate some healthy bacteria into your diet, from organic, raw sauerkraut or plain yogurt containing live, active cultures. Understand the benefits of this cleanse. Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy for liver cleansing and blood purification. However, it also has an array of other benefits, such as aiding digestion, promoting weight loss and clearing acne. Keep in mind that apple cider vinegar will only work as a liver detoxifier if combined with a healthy balanced diet. Buy organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Be certain to buy organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar, as this contains a higher nutritional content. Shake the bottle before pouring to distribute the thicker, hazier-looking layer at the bottom — this is known as "the mother" and is the most nutritious part of the vinegar. Take the apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Apple cider vinegar can be used to detox your liver on an ongoing basis and doesn't require any fasting. All you need to do is add 2 to 3 teaspoons of the vinegar to an 8oz glass of water and drink it before every meal. Alternatively, you can add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Use apple cider vinegar in other ways. Alternative ways to add more apple cider vinegar to your diet include: Making a tea by adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to hot water and adding honey to sweeten. Making a salad dressing by mixing apple cider vinegar with flaxseed oil and honey. Eat garlic. Garlic is a great addition to your diet when you're trying to cleanse your liver, as it activates enzymes in the liver that help to clear out toxins. It also contains two natural compounds called allicin and selenium which support healthy liver function. Eat green, leafy vegetables. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, arugula, dandelion greens and chicory provide a multitude of liver-cleansing benefits -- they eliminate heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides (which wreak havoc on the liver) and increase the production and flow of healthy bile. Eat grapefruit. Grapefruit contains a special protein called glutathione which attaches itself to toxins before eliminating them from the body. Enjoying a whole grapefruit or drinking a glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice with breakfast aids the liver cleansing process along with boosting your bodies vitamin C, pectin and antioxidant content. Eat avocado. Avocados are also high in glutathione, a compound which protects the liver from toxins and ensures proper liver function. Some research has suggested that eating just 1 to 2 avocados per week for a minimum of 30 days could help to reverse liver damage. Eat walnuts. Walnuts contain glutathione, an amino acid called l-arginine and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which help to detoxify the liver and lower ammonia — high levels of which are responsible for many diseases. Try munching on a handful of walnuts as a snack, or sprinkling them over a salad. Eat turmeric. Turmeric is something of a liver-cleansing superfood — it protects the liver from toxins and helps to regenerate damaged liver cells. It also boosts bile production and supports the healthy function of the gall bladder, another purifying organ. Try adding turmeric to lentil curries and stewed vegetable dishes to take advantage of its detoxifying benefits. Know what to avoid. There are certain foods and ingredients that work against the liver, overloading it with toxins and hindering its proper function. Such foods include processed, fatty foods like preserved meat (sausages, corned beef), deep fried food, margarine and hydrogenated oils, and any food that contains artificial colors and flavors. Take supplements. There are many natural supplements which can help to detoxify the liver and promote liver health. Some of the most popular include malic acid, burdoc, dandelion root and milk thistle. These can be found at the pharmacy or health food store and should be taken according to the instructions on the packaging. Drink detoxifying teas. Certain herbal teas are believed to flush toxins and fat deposits from the liver, while also increasing hydration levels. The best teas for liver cleansing include ingredients such as dandelion root, ginger, clove, burdock root, chamomile, cinnamon and horsetail. Try to drink at least two cups of herbal tea per day and sweeten with honey if necessary.

Understand the benefits of this cleanse. Prepare your body for the cleanse. Prepare and drink the salt mixture. Prepare and drink the grapefruit mixture. Finish the cleanse. Understand the benefits of this cleanse. Prepare your body for the cleanse. Prepare the cleansing cranberry drink. Drink the cranberry mix throughout the day. Allow your body to recover from the cleanse. Understand the benefits of this cleanse. Buy organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Take the apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Use apple cider vinegar in other ways. Eat garlic. Eat green, leafy vegetables. Eat grapefruit. Eat avocado. Eat walnuts. Eat turmeric. Know what to avoid. Take supplements. Drink detoxifying teas.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reset-a-Kindle-Fire

How to Reset a Kindle Fire

Soft reset: 1. Connect Kindle to a charger. 2. Press and hold the Power button until the Kindle turns off. 3. Allow to charge for 15 minutes. 4. Press Power to turn it back on. Factory reset: 1. Connect Kindle to a charger. 2. Swipe down the top menu and select More. 3. Go to Settings and tap Device. 4. Tap Reset to Factory Defaults. 5. Confirm and wait for the Kindle to restart.

Try a soft reset to see if your problem gets fixed. A 'soft reset' simply refers to forcing the Kindle to restart. This is the first thing you should try if your Kindle is frozen or not working properly. Plug your Kindle into a charger. Before performing the soft reset, plug the Kindle into a wall charger. A lack of charge may be causing the problem. Press and hold the Power button for at least 20 seconds. This will force the Kindle to turn off, regardless of whether or not it is frozen. On most Kindle Fire models, the Power button has the traditional Power icon. The 2012 Kindle Fire HD does not have an icon on the Power button. Make sure to press and hold the button until the screen turns off completely. Allow the Kindle to charge for a little bit. Give the Kindle about 15 minutes to charge before trying to turn it back on again. If you know that it had a full charge, you can go ahead and skip this step. If your Kindle isn't charging, there could be a problem with the charging cable itself. Try a different charger to see if you can get it to charge. Press the Power button to turn the Kindle back on. Check to see if your problem has been fixed. If not, you may want to try a full factory reset. Perform a factory reset if your Kindle continues to malfunction. If you are having continuous problems with your Kindle Fire that a soft reset is not fixing, you may want to try a factory reset. This will delete all of the data on the Kindle Fire and restore it to its factory default state. This will fix most problems that aren't related to failing hardware. It's also a very good idea to perform a factory reset if you are giving away, selling, or recycling your Kindle Fire. This will help prevent your private information from falling into the wrong hands. Backup your data. Performing a factory reset on your Kindle will delete all of your data on it. Back up anything important on your Kindle Fire to your computer or a cloud storage service. Anything you've purchased from the Amazon App Store will be able to be re-downloaded. Plug your Kindle Fire into a charger. You won't be able to perform a factory reset if your battery has a low charge. You can quickly fix this by plugging the Kindle Fire into its charger and then proceeding. If your Kindle isn't charging, there could be a problem with the charging cable itself. Try a different charger to see if you can get it to charge. Slide down the top menu and tap "More." You can open this menu by swiping down from the top of the screen. Tap "Device" in the "Settings" menu. This will open your Kindle Fire settings. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Reset to Factory Defaults." You will be prompted to confirm that you want to reset the device and delete all of the data. Wait for the device to reset. The factory reset process will take a few minutes to complete, and your Kindle Fire will reboot when it is finished. When the Kindle Fire reboots, it will start up as if it is being started for the first time. Log in with your Amazon account. Proceed through the initial setup and log in with your Amazon account. This will restore all of your purchases and settings. Check to see if your problem is gone. Test out your newly-reset Kindle to see if the problem remains. You should notice better performance when using the device. If the problems you are experiencing keep occurring even after a factory reset, you'll likely need to contact Amazon Support about getting a replacement device. See How to Contact Amazon for instructions on getting in touch with Amazon Support.

Try a soft reset to see if your problem gets fixed. Plug your Kindle into a charger. Press and hold the Power button for at least 20 seconds. Allow the Kindle to charge for a little bit. Press the Power button to turn the Kindle back on. Perform a factory reset if your Kindle continues to malfunction. Backup your data. Plug your Kindle Fire into a charger. Slide down the top menu and tap "More." Tap "Device" in the "Settings" menu. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Reset to Factory Defaults." Wait for the device to reset. Log in with your Amazon account. Check to see if your problem is gone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Multiply-in-Excel

How to Multiply in Excel

Two numbers in a cell: 1. Type = into a cell. 2. Type the first number. 3. Type *. 4. Type the second number. 5. Press Enter or Return. Two cells: 1. Type = into a cell. 2. Click the first cell value. 3. Type *. 4. Click the second cell value. 5. Press Enter or Return.

Open Excel. It's a green app with a white "X" on it. You'll need to click Blank workbook (PC) or New and then Blank Workbook (Mac) to continue. If you have an existing presentation you'd like to open, double-click it to open it in Excel. Click a cell. Doing so will select it, allowing you to type into it. Type = into the cell. All formulas in Excel start with the equals sign. Enter the first number. This should go directly after the "=" symbol with no space. Type * after the first number. The asterisk symbol indicates that you wish to multiply the number before the asterisk with the number that comes after it. Enter the second number. For example, if you first entered a 6, and wanted to multiply it by 6, your formula would now look like =6*6. You can repeat this process with as many numbers as you like, as long as the "*" symbol is between each of the numbers you want to multiply. Press ↵ Enter. This will run your formula. The cell will display the product of the formula, though clicking the cell will display the formula itself in the Excel address bar. Open an Excel presentation. Simply double-click an Excel document to open it in Excel. Click a cell. Doing so will select it, allowing you to type into it. Type = into the cell. All formulas in Excel start with the equals sign. Type in another cell's name. This should go directly after the "=" with no space. For example, typing "A1" into the cell sets A1's value as the first number in your formula. Type * after the first cell name. The asterisk symbol indicates to Excel that you want to multiply the value before it with the value after it. Type in a different cell's name. This will set the second variable in your formula as the second cell's value. For example, typing "D5" into the cell would make your formula look like this: =A1*D5. You can add more than two cell names to this formula, though you'll need to type "*" between subsequent cell names. Press ↵ Enter. This will run your formula and display the result in your selected cell. When you click the cell with the formula result, the formula itself will display in the Excel address bar. Open an Excel presentation. Simply double-click an Excel document to open it in Excel. Click a cell. Doing so will select it, allowing you to type into it. Type =PRODUCT( into your cell. This command indicates that you want to multiply items together. Type in the first cell's name. This should be the cell at the top of the range of data. For example, you might type "A1" here. Type : . The colon symbol (":") indicates to Excel that you want to multiply everything from the first cell through the next cell you enter. Type in another cell's name. This cell must be in the same column or row as the first cell in the formula if you want to multiply all the cells from the first cell to this one. In the example, typing "A5" would set up the formula to multiply the contents of A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 together. Type ), then press ↵ Enter. This last parenthesis closes the formula, and hitting enter runs the command and multiplies your range of cells together, displaying the result instantly in your selected cell. If you change the contents of a cell within the multiplication range, the value in your selected cell will also change.

Open Excel. Click a cell. Type = into the cell. Enter the first number. Type * after the first number. Enter the second number. Press ↵ Enter. Open an Excel presentation. Click a cell. Type = into the cell. Type in another cell's name. Type * after the first cell name. Type in a different cell's name. Press ↵ Enter. Open an Excel presentation. Click a cell. Type =PRODUCT( into your cell. Type in the first cell's name. Type : Type in another cell's name. Type ), then press ↵ Enter.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pack-for-Air-Travel

How to Pack for Air Travel

To pack for air travel, roll your clothes as tightly as possible to not only save space but also to prevent wrinkles. Place the heavier clothing on the bottom of the bag, as lighter items will mold to the shape of the top of your bag. Save even more space by packing socks inside of shoes. Also, put shoes in a plastic bag as this will keep them from soiling your clothes. Toiletries should also go in plastic bags as they could leak.

Pack it in your carry-on if you cannot live without it. Pack the essentials: undergarments, shoes, a set or two of regular clothes, entertainment, medication and, for longer flights, basic toiletries. Some people fly as if they may never see their luggage again – and that has some merit. Keep in your carry-on the minimum of what you need to survive should you lose your luggage. Double-check TSA guidelines before packing something in your carry-on. You don't want to have to throw anything away. Make sure to take all your medication and everything you need to be comfortable. Prescription and non-prescription medication are allowed. It's easier to get extra liquids through security if they're medically needed, like with saline solution. In order to cut down on the amount of clothes to pack, choose items that are interchangeable. Stick to a few items that all go together, rather than completely separate outfits. Use accessories to spice up an outfit. For example, scarves are small and easy to pack, and can be used as a scarf, headband, or even a belt. Take your swimsuit if you are traveling by air, put it within your vacation gear, especially if you are a woman. If your bags are lost when traveling by air, most items (such as shorts or T-shirts) can usually be purchased at your destination. However, if your bags are lost, swimsuits for women can be hard to shop for. If you do not have your swimsuit you may miss out on the beach, hot tub, or other vacation fun. Pack valuables in your carry-on. Anything valuable should come with you in your carry-on. On the off-chance your luggage gets lost or damaged, your carry on should not leave your possession. If you'd be heartbroken if you lost it, take it in your carry-on if you take it at all. For safety reasons, any electronic items with lithium ion batteries, including most laptops, smartphones, tablets, should be packed into your carry on instead of checked luggage whenever possible, per FAA recommendations. In addition, power banks and spare lithium ion batteries should always go into your carry on instead of checked luggage. Pack large electronics last, so they are easily accessible. You will not need to go digging around when time is of the essence. Pack your electronics together. This is good for two reasons: You will probably get bored on your flight, even if it is only half an hour, and having your electronics together lets you know where everything is so you can access your iPod, iPad, Kindle, or whatever else you need as quickly and easily as possible. The TSA requires electronics to be screened – when they are all in the same place and easy for the agents to see, you won't be the one holding up the line at security. Make sure you have your documents. In order to get on the plane, you need identification, such as a passport or driver's license. Do not forget your ATM card and your credit card or AAA card. However, it is probably a good idea NOT to take every piece of plastic you own because you run the risk of losing the cards. In an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on luggage, store your flight information: the airline, the flight number, your confirmation code, and the flight details. This comes in handy at the self-service check-in kiosks that so many airlines provide now at the airport. Do you really need toiletries? You may not need to pack much, if any. Your Aunt Maria probably has shampoo, for instance, and Peru will likely have toothpaste. It may take an extra stop at a store on your travels, but by avoiding tons of bottles, lotions, and tubes, you save space for other, more important things. If you do bring toiletries, in the United States the 3-1-1 TSA regulations still applies. You can fill as many 3 oz bottles of toiletries (100 ml) as you want into ''one'' quart-size plastic ziplock bag (limit one per flyer), but you have to take out the bag at security screening. Go to www.tsa.gov for the full rules and regulations. Have a first aid kit with the basics, especially pain medication. Sometimes flights can cause headaches, so have a pack ready just in case this happens to be that one. A few things you may want to pack: Painkillers Bandages A sedative (if you are a nervous traveler) Anti-nausea medication Chewing gum (for air pressure changes) Tissues Earplugs (good for travel in general) Medication for anything you are prone to, such as allergies. Wear it, do not pack it. Remember you are not charged for the clothes you wear traveling, so dress with that in mind. Dress in layers so you can bring more with you. Instead of a T-shirt and jacket, wear a T-shirt under a long sleeved top under a sweatshirt, for example. Wear your hiking shoes and pack your flip-flops, especially when you are traveling for business. Avoid checking luggage if you can. You can manage, which earn traveling by air, for a three month work trip, without checking any bags if you really want to. Checking luggage, for some, is a pain in the rear. You have to worry about packing it, dragging it with you, meeting weight requirements, likely paying extra fees that you did not know about, and then hoping the airlines do not lose it. If you are traveling for less than two weeks, consider it. It may be a challenge, but it is doable. Flight attendants and crew do it all the time. They can go over a week with just a carry on. If they can do it, so can you. You can then use the extra $50, if applicable, for whatever you please. Pack as light as possible. In addition to meeting the weight requirements, it's just easier to pack lighter – fewer things may get lost (via flying or when you leave them in your hotel room), it is a lighter bag to tote around, and you'll have plenty of room for souvenirs and impulse buys. And it'll take less time to repack. Though you should hold off on bringing too many shoes, you have to bring some. Shoes should be packed in plastic bags to avoid soiling your other goods unless they are brand new. Also, consider packing socks in your shoes rather than waste space. Put copies of your important documents in your checked luggage. Just in case something were to happen to your carry on, you forget to pack your carry-on correctly, or something unfortunate happens on your trip, put copies of important documents in your checked luggage. Scan your passport, visa, and anything else that you may need in the worst of circumstances. If you do it, you won't need it. But if you don't, you may. Expect bottles to leak when you travel by air. If you are bringing toiletries with you, it is likely something will leak. Each item should be wrapped separately and stored in bags to make sure none of it gets on your clothes. Keep these in a separate area in your bag, too. Take the lid off of each bottle and plastic wrap the top; then put the lid back on. This means that even if the lid opens, you should still be fine. Roll your clothes. If you are not already rolling your clothes, get on the bandwagon. It prevents awkward square-shaped wrinkles and it saves room, so hop to it. Start with the heavier ones on bottom as lighter ones are generally more moldable to the shape of the top of your bag. The tighter the roll, the more room you save. Even a little more compression here and there goes a long way. Take an extra plastic bag or two. Some airports are courteous enough to provide plastic bags for you, but if yours is not one of those, take them yourself. They are always useful, especially if you are traveling in a group – someone always forgets. And this way if your first round bags get soiled, you have a backup. The zipper kind – the kind that literally has a zipper on it. The resealable ones are better than the non-sealable kind, but the zipper kind is best – the resealable kind can open when force is applied. High-quality zip-lock bags can also be used to pack your bag tighter. You can sometimes get to 1/3 more room if your clothing is put in zip-lock bags, the air forced out, then sealed. It can also protect clothing from getting soaked in outdoor adventures and keep your dirty underwear away from your clean clothes. Play tetris with your belongings. To get the most out of your bag, you've gotta pack it according to the shape and size of your items. Start with the biggest, heaviest items on the bottom and work your way up to the light items – this will make it easier to close your bag when all is said and done. If something is an odd shape, pack clothes around it – make it a point to never pack air. In general, it's easier to back long, cylindrical items than odd shaped bottles and containers. In the future, to streamline your packing look for items that are of more basic shapes and sizes. They take up less room overall. Do not pack what you will buy. If you are planning to shop at fashionable Parisian boutiques on your travels, do not stuff your suitcase full of ordinary clothes. Leave room for your purchases in your bags. Can you ship ahead? In some cases, it may be easier to ship your items by mail or by a service like FedEx or UPS. This may be very important if you are going on an extended trip or need special equipment, like winter camping gear. Pick out your bags. By picking two smaller bags (ie. a roller bag that can fit in the overhead bins and a backpack for under the seat) you eliminate having to check any luggage at all, and that also eliminates lost luggage and finding luggage at the baggage claim! However, if you are unable to carry-on your suitcase, some important things to remember are: Most airlines charge per bag, so aim for big suitcases if you need to to cut down on number. However , overweight bags typically cost more than additional bags, so be careful! Choose unique bags. You want to be able to spot it quickly at the pickup carousels. If you have a generic bag, put a marker like a ribbon on it. Aim for at least one roller. You can stack a duffel bag on top of a roller bag, but carrying multiple duffel bags is a drag. Check for damages to your suitcases/bags before you go. Pack it all up the day before your trip. In the rolling suitcase, pack all of your clothes, toiletries, and items you won't need until you arrive. There are many different ways to pack, but many people find that rolling up your clothes keeps clothes from wrinkling and saves space in your suitcase. If you don't like that method, do some research to find other ways to pack your clothes. As you pack, check things off of your list to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. Weigh your suitcases. Each passenger gets a baggage allowance, which is usually determined by fare, destination, date of travel and how frequently you fly. To make sure that your suitcase doesn't exceed the weight limit, weigh your suitcase beforehand. There are gadgets to do this for you, or you can use a bathroom scale. If you are having problems with your scale, first weigh yourself, then weigh yourself with the suitcase, and subtract the the weight of you alone. Find out your baggage allowance, and if you luggage exceeds it, consider taking out some items. Take care of last-minute items. As you're packing, make a list of things that you don't have or need to pack last-minute. If you don't have a travel toothbrush, or you had to use your phone charger the night before, write it down and put the note in a noticeable area for easier remembering. Recharge all your essential devices. The day before your trip, plug in all the devices you will be traveling with, such as cell phones, iPods/MP3 players, portable game systems, digital cameras, and any other device that requires charging. Remember to bring your chargers with you if you think your devices will run out of battery while you're away. Know the duration of your flight and trip. Your trip destination will determine the kinds of things to pack, and the length will determine how much of each item is to be packed. What days do you have special events planned? How can you use the same pieces over and over? If you can, try to avoid needing a checked bag. More and more airlines are charging for that first checked bag, and a cheap flight can turn into an expensive one in a matter of no time. If flight attendants can live out of a carry-on for over a week at a time, so can you. Check the weather. Checking before packing can help pinpoint what you really need. For example, Vermont typically has mild summers, but also has "heat waves" that can make it semi-tropical. Checking the weather will let you know if you really need to pack that tank top or that umbrella. Take a small amount of multipurpose items to deal with the climate of your vacation destination. For instance, one waterproof windbreaker takes less space than a raincoat and a jacket. If you are leaving your country, check if you need adapters. If you're going to a different country or overseas, odds are certain things will be different. Will you need an electronics adapter? Understand prohibitions. You may not be able to bring your Saudi host a bottle of wine, for example. Or take certain kinds of plant seeds to Australia.

Pack it in your carry-on if you cannot live without it. Pack valuables in your carry-on. Pack your electronics together. Make sure you have your documents. Do you really need toiletries? Have a first aid kit with the basics, especially pain medication. Wear it, do not pack it. Avoid checking luggage if you can. Pack as light as possible. Put copies of your important documents in your checked luggage. Expect bottles to leak when you travel by air. Roll your clothes. Take an extra plastic bag or two. Play tetris with your belongings. Do not pack what you will buy. Can you ship ahead? Pick out your bags. Pack it all up the day before your trip. Weigh your suitcases. Take care of last-minute items. Recharge all your essential devices. Know the duration of your flight and trip. Check the weather. If you are leaving your country, check if you need adapters. Understand prohibitions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Girlfriend-Feel-Special

How to Make Your Girlfriend Feel Special

If you want to make your girlfriend feel special, give her genuine, specific compliments that show how wonderful you think she is. For example, instead of just telling her that she looks hot, you can say, “I love how you did your hair today. You look really pretty.” Remember to compliment her personality too and not just her looks! Along with showering her with praise, you can make your girlfriend feel special by being a gentleman. To do this, hold doors open for her and offer her your coat when she's cold. While you don't have to have a date night every week, make an effort to plan exciting outings to add a bit of romance to your relationship. For example, you could cook her a special meal or go mini-golfing.

Give her genuine compliments. If you want to make your girlfriend feel special, then you can't just say, "You're like, super hot." You've got to put a bit more effort into it to show her that you really care and that you're aware of the things that make her really unique. You can compliment her looks, an aspect of her personality, or just something about her. Just remember not to force it; if you're complimenting her just to get her to like you more, she'll be able to tell. Here are some examples of great compliments you can give that sound natural: Compliment an aspect of her personality. Say, "I love how you're so good at keeping your cool in a stressful situation. I need to learn how to do that." Compliment her looks. Say, "I just love the color of your hair. It's so pretty and unique." Compliment something else about her. Say, "You have so many friends who really care about you. You're so good at maintaining your friendships." Ask her questions about her life. If you want to make your girlfriend really feel special, then it's about more than just telling her the color of her eyes reminds you of the ocean. You have to show a real interest in who she is as a person, what she does on a daily basis, and her worries and fears. She has to feel that you don't just see her as your girlfriend, but as a human being with her own worries, interests, and ideas. Though you shouldn't interrogate her, you should ask questions naturally throughout your time together. Here are some things you can ask her about: Her childhood Her day Her goals for the future Her friendships Her relationship with her family Her fears Her hobbies The things that make her happiest Ask for her opinion. You don't want your girlfriend to feel like an object. You want her to feel like you actually respect her intelligence and value her opinion about a variety of subjects. Let her see that you really do care about her thoughts and opinions and that you value what she has to say when you make a big decision. Here are some things you can ask her opinion about: Books Life decisions you're making Current political issues and situations A movie or concert you both saw Be an amazing listener. It's important not only to say the right things, but to listen in the right way. If all you're doing is talking and talking and worrying about saying the right thing, chances are that you're not taking the time to really listen to your girlfriend. You have to make eye contact, give her your full attention, and make sure that she feels like you really care about what she has to say instead of just waiting for her to stop talking so you can say what's on your mind. Don't interrupt her. Let her finish what she has to say before you say anything. You can nod and squeeze her hand from time to time to let her know that you're really listening. Part of really listening is remembering what she tells you. So, if she's telling you about a fight she got into with her sister, you can ask her how things are going with her least favorite sibling when you see her next. Say the right things when she's upset. It's hard for guys to know what to say when a girl is upset. Sometimes, you may feel like anything you say will only make things worse and will end up making her even more upset. While there are no perfect words you can say to make every girl feel better, you have to get to know your girlfriend to see if she's the type who feels better just from telling you everything on her mind or if she needs you to comfort her and tell her a million things to make her feel better. Here are some things to keep in mind: Don't try to "solve" her problem right away. She may just need to vent for a little while before you two can talk about what she should do next. Don't say things like, "I know exactly how you feel" and then compare her situation to your own experiences when she's trying to tell you something. This will make her feel like you only care about yourself. Know if she needs to be left alone. If everything you're saying is making her feel worse, then she may just need some time to herself. Don't force her to talk about her problems if she's not ready. Encourage her. If you want your girlfriend to feel really special, then you have to encourage her to achieve her dreams, feel good about herself, and to go about her life in a positive, fulfilling way. Let her know that she's awesome before her big tennis match; tell her she's the smartest person you know before she takes a big test or goes in for an interview; make her feel important when she's feeling like nothing is going right for her. Though you don't want to give her false confidence, you should make it clear how awesome you think she is so that she always feels special and ready to face whatever comes her way. Say things like, "I know you're the right person for the job. You're so smart, talented, and great with people." Say, "Don't let the other team intimidate you. They know you're the one who's a real force to be reckoned with." Check in with her. If you want to make your girlfriend feel special and like you really care about her, then you can't just go MIA if you're not together. While you don't want to smother her by calling her every five seconds, you should check in with her every once in a while if you're spending some time apart. If you're apart for a day or two, just one phone call or a few cute texts each day should do the trick. It's okay if you're not a phone person. You don't have to force yourself to have long conversations when you'd rather just talk in person. However, if she does like to talk on the phone when you're apart, take a few minutes to let her know you care and to see how she's doing. Be a gentleman. You don't have to be Prince William to sweep your girlfriend off her feet. Just follow a few gentlemanly rules and your girlfriend will be feeling special in no time. Being a gentleman is about treating your girlfriend like a lady and paying attention to her needs and wants. And, of course, about making her feel special. Here are some things you can do: Hold doors open for her Pull out her chair before she sits down Offer her your coat when she's cold Let her order first Check in to see that she's feeling happy Avoid being overly vulgar Have good manners Have fantastic date nights. Don't just take her to Papa John's and bowling every Friday night. Make an effort to plan regular date nights that are special, fun, and exciting. Though you can't go skydiving during every date (unless you're on The Bachelor ), you can make an effort to keep your relationship feeling fresh and exciting by doing new things while also making time to do the things you love to do most together. Here are some great date night ideas: Inviting her over and cooking a meal for her or cooking a meal together Taking a stroll through your town and window shopping on a nice evening Eating a type of cuisine she's never had before Seeing a romantic movie and going mini-golfing Taking a painting class together Going for a run together Picnicking Mini-golfing Don't aim for perfection. You don't have to try to do everything perfectly in order to make your girlfriend feel special. In fact, if you're so obsessed with planning the perfect date nights and being the perfect gentleman, your girlfriend may even get bored or feel like you're not being yourself. While it's great to make your girlfriend feel special, if you try too hard, she may feel like you're putting on an act. It's okay to make mistakes sometimes. If you do, though, just make sure to apologize. Nobody's perfect, and it's better to apologize than to try to act like nothing went wrong. Give her help when she needs it. To make your girlfriend feel special, you have to be there for her, and not just during the fun times. You have to be there to help her with her homework, give her rides if her car breaks down, or to bring in the groceries if she needs a hand. Though, like many women, your girlfriend may be strong and independent, there will be times when she needs your help (just like you will need hers), and you have to be there to deliver. You also have to be able to tell when she means it when she says she'll be fine on or her own, or if she's just too proud to ask for help. Don't smother her. There's a difference between making your girlfriend feel special and in making her feel like she can't breathe. Make sure to give your girlfriend space to hang out with her friends, pursue her own interests, and to do her own thing while maintaining your relationship. Sure, sending her flowers every week will make her feel special, but so will recognizing that she's her own person and letting her do what she wants without feeling threatened or jealous. If you know she's having a girl's night, don't text her every five seconds to see if she's having a good time. You don't want to sound needy and this is likely to make her feel annoyed, not special. Be affectionate. Giving your girlfriend love and affection will definitely make her feel special. Give her passionate kisses on the lips, or softer, sweeter kisses on her forehead or cheeks. Put your arm around her, hold her hand, or just take the time to cuddle or snuggle with her when you're alone. You don't have to be all over her to let her know that she's special to you with some physical affection. Not everyone is into holding hands or kissing in public, but you have to figure out what level of affection will make your girlfriend feel special. If you really hate holding hands, link arms with her when you're walking. Brush her hair out of her face or gently run your fingers through it. Put your hand on the small of her back if you're walking into a place together. Stay spontaneous. Think you've found the perfect formula to make your girlfriend feel special? Then think again. If you want to keep making her feel special, then you have to keep mixing things up and make your relationship feel fresh. Even if you've found the perfect date night scenario, you have to keep trying new combinations so your girlfriend doesn't feel like you're getting bored and complacent. Here are some great ways to keep things spontaneous: Plan a surprise trip or date when she doesn't expect it. Write her a sweet love note on a random Tuesday. Serenade her in public. Send her a text message that makes her laugh in the middle of a stressful day. Don't be afraid to act like a little kid sometimes. If you feel like running around a park or jumping into the ocean, go for it! (As long as you're staying safe.) Find something new to do together. Though finding a routine that works for your relationship is great, you can also make your girlfriend feel special by continuing to find new activities that can define and reinvent your relationship. Here are some great things you can do together: Start a book club for two Take a dancing class Learn to cook one new recipe a month together Teach yourselves a foreign language Train for a half-marathon together Volunteer in your community together Explore new places. Another great way to make your girlfriend feel special is to check out some new places together. You don't have to have the budget of a sultan to explore something new together. You can start by checking out a new restaurant, and then work your way up to going to a museum you've both had your sights on, and then take weekend trips to other cities or even plan an exciting vacation to get out of your usual routines. Make an effort to travel together as much as you can and you'll see that your girlfriend feels special because you continue making an effort. Make a dream bucket list of places that the two of you want to go to. Cross them off together, one by one, even if it takes years! Always make time for each other. Another way to make your girlfriend feel special is to always make her feel like she's a priority. That means that you should always make time for date nights, for conversation, and just for decompressing together. Once you stop making time for each other, the love and fun will stop, too. If both or one of you is having a really busy week or month, talk about making that sacred couple time in advance. When you are together, give her your full attention. Don't check your phone, zone out, or invite other friends to join you if you're really trying to connect with your girl. Never take her for granted. Don't take her for granted and think that things are going great in your relationship so you don't have to keep trying so hard. A relationship is never either "great" or "not great," and you need to always keep working on it, even if you feel like everything is perfect. Always remember to compliment your girlfriend, to tell her how special she is, and just to keep the love going no matter what. When you see her, notice her appearance and compliment her. Don't make her think you don't pay attention to her looks any more. Continue to check in and ask her about how her day, her job, her classes, etc, are going. Don't just assume that she'll bring it up if something is bothering her. Check in about her feelings. Make sure she's happy and talk about it if she's not. Keep the romance alive. If you want to make your girlfriend feel special, then you have to keep things romantic, whether you've been together for five months or five years. Dress up for date nights. Always be a gentleman. Light some candles when you're cooking dinner for her. Keep the chase going -- play hard to get sometimes. Don't just settle in to your relationship once it's obvious that you both like each other, but work to keep her hooked and make her do the same. Keep the romance alive by trying new things, being adventurous together, and always having something to look forward to as a couple. If there's something romantic or sexy on the horizon, then your girlfriend will always feel special in her relationship, and you will always feel satisfied.

Give her genuine compliments. Ask her questions about her life. Ask for her opinion. Be an amazing listener. Say the right things when she's upset. Encourage her. Check in with her. Be a gentleman. Have fantastic date nights. Don't aim for perfection. Give her help when she needs it. Don't smother her. Be affectionate. Stay spontaneous. Find something new to do together. Explore new places. Always make time for each other. Never take her for granted. Keep the romance alive.

https://www.wikihow.com/Earn-Fuel-Rewards

How to Earn Fuel Rewards

To earn fuel rewards, sign up for a rewards program through a gas station, grocery store, or credit card company. Make purchases at participating locations, and look out for promotional deals, such as earning double points for shopping on a certain day of the week. Use your fuel rewards before they expire by inputting your rewards number or swiping your rewards card before filling up your tank at participating gas stations.

Research fuel rewards programs. Many different gas stations, grocery stores, and credit card companies have fuel rewards programs. Do an Internet search for programs in your area. Look for programs that will be the most convenient for you, such as one through the grocery store or gas station you visit the most, or a program through a credit card you already have. Read the fine print carefully so you know how rewards are earned, what the maximum discount is, when the rewards expire, and so forth. For instance, if you can earn rewards by booking travel and you tend to travel a lot, the program would be well-suited to your lifestyle. Sign up for the program you want to participate in. The signup process may be slightly different for each program, but the basics are the same. You'll need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number. You'll be issued a rewards card and/or a rewards number, which is often your phone number. You should be able to sign up using an online form on the program provider's website. Make purchases at participating locations to earn points. In some cases, you may need to shop at the store that offers the program to earn fuel points. In other cases, you can shop online, with partner companies, or even book travel to earn fuel rewards. You may be able to earn fuel rewards for staying at certain hotels as well. Generally, you'll need to enter your rewards number or swipe your rewards card when making these purchases. The rewards points will then be automatically added to your account. Look out for promotional deals. The fuel rewards program you are part of may have promotional deals from time to time. Be sure to read your receipts after shopping at participating stores and getting gas. Pay attention to any emails the company sends you as well, as they may contain promotional information. For instance, you may be able to earn double the rewards by shopping on certain days of the week or buying gift cards from participating stores. Get gas at the station that honors the type of rewards you have. It's important to note where you can redeem your rewards! When you want to use your rewards, plan to swing by the gas station that offers the rewards. For instance, if you have King Soopers/Kroger fuel points, you can only use them at King Soopers/Kroger gas stations. Enter your rewards number or scan your rewards card before getting gas. To get the discount, you'll need to provide your information before filling up the tank. When prompted at the pump or by the cashier, enter your rewards number or scan your rewards card. It's as simple as that! Keep track of how many points you have to get the best discounts. Though you can redeem your rewards at any time, it makes sense to rack up points to get the maximum discount. You may also want to wait until you need a full tank of gas, rather than using the rewards when topping off the tank. For instance, you may want to wait until the end of the month to use the rewards so you can earn 50¢, rather than 5¢, off per gallon. Use your rewards before they expire. In many cases, your rewards will expire after 30 days. Be sure to review the expiration policy for the rewards program you participate in. If you shop at a participating store to earn points, the number of points you have as well as their expiration date are usually printed at the bottom of the receipt.

Research fuel rewards programs. Sign up for the program you want to participate in. Make purchases at participating locations to earn points. Look out for promotional deals. Get gas at the station that honors the type of rewards you have. Enter your rewards number or scan your rewards card before getting gas. Keep track of how many points you have to get the best discounts. Use your rewards before they expire.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Coupons

How to Get Coupons

To get coupons, start by setting up a dedicated email address, and use it to subscribe to email newsletters from your favorite stores. Then, check your email every few days and print the coupons you want to use. You can also visit the websites of your favorite brands, where you can sign up for coupons to be sent directly to you. Alternatively, sign up to get vouchers via text message on your smartphone if the site has that option.

Get the Sunday newspaper for the coupon inserts. Although weekday newspapers might have a few coupons, the Sunday paper is known for including a large coupon section. You may have to spend a few dollars for the paper, but you'll usually save more than this with the coupons you get. Consider getting the Wednesday paper too because that's when a lot of grocery ads and coupons come out. Check the entrance of grocery stores or shops for their fliers. You'll probably see a stand with the store's weekly ad near the front of the store. Always look through the ad for coupons that you can take. Some stores also place coupons in the aisles where the products are located, so check for hanging coupons or boxes that might hold them. Look at the products for coupons that may be attached. You might see a coupon stuck to the front of an item. Simply peel off the coupon and remember to hand it to the cashier when you purchase the item at the checkout. Although you could leave it attached to the item, the cashier might not notice and scan it. Always check the bottom or back of your store receipts for additional coupons. These might be coupons for local businesses or for items that you frequently purchase. Contact manufacturers to send you coupons. If you're loyal to a brand, call their customer service, email them, or write their headquarters and tell them which of their products you use. Ask if you can get coupons or join their loyalty program. Some companies will send you offers or coupons to try new products. Remember that you can use manufacturer's coupons at whichever several stores sell their products. Ask friends and family for coupons. You probably know people who don't keep coupons or have coupons for things they don't buy. Let your friends and family know that you're looking for coupons. Check community centers, restaurants, and the library for coupons that they're tossing. Check in your community to see if there are coupon trading groups you could join. Create a dedicated email address for your coupons. Make a new email address to prevent unwanted third-party emails and keep your electronic coupons in one place. Use this dedicated email account every time you sign up for coupons or reward programs. Consider making specific folders to manage the coupons. For example, make folders for stores you shop at or for brands you buy. Print coupons from couponing sites or manufacturer's sites. Search websites that are dedicated to rounding up coupons. You can print these or load them to your phone. Remember to check manufacturer's websites too since these often have loyalty coupons that you can save. For example, search SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com, Coupons.com, and CouponNetwork.com for coupons. Join loyalty clubs for stores you shop at frequently. Go to the customer service desk or ask your cashier about signing up for a loyalty program. Most large stores will give you a card that tracks your purchases and rewards you. For example, you might get coupons in the mail for items that you frequently purchase or you may get a rebate coupon for your next storewide purchase. Load electronic coupons to your card or account. Look for coupons or rewards on a specific store's website. You'll then be able to load coupons directly to your account. Then when you buy something at the store and swipe your card, the coupon will automatically be applied. Keep in mind that some stores offer a combination of printed coupons and digital coupons, so always check the store's website to learn their policy. Sign up for text couponing if you have a smartphone. It can be a hassle to print off a coupon for a single item or transaction, so many stores allow you to select a coupon that they'll text to you. Then you can scan your smartphone during checkout so the coupon is automatically applied. Pay attention to when the coupon expires since many of the text coupons expire sooner than printed coupons. Use reward applications that track your receipts. You're probably used to using coupons at the time of purchase, but did you know that you can get coupons or rebates after shopping? Join reward apps, such as Ibotta, Savings Catcher, or Fetch Rewards, and scan or send in your receipts. These apps will track what you purchase and give you minor rebates that can add up over time. Some of these apps will pay you through a separate site, such as PayPal, so you'll need to set up an account for this.

Get the Sunday newspaper for the coupon inserts. Check the entrance of grocery stores or shops for their fliers. Look at the products for coupons that may be attached. Contact manufacturers to send you coupons. Ask friends and family for coupons. Create a dedicated email address for your coupons. Print coupons from couponing sites or manufacturer's sites. Join loyalty clubs for stores you shop at frequently. Load electronic coupons to your card or account. Sign up for text couponing if you have a smartphone. Use reward applications that track your receipts.

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

How to Tape a Knee

If you need to tape an injured knee, sit down on a flat surface. Place a strip of sports tape about 4 inches above your knee, in the center of your thigh. Slowly smooth the tape down along the outside of your leg, crossing over the side of your knee. Add another strip, this time starting below the knee and moving up. Apply 2 more strips on the inside of your knee, creating an X on each side of the knee. Finish by wrapping one strip of tape around your thigh at the top of the Xs and another around your calf at the bottom.

Sit down on a flat surface. Great options include the floor or an elevated table, depending on what's available to you. Although a table may make it easier for someone else to wrap your knee, you need to make sure it's stable. Elevate your knee with a rolled towel or similar item (optional). This should put your knee at a 30 degree angle. Although you don't have to do this, it makes it easier to hold your knee in place during the wrapping. Without the support of a towel or similar object, you may find it too tiring or painful to hold your knee in place. If you don't want to use a towel, you could try a water bottle or a round foam massaging roller. Apply a hypo-allergenic base, if you're allergic to sports tape. The base layer, which goes under your tape, will protect you from an allergic reaction. Make sure that your entire knee is covered in a base layer before you start wrapping your knee. It's best to wrap your knee with the base layer using the same method as you're using for your actual sports tape. Simply follow the procedure for wrapping your knee, but use the base layer instead of your sports tape. Once your base layer is in place, apply your sports tape. Cut 14–15 inch (35.6–38.1 cm) strips of sports tape. Use scissors to cut your tape. If you're using pre-cut tape, simply pull the strips off the roll, as they're needed. This will be the standard strip length for this procedure. Most pre-cut rolls have 14 inch (35.6 cm) strips. Apply the strip to your knee. Place one end of the strip about 4 inches (10.2 cm) above the knee, in the center of the thigh. Then, slowly smooth it down along the outside of your leg, crossing over the side of your knee. The strip should finish in the center of the calf, below the back of the knee. All strips should be placed so that circulation will not be cut off. It is best to always have a little tension when placing each strip. Do not pull hard or let the strip hang loose. Add the next strip, starting below the knee and moving up. Place one end of a second strip of cut tape about 4 inches (10.2 cm) below the knee, in the center of the shin. Slowly smooth the strip up the outside of your leg, crossing over the side of the knee and intersecting the first strip on the side of the knee. The strip should finish in the center of the thigh, above the back of the knee. Apply the strips to the inside of your knee. Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the inside of the knee to mirror the first two strips. This should create an X on each side of the knee. The ends of both X's should start and stop in the same place. Cut out a strip of tape that will go around your whole thigh. This length will vary person to person. You may want to measure your thigh before you cut the tape so that you don't waste any. Apply the first anchor strap. Place one end of the strip on top of the ends of the two strips already placed, which should be 4 inches (10.2 cm) above the knee. This will be the top of your "X." Wrap the piece around the leg. Go slowly so that your application is even. Cover the ends of the two strips on the back of your thigh. Finally, finish where you started. This anchors the crossing strips down. Cut out a strip of tape that will go around your whole calf. This length will vary person to person. You may want to measure the tape before you cut it so that you don't risk wasting a piece. Start this anchor at the lower points of your "X. " Place one end of the strip on top of the ends of the two strips already placed, which should be 4 inches (10.2 cm) below your knee. Slowly wrap the piece around the leg, covering the ends of the two strips on the back of the calf. You should finish in the same place where you started, creating a circle around your leg. This serves as another anchor.

Sit down on a flat surface. Elevate your knee with a rolled towel or similar item (optional). Apply a hypo-allergenic base, if you're allergic to sports tape. Cut 14–15 inch (35.6–38.1 cm) strips of sports tape. Apply the strip to your knee. Add the next strip, starting below the knee and moving up. Apply the strips to the inside of your knee. Cut out a strip of tape that will go around your whole thigh. Apply the first anchor strap. Wrap the piece around the leg. Cut out a strip of tape that will go around your whole calf. Start this anchor at the lower points of your "X.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-a-Car

How to Dry a Car

To dry a car, start by gently flushing off the excess water using a hose on medium pressure. Then, take a non-abrasive towel, like a microfiber or chamois towel, and fold it into a square so it doesn't leave streaks behind when you use it. Next, use the folded towel to dry off your car, working from the top to the bottom. Try to dab at the water instead of wiping as much as possible so you're less likely to scratch the paint on your vehicle.

Get an absorbent, non-abrasive towel to dry off your car with. Never use a regular bath or kitchen towel to dry your vehicle since the abrasive fibers can scratch the paint. Even if you don't notice the damage right away, the small scratches can build up over time and diminish the appearance of your car. Some good non-abrasive options include microfiber dryer towels and chamois, which is non-abrasive leather. You can find microfiber and chamois towels online or at your local home improvement center or department store. Fold the towel into a square to avoid streaks. If you wipe down your car with the towel when it's wadded up and wrinkled, it won't dry the surface evenly, leading to streaks. By folding the towel into a square, you'll have a flat, consistent surface to dry with. Work from the top of your car to the bottom. That way, you don't accidentally push water from the top of your vehicle down to the areas that you already dried off. Start with the roof and windows. Then, once those are dry, make your way down to the door panels, trunk, hood, and bumpers. Dab at the water instead of wiping whenever possible. You want to avoid dragging things across the surface of your vehicle as much as possible since it can scratch the paint. Even if you're using a non-abrasive material, there's always a chance that dirt or other small particles got into the fabric or onto the surface of your car, so it's better to be safe. For big sections of your car that are wet, dabbing likely won't be effective or efficient. When you're wiping down bigger sections, always use light pressure. Use a terry towel to dry off your wheels. Your wheels are more likely to have grease and residue on them that will soil your microfiber or chamois towel. To keep your nice towel clean and in good condition for the next time you dry your vehicle, don't use it on your wheels. An absorbent terry towel should do the trick. You can find a terry towel online or at your local department store. Find a source of pressurized air. You can use a leaf blower, an air compressor, a shop vac, or anything else that blows out pressurized air. Just make sure the nozzle that the air comes out of is clean and free of debris so you don't accidentally dirty the surface of your vehicle. Blow pressurized air over the surface of your car to dry it off. Work from the top of the car down to the bottom, using the pressurized air to blow off any water droplets. Work your way around your car until you've blown off all of the visible water. Use the pressurized air to dry hard-to-reach surfaces on your vehicle. Gas caps, door jambs, mirrors, and grills can all be difficult to dry because of their small grooves and hard-to-reach crannies. However, with pressurized air, you don't need to let these parts of your car air dry. Just aim the nozzle on your pressurized air device at them to blow away any lingering water droplets. Get a paint-safe squeegee. It's important that you use a squeegee designed for use on automobile paint. Otherwise, you could damage the finish on your vehicle when you're drying it. There are a variety of brands that sell squeegees specifically for drying off cars. You can find a paint-safe squeegee online or at your local home improvement center or department store. Paint-safe squeegees are great if you're looking for a fast, easy way to dry off your car and prevent water spots. Make sure the squeegee and the surface of your car are free of debris. Even a small piece of dirt on the squeegee blade or on your vehicle can result in a scratch if you're not careful. Always thoroughly inspect the blade on the squeegee before you use it, as well as the surface of your car, and rinse off any debris if necessary. Swipe the squeegee blade across the surface of your vehicle to dry it off. Use a steady, fluid motion as you drag the blade across your car. As you swipe the blade, it will carry away any water droplets in its path, leaving your car nice and dry. If you're drying a horizontal surface on your car, like the hood, swipe the blade from one side to the other so you're pushing the water off of your vehicle. For vertical surfaces, like the door panels, swipe from the top to the bottom. Go over your car with a non-abrasive towel when you're done to avoid streaks. Sometimes, a squeegee can leave behind water streaks. To avoid this, lightly wipe down the surface of your vehicle with a non-abrasive towel, like a microfiber drying towel or chamois, to remove any remaining water marks. You can find a microfiber drying towel or chamois online or at your local home improvement center or department store. Rinse your car off so it's free of suds and dirt. Before you start the drying process, it's important that there's no debris or cleaning residue on your vehicle. Otherwise, your car could end up with spots or scratches later on. Spray it down thoroughly with a hose once you're finished cleaning it. Make sure you get the entire surface of your car, including the top and wheels. Flush excess water off the surface using a hose on medium pressure. Known as sheeting, this process flushes off most of the water on the surface of your vehicle so it's easier and faster to dry later. Just take the nozzle off of your hose, set the water to medium pressure, and hold the nozzle parallel to the top of your car so the water flows down the sides. Make your way around your vehicle until you've flushed the entire surface with water. Don't spray your car directly with the water or you'll make it wetter. You want the water to gently flow onto your car's surface so it flushes the existing water off. Open and shut all the doors to get rid of any water in the seals. After washing, rinsing, and sheeting your car, there might be some water trapped around the door seals. Opening and closing the doors should be enough to shake off any water trapped in them. Open and close the doors to the trunk and hood of your vehicle as well.

Get an absorbent, non-abrasive towel to dry off your car with. Fold the towel into a square to avoid streaks. Work from the top of your car to the bottom. Dab at the water instead of wiping whenever possible. Use a terry towel to dry off your wheels. Find a source of pressurized air. Blow pressurized air over the surface of your car to dry it off. Use the pressurized air to dry hard-to-reach surfaces on your vehicle. Get a paint-safe squeegee. Make sure the squeegee and the surface of your car are free of debris. Swipe the squeegee blade across the surface of your vehicle to dry it off. Go over your car with a non-abrasive towel when you're done to avoid streaks. Rinse your car off so it's free of suds and dirt. Flush excess water off the surface using a hose on medium pressure. Open and shut all the doors to get rid of any water in the seals.

https://www.wikihow.com/Not-Pick-a-Scab

How to Not Pick a Scab

To not pick a scab, try covering it with a bandage for 4 to 5 days so you won't be tempted to disturb the skin while it's healing. However, make sure to wash your wound with soap and water before bandaging it. For even faster results, try applying an antibiotic ointment. If the scab is hard to bandage, you can also reward yourself for not picking your scabs. For example, buy yourself a small treat for every day you leave the scab alone. You can also try distracting yourself by reading, cooking, knitting, or cleaning.

Cover it. Bandage it well. Let the skin heal naturally. Pulling off a scab can lead to scarring, infection and later problems with the wound healing. If you keep it covered, chances are you won't have the temptation to try and pull off the scab. Distract yourself. Keep your hands busy so they aren't picking at your scab. If you're doing something else, it's harder to pick your scab, and you might just forget it's there if you do a good job distracting yourself. Cook Knit Clean something Ride a bike Go rock climbing Do yoga Read Listen to music Remind yourself not to pick at it. Put something on your hand to remind yourself — a stamp, a bracelet, a weird ring. Paint the nails on the hand you would use to pick the scab. Hopefully you will remember when you see your nails that you shouldn't be near the scab. Even better, paint your nails black or green — something that really stands out — and don't paint the fingernails on your other hand. Making sure that you change the dressing daily may also help to remind you not to pick at the scab. Reward yourself for not picking your scab. Make a deal with yourself — if I go a day without picking my scab, I get X. Or if that's too much time, make a deal where you reward yourself after half a day. Make sure you don’t have skin picking disease. People who suffer from it compulsively pick at their skin and can't help themselves. If you think it might apply to you, please consult a medical professional. Wash the wound with soap and water. It's important to properly bandage it so that you can't get at it to pick at it. Cuts and scrapes are common, and most of these will create a scab during the healing process. Try using glycerin soap rather than an antibacterial soap on your wound. Glycerin soap is better for hydrating and moisturizing your skin. Be gentle when washing the scab -- you don't want to tear it. Pat the scab dry. Apply an antibiotic. Choose an antibiotic cream or ointment, available at any pharmacy. Keeping the scab covered in cream or ointment will speed up the healing and kill any germs that might remain in the wound. It might sting, but it's going to help the wound heal better than it would without antibiotics. Cover your wound as it’s scabbing. Even though many of us have learned that you shouldn't cover a wound, new research shows that it's actually better to cover it. It will probably take at least four to five days for the scab to fully form and the wound to heal. Keep it covered for that period. Know why you shouldn’t remove your scab. When you scrape or break your skin, special blood cells called platelets begin to stick together and form a clot where you hurt yourself. These clots function like a protective bandage that keep the wound from continuing to bleed and to shield your body from the outside germs. Scabs serve an important purpose, and you need to let your body heal itself by forming a scab. Change the dressing on your scab daily. You will need to change the bandage any time it gets wet (which might be more than once a day). If it doesn't get wet, choose a time daily to switch the bandage. Wash the scab gently and reapply the dressing. Inspect your scab for signs of infection daily. Is the scab changing color, getting puffy or oozing at all? Is the skin around the scab tender, red, or warm to the touch? These are signs of an infection that needs to be dealt with by a medical professional. Wait some time. Eventually, a scab falls off and reveals new skin underneath. Hopefully it will fall off by itself without you picking at it. This usually happens by itself after a week or two. If you are still having trouble getting your wound to heal, it is a good idea to check with your medical professional.

Cover it. Distract yourself. Remind yourself not to pick at it. Reward yourself for not picking your scab. Make sure you don’t have skin picking disease. Wash the wound with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic. Cover your wound as it’s scabbing. Know why you shouldn’t remove your scab. Change the dressing on your scab daily. Inspect your scab for signs of infection daily. Wait some time.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Half-Up-Top-Knot

How to Do a Half Up Top Knot

A half-up top knot is a simple, trendy updo that keeps your hair out of your face. To style a half-up top knot, start by combing your hair back out of your face. Then, gather as much hair as you want at the top of your head and tie it in a tight ponytail. Coil the ends of the ponytail around its base and secure it with another hair tie. You can also use a few bobby pins to keep it extra tight and tie down any loose strands.

Separate the top section of your hair. First, make sure that all of your hair is swept back. For this style, you do not want to have a part in your hair. Then, decide how much hair you want to leave down, and how much you want to put into the top knot. You can section off all the hair from your ears upwards, or just a little bit of hair on the top. Pick up that top layer, holding it in one hand. Add some volume to the top layer. With your free hand, use a brush or come to tease the top section. This will make sure that it isn't slicked back to your head, but has some nice volume. You can also spritz a bit of texturizing spray into the top section to add a bit of texture. This style is meant to look effortless and messy, so volume and texture are key. Tie your top section into a ponytail. Once you are satisfied with the amount of hair in your top section, tie it off with a hair tie. Some people skip this ponytail step and go straight into the topknot. If you're not a topknot pro, though, a ponytail is a helpful intermediate step. Make sure that the ponytail is held tightly to your scalp, because it will be a sturdy base for your If you have light hair, it's smart to use clear elastics. This will ensure that your hair ties don't show through, which will distract from the style. Begin twisting your hair into the top knot. Grab your ponytail and coil it around the base of the ponytail. Remember, this look is not meant to be perfect. Don't worry if it's perfectly twisted or even ¬– just make sure that all of your hair has been coiled up around the base of the ponytail. Then, using a large hair tie, secure the entire bun. Wrap the hair tie around coiled section until it feels secure. If you have shorter hair, you may not be able to coil the ponytail very many times. That's fine! Just get whatever hair you have in a bun, and you will perfect the shape later. Adjust your top knot until you like it. You probably won't love the top knot immediately after you've coiled and secured it. Once it's secured, use your hands to play around with the bun. Pull on pieces to loosen it up, giving it a loose, messy feel. Even out the sides of the bun. Just gently mess with it until you like how it looks. Use bobby pins to perfect the top knot. Once you've played around with your bun and adjusted it to how you like it, use bobby pins to secure it in place. You want to make sure that it holds up for the whole day. Insert bobby pins on all sides of your bun, or anywhere that the hair seems a bit loose. Style the bottom section of hair. Once your bun is finished, you can tackle the bottom section of hair. You certainly don't need to use a curling iron or a straightener on the bottom section, but you can if you want. Skipping the hot tools is the easiest option, and rocking your hair au natural. The great thing about this look is that it is messy and carefree, so it doesn't require meticulously curled or straightened hair. Tease the hair left down. Use a comb or brush to tease the underside of this hair at the root. This will add volume to this section, so that it doesn't hang limply. Since you added volume and texture to the top section, you want to make sure the bottom section has it as well. Add hair spray. Once your top knot is perfected and your hair is styled, secure it in place. Spray your favorite hairspray, focusing on the actual top knot. Don't spray much on the hair left down, because you want that hair to look soft and touchable. Use a handheld mirror to double check that everything looks good from the back, and enjoy all of the compliments you're sure to get on your half up top knot!

Separate the top section of your hair. Add some volume to the top layer. Tie your top section into a ponytail. Begin twisting your hair into the top knot. Adjust your top knot until you like it. Use bobby pins to perfect the top knot. Style the bottom section of hair. Tease the hair left down. Add hair spray.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Orphaned-Kitten

How to Clean an Orphaned Kitten

If you need to clean an orphaned kitten, wet a soft cloth with lukewarm water, then wring out any excess water. Gently wipe the kitten in the directions that its fur grows, starting with its head and moving back toward its tail. This will replicate the method its mother would use when cleaning her kittens. Pat the kitten dry with a soft towel when you're finished.

Spot-clean the kitten if it’s only mildly dirty. Unless the kitten has been rolling in mud, spot-cleaning will clean the kitten perfectly well. Orphaned kittens are very messy. Under normal circumstances, the mother cat would provide the cleaning, but without the mother present, the task falls to you. A daily cleaning of the kitten's body and rear end will help keep your kitten content and clean. Wiping the kitten with a damp cloth will also simulate the tongue bath it would normally receive from its mother. Wet a soft, dry cloth with lukewarm water. Make sure that the towel is not rough and will not irritate your kitten. Then, wet the towel in lukewarm water. Use a hand to wring the towel out before beginning to clean the kitten. This will result in the wet cloth being roughly the same temperature that the mother's tongue would be. Special kitten shampoos are available in most pet shops, but water is usually enough unless the kitten is particularly dirty. If you're unsure whether or not you should routinely wash the kitten with a specific shampoo, consult your vet. Gently wipe your kitten in the direction their fur grows. It is best to start from the fore legs and face and move to the back, abdomen, and finish with the hindquarter. Use short, repetitive strokes. Aim to cover about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the kitten's body with each wipe, and wipe each section of its body 2 or 3 times. This will replicate the method which the mother cat would use to bathe her kittens. Take special care during the cleaning of hindquarter as kittens are unable to clean this area by themselves. It also is the area that gets dirtiest. Spot-clean any additional dirty spots. Once you've cleaned the majority of the kitten's body, look for any additional spots of fur that are soiled. (They could be matted with mud or feces, for example). Use you damp cloth to rub back and forth in ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) increments over the soiled spot. Once the kitten is clean, blot the excess water with a dry towel to prevent illness due to being chilled. Since the cloth you've used to clean the kitten were only slightly wet to begin with, the kitten's fur should be mostly dry when you're finished. If the fur is still damp, dry is by lightly pressing the wet patch with a dry towel. Wipe the rear end of young kittens after each feeding. Kittens less than 3 weeks old need to have their anus and genitals stimulated in order to urinate and defecate. This should be done right after the kittens' meal time. After the kitten has eaten, massage its entire body, paying particular attention to the abdomen and genital region, with a clean, moist cloth. This task would usually be performed by the kitten's mother. Since the kitten is an orphan, however, it's your responsibility. Without this wiping beneath the tail, the kittens would be unable to excrete. Massage beneath the kittens’ tail until they urinate and defecate. Use short, repetitive strokes to massage the kitten's anus and urinary opening. These strokes mimic the strokes of the mother cat's tongue, were she there to bathe the kittens herself. Since kittens will poop and pee right into the cloth you're rubbing them with, you may prefer to use a disposable paper towel. Kittens develop the ability to go to the bathroom by themselves at around 3 weeks of age, when you can start litter training. Brush the kitten’s coat if it doesn’t need a thorough washing. Using a comb or brush is a commonly practiced method for cleaning an orphaned kitten. Brushing helps to stimulate subcutaneous blood circulation and may improve the condition of its skin. Brushing should also mimic the mother's tongue as she would use it to clean the kitten were it not orphaned. This method is inappropriate for rescued kittens if they are too dirty and soiled. However, if your kitten isn't very dirty and there doesn't seem to be any contamination to the fur, you can easily clean it by brushing. Visit a pet store to purchase a brush for your kitten. Take a careful look at the skin and fur of your orphaned kitten to detect the presence of fleas before selecting the right brush for your kitten. If the kitten does have fleas, you'll need to purchase a fine-toothed flea comb. If the kitten has no fleas, an ordinary pet brush will work well to clean it. The presence of even a few fleas on a kitten can lead to serious disease, but most chemical flea products are too strong to use on kittens. Talk to your veterinarian for advice. Consult with your local vet if you are confused about which brush to select for your kitten. Brush your kitten in the direction of its hair from head to tail. Brushing a kitten in the reverse direction can cause unnecessary irritation and hair loss for your kitten. Move the brush through the fur using short strokes, each about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long. This will mimic the way the mother cat would move its tongue when cleaning the kitten. Brush its whole body thoroughly including the abdomen, back, and hindquarters. Make sure to clean your brush periodically during the process as dirt and hair may clump on it and make it less effective. Keep the kitten calm while you’re brushing it. Were the kitten being groomed by its mother, it would feel safe and warm. Replicate this with the orphaned kitten holding it gently (never squeeze the kitten). Avoid making any sharp or sudden movements, especially when you're holding the kitten. Brush it calmly and slowly, and speak to the kitten using a calm, soothing voice when you're grooming it. The kitten may seem nervous during the first few brushings, but will soon calm down once it begins to trust you. Prepare the kitten’s bath supplies. Clean the kitten straightaway if it's very dirty and covered with mud, dirt, or other detritus. Leaving a kitten in a soiled condition for too long will be uncomfortable for it and can lead to a rash. Cleaning a heavily soiled kitten will mean giving it a bath rather than just a simple wipe down with a flannel. Prepare the supplies before you begin bathing the kitten. Here's what you'll need: A clean flannel and towel(s). Mild hand soap (no harsh chemicals or cleaners). A basin or sink. Consult with your veterinarian about products to use if your kitten has fleas. Run the tap water to adjust the temperature of the water. The water temperature should be about 95 °F (35 °C). This temperature will help the kitten stay warm and keep it comfortable. To gauge the water's temperature, touch the water with your hand, place it on your wrist, and feel the degree of temperature on your own skin. It is important to keep the water at a reasonable temperature. The kitten's skin is sensitive. Water that is too hot can burn the skin easily, while cold water can reduce the kitten's body temperature. Fill a basin or sink halfway with warm water. Fill the basin until it's about 4 inches (10 cm) full before your kitten gets introduced to the water. Do not submerge your orphaned kitten in too much water because it may be too weak to keep itself from drowning. Use your hand to wet the kitten's hind quarters and lower belly, rather than submerging it in water. Wet the kitten gently, and use slow, smooth movements while you're handling the kitten. This will help it feel safe. After you've supported the kitten in the sink for a few days, try letting it stand in the water for a few seconds at a time. Wash a flea-free kitten with a mild pet shampoo. Begin by squeezing a small amount of shampoo on a cloth. Gently rub shampoo over the kitten's whole body, not forgetting to clean its face, abdomen, legs, and back. Start shampooing its head and move down to the back, belly, and tail. Try to remove the feces or urine excreta from the fur by rubbing it out with the cloth. Keep water and soap out of the kitten's eyes, ears and face. This could irritate sensitive areas and scare the kitten. Rinse the kitten off completely. After spreading the shampoo on your kitten's body, rinse it thoroughly by using a cup of water and pouring it slowly over the kitten's neck and back. Use a damp cloth to clean the soap off of the kitten's face. Move gingerly to help the kitten feel safe, and avoid splashing water in its eyes. Do not place the kitten's head directly under the tap. This will startle the kitten and make it more difficult to control during future bath times. If the kitten seems nervous or afraid, speak to it in a calming voice. Wrap the kitten in a towel when you’re done. Bathing the kitten should only take 5–10 minutes. Once you've finished, dry the body of your kitten with a dry towel. Then wrap the kitten with another soft and dry towel and put it in a warm place until dry. If the kitten seems cold or is shivering, hold it against your body to keep it calm and warm it up. You can rub the soft towel on the direction of kitten's hair to hasten the drying process. This will also build up friction and warm the kitten.

Spot-clean the kitten if it’s only mildly dirty. Wet a soft, dry cloth with lukewarm water. Gently wipe your kitten in the direction their fur grows. Spot-clean any additional dirty spots. Wipe the rear end of young kittens after each feeding. Massage beneath the kittens’ tail until they urinate and defecate. Brush the kitten’s coat if it doesn’t need a thorough washing. Visit a pet store to purchase a brush for your kitten. Brush your kitten in the direction of its hair from head to tail. Keep the kitten calm while you’re brushing it. Prepare the kitten’s bath supplies. Run the tap water to adjust the temperature of the water. Fill a basin or sink halfway with warm water. Wash a flea-free kitten with a mild pet shampoo. Rinse the kitten off completely. Wrap the kitten in a towel when you’re done.

https://www.wikihow.com/Say-I-Love-You-in-Hindi

How to Say I Love You in Hindi

The right way to say "I love you" in Hindi depends on whether you're male or female. If you're a male, say "Main tumse pyar kartha hoon." If you're a female, say "Main tumse pyar karthee hoon." The phrases are similar, except the masculine verb ends with an "a," and the feminine verb ends with an "ee."

Say "Main tumse pyar kartha hoon. " Though there are several ways to say "I love you" in Hindi, this phrase is one simplest and easiest to learn. As noted above, in Hindi, men and women say "I love you" slightly differently. As a general rule, most masculine verbs in Hindi end with "a", while most feminine verbs end with "ee". Thus, if you're a male, you'll use the masculine verb "kartha", rather than the feminine verb "karthee" in the phrase above. Note that this phrase works not just when speaking romantically to a female, but also when expressing your love to a male, like, for instance, a brother, son, friend, etc. Practice your pronunciation. If, as a native English speaker, you try to pronounce the phrase above as written, your significant other will probably understand what you're trying to say, but you'll almost certainly mess up some small part of the pronunciation. For the best result, try to pronounce the phrase with proper Hindi pronunciation using the steps below: Pronounce "main" as "may." In Hindi, when the "N" sound comes at the end of a word, it's usually nasal. This means that it's pronounced very lightly — almost imperceptibly — with the nose, so "main" becomes almost like "may." Pronounce "tumse" as "thumse," with "thum" sounding like "thoom" Pronounce "pyar" like it's spelled. Pronounce "kartha" with a light "th" sound. The "tha" syllable shouldn't sound quite like the English word "the." It's more of a cross between "the" and "dah". Pronounce "hoon" as "hoom/n." The same "silent n" rule applies here as in "main", but the sound is slightly more pronounced and sounds almost like an "M" sound. Listen for "Mai bhee aap se pyaar karthee hoon. " If you've gotten your point across, you may hear your sweetheart say something like this phrase back to you. Congratulations! This means "I love you too!" In terms of pronunciation, the beginning of this phrase sounds almost like the word "maybe." The next part sounds like "op-say." The rest is basically identical to the way that women say "I love you" in Hindi — see below. Say "Main tumse pyar karthee hoon. " If you're a woman or girl, the way you say "I love you" is very similar to (but not exactly the same as) the way a boy or man says it. Use the feminine verb "karthee" rather than the masculine one "kartha." Other than this change, the rest of the phrase is the same. Practice your pronunciation. Because the masculine and feminine phrases for "I love you" are so similar, you can use the pronunciation guide above to help you for every word except "karthee." Here, you'll want to use the same soft "th" sound as above, but, obviously, you'll follow it with an "ee" sound, rather than an "ah" sound. Listen for "Mai bhee aap se pyaar kartha hoon. " Again, if you've said the phrase above correctly and your significant other feels the same way about you as you do about him, you'll probably hear something like this back. As in the section above, this phrase mean "I love you too" — it's just using the masculine verb "kartha" rather than "karthee." Try using different Hindi words for "love. " Like English speakers sometimes use terms like "adoration, "affection," and so on, Hindi has multiple words that mean "love" (or a similar idea). If you'd like, you can change the meaning of your phrase slightly by using different terms for love. Below are just a few Hindi terms you might want to try — substitute these for "pyar" in the phrases above: Ishq Mohabbat Dholna Prem Pyaar Use "aapse" for your elders. Hindi, like many other languages (including Spanish), uses different words for formal and casual situations. The phrase for "I love you" above is to be used for people you're close and familiar with — people like your significant other, siblings, children, and so on. However, for people who are older than you, authority figures, and people you don't know very well, you'll want to use the formal term "aapse" in place of "tumse". With this substitution, the formal version of "I love you" becomes "Main aapse pyaar kartha / karthee hoon." Add "bahut" to say "I love you very much. " If you really want to express your love for someone else, try adding the word "bahut" before "pyar" in the standard "I love you" phrases above. "Bahut" is a Hindi word that means "very much" or "so much." "Bahut" isn't pronounced like it's spelled — its pronunciation is closer to "bout" with a very light "H" sound in between the o and u than it is to "ba-hoot". Know how to ask someone out. If you've got serious feelings for someone but you're not quite ready to make the jump to a full-blown serious relationship, you'll probably want to spend some time dating this person before you tell them you love them. In this case, knowing how to ask someone out in Hindi can make a great first impression. Try using one of the handy phrases below, substituting masculine "a" verbs if you're a male and feminine "ee" verbs if you're a female: "Main aap ko khaane par le jaanaa chaahathaa / chaahathee hoon." (I'd like to take you out for dinner). "Kyaa ham ek saaTh ghoomane jaayem?" (Shall we go for a walk together?) "Kyaa aap mere saaTh baahar jaayenge?" (Do you want to go out with me?) "Main aap ke saaTh aur vakth bithaanaa chaahathaa / chaahathee hoon." (I'd like to spend more time with you.) Note that, traditionally, Indian dating/courtship is much more structured and formalized than Western dating and may involve some (or all) interactions (including marriage) being arranged by family members. However, in recent years, young Indians and expats have increasingly begun to adopt Western-style attitudes to dating. To be safe and avoid embarrassment, you may want to try to figure out your potential partner's personal "rules" for dating before you ask him or her out.

Say "Main tumse pyar kartha hoon. Practice your pronunciation. Listen for "Mai bhee aap se pyaar karthee hoon. Say "Main tumse pyar karthee hoon. Practice your pronunciation. Listen for "Mai bhee aap se pyaar kartha hoon. Try using different Hindi words for "love. Use "aapse" for your elders. Add "bahut" to say "I love you very much. Know how to ask someone out.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Tent-Zipper

How to Fix a Tent Zipper

To fix a tent zipper, start by selecting a repair kit with multiple different-sized sliders, a needle and thread, and a seam ripper. If your tent zipper has a sewn-in stop to keep it from opening at the end, use pliers to remove the seam and pull the jammed slider off the track. Next, attach the replacement slider by using a pin to push the fabric of the hem through the slider until it can reach the track. Once the slider is on the track, pull it until you can see 2-3 inches of locked zipper to ensure that it's working and give you room to sew. Then, use your needle and thread to resew the stopper seam at the end of the track, so the slider won't come off the track.

Select the best repair kit for your tent. There are a few different options for zipper repair kits. Look for one that has multiple different sized sliders, a needle and thread, and a seam ripper. They're normally inexpensive and small enough to fit in the side pocket of a regular camping backpack. Most kits won't come with pliers, which are useful for many aspects of camping. Pack a pair of adjustable pliers to help with your zipper repair. If your zipper is separating at one or both ends, has openings even after sealing, or comes undone after closing, it's likely that the problem is the slider and not the track. You can use your repair kit to solve this. If the zipper is getting stuck while closing or won't close past a certain point, the problem is likely the track and won't be solved by replacing the zipper. Remove the seam if your zipper stops at the end of the track. Most tent zippers have a sewn-in stop to keep the zipper from opening at the end. Use your pliers to gently remove the seam before you begin working. Pull the slider off of the track. Once you remove the stop, you can pull the slider off of the track and set it aside. You might need to use your pliers to bend and pull the slider gently if it's jammed or won't budge from the fabric of the zipper hem. Slide the new slider onto the grooves of the track. Make sure the zipper pull is facing the inside of the tent as you replace it on the track. You might have to push the fabric of the hem through the slide with a pin until you reach the grooves and have the slider all the way on the track. You should only install the slider with the “nose” or the pointed part of the zipper first. Otherwise, your zipper won't work. Pull the slider until you can see 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of locked zipper. This will make sure that your zipper is functioning correctly and give you room to resew the stop at the end of the zipper. If you notice there's a problem with the fastener of the zipper, unzip the zipper and reinstall the slider. If your kit comes with more than one slider of different sizes, try reinstalling a different one from the kit. You can tell that a slider is the right size because it will fit comfortably around the teeth and track of the zipper with little friction when closing Most tent zippers use a medium-sized zipper. If you have a few sliders of similar size, try sliding them on the track to test which one works best. Resew the seam at the end of the track. Using the needle and thread in the kit, carefully resew the stopper seam where the track meets the fabric of the tent. This will secure the bottom of the zipper from the tent and keep the slider from coming off of the track. Normally, 15-20 stitches across a 1 inch (2.5 cm) zipper will securely hold the track in place The sewing doesn't have to be perfect, but be careful not to get any thread in the track or the slider. Make sure the track is secured to the tent by giving a gentle tug to the zipper once it's sewn. Slide a zip tie through the opening to act as a DIY pull. This is a quick and easy solution if you don't have a zipper repair kit with you on your trip. Simply slide the pointed end of the zip tie through the eye of the zipper, place the fastener over the cord, and pull to tighten until you have a 1 inch (2.5 cm) loop. Use a pair of adjustable pliers to bend the slider into place if the track is separating. Start by unzipping the opening to place the slider at the very end of the zipper. Place your pliers around the left side of the zipper so that the nose is parallel to the track of the zipper, and squeeze to apply pressure to flatten the slider on that side. Then, do the same on the right side. Make sure the zipper is open, not secured. You'll need to be able to access the slider from both sides. Don't squeeze too hard or you can jam or break the slider. Run a pencil along the outside of the teeth to make your zipper run smoothly. A lagging zipper is a minor problem, but can be extremely annoying if you're moving in and out of the tent. Running the tip of the pencil along the track will deposit graphite to make the slider run more quickly along the teeth. Use liquid or wet bar soap to remove stuck clothing or fabric from the zipper. If your zipper is stuck, check along the track and in the teeth to make sure you don't have a piece of fabric from the tent in the zipper or slider. You can use soap to remove the fabric by applying the soap liberally and pulling on the fabric gently until it comes out. Be patient and pull slowly and firmly to remove the fabric. A needle might also help you to push the fabric through the teeth or slider. If the fabric won't budge, make a small cut under the area that is stuck in the track. This will separate the stuck piece from the rest of the tent fabric and allow you to slide the zipper over the track. Have the zipper professionally repaired if the track has missing or broken teeth. Most of the time, there's no way to fix a zipper with damaged teeth, unless you're a professional tailor with teeth replacements. Take the zipper to a tailor to see if they have the tools to fix or replace it for you. Fixing or repairing the zipper is normally less expensive than replacing the tent. Ask the tailor how much it will be and compare the cost to that of a new tent.

Select the best repair kit for your tent. Remove the seam if your zipper stops at the end of the track. Pull the slider off of the track. Slide the new slider onto the grooves of the track. Pull the slider until you can see 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of locked zipper. Resew the seam at the end of the track. Slide a zip tie through the opening to act as a DIY pull. Use a pair of adjustable pliers to bend the slider into place if the track is separating. Run a pencil along the outside of the teeth to make your zipper run smoothly. Use liquid or wet bar soap to remove stuck clothing or fabric from the zipper. Have the zipper professionally repaired if the track has missing or broken teeth.

https://www.wikihow.com/Mix-Colors-to-Make-Dark-Blue

How to Mix Colors to Make Dark Blue

If you're painting and you want to mix colors to make dark blue, squeeze out enough blue paint to complete your project. It's better to make more than you need rather than run out while you're painting, since once you have mixed the perfect shade, it could be difficult to duplicate. Place a small amount of black paint next to the blue on your palette, then drag your brush through the edge of the black paint and pull it into the blue paint. Mix the two colors and add more black if you need a darker shade.

Squeeze the amount of blue paint you will need for your project onto your palette. Make sure that you have enough paint to complete the coverage needed with this shade of dark blue. Once you have mixed the perfect hue, it could be difficult to match this shade a second time. It's always better to make more dark blue than you need rather than run out. If you do not complete your project in one sitting, you can store your excess paint in an airtight container like a plastic container you would use to store leftover food. Consider wetting a paper towel or sponge and placing it in the bottom of your container, or using a Sta-Wet Palette to keep your paint from drying out. Place a small amount of black paint next to the blue paint on your palette. Avoid putting the black paint directly on top of the blue paint. Placing it next to the blue will allow you to add a little black at a time and give you more control over the shade. Drag your brush through the edge of the puddle of black paint and pull a small amount of black into the blue paint. Be sure not to take much black paint on your first attempt. Black is a very strong color and a small amount will have a large effect. Mix the black into the blue paint a little at a time. Fold the colors together using a mixing tool or cross-hatch strokes with your paint brush. You don't need to mix too thoroughly, which could dull the color. Just combine the paint enough to assess the shade. Add more black paint and mix as necessary until you reach your desired shade of blue. This could take several repetitions of adding black to the blue paint, but continue to use small amounts so you don't exceed the level of darkness you wish to create. If you accidentally mix too much black into the blue, have some extra blue paint on hand to even out the ratio. Print out a color wheel. A color wheel presents the primary colors of red, yellow and blue, as well as all of the colors created by combining these primary colors to create others. There are basic color wheels which use only the primary and secondary colors. Consider using an advanced wheel which includes various tints, hues and shades. Find the exact placement on the color wheel of the specific hue of blue paint you are beginning with. In order to identify the complimentary color, you need to start with the exact placement of your blue paint on the color wheel. Don't judge the hue based on the title of the paint. Rather, apply the paint to a small bit of white paper and allow it to dry. Compare this color to the color wheel and match the hue to the most accurate section of the wheel. Identify the shade of orange which is complimentary to your shade of blue. A complimentary color is the color directly across the wheel from the blue you have identified. This should be some version of orange and is the color you will mix with your blue to darken it. A good place to start would be mixing Burnt Sienna with Ultramarine Blue. Another possible color combination is Cadmium Orange and Cobalt Blue. Squeeze enough blue paint onto your palette to complete the coverage necessary with this shade of blue. It is better to have too much paint than too little in order to avoid having to mix more and attempt to match your shade a second time. It is a good idea to save some of your blue paint in case you add too much orange and need to adjust the shade by adding blue back into your mixture. Add a small amount of the orange paint next to the blue paint on your palette. It is best to keep the orange near the blue and mix a little at a time. You will want enough to work with, but you do not need as much orange paint as blue paint. Drag your brush or palette knife tool through the edge of the orange paint and into the blue paint. Be sure not to take much orange paint on your first attempt. Adding only a little orange at a time will give you the chance to see how it changes the shade of blue. Mix the orange paint into the blue. Fold the orange paint into the blue paint using a mixing tool like a palette knife or make cross-hatches with your paint brush. Using complimentary colors can create a vibrant dark blue, so it is best to avoid too much mixing. Allow just enough to asses the shade and keep from dulling the color. Add more orange a little at a time until you reach the desired shade of blue. Avoid the urge to move on to adding larger amounts of orange. If the orange exceeds blue, you will be moving away from dark blue and blend into a shade of orange. Continue adding small amounts of orange and assessing the outcome until you create your perfect shade of dark blue. If you accidentally mix too much orange into the blue, have some extra blue paint on hand to even out the ratio. Pour some blue and purple paint on your palette. Purple, or violet, is an analogous color to blue, found next to it on the color wheel. Make sure that you have enough paint to work with. You will want more blue paint as your base color, than your purple mixing color. Mix a small amount of purple paint into the original blue. You can use your brush or a palette knife to mix your paint. Add a small amount of purple at a time in order to control the color combination and create a violet-blue. Test your paint color. Many paints, including acrylics, will darken when they dry. Acrylics dry quickly, so you can easily test your paint color by painting a small amount on your canvas and allowing it to dry. This should take no longer than 15 minutes, and will allow you to see the ultimate color before you use this shade for your project. If you are unhappy with the dried color, go back to your palette and adjust it by adding more blue or purple accordingly.

Squeeze the amount of blue paint you will need for your project onto your palette. Place a small amount of black paint next to the blue paint on your palette. Drag your brush through the edge of the puddle of black paint and pull a small amount of black into the blue paint. Mix the black into the blue paint a little at a time. Add more black paint and mix as necessary until you reach your desired shade of blue. Print out a color wheel. Find the exact placement on the color wheel of the specific hue of blue paint you are beginning with. Identify the shade of orange which is complimentary to your shade of blue. Squeeze enough blue paint onto your palette to complete the coverage necessary with this shade of blue. Add a small amount of the orange paint next to the blue paint on your palette. Drag your brush or palette knife tool through the edge of the orange paint and into the blue paint. Mix the orange paint into the blue. Add more orange a little at a time until you reach the desired shade of blue. Pour some blue and purple paint on your palette. Mix a small amount of purple paint into the original blue. Test your paint color.

https://www.wikihow.com/Soothe-a-Mosquito-Bite

How to Soothe a Mosquito Bite

To soothe a mosquito bite, try pressing the bite with the back of a spoon heated in hot water for 15 seconds to reduce the itching and inflammation. Alternatively, cover the bite with toothpaste and let it dry completely to draw out the toxins that are causing the swelling. Then, clean the area using a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to kill the bacteria and prevent infection. If you need additional relief from the itching, try an over the counter medication such as 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.

Apply heat. Applying heat denatures proteins at the bite site, which stops them from spreading inflammation to other areas. This should reduce the itching and give you permanent relief. Heat a spoon in hot water. It should be very hot, but not so hot that you burn yourself. Touch the back of the spoon to the bite and slowly press down. Maintain it there for 15 seconds, to give time for the heat to break down the proteins. Doing this once should be enough to provide relief. Be careful not to burn yourself. If the spoon feels uncomfortably hot, let it cool for a bit. Numb the bite with an ice pack. The cold will reduce the swelling and numb the nerves. Packages of frozen corn or peas make handy ready-to-use ice packs. But be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel so the cold doesn't directly touch your skin. Hold the ice pack on your skin for 15-20 minutes and then remove it to allow your skin to warm up. Apply aloe to the bite. If the bite is hot and itchy from being scratched, the aloe will be cool and soothing. It is also very good for promoting healing. It helps keep the skin moisturized, too. If you have a commercially manufactured aloe vera gel, smear it liberally over the bite and rub it in. For best results, use a 100% pure aloe vera gel. You can also use raw aloe from a plant in your house. Split open a leaf and rub the gooey gel directly onto your skin. Try essential oils. These methods have not been scientifically tested, but anecdotal evidence suggests that they can help relieve itching. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties which will help prevent infection, as well as relieve itching, swelling and pain. Try a dilution of 1 part tea tree oil to 5 parts water. Put a small drop on your finger or a clean cotton ball and then rub the dilution directly onto the bite. Try other oils like lavender or coconut. They smell good and will help soothe your frustration with the itching. Apply acidic juices or vinegar to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This will help it to heal quickly. Lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar are good choices because of their high acidity. Use a sterile cotton ball to apply the juice/vinegar directly onto the bite. Use meat tenderizer to reduce the itching. This will help reduce the itching by breaking down the proteins that were injected into your skin with the mosquito's saliva. Mix a small amount of water with the meat tenderizer, using just enough that the tenderizer dissolves. Using a sterile cotton ball, swab the bite with the mixture. Be sure to get it onto the point where the bite occurred. You should feel relief within a few seconds. Try raw honey. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and the stickiness will make it less enjoyable to scratch. Smear a dab of honey onto the bite and then let leave it on. Cover the bite with a band aid to prevent dirt from sticking to the honey and getting into the bite. Use a baking soda paste or toothpaste to draw out the fluids and toxins that have gathered under your skin, causing the swelling. This will reduce the irritation and promote healing. Mix a stiff paste from baking soda and water. Start with a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and water and add baking soda as needed until the paste is moist, but not runny. Put a generous dollop onto the bite and let it dry. As it dries it will help draw out toxins. Cover the bite with toothpaste, and like with the baking soda paste, let it dry completely. When it is done, it should flake off when you touch it. The astringency of the toothpaste will help draw out the fluids from under your skin. Raise the bite above your heart to reduce extreme swelling. If the bite occurred on your arm or leg, raise the limb above your heart to help it drain. Maintain this posture for 30 minutes to give the swelling time to go down. Use an antihistamine to reduce your body's allergic reaction to the bite. When the mosquito bit you, a small amount of its saliva was injected into your skin. The saliva contained anticoagulants to prevent your blood from clotting as the mosquito drank. The itch comes from your body's autoimmune reaction against the anticoagulants. Rub an antihistamine cream into the bite, following the manufacturer's instructions. The oral antihistamine Zyrtec has also been shown to prevent itchiness from mosquito bites. Try a hydrocortisone cream. Rub it into the itchy, red, puffy skin. It may take a few minutes, but you should get relief. 1% hydrocortisone creams can be purchased without a prescription. Because this is a steroid cream, consult your doctor before applying it to children. Apply calamine lotion. This will help draw out the fluids that have collected around the bite and will reduce the swelling. Reapply the lotion as needed, but not more often than described in the manufacturer's instructions. The lotion will dry out the bite, including the chemicals in the mosquito's saliva that are causing the itching. Use pain relieving medications as necessary. Pain relievers are generally unnecessary for mosquito bites, but if you have scratched it open it may sting and be painful. If this is the case, a topical anesthetic on will usually be sufficient to soothe the pain. A 2% Xylocaine Gel works well. But, if it does not soothe the discomfort, you can try an over the counter oral painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, because pain is unusual for mosquito bites, if you are experiencing pain, you should get the bite checked by a doctor. Seek medical attention if you become ill after being bitten. Some mosquitoes carry serious diseases and when they bite, they transfer the virus or parasite into your body through their saliva. See a doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms: Fever Headache Dizziness Joint and muscle aches Vomiting Tell your doctor if you were bitten by mosquitoes while traveling. This may help the doctor diagnose you if you have a mosquito-borne illness. Malaria and yellow fever occur mostly in the tropics. West Nile and encephalitis viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes in the US. Dengue Fever is uncommon, but does occur in the southern US. Call a doctor immediately if you develop a systemic allergic reaction. This is an unusual response to a mosquito bite, but it if occurs, it must be addressed quickly. Symptoms include: Difficulty breathing or wheezing Difficulty swallowing Dizziness Vomiting Racing heart Hives or rashes spreading beyond the site of the bite Itching or swelling in other parts of your body besides where you were bitten Your doctor may prescribe oral glucocorticoids to avoid a large-scale allergic reaction. Watch for painful swelling. Sometimes people develop an allergic reaction to the proteins in mosquito saliva. This reaction causes itchy, painful redness and swelling known as "skeeter syndrome." You're more likely to develop skeeter syndrome if you're bitten frequently, as you can become sensitized to the saliva. There's no test for skeeter syndrome. If you see red, itchy, painful swelling, see your doctor for treatment. Wear long pants and long sleeves to reduce the amount of skin available to bite. This may make you a less attractive target. Though mosquitoes do bite through clothing, it should reduce the number of bites you get. Use bug repellents on exposed skin and clothing. The most effective repellants contain DEET (N, N-diethylmeta-toluamide) and are widely available. Shield your eyes when applying it to your face. Do not inhale mosquito sprays. Do not apply it to open wounds. It will sting. Consult with a doctor before using bug repellants if you are pregnant. Consult with a doctor before applying repellants to infants. Shower to wash the spray off your skin when you no longer need it. Do not use DEET repellents if you have an insulin pump or any similar important plastic device, as it can damage or melt the plastic. Sleep under a mosquito net if there are no screens on the windows. This will prevent you from getting bitten while you sleep. Check the net and repair any holes. Tuck the net under the mattress so that you leave no openings for mosquitoes to fly through. Use Permethrin on clothing, bed nets, and camping gear. This protection should last through multiple washings. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or before applying it to the clothing of young children. Don't leave pools of standing water near your house. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so emptying them will reduce the mosquito population. Change the water in your pet's drinking bowl frequently.

Apply heat. Numb the bite with an ice pack. Apply aloe to the bite. Try essential oils. Apply acidic juices or vinegar to kill bacteria and prevent infection. Use meat tenderizer to reduce the itching. Try raw honey. Use a baking soda paste or toothpaste to draw out the fluids and toxins that have gathered under your skin, causing the swelling. Raise the bite above your heart to reduce extreme swelling. Use an antihistamine to reduce your body's allergic reaction to the bite. Try a hydrocortisone cream. Apply calamine lotion. Use pain relieving medications as necessary. Seek medical attention if you become ill after being bitten. Tell your doctor if you were bitten by mosquitoes while traveling. Call a doctor immediately if you develop a systemic allergic reaction. Watch for painful swelling. Wear long pants and long sleeves to reduce the amount of skin available to bite. Use bug repellents on exposed skin and clothing. Sleep under a mosquito net if there are no screens on the windows. Use Permethrin on clothing, bed nets, and camping gear. Don't leave pools of standing water near your house.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Silk-Rugs

How to Clean Silk Rugs

To clean your silk rug, all you need to do is shake it outside and then gently sweep it with a broom. You can also use a vacuum with a brushless section head. To get rid of any stains on your silk rug, first absorb any spilled liquid with a clean white cloth. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth and club soda. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and blot the stain with the mixture and a dry cloth. Once you've got rid of the stain, leave the rug to air dry. Don't use heat to dry it, since this can damage its fibers. For any lingering odors, sprinkle baking soda onto your rug, leave it for an hour, then vacuum it up with a brushless section head.

Vacuum silk rugs regularly. Use a brushless suction head to vacuum silk rugs. Beater or roller brushes may pull out fibers, reduce the pile and damage the rug. Sweep silk rugs with a broom. Gently sweep the rug to avoid damaging the fibers. Shake the rug. Remove dust and debris by shaking the rug off outside. This also will help air out the rug to remove any odors. Cleans stains immediately before they set in and attach to the silk fibers. Remove solid spills. Gently scoop solid debris from the rug using a spoon, but take care not to scrape the fibers of the rug. Any scraping motion may tear the silk fibers. Remove liquid spills. Absorb as much liquid as possible by pressing the affected areas gently with a clean, white cloth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Apply club soda to remove color from stains. Pour the club soda onto a clean cloth and blot the stain. Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess club soda. Allow the area to air dry. Do not use heat, such as a hair dryer, to dry the area because heat may damage a silk rug. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to remove stains. Pour the vinegar and water solution on a clean cloth and blot the stain. Use a dry cloth to absorb the excess solution and allow the area to air dry. Do not use heat to dry the area. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Avoid commercial cleaning agents, which may permanently discolor a silk rug. Use baking soda to remove odors from silk rugs. Baking soda helps remove odors from a variety of surfaces, including textiles. Sprinkle baking soda on the rug. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Allow the baking soda to absorb for about 1 hour. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Vacuum the rug using a brushless suction head of a vacuum cleaner. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Use a vinegar and water solution to eliminate odors from silk rugs. The slight acidity of vinegar makes it effective in removing odors and germs. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Lightly mist the rug with the vinegar and water solution. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet2.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Wipe the rug gently with a clean, dry cloth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet3.jpg\/aid2414866-v4-728px-Clean-Silk-Rugs-Step-8Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Select a reputable, professional rug cleaning business to clean silk rugs. Silk can't be exposed to heat or chemicals, so ask how the silk rug will be cleaned. Silk rugs should be washed on both the front and back surfaces with a detergent specifically formulated for silk fibers. Most rug cleaners will offer a deep dusting, followed by pre-treatment for stain removal and hand washing of the silk rugs.

Vacuum silk rugs regularly. Sweep silk rugs with a broom. Shake the rug. Cleans stains immediately before they set in and attach to the silk fibers. Remove solid spills. Remove liquid spills. Use baking soda to remove odors from silk rugs. Use a vinegar and water solution to eliminate odors from silk rugs. Select a reputable, professional rug cleaning business to clean silk rugs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-for-Lice

How to Check for Lice

To check for lice, start by wetting the person's hair and separating it into sections. Then, use a fine-tooth comb or a lice comb to brush through each section of hair, starting at the scalp and working your way to the ends. After you comb through each section, check the comb for lice or eggs. You should also examine the hair around the person's ears and neckline since that's where adult lice are commonly found.

Check for itching of the scalp. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of lice infestation. However, other conditions, including dandruff and scalp eczema, can cause also itchy scalp. Itchy scalps can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to hair care products such as shampoo, too. Some people who have head lice may not experience itching right away. It can take up to six weeks after infestation for the scalp to begin feeling itchy. Some people may also feel a “tickling” sensation on their scalp or head, as though something is moving or crawling. Check for white flakes on the scalp or in hair. White flakes may be caused by dandruff or scalp eczema. They may also be caused by an allergic reaction to shampoos and other hair care products. However, these “flakes” may actually be lice eggs (nits). Dandruff commonly occurs throughout the hair. Lice eggs commonly occur closer to the scalp and are not as widespread as dandruff flakes. If you cannot easily brush or shake the flakes off the hair or scalp, they may be lice eggs. Examine clothes for lice. Lice may find their way into your home on clothes or bedding. They cannot fly, but they can jump great distances. You may see small bugs that look like light-brown sesame seeds on clothing, bedding, skin, or hair. Find a bright light source. Natural light is good if it isn't filtered through curtains or blinds. Bathroom light is often bright enough. If you need additional light, use a bright flashlight or small desk lamp. Wet the person's hair. This can be done under a faucet or with a spray bottle. Lice can be seen on dry or wet hair, but many people have an easier time spotting lice if the hair is wet. Working with wet hair also makes it easier to carefully part sections, and clip the examined sections out of the way so you can continue to check the remainder of the hair. Recognize adult lice. Adult lice are difficult to see, mainly because they can move quickly and they do not like light. As you separate sections of hair, the adult lice can quickly move back into the hair and into the shadows. Even though an adult louse is tiny, you should be able to see them if you can read the small print of a newspaper. Adult lice are light brown in color, and are about the size of a sesame seed. The adults are often found near the scalp area, in the hair just above and behind the ears, and at the hairline around the base of the neck. Recognize the eggs, also called nits. The eggs are firmly attached, practically cemented, to the hair. Eggs are yellowish-brown, or tan, in color before they hatch, and look like tiny seeds. Freshly laid eggs are shiny, and are often found near the scalp. Identify the hatched nits. Once the eggs, or nits, have hatched, the egg casing remains firmly attached to the hair. The color of the casing is practically clear. Start by separating the wet hair into sections. Divide the hair into small sections, and begin by placing the comb near the scalp. Use either a regular fine tooth comb, or a lice comb, and comb through each section of hair, from close to the scalp to the ends. Comb through each section more than once. Lice combs are available at drug stores. They are smaller than a regular comb, but the teeth in the comb are much closer together to more easily search for lice and nits. Continue to comb through the hair in sections. As you finish combing a section of the wet hair, use a clip to separate it from the hair you have not yet examined. Comb through each divided section of hair, examining the comb after each pass through the hair. Examine the area around the ears and the base of the neck closely. These areas are places where adult lice and nits are commonly found. Catch a live louse between your thumb and forefinger. If you see something moving, try to catch it between your thumb and forefinger, then tape it to a piece of white paper so you can examine it more closely. It may be helpful to compare what you have found to documented pictures of lice. Catching a louse with your fingers is not dangerous. By doing this, you can confirm that the person you are examining does have a lice infestation. Don’t confuse dandruff for lice or nits. People of all ages have stuff that gets caught in their hair. Combing through someone's hair so carefully is likely to reveal dandruff, knotted hair, fabric, and other small things that get lodged in their hair. Nits will not easily comb out since they are cemented to the hair. Use your magnifying glass to examine small things found as you comb through their hair to be sure. Check your own hair for lice. Clearly this is not as easy task, so try to get some help if possible. If you decide to check your own hair by yourself, then follow the same basic steps. Everyone in a household with one infested person should be checked for lice. Wet your hair. Lice and nits can be seen on wet or dry hair, but examining yourself for lice may be easier with your hair wet. Be sure you have enough light. Bathroom lighting is often brighter than the lights in other rooms, plus you will be relying on the bathroom mirrors. If needed, use a small lamp for added light. Use a hand mirror. You will need to closely examine the areas behind and around your ears. Use clips to hold your hair back, and position the hand mirror so you can clearly see the areas you need to examine. Position the mirror to see the back of your neck. Look closely for anything crawling, and for nits or nit casings attached to your hair in this area. Use a fine tooth comb or a lice comb. To best examine your own hair, you will need to separate sections and comb through them several times. Examine the comb thoroughly after each pass through your hair. Continue to use clips the separate the hair you have already examined. Remember to focus on the area around your ears and at the base of your neck. Examining your own hair for lice is difficult, so focusing on the most likely places may help you to determine if you have a lice infestation. Look closely at the comb. You may want to use a magnifying glass to examine the comb each time you pass it through your hair. Identify dandruff, tangled hair, fabric, and other items carefully. Small, seed-like, casings will be firmly attached and will be difficult to remove, likely removing the hair follicle with it as you pass the comb through. This will allow you to closely examine what is pulled out and what remains in the comb, to determine if you have lice or nits in your hair. Treat the infested person. You can treat head lice using products available without a prescription. Follow the directions closely, including any measures recommended for safety. Begin by asking the person to put on old clothing. This helps just in case the ingredients contained in the treatment damage the clothing. Also be sure the person has washed their hair, but has not applied conditioner. Follow the product directions. Your doctor or pharmacist can help guide you to best product choices. Once the person has been treated following the directions of the product, examine their hair again in about eight to 12 hours. If you still see lice, but they are moving slowly, then the treatment is still working. Continue with the process of removing as many dead lice and nits as possible by the combing technique. Re-treat if lice are still active. As you examine the hair, notice if the lice are still as active as they were, prior to treatment. If this occurs, follow the package directions to re-treat the person infested. Follow product instructions if re-treatment is needed. Usually, you should re-treat the person's scalp after one week. Most available products outline how to proceed with a second treatment. Your doctor or pharmacist can help with advice on re-treatment, as well as treating additional family members. Unfortunately, lice have become more resistant to the usual treatments — even some prescription treatments. Your doctor may have to prescribe stronger medications (sometimes to be taken orally) to get rid of the lice. Treat the environment. Wash and dry all bedding, towels, and clothing that the person came in contact going back 2 days prior to treatment. Use hot water, and set the dryer temperature to a high heat setting. Items that cannot be washed can be dry cleaned, or put in a tightly sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Soak combs and brushes. Each time a comb or brush is used to remove lice and nits, soak the items for 5 to 10 minutes in hot water that is at least 130°F. Vacuum the floor and furniture. Head lice only live for about two days once they are not on a person. Nits are not able to hatch if they are removed from the normal temperature of a human body, and die within a week. Wash clothes and soak combs. Make sure you don't accidentally cause re-infestation. Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water. Store unwashable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Soak combs and other hair accessories, such as bobby pins and clips, in hot water for at least five minutes. Make sure to wash any soft items, such as stuffed animals or pillows, in hot water. Avoid sharing soft items. Lice are often spread to children when they share clothing, hats, scarves, or stuffed animals. Do not allow your child to share these things with others. Do not share soft items between family members until all signs of infestation have disappeared. Continue to closely examine the hair of the infested person. Follow the combing procedure every two to three days, and for two to three weeks, to be sure the person has not been re-infested. Allow your child to return to school. After a successful treatment, your child can return to school the next day. Do not keep your child home from school for several days because of lice infestation. Make sure that your child does not make head-to-head contact with other children at school. Alert your school nurse that you have found lice or nits on your child and that it has been treated. The school may be required to tell other parents that an exposure has taken place so families can be on alert and the nurse can check the possibly exposed students. Do not feel embarrassed as this is extremely common.

Check for itching of the scalp. Check for white flakes on the scalp or in hair. Examine clothes for lice. Find a bright light source. Wet the person's hair. Recognize adult lice. Recognize the eggs, also called nits. Identify the hatched nits. Start by separating the wet hair into sections. Continue to comb through the hair in sections. Examine the area around the ears and the base of the neck closely. Catch a live louse between your thumb and forefinger. Don’t confuse dandruff for lice or nits. Check your own hair for lice. Wet your hair. Be sure you have enough light. Use a hand mirror. Position the mirror to see the back of your neck. Use a fine tooth comb or a lice comb. Look closely at the comb. Treat the infested person. Begin by asking the person to put on old clothing. Follow the product directions. Re-treat if lice are still active. Follow product instructions if re-treatment is needed. Treat the environment. Soak combs and brushes. Vacuum the floor and furniture. Wash clothes and soak combs. Avoid sharing soft items. Continue to closely examine the hair of the infested person. Allow your child to return to school.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Pergola-Lights

How to Hang Pergola Lights

To safely hang lights on your pergola, make sure to buy ones made for outdoor use, which will have thicker wires and waterproof sockets. When hanging your lights, use a staple gun with a U-shape that fits around wires to avoid punctures, and use a fiberglass ladder rather than a metal one, which can conduct electricity. When creating your lighting design, try making pillars of light by wrapping them around posts. Make sure the plug end of the string is at the bottom of the post so you can easily reach the outlet. You can also try running strings of lights across the rafters or making a zig-zag pattern by stringing them diagonally from one side of the pergola to the other. If you want your space to feel more majestic, take strings of lights from each corner and make them all meet in the middle.

Purchase lights made for outdoor use. Commercial grade string lights will have thicker wires and waterproof sockets. These lights can be hung year-round and will survive through all seasons. Check the packaging of the lights to ensure they are safe outside. LED lights won't cause damage to nearby greenery, unlike incandescent bulbs. Use a staple gun meant for wires and cables. These special staple guns have a U-shape that fits around the wire to avoid punctures. Some of the staple guns will have angled tips to fit into hard to reach corners and secure wires more discreetly. Staples are typically galvanized steel, but they can be purchased prepainted to match the colors of either the wood or the cable. Stand on a sturdy fiberglass ladder. Since you'll be working with wiring and electricity, avoid metal ladders that could conduct electricity. Stay off the top 2 rungs of the ladder to prevent falls. Keep the ladder on flat sturdy ground. If using an extension ladder, have someone hold the bottom of the ladder for added support while you work. Create pillars of light by wrapping them around the posts. Make sure the plug end of the string is at the bottom of the post so you can easily reach an outlet. Wrap the lights towards the upper trellises. Staple the wires to the posts to keep them secure. Fairy lights will add a more subtle glow for a more intimate feeling. If you only wish to light the ceiling of the pergola, run an extension cord up the post. Run the strings of lights across the rafters. Staple the lights to the upper rafters of the pergola every 5 inches (13 cm) so they do not hang loose. Wind them back at forth across the rafters until you go from one end to the other. String the lights twice on each rafter to light the area better. Use hanging icicle lights to add a fun visual to the ceiling of your pergola. Make a zig-zag pattern to add visual interest. Rather than stapling the lights to the boards at the top, string them diagonally from one side of the pergola to the other. Staple the lights on the end rafters where you change the string's direction. Let them hang loosely, so they do not break from too much tension. To keep the lights more secure, use metal wire attached to hooks as guides. Use yellow Edison bulbs to add an antique or classy feel. Bring the lights to the center from the corners. To make the space seem grander, take strings of lights from each corner and make them meet in the middle. Let the strings hang lower before stapling them to the ceiling in the center of your pergola. White globe lights will add a soft glow to the area while adding elegance to the area. Hang curtain lights around the perimeter. Similar to icicle lights, curtain lights hang down lower and create a wall of light. Staple white curtain lights on the outer rafters of the pergola to add an all-around glow to your outdoor space. Leave an opening in the curtain lights so you can easily walk in and out of your pergola. Purchase a large metal hoop. Find a hoop depending on the size you want for your chandelier. For a larger piece that draws interest, pick a hoop that has a diameter of at least 30 inches (0.76 m). This will allow you to wrap the lights multiple times. Hoops of this size can be purchased online or at many hardware stores. You can also purchase a hula hoop and use spray paint to give it a matte finish. Attach string lights to the hoop with zip ties every 10 inches (25 cm). Start at the end without the plug and wrap a zip tie around the hoop. Continue to wrap the strings of lights around the hoop, securing them as you go. Use as many lights as you need to illuminate the area thoroughly. Test the brightness of the chandelier by plugging it in periodically. Secure low-gauge metal wire to the hoop in four spots at an even distance. The wire should still be flexible, so use one that is 20-gauge or lower. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire will be. Twist the wire to secure it to the hoop. The length of wire you use dictates how low the chandelier will hang. Use a wire cutter to trim it to the correct size. Twist the wires together in a loop at the center of the hoop. The loop will serve as the hanger for the whole chandelier. Make sure the wires are all of the same lengths so the chandelier doesn't hang crooked. Hang the chandelier from a metal hook. Install a metal hook into the top of your pergola so the chandelier can hang firmly. Hooks can be purchased at any hardware store and installed either by screwing it in or with nails. Hang the chandelier in the center of the pergola to get the most even lighting. Run an extension cord to the ceiling. Plug in an extension cord to the end of the chandelier. Conceal it the best you can by running it along the wires and stapling it to the pergola. Use a darker colored cable that is more difficult to notice when it is dark and the lights are on.

Purchase lights made for outdoor use. Use a staple gun meant for wires and cables. Stand on a sturdy fiberglass ladder. Create pillars of light by wrapping them around the posts. Run the strings of lights across the rafters. Make a zig-zag pattern to add visual interest. Bring the lights to the center from the corners. Hang curtain lights around the perimeter. Purchase a large metal hoop. Attach string lights to the hoop with zip ties every 10 inches (25 cm). Secure low-gauge metal wire to the hoop in four spots at an even distance. Twist the wires together in a loop at the center of the hoop. Hang the chandelier from a metal hook. Run an extension cord to the ceiling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Household-Bugs

How to Kill Household Bugs

To kill household bugs, try making a vinegar trap. First, fill part of a bottle with vinegar, and cover the top with plastic wrap. Then, secure the plastic wrap with a hairband, and poke small holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick. Once you've built the trap, wait for bugs to fly and crawl through the holes and get trapped in the bottle. Alternatively, try using boric acid powder to kill household bugs. Just sprinkle the powder around any areas where you've seen the bugs, which will poison them.

Locate the insect. Some bugs stay out in the open and are easy to find. Others, like cockroaches, are nocturnal and prefer dark and enclosed areas. If you know what type of bug you are trying to eliminate, research it to find out where it may be living in your house. A good place to start your search is in the kitchen, as many bugs are attracted to the smell of food. Because bugs are attracted to the smell of food, do your best to keep food out of any living areas for extended periods of time. Find an object to exterminate the pest. Once you have found the bug, you need a tool with which to hit it and kill it. For most bugs, a newspaper, a piece of cardboard, a paper-back book or a regular fly swatter are good tools to use. Roll it up or position it in your hand so it is comfortable. Raise it about a foot above the insect. Alternatively, if the insect is on the ground you can stamp on it with your foot. Make sure that you are wearing shoes, preferably with a solid sole. Hit the insect. Approach the insect and use the newspaper or fly swatter to hit the insect directly and with force. If using your foot, target the insect and stamp on it with the middle part of your shoe. It is important to move quickly and not to hesitate. Many insects like flies are extremely aware of their surroundings, and when they notice a threat they move immediately. Therefore, it's very important to do it quickly! Clean up insect remains. You may want to clean up the insect remains after you are done. Using something disposable like a napkin or paper towel to clean up the insect is a great way of getting rid of it for good! After disposing of the insect, wipe down the surface you picked it up from using an all-purpose cleaner or a product like Clorox to ensure a complete clean. Use a commercial spray. Another effective way of killing a bug on the spot is to use an insect spray. Insect sprays such as Raid target multiple types of bugs and are effective in killing pests. These sprays can be found in major supermarkets and drugstores. Sprays can be used to target the bug directly, or can be sprayed near cracks, around windows and doors, or other points of entry through which bugs have gotten into your house. To use the spray, hold the bottle about a foot and a half from the bug and spray until the bug is weakened or killed. When killing hardy bugs such as cockroaches, sometimes the spray alone is not enough. After spraying, the most effective way of killing the bug is to hit it with a heavy, flat object like a book to ensure that you have finished the job. Use essential oils to prevent and deter insects. Although commercial sprays are highly effective, many prefer to use natural sprays which are healthier for humans, especially if you are spraying a large area. Insects such as roaches, termites and ants among others are repelled by strong scents and essential oils. Tea tree oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil are just a few oils that have been shown to repel and even kill insects. To make a spray out of these oils, add 6-10 drops of essential oil in a small spray bottle along with two ounces of water and two ounces of white vinegar. Combine and spray areas such as your kitchen or around your windows to target bugs and insects. Use a natural household pesticide. Natural pesticides are a powerful and safe way of killing insects. Look in the store for a natural pesticide made with orange oil. To make an orange oil pesticide at home, mix about 5% orange oil with 95% water or 10% orange oil with 90% water (not orange cleaner) in a small spray bottle. Spray the orange oil pesticide directly on the bug or around the area that the bugs are living. Orange oil pesticides are extremely effective for not only killing solitary bugs, but for killing colonies of insects. Use boric acid powder. Boric acid is another natural ingredient that is relatively safe for humans but toxic for bugs. It can be found at major pharmacies and home-improvement stores. To use boric acid powder, sprinkle the powder around the refrigerator, stove, or any other places where bugs congregate. Bugs will walk through the powder which they pick up on their legs or bodies. Later, when bugs are grooming or cleaning they ingest the boric acid powder, which kills them. Use diatomaceous earth. Another organic earth product is food grade diatomaceous earth (uncalcinated - i.e., not heat-treated), a powdered form of an absorbent abrasive that kills insects through dehydration. Sprinkle this substance around the kitchen and other problem areas in your house. Use a sticky trap. A sticky trap, also known as a glue trap, is a great way of eliminating insects. Sticky trap typically contain an odor that attracts insects, who get stuck to their surface and die. Install the sticky trap in the kitchen or where you have seen the bugs. Leave the trap for a few days and check to see if any bugs have stuck. Use a vinegar trap. A vinegar trap is especially useful for fruit flies. To create a vinegar trap, pour some white or apple cider vinegar into a bottle (even a small amount will do). With the cap of the bottle removed, stretch plastic wrap across the top the bottle and secure it with a rubber band or hair tie. Poke holes through the plastic wrap using a toothpick or similar item. The smell of vinegar attracts flies, who enter through the holes. The flies then either drown in the vinegar or are unable to get back out of the bottle. Use a more specific trap. Stores like Home Depot and Walmart carry a wide selection of traps, made to target all kinds of insects from hornets to stinkbugs. If you have a bug you can't get rid of, make a trip and select a trap that is made especially to attract and kill the pests in your home. Target the problem area. Sometimes, a bug problem can be more than just a few bugs; insects can quite literally take over an article of furniture or an area in your house. In these cases, it is most effective to tackle this specific area, which is where bugs and their larvae are living. Fleas infestations often occur in carpeting. If there is a flea problem in your house, vacuum the carpet multiple times, disposing of the vacuum bag each time outside of the house. Bed bug infestations occur mostly, as the name suggests, in mattresses. To kill bedbugs in your bed, purchase a mattress cover made specifically for bed bugs. You can find such covers at Walmart and Target. Even though these covers are also intended for prevention of bedbugs, they work by isolating the bedbugs which will eventually kill them. There are several types of insects that target house plants and can cause an infestation. There are many preventative measures to stop this from happening in the first place, such as using sterile soil as opposed to garden soil and immediately removing dead leaves and stems. If the infestation has already happened, the best method of elimination may depend on what kind of insect is afflicting it. Identify the insect with a magnifying glass and do your research. Many insects are killed with insecticidal sprays so if in doubt purchase and use an insecticidal spray to spray your plant. Clean your house and belongings. After you have targeted the area of infestation, it is important to clean the surrounding area as well as anything that may have come into contact with it. Although it is likely that you have killed most of the infestation, it is likely that a few insects have spread to surrounding areas and could cause another wave of infestation. Vacuum the area around which you've already cleaned. This includes the carpet as well as any cushions or soft objects. After vacuuming, make sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outside of the house, as bugs may be present inside. Wash and dry clothing. This is an essential step, as many times insects like bed bugs spread and live in your clothing. You can kill the bed bugs with heat by doing a wash of all of your clothes, making sure to dry every item for at least 30 minutes on high heat. Wash your pets. Pets are often the carrier of bugs, especially fleas. Combing your pet with a flea comb as well as washing and drying your pet's bedding can eliminate pests. Use a bug bomb. A bug bomb, also known as a total release fogger, works by releasing a cloud of pesticide into a single area. This type of treatment should only be a last resort, because bug bombs can pose health risks to humans as well as being toxic to insects. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, and to only use a bug bomb in an area with adequate ventilation.

Locate the insect. Find an object to exterminate the pest. Hit the insect. Clean up insect remains. Use a commercial spray. Use essential oils to prevent and deter insects. Use a natural household pesticide. Use boric acid powder. Use diatomaceous earth. Use a sticky trap. Use a vinegar trap. Use a more specific trap. Target the problem area. Clean your house and belongings. Use a bug bomb.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Concussion-Headaches

How to Treat Concussion Headaches

If you think you have a concussion, it's important to seek emergency care right away. As you recover from your concussion, take frequent mental and physical breaks to allow your brain to rest and heal. This means avoiding bright screens, exercise, and anything that requires a lot of concentration. If you have to work, try to take a 10-minute break every 20 minutes. You may also notice that other things trigger headaches, such as loud noises, so do your best to avoid these triggers. Another way to help your brain recover is to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, nutritious snacks, like fruit or granola bars, every 2 hours. In the meantime, protect your head from further injury by avoiding contact sports or any other dangerous activities.

Rest your brain for a few days. Concussion symptoms—including headaches—can reduce your brain's ability to perform. After your concussion, your brain will not function at its full capacity. This means that you need to rest it often, by taking both physical and mental rests. Try avoiding activities that cause extra strain on the brain. Activities that may strain the brain require cognitive focus, and include texting, sitting in front of a TV or computer, reading, and exercising. The constant flickering of LCD screens is invisible to the naked eye, but it causes both your brain and your eye muscles to strain as they to keep up. This can lead to headaches and other complications, so it's best to avoid all screens including TVs, computers, and smartphones while your concussion heals. Playing board games like chess or Risk, working on crossword puzzles, or playing video games after a concussion may strain your brain. You can also rest your brain by taking daily naps. The more rest you give your brain, the faster it will heal and the headaches will dissipate. This should be in addition to getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Identify and avoid things that trigger your headaches. Triggers are things that aggravate the brain, and therefore cause a bigger headache. Some common examples are noise, light, physical activity, mental activity, driving, or concentrating on a mental activity. Try to find these triggers and avoid them. For example, if noise causes a bigger headache, wear earplugs or find a quiet environment. Drink lots of healthy fluids during the day. The human brain is mostly fat and water. Keeping fluid levels up will help regulate headaches caused by concussions. Keeping hydrated will also help your brain heal more quickly. Aim to drink at least 2 litres (0.53 US gal) of healthy fluids a day. These include things like water, fruit juice, and tea. Eat something at least every two hours. The brain also has lots of glucose, and these levels need to be kept up in order to heal faster and to diminish the pain from concussion headaches. You don't need to have a full meal, but at least eat a snack. Even eating a granola bar or a piece of fruit every two hours will significantly help. Take frequent breaks from work during the day. The brain needs time to recharge and will do this faster with breaks. If you continue working and force yourself to concentrate, you'll run the risk of worsening your headache. For example, work for 20 minutes and then take a 10 minute break. During the first weeks after the concussion, you'll also find yourself getting worn out from any sort of mental activity much more quickly than you would have before the concussion. Talk to your teacher or professor about your homework load during your post-concussion period. Ideally, you should have no homework during this time. Ask them about reducing your load or making up your work at a later date. Do not re-injure your head. This may sound like common sense, but while you're concussed, make sure that you do not hit your head again. Not only will a second head injury exacerbate the pain from your headaches, but it can cause serious brain damage. Your doctor will advise you to stop playing sports (or doing other activities that could cause a head injury) while you're recovering from the concussion. Ask your doctor about medications that could be used to help. Your doctor will be able to give advice and, if needed, prescriptions to help manage the concussion pain. Be aware, though that there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically made to treat post-concussion headaches. Depending on the location and severity of your concussion, the doctor may also refer you to a specialist for specific medication prescriptions. Take acetaminophen when needed. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter anti-pain medication, which is found in Tylenol. Do not take ibuprofen (found in Motrin IB and Advil) for the headache pain. Ibuprofen may raise the risk of bleeding in the brain. Talk to your doctor if you're at risk of exceeding the maximum suggested dosage. If these medicines are taken all the time, your body can become adapted and dependent on the medicine. As a result, you may experience severe rebound headaches. Ask your primary care physician about seeing an acupuncturist. While it's not a medical treatment, some evidence exists to indicate that acupuncture may be able to help decrease the symptoms of post-concussion headaches. Acupuncture can increase the flow of blood to the brain, which will stimulate the brain to heal more quickly. You may experience some mild discomfort during the acupuncture procedure. It consists in having a number of tiny needles inserted into various muscle groupings. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter supplements. Some compounds available in common supplements, including omega-3, curcumin, creatine, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, may help with neuroprotection during your post-concussion period. Ask your doctor about what supplements may be beneficial for you after a concussion. Research on the effects of supplements and nutraceuticals on concussions is ongoing and not currently conclusive. This is part of why you should talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. See a chiropractor to help with headache pain. If headaches persist, ask your general practitioner to refer you to a chiropractor. The chiropractor can decrease headache pain by stretching your neck muscles and the tendons behind the ears. Once you've been adjusted, ask the chiropractor if there are any steps you can take at home (with a friend or family member) to stretch or exercise your neck muscles. Ensure you finish any course of therapy by adjusting your neck bones and neck muscles at home, if directed by the doctor. Try natural supplements to ease the pain. While they're no substitute for actual medications prescribed by a doctor, some natural supplements may help decrease the pain from headaches. Supplements that are good for the brain and may improve its rate of healing after a concussion include: green tea, curcumin (found in the spice turmeric), vitamin E, and creatine. Taking fish oil can also help the brain's recovery by providing healthy, fatty acids to the brain. Natural supplements and other homeopathic cures can be found in health-food stores or in the organic section of large grocery stores. See your doctor if concussion symptoms last more than a few weeks. Your concussion headaches should have stopped after a few weeks, or 2 months at the longest. If you're still experiencing concussion-related headaches after this time, schedule an appointment with your general practitioner. Depending on the severity of your concussion, you may have Post-Concussion Syndrome. This syndrome manifests through symptoms including nausea, dizziness, insomnia, or a ringing sound in the ears. Describe these symptoms to your doctor if you experience them. Ask your doctor about a CT or MRI scan. Both CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans will allow the doctor to see a clear image of your brain. With this image, they'll be better able to determine if your brain has been seriously damaged from the event that concussed you. This may lead to a diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome. Unfortunately, MRI and CT scans are not always conclusive at determining if you have Post-Concussion Syndrome. Work with your doctor to treat other long-term symptoms. The best way to combat Post-Concussion Syndrome is to work on treating each symptom individually. For example, if you experience tension-type headaches or migraines, your doctor can prescribe antidepressants or anti-epileptic medications to help. Or, if you experience severe dizziness, your doctor can refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to help you regain balance. Finally, if you experience mental-health issues like depression or anxiety as a result of your concussion, your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Rest your brain for a few days. Identify and avoid things that trigger your headaches. Drink lots of healthy fluids during the day. Eat something at least every two hours. Take frequent breaks from work during the day. Do not re-injure your head. Ask your doctor about medications that could be used to help. Take acetaminophen when needed. Ask your primary care physician about seeing an acupuncturist. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter supplements. See a chiropractor to help with headache pain. Try natural supplements to ease the pain. See your doctor if concussion symptoms last more than a few weeks. Ask your doctor about a CT or MRI scan. Work with your doctor to treat other long-term symptoms.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Catsicles

How to Make Catsicles

To make catsicles, first mix goat's milk, wet cat food, and tuna in a bowl. You can also mix in some cat treats to make your catsicles extra special. Next, pour the mix into individual containers, like Dixie cups, ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Then, cover them with plastic wrap or Tupperware and place them flat in your freezer for at least 24 hours before serving.

Use goat milk. Goat milk is a simple and popular item that people use to make catsicles. In addition, goat milk is both nutritious and freezes easily. Consider products like Pro Bloom or Cat Sure. Both are formulated for cats. Think about other powdered goat milk products. By using a powdered product, you can keep it on hand so you can make catsicles whenever you want. Try your cat's wet food. While you may think that cat food is only good served straight out of the can, your cat will likely get very excited over a wet food catsicle. Use different flavors of your cat's wet food. Remember, smooth cat food, rather than chunky cat food, works best. Purchase new wet foods that your cat has never eaten before. Experiment with tuna. Perhaps one of the most alluring catsicles is the tuna catsicle. Tuna works great as a catsicle because of its texture and the fact that it can be used with other ingredients. Light chunk tuna may work better than solid white albacore because the pieces are smaller and juicier. Mix your main ingredients. Take a large bowl and pour your main ingredients into it. Stir the ingredients so they are well mixed. You may need to add milk or water to create a smooth consistency. Some mixtures might include: Some chunks of tuna, the liquid from a can of tuna, and a few tablespoons of goat milk. Goat milk and other cat-friendly liquids. Wet cat food and a couple tablespoons of goat milk. Sprinkle in treats. Once you've mixed your main ingredients, you can decide whether you want to mix in some extra treats. Make sure to spread the treats out evenly. Stir the mix once you're done sprinkling treats in. Try to use soft treats. For example, consider sprinkling some traditional soft treats or catnip into the catsicles. Pour your mixture into a container. Once you've mixed your ingredients and sprinkled treats into the mixture, pour it into individual containers. Containers should be small enough to serve to your cat as a snack. You'll want to fill your containers with between a quarter to a half of an inch of mixture (6.35 ml to 12.7 ml). You can use a variety of containers, including: Dixie cups, ice cube trays, store-bought popsicle molds. Cover the catsicles. Before you place the catsicles in the freezer, make sure they're completely covered. Consider using plastic wrap or Tupperware. By covering them, you'll limit the chance of them spilling. In addition, you'll lower the risk of them getting freezer burn. Place the catsicles in your freezer. When placing the catsicles in the freezer, make sure they're on a level surface. If they're not on a level surface, they will spill or freeze unevenly. You may want to clear out part of a shelf or even an entire shelf to place your catsicles. Freeze them for at least 24 hours. While you may be able to take some catsicles out of the freezer earlier, you should leave them in for at least one day. Allowing them to sit in the freezer for a day will help ensure that they are completely frozen. The quicker you use the catsicles after the first day, the better. The longer they remain in the freezer, the higher the chances of them becoming freezer burned. Properly stored, catsicles may be good for up to several months. Run warm water on the bottom of the container before serving. When you're ready to serve your cat a catsicle, run a little warm water on the underside of the container. This will make it easier for you to pop the catsicle out of the container and serve it. After you've warmed the bottom of the container, place the catsicle into your cat's bowl. Make sure the bowl is somewhat deep, so your cat doesn't make a mess everywhere.

Use goat milk. Try your cat's wet food. Experiment with tuna. Mix your main ingredients. Sprinkle in treats. Pour your mixture into a container. Cover the catsicles. Place the catsicles in your freezer. Freeze them for at least 24 hours. Run warm water on the bottom of the container before serving.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Aloe-Vera-Face-Mask

How to Make an Aloe Vera Face Mask

An aloe vera face mask can help make your skin more vibrant, reduce inflammation and blemishes, moisturize your face, and reduce signs of aging. You can mix aloe vera with mashed papaya to make an acne-fighting mask that will help your skin glow. Or, mix aloe gel with turmeric and honey, which can help reduce inflammation. For an exfoliating face mask, mix aloe gel with coffee grounds and sugar. Before you apply your face mask, wash your face with a cleanser, exfoliate, and take a warm shower to help open your pores. Just brush your face mask on, leave it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water to close your pores.

Mix papaya, cacao powder, and aloe vera to create glowing skin. Cut a papaya into quarters and peel away the outer layer. Add the fruit into a small bowl, along with 1 tbsp (7.4 g) of cacao powder and a grape-sized amount of aloe vera gel. Using a fork or spoon, mash and mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. 1 You can use this mask whenever you want. Papaya makes your skin look glowing, and can help get rid of acne. Reduce acne with a turmeric, aloe gel, and honey mask. Stir 1 tablespoon (15 mL) each of aloe gel and raw, liquid honey together in a small bowl. Once these ingredients are thoroughly combined, mix in 1 tsp (3.2 g) of turmeric powder. Continue stirring until there are no visible powder lumps within the mask mixture. Turmeric is a great remedy for inflamed skin, while honey is known for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Soothe your skin by making a mask with matcha, aloe gel, and bentonite clay. Scoop 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (9 g) of bentonite clay powder into a small bowl, then pour in 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of water or so, until the clay becomes a paste. Next, mix in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp (1.75 g) of matcha powder. Continue stirring these ingredients together in a bowl until they form a thick, consistent paste. Bentonite clay is especially beneficial for oily skin, while matcha powder helps to fight skin inflammation. Make your skin look vibrant with coffee, sugar, and aloe gel. Scoop 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of aloe vera gel, 1 tsp (3 g) of coffee grounds, and 1 tsp (4 g) of white sugar into a small bowl. Next, stir the ingredients together until they form a smooth, consistent gel-like mixture. The graininess of the coffee grounds can exfoliate your skin. Wash your skin with cleanser and exfoliant. Using the cleanser of your choice, clean off any oils, dirt, and cosmetics from your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and under eye area. Next, rub a cherry-sized amount of exfoliant onto your skin to clear away any dead skin cells. After this, you can rinse off the exfoliating product with lukewarm water. Don't exfoliate every day; instead, do it about 3 times each week. If your skin is especially acne-prone, you can exfoliate every day. Take a shower to open up your pores. Before applying any aloe masks to your skin, unwind by taking a hot, steaming shower. Stay there for several minutes, so your pores can naturally open up. This way, your skin will be more receptive to the mask! Brush the mixture over your skin. Dip a 1 in (2.5 cm) wide makeup brush into the mask. After coating the brush completely, spread the mixture along your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. As you go, try to apply the mixture in an even layer. If your hands are clean, you can also apply the mask using your fingers. Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes. Set a timer for 10 minutes and relax while the mask soaks into your skin. Try not to lose track of time—if you leave the mixture on your skin for too long, it might be difficult to rinse off later. You need to keep the mask on for several minutes for your skin to benefit from the nutrients. Rinse off your face with cold water. Use your hands to splash cold water across your skin. As you work, use gentle motions to clear the mixture off of your skin. If you'd prefer, you can also use a soaked bath tissue to dab away the mixture. Cold water helps your pores to close and absorb the nutrients from the mask.

Mix papaya, cacao powder, and aloe vera to create glowing skin. Reduce acne with a turmeric, aloe gel, and honey mask. Soothe your skin by making a mask with matcha, aloe gel, and bentonite clay. Make your skin look vibrant with coffee, sugar, and aloe gel. Wash your skin with cleanser and exfoliant. Take a shower to open up your pores. Brush the mixture over your skin. Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes. Rinse off your face with cold water.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Butternut-Squash-in-the-Microwave

How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave

If you want to microwave a cubed butternut squash, cut off the top and bottom of the squash with a sharp knife. Next, peel the squash, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds. After you've cubed the squash, put it in a microwavable dish and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you'd rather cook a whole squash, rinse it with water and poke holes in it with a fork to let out steam. Cook the squash in the microwave on high for 5 minutes, then cut it in half with a sharp knife. Remove the seeds, place the halves in a dish with the flesh facing down, and microwave for another 5-10 minutes.

Wash the butternut squash. Rinse the squash with cold water and pat it dry. This will remove any dirt particles lingering on the squash's skin. Poke holes in the squash with a fork. Poking holes in the squash will allow steam to escape while the squash cooks in the microwave. Just like a potato, the squash needs to be able to vent while it cooks. Your holes don't need to be more than 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) in, so don't worry if the squash is too hard to stab the fork very far. If you pierce the skin at all, steam will escape. Space the holes a few inches apart; you don't need more than 15-20 holes. Plate the squash and microwave it for 5 minutes. Place the butternut squash on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. This will soften the squash, which will help you cut it. Don't worry if you can't fit the whole squash onto one dish; it's fine if it sticks out. Cut the squash from top to bottom. Using a sharp chef's knife or serrated knife, cut the squash into 2 equal halves with a sawing motion. Cutting the squash will help it cook faster. When using your knife, hold the handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger, while using your thumb and index finger to hold the blade itself. This is called a "blade grip" and offers more control and balance than using all of your fingers to hold the handle. Remove the seeds and plate the squash flesh-side down. If you have the time (and access to an oven), set your seeds aside to make a tasty snack later. If not, discard the seeds. Place the butternut squash halves flesh-side down on a microwave-safe dish. Again, the halves can be larger than the dish. Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. The length of time will depend on the size of your butternut squash. It's okay to take it out and check it at 5 minutes. If it needs more time, put it in for another 5 minutes. The squash should be tender enough that you can stick a fork all the way through it. Let the squash cool and serve it any way you like. Microwaved butternut squash is great for soups, hummus, or a healthy snack. Cut off the top and bottom of the squash. Using a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife, saw the knife back and forth until the top inch and the bottom inch (2 centimeters) of the butternut squash are gone. Discard these pieces. When cutting a squash, hold your knife's handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger. Use your thumb and index finger to balance the blade. The "blade grip" offers more control and balance than a normal grip. Since butternut squash is circular, it has a tendency to roll around on the cutting board. Stabilize the squash with your non-dominant hand before cutting into it, and curl your non-dominant fingers under your palm in order to make a claw shape, pressing down on the squash with the first joints of your fingers. Peel the squash, then cut it in half. Peel the squash like a potato, working from top to bottom. Discard all of the skin. Then, cut the squash's top away from the bottom, so that you have one small piece (the top) and one large piece (the bottom). Cube the top. Keep the small piece on its side, like a rolling pin, and cut a slice every half-inch or inch. Cut evenly through the piece so that the slices come out as perfect circles. To make the cubes, cut 2 or 3 evenly-spaced slices across the width of the circle. Then turn the circle and cut it again. This will create a cube shape. Remember that the cubes don't have to be perfect. Keep the irregular pieces to cut down on food waste. Cut the base in half. Place the base of the squash on the cutting board and cut it down the middle. You can use your other hand to press the blade down, working in a see-saw motion. Be sure your hand is not wet or slippery, however, as you could easily cut yourself if it slips. Remove the seeds. Using a melon baller, an ice cream scoop or a spoon, remove the seeds from the squash. Set them aside to make a tasty snack, if you like. If not, discard them. Cube the base. Cut the base into half-moons and then cube them. Make them as close in size as you can to the top cubes. Microwave the squash cubes for 3-4 minutes. The cubes should be tender enough to be pierced with a fork. Put the cubed squash inside your favorite dish. Cubes of butternut squash can go in omelettes, pizzas, salads or by themselves a healthy snack. Cut off the ends of the squash. Use a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife, and use a gentle sawing motion. Discard the ends. Hold the knife handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger, and use your thumb and index finger to hold the blade. The "blade grip," as it's called, offers more control and balance than using every finger to hold the handle. Peel the skin and cut the squash in half. Using a vegetable peeler, peel and discard all of the skin from the squash. With a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife, cut the top away from the bottom, so that you have one small piece and one large piece. Reserve the bottom for a different recipe, as it's difficult to spiralize. Cut the top in half. Laying the squash top on its side (like a rolling pin), cut the top into two equal pieces. This will help the squash fit in the spiralizer. Spiralizers come in different shapes and sizes. Cut your squash to fit your spiralizer. Spiralize the squash and put it in a bowl. Use the largest setting on your spiralizer and transfer the spiralized squash into a microwave-safe bowl. Add water to the bowl and cover. Add half a cup of water into the bowl, then cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. The squash should be able to be pierced with a fork. Drain the water from the bowl. Let the spiralized squash cool and serve it. Spiralized butternut squash works as a pasta substitute, a topping for toast, or a standalone side dish. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Wash the pulp from the seeds. After pulling as much pulp away from the seeds as you can, place them in a bowl of water and wash the seeds clean. After washing, pat them dry with a towel. A little pulp on the seeds is fine. Toss the seeds in a bowl with oil and spices. Put the seeds in a bowl with a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of fennel seeds (or whatever spice you like) and a pinch of salt. Toss the seeds until they're evenly coated. Spread the seeds evenly onto the aluminum-covered baking sheet. Make sure they're separated from each other; this will help them cook uniformly. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The seeds should turn golden. The seeds may begin popping during baking. This is normal, but should be taken as a sign that the seeds are done cooking. Let the seeds cool down before you eat them. Spiced seeds can go in a salad, in trail mix, or by themselves as an appetizer.

Wash the butternut squash. Poke holes in the squash with a fork. Plate the squash and microwave it for 5 minutes. Cut the squash from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and plate the squash flesh-side down. Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. Let the squash cool and serve it any way you like. Cut off the top and bottom of the squash. Peel the squash, then cut it in half. Cube the top. Cut the base in half. Remove the seeds. Cube the base. Microwave the squash cubes for 3-4 minutes. Put the cubed squash inside your favorite dish. Cut off the ends of the squash. Peel the skin and cut the squash in half. Cut the top in half. Spiralize the squash and put it in a bowl. Add water to the bowl and cover. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. Let the spiralized squash cool and serve it. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Wash the pulp from the seeds. Toss the seeds in a bowl with oil and spices. Spread the seeds evenly onto the aluminum-covered baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let the seeds cool down before you eat them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Coconut-Oil-for-Acne

How to Use Coconut Oil for Acne

If you want to use coconut oil to treat your acne, first check that it won't irritate your skin by massaging a small amount of it into the inside of your arm and seeing that you don't get a reaction. When you're ready to use coconut oil, steam your face over a bowl of hot water to open up your pores. After you've done this for 3 to 4 minutes, soften 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your palms and then gently massage it into your face for 2 to 3 minutes. When you're done, wipe it away with a facecloth and hot water and then wash your face with a mild cleanser. Follow this routine every morning and night, and if you see that your skin is improving, continue using coconut oil.

Determine your skin type to work out if coconut oil is suitable for you. Wash your face with water as soon as you wake up in the morning and don't apply any other products. Wait for 4-5 hours and then check your skin the mirror. If your skin has dry or red patches, this means that you have a dry skin type. However, if your face looks oily all over, this means that you have an oily skin type. Make sure that you don't wipe or blot your face during this time so that you get an accurate result for your skin type. There are also a few other skin types. For example, you have a normal skin type if your skin does not change, or a combination skin type if just your T-zone looks oily. Alternatively, a dermatologist will be able to professionally determine your skin type. Use coconut oil only if you have a very dry or very oily skin type. Look at your result from the skin type test. Coconut oil may be beneficial to your skin if it's too dry or too oily, however, it may not be useful if you have a normal or combination skin type. Coconut oil can be useful for people with dry skin, as it can add oil and moisture which your skin needs to be healthy. Contrastingly, it can also be helpful for people with oily skin, as many harsh acne treatment products will strip your skin of too many natural oils. This means that your skin overcompensates by producing too much oil which exacerbates the acne. Coconut oil has a score of 4 out of 5 on the comedogenicity scale. This scale ranks ingredients from the least pore blocking (1) to the most pore blocking (5). This means that coconut oil may not be helpful in treating acne for all skin types. Do a patch test to check that coconut oil is safe for your skin. Massage a small amount of coconut oil into the inside of your arm. Wait for 72 hours and check your skin again for any signs of irritation. Redness, swelling, and itchiness are signs of irritation. You can do the patch test on a different area of your skin instead if you prefer. Try your neck, behind an ear, or a tiny area of your face. If you don't notice a reaction then you can assume that the coconut oil is safe for your skin. Choose cold-pressed, organic, and virgin coconut oil. This type of coconut oil is the best for treating acne because it is free from any additives that could harm your skin. Purchase the coconut oil from a grocery store, a health store or online. When you purchase the coconut oil, check that it's fragrance-free. Unrefined coconut oils are likely to be fragrance-free, but double check as fragrances can be a trigger for acne. Steam your face first to open up your pores. Fill a bowl with steaming water. Arrange a towel so that it is draped over your head and shoulders. Lean over the bowl of steam for 3-4 minutes. Hold your head at a distance from the bowl where you can feel the steam against your face, but not so close that it burns or that you feel as though you can't inhale fresh air. Using steam as a part of your skin routine will help deep clean and purify your skin. Warm 1 tsp (4 g) of coconut oil up in your palms if it’s in a solid state. Depending on where you live, coconut oil tends to harden to a solid during the cooler months and melt into a liquid during the warmer months. If the coconut oil is hard, scoop out a small amount and massage it in your palm to soften it. It's best to use your body warmth to soften the coconut oil rather than using a microwave or a stovetop. This is because the oil may heat up too much, which could burn your skin. Massage 1 tsp (4 g) of coconut oil into your face for 2-3 minutes. Apply the oil to your chin, cheeks, forehead, and nose. Gently rub it into your skin using a circular motion. Be careful not to get the coconut oil in your eyes. Don't rush while you are applying the coconut oil. Take the time to thoroughly massage it into your skin. Wipe the coconut oil away gently with a facecloth and hot water. Rinse a clean facecloth under hot, running water and wring it out when it is saturated. Hold the facecloth over different areas of your face and let it soak up the excess coconut oil. Rinse the oil out of the facecloth as you move to a different part of your face. Make sure that the water isn't scalding as this could burn your skin. It should be a hot, yet comfortable temperature. Don't scrub at or be rough with your skin using the facecloth. Using it to gently wipe the coconut oil off or to pat at your skin with is all that's necessary. Don't worry if your skin still feels a little bit oily. Any leftover excess oil will be removed when you use a gentle cleanser. Wash your face with gentle cleanser. Use a natural facial cleanser or some mild soap to gently remove the rest of the coconut oil from your face. If required, wet your face again before you apply the cleanser. Follow the instructions about how to apply it on the label of the cleanser. Apply the coconut oil to your skin every morning and night. Follow a regular routine of using coconut oil, such as every morning as soon as you get out of bed and every night just before you go to sleep. Check your skin often for signs of improvement and stop using it if it keeps resulting in breakouts. It may be helpful to take a photo of your skin every few days. This will help you to see if overall the coconut oil is making a difference to your skin. While coconut oil can cause your skin to breakout during the first few days that you use it, for many people it does eventually clear up and help to treat the acne. However, if you feel that your skin is getting worse due to the coconut oil, stop using it and try out a different product.

Determine your skin type to work out if coconut oil is suitable for you. Use coconut oil only if you have a very dry or very oily skin type. Do a patch test to check that coconut oil is safe for your skin. Choose cold-pressed, organic, and virgin coconut oil. Steam your face first to open up your pores. Warm 1 tsp (4 g) of coconut oil up in your palms if it’s in a solid state. Massage 1 tsp (4 g) of coconut oil into your face for 2-3 minutes. Wipe the coconut oil away gently with a facecloth and hot water. Wash your face with gentle cleanser. Apply the coconut oil to your skin every morning and night.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Patient-Care-Tech-at-a-Hospital

How to Become a Patient Care Tech at a Hospital

To become a patient care tech at a hospital, start by obtaining a CNA certification if your state requires you to have one before you can enroll in a PCT program. After you meet the minimum requirements for acceptance, submit an application to the PCT program of your choice. Your training program will include classroom-based coursework and hands-on clinical experience, and you can register for the PCT exam online after you complete the program. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your PCT certificate and you can start applying for open positions at hospitals!

Obtain a CNA certification if required. A CNA (certified nurse's aide) performs some of the same duties as a PCT, but a PCT can do more advanced procedures such as blood draws, ECGs, and catheterizations. Some states require PCT program applicants to obtain a CNA certification before they will be accepted into a PCT program. Check your state's requirements to determine if you need to get your CNA certification before you can get your PCT certification. If you want to work in a hospital setting as a PCT, then gaining some experience working in a hospital as a CNA may help you find a job or gain a promotion at your current place of employment. Find a program. To become a PCT, you will need to complete a vocational program or a certificate program at a college. Check schools in your area to see where you can get the training that you need to become a PCT. You may want to set up a meeting with someone from the programs in your area to ask questions. Make sure that you ask about specialization opportunities to ensure that you can gain experience in a hospital setting as well as any other areas that you'd like to work in. Submit an application. If you meet the minimum requirements for acceptance, then submit an application to the PCT program of your choice. If there are multiple programs in your area, then you may want to submit an application to each one to increase your chances of success. Some programs have minimum requirements that you have to meet to be accepted, such as having a high school diploma, earning a certain GPA, and completing prerequisite courses. Check to see if you meet the minimum requirements for acceptance before you apply. Take the required courses. Your training program will include courses that teach you all about the skills you will need to work as a PCT. Your courses may cover topics such as: phlebotomy first aid and wound care CPR catheterization ECG administration dialysis equipment Complete clinical experiences. Clinical experiences are hands on training that will provide you with the opportunity to practice what you have learned in the classroom. These experiences will also help you to gain confidence in your ability to perform procedures such as ECGs, catheterizations, and blood draws. Study for the exam. To obtain your PCT certificate, you will need to take an exam. The exam will assess different skills such as patient care, phlebotomy, ECG, infection control, and safety. Studying often during your training program will increase your chances of passing the test, but you should also plan to review what you have learned prior to the test. Ask about study groups and exam review sessions that your school offers. Take the exam. When you have met the requirements to take the PCT exam, you can register for the exam online. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a certificate. This certificate will serve as evidence of your competency and ability to work as a CPT. The fee for the exam is $155.00. After you take the exam, you receive a PCT certificate from your program. You then have the option to become a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), which may enhance your job opportunities. Check with your program for recommendations on certifying organizations. Create a resume. To start applying for PCT jobs in a hospital setting, you will need to create a resume that summarizes your training and experience. Your resume should provide an overview of your training, professional experiences, and any other training or experiences that may help you to do your job. If you do not have any professional medical experience, such as working as a CNA or other type of medical professional, then you will create a student resume. A student resume focuses on your education and training as a student. Search and apply for jobs. Start looking for jobs as soon as you are nearing completion of your program. Look at the websites for hospitals in your area and apply to them directly. You can also check your local newspaper and online job search engines. You can also ask friends and family members who work at local hospitals if there are any PCT jobs available. Since PCTs are in high demand, there should be several postings in your area. If you have trouble finding job postings at the hospitals in your area, keep checking. You may also consider expanding your search area if you are willing to move to a new city or state to pursue a better job opportunity. Keep your certification current. To maintain your ability to work as a PCT, you will need to go through continuing education sessions. Many employers will provide these sessions for you. If you do not keep your PCT certification current, then you may need to renew or reinstate it. This process requires you to complete some continuing education credits and to pay a fee.

Obtain a CNA certification if required. Find a program. Submit an application. Take the required courses. Complete clinical experiences. Study for the exam. Take the exam. Create a resume. Search and apply for jobs. Keep your certification current.

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Star

How to Draw a Star

To draw a star, start by drawing an upside-down “V” on the page, and don't pick up your pencil from the paper. From there, draw a diagonal line upward and to the left, crossing your first line. Then, draw a straight horizontal line across the paper, ending at the right side. Finish your star by drawing a diagonal line downward and to the left to meet the starting point of the upside-down “V.” If you don't want the middle lines to be visible, you can erase them and leave just a star outline.

Draw an upside down "V. " Begin at the lower left side of your drawing, come up to a point and bring your pencil down and to the right. Do not lift your pencil from the paper until you are finished. Draw a straight line at an upward angle to the left. Cross your first line about 1/3 of the way up "\" without lifting your pencil from the paper. Draw a straight horizontal line across your drawing, ending at the right side. Cross the upside-down "V" shape about 1/3 of the way down: "-". Again, do not lift your pencil. Draw a straight line at a downward angle back to your starting point. Your line will connect with the lower left corner of your drawing: "/". Lift your pencil from the paper. Your star is complete. Erase the lines well if you don't want them to be visible in the center of the star. Start by drawing a large circle using a compass. Place a pencil into the pencil holder on your compass. Then, place the point in the center of a piece of paper. Turn the top of the compass while keeping the point still. The pencil will draw a circle that is perfectly centered around the point. Make a dot at the top of your circle with the pencil. Then, move the point of your compass until it is on top of the dot. Do not change the radius of the compass as you are moving it. Turn your compass to make a pencil mark that crosses your circle on the left. Repeat this on the right side of the point that you drew. Move your point to one of the marks without changing the radius of the compass. Make another mark on the edge of the circle. Continue moving your compass point to the new marks and drawing marks until you have a total of 6 marks that are equidistant. Set your compass aside. Use a ruler to create a triangle that starts from the top mark on the edge of the circle. Place your pencil on the top mark. Skip the first mark to the left and connect the top mark to the second mark to the left. Draw a second mark straight across to the right, skipping the mark on the bottom. Finish by connecting that mark to the top mark. This will complete your first triangle. Create a second triangle starting with the mark at the base of your circle. Place your pencil on the bottom mark. Connect it with the second mark to the left by drawing a straight line. Draw a line straight across to your right, skipping the top mark. Finish the second triangle by drawing an additional line back to the bottom mark on the edge of the circle. Erase the circle. Your 6-point star is complete. Do the first two steps of the 5-point method. This type of star is similar to the 5-pointed star. Instead of going horizontally rightwards, draw a bit lower. Save a gap for another point. Draw horizontally leftwards. Draw back to the gap you made in Step 2. Finish the 7 pointed star by connecting it back to where you started. Now you can sit back and impress your friends! Draw an unfinished triangle. Leave a gap between the starting and ending points as follows. Draw a line from the last point to somewhere between the first and second point. Continue like the previous step. Draw towards somewhere between the second and third point, then between the third and forth point. Connect to where you started.

Draw an upside down "V. Draw a straight line at an upward angle to the left. Draw a straight horizontal line across your drawing, ending at the right side. Draw a straight line at a downward angle back to your starting point. Lift your pencil from the paper. Erase the lines well if you don't want them to be visible in the center of the star. Start by drawing a large circle using a compass. Make a dot at the top of your circle with the pencil. Turn your compass to make a pencil mark that crosses your circle on the left. Move your point to one of the marks without changing the radius of the compass. Continue moving your compass point to the new marks and drawing marks until you have a total of 6 marks that are equidistant. Use a ruler to create a triangle that starts from the top mark on the edge of the circle. Create a second triangle starting with the mark at the base of your circle. Erase the circle. Do the first two steps of the 5-point method. Instead of going horizontally rightwards, draw a bit lower. Draw horizontally leftwards. Draw back to the gap you made in Step 2. Finish the 7 pointed star by connecting it back to where you started. Now you can sit back and impress your friends! Draw an unfinished triangle. Draw a line from the last point to somewhere between the first and second point. Continue like the previous step. Connect to where you started.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grill-Bacon

How to Grill Bacon

To grill bacon, begin by starting a fire with briquettes if you're using a charcoal grill, or by turning a gas grill on low heat. While the grill is warming up for 5 minutes, arrange the bacon on a rack over a baking sheet or grease catcher. Next, place the pan on the grill and shut the lid so that the bacon is heated from all sides. Then, cook the bacon until it's as crispy as you like it, turning it once or twice as it cooks. Finally, remove the bacon from the tray and place it on a plate lined with paper towels so it can drain.

Light the grill. As with any sort of charcoal grilling, before you get started grilling your bacon, you'll need to get your charcoal to just the right heat for grilling. Before lighting them, however, make sure to offset the coals by piling them in one side of the grill, leaving the other coal-free. This will create a hot side of the grill and a cool side when the coals are lit. When you're ready, light the grill. Note that if you aren't using match-light charcoal, this may require lighter fluid. After lighting, leave the lid off and wait for the coals to burn to perfection. Coals are typically ready for grilling after they develop a grey, ashy exterior and emit a warm orange glow. This can take 20 minutes or longer. Oil the grill grate. When you're ready to cook your bacon, quickly paint the grill with a small amount of neutral vegetable oil. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest way is usually either by using a grill brush or by grabbing a bunched-up paper towel in a pair of tongs, dipping it in the oil, and quickly rubbing it across the grate. Because bacon is naturally quite fatty, you don't need much oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill during cooking. If you don't have oil, you can probably get away with either quickly rubbing one fatty piece of bacon across the grate or else just ignoring this step entirely. Note, however, that some sticking may occur in this case. Place the bacon onto the cool side. Using a pair of tongs to protect your hands, place the strips of bacon on the cool side of the grill (the side with no coals underneath). As the bacon cooks, the fat will naturally render and drip down into the grill. If you cook the bacon over the coals, this can lead to massive flare-ups as the bacon fat ignites. To avoid the danger of burns, fire, or burnt bacon, cook using only indirect heat. The bacon fat will still drip down into the grill, but since there are no coals underneath, flare-ups will be minimal. Try to lay most or all of your bacon strips across the bars of the grate, rather than parallel to the bars. This makes it less likely for the thin bacon to slip through the cracks of the grill into the ashy area underneath. Turn the bacon during cooking. As the bacon cooks, it will naturally begin to shrink, darken, and toughen up. To ensure booth sides get thoroughly cooked, be sure to turn the bacon as it cooks, beginning about when these effects of cooking become visible on the bottom side of the bacon. Aim to turn the bacon at least every 5 minutes or so, replacing the lid of the grill between each turn. Cooking times will vary widely depending on the temperature of the grill, the thickness of the bacon strips, and your preference for crispiness, so be sure to check the bacon often. The total cooking time should be no more than 20 minutes or so. If you prefer "softer" bacon, yours may be ready in as little as 7-10 minutes. For other cuts of meat, there is a long-raging debate in the culinary community about whether excessive turning ruins the meat. This is a non-issue for bacon, which most agree benefits from a fair amount of turning. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. When the bacon is done, it should have an appearance ranging from red to dark brown (depending on how crispy you like it) and a delicious aroma. Remove the bacon from the grill strip-by-strip and place it onto a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. Allow the paper towels to absorb some of the excess fat, then serve the bacon as desired! As with turning during cooking, bacon proves the exception to other meats in terms of allowing it to rest before serving. While many other cuts of meat are noticeably moister and more flavorful after resting for 10-15 minutes following cooking, bacon is ready to eat as soon as it's cool enough not to burn your mouth! Set the burners to "low". Your goal when cooking bacon on a gas grill isn't to cook the bacon directly on the grill grate — if you do this, the fat, which renders and liquefies as the bacon cooks, can drip down onto the burners. This is even more of a problem here than it is for a charcoal grill because, in addition to causing flare-ups, dripping grease can get the burners or bottom of a gas grill dirty. To avoid this, we'll use a modified indirect cooking method that uses all of the burners (as opposed to the offset coal method above). Begin by lighting most or all of the grill's burner's and closing the lid. Let the grill heat up for several minutes before beginning cooking. Place the bacon in a roasting pan. While you're waiting for the grill to warm up, lay your bacon strips over the grate in a roasting pan. This pan should consist of a metal grate that fits into a lower "grease catcher" with no holes in it. This allows the bacon to safely cook from the heat of the grill without dripping grease onto the bottom of the grill or burners. As an added bonus, roasting pans make for easy cleanup — just pour the grease out of the lower pan, wash the pan and the grate, and you're done! Cook the bacon with the lid closed. Add your roasting pan full of bacon to the grill and shut the lid. This keeps the heat from the burners inside the grill, cooking the bacon from both above and below in a fashion similar to baking it. To keep your cooking time low, keep the lid shut during cooking except for when you check on the bacon's progress. Don't forget to turn doing the cooking process — though it's not as essential here because the heat is coming from all sides, rather than just from below, it's still necessary for even cooking. You'll want to turn at least as it cooks — more is fine, but may lengthen the cooking time by allowing the grill's heat to escape. Keep a close eye on your bacon as it cooks — if it's cooking too quickly, flip it immediately and reduce the heat. Serve as normal. Once the bacon is cooked on both sides to your liking, use a pair of tongs to remove it from the grill to a paper towel-lined plate. At this point, you're more or less done! Shut off your grill and, once it's cool enough to handle, carefully remove your roasting pan. Use a sheet of aluminum foil for safety and ease of cleanup. No matter whether you're using a gas or charcoal grill, aluminum foil is your friend in a pinch. It's easy to improvise a grilling pan from a single large sheet of aluminum foil — simply fold the sheet in half over itself (to give it added thickness), then fold the edges up an inch or so so that they'll hold in grease from the bacon's fat. Lay the bacon strips directly into this "pan" and turn as normal during the cooking process. When the bacon is done, remove it from the pan and into a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully remove and dispose of the foil once the grill has cooled. Note that using an aluminum foil "dish" makes it less necessary to offset your coal pile in a charcoal grill. Since the rendered fat isn't falling directly into the grill unless the aluminum tears, you have the option to cook directly over the coals. Note, though, that this can give faster cooking times. Purchase thick-cut bacon. When buying bacon specifically for grilling, look for the thickest cut you can find. Thick slices of bacon are easier to handle on the grill, as thinner slices pose a risk of breaking in half, falling through the grates, or burning onto them. This quality is especially important because grill cooking usually requires using a pair of tongs for handling the meat, which can make it difficult to keep a hold on to slippery pieces of uncooked bacon. Season the bacon during cooking. Bacon is unique among meats in that it tastes perfectly delicious without any seasoning at all (beyond the ingredients used to cure it, of course). However, this doesn't mean you can't spice it up! By seasoning your bacon before cooking with your favorite ingredients or spices, you can give it delicious new flavor and increase its versatility in a huge variety of dishes. Here are just a few examples of seasonings that work well with bacon — simply sprinkle these directly on the bacon right before cooking: Rosemary Red pepper flakes Minced garlic Cajun seasoning Black pepper Steak seasoning Brown sugar Consider other barbecue recipes that use bacon. Grilling bacon on its own is fine and dandy, but why stop there? Below are just a few basic barbecue dishes that use bacon or can easily be made to accommodate it — feel free to add bacon to any other dishes you know as well: Bacon-wrapped asparagus stalks Bacon-wrapped chicken Bacon cheeseburgers Barbecue beans Chili Roasts (pork, beef, venison, turkey, etc.)

Light the grill. Oil the grill grate. Place the bacon onto the cool side. Turn the bacon during cooking. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set the burners to "low". Place the bacon in a roasting pan. Cook the bacon with the lid closed. Serve as normal. Use a sheet of aluminum foil for safety and ease of cleanup. Purchase thick-cut bacon. Season the bacon during cooking. Consider other barbecue recipes that use bacon.

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

How to Draw Link

To draw Link, start by drawing his narrow, chiseled face, his swooping bangs, and his pointy elf ears. Then, draw Link's body, including his green tunic, his armbands, his pants, and his brown knee-high boots. Next, draw his brown and gold shield in one of his hands. Finally, draw Link's long, green, floppy hat on top of his head.

Draw a medium circle for the head at the center of the page. Draw a slightly curved vertical line near the center of the circle. Draw a spade-like shape beneath the circle. This will be the guide to Link's chin and jaw. Draw three parallel horizontal across Link's head, intersecting their middle with the vertical line. This will serve as a guide where to place his eyes, mouth and other facial features. Draw lines for Links neck and shoulders. Using the guide lines on his head, draw Link's facial details: eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Draw Link's brushy hair, his ears and elf hat. Draw details on Link's clothes. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Near the topmost of the paper, draw a circle for the head. Below the circle, draw a curved spade shape for the chin and jaws. Beneath these, draw a polygon and stick figure to represent his torso and limbs. Place circles where the joints are. We'll have Link carry a shield on his left hand. Draw little circle points to note the shield's curve and angles. Connect these little circles. Draw a vertical line at the center of the entire head and chin part. Make three parallel horizontal lines that will intersect their middle with the vertical line. This will be the lines to guide the placement of Link's facial features. Using these line guides, draw Link's facial details: eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Draw Link's brushy hair, pointy ears, chin outline and his elf hat. Begin tracing the outline of Link's body. Add details on his clothes and accessory. Erase unnecessary lines, then trace necessary with black marker or black pen. . Color the drawing as desired.

Draw a medium circle for the head at the center of the page. Draw a slightly curved vertical line near the center of the circle. Draw a spade-like shape beneath the circle. Draw three parallel horizontal across Link's head, intersecting their middle with the vertical line. Draw lines for Links neck and shoulders. Using the guide lines on his head, draw Link's facial details: Draw Link's brushy hair, his ears and elf hat. Draw details on Link's clothes. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Near the topmost of the paper, draw a circle for the head. Below the circle, draw a curved spade shape for the chin and jaws. Beneath these, draw a polygon and stick figure to represent his torso and limbs. We'll have Link carry a shield on his left hand. Draw a vertical line at the center of the entire head and chin part. Using these line guides, draw Link's facial details: Draw Link's brushy hair, pointy ears, chin outline and his elf hat. Begin tracing the outline of Link's body. Erase unnecessary lines, then trace necessary with black marker or black pen. Color the drawing as desired.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Introduction-Paragraph

How to Write an Introduction Paragraph

To write an introduction paragraph, start with an attention-grabbing “hook,” like a thought-provoking question, a relevant quotation, or a brief anecdote that relates to your topic. Once you've gotten the reader's attention, use the next couple sentences to explain how the “hook” relates to the broader themes of your paper, and why the reader should care. Then, finish your intro paragraph with a thesis statement that relates directly to your first sentence, and that explains what the central argument of your paper should be.

Tell a small story. The story can be humorous, serious, or shocking, but regardless of its nature, it should directly address or relate to the topic of your paper. Anecdotes can be true or fictional. They can also be personal or about someone else. The story should be short enough to tell in a few sentences. Bridge into the topic. After you tell the story, briefly explain why you told it and why the reader should care. You may end up introducing the main ideas of your essay during this portion of your introduction. State your thesis. In a single sentence, come up with a thesis that focuses the topic and tells the reader what to expect about the paper to come. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. The connection between your thesis statement and the anecdote you used should be obvious to the reader. If the thesis statement does not fit into the introduction as it currently stands, you may need to use more supporting evidence to lead into the thesis or change the anecdote you use. Determine if a historical review could be helpful. There are many papers for which no historical context is needed, but if historical context can help clarify things to the reader, a historical review introduction can be very helpful. These introductions are usually used for papers written about a historical time period or topic, a historical critique of a piece of literature, or a long-standing problem that people throughout the ages have tried to address. Provide factual and historical context about the the topic. Outline or review a few key historical facts that offer the reader any essential information he or she might need in order to understand the topic of the paper. These pieces of information should not only provide context about the topic, but should also indirectly present the general topic itself. In doing this, you will demonstrate the the reader how your topic fits into the historical account you present in your introduction. Narrow your thoughts down to a thesis statement. The information provided thus far will be fairly general, so you need to focus the end of your paragraph on a single thesis statement that you will use to define the rest of your paper. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. With this type of introduction, your thesis statement should cause the reader to view the historical facts you just presented in a specific light or through a specific lens. In effect, your thesis statement should tell the reader why the facts you presented before it are important to keep in mind. Briefly summarize the literary work you are writing about. Introduce the key bibliographic facts of the literary work and summarize the main plot or purpose of the work. In the case of a story, you do not need to focus on specific details or give away the ending. You simply need to introduce the basic, overall theme of the story and provide information about the conflict the main character faces. Draw out a general theme from the work. Most literary works have multiple themes that can be addressed, but for the same of your paper, you will need to focus on one theme that relates directly to your thesis. Connect your summary to the theme in a naturally, sensible manner. For instance, if writing an essay about a coming-of-age story, you should introduce the coming-of-age theme with something like, “The broken friendships and family drama Jimmy has to go through serve as his passage into adulthood.” Hint at the main sections of your essay. Lead into your thesis by briefly mentioning the main ideas of your essay, which exist to support your thesis. In a sense, you will be narrowing down your broad topic into a more focused, specific thought by slowly presenting ideas that narrow the reader's field of vision until all that reader sees about that literary work are the ideas presented in your paper. Come out with your thesis statement. Finish the introduction with a focused, single-sentence statement about the thesis of your essay. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. With this type of introduction, you need to choose a thesis that makes sense within the context of your summary and supporting evidence. If the thesis still seems out of place, go back and rewrite your supporting evidence until the connection your thesis has to the summary of the literary work makes sense. Ask the reader a question he or she can related to. Address the reader directly by posing a question that is relevant to the topic of the paper. The question should also be something that will catch the attention of most people, thereby painting the topic in terms that a reader can relate to. When choosing a question, you can ask something universal, surprising, or rhetorical. Consider backing up your initial question with two others. This is only optional, but if you want to continue narrowing down your topic, you can also provide two questions that “back up” your initial question and further clarify the issue at hand. The additional questions you ask should gradually narrow the topic down into something smaller and more specific. For example, start with the question, “Why does the grass always seem greener on the other side?” After that, you can ask, “What is it about the human mind that perceives what one does not have as something more desirable than what one does have?” Your final question could then be, “Is this state of being a societal, psychological, or spiritual problem?” Hint at any answer and discuss how your essay will address the answer. You do not need to state the answer in clear terms, but you should use the main points of your paper to guide the reader in a specific direction. Doing this also clues the reader into the approach you intend to take on the question or questions at hand. State your thesis in a single sentence. Your thesis statement will be the closest you get to providing a direct answer to your initial question. It should state what, specifically, you plan to write about. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. You do not need to give the reader a clear, definite answer to the question you ask, but if you narrowed your topic down using the three-question method, you should consider using terms or ideas from the final question in your thesis. Offer a relevant quotation. The quotation can be famous, insightful, or unexpected, but regardless of the content or type you choose, the quotation must have direct relevance to your topic. The quotation can be a famous saying, words from someone famous, a snippet from song lyrics, or a short poem. Do not insert a hanging quote. A “hanging quote” refers to a quotation that has no introduction or no explanation after it. In other words, the sentence with your quotation in it must contain other content aside from the quotation itself. Provide context for the quotation while bridging into the topic. Context can who spoke or wrote the words originally, what the words are referring to, the time period the quotation came from, or how the quotation addresses your topic. Note that unless the quotation is anonymous, you must always state who is responsible for it. This context will also introduce the topic of your paper and lead into supporting details that can introduce your thesis. State your thesis. Come out with a single statement that defines, in clear terms, what your paper is about. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. The thesis statement for this type of introduction will need to make sense in regards to the quotation you used. You should not use a general quotation that touches on the overall, broad topic but has nothing to do with the specifics of your thesis. Mention something that people mistakenly believe. Occasionally, an essay addresses a topic that a paper's readership might often misunderstand or have inaccurate beliefs about. If this is the case, you can directly call out this mistaken belief in the first line of your introduction paragraph. When you state this mistaken belief, make sure to clarify that this belief is inaccurate. State your correction. As soon as you state what the wrong belief is, you need to follow your statement with a sentence about the corrected version or truth of the situation. This sentence should introduce the general topic of the paper and open the path for your thesis statement. Elaborate slightly on the truth. Provide supporting evidence or facts about your correction to further cement the truth of it in the reader's mind. These pieces of supporting evidence usually correspond to the main ideas you will cover in the body paragraphs of your essay. Wrap things up with a relevant thesis statement. With the general topic introduced and supporting evidence provided, you can now make a definitive thesis statement about what you will cover in your essay. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. In some ways, your thesis statement will be like a direct foil or mirror image of the misconception you are addressing. The two will be directly connected yet directly opposite one another. Write about the general topic immediately. With this type of introduction, you begin writing about your topic from the start without any lead in or hook. Introduce the topic in your first sentence. In the sentences that follow, elaborate on the topic by introducing facts or ideas that you intend to use as main points or major sections of your essay. Never state what your essay is about in direct terms. Even though this type of introduction requires you to introduce your topic right away, you should never issue a direct statement that states the topic in precise, specific terms. Phrases to avoid include: “In this essay, I will write about...” “This essay will discuss...” “In this essay, you will learn about...” Stating your topic in such precise terms creates a stiff, unnatural flow of words. You should strive to make the tone of your introduction professional yet conversational so that the reader can fall into your writing more naturally. State your thesis. After you introduce the overall topic, you should conclude the introduction paragraph with a single statement that acts as your thesis. A thesis statement is a single sentence that defines a specific point or idea about a broader topic that your entire paper is built around. The portion of your introduction leading to the thesis will often narrow down the topic gradually until you can naturally introduce your specific thesis. Use this introduction with caution. While this type of introduction can be effective, it can often be boring and is not generally recommended. The only time that this type of introduction tends to work is when the writer is writing for an audience already interested in the topic. If the topic is strictly factual and not open to much subjective interpretation, then a declarative introduction might be proper.

Tell a small story. Bridge into the topic. State your thesis. Determine if a historical review could be helpful. Provide factual and historical context about the the topic. Narrow your thoughts down to a thesis statement. Briefly summarize the literary work you are writing about. Draw out a general theme from the work. Hint at the main sections of your essay. Come out with your thesis statement. Ask the reader a question he or she can related to. Consider backing up your initial question with two others. Hint at any answer and discuss how your essay will address the answer. State your thesis in a single sentence. Offer a relevant quotation. Provide context for the quotation while bridging into the topic. State your thesis. Mention something that people mistakenly believe. State your correction. Elaborate slightly on the truth. Wrap things up with a relevant thesis statement. Write about the general topic immediately. Never state what your essay is about in direct terms. State your thesis. Use this introduction with caution.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Your-Clothes-Quickly

How to Dry Your Clothes Quickly

If you want to dry clothes quickly without a dryer, wring out the excess water with your hands or by using the high-spin setting on your washing machine. Then, lay the item on a dry towel and roll it up tightly and twist the entire bundle to wring the water into the towel. If that isn't enough, place the item on an ironing board, cover it with a thin towel, and iron it on a high heat setting to warm the item while letting the towel absorb more moisture. Be sure to iron both sides.

Use a high-spin wash. If you're using a washing machine, you can prime your clothes to dry more quickly. Use a high spin setting on your washing machine to remove as much water as possible from your clothes before you even take them from the wash. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the increased energy used to do this is negligible compared to the energy that it takes to run a standard tumble dryer. Wring your clothing out so that it will dry more quickly. Hold a garment firmly in both hands. Squeeze, twist, and knead the fabric to wrench out as much water as possible. Be careful not to pull too hard, or you might stretch the fabric. If you're inside, wring the water into a sink or tub; if you're outside, you can wring the water directly onto the ground. Wring your clothing before drying, whether you intend to tumble-dry or hang-dry. The more excess water you can remove before starting a dry cycle, the more quickly a garment will dry. Twist the clothing into a towel to absorb the water. Put down a large, fluffy towel, then lay the wet garment on top. Roll up the towel tightly with the clothing inside. Twist the bundle: start at one end, rolling methodically, and work your way along until the entire towel is tightly twisted. This squeezes excess water out of your clothes and into the towel. If this trick doesn't remove all of the water the first time around, consider using another dry towel to repeat the twist. Try salad spinning your clothes. Put your wet clothing into a salad spinner, if you own one. This device serves as a quick pre-dryer, or a low-energy version of a high-spin wash: it will fling the excess water from your clothes. You'll still need to let your clothing dry afterward, but the spinning should make the process substantially faster by ensuring that your garments aren't so waterlogged. Use a hairdryer. If you have access to a handheld blow-dryer, you can use it to quickly and intensively dry your clothing. First, wring out the wet garment and lay it on a clean, dry surface. Turn the hairdryer to a warm or high setting – it's more about the air flow than the heat. Hold the blow-dryer near the clothing, and dry it spot-by-spot with quick blasts of hot air. Work your way slowly around the entire surface of the garment, front and back, inside and out, until the whole thing is dry. Rotate the garment frequently to dry any pockets, sleeves, and collars. Dry them from the inside and the outside to ensure that you do a thorough job. Be careful not to point the blow-dryer at one spot for too long. If some garments or surfaces get too hot, they might catch fire. Use a clothesline or drying rack. Hang your clothing on a line, if possible, or use a drying rack. A line is usually fastest, but it is not always practical. Make sure to hang each item individually so that it has the space and ventilation to dry quickly. Rotate and flip garments periodically to ensure an even dry. Try setting up your line or rack near a heat source. Hang your clothing a few feet away from a fireplace, radiator, boiler, or furnace. Be very careful when placing flammable materials near heat; if you let your clothes get too hot or cover up a heat source, you may risk fire. Do not drape your clothes over a heat source. Try setting up your clothing to dry somewhere with a brisk airflow – anywhere air is moving. Hang your clothes by a window (or outside) if there's a breeze, or set up a fan to simulate the airflow inside the house. If you use a drying rack with individual bars, try hanging must-dry items over two bars rather than just one. The more surface area you expose to the airflow, the more quickly a garment will dry. Use an iron and a towel. Lay your wet garment on an ironing board, as if you are going to iron it, but lay a thin towel on top. Iron the towel firmly and thoroughly using a high heat. Make sure to turn the garment over so that you press both sides. The iron-and-towel combination channels some warmth into the fabric, and the towel will absorb some of the moisture. Do not put a hot iron directly onto a wet piece of clothing. This may stretch and damage the fabric, rendering the garment unwearable. If you use an iron on wet clothing, always use a towel for protection. Dry a wet garment with a few clean, dry towels. The towels will absorb some of the moisture from the wet clothing, and the whole batch may dry more quickly as a result. You can use as little as one towel or as many as five; in general, the more towels you use, the more quickly your clothes will dry. Bear in mind that this trick works best when you only need to quickly dry one or two pieces of clothing. The more wet garments you add to the dry cycle, the less effective the towels will be – and the longer your clothes will take to dry. Put your garment in the dryer along with the towels. Do not add any other clothing. At most, add two or three pieces of wet clothing, but nothing too heavy. Be aware that towels are often lint-heavy, so there is a chance that lint will build up on your garment. If lint is a concern, you can use cotton T-shirts in place of the towels – although T-shirts will not be as absorptive as towels. Adding dryer sheets can reduce the chances of lint from the towels building up on your garment. Clean out the lint trap. When lint builds up, it can prevent your dryer from moving air efficiently, making it work harder and use more energy to dry clothes. Depending on the design of your dryer, the lint trap will either be on the top of the dryer or located just inside the door. Locate the trap and pull out the screen. If it is covered in a layer of lint, it is already somewhat blocked. Pull the lint away, or scrape it from the screen using your fingernails. Consider using a vacuum cleaner to quickly and efficiently remove the lint. You can do this to finish the job after pulling away the bulk of the lint. Don't worry too much about getting it absolutely clean – if the lint screen is mostly unobstructed, the dryer will run near top efficiency. When you have cleaned the lint trap to your satisfaction, simply slide the screen back into the trap. Make sure that it fits neatly. You are ready to dry. Dry the clothes. Load the wet garments and the dry towels, and make sure that the dryer isn't overfull. Turn the dryer on to the highest heat setting that is safe for the garment you're trying to dry – this will vary from machine to machine, but you should generally use a lower heat for delicates and other thin clothing. Set the dryer to run, then do whatever else you need to do to get ready. Wait fifteen minutes, or as long as you can. Open the dryer door and pick your garment(s) out from the towels. You should find your garment mostly dry. If not, put it back in and run the dry cycle for a few more moments. Be patient, depending on your dryer, it could be +/- five minutes. Make sure to remove the dry towel (which may no longer be so dry) if the cycle takes 20 minutes or more. After this point, the now-damp towel may actually slow down the drying process.

Use a high-spin wash. Wring your clothing out so that it will dry more quickly. Twist the clothing into a towel to absorb the water. Try salad spinning your clothes. Use a hairdryer. Use a clothesline or drying rack. Use an iron and a towel. Dry a wet garment with a few clean, dry towels. Put your garment in the dryer along with the towels. Clean out the lint trap. Dry the clothes. Wait fifteen minutes, or as long as you can.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-Yarn-for-Crochet

How to Hold Yarn for Crochet

Figuring out how to hold your yarn for crochet can be a bit confusing at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. Start by holding the crochet hook in your dominant hand and using your non-dominant hand to hold the yarn. Flatten your palm and straighten your fingers, allowing them to spread out slightly so you can easily feed the yarn in between them. Thread the yarn between your pinkie and ring finger or between your ring finger and middle finger, depending on which one is more comfortable. Bring the yarn across the top of your hand so there are at least 6 inches of yarn extending past the edge of your index finger.

Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand. You can grip the crochet hook like you would hold a dinner knife, so that you are holding the body of the hook in your fist with the hook and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the body extending past your index finger and thumb. Or, you can hold the hook like a pencil, so that only your index finger and thumb are gripping the body about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the hook and the body is resting against your middle finger. Try both options and see what feels the most natural to you. Having a crochet hook in your hand before you figure out how to hold the yarn may help you to figure out what yarn hold is most helpful for you. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the yarn. For example, if you are left handed, use your right hand to hold the yarn. If you are right handed, hold the yarn with your left hand. The basic hold will be the same regardless of which hand you are using to hold your yarn. Flatten your palm and straighten your fingers. Your fingers should be spread out slightly so that you can easily feed the yarn in between a couple of them. There should be about 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) between your fingertips. You can curve your fingers after you get the yarn positioned between them if this feels more natural to you. Thread the yarn between your pinkie and ring finger. Grasp the end of the yarn with the index finger and thumb of your dominant hand. Bring the strand up between your pinkie and ring finger from below your hand. Some people prefer to thread the yarn between their ring finger and middle finger instead of their pinkie and ring finger. Use the option that feels most comfortable to you. Bring the yarn across the top of your hand. Keep pulling the strand to bring it across the top of your hand. Pull it so that there are at least 6 inches (15 cm) of yarn extending past the edge of your index finger. You can also work with the yarn closer to your hand if you prefer, such as by crocheting with the yarn about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) from your index finger. Spread your fingers for less tension and close them for more tension. As you crochet, keep in mind that you can spread your fingers to provide more slack in your working yarn, or you can close them to create more tension. Open and close your fingers as needed to loosen and tighten your hold on the working yarn. Some patterns will specify when more or less tension is needed. For example, you might be instructed to make a loose chain or to create a tight single crochet border. Grip the yarn with your index finger and thumb for more control. Press the yarn between your thumb and index finger to hold it and control the tension of the yarn as you work with it. Tighten your grip to increase the tension, and loosen your grip to decrease the tension. You can also skip this part of the hold if you prefer. You may find it easier to have the yarn dangling free rather than between your index finger and thumb. Wrap the yarn around your pinkie finger 1 time for extra security. Wrap the yarn starting from under your hand going up between your pinkie and ring finger. Then, bring the yarn over the top of your pinkie towards the outer edge of your pinkie finger and back up between your pinkie and ring finger again before completing the basic hold. This will make your hold on the yarn a little more secure, and it will also help you to achieve more tension if needed. Increase the tension by wrapping the yarn around your index finger. Do the basic yarn hold, but after you bring the yarn down over the edge of your index finger, bring it under and up between your index finger and middle finger. Then, bring the yarn across the top of your index finger again to complete the hold. Do not wrap the yarn around your finger too tightly. It should be snug against your finger, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable or cutting off your circulation!

Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the yarn. Flatten your palm and straighten your fingers. Thread the yarn between your pinkie and ring finger. Bring the yarn across the top of your hand. Spread your fingers for less tension and close them for more tension. Grip the yarn with your index finger and thumb for more control. Wrap the yarn around your pinkie finger 1 time for extra security. Increase the tension by wrapping the yarn around your index finger.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Blood-Pressure-with-No-Cuff

How to Check Blood Pressure with No Cuff

Although you can't accurately check your blood pressure without a cuff, you can estimate whether your blood pressure is below or above 80 by taking your pulse. Place two fingers on your wrist and check for a pulse. If you feel a pulse, this means that your systolic measurement is probably above 80, since a lower blood pressure wouldn't reach the artery in your wrist. Your systolic measurement reflects the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. Even if you can't feel a pulse, this doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your blood pressure. You should also take your pulse again after moderate activity to see if it's increased. If you don't have a detectable pulse after moderate activity, there is a chance you could have low blood pressure. However, the only way to test for sure is with a cuff.

Place your fingers on the inside of your wrist. The first step in estimating your systolic blood pressure is to locate your pulse. Your pulse will give you basic information you need to estimate if your systolic blood pressure is relatively normal. Keep in mind this is a very rough estimate and really only tells you if your systolic blood pressure is not low — it doesn't indicate high blood pressure. Take two fingers, preferably your index and middle fingers, and place them just below the wrist creases on the thumb side of your hand. Don't use your thumb, as your thumb has a strong enough pulse to interfere with this process. Notice your pulse. Once you've got your two fingers in the general area, see if you can feel your radial pulse – the shockwave generated by the beating of your heart. If you feel your pulse, this indicates that your systolic measurement is at least 80 mmHg, which is normal. This does not, however, give you any information as to whether or not your blood pressure is high. If you don't feel your pulse, your systolic is likely below 80 mmHg, which is still normal. The reason this indicates your blood pressure is at least 80 mmHg is because your radial artery (the artery in your wrist) is small and your blood pressure has to be at least 80 mmHg for a pulse to reach it. Not feeling your pulse does not indicate health problems. Estimating your blood pressure without a cuff will give you no information about your diastolic pressure. Some studies have questioned the efficacy of estimating systolic pressure using your pulse. Recheck your pulse after you’ve been moderately active. You should recheck your pulse later in the day to get an idea of how your pulse increases after some activity. This will give you more information to determine whether your blood pressure is low, high, or normal. If you don't have a detectable pulse after moderate activity, there is a chance you could have low blood pressured. Consult your doctor if you suspect any irregularities. Understand that, this is not an accurate way to check your blood pressure. While these apps are a great idea, the unfortunate news is that they do not work. It is considered a "recreational" medical device and is not a legitimate medical instrument that records your blood pressure. Do not use one of these apps and assume that the information provided is accurate or valid. Researchers are currently pioneering new technology that will allow physicians to take your blood pressure without a cuff. However, this technology is still in development. Visit the app store on your smartphone. Make sure to visit the appropriate app store for your phone and operating system. At the app store, you'll find a wide range of mobile health-monitoring applications that offer many functions. Type in “blood pressure monitor” View the different results. Pick a few, select them, and read user reviews. When reading reviews, focus on ease of use and people's general happiness with the app. If users have rated the app with 3 stars or below, look for another. Download an application. After you've read some reviews about a couple of apps, you need to select one and download it. In order to download the app: Press the “download” button on your smartphone. This button may vary based on your operating system. Be patient while the program downloads. Download speeds may vary based on your internet connection speed. To increase the speed, make sure to connect your phone to a wireless network. This will also help you save potential fees associated with data usage. Use the application to read your blood pressure. Now that you've downloaded the app, you need to click on the icon that represents it. That will open the app. You'll then want to use the app to measure your blood pressure. If the app offers more diagnostics than blood pressure, select the blood pressure diagnostic option. Read the directions. Make sure your index finger is covering the camera on the back of the phone. The application will use photoelectric pulse wave signal stability information to calculate your blood pressure. This technology essentially analyzes your pulse, heart rate, and other information to arrive at health statistics. Hold your finger on the camera until the app tells you that its measurement is complete. Record the results. Familiarize yourself with target blood pressure results. Perhaps the most important thing you need to know when measuring your blood pressure are key target levels. Without knowing your target levels, blood pressure results won't tell you anything. 120/80 and below are normal blood pressures for most people. Between 120 – 139/80 – 89 indicates prehypertension. If you fall here, you should put more effort into adopting a healthy lifestyle. Between 140 – 159/90 – 99 indicates stage 1 hypertension. If you fall here, you and your doctor need to consider a plan to lower your blood pressure. That plan may include medication. 160/100 or higher indicates stage 2 hypertension. If you fall here, you will almost certainly need to take blood pressure medication. Use a cuff to get a baseline reading. Since cuffless technology is in its infancy, you should take a reading of your blood pressure with a cuff before you start taking readings at home without a cuff. Have your blood pressure read at your annual or semi-annual physical. Visit a drugstore or other location that has a blood pressure reading machine available for public use. Compare any measurements you take at home with your baseline measurement. Record your baseline measurements and home measurements so you have a record of your blood pressure over time. Consult your physician. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure level, you should contact and consult your physician. Your physician will be able to make recommendations about how you can improve your blood pressure or treat high or low blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor will probably prescribe blood pressure lowering medication. Your doctor may recommend a diet or exercise routine. Exercise regularly to lower your blood pressure. One of the best ways to improve your blood pressure is to exercise regularly. By exercising regularly, you'll improve your cardiovascular system and get your heart in better shape. Focus on cardio activities like cycling, running, or power walking. Make sure not to overexert yourself. Consult your doctor before adopting any serious exercise regimen, especially if you have blood pressure problems. Change your diet to lower your high blood pressure. If you struggle with high blood pressure, you can make certain modifications to your diet to help. Lower your sodium intake. Make sure to keep your sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams a day. Eat six to eight servings a day of whole grains. Whole grains have a lot of fiber and can help lower your blood pressure. Eat four to five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to lower your blood pressure. Eliminate fatty meats and limit dairy consumption to lower your blood pressure. For lower blood pressure, limit your sugar intake to five servings a week or less. Consider other dietary changes if you have low blood pressure. Make a few adjustments to your diet to help raise your blood pressure into a healthy range. Increase your sodium intake, if your blood pressure is low. Try to consume at least 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day. Drink more water if your blood pressure is low.

Place your fingers on the inside of your wrist. Notice your pulse. Recheck your pulse after you’ve been moderately active. Understand that, this is not an accurate way to check your blood pressure. Visit the app store on your smartphone. Download an application. Use the application to read your blood pressure. Familiarize yourself with target blood pressure results. Use a cuff to get a baseline reading. Consult your physician. Exercise regularly to lower your blood pressure. Change your diet to lower your high blood pressure. Consider other dietary changes if you have low blood pressure.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Copic-Markers

How to Use Copic Markers

To use Copic markers, start by drawing the outline of a cartoon or lettering with a dark color such as black. Next, color in each section with the lightest shade of the color you want, using small circles to avoid visible streaks. Then, go back with a darker shade of marker to add depth or shading to your drawing. Finally, blend the light and dark areas using a colorless blender marker in a circular motion.

Choose the right marker. There are four types of Copic marker - sketch, ciao, wide, and classic. For hand lettering, the wide marker with a chisel nib is a good choice. Working on good paper is also essential for hand-lettering. When practicing, plain printer paper works just fine. Because Copic markers are alcohol-based, they won't destroy or erode regular paper like water-based markers do. You may also use grid paper if you want to ensure the straightness and uniformity of your letters. Practice drawing simple fonts. Wide Copic markers are good for practicing easy, larger fonts. Learning hand-lettering is also one of the best ways to learn how to line draw and shade. Beginners can learn by working on simpler fonts and eventually moving onto fancier lettering as they improve. Try a font that is familiar to you first. Choose one you like from a book or one that you've found online. Draw it in a larger size with a pencil first, then go over it in Copic marker. Add color and depth to the letters. Start with the lightest shade, then add darker shades on top. Choose colors from the same color family when blending, such as a light blue and dark blue. Always begin with the lightest color as the base, then add on layers of the darker color. Blend the colors together using a colorless blender marker. Colorless blender markers will help create seamless, shaded letters. You can also create unique effects by smearing the edges of each letter with the blender. Draw the outline of your design with a Copic pen or sketch marker. Copic pens come in a variety of colors and nib sizes, just as the markers do. Pens allow for very precise, thin lines when drawing, and sketch markers allow for slightly thicker, but still precise lines. The beginner artist can always draw in pencil first, then go over the lines with a Copic pen or sketch marker when satisfied with the initial sketch. Alternatively, you can use a rubber stamp to create the outline of a design, then color in the image using Copic markers. Begin coloring with the lightest shade of your choice. You can use either end of the Copic marker when coloring. Move the marker in small circles over the area you want to fill in order to cut down on visible lines and streaks. Experiment with using either end of the pen to find out which one works for you when coloring. Add in the darker shades to give depth or volume when coloring illustrations. When adding dimension, be sure to pick a color one or two shades darker than the base color, but still in the same color family. If you don't know where shading would look best, start with the outer edges of the design. Use the base shade to blend the two colors together. In the space where the darker and lighter shades intersect, color the area with the lighter shade of marker, using circular motions. Copic markers work extremely well for blending, but you must blend while the colors are still relatively wet in order to create a seamless color transition. Continue coloring until you complete the illustration. Try using different colors in different areas, practicing blending in each section. Allow the paper to dry completely before touching, framing, or handling in any way. If you plan on using colored pencils to add depth to an image, apply them as the last layer. The Copic marker's alcohol-based ink can't absorb into the paper through layers of pencil. Apply different colors of Copic marker directly onto a rubber stamp. Copic marker tips will not take on the colors of other Copic markers they touch, so feel free to mix and match any colors you like. It is okay if the colors dry a little before you start stamping. Just work until you are happy with the color composition of your stamp. Spray rubbing alcohol lightly over the colored stamp. This helps re-wet the colors, and will also help them adhere to paper or cardstock. Use a misting bottle to spray the alcohol onto the stamp. If a misting bottle is not available, dip a small bit of paper towel into the rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stamp very lightly. Be careful not to smear or remove any colors. Stamp the colorful image onto paper or cardstock. You can stamp the image approximately two times before needing to reapply the alcohol mist. To keep consistent coloring in each image, check the rubber stamp after each stamping to see if any colors need to be reapplied. Choose the right Copic marker for your needs. Each marker comes with a letter that tells you which color family it belongs to and a number code that represents the color saturation. An example of the color family codes is the letter “B” - any codes that begin with a "B" belong to the blue family. The number code representing saturation is a 2-digit number code. The first digit represents the vibrancy, and the second digit represents lightness. A marker with a "05" code would be a vibrant mid-tone, while a marker with a "99" code would be very dull and dark. Store Copic markers correctly to ensure quality and longevity. Luckily, these markers are simple to store and are not easily ruined. Keep the caps on them when they are not in use, store them either vertically or horizontally, and try to keep them in a cool, dry place. If you accidentally leave your markers on a really hot window ledge or in a cold car, it is okay. The caps on each marker are airtight, so they are not easily destroyed by extreme temperatures. Refill the Copic marker by uncapping the broad end and holding it at a 45 degree angle. Both ends of the marker get ink from the same reservoir, so it is only necessary to add the ink to one end. The broad end is a larger surface for the ink to seep into, and this angle will help the ink drip down into the marker more efficiently. Be sure to refill your markers over a protected area. Cover the surface with paper towels, newspaper, or any other thick, disposable paper. Add 15-20 drops of Copic ink onto the nib of your marker. Allow each ink drop to absorb into the marker before adding the next drop. The ink will run down the tip and into the marker. Be sure to add the correct color of ink to your marker. If you accidentally overfill the marker and the ink begins to run over, absorb the excess with a tissue or paper towel.

Choose the right marker. Practice drawing simple fonts. Add color and depth to the letters. Blend the colors together using a colorless blender marker. Draw the outline of your design with a Copic pen or sketch marker. Begin coloring with the lightest shade of your choice. Add in the darker shades to give depth or volume when coloring illustrations. Use the base shade to blend the two colors together. Continue coloring until you complete the illustration. Apply different colors of Copic marker directly onto a rubber stamp. Spray rubbing alcohol lightly over the colored stamp. Stamp the colorful image onto paper or cardstock. Choose the right Copic marker for your needs. Store Copic markers correctly to ensure quality and longevity. Refill the Copic marker by uncapping the broad end and holding it at a 45 degree angle. Add 15-20 drops of Copic ink onto the nib of your marker.

https://www.wikihow.com/Forge-a-Signature

How to Forge a Signature

If you want to forge a signature using tracing paper, first place the sheet of paper over the original signature and lightly trace it with a pencil. Then, place the tracing paper over the space you want to copy it to, and go over the signature a little harder with a pencil to imprint the signature. As the lines will be very faint at this point, you should go over it with a pen. However, don't take your pen off the page when going over it, to make the signature look realistic. You should also pay attention to how thick each line is and apply more force for the thicker lines.

Place a piece of tracing paper over the original signature. Tracing paper is made to be translucent, so you can clearly see what's underneath it. If you don't have a piece of tracing paper handy, you can use a piece of thin white computer paper. Use a pencil to lightly trace the signature. Use a steady hand and slowly trace over the lines, loops and dots in the signature. Try not to shake your hand or pick up the pencil as you trace. In order to produce a convincing signature, pay attention to the following: The thickness of the lines. People naturally apply more pressure to certain parts of their signature. Maybe the right side of the person's "l" loop is thicker than the left side, for example. The slant of the signature. As you trace, pay attention to the natural slant of the signature and be sure to follow it. The order of the letter formation. For instance, does it look like the person crossed his Ts dotted his Is after completing the rest of the signature? This can affect the way the final signature looks. It's a subtle matter, but it can mean the difference between a decent forgery and one that's easy to call out as fake. Place the tracing paper over the blank spot where you want to copy the signature. Be sure it's aligned correctly so that it will look like it was signed in a natural way. Many people don't sign their signatures neatly and in a straight line, so take this into account when you're positioning the signature. Make a signature impression. Use a pencil or another pointed instrument to press fairly hard over the traced signature to make an impression of the signature on the desired forging area. Don't press so hard that you tear the paper or change the way the signature will look. A deep impression will be noticeable as a sign of forgery, so try to make it as faint as possible while still leaving enough of an indent that you'll be able to go over it in pen. Remove the tracing paper and write the signature in pen. Carefully go over the indented signature with a pen. Don't lift your hand or make any shaky movements - try to make it look natural. Study the original. Look closely at the signature and pay attention to how it was formed. Everyone writes their signature a little differently, and chances are if you try to reproduce it without studying it first, you'll make some obvious mistakes. Pay attention to these factors as you take in the contours of the signature: Look at places where the letters connect. Is there a lot of overlap between letters, or are there spaces between the letters? Check out the formation of the letters. Are they legible? Misshapen? Scrunched together? Do they have dramatic flourishes? Look at the height and size of the loops. Are they big and billowy? Small and sharp? Getting the loops right is central to a good forgery. Examine the slant. Does the signature slant to the right or to the left? How much does it slant? How much space does the signature take up on the line? Try turning it upside down. It can help to look at the signature from another angle. Look at it as a drawing instead of a signature. This will help you approach it more objectively and enable you to recreate it for what it is, rather than getting your personal signature-writing habits involved. Trace the signature several times. This will help you get a feel for the lines and curves of the other person's handwriting. Take care to try to mimic the motions of the person who originally signed his or her name. Practice freehanding. Now that you understand the signature, start writing it freely. You're going to need to practice a lot before it looks anything like the original. The difficulty of getting it right might surprise you! Signatures are tough to forge, which is one reason why they're still used as a way to verify a variety of legal documents. As you practice, note minor differences between the original signature and your practice signatures. Make adjustments as necessary. Keep practicing until the act of writing the signature feels natural, and you can sign the name without pausing. Write it with confidence. When it's time to put pen to paper, you should be confident enough to sign the name without lifting the pen or spending too long writing it. A signature signed with confidence will look more authentic than one where it's obvious that a lot of time and care was taken to write it. Sign the name quickly and resist the urge to make changes - there's no going back now. Pay attention to what you're writing. Many first-time forgers pay too much attention to the original signature and forget to pay attention to what they're writing. If you're looking at the signature instead of your own pen and paper, your forgery is going to come out shaky and strange-looking. That's a dead giveaway that you've just signed someone else's signature. If you don't have a lot of time to practice a signature before signing on the dotted line, your best bet is to first study the signature, taking note of all the important elements, and then sign it as naturally as possible while actually looking at what you're doing. Don't retouch. Another big clue that a signature has been forged is when it's apparent that the signature was retouched. Think about it - do you go back and adjust your letters after signing your own name? No, you're probably fine with a slightly sloppily crossed "t" or a half-formed "b." It's abnormal to see spots where these natural errors have been painstakingly corrected. Don't lift the pen. Again, think about how you sign your own name. You do it in one smooth motion, keeping your pen to the paper the whole time. A signature with little gaps indicating the person signing paused, picked up the pen, then started again is a big sign that it was forged. When you're forging a signature, avoid this big mistake and sign it as naturally as possible. Make each signature a little different. People don't sign their names the exact same way every time. It's easy to spot forgeries when you see a series of signatures on many different documents that all look exactly the same. This is a problem you can run into if you're using tracing paper to forge signatures. Be sure to do something a little different every time to make the signatures look authentic.

Place a piece of tracing paper over the original signature. Use a pencil to lightly trace the signature. Place the tracing paper over the blank spot where you want to copy the signature. Make a signature impression. Remove the tracing paper and write the signature in pen. Study the original. Try turning it upside down. Trace the signature several times. Practice freehanding. Write it with confidence. Pay attention to what you're writing. Don't retouch. Don't lift the pen. Make each signature a little different.

https://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-Poetry

How to Analyze Poetry

To analyze poetry, read the poem aloud several times and note if there's a rhyming pattern. It's also important to identify if the poem uses a traditional form, like a sonnet or haiku. Next, think about how the title might announce key ideas or insights into the poem. Once you've studied the poem from a macro angle, take a closer look. Circle repeated words and images and question how they support the central ideas of the poem.

Read the poem out loud. Start by reading the poem aloud several times. Take your time and pronounce each word slowly. Be careful not to skip any words or rush through any lines. Each word and line of the poem is important, so spend time listening to how each one sounds. Have a pencil or pen on hand when you read the poem aloud. Underline or circle any words that stand out to you as you read. Sometimes it can also help to listen to the poet read their own work aloud. Check online to see if you can find an audio clip of the poet reading their poem. Listen to the rhythm of the poem. As you read the poem aloud, notice if it has a certain rhythm to it. The rhythm will be part of the overall meaning of the poem. Think about how the rhythm makes you feel as a listener. For example, you may notice that there are a lot of short, clipped lines in the poem, creating a jumpy rhythm. Or you may notice there are a lot of long lines that flow on into the other, creating a more fluid rhythm. Notice how the poem is separated or broken up. Poems are broken into sections called stanzas. Stanzas can range from four lines to ten lines or more. Some poems have just one stanza and others have multiple stanzas. Look at the poem and count how many stanzas there are. Consider how the stanzas relate to each other or transition into one another. Ask yourself, “Why would the poet organize the stanzas this way?” “What does the structure of the poem have to do with the meaning of the poem?” Poems can also be divided into numbered sections instead of stanzas. Some poems are not broken into stanzas and appear as words scattered on the page. In this case, think about why the poet would divide the poem into words or phrases, rather than lines and stanzas. Determine the rhyme scheme, if there is one. Notice if certain words rhyme in each line of the poem. Look for a pattern where certain lines contain a rhyme, usually at the end of the lines. Write down the rhyme scheme using the letters “A” and “B” to notate rhyming lines. For example, if you notice the first line and the third line rhyme, you will represent them as “A” in the rhyme scheme. If you notice the second and fourth lines also rhyme, you will represent them as “B.” This means the rhyme scheme will be “ABAB” for the poem. If you notice there are different rhymes in the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth lines of the poem, you will use "C" and "D" to note them. For example, you may have a poem with a rhyme scheme like "ABABCDCD." Look at the meter. The meter in the poem is the number of beats, or stressed syllables, in each line. Stressed syllables will sound louder or more pronounced when you read them aloud. Unstressed syllables will sound softer. Listen for the stressed syllables in each line of the poem. For example, you may notice that the first line in the poem has three stressed syllables and the second line has two stressed syllables. This will give the poem a certain meter. Another way you can determine the meter is by scanning the poem. This technique can help you better understand the rhythm and structure of the poem. You will need to double space the poem and have a physical copy of it on hand to scan it. Identify the form of the poem. Once you have determined the rhyme scheme and meter of the poem, determine its form. The form is the type of poem it is, such as haiku , sonnet , sestina , free-verse , or limerick. Review different forms to find the one that fits the poem. For example, if you have a poem that is three lines and that follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, it is likely a haiku. You may talk about how a haiku is meant to be a snapshot of a moment in time. You can also discuss the history of the haiku and how it has been used by Japanese poets, as well as Western poets, to describe moments in nature. Analyze the title. Read the title and consider it carefully. Consider what it tells you about the poem's subject, tone, and form. What does it suggest to you as a reader? What does it conjure up in your mind? For example, if you are reading a poem called “Sonnet 47,” you can determine that the poem is in the sonnet form and is part of a series of numbered sonnets written by the same poet. If you are reading a poem called “One Art,” you can deduce that the poem is about an art form, perhaps writing. You should return to the title once you have finished reading the poem to determine its context and to see if you understand it more deeply. Identify the speaker. Determine if the poem is in the first, second or third person. Consider if the speaker is addressing someone else in the poem. Notice if there is only one speaker or multiple people speaking. Count how many characters are mentioned in the poem. For example, if you were analyzing the poem “Digging” by Seamus Heaney, you may notice the poem is in first person and the speaker is the only person talking in the poem. However, there are three characters in the poem: the speaker, his father, and his grandfather. You may then talk about how Heaney discusses themes like family and individual expression through the inclusion of these three characters in the poem. Discuss the situation presented in the poem. Outline what is happening in the poem. Describe what the speaker is doing. Discuss what the speaker is observing. Write a short synopsis of what you think happens in the poem. For example, for the poem “Digging” by Seamus Heaney, you may write a synopsis about the speaker sitting at his writing desk with his pen and observing his father digging up potatoes in the backyard. Discuss the setting of the poem. Note where and when the events in the poem are taking place. Check if a time period is mentioned in the poem or a time of day. Look for details on where the speaker is in the poem. For example, if you were looking at the poem “Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday” by Rachel Zucker, you might notice the poem describes neighborhood details like a soccer field, a daycare, and a flea market. You may also notice that the poem mentions Saturday morning and Sunday morning so it covers a set of days in a row. You may then discuss how the poem is neighborhood-focused and very of the moment, allowing the poet to address ideas like routine, neighbourhood life, and belonging in a community. Determine the theme. The theme focuses on what the purpose of the poem is. Consider what the poet is trying to express or explore in the poem. There may be one central theme in the poem or several themes. For example, in Heaney's poem “Digging,” the speaker looks at the different ways his family works. The speaker works with a pen and paper to dig for the truth and for survival, while his family dug the earth for potatoes to eat and live. The poem explores themes like “family,” “survival,” and “individual expression.” Circle words that appear more than once in the poem. Repeated words are often important and speak to the larger meaning of the poem. Consider what the repeated words have to do with the poem as a whole. For example, you may notice in the poem “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath, the words “daddy,” “Jew,” and “you” appear multiple times. They are used in different ways each time they are mentioned, giving the words many different meanings in the context of the poem. Circle words you do not recognize and look them up. Go through the poem and circle any words that are unfamiliar to you. Then, use a dictionary to look up the definition of each word. Consider the definition of the word in the context of the poem. This will help you better understand the poem as a whole. Identify concrete images. Concrete images are images that feel tangible and clear. They are often described used the five senses: taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight. Look for concrete images in the poem and consider why they are used. For example, in Heaney's poem “Digging,” there are many concrete images, such as “the gravelly ground,” “his straining rump,” “the coarse boot,” and “milk in a bottle/Corked sloppily with paper.” You may then discuss how these concrete images add to the themes or main ideas in the poem. They may also move you emotionally as a reader and give you a clear sense of the speaker's point of view. Look for metaphors and similes. A metaphor compares one thing to another. A simile compares one thing to another using “like” or “as.” Scan the poem for metaphors and similes, as they are often used to create detailed images. For example, in Plath's “Daddy,” she uses similes like “Ghastly statue with one gray toe/Big as a Frisco seal” and “The boot in the face, the brute/Brute heart of a brute like you.” You can then talk about how these similes add to the characterization of the "daddy" character in the poem. You may note that the similes often refer to themes like violence and death, as well as love and desire. Check for other literary devices. Look for other literary devices like personification, where an inanimate object is given human qualities, or alliteration, where the same syllable sounds are used in a row. Consider why the poet used certain literary devices in the poem, and how the literary devices affect the meaning of the poem. You can find a comprehensive list of literary devices at http://literary-devices.com/. Determine when the poem was written. See if you can find out when the poem was composed. Determine the time period or date the poem was written or published. Look online for this information and check to see if the publish date is noted on the poem. You should also find out more about where the poem was written, such as the city or country. This can help you learn more about why the poem is structured the way it is as well as what the poem might be about. Check if the poem is part of a cycle or series. Note if the poem is a stand alone piece or part of a series of poems written by the poet. Maybe the poem is a sonnet that is part of a series of sonnets or a crown of sonnets. Perhaps the poem is part of a cycle of poems on the same subject or theme. Some poems will note that they are part of a cycle or a series. Do research online or visit your local library to find out more on the context of the poem. You can then discuss how the other poems in the cycle or series relate to the poem you are analyzing. You may notice differences or similarities between the poems in the cycle or series. Read more about the poet's life and work. Look into the biography of the poet. Consider their other published works, as well as their professional and personal life. Notice if there are common themes or a common style to the poet's work. You can then reference these aspects in your discussion of certain poems by them. Check online for a biography of the poet. Read more of the poet's other works online or at your local library to get a better sense of their style and interests. You can then discuss how the poem you are analyzing reflects or contradicts the poet's style or interests.

Read the poem out loud. Listen to the rhythm of the poem. Notice how the poem is separated or broken up. Determine the rhyme scheme, if there is one. Look at the meter. Identify the form of the poem. Analyze the title. Identify the speaker. Discuss the situation presented in the poem. Discuss the setting of the poem. Determine the theme. Circle words that appear more than once in the poem. Circle words you do not recognize and look them up. Identify concrete images. Look for metaphors and similes. Check for other literary devices. Determine when the poem was written. Check if the poem is part of a cycle or series. Read more about the poet's life and work.

https://www.wikihow.com/Microwave-Carrots

How to Microwave Carrots

To microwave carrots, start by cutting them into 1/4-inch sticks or rounds. Then, add the carrots and 2 tablespoons of water to a microwave-safe dish, and cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap. Next, microwave the carrots on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Finally, take the carrots out, stir them, and continue heating them in 2-minute increments until they're tender.

Clean and cut 1 lb (450 g) of carrots into 0.25 in (6.4 mm) sticks or rounds. Wash whole carrots under running water, pat them dry, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layer. Then, use a sharp knife to trim off the stem and tip of each carrot, and cut them into either thin sticks or sliced rounds. You can also use bagged baby carrots. These come pre-washed, but you might choose to give them another rinse and pat them dry. You can cook them whole, or slice each into 2-3 pieces. Add the carrots and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of water to a microwavable dish. Choose a large, microwave-safe dish (glass or ceramic is best) that provides plenty of extra room for the carrots and water. Never use a metal bowl in the microwave. If you must use a plastic bowl, make sure it is labeled as microwave-safe. Cover the dish with its lid or plastic wrap. Don't tilt the lid or poke holes in the plastic wrap for venting. You want to trap the water inside the bowl in order to steam the carrots. Plastic wrap might melt if it is touching the carrots. If necessary, use a larger bowl. Cook the carrots on high (100%) power for 3 ½ minutes. After the microwave stops running, remove the bowl with oven mitts—it will be hot! Remove the lid or plastic wrap carefully, keeping any escaping steam away from your arms and face. The cooking times for this recipe assume a 1000 watt microwave. If you have a higher wattage microwave, reduce the time to 3 minutes; if it's lower, increase the time to 4 minutes. Stir the carrots, re-cover them, and keep cooking them until tender. Once you've stirred the carrots and re-covered the bowl, cook them on high for another 2 minutes. Then, remove them again and check them for doneness with a fork—it should pierce the carrot pieces with little resistance. If they're not done yet, microwave them for another minute and keep repeating the process as needed. Thin slices will take about 6-9 minutes in total. Strips will take about 5-7 minutes in total. Whole baby carrots will take about 7-9 minutes in total. Serve the steamed carrots hot. You can serve them as-is, or add a little salt and pepper to taste. You might also choose to stir in a small pat of butter. Steamed carrots can be added to many meals as a side dish or vegetable accompaniment. Try them with a grilled chicken breast or broiled fish, for example. Prepare 1 lb (450 g) of 0.25 in (6.4 mm)-thick carrot rounds. Rinse, dry, and peel the whole carrots, and chop them carefully with a sharp knife. Alternatively, you can cut the carrots into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) sticks. Or, you can use a 1 lb (450 g) bag of baby carrots instead. Melt 3 tbsp (42.9 g) of butter in a large bowl. Microwave the butter on full power for 30 seconds, then in 15-second increments as needed until it melts. Keep an eye on it, because butter can burn quickly in a microwave. Use a ceramic, glass, or other microwave-safe bowl that has more than enough room for adding the carrots after the butter melts. Add 1 tsp (4.8 g) of orange zest and 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of brown sugar. Use a zester or microplane to scrape off just the outer skin of the orange—the white flesh underneath is bitter. Stir the orange zest and brown sugar into the butter until the sugar dissolves. Alternatively, try replacing the brown sugar with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of maple syrup or honey. Add the carrots to the bowl and mix gently until combined. Use tongs or a spoon to coat the carrots in the butter-sugar-zest mixture. The mixture will adhere to the carrots better if you pat them dry a bit with some paper towels. Cover the bowl and microwave it on full power for 5-8 minutes total. Use a lid or plastic wrap, without any venting holes. Check the carrots for doneness and stir them gently after 3 ½ minutes, then microwave them in 90-second increments until they're fork-tender. Use oven mitts and watch for hot steam when moving the bowl and checking the carrots. Cooking times may vary based on your microwave oven. This recipe assumes a 1000 watt microwave. Dish out the carrots and serve them hot. If desired, they can be garnished with a little extra orange zest right before serving. Try them with a pork roast, or just have them as a sweet snack! Cut 1.5 lb (680 g) of carrots into 0.5 in (1.3 cm) rounds. Wash and peel the carrots before chopping them with a sharp knife. You can also try substituting 1.5 lb (680 g) of baby carrots. If your carrots are very thin at one end and very thick at the other, cut the thicker rounds in half to keep the pieces similar in size. Heat coconut oil, brown sugar, and seasonings in a baking dish. Use an 8 in × 8 in (20 cm × 20 cm) baking dish that is microwave-safe. Stir in and microwave the following ingredients just until the sugar melts (around 30 seconds): 2 US tbsp (30 mL) unrefined coconut oil 1 tbsp (14.3 g) light brown sugar ½ tsp (2.4 g) ground cumin ¼ tsp (1.2 g) crushed red pepper 1 tsp (4.8 g) kosher salt Add the carrots and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of distilled white vinegar. Add the vinegar, stir the mixture, then add the carrots and toss gently until they are coated. Cover the baking dish with vented plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap over the baking dish, then poke 6 holes in it with a knife tip or skewer. Without proper venting, the carrots will become mushy instead of crisp-tender. If the baking dish has a vented lid, use it instead. Microwave the dish in 5-minute increments for 15 minutes. Cook the dish for 5 minutes on high (100%) power, then remove it, uncover it, and stir the carrots quickly. Re-cover it and repeat the process 2 more times. If the carrots are fork-tender and most of the liquid is absorbed at this point, you can stop cooking them. If the carrots still aren't quite ready, microwave and stir them in 2-minute increments until they're done. Be careful when you uncover the carrots to stir them—the hot steam can burn you! Thin-slice 2 scallions to finish off the dish. Stir most of the sliced scallions into the carrots, then sprinkle the rest on top when you're ready to serve the dish. Then dig in! These carrots go great with grilled shrimp, or you can just serve them with some rice.

Clean and cut 1 lb (450 g) of carrots into 0.25 in (6.4 mm) sticks or rounds. Add the carrots and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of water to a microwavable dish. Cover the dish with its lid or plastic wrap. Cook the carrots on high (100%) power for 3 ½ minutes. Stir the carrots, re-cover them, and keep cooking them until tender. Serve the steamed carrots hot. Prepare 1 lb (450 g) of 0.25 in (6.4 mm)-thick carrot rounds. Melt 3 tbsp (42.9 g) of butter in a large bowl. Add 1 tsp (4.8 g) of orange zest and 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of brown sugar. Add the carrots to the bowl and mix gently until combined. Cover the bowl and microwave it on full power for 5-8 minutes total. Dish out the carrots and serve them hot. Cut 1.5 lb (680 g) of carrots into 0.5 in (1.3 cm) rounds. Heat coconut oil, brown sugar, and seasonings in a baking dish. Add the carrots and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of distilled white vinegar. Cover the baking dish with vented plastic wrap. Microwave the dish in 5-minute increments for 15 minutes. Thin-slice 2 scallions to finish off the dish.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-Stock-Certificates

How to Sell Stock Certificates

To sell stock certificates, start by identifying the transfer agent for the company you own stock in, which you should be able to find on the company's website. Then, contact the agent and inform them that you want to transfer your stock certificates to direct registration. Wait about 10 days for the agent to complete your request. When they're finished, you can then call the agent at any time and tell them to sell your stock.

Know what a transfer agent is. Publicly traded companies use transfer agents to manage individuals and organizations who own shares of their stock. Usually, the transfer agent is a bank or trust company. Sometimes a very large company, like Walt Disney, acts as its own transfer agent. Transfer agents perform three main functions: issuing and canceling stock certificates; acting as an intermediary for the company to pay out interest and stock dividends; and handling lost or destroyed stock certificates. Identify the transfer agent for the company with which you own stock. Visit the investor relations page of the company's website. This will direct you to the company's transfer agent in most cases. You can also visit the Securities Transfer Association. This is a private trade organization of transfer agents. They provide general information about the functions of transfer agents. Transfer the stock to direct registration. Call the transfer agent and ask for instructions on how to transfer the stock to direct registration. The Direct Registration System (DRS) allows owners of stock certificates to hold their shares in book entry-form with the transfer agent instead of as a physical stock certificate. Book-entry means that the transfer agent keeps a record of your ownership of the stock in its books. This replaces the physical stock certificate. Once you have done this, you can easily sell the stock at any time. DRS protects you from fraud and other risks associated with paper certificates. It also saves you money because it eliminates the cost of storing, printing and insuring paper certificates. You will have to mail the stock certificates to the transfer agent. Send them via insured mail with tracking information. Sell your stock shares. It will take the transfer agent approximately 10 days to transfer your paper stock to DRS. Once this is complete, you can sell the shares at any time. When you are ready to sell, contact the transfer agent and tell them to sell. DRS allows you to sell the stock quickly without the delays of handling the physical stock certificate, allowing you to take advantage of positive changes in the market. Sell your stock with a broker with whom you do not have an account. You can contact any stock broker and request that they sell your stock certificate for you. However, if you do not already have an account with that broker, they will likely charge you a hefty fee. In the past, brokerage firms have offered to sell paper stock certificates for free or at low cost in the hopes that customers would then open an account and use their other services. However, most customers did not go on to open accounts with the brokers, so most brokerage firms stopped offering this service. Transfer your stock to street name registration. Use this process if you already have an account with a brokerage firm or are willing to open a new one. The brokerage firm registers your stock in its name and lists you as the “real” or “beneficial” owner. On the stock issuer's books, however, the brokerage firm is listed as the owner. This will replace your paper stock certificate. The brokerage firm will send you quarterly statements that list your securities, dividends and interest statements. If you are acting as the executor or administrator of an estate, you will have to submit additional forms and court documents certifying that you are the administrator. Sign the certificate over to the brokerage firm. You must do this before sending it to them in order to allow the brokerage to transfer the stock to street name registration. This process must be done at a bank or financial institution who can guarantee your signature. First, fill out the back of the stock certificate with the name of the brokerage firm. Find the spot that says, “Constitute and appoint ________ attorney to transfer.” Write the name of the brokerage firm on the line. Then, sign the back of the certificate and get a medallion signature guarantee. This is a stamp that guarantees your signature so the brokerage firm knows that it was actually you who signed the certificate over to them. The witness at the bank will stamp the back of your certificate with the medallion signature guarantee. Write your social security number and account number on the front of the certificate. Send the certificate to the broker. Mail the certificate by certified mail. Insure it and get tracking information. It will take approximately five days for the stock to appear in your brokerage account. You can now sell it at any time. Once you sell the stock, the broker will either send you a check or deposit funds into a bank account that is linked to your brokerage account. Sell your stock. Once the stock shows up in your brokerage account, you can sell it at any time. Contact your broker and place an order to sell the stock. When you place the order to sell, you can set conditions on how the order is executed, as well as price restrictions and time limitation on the execution of the order. A market order tells your broker to sell the stock for the next available price. No restrictions can be placed on a market order. Your stock will sell at any time during the day no matter what the price. A limit order sets the minimum price for which your stock can be sold. A sell stop order sets a maximum amount you are willing to lose on the sale of a stock. If the stock drops below a certain value, it is sold right away to prevent further losses. Know what a stock certificate is. A stock certificate is a physical piece of paper that represents ownership in a company. When someone buys shares of stock in a company, they can receive a stock certificate that states how many shares they own, the date the stock was sold, identification numbers, a corporate seal and relevant signatures. A stock certificate is usually printed on a large piece of paper and features elaborate graphic designs that are intended to prevent fraudulent replication. In the past, stock certificates were issued any time someone purchased stock in a company. Today, however, the records of stock ownership are generally kept in electronic form. You can request a paper stock certificate. Companies will usually charge a fee for printing it for you. A physical stock certificate is also referred to as “bearer form,” meaning the bearer of the certificate owns the securities. Identify key information to learn about the stock certificate. It is common for people to find stock certificates among the possessions of a person who has died. Sometimes the name of the company is familiar. But other times you may not have ever heard of the company. If you find old stock certificates, identify the company name, the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP) number and the name of the person with whom the stock is registered. This information will allow you to research whether or not the certificates have any value. Research the history of the company with the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP). Every stock is given a CUSIP identification number. Use this number to research changes and splits in the stock and name changes. CUSIP numbers are created by the American Banker's Association, who also owns the numbers. The numbers are operated by Standard and Poor's. To gain access to the database of CUSIP numbers, you have to pay a fee to Standard and Poor's. Sometimes individual companies will display their CUSIP numbers on their website. Consult corporate historical records if the company name has changed. If the company name has changed or it has merged with another company, you may have to do some additional research to figure out the current name of the company. Most brokerage firms can track down information on companies. But, if you don't want to work with a brokerage firm, visit Capital Changes , the Directory of Obsolete Securities, which is published annually by Financial Information Incorporated or Mergent Archives to research company histories. If the company has merged with or been acquired by a company that already exists, contact that company's investor relations page to identify the transfer agent and cash in the stock. If these sources don't yield any information, consult state records of the state in which the company was incorporated. Many states have online databases that keep track of registered company names. Identify the stock symbol using the company name. Yahoo Finance has a symbol lookup tool that lets you enter the name of the company to find its stock symbol, or ticker. The stock symbol is a unique series of characters used the by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (Nasdaq). Look up a stock quote. Use the stock symbol to get a stock quote. Consult a stock market quote service. You can find these services for free on the internet. Simple stock market quote tools can be found on Big Charts and Nasdaq. Enter the stock symbol of the company. You can look up one company at a time. Or you can enter the symbols for multiple companies, separated by commas, to get multiple stock quotes. On the Big Charts site, a chart listing all of your stock symbols will be created. It will give you information on the latest stock price and whether it's up or down. On the Nasdaq site, you can choose to simply get a stock quote by clicking on the stock quote option. But you can also get tools for analyzing the performance of the stock and deciding whether or not to sell. These include interactive charts, stock analysis reports, company news, financial information and information about holdings and ownership. Use this information to decide when to sell the stock. Some people identify a target price or range in which to sell their stock. Other factors that influence the decision to sell include the company's financial performance or changes in ownership of the company Research the collectible value of the stock certificate. If the company no longer exists or has gone bankrupt, then the stock is worthless. But, if the stock certificate is worthless as a security, it may have some value as a collectible item. The hobby of collecting old stock certificates is called scripophily. To find collectors and dealers, consult Goldsheet's Obsolete Securities Page , the Scripohily Society , price and hobby guides at your local library and eBay.

Know what a transfer agent is. Identify the transfer agent for the company with which you own stock. Transfer the stock to direct registration. Sell your stock shares. Sell your stock with a broker with whom you do not have an account. Transfer your stock to street name registration. Sign the certificate over to the brokerage firm. Send the certificate to the broker. Sell your stock. Know what a stock certificate is. Identify key information to learn about the stock certificate. Research the history of the company with the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP). Consult corporate historical records if the company name has changed. Identify the stock symbol using the company name. Look up a stock quote. Research the collectible value of the stock certificate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Flower-Crown

How to Make a Flower Crown

To make a flower crown with wire, measure your head and add 2 inches to get the length of the crown. Cut a sturdy piece of wire to this length and cover the wire with florist's tape. Then, select your flowers, cut off all but 2 inches of the stems, and arrange them in a pattern you like. Use the florist's tape to secure each flower to the wire. If you want to use a headband instead of wire, simply cover the headband with ribbon and then use hot glue to attach fresh flowers.

Measure your head and add 2 inches (5.08 centimeters). If you are going to be wearing this wreath over a hairstyle (such as for a wedding), get your hair into that style first and then measure your hair. Some hairstyles, such as French braids and braided crowns, can add bulk to your head. Cut a piece of sturdy wire according to that measurement. Try to use some thicker floral, like the kind that has paper around it. This will help the florist's tape stick better to it. Do not use scissors to cut the wire or you will dull them. Use wire cutters instead. Make a ring with the wire and overlap the ends by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). The ring should hold its shape. If it is too floppy, twist two to three strands of wire together, and make the ring again. This should make it sturdier. Wrap florist's tape around the overlapping ends to secure them. You can also wrap some more tape around the entire wire ring. This will give you a base to work on. It will also make the color more consistent. Choose your flowers and cut the stems down to 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) below the bloom. Use scissors to cut real or dried flowers, and wire cutters to cut fake flowers. Try to cut all the stems down to the same length. This will make the crown neater in the end. Try using large, medium, and small flowers. This will give your crown some variety. Arrange the flowers in a pattern you like. Don't tape the flowers to the base just yet. You want to get your design down first. It is easier to make changes while the flowers are still on the table. Try alternating between different shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some more design ideas: Place the largest flowers in the top/front of the crown. Use smaller and smaller flowers as you go towards the back of the crown. Try having all the flowers pointing in the same direction, towards or away the top of the crown. The flowers don't have to be right up against each other. You can have them spaced as close together or as far apart as you want. Instead of attaching flowers all the way around the wire base, place them only on the top. Attach the first flower to the wire base. Hold the flower against so that the stem is laying horizontally alongside the wire. Wrap some florist's tape around the stem and the wire. Start just below the bloom, and keep wrapping until you are ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) past the end of the stem. Cut the tape and press the edge down to seal it. Lay the second flower just behind first one and secure it with florist's tape. Place it so that the bloom overlaps the first flower's. The closer together the two blooms are, the fuller and heavier your crown will look in the end. The further away the blooms are, the thinner and more delicate your crown will look. Continue placing and taping the flowers. Keep working your way around the circle, until you've used up all of the flowers you laid out in the beginning. Consider adding some ribbon. Fold several long pieces of ribbon in half and place them just behind the spot where the wires overlap. Leave about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of the loop just above the wire. Wrap the ribbon ends over the wire and down through the loop. Gently tug on the ribbons to secure them. Try on your crown and make any adjustments, if necessary. If you see any gaps or places where you want it to look more full, gently part the flowers, insert another one and tape it in place. Choose flowers with thin, flexible stems. You want the stems to be at least 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) long. You can use just one type of flower, or a variety. Daisies and dandelions are classical, but you can also use alyssum or forget-me-nots. Flowering herbs, such as mint, thyme, oregano, chamomile, and lavender work as well. Not only will they look beautiful but, they will smell amazing. Cut the stems so that they are all the same length and trim off any leaves. This will make the flowers easier to braid and take off any unnecessary bulk. Put the flowers into a bowl filled with cool water. This will keep the flowers fresh while you work. Braided flower crowns can take a while to make, and the picked flowers may wilt by the time you get around to using them. Hold three flowers and loosely tie them together using piece of floral wire. Wrap a small piece of wire around the stems a few times, and snip the excess off. Try to get wire as close to the blooms as possible. You want all the blooms to be at the same level; if one sits higher than the other, your crown will look uneven. The wire will hold the flowers together while you braid them. If you don't have any floral wire, use twist ties or thread instead. Start braiding the stems together. Take the left stem and pull it over so it ends up between the middle and right stems. Take the right stem and bring over so that it ends up between the left and middle stems. Keep doing this until your braid is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) long. Add a flower to the left stem. The new flower should sit just beneath the one that is already in the braid. Bring both stems over so that they end up between the right and middle stems. Keep them together; they will count as one stem. Add a flower to the right stem. The new flower should sit just below the flower that is already in the braid. Bring both stems over so that they end up between the left and middle stems. Don't let the stems spread apart. Try to keep them together and think of them as one thick stem. Keep repeating the last few steps until you get the length you want. The sections you are braiding will get thicker and thicker as you continue to add flowers. Try using different types of flowers. This will add color, texture, and beauty. Don't be afraid to weave in a few leaves, vines, or grasses. Stop when the garland is just a few inches too big. You want the garland to be a little large, because you will be overlapping the two ends. This will make the crown more secure in the end. Wrap some wire around the end of the garland. Place the wire just beneath the blooms of the last bunch of flowers. Wrap the wire around the end of the garland a few times, then snip the excess off with a pair of wire cutters. This will hold your flowers together and keep the garland from unraveling. Bring both ends of the garland together. Overlap the ends until the crown sits comfortably on your head. Hold the two ends together as you take the crown off. Wrap wire around both ends to hold them together. When you come across a flower, thread the wire underneath the bloom. You are binding just the stems together. Once the crown is secure, snip the excess wire off. Gently tuck both ends of the wire into the braided stems. Find a plastic or metal headband that fits you. You will be gluing the flowers to this headband. Consider adding some ribbon to the headband. This will help conceal the headband's original color and give the glue something to grab onto. You can use any color of ribbon you want, but green might blend in with the flowers better. If you don't want a green ribbon, then try to match the color to the flowers you are using instead. There are two ways you can attach the ribbon: Choose a ribbon that is the same width as your headband. Cut it so that it is 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) longer than your headband. Center the ribbon on top of the headband, and hot glue it down. There will be an inch (2.54 centimeters) of ribbon handing off of each end. Cover both ends of the ribbon with glue, and fold them under the headband. Put a drop of hot glue onto one end of the headband. Press the end of a long piece of ribbon down onto the glue. Wrap the ribbon around the headband, like a candy cane. Start from one end and move towards the other. Try to overlap the ribbon slightly. This way, you will cover the headband entirely and not get any patches. Secure the end of the ribbon with a drop of glue. Choose some fake flowers, and pull the blooms off of the stems. If the bloom won't come off, use wire cutters to snip it off. Try to cut as close to the bottom of the flower as possible. Snip the bottom part of the stem off, if necessary. Sometimes, when you pull the blooms off the stems, you may get a little nub on the bottom part of the flower. This may keep the flower from laying flat against the headband. If you want the flower to lay flat, then snip this nub off. Don't snip too much off, however. This little nub helps hold the flower together. If you cut too much off, the flower may fall apart. Squeeze out some hot glue onto the bottom of your first flower. Swirl the glue around the base first, where the stem connects to the flower. Next, place a large drop of glue right on the bottom of the stem. Press the flower down onto the headband. Hold it there until the glue starts to harden. Move onto the next flower when the glue dries. Try to place the flower as close as possible to the first one. Fill in any gaps with smaller flowers or leaves. Put the glue directly onto the headband, and gently press the flower or leaf into the glue. Pull off any glue threads before wearing the headband. Sometimes, hot glue will leave behind long thread-like strands of glue. This can make even the most beautiful headband look messy. Carefully go over your headband, and gently pull off any strands.

Measure your head and add 2 inches (5.08 centimeters). Cut a piece of sturdy wire according to that measurement. Make a ring with the wire and overlap the ends by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). Wrap florist's tape around the overlapping ends to secure them. Choose your flowers and cut the stems down to 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) below the bloom. Arrange the flowers in a pattern you like. Attach the first flower to the wire base. Lay the second flower just behind first one and secure it with florist's tape. Continue placing and taping the flowers. Consider adding some ribbon. Try on your crown and make any adjustments, if necessary. Choose flowers with thin, flexible stems. Cut the stems so that they are all the same length and trim off any leaves. Put the flowers into a bowl filled with cool water. Hold three flowers and loosely tie them together using piece of floral wire. Start braiding the stems together. Add a flower to the left stem. Bring both stems over so that they end up between the right and middle stems. Add a flower to the right stem. Bring both stems over so that they end up between the left and middle stems. Keep repeating the last few steps until you get the length you want. Stop when the garland is just a few inches too big. Wrap some wire around the end of the garland. Bring both ends of the garland together. Wrap wire around both ends to hold them together. Find a plastic or metal headband that fits you. Consider adding some ribbon to the headband. Choose some fake flowers, and pull the blooms off of the stems. Snip the bottom part of the stem off, if necessary. Squeeze out some hot glue onto the bottom of your first flower. Press the flower down onto the headband. Move onto the next flower when the glue dries. Fill in any gaps with smaller flowers or leaves. Pull off any glue threads before wearing the headband.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-How-Many-Fish-You-Can-Place-in-a-Fish-Tank

How to Know How Many Fish You Can Place in a Fish Tank

To know how many fish you can place in a fish tank, follow the general rule that you'll need a gallon of water for every inch long your fish is. For example, a 3-inch fish would need 3 gallons of water just for itself. You should also take into account the types of fish you'll be keeping, since larger, aggressive fish will need more room than smaller ones. Moreover, you can put more fish in your tank if you choose species that like to swim at different levels, such as beta fish, which swim at the top.

Measure your tank. The standard measurement is liters. You should be able to figure out how big your tank is when you initially purchase it. But if you don't know (or don't remember) the size, you can figure it out on your own mathematically. To find out how many liters your tank is measure the length, width, and height of the tank in centimeters and multiply them together, then divide by 1000. This number is only approximate as the actual value will be rather less due to glass thickness, substrate, decorations, etc. Maintain proper water levels. Have the water at the right level to accurately calculate how many fish will fit. If your water levels get too low, your tank won't be able to sustain as many fish. Typically, you should keep the water level about one inch above the lip of the tank's water filter. A common rule is the, one inch of fish per gallon of water rule. However, this is not always true. A ten inch fish cannot live in a ten gallon tank. This guideline works best for small community fish like tetras, rainbowfish, platies, etc. Do research on the fish you want to determine what size tank they need. Use the surface area rule. Since the surface of the water is where gaseous exchanges happen that help sustain your fish, it is important to consider this factor when stocking your tank. A larger surface area means more oxygen exchange for the fish in the tank. A taller tank with the same surface area as a shorter tank isn't able to house more fish even though it technically holds more water. Typically this is a better rule of thumb to use when deciding how many fish to keep in your tank because it accounts for the oxygen needs of the fish, rather than just the available space in the aquarium. Decide what sort of fish you want to keep. Do you want a community with lots of small fish? If so, consider minnows or tetras. A semi-aggressive community with fewer, larger fish? If so, consider angelfish or african cichlids. Or maybe just one large fish, like an oscar? Look around, see what you like, then do as much research as you can on compatibility and maximum size. Some fish are more aggressive than others and need more space for themselves, while others do well in larger communities of fish. Do your research before you start integrating your fish. Consider stocking levels. For small community fish (under three inches each), one inch of adult fish per gallon of water is a good guideline. For larger fish however, it can be tricky to decide how many fish. Assuming your list contains no fish too big for your tank or unsuitable to keep with other fish you want, start with one inch for every 7.5 liters of water and see how the tank looks. You want a balance between amount of fish on the top, middle, and bottom. This means considering where the types of fish you choose generally swim. For example, Plecostomus are typically bottom dwellers, while hatchet fish tend to stay at the top. Research the specific needs of your fish. Always look into the individual characteristics of any fish you would like to put in your tank together. Many require different things to be satisfied in their tank. Some fish are messy, some very aggressive, some nocturnal. Look at information from many sources to figure out these differences. Know the oxygen needs of your fish. Different kinds of fish have different oxygen requirements. Full-bodied fish like goldfish use more oxygen than slender-bodied fish like tetras. If you are stocking your tank with mostly larger fish, they will require more oxygen (and therefore, more space in the tank) than if you were filling the tank mainly with smaller fish. To oxygenate your water, use air stones and a filter. Stocking measurements should consider the adult size/weight of the fish in the tank to fully account for the necessary oxygen needs of the fish as they grow. So if you purchase your fish as juveniles, make sure you think about how big they will grow to become (and what oxygen levels the adult sized fish will require) when considering how many fish to keep in your tank. Figure out filtration. You need more filtration for messy fish or large numbers of fish, but the largest filter you can get will always be helpful. Filtration systems help maintain the cleanliness of the tank and the purity of the water so your fish can thrive in their tank. Fish such as hatchetfish or betta fish require a slow moving filter. Others like loaches, goldfish, and oscars require a powerful filter. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Overfeeding your fish will lead to a messier, harder to maintain tank. This will eventually decrease the number of fish that can be safely sustained in your tank. Typically, you should feed your fish one serving the size of his/her eye per day. You could feed your fish this amount twice a day, but both methods have been tried and the once-a-day feeding generally results in healthier fish. Overfeeding can also lead to high ammonia and nitrate levels, diseases, improper digestion, and cloudy water. Clean your tank regularly. A dirty tank can cause a lot of problems for your fish. It can make your fish sick, uncomfortable, or even die. The dirtier your tank is, the less fish it can support because of compromised oxygen and filtration issues. You should generally clean your fish tank once a week, even if you have a good filtration system. Try How to Clean a Fish Tank

Measure your tank. Maintain proper water levels. A common rule is the, one inch of fish per gallon of water rule. Use the surface area rule. Decide what sort of fish you want to keep. Consider stocking levels. Research the specific needs of your fish. Know the oxygen needs of your fish. Figure out filtration. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Clean your tank regularly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Testosterone-Levels-Naturally

How to Increase Testosterone Levels: Do Natural Remedies Work?

To increase your testosterone levels naturally, avoid processed, packaged, and prepared foods, which can increase your weight and lower your testosterone levels. Instead, focus on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and a higher testosterone level. In addition to working on your diet, strength-train 3 times a week to increase your testosterone levels by as much as 20 percent in 11 weeks. Getting enough vitamin D can also increase your levels, so spend 15 to 30 minutes in the sun every day or take a supplement if you're inside all day. You'll also want to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, since any less can lower your testosterone.

Follow a healthy, balanced diet. In general, following a balanced diet is best for your reproductive health and testosterone levels. For a healthy diet, include at least 5 servings each of fruits and vegetables in your diet each day. Have 1 or 2 with each meal, and add in a few snacks throughout the day. Switch to whole-wheat or grain products instead of white varieties for healthier carbohydrates. Remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated as well. For most people, 6-8 glasses per day is enough. Get plenty of vitamin D and zinc each day. Studies show that a deficiency of either of these nutrients can cause low testosterone, so include them in your diet each day. This won't help if don't already have a deficiency, but could boost your testosterone levels if you don't get enough from your regular diet. Adults need 15 mcg of vitamin D each day. Good sources include eggs, dairy, fish, liver, red meat, and fortified foods. You can also get vitamin D by spending a few minutes in the sun during the day. Adults need 8-11 mg per day of zinc in their diet. You can get it from shellfish, poultry, red meat, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified foods. You could also take supplements to get these 2 nutrients. Ask your doctor if this is a safe choice for you. Try magnesium supplements to boost your testosterone. One study showed that magnesium supplements successfully raised testosterone levels in athletes, so this could work for you. Try taking a daily magnesium supplement or including more in your diet to see if this helps. Ask your doctor about the right magnesium dosage for you. The study used 10 mg for each kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of bodyweight, meaning a person weighing 150 lb (68 kg) would take 680 mg of magnesium. This is much higher than the typical daily dose, so ask your doctor if this is safe before you try it. Foods high in magnesium include legumes, nuts, seeds, shellfish, leafy green vegetables, dairy products, and fortified foods. Eat more omega-3s. Healthy fatty acids, particularly omega-3, can boost testicular volume. Since there is an association between testicular volume and testosterone levels, this could help raise your testosterone. Include more omega-3 sources in your diet like fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and legumes to see if this boosts your testosterone. Get 1.1-1.6 g of omega-3s from your regular diet each day. Cut trans fats out of your diet. While healthy fats have a positive effect on your testosterone levels, trans fats seem to reduce testicular function and testosterone levels. While they might be in some tasty foods, trans fats are unhealthy overall, so try to cut them out of your diet entirely. The major risk of trans fat is that it puts you at risk for heart disease. Try to avoid fried processed foods, along with artificial sweeteners and margarine. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar is tough to resist, but sugary food and drinks like soda are associated with decreased testosterone levels. Try to avoid as much added sugar as possible, especially soda and other sugary drinks. Get into the habit of checking nutrition labels on all the food you buy. You might be surprised how much sugar some products have. Drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive drinking could also reduce your testosterone levels. Exercise regularly to boost testosterone production. Both aerobic and strength-building exercises have a positive effect on your testosterone levels. Try to get some physical exercise each day to release more testosterone. The general recommendation is to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. You can divide that into 30 minutes 5-7 days per week. More intense exercise isn't associated with higher testosterone levels, so don't worry about trying to work out harder. Lose weight if you have to. Overweight men tend to have lower testosterone levels, so you may have to lose weight. Talk to your doctor to discuss an ideal weight for yourself, then design a diet and exercise regimen to reach and maintain that weight. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can all help you lose weight, so boosting testosterone production can also support a healthy weight. Reduce stress in your daily life. While we all feel stress, consistent stress can interfere with your body chemistry and lower your testosterone levels. If you're regularly stressed or overwhelmed, then taking steps to relax can make a big difference. If you have trouble reducing your stress, then speaking with a professional therapist might be very helpful. Some relaxation exercises that might help include meditation and deep breathing activities. Try to spend 15-20 minutes on these activities each day. Enjoying yourself is another good way to reduce stress. Make time each day for your hobbies and things you like. Get plenty of sleep each night. Sleep also helps regulate your hormone production, so an inconsistent sleep schedule can throw off your testosterone levels. Try to get a normal 7-8 hours each night to support your body chemistry and maintain your testosterone production. If you regularly have insomnia, try to relax before bed. Shut off your phone, TV, and computer. Do relaxing activities like meditating, reading, listening to soft music, or taking a bath to get ready for bed. Sleep apnea is a potential cause for low testosterone because it causes unrefreshing sleep. In you normally wake up tired or snore excessively, get tested for sleep apnea. Give yourself testosterone injections every 2 weeks. This requires an injection into your muscle every 10-14 days. You'll probably have to return to the doctor's office for these injections, but you can also get syringes to inject yourself at home. This is an effective treatment, but not the best if you don't like injections or needles. If you inject the testosterone yourself, always look at the syringe before using it. If the liquid looks cloudy or you see any particles in it, don't use the syringe. Unless directed otherwise, store the syringes at room temperature. Apply testosterone patches or gel so your body absorbs it. This is a less invasive type of hormone therapy. With a gel or patch, the testosterone will pass through your skin and enter your body. Apply the medication exactly according to your doctor's directions so you don't take too much. If you use gel, make sure another person or your partner doesn't rub against it. They could accidentally receive a hormone dose if it gets on their skin. Place testosterone pellets under your skin for a less frequent treatment. With a pellet treatment, your doctor will insert a small pellet containing testosterone under the skin on your hip, back, or buttocks. This pellet dissolves slowly and releases hormones over several months. This is a low-maintenance treatment because you'll only need to replace the pellet every 3-6 months, so it's helpful if you have trouble sticking with a treatment schedule.

Follow a healthy, balanced diet. Get plenty of vitamin D and zinc each day. Try magnesium supplements to boost your testosterone. Eat more omega-3s. Cut trans fats out of your diet. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Drink alcohol in moderation. Exercise regularly to boost testosterone production. Lose weight if you have to. Reduce stress in your daily life. Get plenty of sleep each night. Give yourself testosterone injections every 2 weeks. Apply testosterone patches or gel so your body absorbs it. Place testosterone pellets under your skin for a less frequent treatment.

https://www.wikihow.com/Differentiate-the-Square-Root-of-X

How to Differentiate the Square Root of X

To differentiate the square root of x using the power rule, rewrite the square root as an exponent, or raise x to the power of 1/2. Find the derivative with the power rule, which says that the inverse function of x is equal to 1/2 times x to the power of a-1, where a is the original exponent. In this case, a is 1/2, so a-1 would equal -1/2. Simplify the result.

Review the power rule for derivatives. The first rule you probably learned for finding derivatives is the power rule. This rule says that for a variable x {\displaystyle x} raised to any exponent a {\displaystyle a} , the derivative is as follows: f ( x ) = x a {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{a}} f ′ ( x ) = a x a − 1 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)=ax^{a-1}} For example, review the following functions and their derivatives: If f ( x ) = x 2 {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{2}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 2 x {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)=2x} If f ( x ) = 3 x 2 {\displaystyle f(x)=3x^{2}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 2 ∗ 3 x = 6 x {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)=2*3x=6x} If f ( x ) = x 3 {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{3}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)=3x^{2}} If f ( x ) = 1 2 x 4 {\displaystyle f(x)={\frac {1}{2}}x^{4}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 4 ∗ 1 2 x 3 = 2 x 3 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)=4*{\frac {1}{2}}x^{3}=2x^{3}} Rewrite the square root as an exponent. To find the derivative of a square root function, you need to remember that the square root of any number or variable can also be written as an exponent. The term below the square root (radical) sign is written as the base, and it is raised to the exponent of 1/2. Consider the following examples: x = x 1 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {x}}=x^{\frac {1}{2}}} 4 = 4 1 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {4}}=4^{\frac {1}{2}}} 3 x = ( 3 x ) 1 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {3x}}=(3x)^{\frac {1}{2}}} Apply the power rule. If the function is the simplest square root, f ( x ) = x {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {x}}} , apply the power rule as follows to find the derivative: f ( x ) = x {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {x}}\ \ \ \ \ } (Write the original function.) f ( x ) = x ( 1 2 ) {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{({\frac {1}{2}})}\ \ \ \ \ } (Rewrite the radical as an exponent.) f ′ ( x ) = 1 2 x ( 1 2 − 1 ) {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {1}{2}}x^{({\frac {1}{2}}-1)}\ \ \ } (Find derivative with the power rule.) f ′ ( x ) = 1 2 x ( − 1 2 ) {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {1}{2}}x^{(-{\frac {1}{2}})}\ \ \ } (Simplify exponent.) Simplify the result. At this stage, you need to recognize that a negative exponent means to take the reciprocal of what the number would be with the positive exponent. The exponent of − 1 2 {\displaystyle -{\frac {1}{2}}} means that you will have the square root of the base as the denominator of a fraction. Continuing with the square root of x function from above, the derivative can be simplified as: f ′ ( x ) = 1 2 x − 1 2 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {1}{2}}x^{-{\frac {1}{2}}}} f ′ ( x ) = 1 2 ∗ 1 x {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {1}{2}}*{\frac {1}{\sqrt {x}}}} f ′ ( x ) = 1 2 x {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {1}{2{\sqrt {x}}}}} Review the chain rule for functions. The chain rule is a rule for derivatives that you use when the original function combines a function within another function. The chain rule says that, for two functions f ( x ) {\displaystyle f(x)} and g ( x ) {\displaystyle g(x)} , the derivative of the combination of the two can be found as follows: If y = f ( g ( x ) ) {\displaystyle y=f(g(x))} , then y ′ = f ′ ( g ) ∗ g ′ ( x ) {\displaystyle y^{\prime }=f^{\prime }(g)*g^{\prime }(x)}. Define the functions for the chain rule. Using the chain rule requires that you first define the two functions that make up your combined function. For square root functions, the outer function f ( g ) {\displaystyle f(g)} will be the square root function, and the inner function g ( x ) {\displaystyle g(x)} will be whatever appears under the radical sign. For example, suppose you wish to find the derivative of 3 x + 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {3x+2}}}. Define the two parts as follows: f ( g ) = g = g 1 2 {\displaystyle f(g)={\sqrt {g}}=g^{\frac {1}{2}}} g ( x ) = ( 3 x + 2 ) {\displaystyle g(x)=(3x+2)} Find the derivatives of the two functions. To apply the chain rule to the square root of a function, you will first need to find the derivative of the general square root function: f ( g ) = g = g 1 2 {\displaystyle f(g)={\sqrt {g}}=g^{\frac {1}{2}}} f ′ ( g ) = 1 2 g − 1 2 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(g)={\frac {1}{2}}g^{-{\frac {1}{2}}}} f ′ ( g ) = 1 2 g {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(g)={\frac {1}{2{\sqrt {g}}}}} Then find the derivative of the second function: g ( x ) = ( 3 x + 2 ) {\displaystyle g(x)=(3x+2)} g ′ ( x ) = 3 {\displaystyle g^{\prime }(x)=3} Combine the functions in the chain rule. Recall the chain rule, y ′ = f ′ ( g ) ∗ g ′ ( x ) {\displaystyle y^{\prime }=f^{\prime }(g)*g^{\prime }(x)} , and then combine the derivatives as follows: y ′ = 1 2 g ∗ 3 {\displaystyle y^{\prime }={\frac {1}{2{\sqrt {g}}}}*3} y ′ = 1 2 ( 3 x + 2 ∗ 3 {\displaystyle y^{\prime }={\frac {1}{2{\sqrt {(3x+2}}}}*3} y ′ = 3 2 ( 3 x + 2 {\displaystyle y^{\prime }={\frac {3}{2{\sqrt {(3x+2}}}}} Learn the shortcut for derivatives of any radical function. Whenever you wish to find the derivative of the square root of a variable or a function, you can apply a simple pattern. The derivative will always be the derivative of the radicand, divided by double the original square root. Symbolically, this can be shown as: If f ( x ) = u {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {u}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = u ′ 2 u {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {u^{\prime }}{2{\sqrt {u}}}}} Find the derivative of the radicand. The radicand is the term or function underneath the square root sign. To apply this shortcut, find the derivative of the radicand alone. Consider the following examples: In the function 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {5x+2}}} , the radicand is ( 5 x + 2 ) {\displaystyle (5x+2)}. Its derivative is 5 {\displaystyle 5}. In the function 3 x 4 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {3x^{4}}}} , the radicand is 3 x 4 {\displaystyle 3x^{4}}. Its derivative is 12 x 3 {\displaystyle 12x^{3}}. In the function s i n ( x ) {\displaystyle {\sqrt {sin(x)}}} , the radicand is sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle \sin(x)}. Its derivative is cos ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle \cos(x)}. Write the derivative of the radicand as the numerator of a fraction. The derivative of a radical function will involve a fraction. The numerator of this fraction is the derivative of the radicand. Thus, for the sample functions above, the first part of the derivative will be as follows: If f ( x ) = 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {5x+2}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 5 denom {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {5}{\text{denom}}}} If f ( x ) = 3 x 4 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {3x^{4}}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 12 x 3 denom {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {12x^{3}}{\text{denom}}}} If f ( x ) = sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {\sin(x)}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = cos ⁡ ( x ) denom {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {\cos(x)}{\text{denom}}}} Write the denominator as double the original square root. Using this shortcut, the denominator will be two times the original square root function. Thus, for the three sample functions above, the denominators of the derivatives will be: For f ( x ) = 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {5x+2}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = num 2 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {\text{num}}{2{\sqrt {5x+2}}}}} If f ( x ) = 3 x 4 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {3x^{4}}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = num 2 3 x 4 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {\text{num}}{2{\sqrt {3x^{4}}}}}} If f ( x ) = sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {\sin(x)}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = num 2 sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {\text{num}}{2{\sqrt {\sin(x)}}}}} Combine numerator and denominator to find the derivative. Put the two halves of the fraction together, and the result will be the derivative of the original function. For f ( x ) = 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {5x+2}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 5 2 5 x + 2 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {5}{2{\sqrt {5x+2}}}}} If f ( x ) = 3 x 4 {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {3x^{4}}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = 12 x 3 2 3 x 4 {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {12x^{3}}{2{\sqrt {3x^{4}}}}}} If f ( x ) = sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle f(x)={\sqrt {\sin(x)}}} , then f ′ ( x ) = cos ⁡ ( x ) 2 sin ⁡ ( x ) {\displaystyle f^{\prime }(x)={\frac {\cos(x)}{2{\sqrt {\sin(x)}}}}}

Review the power rule for derivatives. Rewrite the square root as an exponent. Apply the power rule. Simplify the result. Review the chain rule for functions. Define the functions for the chain rule. Find the derivatives of the two functions. Combine the functions in the chain rule. Learn the shortcut for derivatives of any radical function. Find the derivative of the radicand. Write the derivative of the radicand as the numerator of a fraction. Write the denominator as double the original square root. Combine numerator and denominator to find the derivative.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-an-%22Asleep%22-Foot

How to Get Rid of an "Asleep" Foot

To get rid of an “asleep” foot, first try to change your leg position by uncrossing your legs or simply standing up to let more blood flow to your foot. Walking around also help you regain feeling in your foot, but be careful not to trip and hurt yourself. If that's not working, try soaking your feet in a warm epsom salt bath or massaging the foot that's “asleep.” If the problem persists, talk to your doctor, since an “asleep” foot may be a symptom of a more serious health concern.

Change your leg position. In most cases, cutting off the circulation to your foot by crossing your legs is the reason it goes numb. The blood vessels around your knee can get compressed with leg crossing or other contorted positions. Furthermore, the nerves that innervate your foot muscles are positioned next to the blood vessels, so some nerve entrapment or compression is not unusual either. As such, simply change your position by uncrossing your legs so that your foot gets its proper blood supply and nerve input. The foot that you cross over is typically the one that "falls asleep." As the blood starts to flow properly into your foot again, it should feel a little warmer and somewhat prickly for a few minutes. Stand up. In addition to changing your leg position (if leg crossing caused the pins and needles in your feet), stand up from your chair in order to promote better circulation. When you stand up, you enlist the help of gravity, which helps pull the blood from the upper leg into the foot. Arteries have smooth muscle fibers that contract and push the blood down in correlation with your heart beating, but standing up might make the process occur a little quicker. Moving your foot in all directions (circular motions for 15-20 seconds) will likely help with circulation also and reduce the numbness or pins and needles sensation a little quicker. While standing, a light leg stretch (such as bending at the waist and trying to touch your toes) might help "wake up" your feet also. Walk it off. After switching positions and un-kinking blood vessels and/or nerves of your lower leg, consider walking around to promote better circulation. The main caveat here is, make sure your have some feeling and normal strength in your foot otherwise you risk tripping or collapsing and causing an injury. Once you change your position, pins and needles in the feet don't last for more than a few minutes. Permanent foot damage can occur if blood flow is restricted and nerves are compressed for many hours. Simply shaking your asleep foot may be a safer alternative to walking if you still feel significant numbness or pins and needles. Wear shoes that fit properly. Pins and needles and/or numbness of the foot is sometimes caused by poorly fitting shoes. Cramming your feet into a narrow shoe is not good for circulation or nerve flow and may cause your feet to fall asleep — particularly if you walk or stand a lot. As such, choose shoes that grip your heel tightly, support your arches, provide enough room to wiggle your toes, and are made of breathable materials (such as a leather insole). Avoid wearing narrow-toed high heels. If your foot symptoms are primarily on the top part of your foot, then try loosening your laces. Get fitted for your shoes by a shoe salesperson later in the day because that's when your feet are at their largest, usually due to swelling and slight compression of your arches. When at your desk at work, consider taking your shoes off so your feet are less constricted and can breathe. Take a warm foot bath. In some cases, pins and needles in your feet might be caused by tight or strained muscles of your lower leg, such as your calves. Soaking your feet and lower legs in a warm Epsom salt bath can stimulate circulation and significantly reduce pain and muscle tension. The magnesium in the salt helps the muscles relax. If inflammation and swelling is a problem for you then follow the warm salt bath with an ice bath until your feet feel numb (about 15 minutes or so). Always dry your feet thoroughly before you get up and walk away from your foot bath in order to prevent slips and falls. A dietary lack of minerals (such as calcium or magnesium) or vitamins (such as B6 or B12) can contribute to uncomfortable symptoms in your feet and legs. Get a foot/leg massage. Get a massage therapist or sympathetic friend to give you a foot and calf massage. Massage reduces muscle tension and promotes better blood flow. Start rubbing from the toes and work towards the calf so you help the venous blood return back to the heart. Allow the therapist (or friend) to go as deep as you can tolerate without wincing. Always drink lots of water immediately following a massage in order to flush out inflammatory by-products and lactic acid from your body. Failure to do so might cause a headache or mild nausea. Consider applying peppermint massage lotion to your feet also, as it will tingle and invigorate them in a good way. Join a yoga class. Yoga is an aspect of traditional Indian culture that encourages health by proper breathing, meditation and placing the body into various challenging poses. In addition to stimulating energy flow, the body poses act to stretch and strengthen your muscles and improve your overall posture. Increasing your flexibility, particularly in your legs, might prevent your feet from falling asleep when your cross your legs or put them in other contorted positions. As a beginner, yoga poses might create some soreness in the muscles of your legs and other areas — it should fade away in a few days. If certain yoga poses increase the pins and needles in your feet, then stop immediately and ask your instructor for feedback on your technique. Consider acupuncture. Acupuncture involves sticking very thin needles into specific energy points within the skin and/or muscle in efforts to reduce pain and inflammation and promote better circulation. Acupuncture for chronically poor leg circulation and associated symptoms can be effective, although it's not commonly recommended by medical doctors. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by releasing a variety of substances including endorphins and serotonin, which act to reduce discomfort. Acupuncture points that may help your foot and leg symptoms are not all located near where you feel the symptoms — some can be in distant parts of the body. Acupuncture is practiced by a variety of health professionals including some physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and massage therapists — whoever you choose should be certified by NCCAOM. See your family doctor. If your feet seem to constantly be asleep and involve other symptoms such as pain, weakness, temperature changes or discoloration, then it's time to schedule an appointment with your physician. Your doctor will examine your feet and legs and ask questions about your family history, diet and lifestyle, and maybe even send you for a blood test (to check blood glucose levels and rule out the possibility of diabetes). Your family doctor is not a neurological or circulatory specialist, so you may need a referral to another doctor with more specialized training. Get a referral to a specialist. Feet that fall asleep on occasion is not considered a serious medical problem, just more of an annoyance, but there are some serious conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as diabetic neuropathy, venous insufficiency (leaky vein valves of the lower leg), chronic compartment syndrome (swelling of the lower leg muscles), or Peripheral artery disease (PAD). As such, a medical specialist may be needed to properly diagnose your condition, such as a vascular surgeon, a neurologist or an orthopedist (musculoskeletal specialist). Foot symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy include: numbness and tingling, reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes, muscle cramps, burning pain, muscle weakness, painful ulcers that won't heal, pain from a light touch, toenail changes. Risk factors for developing neuropathy include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and hypertension. Cardiovascular disease at baseline is associated with double the risk of neuropathy. Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include: swelling in the lower legs and ankles, aching or tiredness in the legs, discolored leathery-looking skin on the feet and lower legs, numbness and tingling, stasis ulcers. Diagnosis is made on venous ultrasound with a reversed flow. Risk factors for venous insufficiency include: increasing age, family history, prolonged standing, increases in BMI , smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and lower extremity trauma. Vascular ultrasound is a painless procedure that allows a doctor to assess the function of the veins and arteries of your lower leg. PAD is a disease of the lower extremity arteries and is characterized by painful muscle cramping in the hips, thighs or calves when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising; this pain will dissipate when you rest. The pain is an indication that your legs and feet aren't receiving sufficient blood flow. PAD increases your risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and heart attack. Risk factors for PAD include: age greater that 70, history of smoking or diabetes, abnormal pulse, and known atherosclerosis. Neurologists can order a nerve conduction study (NCS) and/or an electromyelography (EMG) to test the ability of the nerves in your feet and legs in transmitting electrical messages. See a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a foot specialist who can give you another informed opinion about your foot issue if it's lingering and becoming a chronic problem. A podiatrist will examine your foot for any trauma that may have damaged any nerves or benign growths or tumors that are irritating and/or compressing nerves or blood vessels. A podiatrist can also prescribe custom-made shoes or orthotics (shoe inserts) for your feet to increase comfort and protection. A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue often found between the third and fourth toes, which can cause pain and pins and needles in the feet.

Change your leg position. Stand up. Walk it off. Wear shoes that fit properly. Take a warm foot bath. Get a foot/leg massage. Join a yoga class. Consider acupuncture. See your family doctor. Get a referral to a specialist. See a podiatrist.

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Gold-Nuggets

How to Find Gold Nuggets

To find gold nuggets, you'll need to buy a metal detector if you don't already have one. Next, practice using it in your backyard to find nails, bottle caps, or coins that you hide in the grass. Then, when you're ready to start looking for gold, sweep the metal detector's coils low along the ground, and be careful to leave some overlap so you don't miss anything! Finally, if you do strike gold, keep digging deeper, because where there's any gold, there's almost always a larger deposit.

Gather materials for your gold-hunting expedition. You can hunt for gold with a simple gold pan and not much else. However, there are some other items that may make your expedition easier. Some items to pack for your gold-hunting expedition include: Gold pan Shovel Grizzly pan (pan with holes in the bottom for sifting) Magnifying glass Tweezers Small magnet Glass vials to hold gold Dress appropriately for the weather and location. Wear something warm if the weather will be cold. Dress in layers so you can easily remove them if you become too warm. If the weather will be hot, opt for shorts and a T-shirt. Make sure to bring sunscreen as well to protect any uncovered skin. Some other items you might need include: Rubber gloves Rubber boots Comfortable hiking shoes An extra pair of socks Winter coat or waterproof jacket Sunglasses Pack snacks, water, and any other items you might need. Hunting for gold can take all day and it can be physically exhausting. Make sure that you bring plenty of water and food to keep you fueled for your gold-hunting activities. Some good options include: Trail mix (dried fruit and nuts) Granola Pretzels Fresh fruit Jerky Thermos of coffee or an energy drink Research locations where gold has been found before. Your best chance for finding gold nuggets is to go to locations where other people have found gold before. Check online and talk with other people who have experience searching for gold nuggets. Also, check with your national, state or provincial geological survey office for information or maps. You can also check online for maps to old gold mines. Purchase a metal detector to make it easier to find gold. Metal detectors are widely available and they make it much easier to find gold nuggets. Purchase a metal detector or build your own before you head out in search of gold nuggets. Get a metal detector that comes with headphones or use your own to make it easier to hear the tones. Make sure that the metal detector you purchase or build can detect gold. There are also some special models of metal detectors available that are extra sensitive to gold. Learn how to use the metal detector properly. Read the instructions that came with your metal detector. If you purchase the metal detector in a store, you could also ask a salesperson to give you a demonstration before you leave. You could also watch videos online for your specific type of metal detector. Sweep your metal detector from side-to-side just above the ground. Keep the metal detector low and sweep it gently from side to side. Avoid sweeping in a pendulum pattern high off the ground or you will miss sections of the ground in your search. Perform overlapping sweeps to ensure full-coverage of an area. It's important to double back and check the right beside the areas where you have just swept. Aim to overlap where you swept on the first pass by about 1 ft (0.30 m) to ensure that you don't miss anything. If you do not slightly overlap your sweeps, then you may miss small deposits between swept areas. Don't stop searching an area until you have covered every section of it. Dig for gold in areas where your metal detector beeps. Use as rake to remove and loosen soil in layers or a shovel to dig deeper in the ground. If your metal detector has a feature that tells you how deep to dig, then dig to this level in the ground where the metal detector is beeping. If you find a gold nugget, keep searching deeper and in the surrounding areas. Gold nuggets are often found in patches, so there might be more! Use a hammer and anvil to break up large rocks that may contain gold. If you find a rock that your metal detector indicates may have gold in it, place it on an anvil and hit it with a hammer. You may have to do this several times to break up the rock if it's large. Make sure to wear goggles and heavy leather gloves when you do this. Place smaller pieces of gold in a sifting pan and rinse with water. If you dig up small pieces of gold, rinse them in a sifting pan to remove dirt and debris. Pour excess water over the grooved edge of the pan slowly. This will help to ensure that you do not lose any pieces of gold that may be in the soil. Use a blue sifting pan to make it easier to spot any gold that you find. Target rock outcroppings to find gold that is visible above ground. Look in the soil and in any water sources, such as shallow creeks and streams, below the outcropping. If any gold washed away from the rock outcropping, it may have embedded in the soil since gold is heavier than other minerals. Granite, shale, and gneiss often contain gold, so try to target outcroppings made from these types of rocks. Pan for gold in shallow areas of rivers and streams. Look for a shallow area of a river or stream, such as near the edges of the river. Dip your pan into the soil near the edge of the river and gently swish and sift it to remove the water. Gold is heavy, so it will sink to the bottom of the pan if there's any in it. After the water is gone, check to see if the pan contains any gold. Make sure to use a blue or green-colored gold pan. This will make it easier to spot any smaller pieces of gold that you find. Check the areas around old mines without entering them. Never enter an old mine as this can be very dangerous. However, you can search the areas around an old gold mine to look for gold. Check the roads leading to and from the mine as well as any nearby streams or rock outcroppings. If there's any old equipment leftover from when the mine was being actively used, check around there as well. Dig under pebbles on the edges of rivers and streams. Gold may lie just underneath pebbles along the edges of a river or stream as well. Gold is heavier than other types of minerals, so it sinks down and it might be in the soil just under the pebbles. Try checking along the edges of a river bed or stream after a flood or heavy rain. You may have more luck finding gold after a heavy rainfall has shifted everything around.

Gather materials for your gold-hunting expedition. Dress appropriately for the weather and location. Pack snacks, water, and any other items you might need. Research locations where gold has been found before. Purchase a metal detector to make it easier to find gold. Learn how to use the metal detector properly. Sweep your metal detector from side-to-side just above the ground. Perform overlapping sweeps to ensure full-coverage of an area. Dig for gold in areas where your metal detector beeps. Use a hammer and anvil to break up large rocks that may contain gold. Place smaller pieces of gold in a sifting pan and rinse with water. Target rock outcroppings to find gold that is visible above ground. Pan for gold in shallow areas of rivers and streams. Check the areas around old mines without entering them. Dig under pebbles on the edges of rivers and streams.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Russian-Dwarf-Hamster

How to Care for a Russian Dwarf Hamster

To care for a Russian dwarf hamster, keep it in a large cage that's at least 2 feet long and 16 inches deep or in a glass aquarium that's at least 10 gallons. You should also provide your hamster with fresh water and a balanced diet, including commercial hamster food, fresh vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Just avoid feeding your hamster high-sugar foods, like fruit, as well as foods that are toxic to hamsters, like raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, and sprouts.

Choose a cage that is safe and easy to clean. A good cage for your hamster is one that keeps him safe and is easy for you to clean. A wire hamster cage with solid flooring is generally the best choice. The bar spacing in a wire cage should be less than one-half inch to prevent him from escaping. The wires should also be covered with a substance called PVC to prevent rusting. Make sure the cage flooring is smooth. Your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wire flooring and possibly break one of his leg bones. If you have a cage with wire flooring, cover the flooring with a smooth material, such as cardboard or laminate flooring (available at a hardware store). Cages with colorful plastic tubes and tunnels are fun to look at, but can be very difficult to clean. In addition, your dwarf hamster could chew through the plastic. Clean your hamster's cage and its components once a week with hot water. His bedding should also be replaced with each cleaning. Glass aquariums do not always circulate fresh air very well, which could lead to a high level of ammonia in the cage, which can be toxic to your hamster. Clean the aquarium regularly to prevent an ammonia buildup. Glass aquariums also lack good ventilation and may heat up rapidly if placed in direct sunlight. Select a large cage. The fact that your Russian dwarf hamster is small doesn't mean you should put him in a small cage. In fact, the larger the cage, the better. Your dwarf hamster's cage should be at least 60 cm (24 inches) long and 40 cm (16 inches) deep. A larger cage will not get dirty as quickly. With a large cage to call home, your dwarf hamster won't be as likely to get bored or agitated. When your dwarf hamster is happy, he's less likely to develop compulsive behaviors, such as bar chewing, that are bad for him. If you have more than one dwarf hamster in the same cage, a large cage will keep them from being aggressive towards each other. If you have chosen a glass aquarium to house your dwarf hamster, it should be at least 10 gallons. Cover the cage floor with bedding. Cage bedding has several benefits. It helps keep the cage clean by soaking up your hamster's urine. Cage bedding also helps your hamster feel more at home. He'll be able to forage and burrow as much as he likes. Pine shavings would be a very comfortable bedding for your hamster. Do not use cedar bedding. Cedar oil can cause your hamster's fuzz to fall out and his skin to crack. If his skin cracks, he can become dehydrated and very sick. Pick a good location for your dwarf hamster’s cage. Place your hamster's cage in a comfortable room (65 to 75 °Fahrenheit/18 to 24 °Celsius) where the temperature stays constant and there are no drafts. Within the room, do not place the cage near a heat source (e.g, fireplace, window with lots of sunlight) — this could warm up the cage too much, especially if it is a glass aquarium. A room that is too cold (below 60 °Fahrenheit/15 °Celsius) could make your hamster very sluggish, possibly to the point of hibernation. Because hamsters like to play at night, your bedroom would not be a good place for your hamster's cage. The noise of his activity could keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster. Russian dwarf hamsters eat like other hamsters. Hamster food comes in pelleted form or as seed mixes. Your dwarf hamster should eat either one tablespoon of pellets or one to two teaspoons of seed mix per day. Pellets are very healthy and give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing on pellets helps your hamster keep his teeth filed down. Be careful with feeding a seed mix to your dwarf hamster — he may pick out and eat only the tastiest seeds in the mix, causing him to miss out on important nutrients. Seed mixes tend to be high in fat. A good quality commercial hamster food should contain at least 15 to 20% protein. Read the ingredient label to see how much protein is in the food. Add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Your dwarf hamster needs to eat more than just pellets and seed mixes. He should also eat some fresh vegetables that add variety and vitamins to his diet. Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides. Give him fresh vegetables daily and make sure you remove the old ones so they don't molder in the cage. Leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce) are great additions to your dwarf hamster's diet. Other vegetables to feed your dwarf hamster include broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers. Add vegetables to your hamster's diet very slowly — one small piece of vegetable once or twice a week. This will prevent him from getting diarrhea. Work up to feeding one small piece of a vegetable once a day. Include a protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. Protein is an important component of your dwarf hamster's balanced diet. Good protein sources include boiled chicken or turkey, hardboiled egg whites, and canned and drained tuna. Vegetarian protein sources include tofu, flaxseed, and roasted soybeans. Add extra protein to your dwarf hamster's diet once a week. Whichever protein source you choose, feed it to your dwarf hamster in one small piece at a time. Feed your dwarf hamster grains. Whole grains (whole wheat toast, cooked rice, cooked pasta, unsweetened cereal) make great, healthy snacks for your dwarf hamster. Make sure the cooked rice or pasta is completely cooled down before feeding it to him. Crunchy toast and cereal would be good for your dwarf hamster to chew on. As with the other foods, feed the grains in small bits to your dwarf hamster. Incorporate treats into your dwarf hamster’s diet. Treats are another good way to add variety to what your dwarf hamster eats every day. Commercial hamster treats are available at your local pet store. Your pet store may carry “yogurt drops” for hamsters. These are very fattening, however, so your hamster should not eat them very often. Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster certain foods. Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to developing diabetes, so high-sugar foods, such as fruits, should be avoided. Other high-sugar foods to avoid include corn, white bread, and white rice. Some foods—raisins, potatoes, onions, garlic, sprouts—are toxic to dwarf hamsters and should be avoided. Provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water. Your Russian dwarf hamster will need constant access to fresh water. Place a water bottle with a stem and ball bearing in your hamster's cage, and replace the water every day. Attach the bottle to a side of his cage at a height where he can easily reach the stem with his mouth. Do not put the water in a bowl. Your hamster would eventually turn his cage into a watery mess by drinking water from a bowl. Place toys in your dwarf hamster’s cage. Environmental enrichment is an important way to keep your Russian dwarf hamster mentally and physically active. The more enriched his environment, the happier and healthier he will be, and the easier it will be to tame and handle him. Examples of toys include empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes. Plastic portable tubes also make great toys for your dwarf hamster. You can purchase them at your local pet store. Keep in mind, though, that he could chew through the plastic—replace the tube when he's chewed enough to cause damage. You can also make your own hamster toys. Examples of homemade toys include ladders, hamster houses, and obstacle courses. Hide his food. When it is time to feed your dwarf hamster, hide or sprinkle some of the food morsels deep in his bedding or within another object in his cage. This will encourage him to forage like he would in the wild. You may notice that your dwarf hamster will stash food in different areas of his cage as a snack for later. Give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Chewing not only keeps your dwarf hamster busy, but also keeps his teeth filed down. Your dwarf hamster would love to chew on wooden cubes. To add more fun, the cubes have holes on multiple sides that he can crawl through. Your hamster could also chew on a bendable wooden toy, which is made of rounded pieces of wood that are banded together. You can also twist this toy type into different shapes to create walls, platforms, and houses that your hamster could play on or in. Give your dwarf hamster small, soft rawhide chews to chew on. Dwarf hamsters also like to chew on mineral blocks, which can last a long time. You can find chewing materials at your local pet store. Give your dwarf hamster exercise equipment. Exercise helps your dwarf hamster stay in shape and mentally alert. An exercise wheel will allow him to get plenty of exercise within his cage. Make sure the exercise wheel is solid—your dwarf hamster could get his feet stuck in wires and potentially break a leg bone. If the exercise wheel starts to sound squeaky after a while, grease it with Vaseline where needed. An exercise ball will allow your dwarf hamster to exercise outside of his cage. Let him play in the ball for up to 30 minutes — not only will your hamster need a rest after about 30 minutes, but he may also need some fresh air. Let your dwarf hamster run in the hamster ball in different rooms, but never near a set of stairs or open water, like a pool. Plastic flying saucers are also good for your hamster. He can run on them like he runs on an exercise wheel. Wash your hands. Having clean hands will keep your dwarf hamster from biting you when you pick him up. If your hands smell like food, then he will essentially see your hand as food and bite it to try to get a taste. Wash your hands with unscented soap before handling your dwarf hamster. Make a scoop with your hands inside of his cage. Creating a scoop with your hands will keep your dwarf hamster supported as you lift him up. In addition, by placing your hands underneath your dwarf hamster, he will probably walk onto them. Do not reach down into your dwarf hamster's cage to pick him up. Your hand will remind him of a large bird of prey swooping down to snatch him up — he will be terrified by this. Use slow and gentle movements when putting your hands in his cage. Always speak to your dwarf hamster before putting your hands in his cage. Your voice will help keep him calm as you go to pick him up. Do not chase your dwarf hamster around his cage to get him to step onto your hands. Let him come to you instead of the other way around. Determine if he is nibbling or biting. There are important differences between your dwarf hamster's nibbling and biting when you pick him up. His nibbles are friendly and are his way of exploring your hand. Nibbles generally do not hurt. Bites are usually not friendly. They are your dwarf hamster's way of telling you that he is stressed, scared, or just upset that you haven't handled him enough. Hamster bites are usually faster than a nibble and are accompanied by a sound of distress, like a squeak. Bites can be painful. Whether your dwarf hamster bites or nibbles, do not jerk your hand away. This could frighten him and make him wary of you. Gently blowing in his face and saying a firm "no" should stop the biting behavior. Handle your dwarf hamster every day. Russian dwarf hamsters have short memories, so your dwarf hamster may not remember that you just held him the day before. Handle him each day so that he will not become distressed or upset with not being held enough. Dwarf hamsters enjoy being handled. Do not let your dwarf hamster fall out of your hands when you hold him. Prevent this by supporting his body and keeping him close to you when you lift him out of his cage.

Choose a cage that is safe and easy to clean. Select a large cage. Cover the cage floor with bedding. Pick a good location for your dwarf hamster’s cage. Select a commercial food for your dwarf hamster. Add fresh vegetables to your dwarf hamster’s diet. Include a protein source in your dwarf hamster’s diet. Feed your dwarf hamster grains. Incorporate treats into your dwarf hamster’s diet. Avoid feeding your dwarf hamster certain foods. Provide your dwarf hamster with fresh water. Place toys in your dwarf hamster’s cage. Hide his food. Give your dwarf hamster something to chew on. Give your dwarf hamster exercise equipment. Wash your hands. Make a scoop with your hands inside of his cage. Determine if he is nibbling or biting. Handle your dwarf hamster every day.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Car-Insurance-Company

How to Start a Car Insurance Company

Before you open a car insurance company, make sure to get a property and causality insurance license from your state. To do so, take pre-licensing courses and prepare for a state administered exam. Once you are licensed, develop a business plan to help you finalize what products you will offer, your salary, and how much capital you need. To obtain financing or learn more about starting a company, contact the Small Business Administration.

Obtain a property and casualty insurance license from your state. This license allows you to legally sell car insurance in the state in which you hope to operate your business, and ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so. Attend a pre-licensing course. You will likely be required to takes courses covering both insurance and ethics. These courses will be specific to the state in which you are hoping to acquire a license. Most are available online and can be completed at your own pace, but do require courses fees. Take a state-administered exam. This is required to obtain an insurances license in most states. Find out what the requirements are for your state from its department of insurance (which sometimes go by various names). They will also notify you of the financial and other requirements related to licensing. Some states will allow you to transfer your license from state to state. Construct a business plan for your car insurance company. Your business plan should outline how you'll attract customers, which insurance carriers you'll work with, and what your start-up costs are expected to be, as well as your projected income for the first few years of business. Of course, there are some simpler decisions to make as well. Choose the specific location of your business. You must know the state or states in which you intend to operate to get an insurance license. Determine the actual city in which you will locate your business as well. This will help you start to consider whether you will be buying, leasing, or building an office. Know that the specifics of your business plan are likely to change as you begin to build your business. One immediate necessity of an insurance company is the ability to determine risk when insuring your clients. (Larger companies, with whom you may be able to partner or purchase information from, will have the best access to this sort of information and the cutting-edge technologies with which it is derived.) Be prepared to offer as much as possible to your customers. The more policies you have, the more policy options and different rates you can offer your clients. You can even sell policies offered by other larger insurance providers. Be sure to offer liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance, as well as multi-car insurance policies and umbrella policies. Diminish unanticipated surprises by getting advice on your business plan from lawyers, accountants, public relations professionals, and other business people as early as you're able to do so. Develop strong relationships with contacts at other insurance providers and carriers, at all levels of the industry. These people, who you should treat as both professional peers and as friends, will likely become key avenues of information, if not formal business partners. Research what's available independently. Familiarize yourself with all of the plans you will have the capability to offer (both when you open and as you grow), as well as what it will take to offer them. Some of these will necessitate cooperation with other insurance businesses. The sooner you know who you need to work with, and who you would like to work with in the future, the better you can develop those relationships. Consider purchasing an existing car insurance agency. Business acquisition has the advantages of saving time, acquiring an existing customer base, and avoiding startup costs. There are always opportunities to franchise or partner with successful insurance companies as well. Purchasing or buying into an existing company is both easier and more reliable than starting your own business – in part because the business plan is already developed and has likely been put into effect. Build your own brand to have full control of your insurance company by starting from scratch. Add an insurance company to your business portfolio by buying a franchise or partnering with an established insurance agency. Know the cost of starting a car insurance company. You need to have a good idea of how much it will cost to get the company up and running. There's no benchmark amount that is required to start a car insurance company. Your business model, your location, your experience, and your business partnerships will all greatly affect this figure. There are guaranteed expenses associated with licensing, which can be quite substantial – figures in some states can reach several hundreds of thousands of dollars. While you may be able to fully license your company for under $100,000, recognize that costs such as rent, your own salary, and other necessary expenses can quickly add up. Contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) for information regarding the likely costs you will incur in starting a business, and for help securing the funding to do so. Secure sufficient financing to get your business running. If you're planning to run your car insurance company as a full-time job, you will likely need to secure financing to do so. This will likely require either a loan or investment capital from private investors to cover your start-up costs and living expenses until you start generating revenue. Whereas banks are sometimes hesitant offering new business loans, the SBA exists specifically to help start and run small businesses. Reach out to any personal connections you have in the business world. Private investors can be a great source of investment capital. Have a carefully prepared proposal ready when you apply for financing. This should contain details including the total capital you require, the salary you intend to pay yourself, and other initial expenses for the first few years. This will help potential financiers assess the risk involved in a potential loan or investment. Acquire a business license and insure the business itself. In order to sell insurance, you need to register in the city in which you tend to do business. You also need to get a business license from the city. Fill out all necessary applications and pay the associated fees. While it is unlikely that you will have to undergo any further testing or coursework, there will certainly be paperwork and necessary payments. If you intend to hire employees or hope to incorporate your business, you will also need to acquire an agency license. Revisit and finalize your business plan. Other aspects of your long term business plan will necessitate identifying customers and the specific sales strategies that will appeal to them, hiring qualified employees, and identifying competitors. Once it feels like you're ready to go, there are likely a few more things to do. Be sure you've met all legal requirements and have protected yourself and your business. Purchase liability and property insurance for your car insurance company to protect your assets in case of a natural disaster, an accident, and to protect from losses associated with lawsuits. Finalize which specific insurance policies you want to sell. Though much of this will have been determined by this point, you may realize you have more of a capacity to differentiate options than you had previously thought. Again, be sure you're equipped to provide as much as possible to your customers. For instance, consider selling insurance for special niches, such as vintage car insurance, motorcycle insurance, and RV insurance. Market your car insurance company. You need to be able to identify and contact potential clients. Advertising is a necessity, and it's worth reaching out to people you know. The keys to marketing are identifying your target market, noting what makes your products unique, and developing a strategy to communicate the reasons to purchase insurance from your company. Advertise in local publications, at driving schools, at the DMV, and online. Contact family members, friends, business associates and everyday acquaintances to notify them of your new business. Emphasize – in both conversations and all marketing materials – opportunities for potential clients to save money by switching to an insurance policy offered by your company.

Obtain a property and casualty insurance license from your state. Construct a business plan for your car insurance company. Be prepared to offer as much as possible to your customers. Consider purchasing an existing car insurance agency. Know the cost of starting a car insurance company. Secure sufficient financing to get your business running. Acquire a business license and insure the business itself. Revisit and finalize your business plan. Market your car insurance company.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chickpeas

How to Cook Chickpeas

To cook dried chickpeas, start by covering them with cold water and allowing them to sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight, so that they soak up the water. After they've soaked, drain the chickpeas in a strainer and rinse them under cool running water. Next, transfer the chickpeas to a large saucepan and fill the pan with enough water to cover them. Then, bring the water to a boil before reducing to heat to medium-low for 1 hour, or until the chickpeas have softened. Finally, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas again before serving.

Cover the chickpeas in cold water. Place the chickpeas in a large saucepan or stockpot and pour cold water over them. The water should cover the chickpeas by 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm). As the chickpeas absorb the water, you may need to add more. In fact, chickpeas can nearly double in size, so you may end up needing twice as much water as you have chickpeas. Soaking is important for two main reasons. First, soaking dried chickpeas softens them, thereby cutting down the amount of time they need to cook. Second, the soaking process breaks down many of the gas-inducing sugars in the beans, thereby making them easier to digest. Add baking soda. Stir 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of baking soda into the water until it dissolves. Baking soda is not strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial. The molecules in baking soda attach themselves to gas-inducing sugars in the chickpeas known as oligosaccharides. By binding to these sugars, baking soda can break them down and partially remove that gut felt odorous, gas producer from the structure of the chickpea. On the other hand, baking soda can leave behind a salty, soapy flavor in large amounts, so if you decide to use it, you should only use a little. Soak overnight. The chickpeas should soak in the cold water for at least 8 hours. Cover the pot of chickpeas with a clean dish towel or lid as they soak. You can leave them out at room temperature; refrigeration is not needed. Alternatively, quick soak the chickpeas. If you only have an hour or so to work with, you can soak the chickpeas faster by rapidly boiling the beans in a stockpot of hot water. Place the chickpeas in a stockpot or large saucepan and cover with 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) of water. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil over high heat on the stove. Let them continue boiling rapidly for 5 minutes, with baking soda included. Remove the pot of chickpeas from the heat, cover loosely, and let the chickpeas soak in the hot water for a full 1 hour. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pour the water and chickpeas through a strainer to separate them. Rinse the chickpeas for 30 to 60 seconds under running water while in the strainer, gently sifting them so that all the chickpeas get washed with the water. Any dirt or debris in the soaking water can adhere to the chickpea skin as the chickpeas soak, so it is important to drain the water and rinse the chickpeas well. The sugars that broke down into the water can still cling to the sides of the chickpeas, too, which is another important reason to dump the water and rinse the beans. Rinsing the chickpeas can also help remove the aftertaste left behind by baking soda. Cover the chickpeas with fresh water in a large saucepan. Transfer the chickpeas to a clean saucepan or stockpot and fill the pan with enough water to cover the beans. If you want to make the beans more flavorful, add about 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) of salt to the contents of the saucepan for every 2 qt (2 L) of water used. The beans can draw the salt in as they cook, thereby flavoring the inside of the chickpea as well as the outside. As a general guideline, use about 1 qt (1 L) of water for every 1 cup (250 ml) of soaked beans. Simmer the chickpeas until softened: by setting the saucepan on your stove and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reducing the heat to medium or medium-low, until the water simmers, then simmering in water for 1 to 2 hours. For dishes that require firm beans, like stews and soups, only cook the beans for about 1 hour. For dishes that require softer beans, like hummus, cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Drain, rinse, and use as desired. Once finished, pour the chickpeas and water through a strainer and rinse the beans, still inside the strainer, under running water for 30 to 60 seconds. Serve immediately, add to a recipe calling for chickpeas, or save for another time. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Place the chickpeas in a strainer and rinse them for 30 to 60 seconds under cold running water. By rinsing the chickpeas now, you clean off any surface debris or dirt clinging to the dried beans. This is also a good chance to pick out any small stones or dark brown chickpeas that accidentally got mixed into the batch. Place the ingredients in a small slow cooker. Combine the water, chickpeas, and baking soda in a 2 1/2 qt (2.5 L) slow cooker, stirring slightly to make sure that the baking soda is evenly dispersed and that the chickpeas are all submerged under the water. Note that a pre-soaking is not needed when you cook the chickpeas in a slow cooker. Since the chickpeas will cook so slowly, they do not need to be softened beforehand. The use of baking soda is still recommended, however. Since you are skipping the pre-soaking step here, the sugars do not have the same opportunity to break down as they do with the traditional boiling method. The use of baking soda, which helps break apart gas-inducing sugars, can make the chickpeas a bit easier to digest once finished. If you decide not to use the baking soda, you can add 1 tsp (5 ml) of salt to the water, instead. The salt will not break apart the sugar, but it will add more flavor to the chickpeas, which will absorb the grains of salt as they take in water. As a result, the inside of the chickpeas will be seasoned as well as the outside. Cover and cook until soft. Cook on high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 8 to 9 hours. If you want slightly firmer beans, cook them on high for only 2 to 3 hours. Drain and rinse well. Dump the contents of the slow cooker into a strainer to separate the water from the beans. Rinse the beans, still inside the strainer, under running water for 30 to 60 seconds. The water the beans cooked in can contain a lot of dirt and stripped sugars, so it needs to be dumped out. The chickpeas must also be rinsed since some of the debris in the water can end up clinging to the surface of the chickpeas. Serve or use as desired. You can use the chickpeas immediately, add them to a recipe calling for the bean, or save them for another time. Any recipe that calls for boiled chickpeas can use slow cooker chickpeas, though. Note that slow cooked chickpeas tend to be very tender, so you might be better off using them in a recipe that calls for soft, tender chickpeas rather than one requiring firmer beans. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. You could also grease the baking sheet with shortening or cover it with a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Pour the contents of the can through a strainer to separate out the liquid. Rinse the chickpeas, still in the strainer, under running water for 30 to 60 seconds. You could also drain the liquid from the beans using the lid of the can. Partially crack the lid open just enough so that liquid can escape but chickpeas cannot. Tip the can over a sink and let the liquid drain out through this gap. Drain out as much liquid as possible before opening the lid all the way. You can also add water to the drained can and swish it around to help rinse the beans. Place the lid over the can so that there is a small gap and pour out the rinsing water through this gap. Note, however, that proper rinsing through a strainer is still the recommended method. Gently remove the skins from the chickpeas. Lay the chickpeas out in between two layers of clean paper towels. Gently roll the chickpeas around with the top paper towel to remove any remaining, excess water and to peel off loose skins. Be careful as you press on the chickpeas, however, since you do not want to accidentally crush them by using too much force. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil. Dump the chickpeas into a medium mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them. Gently toss the chickpeas around with a mixing spoon or clean hands to coat them all in the oil. The oil will add flavor to the chickpeas, but it will also help them to develop a pleasant color and texture while roasting in the oven. Spread the chickpeas out onto the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the coated chickpeas to the baking sheet, spreading them out in a single, even layer. Make sure that the chickpeas are kept in a single layer. The beans need equal exposure to the heating elements in order to cook evenly. Roast until golden brown and crunchy. This should take about 30 to 40 minutes in your preheated oven. Pay close attention to the chickpeas as they cook so that you can remove them if they appear to be burning. Season as desired and enjoy. Sprinkle the salt and garlic powder over the toasted chickpeas and toss them gently with a flat spatula to coat evenly. Serve and enjoy as a healthy snack. You can experiment with other spices and spice mixes, as well. For instance, you can season the chickpeas with paprika, chile powder, curry powder, garam masala, or even cinnamon.

Cover the chickpeas in cold water. Add baking soda. Soak overnight. Alternatively, quick soak the chickpeas. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Cover the chickpeas with fresh water in a large saucepan. Simmer the chickpeas until softened: Drain, rinse, and use as desired. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Place the ingredients in a small slow cooker. Cover and cook until soft. Drain and rinse well. Serve or use as desired. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Gently remove the skins from the chickpeas. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil. Spread the chickpeas out onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast until golden brown and crunchy. Season as desired and enjoy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Shut-up-in-Japanese

How to Say Shut up in Japanese

To say shut up in Japanese, use the word "damare," which is pronounced "dah-mah-ray." To speak from a position of authority, you can say "damarinasai," which is pronounced "dah-mah-ree-nah-sigh." Keep in mind that both of these options are fairly rude. If you want to tell someone to be quiet in a more polite way, you can say "shizukani," which is pronounced "shih-zoo-kah-knee."

Say "damare" as a good all-around "shut up. " Try this easy phrase for your everyday "shut up" usage. It's pronounced "dah-mah-ray." "Dah" and "mah" both more or less rhyme with "raw". Note that the r sound used here is light and fast like a Spanish r. The r is pronounced with a light flick of the tongue, almost like an English d or the two ts in the word "butter." In Japanese, this phrase is written "黙れ". If you really want to make an impression, try rolling the r sound at the end of the word. This can be used in Japanese to give great emotion or emphasis to a word. This, too resembles the Spanish rolled r sound. To speak from a position of authority, say "damarinasai. " If you want to tell someone to shut up as if you are someone with power over them (like a boss or a policeman), use this option. It's pronounced "dah-mah-ree-nah-sigh." The the first three syllables are just like "damare," only with a long e sound (as in "tea") at the end. "Nah" also rhymes with "raw" and the final "sigh" is pronounced like the English word. The approximate meaning here is "silence!" This phrase is written "黙りなさい". Say "yakamashī" for a semi-rude form of "you're being too loud. " This phrase literally means "noisy," but implies that the person you're talking about should shut up. It's pronounced "yah-kah-mah-shee" (basically how its English form is spelled). The one thing to watch out for is the "shee" at the end — in Japanese, these long vowels at the ends of words are held about twice as long as normal vowels. This can give this phrase an almost "whining" quality to an English ear as the final syllable is held out for something like "yakamasheeee." This phrase is written "やかましい". Alternatively, say "urusai. " This phrase is very similar in meaning to yakamashī. It's pronounced "ooh-roo-sigh." Note that, in Japanese, the lips don't move forward for the long u sound. Thus, the vowel sounds in "ooh" and "roo" should sound about halfway between the "oo" in "root" and the u in "rut." This can take a little practice. This phrase is written "うるさい". Don't forget to use the light, quick r sound by flicking your tongue against the top of your mouth. Say "shizuka ni shiro yo! " for an angry "be quiet!" This phrase is basically an abrupt, rude way to ask for quiet. It's a good choice if you've already asked someone nicely to be quiet and gotten no response. Pronounce this phrase "shee-zoo-kah knee shee-roh yo." Remember again that the Japanese u sound is made without moving the lips forward. This phrase is written "静か に 白 よ". Use "yarou" at the end to emphasize your anger or contempt. Japanese doesn't have true "swear words" the way that other languages do, but it does have insults you can add to your phrases to express how upset you are with someone. "Yarou" is one of these insults — its meaning is somewhat similar to "bastard" or "unpleasant person" in English. "Yarou" is pronounced roughly like "yeah-row". Use the short a sound (as in "apple") for the first syllable — the second is similar to the English word "row. To use this word, add it after you say an adjective like "urusai" or "yakamashi." For instance, "urusai yarou" means, basically, "shut up, you noisy, annoying person." "Yarou" is written "野郎". Say "shizukani" for "be quiet. " This fairly standard phrase is a neutral way to ask someone to be quiet without any insulting connotations. You may, for instance, hear teachers use this to quiet students during study time. "Shizukani" is pronounced "shih-zoo-kah-knee." The first syllable uses the short i sound (as in "pit"), while the last syllable uses the long e sound (as in "tea"). Note that the last syllable here doesn't have the extra-long emphasis used in "yakamashī." This phrase is written "静かに". This option is still a little abrupt and forceful to use with strangers, so you'll probably want to opt for the phrase below if you want to be extra-delicate. Say "shizukani shite kudasai" for "please be quiet. " This is one of the most polite ways you can ask someone else to be quiet — for instance, it's perfect for hushing noisy people around you in a movie theater. "Shizukani" is pronounced exactly as in the step above. "Shite" is pronounced "she-tay" (use the long e sound as in tea for the first syllable). "Kudusai is pronounced "koo-dah-sigh." Once again, the u sound is made without moving the lips forward. This phrase is written "静か に して ください". Remember the word "kudasai" — it's Japanese for "please," so you'll end up using it a lot if you learn more common Japanese phrases. Respond with "arigatō" when you get what you ask for. If you ask someone to be quiet politely and they do quiet down, don't forget to say thanks! "Arigatō" is an all-purpose Japanese way to say "thank you." It's pronounced "ah-ree-gah-toe." Use the delicate Japanese r sound made with a flick of your tongue described above. You'll also want to hold the final o sound a little longer than normal (just like you did for the ī in "yakamashī") This phrase is written "ありがとう". For "thank you very much," you can say "arigatou gozaimasu. " "Gozaimasu" is pronounced "go-zye-moss." Note that the second syllable rhymes with "eye" and the u at the end is not pronounced. This phrase is written "ありがとう ございます".

Say "damare" as a good all-around "shut up. To speak from a position of authority, say "damarinasai. Say "yakamashī" for a semi-rude form of "you're being too loud. Alternatively, say "urusai. Say "shizuka ni shiro yo! Use "yarou" at the end to emphasize your anger or contempt. Say "shizukani" for "be quiet. Say "shizukani shite kudasai" for "please be quiet. Respond with "arigatō" when you get what you ask for.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Ribbon-from-Fraying

How to Keep Ribbon from Fraying

Fabric ribbons tend to fray and separate at the edges, but you can keep your ribbon from fraying by cutting it at a diagonal and applying nail polish or glue at the edges. Snip the edge of your ribbon at a 45-degree angle or cut it in an inverted “v” shape, which will help with the fraying. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the edges of the ribbon to help the fabric stay together. You can also apply an anti-fraying spray or clear craft glue to the tip of your ribbon to keep the threads together.

Find extremely sharp fabric scissors. The sharper the scissors, the better the edge of the ribbon will be. Measure the length of your ribbon. Snip the edge at a 45-degree angle, or cut it in an inverted “v” shape to discourage fraying. Purchase clear nail polish. Use a good quality, trusted brand that you know encourages long wear. Dip the nail polish brush into the nail polish. Wipe the brush on the top of the bottle to remove excess polish. Apply a thin layer to the edges of the ribbon. You can either hold the ribbon in your hand and paint it at the very edge or lay it flat and paint one side, and then flip it and paint the other side. Pick it up and hold it to ensure it doesn’t adhere to a surface. Repeat an additional time for extra hold. Try not to apply it in a thick coat or past the edge. It can make the ribbon look dark and wet if applied too heavily. For best results test a piece of ribbon before you start to make sure it doesn't ruin the surface. Purchase an anti-fraying spray or liquid at a craft store or online. If you plan to wash your ribbons frequently, this is the best option. Opt for clear craft glue if you can't find anti-fray liquid. Cut your ribbon at a 45-degree angle or in an inverted “v” shape if possible. Squeeze a small amount of strong, clear glue or anti-fraying liquid out of the bottle. Dab it with a cotton swab. Swirl the tip against a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Drag the cotton swab against the very edge of the ribbon on either side. Hold it aloft until it is fairly dry or hang it from a clothesline to ensure it doesn’t stick to a surface. Ensure that the ribbon you want to seal is synthetic. Most satin and grosgrain ribbons sold at craft stores are synthetic. Burlap and cotton ribbons can't be heat-sealed. Light a candle near a sink or bucket of water. Throw the ribbon in the water if it catches fire. Open a window. Cut your ribbon with fabric scissors at a 45-degree angle to discourage fraying. Hold the edge of the ribbon between your thumb and forefinger. Your fingers should be as far away as possible, while allowing the ribbon to be stiff on its side. Drag the very edge of the ribbon next to the flame. In most cases it does not need to be inside the edge of the flame to burn the edge. Move quickly and steadily across the edge. Hold it between your fingers to let it cool. Swipe your finger along the edge after 30 seconds. It should feel hard where it has sealed. Repeat the process again, moving the ribbon closer to the flame if the edge does not feel different.

Find extremely sharp fabric scissors. Measure the length of your ribbon. Purchase clear nail polish. Dip the nail polish brush into the nail polish. Apply a thin layer to the edges of the ribbon. Pick it up and hold it to ensure it doesn’t adhere to a surface. Repeat an additional time for extra hold. Purchase an anti-fraying spray or liquid at a craft store or online. Cut your ribbon at a 45-degree angle or in an inverted “v” shape if possible. Squeeze a small amount of strong, clear glue or anti-fraying liquid out of the bottle. Dab it with a cotton swab. Drag the cotton swab against the very edge of the ribbon on either side. Hold it aloft until it is fairly dry or hang it from a clothesline to ensure it doesn’t stick to a surface. Ensure that the ribbon you want to seal is synthetic. Light a candle near a sink or bucket of water. Cut your ribbon with fabric scissors at a 45-degree angle to discourage fraying. Hold the edge of the ribbon between your thumb and forefinger. Drag the very edge of the ribbon next to the flame. Hold it between your fingers to let it cool.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Function-Is-Even-or-Odd

How to Tell if a Function Is Even or Odd

In order to tell if a function is even or odd, replace all of the variables in the equation with its opposite. For example, if the variable in the function is x, replace it with -x instead. Simplify the new function as much as possible, then compare that to the original function. If each term in the new version is the opposite of the corresponding term of the original, the function is odd. If they're the same, then it's even. If neither of these is true, the function is neither even nor odd.

Review opposite variables. In algebra, the opposite of a variable is written as a negative. This is true whether the variable in the function is x {\displaystyle x} or anything else. If the variable in the original function already appears as a negative (or a subtraction), then its opposite will be a positive (or addition). The following are examples of some variables and their opposites: the opposite of x {\displaystyle x} is − x {\displaystyle -x} the opposite of q {\displaystyle q} is − q {\displaystyle -q} the opposite of − w {\displaystyle -w} is w {\displaystyle w}. Replace each variable in the function with its opposite. Do not alter the original function other than the sign of the variable. For example: f ( x ) = 4 x 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(x)=4x^{2}-7} becomes f ( − x ) = 4 ( − x ) 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(-x)=4(-x)^{2}-7} g ( x ) = 5 x 5 − 2 x {\displaystyle g(x)=5x^{5}-2x} becomes g ( − x ) = 5 ( − x ) 5 − 2 ( − x ) {\displaystyle g(-x)=5(-x)^{5}-2(-x)} h ( x ) = 7 x 2 + 5 x + 3 {\displaystyle h(x)=7x^{2}+5x+3} becomes h ( − x ) = 7 ( − x ) 2 + 5 ( − x ) + 3 {\displaystyle h(-x)=7(-x)^{2}+5(-x)+3}. Simplify the new function. At this stage, you are not concerned with solving the function for any particular numerical value. You simply want to simplify the variables to compare the new function, f(-x), with the original function, f(x). Remember the basic rules of exponents which say that a negative base raised to an even power will be positive, while a negative base raised to an odd power will be negative. f ( − x ) = 4 ( − x ) 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(-x)=4(-x)^{2}-7} f ( − x ) = 4 x 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(-x)=4x^{2}-7} g ( − x ) = 5 ( − x ) 5 − 2 ( − x ) {\displaystyle g(-x)=5(-x)^{5}-2(-x)} g ( − x ) = 5 ( − x 5 ) + 2 x {\displaystyle g(-x)=5(-x^{5})+2x} g ( − x ) = − 5 x 5 + 2 x {\displaystyle g(-x)=-5x^{5}+2x} h ( − x ) = 7 ( − x ) 2 + 5 ( − x ) + 3 {\displaystyle h(-x)=7(-x)^{2}+5(-x)+3} h ( − x ) = 7 x 2 − 5 x + 3 {\displaystyle h(-x)=7x^{2}-5x+3} Compare the two functions. For each example that you are testing, compare the simplified version of f(-x) with the original f(x). Line up the terms with each other for easy comparison, and compare the signs of all terms. If the two results are the same, then f(x)=f(-x), and the original function is even. An example is: f ( x ) = 4 x 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(x)=4x^{2}-7} and f ( − x ) = 4 x 2 − 7 {\displaystyle f(-x)=4x^{2}-7}. These two are the same, so the function is even. If each term in the new version of the function is the opposite of the corresponding term of the original, then f(x)=-f(-x), and the function is odd. For example: g ( x ) = 5 x 5 − 2 x {\displaystyle g(x)=5x^{5}-2x} but g ( − x ) = − 5 x 5 + 2 x {\displaystyle g(-x)=-5x^{5}+2x}. Notice that if you multiply each term of the first function by -1, you will create the second function. Thus, the original function g(x) is odd. If the new function does not meet either of these two examples, then it is neither even nor odd. For example: h ( x ) = 7 x 2 + 5 x + 3 {\displaystyle h(x)=7x^{2}+5x+3} but h ( − x ) = 7 x 2 − 5 x + 3 {\displaystyle h(-x)=7x^{2}-5x+3}. The first term is the same in each function, but the second term is an opposite. Therefore, this function is neither even nor odd. Graph the function. Using graph paper or a graphing calculator, draw the graph of the function. Choose several numerical values for x {\displaystyle x} and insert them into the function to calculate the resulting y {\displaystyle y} value. Plot these points on the graph and, after you have plotted several points, connect them to see the graph of the function. When plotting points, check positive and corresponding negative values for x {\displaystyle x}. For example, if working with the function f ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 1 {\displaystyle f(x)=2x^{2}+1} , plot the following values: f ( 1 ) = 2 ( 1 ) 2 + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 {\displaystyle f(1)=2(1)^{2}+1=2+1=3}. This gives the point ( 1 , 3 ) {\displaystyle (1,3)}. f ( 2 ) = 2 ( 2 ) 2 + 1 = 2 ( 4 ) + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9 {\displaystyle f(2)=2(2)^{2}+1=2(4)+1=8+1=9}. This gives the point ( 2 , 9 ) {\displaystyle (2,9)}. f ( − 1 ) = 2 ( − 1 ) 2 + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 {\displaystyle f(-1)=2(-1)^{2}+1=2+1=3}. This gives the point ( − 1 , 3 ) {\displaystyle (-1,3)}. f ( − 2 ) = 2 ( − 2 ) 2 + 1 = 2 ( 4 ) + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9 {\displaystyle f(-2)=2(-2)^{2}+1=2(4)+1=8+1=9}. This gives the point ( − 2 , 9 ) {\displaystyle (-2,9)}. Test for symmetry across the y-axis. When looking at a function, symmetry suggests a mirror image. If you see that the part of the graph on the right (positive) side of the y-axis matches the part of the graph on the left (negative) side of the y-axis, then the graph is symmetrical across the y-axis. If a function is symmetrical across the y-axis, then the function is even. You can test symmetry by selecting individual points. If the y-value for any selected x is the same as the y-value for -x, then the function is even. The points that were chosen above for plotting f ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 1 {\displaystyle f(x)=2x^{2}+1} gave the following results: (1,3) and (-1,3) (2,9) and (-2,9). The matching y-values for x=1 and x=-1 and for x=2 and x=-2 indicate that this is an even function. For a true test, selecting two points is not enough proof, but it is a good indication. Test for origin symmetry. The origin is the central point (0,0). Origin symmetry means that a positive result for a chosen x-value will correspond to a negative result for -x, and vice versa. Odd functions display origin symmetry. If you select some sample values for x and their opposite corresponding -x values, you should get opposite results. Consider the function f ( x ) = x 3 + x {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{3}+x}. This function would provide the following points: f ( 1 ) = 1 3 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2 {\displaystyle f(1)=1^{3}+1=1+1=2}. The point is (1,2). f ( − 1 ) = ( − 1 ) 3 + ( − 1 ) = − 1 − 1 = − 2 {\displaystyle f(-1)=(-1)^{3}+(-1)=-1-1=-2}. The point is (-1,-2). f ( 2 ) = 2 3 + 2 = 8 + 2 = 10 {\displaystyle f(2)=2^{3}+2=8+2=10}. The point is (2,10). f ( − 2 ) = ( − 2 ) 3 + ( − 2 ) = − 8 − 2 = − 10 {\displaystyle f(-2)=(-2)^{3}+(-2)=-8-2=-10}. The point is (-2,-10). Thus, f(x)=-f(-x), and you can conclude that the function is odd. Look for no symmetry. The final example is a function that has no symmetry from side to side. If you look at the graph, it will not be a mirror image either across the y-axis or around the origin. Consider the function f ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x + 1 {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{2}+2x+1}. Select some values for x and -x, as follows: f ( 1 ) = 1 2 + 2 ( 1 ) + 1 = 1 + 2 + 1 = 4 {\displaystyle f(1)=1^{2}+2(1)+1=1+2+1=4}. The point to plot is (1,4). f ( − 1 ) = ( − 1 ) 2 + 2 ( − 1 ) + ( − 1 ) = 1 − 2 − 1 = − 2 {\displaystyle f(-1)=(-1)^{2}+2(-1)+(-1)=1-2-1=-2}. The point to plot is (-1,-2). f ( 2 ) = 2 2 + 2 ( 2 ) + 2 = 4 + 4 + 2 = 10 {\displaystyle f(2)=2^{2}+2(2)+2=4+4+2=10}. The point to plot is (2,10). f ( − 2 ) = ( − 2 ) 2 + 2 ( − 2 ) + ( − 2 ) = 4 − 4 − 2 = − 2 {\displaystyle f(-2)=(-2)^{2}+2(-2)+(-2)=4-4-2=-2}. The point to plot is (2,-2). These should give you enough points already to note that there is no symmetry. The y-values for opposing pairs of x-values are neither the same nor are they opposites. This function is neither even nor odd. You may recognize that this function, f ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x + 1 {\displaystyle f(x)=x^{2}+2x+1} , can be rewritten as f ( x ) = ( x + 1 ) 2 {\displaystyle f(x)=(x+1)^{2}}. Written in this form, it appears to be an even function because there is only one exponent, and that is an even number. However, this sample illustrates that you cannot determine whether a function is even or odd when it is written in a parenthetical form. You must expand the function into individual terms and then examine the exponents.

Review opposite variables. Replace each variable in the function with its opposite. Simplify the new function. Compare the two functions. Graph the function. Test for symmetry across the y-axis. Test for origin symmetry. Look for no symmetry.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Spaghetti-Squash

How to Bake Spaghetti Squash

To bake spaghetti squash, start by cutting it in half from top to bottom with a heavy, serrated knife and scooping out the seeds. Then, rub olive oil over the exposed flesh, and season it with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. After that, put the halves cut-side down on a baking dish lined with aluminum foil and bake at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, or until you can scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strings.

Move a rack to the middle of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Adjust your oven rack before you turn the oven on. Let the oven preheat while you cut the squash. If you'd like the squash to have a more caramelized, roasted flavor, preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Since it will cook faster, reduce the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Cut a 2 to 3 lb (0.91 to 1.36 kg) spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Hold the squash against a cutting board and carefully use a chef's knife to cut through the squash lengthwise. To make it easier to cut, don't try to slice through the stem. Once you cut lengthwise around the entire squash, use your hands to pull the halves apart. To prevent your cutting board from slipping, lay a damp kitchen towel underneath it. Scoop out the seeds from each squash half. Take a spoon and scrape the seeds and stringy parts from each piece of squash. Ensure that you just scrape the stringy bits that are attached to the seeds so you don't scrape into the flesh of the squash. Discard the seeds or roast them like you would pumpkin seeds. Put the halves in a pan and drizzle the squash with 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil. The olive oil helps the squash from sticking and gives the squash a mild flavor as it roasts. Turn the squash so they're cut-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish. Feel free to season the squash with salt and pepper at this point. Bake the spaghetti squash for 30 minutes or until the halves are soft. Put the pan in the oven and cook the squash halves until they're tender. To test if they're done, insert a butter knife into the flesh. If you're able to insert it and remove it easily, the squash is done. If the butter knife is difficult to pull out, bake the squash for another 5 minutes and check it again. It might take up to 10 to 15 minutes extra for large squash halves to cook. Remove the spaghetti squash and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the spaghetti squash is completely tender, wear oven mitts and take the pan out of the oven. Don't try to immediately shred the squash since it will be difficult to handle right away. Drag a fork against the cooked squash flesh to create strands. Wear an oven mitt to hold 1 spaghetti squash in 1 hand. Then, take a fork and gently scrape from 1 end of the squash to the other. This makes lots of thin strands of spaghetti squash. Keep scraping until you reach the thin, hard shell. Toss the strands with sauce or season them with herbs before serving them. Transfer the strands of spaghetti squash to a serving bowl and spoon your favorite sauce or curry over them. If you prefer, sprinkle grated cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil over the strands instead. Try spaghetti squash with a homemade spaghetti sauce , creamy alfredo sauce , or peanut sauce. Put the cooked spaghetti squash into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the squash for up to 3 months. Bake a whole squash if you want to cut down on prep time. If you don't want to cut through the hard raw squash, bake it first so it's easier to cut the cooked squash. Poke holes all over the squash with a metal skewer and put the whole squash on a baking sheet. Roast it at 400 °F (204 °C) for 60 to 70 minutes. Then, carefully cut the soft squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Wear oven mitts to turn the squash halfway through the cooking time. Although this method is easier to prep, the squash won't be as flavorful because the squash will steam instead of caramelize. Bake a whole squash in your slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off method. Hold the squash in place on your cutting board and carefully cut ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) slits across it. Put the whole squash in the slow cooker and place the lid on it. Then, cook the squash on "High" for 3 to 4 hours or "Low" for 6 to 8 hours. Once the squash is soft and cool enough to handle, slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Stuff the squash halves before you bake them. To make spaghetti squash into a complete meal, lay the squash halves on your roasting sheet cut-side up. Remove the seeds so you can fill them before roasting. Try stuffing the squash halves with: Shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables Creamed spinach with cheese Cooked ground beef with black beans and corn Spaghetti sauce with cooked ground beef and parmesan Cut the squash into rings before baking it if you'd like long strands of squash. Slice across the spaghetti squash to make 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from each ring and place the rings on a foil-lined sheet. Brush the rings with a little olive oil and bake them at 400 °F (204 °C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until they're soft. To separate the strands, use your fingers to pull away the peel from each ring. Then, use your fingers or a fork to tease away the long strands. Cutting the squash into rings also speeds up the baking time compared to whole squash.

Move a rack to the middle of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Cut a 2 to 3 lb (0.91 to 1.36 kg) spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds from each squash half. Put the halves in a pan and drizzle the squash with 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil. Bake the spaghetti squash for 30 minutes or until the halves are soft. Remove the spaghetti squash and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Drag a fork against the cooked squash flesh to create strands. Toss the strands with sauce or season them with herbs before serving them. Bake a whole squash if you want to cut down on prep time. Bake a whole squash in your slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off method. Stuff the squash halves before you bake them. Cut the squash into rings before baking it if you'd like long strands of squash.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Aloe-Vera-for-Acne

How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne

Since aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, it can be a great treatment for acne. If you want to use it for spot treatment, take 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and add 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice to it. After mixing the solution, apply it directly to your acne with a Q-tip. Let it stay on your skin for at least 20 minutes, though you can sleep with it too. When you're ready to remove it, rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also turn your gel into a facial mask by mixing it with 1 teaspoon of honey or 5 to 7 drops of lemon juice. Mix your ingredients well, then apply the gel over your entire face. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes or sleep with it on before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. You can repeat these treatments daily for a few weeks while the healing effects of the aloe vera help your acne.

Get aloe vera. You can either buy an aloe vera plant or you can buy pre-made aloe vera gel. An aloe vera plant should be available at your local plant store and pre-made aloe vera gel is available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. To extract the gel from the leaf you will need to cut a good sized leaf from the aloe vera plant. It should be about 5 – 6 inches long. Wash the leaf well in water and, using a knife, cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or a knife to scoop out as much gel as possible. Test a small amount of the aloe vera on your skin. You should always try a small amount of gel from the plant or a commercial product on a small area before applying all over. You need to make sure you don't have an allergy or sensitivity to the plant. It is in the same botanical family as lilies, onions and garlic, so if you react to those plants, you will likely react to aloe. Either way, try the gel on your wrist, allow it to dry, and then rinse it off. If there is no reddening, itchiness or swelling, you can try it on your face. Use aloe vera for spot treatment. Take 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and add two to three drops of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps maintain the pH of the skin. Mix well. Use a Q-tip to apply the mixture directly on the acne. Let this stay on your face for at least 20 – 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse off with lukewarm water and cleanse as usual. Repeat daily. Use aloe vera to create a facial mask. Cut one to two leaves about 6 inches from an aloe plant and trim off the spikes along the sides of the leaf. Cut the leaves open and scoop out the gel. Add 1 teaspoon of honey (honey has additional antibacterial properties) or five to seven drops of lemon juice to the aloe vera gel. Mix any additives into the gel thoroughly. Apply the gel all over your face or use a Q-tip to apply the mixture directly on the acne. If you can, leave the gel on overnight, but for at least 20 – 30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and cleanse as usual. Repeat daily. Continue treatments for several weeks. It may take some time for the healing effects of the aloe vera to help your condition. If these treatments don't improve your acne in three to four weeks, make an appointment with a dermatologist to determine what your best course of action is. Wash your face at least twice a day. Wash your face once in the morning and once before bed. If you sweat during the day, such as during exercise or from being out in hot weather, wash your face as soon as possible to remove the perspiration. Use a gentle, plant-oil based product to clean yourself. Look for a cleanser labeled as “non-comedogenic” This means that the product does not promote the formation of comedones, blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Examples include products from Neutrogena, Cetaphil and Olay. There are many store-brand products that are non-comedogenic. Read the label to be certain. There are oils that are used to clean the skin and many of these utilize very non-comedogenic oils. Using these is based on the principle that “like dissolves like.” In other words, oils can be used to dissolve and remove excess skin oils. Also use alcohol-free products. Alcohol dries and damages the skin. Use your fingertips to apply cleansers. You want to be very gentle when cleaning your skin. Using a washcloth or sponge can irritate the skin and cause more problems. Treat broken-out skin gently. Do not pick, pop, squeeze, or touch acne. This can also cause flare-ups, cause scarring, and will cause a longer healing time. Stay out of the sun and don't use tanning beds. Sun (and tanning beds) can damage your skin cells because of damaging UVB radiation. If you are using certain acne medications or certain other types of medication, you should know that some medications can make your skin even more sensitive to the sun. If you do spend time outside, put on sunscreen to help protect your skin. These drugs include antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim; antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl); drugs used to treat cancer (5-FU, vinblastine, dacarbazine); heart drugs like amiodarone, nifedipine, quinidine and diltiazem; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen, and the acne medications isotretinoin (Accutane) and acitretin (Soriatane). Do not scrub the skin roughly. This can cause permanent scarring and the skin will take longer to heal. Exfoliation is popular, but vigorous exfoliation often does more harm than good. Exfoliation can cause micro-scarring (tiny scars that can't be seen without some sort of magnification), obvious scarring and it can often make acne worse. The “scrubs” which perform the exfoliation may also be pulling off skin that is not yet ready to fall off. It is a bit like pulling off a scab that isn't ready to fall off on its own. Avoid eating unhealthy foods. While diet doesn't directly cause acne, despite the stories you may have heard about milk and chocolate, for some people certain foods increase the risk for acne. Some foods, including dairy products and diets high in processed sugars, can increase inflammation and provide an environment in which acne can flourish. Specifically, high-glycemic index foods, which are carbohydrate-rich foods, are linked to acne. Eat a healthy diet. This will help you ensure that you are getting the appropriate nutrients to keep your skin healthy. The vitamins that appear to be most important for the skin are vitamins A and D. In addition, consuming enough omega-3 fats can benefit those with acne. Try to make at least half of your plate is made up of vegetables, particularly at dinner. Foods high in Vitamin A include: sweet potato, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, romaine, kale, red peppers, summer squash, cantaloupe, mangoes, apricots, black-eyed peas, beef liver, herring, and salmon. Foods high in Vitamin D include: cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, but the single best way to get Vitamin D is to expose your skin to the sun 10-15 minutes a week, as sunlight triggers Vitamin D production by the skin. Food high in omega-3 fatty acids include: flax seeds and flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil, chia seeds, butternuts, walnuts, salmon, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, shad, basil, oregano, cloves, marjoram, spinach, sprouted radish seeds, Chinese broccoli and small amounts of meats and eggs.

Get aloe vera. Test a small amount of the aloe vera on your skin. Use aloe vera for spot treatment. Use aloe vera to create a facial mask. Continue treatments for several weeks. Wash your face at least twice a day. Use a gentle, plant-oil based product to clean yourself. Use your fingertips to apply cleansers. Treat broken-out skin gently. Stay out of the sun and don't use tanning beds. Do not scrub the skin roughly. Avoid eating unhealthy foods. Eat a healthy diet.

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

How to Install Shiplap

Before you install shiplap, mark the vertical studs on the wall where you want your shiplap to go. Then, cut the shiplap boards to fit the wall. Next, squeeze a line of heavy adhesive along the back of your first piece of shiplap and set it against the bottom of the wall. Check to be sure it's level before you nail or screw it to the wall through a stud. Repeat this process until you get to the top of the wall, putting nickels temporarily between rows to create the gaps that are typical of shiplap. Finally, apply silicone caulk around the edges of the shiplap to prevent leaks.

Find the vertical studs behind the drywall. Run an electronic stud finder horizontally along the wall until you can locate the studs. The stud finder will flash an LED bulb or emit a beeping sound when it's placed over a stud. Work slowly so that you can be precise, and aim to mark the exact center of each stud. Use a pencil to place a light mark at the center of each stud. If your stud finder readings are uncertain or erratic, just move the stud finder up or down on the wall a few inches and run it across the stud again. Mark the studs using a snapline. Once you've found the center point of each stud, mark it with a pencil in several locations up and down the wall. Then, hold a snap line vertically so that it crosses all of the center-marks. Hold the top and bottom of the snapline firmly against the wall. Pull the center of the string out from the wall and then release, so it snaps back in place and leaves a chalk line behind. The chalk line should indicate the center of each stud. Mark these chalk lines as high as you're planning to build the wall, whether that's 6 feet (1.8 m) or 20 feet (6.1 m). Confirm the vertical lines with a level. Once you've snapped a chalk line along each stud, you'll want to double-check to make sure that the lines are fully vertical, with no deviations. Hold a carpenter's level vertical along each of the chalk lines. Check the bubble at the bottom of the level: it should float between the 2 lines on the glass tube. This indicates that the line is vertical. If you don't already own a carpenter's level, you can purchase one at any hardware store or home-supply store. Purchase your shiplap material. Shiplap boards are thin (about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick). Shiplap boards have a small groove in the bottom and a small ridge on the top. This feature allows them to be stacked easily. If you can't find actual shiplap (or find the price prohibitive), it's common to use 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) boards instead of actual shiplap. These should be available at most hardware stores and lumber yards. Make sure the boards are straight, flat, and free of knot hole cavities before purchasing them. Avoid using warped boards. Keep in mind that lumber sizes are measured before being sanded smooth. A 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) will actually measure about 0.75 in × 5.5 in (1.9 cm × 14.0 cm). Measure and cut the shiplap board to fit the wall. Using a tape measure, measure the wall on which you'll be installing shiplap boards from one side to the other. Then, use the tape measure to measure the same distance on each of your shiplap boards. Mark the distance with a pencil. Then, use a hand saw (or a table saw or band saw if you have one) and cut the boards so they're the length of the wall where you'll be installing them. Make all cuts outdoors, so that you avoid making a mess in the house or shed that you're working in. Stagger shiplap boards on a wide wall. If the width of your wall exceeds the length of your shiplap, you'll need to stagger boards by butting 2 boards together. Measure and cut the second (shorter) board to correctly fill the gap between the end of the first board the wall. For example, if your wall is 20 feet (6.1 m) wide and your shiplap siding is only 15 feet (4.6 m), you'll need to cut an additional 5 ft (1.5 m) section of shiplap to finish the row. Even if your boards would fully span the width of your wall, consider staggering your shiplap anyway. It adds visual interest to the wall. Squeeze a line of Heavy Adhesive paste along the back of the shiplap board. Do this immediately before you attach the shiplap to the wall. Heavy Adhesive will make the boards adhere firmly to the wall. This adhesive looks like a tube of caulk, and can be dispensed with a metal caulk gun. Check the inventory at your local hardware store or home supply store. Make sure that the tube of adhesive that you purchase will adhere to all materials (i.e. it should say “All Materials” on the packaging) and is suited for indoor use. Set the board against the wall and check that it’s level. The adhesive will hold the shiplap firmly against the wall, so don't nail it in place yet. Place your level along the top of the board, and check that the bubble floats exactly between the 2 lines on the glass tube. If the board is not horizontally level, you'll need to lift out the board, then install spacers beneath the low side to elevate it. You can start applying shiplap either at the top or at the bottom of your wall. If you start at the bottom, gravity will work for you. If you start at the top, you'll have to prevent each board from falling before you nail it in place. It's best to start at the top if your ceiling or floor is uneven so you can correct imperfections at the bottom with a baseboard. Nail or screw the shiplap to the wall. You can do this using a hammer, a compressed-air nail gun, or a screw gun. Use 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws to ensure that the nail will pass through the shiplap and deep into the studs. For each method, drive two 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws straight through the board and into the center of each stud. Use the chalk marks that you made earlier as your guide. If you choose to use a compressed-air nail gun, you'll need to purchase, borrow, or rent an air compressor and hose. All of these materials should be available at your local hardware store. Place 3–5 nickels along the top of the board if you’re not using shiplap siding. Space the nickels out so that they are equidistant apart (probably a couple of feet). Properly installed shiplap-style siding should have a small gap between each board. The nickels will keep the 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) boards from stacking directly on top of each other. If you're installing shiplap from the top of the wall down, you'll need to carefully hold the nickels in place on the bottom of the board as you line up the next plank. Alternatively, you could use scrap plexiglass pieces cut into strips, stacked to the desired thickness, and glued together as spacers. These are easier to pull out and more stable than nickels. If you're installing actual shiplap siding, skip this step. The shiplap boards will lock into one another and you won't need to space them out. Set another shiplap board in place. You'll have already measured and cut this board, so you can set it directly on top of the board that you've already installed (or directly below, if you're building from the top down). Keep in mind that, if the wall you're installing shiplap on is not exactly square, (e.g. if part of the shiplap will be adjacent to a stairway), you'll need to cut and angle the shiplap boards to accommodate these measurements. Hammer, shoot, or screw 2 nails or screws into each stud. As before, align these nails or screws so that they hit the chalk line which you marked earlier, and which indicates the center of each stud. If you miss the stud and shoot the nail only through drywall, the siding will likely fall off of the wall in a couple of days. At this point, you can remove the nickels that you set between the 2 boards. Pry them out with a butter knife or pencil, and set them on top of the board you just installed, in anticipation of installing subsequent boards. Repeat this process with the rest of your shiplap siding. Measure and cut each board, then place the new board on top of (or below) the piece of siding you've just installed. Use the nickels to space out each board from the one below it. Always use 2 nails or screws to attach each board to the stud, and make sure that they penetrate the studs. If you're staggering your shiplap, be aware that the spot where the staggered boards butt together will not be the same from level to level. If 1 board sticks out more than another and the meeting place is not on a stud, you can place a small piece of wood behind the 2 boards where they meet. Screw both butt ends to the piece of wood with finish screws to make them level and even with each other. Once you've installed the final siding board, you can use a damp rag to wipe off any remaining chalk lines above the shiplap. Apply caulk around the edges of the shiplap. Using a silicone caulk (in a metal caulk gun), run a thin layer of caulk along both the right- and left-hand edges of the shiplap that you've installed. This will seal the edges of the planks and keep the watertight, and prevent drafts or leaks from coming through the shiplap. If you chose to stagger shiplap boards, run a link of caulk along the seams where the 2 staggered boards meet. You can also cover the nail or screw holes with putty that matches the color of the wood (or paint). Both caulk and putty can be found at any local hardware store.

Find the vertical studs behind the drywall. Mark the studs using a snapline. Confirm the vertical lines with a level. Purchase your shiplap material. Measure and cut the shiplap board to fit the wall. Stagger shiplap boards on a wide wall. Squeeze a line of Heavy Adhesive paste along the back of the shiplap board. Set the board against the wall and check that it’s level. Nail or screw the shiplap to the wall. Place 3–5 nickels along the top of the board if you’re not using shiplap siding. Set another shiplap board in place. Hammer, shoot, or screw 2 nails or screws into each stud. Repeat this process with the rest of your shiplap siding. Apply caulk around the edges of the shiplap.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-a-Dog-Is-Dehydrated

How to Determine if a Dog Is Dehydrated

To determine if a dog is dehydrated, monitor it to see if it's acting restless or anxious, pacing a lot, or licking its lips, which are all signs of dehydration. You can also elevate the loose skin over the back of its neck, and watch how quickly or slowly it returns after being released. A springy scruff means the dog is hydrated, but if the skin takes more than a few seconds to return to normal, then the dog is dehydrated. Additionally, check to see if your dog has dry, tacky gums or deep yellow urine, which are also signs of dehydration.

Pay attention to your dog's behavior. A dehydrated dog with the energy to do so will typically seek water to drink. If your dog is dehydrated, you may notice unusual behavior, such as restlessness or pacing, as if looking for water. Your dog may repeatedly lick its lips and/or have an anxious facial expression if it is unable to find enough water. Some dehydrated dogs will also lie with their nose resting against their water bowl. Check the dog's scruff. The classic dehydration test that you've probably seen the vet do at the animal clinic is lifting the dog's scruff. What this test actually measures is the skin's elastic recoil, which decreases with dehydration. To do this test yourself, take the following steps: Locate the dog's scruff. This is the loose skin over the dog's shoulders or at the back of its neck. Elevate the scruff. Grasp the skin and gently raise it two to three inches above the dog's back in a vertical direction. Release the scruff and observe. Fully hydrated skin springs back instantaneously. When dehydration is present, the skin is less elastic, which means it will not fall back as quickly. If the skin takes more than two seconds to return to normal, the dog is dehydrated. Check the dog's gums. Gums are a good indicator of early dehydration. Normal gums are moist and shiny, much like our own. Dehydrated animals often have dry or tacky feeling gums, because they produce less saliva. Be aware that anxious or frightened animals may also have dry gums. Make sure your dog is relaxed when you check the gums or you can be misled. Check your dog's urine. If a dog does not take in enough water, its body will automatically take steps to preserve fluid. In this situation, it either will not urinate because its bladder is empty, or the urine it produces will be very concentrated. Concentrated urine is a deep yellow color. This occurs because the dog's kidneys are working hard to recycle water in the body and hold onto it. Take note if your dog seems to be urinating less than usual or if its urine is an unusual color. See a veterinarian. If your dog seems healthy and there is a simple explanation for your dog's condition, such as an empty water bowl, give the dog water and watch for signs of improvement. If however, the dog is dehydrated and seems sick, or if providing water doesn't help, contact your veterinarian. Some dehydrated animals need to receive fluids through an IV in order to protect their organ functions while they rehydrate. Keep an eye on the water supply. There are many circumstances that can cause a dog to become dehydrated, but the most obvious and easy to control is your dog's access to water. If the dog drinks all of its water, or its water bowl gets knocked over and it is left without a refill for a long period of time, this can result in dehydration. Make sure your dog has ample water, especially on hot days. Dehydration can occur quickly, sometimes within an hour or so depending on the temperature. Make sure the dog drinks regularly. Even if your dog has access to water, it will become dehydrated if it doesn't drink it often enough. Keep an eye on your dog to make sure it visits the water bowl frequently. For example, an older dog that suffers from arthritis and is too sore to get up and drink when it is thirsty is at risk of becoming dehydrated. The problem is made worse if the dog has other health problems such as diabetes or renal disease because its body will tend to produce a lot of urine. A dog with these problems will lose fluid at a faster rate than a healthy animal. This form of dehydration is chronic, which means it develops slowly over several days and is likely to reoccur. Likewise, if a dog is ill and stops eating and drinking due to a lack of appetite, it is at risk of dehydration. Beware of diarrhea. Watery feces contains a lot of fluid, which means more rapid loss of water, and thus an increased risk of dehydration. If the dog is drinking enough, the risk of dehydration is reduced. A dog without access to water or with no desire to drink, however, can become dehydrated very quickly if suffering from diarrhea. Watch for vomiting. Vomiting can be a serious problem because the dog is unable to retain any water it drinks. Closely watch a dog that is vomiting and contact the veterinarian if you suspect he is dehydrated or if the condition occurs often.

Pay attention to your dog's behavior. Check the dog's scruff. Check the dog's gums. Check your dog's urine. See a veterinarian. Keep an eye on the water supply. Make sure the dog drinks regularly. Beware of diarrhea. Watch for vomiting.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Lying-Teenager

How to Deal With a Lying Teenager

To deal with a lying teenager, start by letting them know when you've caught them in a lie. Say something like, "I want to talk to you. You told me you were at soccer practice the other day, but I know that you were lying because I spoke to your coach." Convey your disapproval by letting them know that their lies weaken your ability to trust them, and talk about what happened and why. Finally, encourage open communication from your teen by making them feel that you are approachable. You can do this by reminding them that you love them and you don't expect them to be perfect.

Let your teen know when you've caught him/her lying. If you've caught your teen in a lie, you'll need to address the lie and the underlying behavior (whatever he/she was lying about). However, it's imperative that you do this as carefully as you can. Otherwise your teen will just get upset back at you, and may be less likely to communicate with you about other things. Don't act triumphant or satisfied by catching your teen in a lie. Your teen's safety should be your number one priority. State things as a matter of fact. Be direct and open without being aggressive. Say something like, "I want to talk to you about something. You told me _____ the other day, but I know for a fact that you were lying. I've talked to _____ and they told me your story isn't true." Ask your teen directly why he or she felt the need to lie to you. Maintain control of your emotions. It's incredibly important that you don't lose your temper while dealing with your teen's lies. The situation is already difficult, and getting angry or upset will only make the situation worse. If you remain calm, your teen is more likely to continue carrying on a conversation with you. If you yell, though, your teen may just storm off. It's okay if you're upset, but don't take your anger out on your teenager. That will only make a bad situation worse. Calm down before talking to your teenager when you've found out he/she has lied to you. Take deep breaths, try counting to 10, go for a walk, or make a cup of tea or coffee before you sit down to talk with your teen. Say something like, "Go wait in your room. I'll be up shortly, and we're going to talk about what happened." Try to remain calm when you do talk. Your teen is likely to get upset, so you'll need to be the steady, rational one in this conversation. Convey your disapproval. Start out by letting your teen know that his/her lies have hurt you and weakened your trust. This doesn't mean trying to guilt your teen, but you should let your teen know that his/her lies affect you and have a negative impact on your parent/child relationship. Don't call your teen a liar or label your teen as untrustworthy. You should let your teen know that lying weakens your ability to trust him/her, though. Use your moment of disapproval as an opportunity to teach your teen a lesson. Try to focus on the risky behavior your teen is engaging in rather than the lie. Talk about what happened and why your teen made the decisions that were made. Try to get at the reasons behind the lie so that you can better understand your teen's behavior. Ask what your teen can do differently next time (both to avoid the situation that was lied about and to avoid lying to you). Encourage more open communication in the future. The best way to prevent future lies is by making your teen feel that you are approachable. If your teen feels like he/she can come to you with problems or to confess bad behavior without getting yelled at or punished, it will make your teen more likely to trust you (and by extension, you'll be able to trust your teen as well). Remember that correcting a habit of lying is a process, not something that can be solved with a simple solution. Your teen needs to feel that he/she can be honest and open with you, which may take time. Let your teen know that you love him/her, and that you don't expect your teen to be perfect. Tell your teen that he or she would be less likely to get into trouble by coming to you with the truth than by hiding it or lying to you. You may want to consider offering your teen one last chance to come clean. Tell your teen that if he or she is willing to be honest about the situation at hand, you'll forgive him/her this time and hold off on punishment. Make it clear that there will be strict punishment for lying next time. You should also stress that when your teen lies to you, it makes it harder for you to have trust and grant freedom/independence to your teen. Set and enforce consequences for lying. If your teen continues to engage in bad behavior and lie about it, he or she obviously hasn't learned a lesson yet. If this happens, you may need to start enforcing the rules and punishing your teen when you find out about lies in the future. Tell your teen what will happen if you catch a lie in the future (grounded, loss of privileges, additional chores, no allowance, etc) and enforce that consequence if it happens again. Never resort to acts of violence as "punishment." Physically abusing your teen is illegal and immoral, and it will destroy any chance for a healthy relationship. Most teens want more freedom (and many lie to get that freedom). By restricting your teen's access to freedom, you will ideally be teaching your teen that the only way to get that independence is through honesty and good behavior. Deal with compulsive lying. Most compulsive liars get something out of lying. Often this type of behavior is motivated by issues involving self-esteem. If your teen is compulsively lying, even in situations where there's no reason to lie (nothing to be gained and no punishment to be avoided), you may need to intervene. Reassure your teen that you love him or her. Let your teen know that you're available to talk any time he/she is feeling unhappy or unsatisfied. If your teen suffers from depression or has some other reason for compulsively lying, you may want to seek out a therapist who's qualified to work with adolescents. Ask your teen's doctor or pediatrician for a recommendation. The doctor may know someone who specializes in adolescent depression and/or compulsive lying. You can also search online for adolescent therapists in your area, or use the database at Psychology Today to find a specialist near you. Address lying about risky behavior like drug and alcohol use. For many teens, drugs and alcohol are a part of a passing phase of experimentation. However, this experimentation is not necessarily harmless. Even "low-level" intoxicants like alcohol and marijuana can have serious effects on your teen's health, especially since your teen is still growing and developing. Casual usage can also lead to addiction, and any usage could easily tarnish your teen's legal record if he or she gets caught. If your teen is engaging in drug or alcohol abuse, you should have a frank conversation about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and if things don't improve you may need to enlist the help of a qualified mental health expert. Lying about illegal or dangerous behavior needs to be addressed directly. Often some underlying issue like depression, anxiety, or self-esteem problems will cause a teen to seek out intoxicants. If your teen is lying about drugs or alcohol and talking to him/her hasn't helped, search online or in the phone book to find a mental health expert in your area who deals with adolescents and addiction. Know the most frequent lies. If you're worried about your teen telling you the truth, it may be helpful to know the things teens lie about most often. You can't accuse your teen of lying about everything, but if you know what your teen is most likely to lie about, you can prevent future instances of that behavior. Some of the most common behaviors teens lie about include : how teens spend their time what teens spend their allowance on seeing friends that their parents don't approve of which movies your teen sees and whom your teen goes with what types of clothing your teen wears outside the house drinking alcohol and/or doing drugs driving under the influence or riding in cars with a driver who was under the influence going to parties having adult supervision outside the house Approach the situation with caution. It's tough to know when your teen is lying, and any suspicions should be approached very cautiously. Being overly suspicious of your teen actually makes you statistically less likely to know what your teen is lying about. You may be more likely to recognize your teen is lying about something when you're suspicious, but you'll probably be wrong about what your teen lies about and why. Accusing your teen of lying when he or she is actually telling the truth may make your teen less likely to be open and honest with you in the future. Try to evaluate your teen's behavior in the context of his or her past patterns of behavior. If your teen is getting into trouble (or has a history of doing so), that teen may be more likely to lie to you. Remember that no teen is lying about everything all the time. You may have your suspicions, but you need to recognize that your teen does tell the truth as well, and you need to be fair in your assessment of his/her honesty. Plan out ways to check if your teen is lying. Some parents may not be comfortable trying to catch their teens in a lie. However, if you have your suspicions and you want to put a stop to it, it may be worth considering checking out your teen's story. This can help establish a baseline of behavior so you'll know what to expect going forward. If your teen claims to have spent the day at a friend's house, call that friend's parents and confirm that this is true. You may want to try quizzing your teen to see if he/she is telling the truth. Remember what your teen says, and ask follow-up questions later on to see if your teen sticks to the same story you were told earlier. With that said, it's important to recognize that trying to "trap" your teen in a lie will only discourage open and honest communication with you. Resist the urge to spy on your teen or go through his/her belongings. This can damage your teen's trust in you and set back your lines of communication. Convey your suspicions. Whether you've caught your teen in a lie or you simply don't believe your teen's story, you should express this to your teen as calmly and directly as possible. Don't get mad, and don't accuse your teen of lying; instead, open a conversation about what your teen has told you. Don't interrogate your teen. That will only make your teen more likely to lie to you again. Let your teen know that you don't entirely believe the story you're being told. Give your teen a way out. He/she may be willing to tell the truth if you offer some type of immunity from punishment. You can say something like, "We're reasonably sure that you're not telling us the truth. Are you sure you want to stick with your version of events, or is there something else you'd like to tell us?" Set a good example by being honest. Many adults lie to other adults for the same basic reasons your teen may be lying to you: to avoid getting into trouble, or to be able to keep doing things you know you're not supposed to. Lying to others while you punish your teen for lying sets a bad example and makes you look like a hypocrite. Instead of lying to cover your tracks, be open and honest about your actions and your motivations. Then show your teen that it worked out much better for you to be honest about the situation. Avoid telling so-called "white lies." Don't lie to your boss if you're late to work. Apologize for being late and start leaving for work a little earlier so it doesn't happen again. Resist the urge to withhold information from your partner. Be honest and open, and show your teen how much better your relationship is because of that honesty. Be honest if your teen asks you hard questions. Rather than lying about your past bad behavior, tell the truth and admit it was a mistake. Spend more time with your teen. Many teens who habitually lie to their parents have a hard time seeing their own inherent value. A good way to prevent future lies is by spending as much time as possible with your teen and conveying that you see tremendous potential in him/her. Spending time together lets you know what's going on in your teen's life, and it lets your teen feel that you're approachable if he/she needs to talk. It also shows that you take an interest in your teen and want what's best for him or her. You should ideally aim to spend some time with your teen every day. Open up an honest dialogue by talking about your day and asking your teen about his or her day. You can try spending time together by doing something your teen enjoys. You might play video games together, go for a walk in the woods, or some other activity that will make your teen happy. Promote honest, open communication. As you spend time with your teen, convey the importance of honesty and communication. You don't have to say this explicitly, but you should let your teen feel that trust between the two of you helps you to know that your teen is safe and will make the right decisions. Remind your teen that you will trust him or her more if you're shown honesty and trustworthiness. Let your teen know that lies make it hard to trust one another. Don't punish your teen if he or she comes to you needing advice about a tricky situation. Doing so will only make your teen less likely to come to you for help in the future. Teach your teen to solve problems and make good decisions. If your teen learns how to make smart, healthy decisions, there's less of a chance your teen will need to lie to you about doing something wrong. Teens are most capable of independence when they're able to identify emotions, exhibit some sense of self-control, cope with unpleasant emotions, and make informed decisions to solve their own problems. Many teens lie to cover up behavior they know was bad. If you can eliminate that bad behavior, you should be able to trust your teen more and more. Promote open discourse. Let your teen know that he or she can come to you for advice, and offer helpful feedback without judgment. Talk to your teen about how to evaluate a situation and make the right decision. You should also talk to your teen about how to cope with unpleasant feelings in healthy, productive ways. Be willing to compromise. Teenagers typically want increasing amounts of freedom. They're approaching adulthood and want the independence to make their own decisions without having to ask for permission. While you'll still need to monitor your teen's behavior, you may need to give your teen a little more freedom if it means he/she will be more honest with you. If you're willing to compromise on things like what time your teen's curfew is, which friends your teen can spend time with, or where your teen can go, he or she is less likely to feel the need to lie. Compromising doesn't mean giving in to all of your teen's demands, nor does it mean being unwilling to hear your teen's requests. Sit down with your teen and work out a give-and-take solution. For example, if your teen's curfew is 9:00 PM and he or she wants to stay out until midnight, compromise on 10:30 or 11:00. Be willing to make exceptions under certain conditions. For example, if your teen wants to go to a concert that will end past his or her curfew, let your teen go but offer to chaperone or drive your teen. By compromising and simultaneously establishing some kind of presence in your teen's activities (as in the concert example), you can prevent your teen's need to lie about where he/she is, what time your teen will be home, and how your teen will get home. Let your teen's behavior determine his/her freedom. It's important to stress to your teen that the choices he/she makes will determine how much freedom and independence you'll give. This can make it feel less like punishment, since your teen will understand that you're responding to his or her behavior. Give your teen the independence he or she wants, but make it clear that a violation of your trust will affect that level of freedom. Remind your teen that independence as an adult comes with a great price. You can only maintain your independence as an adult if you follow certain social rules and laws, just as your teen must follow your rules at home. This leaves the ball in your teenager's court, so to speak. If your teen wants to maintain that independence or gain new freedoms, he or she will have to prove trustworthy. Reward your teen with more independence as he/she demonstrates trustworthiness and honesty. You might try extending your teen's curfew or giving your teen extra allowance, for example. Restrict your teen's freedom when you catch him/her lying. Remind your teen that you made it clear that lies will result in reduced freedom, and enforce the rules.

Let your teen know when you've caught him/her lying. Maintain control of your emotions. Convey your disapproval. Encourage more open communication in the future. Set and enforce consequences for lying. Deal with compulsive lying. Address lying about risky behavior like drug and alcohol use. Know the most frequent lies. Approach the situation with caution. Plan out ways to check if your teen is lying. Convey your suspicions. Set a good example by being honest. Spend more time with your teen. Promote honest, open communication. Teach your teen to solve problems and make good decisions. Be willing to compromise. Let your teen's behavior determine his/her freedom.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Chicken-Breast

How to Bake Chicken Breast

To bake chicken breast, start by lining a baking dish with foil or parchment paper. Then, put the chicken in the baking dish and bake it for 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare your chicken. Remove your chicken from the package and pat it down with paper towels. Rub a little butter or olive oil onto the chicken to add moisture and flavor. If you're using any seasoning, sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken now. For example, you could add something like garlic and dried basil or a cajun seasoning mix. It depends on what flavor you're going for. Line your baking dish with foil. Lining with foil will make for easy cleanup. Place the chicken in a baking dish. If you're cooking more than one chicken breast, keep them slightly apart. You do not want them to touch. You can also add something like lemon slices or wedges to add extra flavoring to your chicken. If using skinless chicken, cover the baking dish with parchment paper. Take one sheet of parchment paper and cover one side with butter. Lay it on top of the chicken. Then, tuck the edges of the parchment paper underneath the breast to keep the chicken fully covered. The parchment will act almost like the chicken skin helping it to remain moist and keeping it from drying out. Cook your chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Make sure your oven is completely preheated before putting the chicken in the oven. It's a good idea to use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature. Check the chicken's temperature regularly. Usually, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to bake chicken breast. You should start using a meat thermometer to check the temperature about 20 minutes in. Some chicken breasts may cook slightly faster, so you want to make sure it does not burn. Check the chicken every 10 minutes or so after the first 20 minutes. Cook the chicken until it reaches the right temperature. Chicken breasts should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 71 degrees Celsius) at the center. Keep the chicken in the oven until it reaches this temperature. Insert your meat thermometer in the center of your meat. Once the chicken is heated to the right temperature, remove it from the oven. Serve the chicken immediately or store it for later. Once the chicken reaches the right temperature, you can let it cool for a few minutes and eat it immediately. You can also store the chicken in an airtight container, like a Tupperware container, and eat it later. Add lemon or lime. If you want to add some flavor to your chicken, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over it. This will give it a mildly citrus flavor. If you use lime, use mint to compliment the flavor. Try sprinkling some fresh herbs over your chicken to compliment a lemon flavor. Try coating chicken with mustard. Mustard goes well with chicken. You can spread some dijon or plain mustard over a chicken breast before serving it. If you're having chicken breast on a sandwich, add mustard to the sandwich. Make kabobs with your chicken. You can use your chicken breast to make chicken kabobs. Cut your chicken into small slices and then stick small wooden sticks through them. You can also add things like roasted red peppers and other vegetables to your kabobs for a quick, healthy snack or meal. Add chicken to a salad. You can chop up chicken breast and add it to a salad. This can be a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Prepare your chicken. Line your baking dish with foil. Cook your chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Check the chicken's temperature regularly. Cook the chicken until it reaches the right temperature. Serve the chicken immediately or store it for later. Add lemon or lime. Try coating chicken with mustard. Make kabobs with your chicken. Add chicken to a salad.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Mites-and-Lice-in-Guinea-Pigs

How to Treat Mites and Lice in Guinea Pigs

To treat mites and lice in guinea pigs, start by taking your pets to a veterinarian, who can determine what type of infestation they have and prescribe an effective treatment. If your pets have static mites, which look like dust in their fur, you'll need to treat them with a prescription spray or shampoo. Alternatively, for sarcoptic mites, which live under the skin, the vet will give your pets an injection or have you administer an oral de-wormer at home. You should also make sure to change your guinea pigs' bedding every 4 days to minimize the chances of a re-infestation.

Don't use flea medication. Most flea medications have ingredients that make them poisonous to guinea pigs. If you suspect that your pig has lice or mites, don't just use flea medication on them. Take them to the vet instead. Get a shampoo or spray for static mites. If your guinea pig has static mites – which makes it look like your pig has dust in their fur – you'll need a special spray or shampoo. You should take your pig to the vet to find out for sure what type of mites it has. If your vet determines that it's static mites, they can give you the shampoo or spray you need. Use a shampoo with ivermectin for sarcoptic mange. Guinea pigs with sarcoptic mange need treatments that get to where the mites are under the pig's skin. Take your guinea pig to the vet to determine if they have sarcoptic mites and get the right type of shampoo. Administer an oral de-wormer or injection for sarcoptic mites. Because sarcoptic mites live under your guinea pig's skin, you'll also need either an oral de-wormer or an injection to treat this condition. Your vet will be able to prescribe the correct de-wormer. Your vet will give the injection if needed. Administer oral or injectable meds for lice. Lice are very contagious, so you want to make sure your pig gets treatment right away. Your vet will likely prescribe an oral or injectable medication. It should be administered two to four times total, with two weeks in between treatments. If you have more than one guinea pig, you'll need to take them all in to get treated. Replace your pig's bedding every four days. If your guinea pig has been diagnosed with mites or lice, you should remove all of the bedding in their cage. Spray the cage with whatever spray your vet gives you and then replace the bedding. Look for “dust” on your guinea pig. If you notice that your guinea pig seems to have dust in its fur, it might have static mites. Try blowing or brushing away the dust – if it doesn't move, your guinea pig likely has static mites. Check for bald patches. If your guinea pig has bald patches and is biting its skin, it likely has sarcoptic mites. These mites burrow under your guinea pig's skin and cause itching and pain, which your pig will try to get rid of by biting their skin. Take your pig to the vet right away if you notice this behavior. Use clear tape on your pig. If you notice that your guinea pig is scratching a lot, you can use clear tape to see if there are lice on your pig. Press a strip of tape onto your pig's back and then pull it off and look at it under a magnifying glass. You should be able to see some lice or eggs on the tape. Even if you don't see lice under a magnifying glass, take your guinea pig in any way. The vet will have more powerful – and better – ways of diagnosing your guinea pig. Bathe your guinea pig regularly. You should bath your guinea pigs once every one to two months. Use a guinea pig shampoo, which you can find in most pet stores. If you have multiple pigs, you should bathe them more often. Use anti-mange shampoo. The anti-mange shampoo will help to prevent your pig from getting sarcoptic mites. The treatment for sarcoptic mange, caused by sarcoptic mites, is pretty intense, with multiple treatments and lots of potential pain for your pig, so prevention is a really good idea. If you are introducing a new guinea pig to an established cage, wash it with this shampoo before introducing it to its cage mates, just in case it is carrying any mites. Clean your guinea pig's cage regularly. You should replace your pig's bedding every week or so. When you replace the bedding, make sure you wipe down your pig's cage, too. Keeping your guinea pig's home clean will help prevent mites and lice. Bedding can sometimes carry mites. To prevent this, freeze the bedding for 24 hours before you use it in your guinea pig's cage. Make sure that it thaws completely before use. Lower your guinea pig's stress. A stressed guinea pig may be susceptible to worse infestations since its immune system is weaker. Try to reduce any sources of stress in the cage. Keep the cage in a quiet part of the house where the guinea pig will not be bothered by other pets. Avoid overhandling your guinea pig. Make sure that it has plenty of time to unwind after a play session. Guinea pigs are social creatures. They will be happier and more relaxed if they have another guinea pig living with them. Give the guinea pig plenty of Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help boost your guinea pig's immune system and help it fight off mites more effectively. You can add a Vitamin C supplement to its water or feed it foods like citrus and leafy greens. You can also buy Vitamin C enriched pellets to supplement its diet.

Don't use flea medication. Get a shampoo or spray for static mites. Use a shampoo with ivermectin for sarcoptic mange. Administer an oral de-wormer or injection for sarcoptic mites. Administer oral or injectable meds for lice. Replace your pig's bedding every four days. Look for “dust” on your guinea pig. Check for bald patches. Use clear tape on your pig. Bathe your guinea pig regularly. Use anti-mange shampoo. Clean your guinea pig's cage regularly. Lower your guinea pig's stress. Give the guinea pig plenty of Vitamin C.

https://www.wikihow.com/Live-in-Harmony-with-Others

How to Live in Harmony with Others

To live in harmony with others, be an active listener by facing the person and paying attention to what they're saying, even if you don't agree with them. Additionally, repeat back what they've said, using words like, “What I'm hearing you say is… “ to check that you heard them correctly. If differences or disagreements arise, try to avoid getting aggressive or upset. Instead, counter anger with patience and compassion by thinking about how the other person feels or asking them to help you understand their position.

Participate in community events. Check the local community boards for postings about events like a block party or a community garage sale. Volunteer at community events and donate goods or money to local events. This can help you feel more connected to your neighbors. Connect with your neighbors. Reach out to people who live around you. Knock on their door and bring over baked goods. Say “hello” to them on the street. Be friendly and sociable with your neighbors so you can build a sense of community in the neighborhood. You can also invite your neighbors over for dinner or a drink to connect with them. Offer to help your neighbors. If, for example, you have an elderly neighbor, offer to help them with yard work or a chore like cleaning out the gutters. Hang out with friends on a regular basis. Spend time with good friends so you can stay connected with them and not lose touch. Schedule regular hang outs once a week or once a month with different friends. Make an effort to keep your friendships alive and active. For example, you may schedule a coffee date once a week with a friend. You may also have monthly game nights with a group of friends. Create traditions with your friends. Try things like getting together on the anniversaries of special events or taking an annual trip together. Spend quality time with family. Try to make the time you spend with your family meaningful and memorable. Have regular family dinners or invite your family over. Plan a trip with your family, especially if it's been awhile since you have all traveled together. Even if you aren't super close to your family, you can still try to connect to them once in a while. You may find that the more time you spend with your family, the more harmonious around each other you will become. Embrace your family's traditions, and try to create new ones. Sharing life event and remembering shared moments helps create a sense of belonging. Be vulnerable and honest with friends and family. Open yourself up to your friends and family when you need them. Don't hide your feelings or shy away from sharing your emotions with them. Instead, be vulnerable so you can feel more authentic and real around those close to you. For example, if you're having a rough day, you may tell your friends, “Today was a bad day. I need some cheering up” or “I'm not feeling great today, I need some support.” Be generous and caring to your partner or spouse. Treat your romantic partner with respect and gratitude. Give them daily attention and acknowledgement. Let them know they are important to you and that you value them. You can do this by telling your partner regularly, “Thank you for all that you do” or “I appreciate you.” Avoid yelling or shouting at others. Try not to become aggressive or angry at others, as this will only make the disagreement worse. Take a deep breath and try to respond to others in a rational, calm way. If you are very upset, you can try stepping away from the situation and returning when you are calm and more relaxed. Acknowledge the other person's anger and offer to talk about the situation a little later. Allow both of you to cool off a little so that you can have a more productive discussion that isn't dominated by emotion. Counter anger with compassion and empathy. Try to respond to any disharmony in your life with compassion and patience. Rather than get upset, think about how you can rise above the situation and find a solution. Try to empathize with others and work with their shortcomings or issues, instead of trying to change them or make them see your point of view. For example, if you get in an argument with a friend, think about how they might feel in the situation. Try to empathize with their point of view and respond to them with compassion, rather than anger. Remember that different events have different meanings to different people. Try to understand where they are coming from by saying, "Help me understand how you see this situation." Be an active listener. Maintain eye contact with the person when they are speaking, even if you do not agree with what they are saying. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and turn your body towards them so they know you are paying attention. Nod and say "uh huh" or "okay" to let them know you are listening. Avoid interrupting them when they are talking. Instead, wait for them to finish speaking. Then try repeating what they said back to them so they know you heard them correctly. For example, you may say, "What I think you said is..." or "What I am hearing you say is...". Be open to compromise. Sometimes, things just don't go your way. You may need to find common ground with someone you do not agree with or let go of your pride and accept a compromise. Agreeing to a compromise may help you move on from the situation and not let the disagreement throw you off balance or into disharmony. For example, you may find a compromise with your partner where you split the household responsibilities, rather than argue about them. Or you may reach a compromise with a coworker where you work together on a project, rather than fight over the project or compete against each other. Compromise means that both parties give up a little bit to facilitate getting part of what each party wants. Be prepared to give up a little so that you can both be happy. Accept that you may not agree with everyone. A big part of living in harmony with others is recognizing that you may not be able to be friends with everyone you meet. You may have opposing ideas or values and it may be difficult to find common ground. Be willing to accept that you may have to agree to disagree with certain people in your life. Just because you do not agree with someone or see eye to eye does not mean you cannot still have compassion and empathy for them. You can still connect with people you do not agree with and find a sense of harmony with them. Help a neighbor, friend or family member in need. Show those around you that you care by offering them assistance when they need it. Help them without expectation of repayment so you can feel connected to them in a generous way. For example, you may go see a family member who is feeling ill or unwell. Bring food for them if they are too sick to cook. You can help your neighbor by trying things like shoveling snow for them or taking care of their pet while they are away on vacation. You can also spend time with a friend dealing with a recent break up. Cheer them up by inviting them out or by taking them on a special friend date. Volunteer at a local organization. Look online for local organizations and charities in your area that need volunteers. Pick up a volunteer shift at your local homeless shelter or women's shelter. Donate your time to a charity drive or at a local arts festival. Volunteering your time can help you feel connected to others in a positive way. Volunteering is also a great way to meet like minded people and make new friends or acquaintances. This can broaden your social network and make you feel less alone in the world. Donate money to a worthy cause. You can also put your money towards a cause you believe in. Give a donation to a local advocacy group in your area or to a national campaign that speaks to your goals and values. You may try donating money to a worthy cause once a year or once a month, based on your income. Become a mentor. Look for mentoring programs in your area at local community or arts centers. Check your local schools for mentoring programs where you work with young people. Try mentoring in a program like Big Brother, Big Sister, where you are paired with a young person and act as their mentor. You can also mentor others by being a volunteer tutor at an after school program. Some alumni associations at colleges and universities have mentorship programs for students to connect with professionals in their field of interest. Shop at local businesses. Give back to your local economy by frequenting local businesses in your area. Seek out local businesses and support them by spending your money there. Get to know local vendors so you can feel in sync with your community. For example, you may shop at your local farmer's market and get to know the vendors who sell their goods there. Find a hobby or activity you enjoy. Put aside time to focus on a hobby that makes you happy, such as painting, writing, reading, or drawing. You may also do a sport as a hobby, such as basketball, golf, or skiing. Maybe you like watching bad television as a calming, relaxing activity. Doing things you like to do can make you feel more at peace. You will then give off a positive vibe that others around you will pick up on. Try yoga and deep breathing. Get in sync with your body and your breathing by taking a yoga class at your local yoga studio or gym. You can also do deep breathing exercises to help you stay calm and relaxed. Deep breathing and yoga are also great for centering your mind and feeling more at peace with yourself and your surroundings. Take time for self-care. Self-care means paying attention to your needs and setting aside time to address them. You can practice self-care by taking a long bath at home or by trying on makeup. You can also set aside time to read or nap. Doing exercise like going for a run or doing stretches can also be self-care. If you have a busy, chaotic schedule, try setting aside 30 minutes to one hour a day where you focus on self-care. Schedule it in so you cannot skip it or forget about it. Use positive affirmations. Positive affirmations can help you approach your life and those around you with harmony and generosity. Say positive affirmations in the morning before heading out for the day or at night before bed. For example, you may say, “I am at peace with the world” or “I feel harmonious and happy today.” Try to live according to your values. When your lifestyle aligns with your personal values and beliefs, you feel more at ease overall.

Participate in community events. Connect with your neighbors. Hang out with friends on a regular basis. Spend quality time with family. Be vulnerable and honest with friends and family. Be generous and caring to your partner or spouse. Avoid yelling or shouting at others. Counter anger with compassion and empathy. Be an active listener. Be open to compromise. Accept that you may not agree with everyone. Help a neighbor, friend or family member in need. Volunteer at a local organization. Donate money to a worthy cause. Become a mentor. Shop at local businesses. Find a hobby or activity you enjoy. Try yoga and deep breathing. Take time for self-care. Use positive affirmations.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Colored-Leather

How to Clean Colored Leather

To clean colored leather, start by mixing 1 part mild soap with 8 parts water. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and wipe it along the grain of the leather. Then, use a clean cloth and water to wipe off any residual soap. If there are any stains on the leather, wipe them off using a clean cloth and the soapy water. To get grease off your colored leather, cover the stain with cornstarch or baking soda, let it set, and then buff the area with a cloth.

Vacuum or shake off loose debris. Use a furniture attachment to remove all extra dirt and debris from your furniture. Be very gentle when vacuuming so you don't scratch the leather. Brush dust and debris off of other leather items, like purses and gloves. Make a basic cleaning solution with mild soap and water. Mix one part mild soap with eight parts distilled water. Use a mild liquid soap, baby soap, or a gentle facial cleanser. Avoid detergents. Pour the solution in a spray bottle to make the process easier if you like. You can also use commercial leather cleaner or cream. Use a little saddle soap for gloves and furniture instead of the soap and water solution. Avoid saddle soap with handbags. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution. Spray a little cleanser on a soft cloth. Don't saturate the cloth -- it only needs to be a little damp. Try a microfiber cloth for really gentle cleaning and to avoid lint. Wipe the damp cloth with the grain of the leather. Don't rub the soap and water into the leather. Also avoid applying the soap and water solution directly on the leather. Always use a cloth for wiping -- paper towels can disintegrate and get stuck in the leather. Wipe off the soap. Very lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with plain distilled water. Use this to wipe off any residual soap and dirt. If you're worried about your leather getting too wet, you can wipe the soap off with a clean, dry cloth. Let it dry. Allow the leather to dry completely. You can accelerate the drying process by buffing the leather with a clean, dry cloth. Try stuffing a handbag with paper or cloths to help it retain its shape. Don't put brightly colored leather in the sun to dry. This can fade the color of the leather. Address spills as soon as they occur. Blot up spills gently and quickly to avoid set-in stains. Use a clean, white cloth to wipe water-based (juice and other drinks) stains from your furniture. Also use a clean white cloth to wipe up oil-based stains like butter. Don't use soap on these spills. Use the soap and distilled water cleaning procedure above for more stubborn stains. Absorb grease with cornstarch. Completely cover a greasy stain with cornstarch until the stain is blanketed. You can also use talcum powder or baking soda. Let this sit on the leather until the cornstarch sets. Clean off the cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda. After it sets, brush off any excess. Next, buff the area with a slightly damp clean cloth. Wipe the area completely with a dry, clean cloth and be sure it's dry before using your leather. If the stain is very heavy, first wipe it off with a solution of mild soap and distilled water as described above. You can apply leather conditioner after this. Use shoe polish. Find shoe polish in a color that exactly matches your leather. Rub a minute amount of polish into the stain using a soft cloth. Next, use a clean soft cloth to buff the leather where you applied the shoe polish. Be sure to use the shoe polish very sparingly so the color blends well with your leather. Condition your leather. Rub a commercial leather moisturizer into the leather to condition it after cleaning. Alternatively, put a few drops of olive oil on a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff and condition your leather. You can condition your leather every few months even if you're not cleaning it. Make your own leather conditioner for darker leather. Combine ½ cup (120 mL) of olive oil, ¼ cup (60 mL) of brewed tea, and ¼ cup (60 mL) of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray this on your leather and let it sit for five minutes at the most. Wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth. A combination of ½ cup (120 mL) of olive oil and ¾ cup (180 mL) of white vinegar can also be used as a homemade leather conditioner. Apply a protectant. Coat your leather with a sealant to protect it from water. Sealants will also protect your leather from the elements, like snow and ice. Use mink oil, shoe cream, or other leather polishing protectants to add a light layer of protection and to make your leather look shinier and cleaner.

Vacuum or shake off loose debris. Make a basic cleaning solution with mild soap and water. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution. Wipe the damp cloth with the grain of the leather. Wipe off the soap. Let it dry. Address spills as soon as they occur. Absorb grease with cornstarch. Clean off the cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda. Use shoe polish. Condition your leather. Make your own leather conditioner for darker leather. Apply a protectant.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Thank-You-Note-for-Money

How to Write a Thank You Note for Money

To write a thank you note for money, start by placing the date in the top right-hand corner of the inside of the card. Next, just below the date but on the left-hand side, write the appropriate greeting, such as “Dear Susie,” “Dear Mr. Brown,” or “Hello Mrs. Smith.” On the next line down, indent about 1 inch from the left and begin your note, which should thank the giver for their generosity, and explain how you plan to use the money. Once you're done with your message, use an appropriate closing to end your note, such as “Love, Nate,” “Sincerely, Emily Jones,” or “Thank you again, Linda.”

Purchase thank you cards. If you do not have a supply of thank you cards, you will need to go buy a pack. There are a few things to keep in mind: Choose a pack that fits either your personality or the occasion. If you are thanking someone for money given for funeral expenses, for example, you will not want a brightly-colored thank you card. However, that type of card would be acceptable for thanking someone for money given for graduation or a birthday. Buy a pack large enough to send as many thank you notes as you need. Packs of thank you cards usually come in sets of 8-10, but you can also find packs of 20 and 50. Pay attention to whether the thank you cards have pre-printed messages inside them. Most packs are blank, so be sure to check whether the pack you chose is blank. You may want the pre-printed message, or you may want the blank ones. Collect the supplies you need for writing a thank you note. You need only a few things, but having them gathered together helps you avoid having to stop and start while writing your note. Thank you cards and envelopes Pens Address book Stamps Return address labels Make sure you have your recipient's address. If you look through your address book and discover that you do not have your recipient's address, figure out a way to obtain it. Contact the recipient and ask for it Contact a family member or friend who knows it Look in other address books or documents to try to find it Find a place in your home where you feel comfortable writing. You may only be writing one thank you note, or you might be writing several thank you notes, if more than one person gifted money to you. Find a space in your home where it is comfortable to sit and write for a while. Settle into your chosen writing spot. Make sure that you are comfortable and that you have everything you need to write your note. Open your thank you note and write the date inside. The date goes in the top right-hand corner of the inside of the card. You can write the date in a couple of different formats: January 1, 2015 1 January 2015 1/1/15 01/01/15 1/1/2015 01/01/2015 Write the greeting just below the date but on the left-hand side. Shift your hand down just a bit from where you wrote the date, and then slide your hand across to the left side. Here is where you should write your greeting. The formality of it will vary depending on who your recipient is; a friend or family member can have a less formal greeting, while a boss, donor, or other important person would need a more formal one. “Dear Susie,” “Dear Mr. Brown,” “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,” “Hi Jonathan,” “Hey Michelle!” “Hello Mrs. Smith,” Begin your first sentence below the greeting. After you write your greeting, shift your hand downward again and indent about an inch from the left. This is where you will start the first sentence of your card. Be mindful of the size of your handwriting. Unless you write quite small, most thank you cards can only fit about 3-5 sentences, not including the date, greeting, and closing. Write your thank you message. As you are thanking someone for giving you money, it is important to thank them for their generosity and/or thoughtfulness, express your gratitude, explain how you will use or save the money, and continue your connection with the recipient. “Thank you for the money that you gave me for graduation. I'm so thankful that you made this investment in my future. I'll be putting the money into my savings account to cover college expenses. I'll be home for Thanksgiving, so I hope to see you then.” “I want to thank you for sending me money for Christmas. That was so generous of you, and it completely surprised me. I'm planning to use the money to buy a dress I really want. Thanks for giving me the means to buy another gift! I hope we can get together at New Years.” “There just aren't enough words to express how thankful I am for the money you sent me. I've been in a tight spot for a while now, and the money you unexpectedly sent me will help so much in covering some expenses I have right now. I'm so grateful to have someone like you in my life. I'm planning to host a small dinner party in a few weeks, and I'd love it if you could attend.” “We want to send our sincerest thanks for the money you thoughtfully gave us as a wedding gift. We are saving to buy our first home, so we will contribute this money to that savings fund. Thank you for helping us get one step closer to our goal! We'll let you know when we accomplish it.” Close your note with a closing. Once you finish writing your message, slide your hand down the card a bit and move it somewhere between the middle and the right side of the card. This is where you will write your closing. Again, which closing you choose depends on how formal or informal you need to be. “Love, Nate” “Sincerely, Emily Jones” “Your friend, Bob” “Warmly, Kristen” “Talk to you soon, Ryan” “Thanks again, Lindsey” Close the card and slide it into the envelope. Then, seal the flap of the envelope. You can lick it, or you might want to use a dampened sponge or an envelope moistener. Address the card to your recipient. In neat handwriting on the front of the envelope, write the recipient's address. It is important to include all parts of the address, including the zip code. If the note is going to more than one person, be sure to address it as “Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,” for example. Other options include “Dr. and Mrs.,” “Dr. and Dr.,” “Rev. and Mrs.,” and “The Thomas Family.” Apply your return address label and stamp. The return address label belongs in the top left-hand corner of the front of the envelope. In the top right-hand corner is where you should stick the stamp. Mail the thank you note. It is important to mail your thank you note in a timely manner. Etiquette usually implies that you have up to two weeks to send a thank you note for most occasions. Weddings have a slightly different rule. If you receive the gift prior to the wedding, then the 2-week rule applies. However, if you received the gift at or after the wedding, then etiquette allows up to one month after your return from your honeymoon.

Purchase thank you cards. Collect the supplies you need for writing a thank you note. Make sure you have your recipient's address. Find a place in your home where you feel comfortable writing. Settle into your chosen writing spot. Open your thank you note and write the date inside. Write the greeting just below the date but on the left-hand side. Begin your first sentence below the greeting. Write your thank you message. Close your note with a closing. Close the card and slide it into the envelope. Address the card to your recipient. Apply your return address label and stamp. Mail the thank you note.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Conjunctivitis-in-Cats

How to Treat Conjunctivitis in Cats

To treat conjunctivitis in cats, it's important that you take your cat to the vet so they can determine what's causing the conjunctivitis and recommend a treatment plan. Usually, your vet will prescribe topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications that go in your cat's eye. After getting medication for your cat, make sure you complete the full course of treatment, even if your cat's eye starts to look better before the course is up. Also, if you have multiple cats, keep your infected cat isolated until its treatment is over so it doesn't spread the infection.

Identify the cause of conjunctivitis. Feline conjunctivitis is classified as either infectious or non-infectious. Infectious causes of conjunctivitis include viruses (feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus), bacteria, and fungi. Examples of non-infectious causes are foreign objects (e.g., dust), airborne chemicals, and allergies. The most common infectious causes are feline herpesvirus, Chlamydia felis, and feline mycoplasma. Chlamydia and mycoplasma are types of bacteria. Taking your cat to your veterinarian will help you determine what is causing your cat's conjunctivitis. If non-infectious agents are not the cause, your veterinarian will perform different diagnostic tests to identify the infectious agent. Discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Once your veterinarian has identified the cause of your cat's conjunctivitis, they will recommend various treatment options. Discuss these options with your veterinarian. For general conjunctivitis (no specific cause), treatment usually consists of topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., hydrocortisone) that go in the affected eye. For feline herpesvirus conjunctivitis, treatments include topical antivirals, topical antibiotics, and oral interferon alpha (suppresses immune response to virus). Topical antibiotics for general or herpesvirus conjunctivitis treat bacterial infections that occur when the immune system becomes depressed after a viral infection. For bacterial conjunctivitis, topical antibiotics are used. Tetracycline works for Chlamydial infections. If a foreign body is stuck in your cat's eye, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove it. Topical eye treatments are available as drops or ointments. Isolate your cat at home. If you have a multi-cat household, you will need to isolate the cat being treated. Infectious conjunctivitis can easily spread between cats, so you want to make sure your cat does not infect the other cats. Keep your cat isolated for the duration of the treatment. Place eye drops or eye ointment into your cat’s affected eye. Eye drops are easier to administer than ointments, but need to be given frequently (3‒6 times/day). Eye ointments can be given less frequently than drops, but are more difficult to administer. If you are unsure how to give your cat the eye medications, have your veterinarian show you the technique before you leave the veterinary clinic. Your veterinarian will prescribe the number of eye drops (if applicable) and how often to administer the treatment. Before applying the eye drops or ointment, you may need to remove discharge around the eyes with a clean cotton ball and eyewash solution. Your veterinarian will recommend an eyewash solution for you. Eye drops will disperse quickly over the surface of the eye, so you will not need to rub the eye afterwards. For the ointment, you will spread a line of ointment across the eye. Since it is thick, you will need to close and gently massage the eyelid to make sure the ointment spreads across the eye. Complete the full course of treatment. Your cat's eyes will probably looking better in a few days. However, do not stop treatment. This is especially important for infectious conjunctivitis—if you stop treatment early, the infectious agent may not be completely killed and may end up causing recurrent infection. It usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks before a cat's eyes fully recover from conjunctivitis. Even if your cat's eyes look better after just a few days, treating her for a week or more will ensure that her eyes fully recover. You may need to treat your cat for up to 3 weeks. Learn about the challenges of treating viral conjunctivitis. Although treatments are available for feline viral conjunctivitis, there is no actual cure. This can make treatment for this form of conjunctivitis very frustrating and challenging. In addition, topical antiviral treatments tend to be very expensive and need to be given frequently. If your cat has viral conjunctivitis, be prepared for lifelong management of the condition, rather than a short-term cure. Reduce your cat’s stress levels. Since viral conjunctivitis is not curable, it can recur after initial treatment. These flare-ups are often caused by stress. Therefore, you should identify and remove potential stressors in your cat's environment. For example, keep your cat's daily routine as steady as possible. If you have multiple cats, make sure each cat has her own 'supplies' (e.g., food and water bowls, toys, litter box) to reduce bullying or fighting between cats. Your cat may also feel stressed if she becomes bored. Provide her with plenty of toys and rotate them on a regular basis. Puzzle toys are especially useful for keeping a cat busy and entertained. Supplement your cat’s diet with oral lysine. Herpesvirus requires an amino acid called arginine to replicate. However, when the amino acid lysine is present, the virus will take up lysine instead of arginine, which will stop the virus from replicating. Your veterinarian can recommend a specific oral lysine supplement for your cat. Lysine can be used as a lifelong management option for feline herpesvirus conjunctivitis. Consider vaccinating your cat. The severity of a herpesvirus conjunctivitis flare-up can be reduced with ocular ( not injectable) vaccination. The vaccination works by strengthening the immune system and making the flare-up more bearable for your cat. Discuss this vaccination option with your veterinarian. Minimize your cat’s exposure to allergens. If your cat's allergies caused her conjunctivitis, then you should reduce her to exposure to the offending allergen as much as possible. For example, if she is allergic to dust, you will need to dust your home more frequently. If she is an outdoor cat, you may need to keep her indoors and away from outdoor allergens like pollen. If your cat's eyes became irritated when you used certain household cleaners, try keeping your cat away from the area where you are cleaning. Look for signs of a flare-up. If your cat's eyes start to look swollen and red, and you see colored discharge (e.g., green, yellow) coming from her eyes, your cat is likely experiencing a conjunctivitis flare-up. Other signs of a flare-up include increased tear production, squinting, and sensitivity to bright light. When your cat experiences a flare-up, contact your veterinarian about the best way to manage it.

Identify the cause of conjunctivitis. Discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Isolate your cat at home. Place eye drops or eye ointment into your cat’s affected eye. Complete the full course of treatment. Learn about the challenges of treating viral conjunctivitis. Reduce your cat’s stress levels. Supplement your cat’s diet with oral lysine. Consider vaccinating your cat. Minimize your cat’s exposure to allergens. Look for signs of a flare-up.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Yet-in-a-Sentence

How to Use Yet in a Sentence

To use "yet" in a sentence, put it at the end of a sentence to describe something that hasn't happened. For example, you could say "I haven't gone to bed yet." You can also use "yet" to emphasize something, like in the sentence "He ate yet another piece of pizza." Also, try replacing "but" in a sentence with "yet." For example, you could say "She's great a tennis, yet her favorite sport is soccer."

Put “yet” at the end of a sentence to describe something that hasn't happened. It is often used in negative statements in which you use a negative term like “have not” or “has not.” For example, you may say, “I haven't completed my homework yet,” or, “I haven't eaten breakfast yet.” You can also say, “She hasn't watched the episode yet,” or, “He hasn't phoned me back yet.” Use “yet” in the middle of the sentence to discuss something unknown or unclear. This approach is often used in more formal discussions or conversations. “Yet” is often placed after “have,” “are,” or “has.” For example you may say, “We have yet to determine if she is on board,” or, “Our guests are yet to arrive.” You may also say, “The price has yet to be announced.” Place “yet” in a sentence to show a situation or event is ongoing. “Yet” is used in a sentence if you want to let others know that you are still in a situation and it is going to continue in the near future. You can use “yet” in positive statements in the present to let others know that a situation or event in the present is not finished yet. For example, you may say, “I have a lot more work yet,” to let others know your work is not finished. You may say, “There is a lot more time yet,” to tell others that there is still time in the present to complete a task or activity. Use “yet” to indicate an additional issue or problem. “Yet” can be used as a stand-in for “in addition.” It is often used in a negative statement to discuss another thing the speaker has to deal with or address. For example, you may say, “Yet another source of trouble,” or, “Yet another issue to deal with.” Put “yet” in a sentence for emphasis. Similar to terms like “even,” “still,” or “more,” “yet” can be used to stress a point or create a more vivid image. It usually appears before terms like “another” or “again.” For example, you may say, “My mother served her yet another piece of pie,” or, “The coffee machine broke down yet again.” Place “yet” at the end of a sentence to show enthusiasm or excitement. You can also use “yet” as a superlative to let others know how thrilled you are. For example, you may say, “That was her best film yet!” or, “That was her greatest performance yet!” You may also say, “A time of 3 hours and 10 minutes, his best marathon yet!” Use “yet” like “but” in a sentence. “Yet” can give a sentence a certain distinctiveness and tone that “but” may not be able to do. Try replacing your use of “but” with “yet” in your sentences, placing a comma before “yet.” For example, you may say, “Stella plays tennis well, yet her favorite sport is soccer,” or, “I'm good at writing sonnets, yet I prefer reading haikus.” Put “yet” in a sentence to expand or add to the content. “Yet” can help you provide more information about a subject or event that may be contradictory or ironic. It is often used in negative sentences, similar to how you might use the conjunction “nevertheless.” For example, you may say, “The new tenants complained about the noise, yet they continue to play their music loud,” or, “She dislikes meeting new people, yet she still showed up at the party.” Often, you can remove the subject in the second half of the sentence. This allows you to remove the comma as well. For example, you may say, “The new tenants complained about the noise yet continue to play their music loud,” or, “She dislikes meeting new people yet still showed up at the party.” Start a sentence with “yet” to give it tone and flow. “Yet” is often used at the start of a sentence to share an afterthought or a second guess. It can also add a conversational flow to your sentences. For example, you may say, “Yet, despite my complaints, I still miss her company,” or, “Yet I must admit I value facts more than mere superstitions.”

Put “yet” at the end of a sentence to describe something that hasn't happened. Use “yet” in the middle of the sentence to discuss something unknown or unclear. Place “yet” in a sentence to show a situation or event is ongoing. Use “yet” to indicate an additional issue or problem. Put “yet” in a sentence for emphasis. Place “yet” at the end of a sentence to show enthusiasm or excitement. Use “yet” like “but” in a sentence. Put “yet” in a sentence to expand or add to the content. Start a sentence with “yet” to give it tone and flow.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Someone-to-Be-Your-Best-Friend-Again

How to Get Someone to Be Your Best Friend Again

While it may feel difficult to reconnect with a former best friend, you can make amends after a fight and redevelop your connection. Reach out to your friend and tell them you're sorry or ask to meet in person to talk. For example, you might tell them "“I know the last time we talked ended on bad terms. I've thought a lot about the fight, and I want to tell you that I'm sorry. I miss you and I'd like to sit down and talk sometime soon if you have time.” Tell your friend how important they are to you, but that you also know they may need some space to process everything. Touch base with your friend in a few days to see if they're ready to talk. If they want to meet up, reminisce about good memories and get out and do some of your favorite things together to remind each other why you became friends to begin with.

Reflect on the argument. After having a fight with a friend, you may be feeling upset, mad or hurt. Focus on these feelings and think about what happened to produce them. Though the argument may have been major, your friendship should not be characterized by one bad day. Think about the argument in the grand scheme of things. Write out your thoughts. Often times, your emotions can be chaotic after a fight. Take some time to jot down how you feel and the things you regret. Remind yourself that fights are a natural part of any relationship. If handled correctly, however, they can make your friendship stronger. Prepare to apologize. Though the argument may not have been your fault exclusively, if you want to reconnect with your friend, you'll need to step up and be the bigger person and apologize. You must think of the ways in which you are at fault and be prepared to acknowledge and apologize for them when it comes time to talk to your friend. You might say something like “I am so sorry for saying those hurtful things that I said to you and I know that that behavior is unacceptable. I don't want to speak to my friends in that way, especially not my best friend. I hope you will forgive me.” Your friend will likely feel very moved by your apology and may apologize as well. Be sure to think of the ways that they hurt you as well so that you can articulate that when the time comes. You may need a little time before you are ready to apologize. That's okay! Wait until you are calm and rational to apologize. Get in touch. After having thought about the fight in depth, it is now time to reach out to your friend. If you have their number, text or call them. You can also reach out to them on social media as well or via mutual friends if necessary. You may want to send a text that reads something like “I know the last time we talked ended on bad terms. I have thought a lot about the fight and what I did and said and I want to tell you that I'm sorry. I miss you and I'd like to sit down and talk sometime soon if you have time.” If your friend does not want to meet you, consider writing them a letter apologizing since you cannot offer your apology in person. This way, you will at least know that your friend knows you're sorry and want to move forward, whether the feelings are reciprocated or not. Set aside some time to meet. If they respond positively to you, now is the time to set up a meeting. Coordinate with your friend to find a time that works for both of your schedules. It can also be helpful to make sure that you don't have much else to do on the day that you two meet, as your conversation may take a while. You might say something like “Hey, wanna go somewhere to talk for a bit? We could meet for lunch or go take a walk.” Meet in a neutral, quiet place. A park or a coffee shop are great places to meet that are relaxed and chill. This will set the mood for a less tense conversation. Be sincere and honest. If your best friend knows you, and they likely do, they will know if you are being genuine or not. When offering your apology, Apologize for exactly what you are sorry for. Reassure them that you will avoid making mistakes like that in the future. Admit responsibility for your part in the fight. Don't make excuses for your behavior. Give up the need to be right. Listen. Though you have thought about the argument and your role in it, you still may not be fully aware of why they are upset. Take some time during this conversation to listen to the ways that you have hurt them. This last incident could just have been the last straw for them, but there could have been other times that you were rude to them that you haven't considered. Apologize for the ways you have hurt them apart from this latest issue. Think critically about what they are saying to you so that you don't apologize just to end the conversation. Make sure that any “I'm sorry” you offer is genuine. Offer your friendship. After you have apologized, and perhaps received an apology as well, express to them how much you miss their friendship and want it back. This is a great way to end the conversation on a positive note and to express your wishes. You can say something like “I'm so sorry, again, for hurting you, but I don't want this to end our friendship. Will you be my best friend again?” Don't present this as an ultimatum and don't make them decide in the moment unless they want to. Give them some space. After this heavy conversation, your friend will likely need some time to think, and that is okay. End the conversation with a hug if they are willing and tell them to reach out to you when and if they feel that they are ready. You can tell them “I know this might be a lot to take in in one day and that the feelings from our argument are still fresh, so please take some time to think and I'll be here when you're ready to talk.” It can take time and effort to rebuild trust again, especially after a major fight. Apologizing alone may not be enough, but if you give your friend space, they may come to trust you again. Get in touch. Perhaps you are looking to reconnect with a friend from middle school who you haven't seen in years or an old friend you used to work with. The very first step in renewing your friendship with this person is getting in touch with them. If you have their phone number, give them a call or shoot them a text to initiate contact. You may say something like “I hope you're doing well! We haven't spoken in a while but I've been thinking about you a lot lately and wanted to see how you're doing and what you've been up to.” Get in touch via social media. If you don't have their phone number, this could be a great way to find them and reach out. Get in touch via mutual friends. If you have mutual friends between the two of you, reach out to them so they can help you reconnect. Find out what they’ve been up to. Take some time to chat with your friend once you've reconnected about what's new in their life since you last spoke. Ask them about school, work, their parents, or their relationship. Make sure to display genuine interest when asking them about their lives. This will show them that you care and will help restore your friendship. Update them about your life. After getting updates about them, tell them what's new with you. Share if you got into college somewhere or got a promotion at work, or even smaller updates that you think they'll find interesting. You can say something like “I recently got into college at the local University and I'm so excited about it. I remember that you were applying there, too.” Be sure not to dominate the conversation with information about you. Meet at a place where you can talk. If you two live in the same city or within a reasonable distance from each other, set aside some time to meet in person. This will help strengthen your bond more than chats on the phone or through text. If you don't live close, try FaceTiming or Skyping with them. You could invite them out by saying “Wanna grab lunch one day soon downtown? Or go see a movie? I'd love to hangout.” If you do meet up, avoid meeting in a loud or noisy place. One idea is to meet for coffee or lunch. Talk about why you drifted apart. If you two haven't spoken for some time, it may be necessary to at least broach the topic of why that occurred. Did one of you move away and has recently returned home? Or maybe you simply grew apart over the years. Either way, discuss why you lost touch. Keep the conversation light, though. Don't pressure them to talk about it and don't make it tense. Consider beginning the conversation like “It's been so nice catching up with you. I often think about how we drifted apart. When you moved away, I thought things would be different, but I didn't know how much. I've really missed you.” Make a promise to connect more often. After you've had the conversation, tell them that you don't want to lose touch again and that you've enjoyed spending time with them. Since this person used to be your best friend, they will likely welcome this reconnection with open arms. Make a promise to call and see each other more and actually follow through. More than anything else, keeping your promises and following up with your friend will help rebuild your friendship. If you truly care about your friend, make an effort to stay in touch. Continue conversations. After your initial conversations, continue talking to your friend regularly. Call and text them at least weekly. The amount of contact you have will depend upon your ages as well as the frequency with which you use to communicate. For instance, if you are in high school, it is normal to talk to your best friends every day. However, if you are older and working, you may speak less regularly as you will have other responsibilities to manage. Make sure not to be the only one initiating contact. If you find that nine times out of ten, you're the one reaching out first, give your friend some space to breathe. If they reach out first, it will make your friendship stronger and more mutual. Reminisce about good memories. Take some time with your friend to reflect on the great memories that you have shared with one another. This would be a great time to bring out your photo album or look at your mutual photos on social media. Sit and reminisce with your friend to remind each other of these times and the good times to come. You might want to say something like “Remember that time we went to the movies and we laughed so hard we were crying? We really had so much fun together.” Do the things you used to do. In addition to reflecting, go out and recreate those fun memories! If you and your friend love to go to the beach, play sports, or go out to the movies, do all of those things again. This is a great way to remind each other of why you became friends in the first place and to move on from your fight. Redevelop trust if necessary. One other way to strengthen your newly rekindled bond is to further develop your trust. Though you and your friend may feel that you have not skipped a beat since your reconnected, your sense of trust may need to be reestablished. Work on communicating with them regularly to develop a mutual sense of dependability. One way to develop trust is to share secrets with each other. As your friendships progresses, begin divulging new information about yourself that they didn't know before, and asking them to do the same. You can even make a game out of it. Try something new together. In addition to doing things with them that you used to enjoy doing together, you can also try new things! Trying something new is a good way to get both of you out of your comfort zone and even to face your fears together. Bond over cooking a new dish together or trying out a new sport. You can also conquer a mutual fear like a fear of heights together by riding a rollercoaster or something similar. Your friendship may change in new and unexpected ways. Embrace this change. Try to avoid dwelling on how things were before. Enjoy your new friendship. Perhaps things will fall back into place and you'll feel that you haven't missed a day together, which is wonderful. But things can feel different as well, and that's okay, too. Enjoy your new, stronger and more mature friendship and celebrate having your best friend back!

Reflect on the argument. Prepare to apologize. Get in touch. Set aside some time to meet. Be sincere and honest. Listen. Offer your friendship. Give them some space. Get in touch. Find out what they’ve been up to. Update them about your life. Meet at a place where you can talk. Talk about why you drifted apart. Make a promise to connect more often. Continue conversations. Reminisce about good memories. Do the things you used to do. Redevelop trust if necessary. Try something new together. Enjoy your new friendship.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-an-Excellent-Linebacker

How to Be an Excellent Linebacker

The key to being an excellent linebacker is mastering your tackling technique and protecting the ball during offensive plays. Practice tackling safely so you can quickly shut your opponents' plays down without injuring yourself. You should also practice intercepting and swatting away passes so you can stop the other team from gaining big yards. If you have another linebacker to train with, run drills where you have to fill a hole in the offensive line to protect running plays. If you're having trouble, ask your coach for help, who will be able to show you areas where you can improve.

Start a vigorous exercise routine. Linebackers are expected to rush the quarterback, offer pass coverage, and stop runs. Linebackers must be fast enough to catch receivers yet strong enough to tackle a running back at full speed. A lean, powerful physicality is the core upon which a great linebacker's game is built. If you don't already have an exercise routine, begin one today. The faster you can run and the harder you can hit, the more effective you'll be as a linebacker. Because the linebacker needs to rapidly move from one defensive role to the next, a solid cardio routine is a must. Jog to build your endurance, but also make sure to run sprints to build the speed you'll need to take down the fastest running backs and receivers. Strength training is also essential. Linebackers need to be able to go toe-to-toe with immense linemen while rushing the quarterback. Powerful leg, back, and core muscles are highly prized - these muscle groups are the foundation for strong rushing and tackling ability. In addition, a linebacker needs quick, strong arms to fight past linemen and pull ball carriers down. Ray Lewis recommends a robust mix of bench presses, shrugs, squats, and bicep curls. Know your stance. The linebacker's first few seconds of motion can make or break a defensive play. Having a good ready stance is necessary for quick, decisive action as soon as the ball is snapped. Linebackers use a two-point stance (two feet touching the ground) as opposed to the three or four-point stance used by linemen (two feet plus one or two hands touching the ground, respectively.) Linebackers play a highly mobile role - three and four-point stances are good for linemen who want to dig down and explode into other linemen, but not linebackers, who need to be ready to run. Keep a wide base. Your feet should be a little more than shoulder width apart, with your toes pointed inwards. This wide, stable base will ensure you're well-balanced and prevent false steps. Bend your knees so that you can sit back into your stance. Make sure to bend at your waist, not at your back. Keep your chest big and pointed outward. You can rest your arms lightly on your thighs or let them hang loosely, but don't put your hands on your knees, as this encourages you to bend at the back and also takes longer to move out of when the ball is snapped. Practice your first step. A good linebacker is constantly reading the offense, but a good quarterback is constantly reading you. The first few moments of a play are critical. If you hesitate on your first step or telegraph your intended direction too early, then an intelligent offense will be able to exploit your mistake. Be sure to practice the first, critical step you take out of your stance. Your first step should be no more than six inches. Make it in the direction the ball is traveling. Use your first step as a foothold to push off of as you build speed for your play. Practice correct tackling technique. Football players shouldn't set foot on the gridiron without understanding how to safely tackle. Bad form when tackling can lead to concussions or crippling spinal injuries. Don't put yourself (or the ball carrier) at risk - know what you're doing. Tackling can be broken down into three stages: approach, contact, and finish. Each had its own technique to safely maximize your chances of putting the ball carrier on his back. Approach: Keep a wide stance, keep your head up, and keep your eyes open. Keep on your feet as you begin your tackle. Contact: As you make contact with the ball carrier at his hips or below, thrust your arms up and around him. Grab the cloth of his jersey. Pull the ball carrier toward you as you use the power of your legs and core to bring him down. Finish: Keep your feet moving and keep your center of balance low. "Run through" the ball carrier as you continue to pull him down. Practice your pass coverage. Linebackers aren't just tackling machines - they're frequently called upon to cover receivers. Line up against a quarterback and a receiver, then practice intercepting and swatting down short passes. When the ball's snapped, keep low and shuffle backwards, keeping your shoulders forward and watching the quarterback and receiver. When the receiver passes you, follow him, keeping your body between him and the ball. Stay inside and under the receiver - be a yard or two upfield from him, between the quarterback and him. Practice linebacker-specific drills. By practicing certain fundamental movements and strategies, a linebacker can begin internalizing his skills. Eventually, a successful linebacker's fundamentals will be committed to muscle memory and he'll be able to position himself to react to offensive threats with maximum speed and efficiency. If you're working with a coach, they will should be able to lead you through a variety of drills to maximize your linebacker potential. Below are just a few great drills for aspiring linebackers. Improve your reaction speed. This drill improves your reaction speed and allows you to work on your critical first step. Get in your two point stance, and have a friend or coach stand in front of you with the ball. When the drill begins, the coach will move the ball to the left and right at irregular intervals. When the coach moves the ball, make your first six inch step in the direction of the ball's motion as quickly as you can, then return to your stance. Your coach shouldn't follow a pattern - keep things unpredictable. Learn to shuffle, read, and run. These drills improve your ability to recognize and stop a running play. Line up about 5 yards (4.6 m) away from a friend who's a quick runner, facing him while he faces you. Get in your stance. Your friend simulates receiving the ball from a hike, then starts to move to one side (chosen by him at random. Follow him laterally without closing ground on him too quickly. When he's moving slowly, stay in your stance and use a low, shuffling motion to advance on him at a 45 degree angle. Keep your shoulders pointed forward. When he moves quickly, sprint towards the sideline. Always stay about one step behind the runner - you don't want him to cut inside you. Try to force him towards the sideline. Learn to fill holes for running plays. Similar to above. You'll need another linebacker to practice with you. Useful for practicing plays where you're required to rush the quarterback or stop inside runs. Line up in your stance across from five evenly-spaced drums which will represent the offensive line (each linebacker should be lined up on either side of the middle bag/drum.) The coach will stand behind these and simulate receiving the ball from the snap. He'll then indicate motion to either side with the ball. If the ball moves right, the linebacker on the right will shuffle forward to the right, outside of the offensive line, while the linebacker on the right will fill the hole to the directly to the right of the central bag/drum. When the ball moves left, mirror the motions. Keep your hands fast. An offensive lineman's job is to keep you from reaching the quarterback or ball carrier. To do this, they'll grab you, push you, and otherwise manhandle you. Get good at swatting their hands out of the way - if they can't shove or grab you, you'll stand a better chance of getting around them. Stand arm's length from a friend. Keep your hands up in front of your chest with your elbows in - like a boxer who's got his guard up. Have your friend try to grab your chest again and again, gradually increasing his speed. Practice swatting, blocking, or smacking his hands out of the way. Remember that if you miss his hand with one of your swats, you can try to break his grip with a "backhand" motion when you bring your arm back to its "ready" position. Stay home. Almost every coach will tell you this. If the coach called a play where you're lined up on the right side of the ball and you see the ball move left, don't cut and run left. Several offensive plays revolve around tricking defensive players into opening up "holes" for the offense. If you abandon your post, a quick running back will be able to exploit the hole you've left open for serious yards. When the ball crosses the line of scrimmage (or is about to), you can pursue it directly. Three plays that can give the other team a touchdown if you don't stay home: The counter, boot, and reverse. These three plays all involve a fake to one side followed by a "real" run to the other. Spend plenty of time on the field. The best way to get good at something is simply to start doing it. Athleticism and well-practiced fundamentals aren't useful unless they can be applied to actual in-game situations. If you're already on a team, your coaches should organize scrimmages as an important part of your practice schedule. If not, play football with your friends at the park. If you don't have enough people to play a full 11-on-11 game, don't fret - you can hone your skills through "mini-scrimmages." Simply shrink your teams to incorporate as many people as you have. You might try pairing with one defensive lineman and one safety to take on an offense consisting of one quarterback, one lineman, and one receiver, for instance. Often, practice games aren't played at "full-speed." That is, certain safety measures are taken to ensure no one sustains an injury. For examples, tackles might be made with less force or not at all. Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally had miss games because of injuries. Be the on-the-field decision maker. Linebacker is one of the most important defensive positions, if not the most important. Generally, middle linebackers (sometimes called the "quarterbacks of the defense" ) receive calls from the defensive coach and give play calls to the defense on the field. Always "read" the offense so that you can make on-the-field changes to the defense. With intelligent, nuanced play-calling, your defense will come to respect and trust you. Lead by example - be the emotional core of the defense as well as its star player. Be the player all the other defensive players want to be. Show up to every practice early. Spend extra time in the weight room. Stay focused and positive. Your team mates will notice. Keep morale high. Keep your defense focused and "pumped up." This is easy at the beginning of the game, but hard when fatigue sets in. Even when you're frustrated by your players, it's generally better to build your defense up than tear it down - there's plenty of time for criticism in the locker room. Study. Know the defensive playbook inside and out, but also study offensive plays. Watch films of old games with a coach or mentor. Talk with your coaches about writing new plays. The better you understand football's overarching strategy, the better you'll be able to lead your defense to victory. Listen carefully to the coach. As the defensive leader, you'll be responsible for relaying the coach's instructions to the defense on the field. Repeat what he says three or four times in your head. Know every play so that you don't have to ask questions or fill in the gaps in your knowledge with improvisation. Be confident in your play calling, and if you see the offense line up in a way that makes you think your defense won't be effective, call an audible on the field that logically counters the new offensive threat. One example of a defensive audible: The defense has lined up in a 3-4 formation (three defensive linemen, four linebackers) in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) The defense might decide on the spot to change the blitz so that one of the middle linebackers and the weak side linebacker (the linebacker lined up on the opposite side as the three receivers) blitz, while the other two linebackers perform pass coverage. This preserves the pressure of the blitz while devoting the strong side linebacker to keeping pressure on the receivers. If you end up playing iron man football (playing both offense and defense) and you have taken a few hard hits, you may reach a point where your memory is nearly shot. Muscle memory and becomes important at this point. Be rugged, but sportsmanlike. Your team counts on you to play your best and to hit as hard as possible. However, keep your sportsmanlike composure. Because of the rough, even violent nature of the position, defensive players sometimes psych themselves up by "getting angry." They work up feelings of rage so that they can more doggedly pursue and hit the ball carrier. You can manipulate your own emotions for better results, but do so only to a point. Never lose your composure, even if offensive players aggravate you with their words or behavior. Remember - if you abuse an offensive player or hit him illegally, you can win your team a personal foul (15 yards and an automatic first down for the offense) and even be ejected from the game. You'll also be setting a terrible example for other defensive players, who may look to you for guidance. Take care of yourself. A linebacker has to be tough as nails, but when he's hurt, he should seek the help he need. Talk to your team's sports medicine professional if you feel any unusual aches or pains. S/he can recommend a regimen of treatments or exercise to get you back in fighting shape. Here are some things you might be required to do: Ice sore spots and/or injuries Wear a cast, sling, or other protective gear Use crutches to keep pressure off of an injured foot or leg Receive tissue massages Start a special stretch or exercise program See a doctor for more drastic treatment options

Start a vigorous exercise routine. Know your stance. Practice your first step. Practice correct tackling technique. Practice your pass coverage. Practice linebacker-specific drills. Improve your reaction speed. Learn to shuffle, read, and run. Learn to fill holes for running plays. Keep your hands fast. Stay home. Spend plenty of time on the field. Be the on-the-field decision maker. Lead by example - be the emotional core of the defense as well as its star player. Listen carefully to the coach. Be rugged, but sportsmanlike. Take care of yourself.

https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-College-Football

How to Follow College Football

The best way to follow college football is to choose a favorite team and stick with them through thick and thin. Learn the differences between NFL and college football rules and tune into the games every Saturday during the fall. Follow your team to their bowl game and don't miss out on major rivalry games along the way. Buy tickets online and tailgate with friends before the game to experience the unique excitement of a college football game!

Follow your alma mater’s team, or one with a family connection. Although watching any college football game is fun, it's always more interesting when you have a favorite team to cheer for. The easiest pick is your own alma mater - you already know and love the school, so it's just as easy to get behind the team. If you didn't go to college or your school doesn't have a team, choose one that a family member went to or loves. It's always easier to get into the spirit when already have a fellow fan! Pull for your local college team. A hometown college team can feel just as personal as one from your alma mater. And there's an added bonus--you'll be close enough to go to games! A “local” team can mean a team from your city, state or even larger region. Teams like Ohio State and Alabama are considered hometown teams for people all over the state and even beyond. Brush up on your team’s major traditions. Almost every school has a few big traditions carried out at football games, and getting into them can make being a fan more exciting and much more fun. It can be a particular song or cheer shouted by everyone in the stadium, a pre- or post-game fan ritual, or a celebration done after every score. For example, before every game, the University of Hawaii's football team takes the field and performs a Ha'a, a traditional Hawaiian dance and chant. Before every game at the University of Oklahoma, a replica turn of the century wagon, pulled by 2 white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, leads the team out of tunnel. After every win by Auburn, fans “roll the trees” at Toomer's Corner on campus, throwing toilet paper through the branches in a wild, creative celebration. Watch games on TV every Saturday in the fall. College football practically owns sports broadcasting on Saturdays from August until the end of the year. Big fans will dedicate the whole day to watching every big matchup, but even tuning in for just 1 or 2 games will help you get into the spirit. While you watch, listen to the broadcasters and learn as much as you can about the game. Many people actually prefer watching football on TV than going to games, because of the commentary, replays, and clear 1st down markings. Major games can also be played on Thursdays and Fridays. Make sure to check your team's schedule so you know when to watch! Tune in for the major rivalries. College football is famous for its rivalries, some of which date back over a century. Although the most hyped-up rivalries are the ones between highly-ranked nemeses, almost every school has its own traditional rival and big game, typically played during “Rivalry Weekend” at the end of November. The winner of these rivalry games often takes home a special trophy, which goes back and forth between the schools. Some major rivalries include: Army vs. Navy. This one can be especially fun to watch, as the students--cadets and midshipmen--dress in uniform and march out onto the field before the game. Ohio State vs. Michigan, also called The Game. Harvard vs. Yale - which is called The Game as well! Alabama vs. Auburn, known as the Iron Bowl. Cal vs. Stanford, also known as Big Game. Get excited for bowl season in December. Bowls are invitational postseason games played by major teams in the FBS. The top 12 teams, including those playing in the playoffs, get put into the top-tier “New Year's Six” bowls--6 games played around New Year's. The rest of the 41 bowl games are chosen through contractual obligations (some bowls are required to choose teams from certain conferences) and team record (a team must typically be at least 6-6). Some famous bowls include: The Rose Bowl. This is the oldest bowl game, played in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. It's always played between PAC-12 and Big 10 teams, and typically goes to the conference champs, unless those teams are in the playoffs. The Sugar Bowl, played in the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is played between SEC and Big 12 teams. It's played between the conference champions unless those teams are in the playoffs. The Cotton Bowl, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and typically played between the ACC conference champion, unless they're in the playoffs, and a team from the Big Ten, Big 12, or SEC. Watch the major awards ceremonies at the end of the season. Even if your team isn't heading to the playoffs, a player or coach might be honored by an end-of-season award for outstanding play or behavior off the field. There are awards for every position, as well as recognition for student-athletes with exemplary grades and community service accolades. Some of these awards include: The Heisman Trophy, given to the best player in college football. This is considered the premiere award in college football. The Doak Walker Award, given to the best running back. The Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best tight end. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the best defensive player. Review basic football rules. Football might seem like a complicated sport at first, but once you understand the fundamental rules, the rest will follow quickly. Each team is divided into offensive and defensive squads. When a team is on offense, their quarterback tries to move the ball down the field by throwing passes to receivers or handing the ball off to a running back. The object is to get the ball into the endzone, which earns 6 points. A team can also opt to kick a field goals between 2 upright poles, earning 3 points. The defense tries to stop the offense by tackling the player with the ball, bringing the play to an end. They can force a turnover--taking the ball away from the opposing offense and giving it back to their own offense--by intercepting a pass or causing a fumble. For a full list of American college football rules, see the NCAA website: http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/FR17updated.pdf Understand the rule differences between college and the NFL. Although there are many similarities between the NFL and college football, there are also a few small rule discrepancies that can make a big difference. Once you get the hang of the basic rules, you can start to familiarize yourself with the small differences that make college football a unique sport to watch. These differences include: In the NFL, a player must be down by contact by a defensive player. In college, a player is down once they hit the ground, whether they were touched or not. In the NFL, a receiver must have both feet in bounds for the catch to be complete. In college, only 1 foot has to be down. In the NFL, the clock can only stop for a timeout or the 2-minute warning, 2 minutes before the end of each half. In college, the clock stops for timeouts and first downs. This makes a big difference when a team is trying to score with only a few minutes left. Know the difference between NCAA and NAIA. The NCAA stands for National Collegiate Athletic Association. It's the larger, more well-known organization of college sports, including over 1,200 schools and 460,000 student-athletes. The NAIA stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and is quite a bit smaller, encompassing about 260 schools and 60,000 student-athletes. If you've heard or watched major college sports before, it was likely in the NCAA. Major events like football bowl games, basketball March Madness, and the College World Series in baseball and softball are run by the NCAA. Learn the different divisions within NCAA football. The NCAA splits their teams up into 4 divisions, based on the size of the school and its athletic program. All NCAA sports and schools are designated as either Division I, Division II, or Division III. Division I football is further categorized into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Though the divisions sound complicated, being familiar with them will help you know what level of play to expect from each game. FBS: This is considered the top division, with the most well known schools and high profile games. It gets its name from the “bowl games” played at the end of the year. FCS: Just below the FBS, these teams don't compete in bowls. Instead, they have a 24-team playoff. They are allowed fewer scholarships, play 1 less game than the FBS teams, and are broadcast on TV less often. Division II and III: These schools are much smaller than those in Division I. Student-athletes receive much less financial help and sometimes none at all, but sports are still a fun part of student and alum life. Familiarize yourself with the major Division I conferences. There are 11 conferences within the FBS and 15 in the FCS, both divided by region. It's good to know a few of the conferences and the major teams that come from each, because each conference hosts a championship at the end of the year between its top 2 teams. The champion of each conference gets the best bowl to play in, and can even go on to the College Football playoffs. The “Power 5” conferences in the FBS are considered: The Big Ten, which consists of teams in the Midwest like Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Southeastern Conference (SEC), which includes teams in the South, like Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Florida. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which is the home of teams along the Eastern seaboard, such as Clemson, the University of Miami, Florida State, the University of Pittsburgh, and Louisville. The PAC-12, which is made of teams along the Pacific Coast, like USC, Washington, Stanford, Oregon, Utah, and many University of California schools. The Big 12, containing teams in the mid-South and Midwest, like the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Texas Christian (TCU). Look up the newest playoff rules. Until 2014, the FBS season culminated in 1 championship game between the top 2 teams in the country. Now, the top 4 teams in the country play in a pair of semifinals and 1 final to determine the National Champion. It's a more inclusive system that lets more teams have a shot at the championship--and gives college football fans even more games to enjoy! The semi-finals take place on the last weekend in December, or on New Year's Day (when it falls on a weekend or a Monday.) The Finals are scheduled for the first weekend in January. Learn the ranking system to determine who the best teams are. There are 3 different ranking systems for college football, which can be a bit confusing: the College Football Playoff rankings (CFP), the Associated Press Top 25, and the Coaches' Poll. They tend to be more or less the same, but the most important one to follow is the CFP, because it determines who will play in the National Championship. Rankings are determined by how many games a team wins and how hard of a schedule they have--the more “Power 5”-quality teams they face, the better. A team doesn't have to win their conference to go to the playoffs. In fact, it's much more important to have fewer losses. In 2016, for example, Penn State won the Big 10 Championship but had an 11-2 record, and was left out of the playoffs. Ohio State, who had a better record at 11-1, went instead. Go to a rivalry matchup or homecoming if you can only attend 1 game. If you can only go to 1 or 2 games every few years, you might want to look up what the best matchup will be that year--against a rival or a highly-ranked team, for example. You could also go to homecoming, when alumni return for the game and spirits are guaranteed to be high. Team schedules are typically announced in February or March, and the season begins in August. Look up your team's schedule in advance to see what games look the best. Choose a non-conference game and buy early for cheaper tickets. If you're looking to save money, buy tickets as early as you can. Choose a game against a lower-ranked team or a school that's not traditionally considered a rival, like one that's in a different conference. Although the opponent may not be as big, the game will still be high-energy and fun to watch. Get tickets through the school or a verified seller. The easiest way to get tickets is online. Look on your school's athletic department website, or go through NCAA or other verified sellers, like StubHub. The most expensive tickets will be along the 50-yard line, as that's considered the best view in the stadium. Tickets closer to the field will also be more expensive. You can also reserve tickets by calling your school's box office. Some seats might have a better angle than others, but you'll be able to enjoy the game no matter where you're sitting. Buy a parking pass if necessary. Look online or call the school's box office to ask what kind of parking will be available. The stadium might have its own lot or lots to park in for a fee, or you might be able to park in the surrounding area for free or at a lower price. Get to the stadium at least a few hours early to park, or even earlier if the game is sold out. Ask the box office what time the lots open, and what time you should show up to guarantee a spot. Tailgate before the game. Tailgating is as much a part of college football as the game itself! The tradition of throwing parties and hanging out with friends before a game in the parking lot is a fun way to get excited for the game. You can go all-out and throw a big party, complete with a TV to show the game, a barbeque, and games like cornhole. If you don't have much time to plan, throw a more low-key event. Load up a cooler with beer, soda, and water, grab some snacks, and invite a few friends to hang out. Head into the stadium 30 minutes to an hour before kickoff. There might be a long line to get into the stadium, so head over at least 30 minutes before scheduled kickoff. Look on your ticket to see what entrance you should use, as most stadiums have multiple. Even if there's a big crowd getting in, remember to enjoy yourself! Talk with fellow fans about the game, look around the campus, and start getting into the spirit. Cheer your team on, no matter the outcome. Once you're inside the stadium, look at your ticket and use signs to find your seat. Be friendly to the people around you, even if they're obnoxious fans from the other team! Listen and learn your team's cheers. Above all else, appreciate the excitement and spirit of the game, no matter what the outcome is.

Follow your alma mater’s team, or one with a family connection. Pull for your local college team. Brush up on your team’s major traditions. Watch games on TV every Saturday in the fall. Tune in for the major rivalries. Get excited for bowl season in December. Watch the major awards ceremonies at the end of the season. Review basic football rules. Understand the rule differences between college and the NFL. Know the difference between NCAA and NAIA. Learn the different divisions within NCAA football. Familiarize yourself with the major Division I conferences. Look up the newest playoff rules. Learn the ranking system to determine who the best teams are. Go to a rivalry matchup or homecoming if you can only attend 1 game. Choose a non-conference game and buy early for cheaper tickets. Get tickets through the school or a verified seller. Buy a parking pass if necessary. Tailgate before the game. Head into the stadium 30 minutes to an hour before kickoff. Cheer your team on, no matter the outcome.

https://www.wikihow.com/Seal-Wood

How to Seal Wood

Sealing wood helps to protect it from the elements and give it a clean, shiny finish. Before you apply your sealant, you'll need to sand the surface with high-grit paper until it's smooth. If you want to change the color of your wood, apply a stain at this point. For a quick and easy option, apply a stain and sealant combo product. If you're not staining your wood, apply your sealant instead. Use a polyurethane product for a versatile, water-proof option. Just remember to sand the surface between coats if you use polyurethane. For indoor furniture and wood that won't get wet, use a shellac sealant. This will leave your wood shiniest.

Sand the wood until it is very smooth. Sand the entire surface with a hand sander or an electric sander to get rid of rough areas and imperfections. If your wood is pretty rough to start with, begin sanding with a rough sandpaper with a grit of 100 or 120. Progress from rougher grit to finer grit sandpapers, which allows you to reduce major irregularities before achieving a fine finish. To get a very smooth surface you should end with 400 grit sandpaper. Even if your wood already feels pretty smooth, take the time to run 400-grit sandpaper over it before sealing it. This will ensure that the surface is completely smooth once the sealant is applied. Sand with the grain, which means that you need to follow the lines of the wood grain straight back and forth. This will help you avoid leaving behind swirly marks on the surface. Remove any sawdust from the surface with a dry rag or a tac cloth. Wipe the entire surface several times. This will help you avoid getting wood particles stuck in your sealant, which will create an imperfect surface. A tac cloth is a special sticky cloth that is specially made to remove the dust from the surface of wood after sanding. Tac cloth will remove even fine particles that resist removal from a cloth. Avoid using water on unsealed wood, because it can alter the wood's grain and create roughness. Stain the wood to change the color or to highlight the grain, if desired. Apply the stain before you apply your sealant so that it is able to soak into the surface. There are a variety of colors and types of stains available but most are applied with rags. First you will wipe your stain on the wood and then let it set for a specific amount of time, which is stated on the stain packaging. Then you will wipe off the excess with a clean, dry rag. The container of your stain will tell you how long you need to wait after applying stain to apply a sealer. Wood stains are available at all hardware and home improvement stores. Use a stain and sealant combo to complete your project quickly. These products allow you to apply colorant and create a water-resistant surface at the same time. They are a quick-finish option if you have a large surface and not a lot of time to seal it. For example, many people use this type of combo product with sealing a deck, due to the large surface area that needs to be treated. They are available at all hardware and home improvement stores. These products can typically be applied with a brush or a roller. Choose a polyurethane product that works for your project. There are different types of polyurethane, including oil-based, water-based, and other synthetic mixes. Each type has different characteristics, so think about where your wood is located and how it will be treated in the future to pick the right product. For example, oil-based poly will stand up better to the elements outdoors but it takes much longer to dry and cure than water-based products. Water-based poly won't last quite as long outdoors but can be washed out of tools easily. When picking out a product, you also need to decide between a glossy and matte finished surface. Apply the polyurethane onto the wood with a brush or rag. Place the wood on a surface that can get covered in polyurethane. Either brush the polyurethane onto the surface of the wood or soak a clean rag with polyurethane and then smooth it around the face of the wood. Polyurethane is self-leveling because it is thin enough to spread out on its own. This means that you should not have to worry too much about achieving an even coat. Make sure to use extra polyurethane for the end grain because this is the most absorbent part of the wood. The end grain is the exposed, cut part of wood on the end of the piece. Cover the entire surface with a smooth coat. Use long strokes with a clean brush or rag to spread out the polyurethane. Work from one side to the other, trying to keep the distribution of polyurethane on the surface of the wood equal and smooth. A rag with wipe-on polyurethane is the easiest method. Wear gloves during this entire procedure to avoid staining your hands. Sand between coats of polyurethane. Use fine 400 grit sandpaper to rub down the entire surface to eliminate imperfections. You don't need to push hard but be sure to lightly sand the entire surface. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a rag in order to remove any dust you have created. Apply multiple coats of polyurethane to achieve your desired finish. Apply several coats of polyurethane to the surface of the wood, waiting for each coat to dry completely in between applications. Sand between coats to smooth out any uneven areas. Keep an eye out for any polyurethane drips, and smooth them out with your brush or rag to avoid a bumpy finish. Drying time varies, so make sure you read your polyurethane's instructions and keep an eye on the ambient temperature and humidity as well. Use shellac if you are sealing indoor wood that won't get wet. Shellac is a wood sealer that works well for indoor furniture. While it's not waterproof, it does create a beautiful finish that protects your wood from drying out. If you have a piece of indoor furniture that you want to finish or refinish, shellac is a great choice. Shellac comes in a wide variety of colors, so it can be used to color and seal your wood at the same time. Get a clean sponge, brush, or rag to use to apply the shellac. Purchase one of these from your local big box, home improvement, or hardware store. It can be hard to clean and it usually thrown away after use, so don't buy an expensive tool to apply the shellac. Use a sponge or rag if you need to cover a large surface. Use a brush if you need to get the shellac into tight corners and detailed areas. Apply the shellac in straight lines across the surface. Get your sponge, rag, or brush as saturated with shellac as possible before beginning your application. Wipe or brush is on and maintain a wet edge as you apply each band, so that the edge of each line is smoothed out by the next. Start at one end of the wood face and work across quickly, making sure that the shellac doesn't dry as you apply the bands. Work quickly across each face of the wood, one band at a time. Shellac can be a challenging sealant to apply because you need to keep each band wet as you work on the next one. Don't touch the shellac while it's drying. In contrast to polyurethane, you should not interfere with the shellac's drying process or manipulate it in any way. Do not use steel wool and do not sand the shellac in between band applications. The shellac melts into itself with each subsequent coat, creating a smooth finish on its own. Pick lacquer only if you have experience applying sealants. Lacquer is a very durable finish that is applied with a spray gun. It is a very high performance finish, drying quickly to a hard, with a durable finish. It is not easy to apply as an amateur, and is not forgiving of mistakes made during application. A spray gun can be purchased for $50-$100, and is necessary if you plan to use lacquer. Take safety precautions while you apply lacquer. Maintain a ventilated area and don't spray lacquer near any sparks. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions when spraying lacquer. Lacquer is highly toxic when inhaled, so make sure to maintain a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator. Apply your lacquer in thin coats. Lacquer should only be applied in very thin coats with your spray gun. Pull the trigger as you get close to the piece, move the gun over the surface, overlapping the previous spray path by about 50%, and release the trigger just after moving beyond the edge. Move the spray gun back and forth over the surface quickly until the entire surface is coated. Keep the gun moving so that you never allow a buildup of lacquer in one specific spot on the wood. This will help you avoid drips and the "orange peel" effect. Apply 3-4 coats of lacquer total. Wait for the lacquer to dry completely before applying additional coats. Once the surface is dry, which can take around 30 minutes, apply the next coat in the same fashion, making sure that the gun keeps moving and coats the surface evenly. Once you have several coats applied, the surface will be sealed and smooth to the touch.

Sand the wood until it is very smooth. Remove any sawdust from the surface with a dry rag or a tac cloth. Stain the wood to change the color or to highlight the grain, if desired. Use a stain and sealant combo to complete your project quickly. Choose a polyurethane product that works for your project. Apply the polyurethane onto the wood with a brush or rag. Cover the entire surface with a smooth coat. Sand between coats of polyurethane. Apply multiple coats of polyurethane to achieve your desired finish. Use shellac if you are sealing indoor wood that won't get wet. Get a clean sponge, brush, or rag to use to apply the shellac. Apply the shellac in straight lines across the surface. Don't touch the shellac while it's drying. Pick lacquer only if you have experience applying sealants. Take safety precautions while you apply lacquer. Apply your lacquer in thin coats. Apply 3-4 coats of lacquer total.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Any-High-School-Essay

How to Write Any High School Essay

Writing good essays is an important skill to have in high school, and you can write a good one by planning it out and organizing it well. Before you start, do some research on your topic so you can come up with a strong, specific thesis statement, which is essentially the main argument of your essay. For instance, your thesis might be something like, “Elephants should not be kept in the circus because they are mistreated.” Once you have your thesis, outline the paragraphs for your essay. You should have an introduction that includes your thesis, at least 3 body paragraphs that explain your main points, and a conclusion paragraph. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. As you write your main points, make sure to include evidence and quotes from your research to back it up.

Determine the type of essay you need to write. Check the specific requirements for your essay provided by your teacher to see what type of essay you need to write. While the essays will differ in subject matter, they tend to follow the same 5 paragraph structure. Review what the assignment is asking you to complete so you know what sort of information you need to include. Expository essays uses arguments to investigate and explain a topic. Persuasive essays try to convince the readers to believe or accept your specific point of view Narrative essays tell about a real-life personal experience. Descriptive essays are used to communicate deeper meaning through the use of descriptive words and sensory details. Do preliminary research on your essay’s topic. Start looking for general information and evidence on the topic you were assigned or chose. Try to find similarities or connections between the facts that you find. Organize and save the information so you can revisit it later. When you see relationships or points that work with one another, you're able to work with them to develop your main argument for the essay. Look through books or use search engines online to look at the broad topic before narrowing your ideas down into something more concise. Create an arguable thesis statement if needed. The thesis statement is the point of view you present to the reader and the main focus of your entire essay. If you need to make an argument in your essay, write the argument in one clear and concise sentence. Make sure the point is arguable and not just a general thought or idea. For example, the statement “Elephants are used to perform in circuses” does not offer an arguable point. Instead, you may try something like “Elephants should not be kept in the circus since they are mistreated.” This allows you to find supporting arguments or for others to argue against it. Keep in mind that some essay writing will not require an argument, such as a narrative essay. Instead, you might focus on a pivotal point in the story as your main claim. Find reliable sources that support your argument. Avoid using personal blogs or websites that are biased. Instead, look for scholarly articles, lab research, or general news sources for the most accurate information. Find books published by large publishers that support your arguments as well. Talk to your school's librarian for direction on specific books or databases you could use to find your information. Many schools offer access to online databases like EBSCO or JSTOR where you can find reliable information. Wikipedia is a great starting place for your research, but it can be edited by anyone in the world. Instead, look at the article's references to find the sites where the information really came from. Use Google Scholar if you want to find peer-reviewed scholarly articles for your sources. Make sure to consider the author's credibility when reviewing sources. If a source does not include the author's name, then it might not be a good option. Make an outline for the paragraphs in your essay. Many essays will follow a 5-paragraph structure: an introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. When you have the information for your argument, organize the paragraphs so they flow logically from one to the other. Include at least 2-3 subpoints you want to include for the evidence or specific information from your research for each body paragraph. Outlines will vary in size or length depending on how long your essay needs to be. Longer essays will have more body paragraphs to support your arguments. Hook the readers with a relevant fact, quote, or question for the first sentence. An attention getter draws readers into your essay. Use a shocking statistic or a hypothetical question to get the reader thinking on your subject. Make sure not to use an attention getter unrelated to the topic of your essay. Use your attention getter to help lead into your main argument. Make sure your quotes or information are accurate and not an exaggeration of the truth, or else readers will question your validity throughout the rest of your essay. Introduce your thesis in one sentence. After your attention getter, state the purpose of your essay so the reader knows the main topic. Keep your thesis statement in a clear and concise statement so they know exactly what stance you're taking on the subject. For example, “Because global warming is causing the polar ice caps to melt, we need to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels within the next 5 years.” Or, “Since flavored tobacco appeals mainly to children and teens, it should be illegal for tobacco manufacturers to sell these products.” The thesis is usually the last or second to last sentence in your introduction. Provide a sentence that’s a mini-outline for the topics that your essay covers. Write a sentence that briefly introduces what information you're providing to support your thesis. This helps your reader know exactly what you're discussing and what they should expect from the rest of your essays. Use the main topics of your body paragraphs as an idea of what to include in your mini-outline. Keep the introduction between 4-5 sentences. Don't summarize your entire essay in the introduction or provide too much background information. Save your important information for your body paragraphs. Think of your introductory paragraph as a simple lead-in for the rest of your paper. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. The topic sentence states the main point of the paragraph and relates directly back to your thesis. When you write your other sentences, they need to support your topic sentence. Use your outline to help write your topic sentence for your body paragraphs. Think of your topic sentences as mini-theses so your paragraphs only argue a specific point. Include evidence and quotes from your research and cite your sources. Use your research to summarize or include direct quotes from your sources to give your essay validity. When you include information that isn't common knowledge, cite your sources in-text based on the format required for your paper. Many high school essays are written in MLA or APA style. Ask your teacher what format they want you to follow if it's not specified. Provide your own analysis of the evidence you find. Give relevance to the quotes of information you provide in your essay so your reader understands the point you are trying make. Don't assume your reader will make the connection between your info and the thesis of your paper. Analysis also gives you a chance to include your own thoughts and interpretation of the facts you provide. Unless you're writing a personal essay, avoid the use of “I” statements since this could make your essay look less professional. Use transitional phrases between each of your body paragraphs. To ensure that your readers can smoothly move between your body paragraphs, use words or phrases to relate the paragraphs to one another. This will make it so your essay doesn't seem disjointed and will keep your points succinct. For example, if your body paragraphs discuss similar points in a different way, you can use phrases like “in the same way,” “similarly,” and “just as” to start other body paragraphs. If you are posing different points, try phrases like “in spite of,” “in contrast,” or “however” to transition. Restate your thesis and summarize your arguments briefly. Remind the readers of the main focus of your essay and the arguments you posed. Don't repeat your thesis word for word, but instead rephrase it along with your topic sentences. This helps the reader remember what you've discussed and it will stick with them for longer. For example, if your thesis was, “The cell phone is the most important invention in the past 30 years,” then you may restate the thesis in your conclusion like, “Due to the ability to communicate anywhere in the world and access information easily, the cell phone is a pivotal invention in human history.” If you're only writing a 1-page paper, restating your main ideas isn't necessary. Discuss why the subject of your paper is relevant moving forward. Take the point of your essay and relate it to the real world and what information a reader can incorporate into their lives. This helps give reason to why you've written the essay that goes deeper than the prompt you've been given by your teacher. For example, if you write an essay discussing the themes of a book, think about how the themes are affecting people's lives today. End the paragraph with a lasting thought that ties into your introduction. Close out your essay with another sentence that's either a fact, question, or quote. Relate it back to your introduction so your essay comes full circle and leaves a sense of closure on the topic you've discussed. Try to pick the same type of closing sentence as you used as your attention getter. Include a Works Cited page if you need one. Check with your teacher to see if they would like you to include a works cited and what format they prefer. Then, compile the sources you used on a separate page at the end of your essay. Organize your sources alphabetically by the authors' last names. Make sure to follow the correct citation format depending on the style of essay you've written. Including a Works Cited page shows that the information you provided isn't all your own and allows the reader to visit the sources to see the raw information for themselves. Avoid using online citation machines since they may be outdated. Determine if your point comes across clearly through your arguments. Your essay should clearly define your argument and provide supporting examples. When you read your essay again, make sure it doesn't read as confusing or contradict what you're trying to argue. Have a peer or parent read through your essay to see if they understand what point you're trying to make. Check the flow of your essay between paragraphs. Look over your transitional statements and make sure your body paragraphs make sense leading into one another. On a sentence level, make sure your thoughts are cohesive and each sentence influences what you say in the next one. This helps a reader follow your train of thought better. For example, if your essay discusses the history of an event, make sure your sentences flow in a chronological way in the order the events happened. Rewrite or remove any sections that go off-topic. Make sure each of your sentences supports your thesis or your topic sentences. If you have any contradictions or information that doesn't defend your argument, consider cutting it from your essay or finding a way to tie it into your main focus. If you cut parts out of your essay, make sure to reread it to see if it affects the flow of how it reads. Read through your essay for punctuation or spelling errors. Once you've edited your essay for content, look for sentence-level errors such as punctuation, word choice, and spelling. Read your essay out loud to hear any mistakes you may have glossed over.

Determine the type of essay you need to write. Do preliminary research on your essay’s topic. Create an arguable thesis statement if needed. Find reliable sources that support your argument. Make an outline for the paragraphs in your essay. Hook the readers with a relevant fact, quote, or question for the first sentence. Introduce your thesis in one sentence. Provide a sentence that’s a mini-outline for the topics that your essay covers. Keep the introduction between 4-5 sentences. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. Include evidence and quotes from your research and cite your sources. Provide your own analysis of the evidence you find. Use transitional phrases between each of your body paragraphs. Restate your thesis and summarize your arguments briefly. Discuss why the subject of your paper is relevant moving forward. End the paragraph with a lasting thought that ties into your introduction. Include a Works Cited page if you need one. Determine if your point comes across clearly through your arguments. Check the flow of your essay between paragraphs. Rewrite or remove any sections that go off-topic. Read through your essay for punctuation or spelling errors.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-White-Leather-Shoes

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

The best way to keep white leather shoes clean is to wipe them down daily, but if you get stubborn stains you can clean them with toothpaste. Begin by wiping excess dirt off the shoes. Then remove the shoelaces, which you can soak in a bowl with warm water and laundry detergent. Next use a rag to dampen the outside of the shoes. Put a dab of non-gel whitening toothpaste on the stained areas and rub into the leather with your fingers or a brush. Finally wipe away any remaining toothpaste and allow the shoes to dry.

Wipe off any excess dirt or mud. Scrape off any excess dirt that's been left over and that hasn't seeped into the leather. Use a soft nylon brush or a cotton rag and wipe over the entirety of your shoe. This should loosen and remove most of the dry dirt and dust that's on the surface of the shoe. Remove the laces from your shoes. Soak your laces in a bowl with warm water and laundry detergent or throw the laces in the washing machine. Removing them while you clean the rest of the shoe will make cleaning them easier. Dampen the outside of your shoe with a rag or towel. Dampen a rag so that it's wet, but not soaking. You don't want to over-saturate the leather on your shoes because it can damage it over time. Rub the damp cloth over the entirety of the shoe to remove the initial dirt. Rub a dab of toothpaste into scuffs and stains. Make sure to use non-gel whitening toothpaste that doesn't have artificial dyes that can stain your shoes. Put dabs of toothpaste over the problem areas of your shoes and start to rub the toothpaste into the leather with your fingers. Scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Scrub in the toothpaste, working in small circular motions. Continue to do this until the stain breaks up. Clean the entire shoe this way. Wipe the toothpaste away with a towel. Make sure to remove all the toothpaste that was left over from cleaning. If you have trouble removing the toothpaste, dampen the rag with a little bit of warm water and rub the toothpaste off of the shoe. Dry your shoes. Once all the toothpaste has been removed, wipe your shoes down with a microfiber cloth or a rag. You can repeat the cleaning process if your shoes are still dirty. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Combine vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle. Pour ¼ cup (59.14 ml) of vinegar and ½ cup (59.14 ml) of olive oil in a medium sized spray bottle and shake the bottle vigorously. The solution will separate, so you need to make sure that you shake it as you use it. Spray the solution onto your shoes. Get a nice coating over the entirety of your shoe. Apply more solution to areas where there is unwanted discoloration or dirt. Let the solution sit for five minutes. The solution should soak into the leather and help bring up any stains or dirt that is embedded in the material. Wipe the solution off with a dry cloth. As you wipe off the vinegar solution, the stain should come with it. Use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to avoid scuffing your shoes further. Continue to wipe off the shoe until it's dry and the solution has been worked into the leather. Apply a water repellent on your shoes. Water repellents will help preserve your shoes and stop them from becoming water damaged. Repellents come in the form of oils, waxes, and sprays. Read the instructions that came with the product and follow them carefully. Typically, you'll want to apply the water repellent over the entirety of your shoe and then allow it to dry before applying an additional coat. Remember to do a cleaning of your shoe before you apply a repellent. Popular leather water repellents brands include Meltonian, Obenauf, Scotchguard, and Jason Markk Repel. Make sure that the repellent is designed for leather, not suede. Clean your shoes as soon as they get dirty. Spot cleaning is an easy way to maintain the look of your white shoes. Use a damp rag or paper towel to clean off scuffs, scrapes, and dirt, as soon as they get on your shoes. Check your shoes every day after you get home from work or school and clean off any debris on your shoes. The more diligent you are with regularly spot cleaning, the less you'll have to clean the white leather. If you have deeper stains, you can use an undyed mild dish soap and a toothbrush to remove the dirt. Keep your shoes indoors and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause yellowing and damage to the leather in your shoes. Keep them in a cool dark spot somewhere in your house when you aren't wearing them to preserve them.

Wipe off any excess dirt or mud. Remove the laces from your shoes. Dampen the outside of your shoe with a rag or towel. Rub a dab of toothpaste into scuffs and stains. Scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Wipe the toothpaste away with a towel. Dry your shoes. Combine vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your shoes. Let the solution sit for five minutes. Wipe the solution off with a dry cloth. Apply a water repellent on your shoes. Clean your shoes as soon as they get dirty. Keep your shoes indoors and out of direct sunlight.

https://www.wikihow.mom/Treat-a-Baby%27s-Cough

How to Treat a Baby's Cough

To treat a baby's cough, try making a saline solution to thin and loosen thick nasal mucus. To make the solution, combine 1 cup of water, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of baking soda. To administer the solution, fill a plastic blue baby suction bulb with the mixture. Lay your baby on their back and tilt their head back a little bit. Carefully cradle your baby's head and slowly add 2 or 3 drops of the saline solution to each nostril. Make sure you place the tip of the suction cup just past the opening of the nostrils. Keep your baby lying flat for a minute or so to allow the solution to work. Empty the suction bulb, then suction out the mucus from each nostril with it.

Make a saline solution. To make a saline (salt) solution, boil tap water and let it cool or buy distilled water. Combine 1 cup of your water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the water. Stir the mixture well and pour it into a covered jar. You can store the saline solution at room temperature for up to three days until you're ready to use it. You can also buy a saline solution or saline nose drops from most pharmacies or drugstores. When used correctly, saline solutions and drops are safe for infants to use. Add the saline to your baby's nose. Fill a plastic blue baby suction bulb with the saline solution. Lay your baby on their back and tilt the baby's head back a little bit. Carefully cradle your baby's head so you have some control over dropping in the solution. Slowly and gently add two to three drops of the saline solution to each nostril. Be careful not to place the tip of the suction bulb too far into your baby's nose. The tip of the bulb should only go just past the opening of the nostrils. Don't worry if your baby sneezes some of the solution out. Let the solution work for a minute. Wipe around your baby's nose since some of the solution may have leaked out or your baby might have sneezed. Keep your baby lying flat while you let the saline solution work. Wait about a minute and then empty the bulb into a sink or nearby basin. Don't leave your baby unattended or let the baby move their head around too much before you suction out the solution. Suction out the mucus. Squeeze the suction bulb a little and place the tip of the bulb back into the nose. The tip should only go about 1/4 inch into your baby's nostril. Release the pressure on the bulb which will suction out the mucus. Wipe the tip of the bulb off on a tissue. You can refill the bulb with more saline and repeat suctioning for each nostril. To thoroughly clean the bulb when you're done, wash it with warm soapy water. While most hospitals will send you home with a suction bulb, you should limit the number of times you suction a newborn's nose to two or three a day. Don't suction your older baby's nose more than four times a day or you may irritate the delicate lining of the nose. The most useful times to suction your baby's nose is before bedtime or feeding. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about suctioning. Consider using a nasal spray. If you don't feel comfortable suctioning out your baby's nostrils, you can buy a saline nasal spray. Choose a nasal spray for infants from your pharmacy or drugstore. These nasal sprays are designed to be used without suction or using a bulb. Make sure to choose sprays with saline, and not medications. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and be sure to wipe any extra saline from around your baby's nose when you're done using the spray. Raise the head of your baby's crib. Elevating your baby's head with a thin pillow or rolled towel can help your baby get better sleep during a cold. But your baby shouldn't have any loose blankets or pillows in the crib. To safely elevate your baby's head, place the thin pillow or rolled towel underneath the mattress. Raising your baby's head slightly at night can make it easier to breathe. Always place your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Regulate your baby’s temperature. If your baby is running a fever, make sure not to bundle on too many clothes. Dress your baby in a light layer of clothing, but check often to make sure your baby is warm enough. Touch your baby's ears, face, feet, and hands. If these feel warm or sweaty, your baby is probably too warm. If you dress your baby too warmly or in too many layers, it may make your baby uncomfortable and make it harder for your baby to fight the fever or your baby's fever may get worse. Cuddle with your baby. If your baby isn't feeling well, chances are your baby will be a little fussier and clingier. Try to take the time to give your baby extra attention and comfort while your baby is sick. If your baby is very young, try napping and babywearing most of the day. For an older baby, you might try snuggling and reading stories or doing puzzles. Encourage your baby to rest. Your baby needs extra rest to recover from the cough. Keep the air humid. Run a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in the baby's room at night to introduce moisture into the room. The water vapor can keep your baby's airways open, making it easier to breathe. You can also introduce moisture into the air by leaving bowls of water around to evaporate. If you don't have a vaporizer, you can bring your baby into the bathroom while you run a hot shower. Close the doors and windows and sit in the bathroom while breathing in the steam. Take care to keep your baby away from the hot water and never leave them alone in the bathroom. Watch your baby's feeding cues. Your baby needs extra fluids during a cold to stay hydrated and prevent coughing, especially if they have a fever. If you are nursing or giving your baby formula, try to feed more often so your baby gets more fluids. Nurse or feed your baby whenever your baby signals that they are hungry. Your baby may take smaller amounts more frequently, especially if your baby is having trouble breathing. If your baby eats solid foods, make certain the foods are soft and easily digestible. Breast milk and extra fluids can thin the secretions in your baby's breathing passages so your baby can cough them out easier. Reduce dairy products. If your baby is nursing, continue to give breast milk. But if your baby is drinking milk or eating dairy, you may want to reduce dairy products. Milk and dairy products can thicken the mucus your baby produces. Offer more water or diluted juice if your baby is over six months old. If your baby is under six months old and takes formula, continue giving the formula even if the powder is made with cow's milk. It's important that your baby keeps getting vital nutrients from their main source of food. You should also avoid giving your baby honey before one year of age. This can prevent your baby from getting infant botulism. Treat any accompanying fevers. If your baby is coughing and running a fever, you can give infant acetaminophen. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions and only use infant acetaminophen if your baby is at least two months old. If your baby is at least six months old, you can use either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Call your doctor for advice if: Your baby is under three months old and is running a fever of over 100.4°F (38°C) Your baby over three months has a fever of over 102°F (38.9°C) The fever lasts more than three days Get medical attention. Most coughs caused by common colds will clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days. But your baby may need medical attention if: Your baby has bluish lips, fingers or toes — this requires immediate medical attention; call emergency services at once Your baby under three months old has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or over 102°F (38.9°C) if over three months old Your baby coughs up blood The coughing is getting worse or is very frequent Your baby has trouble breathing (gasps, breathes fast, wheezes, or takes strange breaths) Your baby refuses to nurse or take formula (or you're not changing as many diapers) Your baby vomits

Make a saline solution. Add the saline to your baby's nose. Let the solution work for a minute. Suction out the mucus. Consider using a nasal spray. Raise the head of your baby's crib. Regulate your baby’s temperature. Cuddle with your baby. Keep the air humid. Watch your baby's feeding cues. Reduce dairy products. Treat any accompanying fevers. Get medical attention.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fried-Ice-Cream

How to Make Fried Ice Cream

To make fried ice cream, start by scooping out some ice cream and putting the scoops onto a lined baking sheet. Then, freeze the scoops of ice cream for 1-2 hours. While those are freezing, crush up some cornflakes and cinnamon in a sealable plastic bag and beat some egg whites in a bowl until they're foamy. Once the scoops of ice cream are frozen solid, dip them in the egg mixture followed by the crushed cornflakes before re-freezing them for a few more hours. Finally, fry the scoops in a saucepan filled with hot oil for 10-30 seconds.

Scoop out 8 scoops of ice cream onto a baking sheet. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to dish out 8 ice cream balls, all about ½ cup (68 g). Place them in rows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Most recipes use vanilla ice cream, but you can use whatever flavor you want. Freeze the ice cream balls for 1-2 hours. Once you've scooped out the ice cream, place the baking sheet back in the freezer. Let the ice cream continue to freeze for at least an hour, or until it's firm. You want the ice cream balls to be frozen solid before you bread them. Combine the cornflakes and any other sweet ingredients to make the breading. First, crush your cornflakes by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crunching them up with your hands. Then, in a bowl, mix together your crushed cornflakes with at least one sweet ingredient you want to have in your breading mixture. Beat 3 egg whites until they're foamy. First, separate your egg whites from the yolk by cracking an egg, then holding it upright and pulling the halves apart. Hold the halves over a bowl and gently shift the yolk back and forth until most of the egg white has dripped into the bowl. Once all 3 eggs are separated, use a whisk or a fork to whisk the eggs gently, using a circular motion, until they're foamy. This should take about 30 seconds-1 minute. You can discard the yolks once you separate them. Roll the ice cream balls in the egg whites and breading, then re-freeze them. After 1-2 hours, remove your ice cream balls from the freezer. One at a time, roll the balls in the egg whites and then in the breading, repeating if necessary so that each ball is completely covered. Place them back on the sheet and freeze them for another 3 hours, until they're firm. Use one hand to roll in the egg whites and the other for the breading. If you mix the two, your breading will start to clump up. Make sure you can't see any ice cream through the breading. You'll need a thick crust to protect the ice cream from melting in the oil. Heat the oil to 375 °F (191 °C) in a large saucepan. Pour your frying oil into a big, heavy saucepan on the stove. Heat the oil until it's 375 °F (191 °C), using a food thermometer to check. If you don't have a thermometer, stick in a wooden spoon. If the oil starts bubbling steadily (but not vigorously) on contact, it's ready to fry! You can also use a deep fryer. Fry 1-2 ice cream balls at a time, for 10-30 seconds each. Use a slotted spoon or basket to lower your ice cream balls into the oil. Make sure they're completely covered by oil, letting them sit for no more than 30 seconds before pulling them back out. Put in just one ice cream ball for your first try. If it comes back melted or not fried enough, you'll know to adjust your timing for the rest of the batch! Drain the balls on paper towels and serve with toppings. As each ball comes out of the oil, set it on a couple of paper towels to drain for a few seconds. Then, add any toppings you want, and enjoy! You can also store your ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Wait to add any toppings until you're ready to eat them. Scoop out 8 ice cream balls onto a baking tray. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, dish out 8 ice cream balls onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Aim for each ball to be about ½ cup (68 g) of ice cream. Set the tray in the freezer while you prepare your breading mixture. With this variation, you won't actually be frying the ice cream, so you don't need to freeze it until it's solid. Just keep it in the freezer for now so it doesn't melt. Saute the cornflakes and cinnamon in butter until they're golden. Set the butter in a medium-sized skillet and melt it over medium heat. Then, add your cereal and cinnamon and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cereal turns golden. Remove the skillet from the heat. To crush your cornflakes, simply pour them into a Ziploc bag and crunch them up into fine pieces with your hands. Stir in the sugar and place the mixture in a bowl. Pour the sugar into the skillet and stir it well. Place the mixture in a shallow bowl and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Once the mixture is cool, you can stir in any other ingredients you might want to add, like coconut flakes, chopped walnuts or pecans, or cookie crumbs. Roll the ice cream balls in the cereal mixture. Once your breading mixture has cooled, remove the ice cream balls from the freezer. Roll each one through the breading a few times, until it's completely covered. Top with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or other toppings. Once your ice cream balls are breaded, you're ready to eat! Top them with your favorite ice cream extras to make them even sweeter, like whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries, and chocolate sauce. You can also store your “fried” ice cream in the an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Don't add the toppings until you're ready to eat, though!

Scoop out 8 scoops of ice cream onto a baking sheet. Freeze the ice cream balls for 1-2 hours. Combine the cornflakes and any other sweet ingredients to make the breading. Beat 3 egg whites until they're foamy. Roll the ice cream balls in the egg whites and breading, then re-freeze them. Heat the oil to 375 °F (191 °C) in a large saucepan. Fry 1-2 ice cream balls at a time, for 10-30 seconds each. Drain the balls on paper towels and serve with toppings. Scoop out 8 ice cream balls onto a baking tray. Saute the cornflakes and cinnamon in butter until they're golden. Stir in the sugar and place the mixture in a bowl. Roll the ice cream balls in the cereal mixture. Top with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or other toppings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Troubleshoot-Scones-That-Won%27t-Rise

How to Troubleshoot Scones That Won't Rise

If your scones won't rise, there are some tricks you can try with the next batch. Always use self-rising flour or a rising agent when you make scones, which will help them rise in the oven. You should also make sure the dough is wet and a little sticky. If it's too dry, your scones won't rise properly, so tweak the ingredient proportions as needed. Only mix the dough until the ingredients hold together, since over-mixing it can make your scones come out flat. Roll the dough to 3/4-inch thick to help your scones rise. Once you've made your dough, bake the scones as soon as possible, otherwise, they might come out flat. Bake your scones at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and keep the door closed while they bake

Make sure that you are using the right amounts and proportions. Did you measure everything? Is the recipe correct – sometimes misprints can affect a recipe; do a quick search online for similar recipes to double check the ingredients and measurement amounts. Consider using a little bit more baking soda in your next batch. Make sure that you are using the right ingredients. Baking soda and baking powder may sound similar enough to use interchangeably, but they are really two different things when it comes to baking. If the recipe calls for baking powder, make sure that you are using that and not baking soda and vise-versa. Check the texture of the dough. Ideal scone dough is wet and somewhat sticky. If the dough is too dry, the scones won't rise and will be crumbly. On the other hand, if the scones are too wet, they won't rise either, and will be too tough and chewy once baked. Don't hesitate to tweak the amounts and proportions to get the right texture. Things like temperature and humidity can affect a recipe and its ingredients. Check the flour you used. Accidentally using all-purpose (plain) flour in place of self-rising (self-raising) flour or not adding the rising agent to plain flour can cause flat scones. Make sure that your ingredients are fresh. This includes things like yeast, baking soda, and baking powder. Over time, these ingredients lose their effectiveness, and will prevent your scones from rising. Here's a few ways you can tell if your baking soda and baking powder are fresh: Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a few tablespoons of distilled vinegar in a cup. If the mixture fizzes, the baking soda is fresh. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to a few tablespoons of warm water in a cup. If the mixture fizzes, the baking powder is fresh. Try to use cold butter next time. If your butter was too warm, it could be a reason as to why your scones did not rise. Try using cold butter next time. The cold butter will melt while you bake the scones, and the steam it releases will help the scones rise. Try adding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Sometimes, the order in which you mix things can help the scones rise, or keep them from doing so in the first place. Usually, adding the dry ingredients to the wet ones, and mixing them until they are just combined, will give you light, fluffy scones. Rub the butter into the dough. Don't squeeze or squash it. This will over-work the butter and cause it to warm up. You want the butter to remain cold and a little lumpy so that it can melt and release steam in the oven. Mix the dough just enough so that the ingredients hold together. Try not to knead dough for too long. Over-mixing scone dough can cause the air bubbles to disappear. This will give you tough, flat scones. Don't roll the dough too flat before you cut it. The dough should be between 3/4 and 1 inch (1.91 to 2.54 centimeters) high. Making the dough thick will help the scones rise better. Check the edges of the cut dough for smoothness. Is the dough rough and jagged around the edges you cut? Changes are, you twisted the cookie cutter. Try pushing the cutter straight down into the dough and then lifting it out. This will give you a nice, clean edge and help the scones rise evenly. If the edges are jagged or smooshed, the scones won't be able to spring up and rise. Don't let the dough sit for too long. When your scones come out too flat, try to remember how long you let the dough sit before you placed it into the oven to bake. The longer you get the dough sit before baking it, the less your scones will rise. Try to bake the dough as soon as you finishing kneading and rolling it out. Letting the mixture sit too long will cause the gas bubbles from the baking soda to disappear. These gas bubbles are what help the scones rise. Make sure the oven is pre-heated. Scones need to be baked as soon as the dough is made. If you let the dough sit while you wait for the oven to heat up, the gas bubbles caused by the baking powder will go away. Pre-heat your oven before you put the scones in; this way, everything will be ready and at the right temperature. Make sure that you are using the right temperature. In general, scones should be baked at a higher temperature than most other pastries. Using too low of a temperature will prevent the scones from rising. If the recipe called for a lower temperature, try baking the scones at 400°F (205°C) next time, and see if that helps. Check the altitude. Most recipes are made for those living up to 2,000 to 3,000 feet (609.6 to 914.4 meters) above sea-level. If you live higher than that, you will need to adjust your recipe in order to get the scones to bake properly. Here are some tips for you to try: Use less baking soda or baking powder. Use no less than 1/8 teaspoon. Use less sugar. Add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of your liquid. Add more flour. Start with 1 tablespoon. If you are between 4,000 and 6,000 feet (1219.2 and 1828.8 meters), increase the temperature by 15-25°F. If you are higher than 6,000 feet (1828.8 meters), use the original temperature, but bake the scones one to three minutes longer. Keep the door closed. Did you open your oven while the scones were baking to peak at them? If so, this might be why your scones didn't rise. Ovens are very sensitive, and opening the door causes the temperatures to drop for a little bit. Scones need to be baked at a high, consistent temperature in order to rise; if the temperature is too low, even for a moment, the scones may not rise.

Make sure that you are using the right amounts and proportions. Make sure that you are using the right ingredients. Check the texture of the dough. Check the flour you used. Make sure that your ingredients are fresh. Try to use cold butter next time. Try adding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Rub the butter into the dough. Mix the dough just enough so that the ingredients hold together. Don't roll the dough too flat before you cut it. Check the edges of the cut dough for smoothness. Don't let the dough sit for too long. Make sure the oven is pre-heated. Make sure that you are using the right temperature. Check the altitude. Keep the door closed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-the-FIFA-World-Cup

How to Follow the FIFA World Cup

The easiest way to follow the FIFA World Cup is to monitor FIFA.com or download the FIFA app to your smartphone or tablet. You can also follow the World Cup on TV by watching channels that broadcast it such as ABC, ESPN, and Univision. If you don't have cable, you can also call your local sports bar to see if they will be broadcasting the games.

Go online to find out what stations will be broadcasting the FIFA World Cup in your country. You can find a listing of stations through an online search. In the United States, games will be broadcast on specific stations. In 2014, it was broadcast on ABC, ESPN and Univision; depending on who wins the rights for each new season, this may change. Ensure you have cable TV access during the World Cup. Games will be aired between June and July usually, but it is recommended that you sign up for TV by June to ensure access. Sometimes in the United States, you may not require a cable subscription. Check online for details, relevant to specific stations. Sign up for a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system if you want to watch all of the World Cup games. Occasionally, World Cup games are broadcast concurrently so that the outcomes cannot be tampered with during group qualifying matches. Recording them will allow you to watch them right after they are broadcast. Call your local sports bars. Ask who will be broadcasting World Cup games and which ones they plan to broadcast. Large sports bars often have enough TVs to allow at least one to be dedicated to the World Cup between June and July. If you like watching soccer games in a bar, you can save money by watching some games on Network television and others at a sports bar. You may want to compare costs of drinks and food at a bar to what a cable subscription will cost. Go to FIFA.com. The website for the Federation Internationale de Football Association is the most visited sports website in the world. Go to FIFA.com/worldcup/ to find the latest news stories, bracket information and more. Download the FIFA app on your smartphone or tablet. It is available on Android and Apple phones. It includes the World Match Centre with information on past, current and future matches. Follow the World Cup on Twitter. The Twitterverse keeps track of games, wins and losses as they occur. Follow accounts like Fox Soccer News, BBC World Cup, AP World Cup and FIFA World Cup Individual hashtags for teams, games and world cup moments will be used, so follow trending topics to find new hashtags to use and follow. Check online one week before the World Cup to find links to online match streaming. Streaming the match online may involve using a pirated version of the broadcast and it is likely to cut in and out of availability. Print out a bracket in order to follow World Cup bracket movement at home. You can find a printable bracket at http://www.printyourbrackets.com/images/world-cup.pdf. FIFA may also sell a FIFA World Cup wall chart, check the website for details. Sign up for a World Cup league. ESPN and other websites allow you and your friends to choose who will win the brackets in advance. Fill in the team winners through the group round, round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals and championship matches.

Go online to find out what stations will be broadcasting the FIFA World Cup in your country. Ensure you have cable TV access during the World Cup. Sign up for a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system if you want to watch all of the World Cup games. Call your local sports bars. Go to FIFA.com. Download the FIFA app on your smartphone or tablet. Follow the World Cup on Twitter. Check online one week before the World Cup to find links to online match streaming. Print out a bracket in order to follow World Cup bracket movement at home. Sign up for a World Cup league. Fill in the team winners through the group round, round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals and championship matches.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Grab-Bar

How to Install a Grab Bar

If you have some basic tools and half an hour to spare, you can install a grab bar in your bathroom even without any DIY experience. You'll need a grab bar, electric drill, screwdriver, wall screws, and silicone shower caulk. First, you'll need to position the grab bar waist high and mark the screw holes on the wall with a pencil. Drill holes using a glass and tile bit where you made the pencil marks. Once you've drilled all the holes, push wall anchors into them and screw the grab bar into the wall. When you've finished screwing it in place, apply caulk around the edges to make the grab bar watertight. Let it dry for 2 hours, then test the grab bar by pulling on it. Leave it for 24 hours before you turn the water on near the grab bar so the caulk can dry.

Assemble the necessary tools. Grab bars are relatively simple to install for experienced home repairers as well as weekenders with the proper tools. To do the job right, you'll need: Pen or pencil Masking tape Electric drill Grab bar, available at home repair stores Drill bits for tile, one the size of the wall anchors and one smaller for pilot holes. Wood bit for pilot holes into wall studs Hand screwdriver Wall screws to mount into tile and cement board if not mounting into studs. (4) Heavy 2 1/2" ( cm) wood screws if mounting into wall studs. Silicone shower caulk Examine the grab bar kit. Take everything out of the box, making sure the grab bar is in good condition. Check to see what screws are included and whether or not the anchors match the diameter of your tile bit. If not, you'll need to get a new tile bit. Determine the mounting location. This will depend on who will be using it, and the location of the wall studs if you are mounting it to them, and the locations of the joints between the tiles. In general, the bar needs to be about waist high for the shower users. The bottom of the bar should be 6" to 10" (15 cm to 25 cm) above the top of the tub. If the wall is not tiled, use a stud finder to locate the two studs to screw the grab bar to. Studs are normally spaced 16 inches (40.6 cm) apart, measured from center to center. Carefully find both edges of each stud and mark the exact centers. If you put a screw into the edge of a board, it could crack and the screw would have almost no strength. If the wall is tiled, but not all the way to the ceiling, you could use a stud finder to find the studs above the tile. However, if there is cement board where you will mount the grab bar, you do not need to mount to the wall studs. If the wall is tiled to the ceiling, a stud finder probably could not be used. Tiled shower walls are almost always covered by cement board, and a stud finder cannot detect studs through it and the tile. The grab bar will then be mounted using wall anchors in the cement board, as grab bars normally are. If wall anchors are packaged with your grab bar, this is what they are designed for. If wall anchors are not in the package, buy the heaviest short, plastic wall anchors available. These must have 14 gage pan head screws in the package to be strong enough. Mark the locations for the screws. If you have located the studs above the tiles, use a 48" (1.2 m) level to find their locations where the grab bar will be mounted. If the wall is tiled, put masking tape where you will drill the holes. This is to keep the drill bit from skating across the tile and scraping it up, and to prevent the tile from cracking.. Place marks on the masking tape to drill the holes. Instead of marking all of the holes, there is a method that guarantees that the holes will be in the perfect location. Drill only one hole and mount the grab bar with one screw. Holding the grab bar steady, drill the remaining pilot holes through the grab bar. Pre-drill pilot holes. If the wall is tiled, make pilot holes using a bit about half the size of the larger bit. Both bits should be "glass and tile" bits. Most anchors will recommend the appropriate hole size to drill. If mounting to wall studs, drill through the tile with a tile bit, then drill 1/8" (3 mm) holes into the stud with a wood bit. If the wall is tiled, stick in the wall anchors and hammer them to be flush with the wall. Put the grab bar on the wall, and tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Follow the instructions included with your grab bar kit. If the wall is not tiled, use the heaviest wood screws that will fit into the holes in the grab bar. A cordless drill may be needed to drive in the screws. The screws should penetrate the studs at least an inch, but they should be long because you will need to angle at least one of them to drive all three screws into a stud. Use 2 1/2" (6 cm) screws. Seal the seams with silicone caulk. To keep water from seeping through the tile into the holes you've drilled, put a small bead of silicone around the seam. Cut a small angle through the tube of caulk, then run a very small bead around the grab bar, where it meets the wall. Some people like to caulk the back of the flange before screwing the bar to the wall. This helps to create extra security and strength in the bar. Test at the end by pulling on it. Give the caulk an hour or two to dry thoroughly, then give a small amount of force to make sure it is not loose, then try more force. Give the bars a good solid yank to test their holding power. Let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours before running water in the shower.

Assemble the necessary tools. Examine the grab bar kit. Determine the mounting location. Mark the locations for the screws. Pre-drill pilot holes. If the wall is tiled, stick in the wall anchors and hammer them to be flush with the wall. Seal the seams with silicone caulk. Test at the end by pulling on it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Burned-Grass

How to Care for Burned Grass

To quickly repair a patch of burned grass, start by raking up the grass and soil about 4 inches into the ground until it is thoroughly mixed. Once the soil is loosened, roll out a layer of sod on top of the bare patch, and press down on the area to ensure that the roots take hold of the soil underneath. Then, coat the area in 1 inch of water, and continue watering it for a week.

Make note of how much fertilizer you use and when you use it. Over-fertilization is the most common cause of burned out grass. Only fertilize the yard in the late spring and early fall, and be sure to check the label for application directions. In the spring, use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content. In the fall, select a fertilizer with high levels of potassium to encourage root growth and strength. Slow-release and organic fertilizers are safer for your lawn, although they take longer to work. Remove excess fertilizer using a broom or wet/dry vacuum. Sometimes, accidental over-fertilization happens because of fertilizer spills. If you've spilled fertilizer and can still see the granules in the grass, use a broom to wipe it away from the grass. Alternatively, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck it up quickly. If you can't see any granules, they have likely already soaked into the ground. Water the lawn every day for a week to flush out harmful minerals. Flushing out excess nitrogen is the best way to rejuvenate a burned out yard. Apply about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to the yard every day for 7 days to dilute the nitrogen and other minerals in the soil. By the end of the week, you should be able to see a small amount of new growth in the burned out patches. Alternatively, you can use a sprinkler to ensure even application of the water. Rake and till browned patches with dried roots. In brown areas where there is little or no improvement after watering, you'll need to prepare for seeding the lawn by digging about 4 inches (10 cm) into the ground and loosening the soil. Be sure to work out large clumps of dirt and thoroughly mix the grass and soil. It might be helpful to mix some potting soil or compost into the soil to encourage natural fertilization and add healthy nutrients to the area. in the tilled areas. Plant new grass seeds Sprinkle seed into the tilled patch according to the package directions. After the seed is applied, add about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) of soil on top of the seed, water the area with about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water, and partition off the area so no one steps on it. For the week after planting, apply 1 in (2.5 cm) to the patch every day for a week to encourage growth. Don't let the seeds dry out! A thin layer of straw on top of your new grass patch can protect it from birds and other animals that might want to eat the seed. It will also prevent the seeds from washing away during watering. Switch to slow-release, organic fertilizer. Compost and organic fertilizer are much gentler than their manufactured counterparts, and will help to reduce stress on a damaged yard. Once your patches of grass have established roots, you can apply slow-release and organic fertilizer as normal 2 times per year. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid applying too much of the product. When in doubt, apply less than the package directs, especially when your yard is recovering from chemical burns. Wear gloves when applying fertilizer to prevent skin irritation. Wait until the new grass is 3 inches (7.6 cm) high before mowing. This will ensure that you don't interrupt the growing process and that the grass has a chance to establish deep roots. If you mow too early, you run the risk of killing your new grass. Always leave the cuttings when mowing new grass, as they can provide more nutrients and moisture to the ground. Water the dry areas with 1 in (2.5 cm) of water every day for a week. Sun scorched areas are caused by a lack of water. Focus your efforts on patches that are completely dry and brown. Within a week, you should see new growth. This is the only way to completely salvage drought-stricken yards without re-sodding. Till the brown patches if they don’t improve after watering. Dig about 4 inches (10 cm) into the ground and mix the dirt and dead grasses together. Break up all large clumps of dirt and roots. This prepares the area for sod, which consists of thick patches of new grass. To encourage the roots of the sod to attach to the soil, you can mix in compost or topsoil as you till. These will provide extra nutrients to the grass while they're growing. Lay sod on the tilled patches to replace the scorched grass. Applying sod can be pricey, but it's effective for replacing drought-stricken grass. Simply roll out the sod to cover the bare spot, and press it into the ground to ensure that the roots take hold of the soil. Be sure to keep up with watering the sod just as you would the grass seed, by applying 1 in (2.5 cm) of water daily for a week. Maintain a regular schedule for watering the grass to prevent scorching. Watering the grass is the only way to ensure that the sun doesn't scorch your new patches. When your grass is established, water the yard once per week with about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water. You might consider investing in a sprinkler system to ensure that your grass is routinely watered, especially if you tend to forget! If you plan on mowing your grass, refrain from watering for 2 days before you mow to prevent tracks from the wheels. Watch where your pets go to the bathroom in the yard. Your burned-out grass may be caused by minerals and proteins in your dog's or cat's urine. Keep an eye on where they do their business, because animals tend to go in the same few places that they've marked as their territory. Contrary to urban legend, both male and female dogs and cats can cause urine spots in a yard. Water the urine patches with 1 in (2.5 cm) of water every day for a week. The water will flush out the harmful minerals and salts from the urine that have gotten into the roots of the grass. During this time, block off the patchy areas so that your pet isn't tempted to urinate there. After a week, you should see signs of new growth. If not, you will need to reseed the patches. Train your dog or cat to go to the bathroom in a gravel or mulch area. This is the only solution to burned spots that come from pet urine. Reward your pet for going to the bathroom in an area other than the grass. Try using different methods to see which work the best. Some tactics include using food treats or positive language for good behavior. If your pet is older, you may have to intervene a few times by picking it up and moving it when you see it start to do its business in the yard. Be diligent and patient with your pet! Make sure your pet always has access to water when it's outside, which will help to dilute the animal's urine. Try clicker training your dog or cat to get them to go in a designated area. Look for urine-resistant grasses if pet urine is a persistent problem. In some areas, you can purchase or order pet urine-resistant hybrid grass stains, such as Dog Tuff. This grass is drought tolerant and resists yellowing due to pet urine exposure. Check with a local garden supply store, or find an online retailer that can ship Dog Tuff to you.

Make note of how much fertilizer you use and when you use it. Remove excess fertilizer using a broom or wet/dry vacuum. Water the lawn every day for a week to flush out harmful minerals. Rake and till browned patches with dried roots. in the tilled areas. Switch to slow-release, organic fertilizer. Wait until the new grass is 3 inches (7.6 cm) high before mowing. Water the dry areas with 1 in (2.5 cm) of water every day for a week. Till the brown patches if they don’t improve after watering. Lay sod on the tilled patches to replace the scorched grass. Maintain a regular schedule for watering the grass to prevent scorching. Watch where your pets go to the bathroom in the yard. Water the urine patches with 1 in (2.5 cm) of water every day for a week. Train your dog or cat to go to the bathroom in a gravel or mulch area. Look for urine-resistant grasses if pet urine is a persistent problem.

https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Dog-from-Running-out-of-Your-House

How to Train Your Dog from Running out of Your House

To train your dog from running out of your house, start by teaching it the "sit" command so it will sit whenever you need to open the door. In order to do this, hold a treat in your hand. Then, hold your hand a few inches above your dog's nose, which will make your dog lower itself onto its butt. When your dog sits, reward the behavior by giving it the treat as you say “sit.” Along with training, prevent your dog from running out of the house by using a baby gate to keep it away from the front door. You should also give it lots of exercise during the day so it doesn't feel the urge to run.

Look for and reward natural sitting behavior. If you walk into a room and your dog sits, then your job is half done. Reward your dog when it sits, even if you don't issue the command to sit. Give your dog a treat when it sits in front of you. Begin issuing the “sit” command. After a few days of rewarding the dog for sitting naturally, begin issuing the “sit” command before giving a treat. Get on the dog's level and hold a doggie treat enclosed in your hand a few inches from his nose. Bring it up and toward him slowly. Your dog will lower itself back onto its butt. When its butt hits the floor, reward your dog with a treat. Reinforce sitting behavior with a clicker. A clicker is a small device which makes a clicking sound when pressed. Click when your dog sits (when his butt hits the ground). The clicker tells the dog he has completed the behavior you asked for correctly. Reward about five seconds after you clicked. This will allow the dog to make the connection between the click and the reward, but not with the motion of your hand toward the treat or another movement. The dog will quickly learn that the clicker sound means he has completed a behavior correctly, and can expect a reward. If your dog has already been trained with the clicker to engage in a different behavior, you might confuse the dog if you try to retrain it to sit instead of engage in its original behavior. Train your dog to sit or stay when the door is open. If the door is open, or about to be opened, getting your dog to remain seated can be a challenge. Incorporate an open-door phase into your training sessions. Teach your dog to stay seated as you back away towards the door. Put your dog far away from (but within eyesight of) the door. If your dog starts moving after being seated, put your hand up and say sharply “Stop!” Re-seat your dog in its original spot and repeat the exercise. If your dog has difficulty remaining seated, get a friend to help your dog stay seated while you can open and close the door. When your dog is able to remain seated despite you opening and closing the door, give it a treat (even if it took help to keep him stationary). Get in the habit of giving your dog a treat each time it is able to remain seated when the door opens. To prevent your dog from running out when you come home, repeat this exercise but enlist aid from a helper who opens the door from the outside. This way, your dog will know to stay seated when you come in. Be patient when training your dog. Practice for 10-15 minutes in at least three different sessions each day for about two weeks. Different dogs learn at different rates. Do not be discouraged if your dog seems to be slow to learn how sitting works. On the other hand, do not be quick to assume that your dog has mastered sitting just because in one session he or she seemed to sit with every command during that session. Stick with it and stay positive. Your dog will eventually learn to sit. Keep your dog focused. Like people, dogs can't stay focused for periods which are excessively long. If your dog loses interest during the training session, your training may have gone on for too long. Let your dog go out before you begin the training so that he won't have to relieve himself during the training. Do not train your dog in the presence of guests or other distractions. Issue the command to sit every time you or someone in the house opens the door. Give your dog a treat when it sits. Even after training, keep an eye on your dog. Sometimes the excitement of an open door or a new person can inspire him or her to dash outside. When entering your home, open the door slowly and come in quickly, staying alert for potential dog movement. Keep your dog in only certain areas of the house. For instance, if your house has a small anteroom between the house and the door that leads outside, keep your dog out of it. Alternately, if the dog tends to bolt through certain doors, keep your dog out of the room with that door. Using baby gates (low gates meant to keep babies from crawling about the house) are useful for keep smaller dogs out of certain zones. Finally, if all else fails, enclose your dog in a room before you go in or out of the house. Keep the room stocked with toys, chew bones, and a comfy dog bed to keep doggie happy. Catch the dog on its way out. Attach a long dragline -- a lightweight leash -- to your dog's collar. Let your dog get used to it and drag it behind them while wandering around the house. If your dog runs out the door when you open it, quickly close the door while part of the dragline passes through the door, catching it between the door and the jamb. This way, your dog will be stuck outside but immobilized. Wait 30 seconds, then grab the portion of the leash on your side of the door before opening it. When your dog comes back to the house, praise it effusively. When your dog continues to run outside, increase the time it spends outside by 30 seconds. For instance, the second time it runs out, catch its leash in the door again and wait 60 seconds before bringing it back in. Wait 90 seconds on the third escape attempt, and so on. Be careful not to catch your dog's tail in the door when closing it during the escape. If you are coordinated and quick enough, you can simply step on the length of leash dragging behind your dog instead of closing the door on it as your dog exits. Erect a fence. If your dog does run out of your house, the best way to prevent a full-on escape is to fence your yard. This is often only a viable choice for the backyard, though small front yards can be easily enclosed with tasteful white picket fences. Install a smaller fence for a small dog and a higher fence for a big dog. Note that big dogs can jump very high, so twice the size may not be enough. Try a pet-proofing barrier or spray. Pet barriers are small devices which emit noise when your dog approaches. Triggered by a wireless device attached to the dog's collar, the barrier will scare your dog away from the door. If your dog remains undeterred from approaching the door, he or she will receive a small static shock from the collar intended to keep them inside. The shock is harmless and in time, your dog will avoid approaching the door altogether. Pet-proof sprays serve a similar purpose, though they have a different design. Spray cans are battery-operated and should be placed near the door you do not want your dog to run out of. Switch the spray can on. When your doggie approaches the door, the device will emit a harmless spray whenever your pet approaches the door. Be sure to turn the device off when you're not expecting to open the door through which the dog might disappear. Both pet sprays and barriers can prevent your dog from bolting when you or someone else is coming into the house. Set the spray or barrier before you exit the house so that when you come back, your dog will not run past you and escape. Tether your dog before you go in or out of the house. Tie its leash to a solid object so that the dog will not escape. Tying the leash to the arm of a sofa or the base of a heavy dining table are good choices. You could also, of course, hold the leash in your hand when someone comes in or goes out. In time, your dog will come to understand that it cannot dash outside when a door opens. Tethering your dog should be a last resort since it can be dangerous or detrimental for your dog. Try to avoid tethering your dog when you go out of the house for long periods. Your dog should be able to move about, access its food and water, and play with its toys when alone in the house. Do not tether your dog near stairs. If your dog tries to jump down the stairs it could hang itself. Neuter or spay your dog. Often, dogs escape from the house because they aren't neutered/spayed. In their attempts to mate, they will make a run for the door, and from there to a dog of the opposite sex. This motive is especially powerful in male dogs. Talk to your vet about neutering or spaying your pet. The procedure is very safe and relatively inexpensive. Give your dog a lot of exercise. Tired dogs are less likely to want to escape the house. Make sure you exercise your dog every day. You can either give your dog free reign for fifteen to twenty minutes in the backyard or take your doggie for a walk. If your dogs likes to play fetch or catch the Frisbee in an enclosed area, that provides a good source of exercise as well. Dogs of all sizes and breeds should spend some time outside each day, weather permitting. Keep your dog happy and entertained. Bored dogs may be driven outside in a search for amusement. Keep your dog engaged and content by playing lots of games with it, teaching it tricks, and generally paying attention to your dog. Let your doggie know it is loved and cared for. When you come home, give it a hug and pat it on the head. Rub its belly if it rolls over for you. Set aside time in your schedule for you and your dog to bond.

Look for and reward natural sitting behavior. Begin issuing the “sit” command. Reinforce sitting behavior with a clicker. Train your dog to sit or stay when the door is open. Be patient when training your dog. Keep your dog focused. Keep your dog in only certain areas of the house. Catch the dog on its way out. Erect a fence. Try a pet-proofing barrier or spray. Tether your dog before you go in or out of the house. Neuter or spay your dog. Give your dog a lot of exercise. Keep your dog happy and entertained.

https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Bread

How to Store Bread

To properly store bread, wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil, which traps the bread's natural moisture to keep it from getting hard. Keep the bread at room temperature in a dry place out of direct sunlight for 2 days to use the bread. If you have extra bread that you won't use within a few days, place the bread in resealable plastic bags in the freezer. Avoid storing your bread in the refrigerator, which can cause it to become dry and crumbly.

Wrap bread in plastic or aluminum foil. These types of wrappings will trap in the bread's natural moisture to keep it from drying out and getting hard. If your bread came in a paper wrapping, toss it out and wrap it in plastic or aluminum for storage. If you have sliced, processed bread, you can seal it up in its original plastic packaging. Manufacturers of this style of bread recommend leaving it in this packaging to retain the moisture. Some swear by leaving unsliced artisanal bread in the paper wrapper, or even leaving it unwrapped on the counter with cut side face-down. This does retain the crispiness of the bread's outer crust, but left exposed to the air, the bread will stale within a few hours. Keep bread at room temperature for no more than two days. Room temperature should be around 20ºC / 68ºF. Keep it away from direct sunlight in a cool and dry place, such as in your pantry or in a bread box. If you have high humidity in your house, your bread may mold quickly at room temperature. If that's the case, you might want to skip straight to freezing it after you've eaten as much as you want while it's fresh. Freeze extra bread. If you have more bread than you can consume before it goes stale within a few days, the best way to store it is by freezing. Freezing bread drops the temperature enough to stop the starch in the bread from recrystallizing and getting stale. Be sure to store it in plastic freezer bags or heavy-duty foil, as lightweight household foil isn't suitable for freezing. Label and date it to prevent it from becoming a mystery cube. Consider slicing your bread before freezing. That way you won't have to slice it while it's frozen, and it's often difficult to slice post thawing. Don't put bread in the refrigerator. Scientific studies have shown that this draws out the moisture and the bread becomes stale three times faster than it would at room temperature. This happens from a process known as "retrogradation", which simply means that the starch molecules crystallize and the bread gets tough. Thaw frozen bread. If you have frozen your bread, allow it to thaw at room temperature. Remove the freezer wrapping and let it stand. If you'd like, crisp in the oven or toaster for a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes) to restore crustiness. Be aware that bread is only good for reheating once to return crustiness, after which you are simply reheating stale bread.

Wrap bread in plastic or aluminum foil. Keep bread at room temperature for no more than two days. Freeze extra bread. Don't put bread in the refrigerator. Thaw frozen bread.

https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Lupus-Flare

How to Handle a Lupus Flare

To handle a lupus flare, talk to your doctor about taking corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and joint pain. You can also ask them about alternative medicine like fish oil capsules, which have omega-3 and can help manage inflammation. Along with your doctor's recommendations, try and eat a diet that's free of nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes, as these can lead to inflammation. You can also get a relaxing massage to soothe any painful areas on your body.

Get enough sleep. One of the known symptoms of a lupus flare is fatigue. A person suffering from a lupus flare needs adequate rest to overcome their symptoms and go about their daily activities. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep at night. Get yourself into a routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Naps during the day can also help to reduce fatigue. Reduce sunlight exposure. Many lupus flares are triggered by sunlight exposure. Therefore, it's important that you protect yourself from sunlight by wearing sunglasses and using an umbrella to shield your skin from direct sunlight. Avoiding direct sunlight and reducing sunlight exposure, as simple as it may seem, can make a big difference in the frequency and severity of lupus flares. Also remember to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 55 before going outside, even on cloudy days (harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds). Use sun protection and go out in the sun only when absolutely necessary. Try meditation. Stress can lead to a lupus flare. Meditation can be used as a technique to calm the body and mind. It is often used by people suffering from illness to attain physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance. Some evidence suggests that meditation can help improve the quality of life for lupus patients in particular. Mindfulness meditation is a simple and effective way to begin a practice of daily meditation: Sit in a comfortable position, whether in a chair, cross-legged, or kneeling. Begin to pay attention to your breathing. Your mind will eventually wander. When you catch your mind wandering, bring your attention back to your own breathing. Don't stop to dwell on or judge your thoughts. Continue this process for a short time, such as five minutes if you are trying it for the first time. Repeat this practice frequently, at least once a day. As you begin to practice mindfulness meditation regularly, you can gradually increase the length of the sessions, if you desire. Get regular moderate exercise. Exercise is good for your physical health and it can also help to control stress, which often causes flare-ups. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Some good exercises to try include walking, biking, swimming, or taking an aerobics class. Choose something that you like doing and that is appropriate for your current fitness level. Avoid large groups of people or people who are sick. People with lupus are more susceptible to viral infections, so it is best to avoid large crowds as much as possible. You may also want to steer clear of people when they are sick to protect yourself. Engage in activities that provide comfort. Lupus may become a very painful disease. However, there are a few ways to handle the pain and make your day more comfortable. These techniques can also help reduce stress, lessening the risk of a flare. One of these comfort measures is a good massage. A good massage can be very relaxing and soothing, as it can help to relieve both joint pain and systemic pain. See a massage therapist, perform self-massage or ask a family member or friend to massage the painful area for you. Use heat therapy. Another way to ease pain and promote comfort is by using heat. For example, a hot shower or a hot bath can ease systemic pain. For localized pain, a hot towel or a hot compress can be placed over the affected joint or area. Make sure the hot compress or hot towel does not burn the skin. Place a dry towel around the hot compress if it is too hot. Heat helps to relieve pain by increasing the blood circulation at the site of the pain. Take corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are drugs that reduce inflammation. They can also decrease joint pain, inflammation from rashes and headaches. Low doses of oral or topical corticosteroids are often offered as a means of managing lupus cases that do not involve major organ systems. Your physician can prescribe the right corticosteroid and dosage to treat your case of lupus. Ask your physician about potential side effects of the corticosteroid that he or she recommends, and how to manage them. Use NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can help with the pain felt during lupus flares. However, lupus patients are more susceptible to complications caused by taking NSAIDs (including hypertension and renal dysfunction), so discuss this method of treatment with your physician before beginning it. Try immunosuppressants. For serious lupus flares, immunosuppressants can be used. In lupus, it has been established that the body's own immune system attacks the body's cells. Immunosuppressant medications can decrease this immune response of the body, lessening its effects. Take anti-malarial drugs. In some cases of lupus, antimalarial drugs can be used to treat joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and other symptoms of flares. Your physician can determine if anti-malarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate may provide you some relief. He or she can also discuss potential side effects, which include: Digestive problems such as stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Headache and/or dizziness Blurred vision Trouble sleeping Itchiness Consult your physician before beginning any alternative treatments. Research on lupus is still ongoing, and there is much about the disease that is still unknown and unverified by scientific evidence. For this reason, there are a number of traditional and alternative treatments that might help reduce your lupus flares, even if they are not yet widely adopted. However, you should discuss these treatments with your physician before beginning any of them. Your physician will need to be informed about all treatments you are using, so that he or she can provide you the most effective care plan. Your physician can also tell you about potential side effects or complications of using an alternative treatment method, based on your particular case and symptoms. Take dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements. This type of medication, a weakly androgenetic steroid, can stabilize the symptoms of lupus, as studies have shown an inverse relationship between the levels of androgen in the body and the progression of lupus. Ask your physician if this treatment is right for your case, and about potential side effects (such as acne-like skin eruptions). Introduce flaxseed to your diet. Flaxseed is a substance thought to lessen inflammation. There is some indication that it may help kidney function in some lupus patients (kidneys are some of the organs most affected by lupus). Try adding flaxseeds to cereal or to tomato or orange juice. Flaxseeds can also be taken in the form of flaxseed oil. The recommended daily dose (usually only a teaspoon or two) can be taken with water or mixed with salad. Consume fish oil. Fish oil can also be used to handle lupus flares. Recent studies have shown a potential decrease in lupus flares among people taking fish oil regularly. Fish oil contains omega-3 which can help decrease inflammation. Fish oil is usually taken in the form of oral capsules. Talk with your physician about the amount of fish oil you should take each day, based on your health condition. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Because lupus is an inflammatory disease, eating a diet that reduces inflammation is important. Stick to fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other foods that do not promote inflammation and avoid foods that are known to cause inflammation. Avoid the nightshade vegetables, which include peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes. These foods contain solanine that contributes to inflammation and pain. Experiment with an herb called astragalus. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb that can be taken to reduce an overactive immune system in lupus patients. Astragalus root is boiled in water for a few minutes to make a brewed tea. Avoid using birth control pills if possible. Birth control pills may cause lupus to flare up as well as raise the risk of developing lupus. Talk with your doctor about birth control alternatives if you are sexually active. Learn to recognize a coming flare. Each person's lupus case is different, and has different symptoms. Over time, you may come to recognize that a certain symptom, such as unusual fatigue or a rash, is associated with flares in your case. Once you recognize the signals of a coming flare, you can act beforehand to reduce its severity. For instance, if your signal of a flare is fatigue, make sure to get extra rest as soon as you begin to feel tired, as this may lessen the flare. Understand that infections can cause a lupus flare. If you have an infection of any sort, your chances of having a lupus flare increase. This is because viral or bacterial infections attack the immune system; this attack can trigger the flare. Maintain your personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of microorganisms that could potentially cause infection. You should make sure to use water and soap when you wash your hands. If no water or soap is available, antibacterial gel such as hand sanitizer will do in a pinch. Maintain a clean environment. While keeping yourself clean is important, keeping your environment bacteria free is also important to keep your immune system from being triggered. Clean all of the surfaces of your house with antibacterial cleaning supplies, vacuum or air carpets often, and wash your sheets and towels regularly. Stay up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines. Eat a healthy diet. Following a healthy diet may help to prevent future flare ups. Eat lots of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Try to minimize salt, fat, and animal protein. Avoid milk, dairy products, and red meat as well. Also stay away from caffeine, citrus fruits, paprika, salt, tobacco, and sugar as well. Don't over exert yourself physically. Physical stress from overworking and lack of rest can worsen the symptoms of lupus and cause a flare. Regular moderate exercise, however, can help reduce flare-ups and symptoms. Try to keep your activity levels and resting time balanced. Find emotional support. Emotional stress is often caused by being confronted with a situation that you don't necessarily know how to remedy, including long-term illnesses like lupus. Since avoiding stress is one way to reduce lupus flares, finding emotional support is important. Talk to a trusted family member or friend. Expressing how you are feeling can help to alleviate stress you feel. Your confidant may also be able to give you valuable insight. Talk to a therapist who can give you professional tips on how to work through the situation that is causing you stress. Ask your physician for information about support groups made of other people with lupus. Be aware that taking a new drug can also trigger a lupus flare. Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping a medication, including herbal medicines and supplements. Talk to a lupus specialist about the drugs that may cause your condition to get worse. Drugs that are commonly known to cause lupus flares include : Antibiotics that contain sulfonamides Some herbal drugs like echinacea High-dose birth control pills Penicillin

Get enough sleep. Reduce sunlight exposure. Try meditation. Get regular moderate exercise. Avoid large groups of people or people who are sick. Engage in activities that provide comfort. Take corticosteroids. Use NSAIDs. Try immunosuppressants. Take anti-malarial drugs. Consult your physician before beginning any alternative treatments. Take dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements. Introduce flaxseed to your diet. Consume fish oil. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Experiment with an herb called astragalus. Avoid using birth control pills if possible. Learn to recognize a coming flare. Understand that infections can cause a lupus flare. Eat a healthy diet. Don't over exert yourself physically. Find emotional support. Be aware that taking a new drug can also trigger a lupus flare.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Spark-Plug

How to Read a Spark Plug

To read a spark plug, start by checking the color, since an undamaged spark plug will be light grey, or possibly tan. If you notice any black, dry soot on the spark plug, this is a sign of “carbon fouling,” which means your engine has been running too rich, and you should visit a mechanic to figure out the cause. If there's wet motor oil on the plug, it's a sign of an oil leak, and if you notice any blistering, melted plastic, or burned metal, it's a sign that your engine is overheating.

Look for light grey or tan metal on a good spark plug. A spark plug that is not damaged will appear light grey or possibly tan. There should be no buildup on the sparking surface of the plug. If you purchased new spark plugs, their colors should be fairly similar. A good spark plug will not need to be replaced. If you have been having a misfire in the cylinder with a good spark plug, there may be an issue with the plug wire. Try replacing it to see if that solves the problem. Identify signs of carbon fouling. Carbon fouling often occurs when your vehicle's engine is running too rich. Running too rich means there is too much fuel in the air/fuel mixture when it is ignited by the spark plug. Look for black soot on the sparking surface of the plug. A black, dry soot may develop on the plug when the engine is running too rich. You may be able to clean the soot off of the plug and avoid having to replace it. Wipe it down with a rag or spray it with Brake Cleaner to clean it. You will need to bring your vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose why it is running rich. Check for wetness on an oil fouled plug. If there is oil leaking in your engine down past worn piston rings or through the valves on your cylinder head, the spark plug may be oil-fouled. Look for wet motor oil on the plug itself. Oil fouled plugs will be wet, whereas carbon fouled plugs will be dry. You will need to address the oil leak to prevent fouling more spark plugs. An oil leak into the engine can cause significant issues. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Look for blisters or burning. If you have been having overheating issues with your engine, you may burn out a spark plug. Look for blistering on the insulator tip of the spark plug or signs of heat damage such as melted plastic or burned metal. A heat damaged spark plug will have to be replaced. Overheating issues may be caused by worn out or insufficient levels of coolant. Add coolant if your vehicle is low, otherwise you may need to drain and flush your radiator. Check for signs of severe wear. A severely worn spark plug is simply a plug that has been in use for too long. Older vehicles that have never had their spark plugs replaced may experience spark plug failure without fouling them in the ways listed above. Severe wear can cause a spark plug to come apart as you remove it. You may also see signs of eroded connections or cracking plastic. Severely worn plugs must be replaced. Disconnect the battery. Before working on a vehicle's electrical system, it is important to disconnect the battery. Use the appropriate hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the ground cable on the negative terminal of the battery, then slide the cable off of the terminal and tuck it to the side. You will not need to disconnect the positive wire. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Spark plug wires come from an ignition source such ignition coil packs or a distributor and connect to the spark plugs via holes in the cylinder head of the engine. Grip the plug wire from the base at the spark plug, and pull back on the wire to disconnect it. Plug wires will often come off with a “pop” and may require a bit of force. Do not pull on the wire itself, as it may tear the plug wire and leave the base connected to the spark plug. Clean the area around the spark plug hole. Make sure the area around the spark plug holes is clean of debris, dirt or oil before removing the spark plugs. The spark plugs are screwed directly into the cylinder chamber, so anything that falls into the holes will be falling directly into the engine itself. Debris falling into the holes can cause serious damage to the engine the next time you start it. If anything does fall into the holes, use a shop vacuum or canned air to get it out before re-installing a spark plug. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the plug. Spark plug sockets resemble ordinary sockets but have a rubber cup inside them that grips the spark plug as you unscrew it. A regular socket of the right size will simply unscrew the plug but leave it inside the hole. Spark plugs usually come in only one size and spark plug sockets tend to fit plugs in most applications. Remove the spark plug with the socket. Unscrew the spark plug by turning the wrench in a counter-clockwise motion until it has completely unthreaded. Then slide the spark plug socket up out of the hole gently with the spark plug still inside. If the spark plug is still warm, you may want to leave it in the socket as you examine it. Purchase the correct type of spark plug. Speak to the clerk at your local auto parts store to get help choosing the right spark plug for your engine. Spark plugs burn at varying degrees of intensity and it's important to choose one designed for use in your vehicle. You can also find out what spark plug is right for your vehicle by referring to the service manual for its specific year, make and model. Make sure to disconnect the battery prior to moving on. Use compressed air to clean out the plug hole. Before installing the new spark plug, use compressed air from a can or air compressor to clean out any dirt or debris that may be in the hole you are inserting the plug into. This will prevent any of it from falling into the engine and damaging it. Be extremely careful not to drop any debris or small tools into the hole for the spark plug. A shop vacuum may be a better choice if debris has already fallen into the hole. Ensure the new spark plug has the correct gap. The gap on the spark plug's sparking surface dictates the length of the spark that is used to ignite the air and fuel within the engine. Use a spark plug gapping tool to create the correct gap in the spark plugs before installing them. Most spark plug gapping tools are shaped in a circle. Insert the edge of the circle into the gap between the plug and its sparking surface, then turn it until it reaches the gap for your vehicle. Find the appropriate gap size for your engine by referring to your vehicle's service manual. Insert the plug into the spark plug socket. Insert the spark plug into the rubber boot in the spark plug socket, then attach the socket to a socket extension that's at least a few inches long. This will allow you to screw the plug in like you might screw in a screw with a screw driver. Make sure the extension is long enough for you to be able to screw the plug into place with it. Most spark plug tools use a 3/8 inch drive, so use an extension for the same size ratchet. Screw the plug in by hand. Rotate the plug and extension clockwise without placing too much downward pressure on it. If you force the plug to screw in, you may cross the threads in the engine block, which will result in expensive repairs. Turn the extension clockwise until the plug threads into place inside the engine. If it suddenly becomes hard and then easy again to screw in the spark plug, remove it and start over to avoid cross threading it. Tighten the spark plug with a ratchet. Once the plug is hand tight inside the engine, connect a ratchet to the extension and tighten the plug slightly to ensure it will not vibrate out of place. You will not need to put too much pressure on the spark plug to ensure it's tight. Do not overtighten the plug as it may break the spark plug or make it very difficult to remove. If you break a spark plug, you will need a professional to remove it. Reconnect the plug wire. Take the plug wire you disconnected from the previous spark plug and press it firmly onto the back end of the now secured spark plug. The plug wire should pop into place on the spark plug when you know it is firmly connected. You may choose to apply a small amount of electrical grease to the spark plug or wire to ensure a strong connection. Reconnect the battery once you're done.

Look for light grey or tan metal on a good spark plug. Identify signs of carbon fouling. Check for wetness on an oil fouled plug. Look for blisters or burning. Check for signs of severe wear. Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Clean the area around the spark plug hole. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the plug. Remove the spark plug with the socket. Purchase the correct type of spark plug. Use compressed air to clean out the plug hole. Ensure the new spark plug has the correct gap. Insert the plug into the spark plug socket. Screw the plug in by hand. Tighten the spark plug with a ratchet. Reconnect the plug wire.